Reincarnated as a Vampire Who Acquires Skills Through Blood

Chapter 98: 98 - New Vampires

”Say... do any of you want to be vampires?”

At Verc’s question; Groo, Mamon, Kuma, and the others became silent.

”...”

The silence stretched out. The only sound was the distant whistling of the wind against the castle’s high stone walls.

They had known for a while that their lord, Verc, is an ancient race called [Demonic Vampire]. Even though monsters living deep in the [Cursed Forest] didn’t have much contact with the outside world, some things were universal.

Stories of the night-dwellers had traveled through the winds and the whispers of travelers for centuries. Although the monsters had less knowledge about them than the humans and other civilized races, the vampires were so notorious that even monster races at least heard about them.

They were one of those at the peak of the predatory food chain. Even though they’re ancient now and almost forgotten.

The seven leaders also knew that the seven kids, the first followers of Verc, were originally beastmen that were turned into vampires by Verc. This was well-known because the kids themselves told this story to the others.

They didn’t hide it. Instead, they used it to spread Verc’s goodwill, showing the orcs and gnolls that their lord was someone who shared his power with those he trusted.

Anyway, because of this, the group of leaders naturally became aware that Verc could turn others into vampires like him.

But what they didn’t expect was for him to offer them to be one!

Especially not so suddenly, and not to all of them at once. To a monster, power was everything, and the chance to evolve into a legendary race was something they couldn’t even dream of.

”...”

Just then, they noticed that Verc was just looking at them, waiting for their responses. He wasn’t rushing them. He sat there with his chin resting on his hand, his eyes calm but piercing, watching the gears turn in their heads.

Mamon was the first to snap out of his thoughts. He was the eldest among the orcs, and his mind was still sharp despite his age.

”Lord Verc... this offer is more than we could ever ask for. But is there something we need to do? Something required for such a thing to even be possible?”

Mamon asked.

Verc just shook his head slowly.

”There are no complex rituals or tasks you need to complete. I have the power to grant this to you now.”

Then he declared that.

He leaned back, his chair creaking slightly under his weight.

”There are two methods to turn into a vampire. The first is being bitten by me. The second is drinking my blood.”

He explained.

The leaders leaned in, hanging on every word. They didn’t want to miss a single detail of this explanation.

”And before you ask, each method has different effects on how you change.”

Verc continued.

He signaled to the kids standing behind him, his hand gesturing toward the group of beastmen-vampires who were watching the scene with sharp eyes.

”Tatum, for example, is someone who turned by drinking my blood. It makes the connection to my mana very direct and deep, making you grow alongside me.”

Verc pointed at Tatum, who stepped forward slightly and gave a small, respectful nod.

”On the other hand, Jed was bitten by me. It’s faster and more instinctual, it grants you strenght and gives you limitless potential.”

Verc pointed at Jed, who also acknowledged the group.

The leaders listened well. Being monsters, many outsiders would have thought they were just idiots who only knew how to swing clubs and roar. But that wasn’t the case at all.

Except for the fact that they just knew less compared to humans—mostly because they didn’t have books or schools—they were actually just like any other normal person. They understood that this was a turning point for their lives and their tribes.

The group of leaders listened to Verc’s explanation, processing the weight of the two choices. They looked at each other, and then they looked at their own hands. They could feel the potential for change vibrating in the air.

And of course, none of them was going to decline the offer. Why would they? In the [Cursed Forest], being weak meant death. Being strong is every being in here strive for.

So even after Verc warned them about the painful process of turning into one, none of them backed down. They had survived the forest this long; they weren’t afraid of a little pain.

’The pain is a small price for the strength we will acquire after that.’

Groo thought, his fist clenching tight.

’With this, our people will never have to fear the shadows again.’

Kuma thought, his heart beating fast against his ribs.

And so, the seven of them looked at Verc—then they gave their answers straight to him.

... ... ...

*****

In the end, all of the orcs decided to turn by being bitten. Groo, Jagan, Pol, Don, and Epona chose the first method.

Except for Mamon, who picked the second method. Along with him, Kuma picked the second method as well.

Verc just nodded his head after they had all made their choices.

”I understand. We will start then.”

He said.

But before they could begin, Kuma spoke up unexpectedly. His voice was a bit shaky, but his eyes were full of a question that had been eating at him since the moment they walked in.

”Lord Verc... may I ask? Why us? Did we do something so great that we deserve such an opportunity? We have only followed your orders for a few weeks.”

Kuma asked.

Verc turned his gaze to the gnoll leader. The others looked at Verc too, their faces full of the same curiosity. They felt that being turned into a vampire was a reward not just for people who were doing their daily chores.

”...?”

Verc, on the other hand, didn’t really think much of it. He didn’t think that what he was doing was that big of a deal.

To him, it was just a logical step for the growth of his territory.

So with a casual shrug—

”You’re all working hard, and you’ve been following my orders well. That’s enough of a reason.”

He said that.

Kuma was a bit unsatisfied with that answer. It was too simple. He opened his mouth and was about to say something else, feeling that there must be more to it.

But before he could even speak—

”Also, I won’t always be here.”

Verc muttered, his voice dropping a bit in tone.

”I might have to leave for a while or deal with things outside. I want to give you guys power to protect the others, especially your own people. I don’t want to come back and find that you were all wiped out just because I wasn’t around.”

Then he stated that.

Kuma closed his mouth. The other leaders didn’t say anything either. The seven of them were actually very satisfied hearing those words from their lord.

It wasn’t just about power for power’s sake. Verc was entrusting them with the safety of their their tribes and the territory. He was giving them the means to be independent and strong.

”Anyway, does that answer your question? Are you all ready now?”

Verc asked as he turned back to the leaders.

This time, there was no hesitation. With a resolute look in their faces, they straightened their backs.

”WE’RE READY, OUR LIEGE!!!”

The leaders answered in unison. Their voices were loud, full of a new kind of fire. Their respect and loyalty to Verc just went up by a lot. They weren’t just followers anymore; they were about to become his kin.

”Good. Let’s begin with those who chose to be bitten. Come here.”

Verc stood up from his chair.

Tap- Tap- Tap-

He walked around the table, his movements graceful and silent. The air in the room seemed to drop in temperature. His eyes started to glow a deep, blood-red color, and his fangs slowly extended.

”...”

Groo was the first to step forward. He knelt on the floor, baring his thick neck. He was trembling slightly, not from fear, but from the sheer intensity of the energy Verc was giving off.

Verc leaned down. He didn’t hesitate. He grabbed Groo’s shoulder to steady him and sank his fangs into the orc’s neck.

CHOMP.

”GUH...!”

Groo let out a choked sound.

He could feel the sharp sting of the bite, followed immediately by a wave of cold mana pouring into his veins. It felt like liquid ice was being injected directly into his heart. His eyes blew wide, and his muscles locked up.

Verc held on for a few seconds, injecting his essence into the orc chief. Then, he pulled away. Groo slumped forward, his hands clutching the floor as his body began to steam. His skin turned a shade darker, and his breathing became heavy and ragged.

”The pain is starting. Just hold on.”

Verc said calmly.

Next were Jagan, Pol, Don, and Epona. One by one, Verc moved between them. The sound of his fangs sinking into flesh and the muffled groans of the orcs filled the room.

”...”

The kids watched from behind, their expressions still serious. They knew exactly what the leaders were feeling right now. It was the feeling of their old selves dying to make room for something new.

... ... ...

By the time Verc was done with the five orcs, the room was filled with the sound of labored breathing and screaming.

”GURRGH!!!”

”GAAARGHHH...!!!”

The orcs were all on the floor, their bodies twitching.

Verc then turned to Mamon and Kuma.

He picked up a clean wooden bowl from the table.

Then with his own sword again—SLASH!

He made a clean cut across his own palm. The blood that flowed out wasn’t bright red; it was a deep, shimmering crimson that seemed to pulse with light.

He let the blood fill the bowl. The scent of it was intoxicating. Even the orcs on the floor seemed to react to it, their instincts flaring up.

”Drink.”

Verc said, handing the bowl to Mamon first.

The elder orc took the bowl with steady hands. He looked at the blood for a moment, then drank half of it in one go!

GULP!

He handed the rest to Kuma.

SLURP!

Kuma didn’t hesitate. He finished the rest of the blood, licking his lips.

For a few seconds, nothing happened.

”GUGH?!! GRAAAHHHH!”

Then, Mamon’s eyes suddenly turned blood-red. He let out a roar that shook the windows of the room, clutching his chest as if his heart was about to explode.

THUD!

Kuma fell to his knees, his hands digging into the wooden table. He felt like his blood was boiling.

’It’s starting.’

Verc thought, watching them.

And in only a few seconds... the seven leaders were now on the ground. Struggling in pain.