Chapter 65: Embarrassed Vampire
The moonlight cast eerie shadows in the forest as Vecna and Ruk stood, facing each other, while Tusor, the ancestral goblinoid spirit, materialized between them.
[Tusor 'the Wise' - LV.???]
"It seems we are destined to meet once again. Lord of Blood, Vecna.'
Vecna's expression remained as cool and indifferent as ever. He eyed the goblinoid spirit with suspicion. "Mhm, I'm not so keen on meeting you, old goblin. Are you by chance connected with all the goblin tribes from Travian Sierra?"
Tusor, a spectral figure with wisps of ethereal energy flowing around him, addressed Vecna with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "For a pact I have made with my God, I have to entrust a portion of my power to these future descendants of mine."
Tusor chuckled, his spectral form flickering with amusement. But Vecna's stern look into his crimson eyes triggering another response from the old goblinoid "I am here not as an impediment, just think of me as a spectator who is giving some chances to a losing side."
Vecna, his arms crossed and his crimson eyes fixed on Tusor, remarked while pointing at Ruk who stood there like a bumbling fool, not sure what to do in this moment, akin to a child who was waiting for the adults to talk out before moving on to his activities.
"I see. Well, just get going with your Mana Buff. This one also ingested one of those Demonic Potions. Are you aware of what befell the first Goblin you blessed with your powers?"
Tusor's gaze sharpened as he considered Vecna's question. "I do. He turned into a creature not worth even a grain of sand."
Vecna raised an eyebrow, amused by Tusor's ruthless response. "Heh, that's cold. To call one of your descendants not worth even a grain of sand. Are you by chance looking down on Demons?"
Tudor's response was delivered with a wry smile. "Not at all. It would be foolish to say that when beings such as the Great Demon King could vanquish my spirit in a matter of seconds."
Vecna's cold expression shifted into a small smile as he chuckled a brief second. "Well, enough chit-chatting, old goblin. I'm not here to chat. Can't you read the mood of the battlefield? Are you some Wizard who has never been on the battlefield?"
Tudor couldn't help but agree with Vecna's assessment, especially given the circumstances of their impending battle. "Haha, maybe. However, before I do give him my blessing, I'm rather interested in that child you brought up from a mere 'Scout.' He's grown accustomed to the culture of humans and even employs some of their tactics in combat."
Tusor continued, as he got reminded about the small goblin wearing human clothes while fighting using some demonic weapon. "He has grown a lot, but I can't miss the fact that your Blood Magic has improved further from our previous meeting. At this rate, you'll reclaim the lost honor of your Kin."
Ruk, who had been listening in on their conversation, found it utterly perplexing. How could his goblin ancestor be so familiar and friendly with the enemy, let alone praise him for his growth? The notion was nothing short of blasphemy in Ruk's eyes. He had never expected such an odd alliance.
But Vecna was well aware of the Goblin Chieftain's impatience and growing frustration. The battle was looming, and he was eager to witness how the forthcoming empowerment would affect Ruk's abilities.
"How couldn't I grow when my prey is so plump and ready for slaughter? Elder, don't waste time on cheap talk, get going into buffing this pig. I'll see you soon enough at this rate. Maybe in another 3-5 hours."
Tusor nodded in response to Vecna's remark and began to channel his mana, preparing to bestow his blessings upon Ruk.
Ruk Dirtmud felt invincible in that moment, his body coursing with newfound strength as the mana enhanced his capabilities. But, as they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. How would this newfound power fare in battle against the relentless Vampire Monster?
As Tusor channeled his mana to empower Ruk, Vecna watched the process with an air of detached amusement. The goblinoid spirit's ethereal form shone with spectral energy as he transferred his blessings onto the Goblin Chieftain.
"This is it, Ancestor. Many shall pray in your names once I win this battle!"
Ruk Dirtmud felt invincible as the mana surged through his body. His muscles swelled, and newfound strength coursed through him. He couldn't help but believe that with this empowerment, he could finally claim victory against the seemingly unstoppable Vampire Monster.
With his newly acquired power, Ruk couldn't resist taking a jab at Vecna, who had been a constant thorn in his side. "You see, blood bug, now I'm armed with the blessings of my ancestors, and your days of terrorizing our kin are numbered. No amount of your cursed Blood Magic can save you now!"
Ignoring Ruk's taunts, Vecna focused inward, calling upon the power of his vampiric abilities and the dark arts. His figure became obscured by the shadows as he took a calculated step back and assumed a precise stance.
The Shadowed Talon, his sinister weapon, pulsed with demonic energy, its edges shimmering with dark intent. The air around him grew heavy with anticipation, and the goblin tribe burning in the distance provided an eerie backdrop to their impending battle.
Vecna's response was calm and devoid of emotion. "You have gained strength, I'll give you that. But do not underestimate me, goblin, your fate will be similar to that Brambleskinner Goblin. Stop dreaming about impossible objectives."
"Now, let me show you my true power."
As the two opponents stood not too far apart, it only took a spark in their monstrous eyes for the battle to ignite.
As the battle between Ruk Dirtmud, now empowered by his ancestor Tusor, and Vecna, the Blood Lord, unfolded, the gulf between them became more evident with each exchange of blows.
Ruk's strikes were fierce and relentless, but Vecna's swordsmanship was on a different level, executed with precision and finesse. From a physical level stance Ruk was obviously superior, but Vecna had the advantage of high Agility, his Vampiric Reflexes and Senses acting akin to a Guiding System when it came to fights.
Since he has adapted to the life of a Vampire, his instincts would kick in whenever he was in-danger, while pressing him to attack when noticing an open window for exploitation.
The goblin chieftain's desperation grew with every failed attempt to land a significant blow on his seemingly invincible foe.
He couldn't understand how Vecna possessed such a power, and his frustration and fear only deepened.
Between the clashes of their blades, Ruk couldn't help but question Vecna, his voice trembling with despair. "How can you have such power? What have you done to become so strong?"
[Strength has risen by 1]
Vecna parried Ruk's attacks with ease, his crimson eyes locking onto the goblin chieftain.
He responded with a chilling calmness, "Even if I were to tell you my secret, you wouldn't comprehend it. You're a goblin, and my power comes from a darker and more complex source than you can fathom."
"Drink all the demonic potions shared by the Yatan Church Priests, maybe if you would have been a high-ranking demonic creature, you could have felt it."
Ruk's frustration and anger only intensified at Vecna's words. He was driven to the brink by the seemingly insurmountable power of his opponent. The battlefield around them, illuminated by the burning goblin tribe, provided an eerie and chaotic backdrop to their duel.
With each passing moment, Ruk felt a sense of hopelessness, realizing that this battle was a losing one. His earlier bravado had crumbled, and now he struggled to find a way to overcome the Monster in human skin before him.
Vecna, meanwhile, remained calm and calculating, his crimson eyes fixed on his desperate opponent. The clash of their blades echoed through the forest, but swiftly the atmosphere changed when he decided to take the intensity up a notch.
'I think I farmed plenty of STR and AGY stats in this fight. Fighting and training your reactions against a Boss Monster is something else entirely.'
Vecna decided to take the intensity of the battle to the next level. His crimson eyes glinted with dark intent as he began activating his Blood Magic Spells.
The first spell he cast was his iconic 'Blood Missile.' These blood-red projectiles took on different trajectories as they closed in on Ruk, targeting vital spots and triggering critical hits with unerring accuracy.
The crimson projectiles bore down on Ruk from various angles with deadly precision.
Ruk's shock and disbelief were evident as he struggled to comprehend what was happening. "Wha?? Do you even know Magic Spells? I thought you were a Swordsman," he stammered, his voice filled with incredulity.
Vecna's response was cold and matter-of-fact. "You thought wrong," he stated, his crimson eyes never leaving his prey.
In the brief moments between the 'Blood Missile' casts, Vecna's calculated mind was at work.
He seamlessly integrated his 'Blood Shard' spell, wasting neither time nor resources. Every movement, every incantation, was deliberate and purposeful, emphasizing his mastery over both blood magic and the art of battle.
For Ruk, a goblin chieftain with no magic expertise, this relentless magical assault left him defenseless.
He attempted to raise his blunt weapon, a futile attempt to ward off the incoming projectiles and shards. But, with each impact, the inevitable damage sent shockwaves of pain through his body.
It was as if he were reliving the eternal struggle of warriors against casters in another fantastical world, each magical strike cutting deep into his physical and mental defenses.
The relentless barrage of Blood Magic Spells was not only physically debilitating but also chipped away at Ruk's mental defenses. The overwhelming power and precision of Vecna's spells made it increasingly clear that this was a battle he could not win through conventional means.
Questions began to plague his thoughts. How could one individual, a mere outsider, possess such overwhelming strength? Ruk had always prided himself on his prowess as a goblin chieftain, but now he felt like an insignificant speck in the presence of a force that defied his understanding.
Ruk's anger and frustration grew with every passing moment. He was trapped in a duel he couldn't escape, facing an adversary whose power exceeded anything he had ever encountered.
His mental defenses weakened, and the dormant demonic power within him was awakened, exploiting the chinks in his mental armor. Little did he know that his desperation would soon unlock a power within him, a power that would transform the course of this battle.
It was in this moment of dire need, with his life hanging by a thread, that Ruk's demonic nature stirred within him. The demonic power, long dormant within his being, was awakened by the intense emotions of fear and despair.
His transformation was not one of choice but rather a manifestation of his own inner turmoil.
As the power coursed through him, his goblin form underwent a grotesque and nightmarish alteration. His skin darkened, and his limbs elongated, giving him a sinister, twisted appearance.
His eyes, once filled with terror, now burned with a malevolent crimson light.
With this transformation, Ruk felt an intoxicating surge of strength and power, unlike anything he had ever experienced before. His muscles bulged, and his speed increased dramatically. His senses became heightened, allowing him to perceive the world in a new and terrifying way.
But with this newfound power came a price. The demonic transformation exacted a toll on Ruk's mental and emotional state. The once-resolute goblin was now consumed by a malevolent hunger for destruction and chaos. His thoughts became fragmented, his desires twisted, and his intentions maleficent.
This transformation signaled a turning point in the battle. Ruk's demonic form allowed him to challenge Vecna on a more equal footing, and the ensuing clash of powers and abilities was nothing short of catastrophic.
It was what Ruk thought in his corrupted mind when he felt this new source of power, but a laughter broke his focus, as he glanced at Vecna who also stopped to applaud with a lot of sarcasm what the goblin managed to achieve.
[The Effects of the Title 'Archdemon Vanquisher' has been triggered]
Vecna couldn't help but taunt his desperate opponent, relishing the moment. With a chilling laugh, he asked, "Haha, I had a good laugh once again. How do you feel? I bet quite juiced up to the gills with demonic power. Do you feel any changes? Maybe? Becoming more fearful of me?"
"..."
Ruk, gritting his teeth, struggled to maintain his composure, but the overwhelming fear and despair were difficult to suppress. He responded with a tense silence, refusing to give Vecna the satisfaction of a verbal response. His emotions were a tempest within, but he would not yield.
"How does this bastard know what I think?" thought Ruk, unable to explain the unsettling changes occurring within his body.
Unbeknownst to Ruk, his transformation into a demonic creature had made him prey to Vecna's legendary title. This triggered a series of debuffs that were taking a toll on him – from metal exhaustion to overwhelming fear, and a significant decrease in defense. The fight had turned even more imbalanced.
Vecna, taking stock of the situation, taunted Ruk further, provoking his already intense desperation. "Ready for Round 3, goblin shitstain?"
Ruk, now a demonified goblin chieftain, was trapped in a desperate situation. He had initially thought the battle was going his way, bolstered by the trump cards at his disposal, including the power of his ancestor, Tusor, and the demonic abilities granted by the Yatan Church Priest. But this adversary was no ordinary foe.
If it were any other opponent, Ruk would have relished the challenge, tearing through them with his newfound power. However, in this moment, all of his primal instincts screamed at him to flee. The cowardice he had never truly faced was consuming him.
Another thought intruded into his frantic mind – the need to spread the news to the Warchief. This enemy was too terrifying for him to confront alone. The gulf in their power was insurmountable, and Ruk's survival instinct was overpowering his pride.
Vecna, seizing the opportunity provided by Ruk's demonic transformation and the debuffs from his title, pondered the fastest way to end the fight and proceed to the third goblin tribe for further slaughter.
He contemplated activating his ultimate ability, 'Blood World,' which would unleash his full power at the cost of his mana resources.
'Let's finish the job right now. It would take a while until I got to the 3rd Goblin Tribe. I only have four hours of gametime right now.'
"Goblin, I want to see how much you can entertain me in my own Realm."
"Drown in my Abyss, insignificant ant. Blood World."
As the dark energy swirled around him, his crimson aura expanded, shrouding the battlefield in an eerie, bloody light.
This was the culmination of his power, a domain where Vecna could unleash his full, unbridled strength.
The very air seemed to thicken with malevolence as he prepared to activate the skill. His surroundings twisted and distorted, and everything seemed to slow down as the reality of 'Blood World' unfolded. Even his appearance shifted from his long blonde hair to a godly crimson-hue while his eyes contained a flicker of divinity in them.
However, to Vecna's astonishment, Ruk, driven by fear and instinct, managed to break free from the encroaching field of crimson energy. It was a feat even Vecna hadn't expected, and the expression on his face transformed from one of determination to complete surprise.
His crimson eyes widened in disbelief as he watched Ruk's form slipping away from the encompassing crimson maelstrom.
He had been so sure that 'Blood World' would ensnare his prey and bring an end to this battle. Yet, the goblin chieftain's instinctual reaction had allowed him to escape the confines of Vecna's malevolent domain.
'Does he know about my 'Blood World' why would this cockroach try to run the moment I open my mouth…'
'Tsk, this is what you get for trying to act cool and Role-Play a tiny bit.'
'I'll make sure to not repeat the same mistake next time. No need for Role-playing… Just kill them, and be done with.'
'Collect my loot and go home.'
Vecna couldn't help but curse his arrogance. He had, for a moment, let his guard down, and it had cost him the opportunity to capture Ruk within the 'Blood World.' The unexpected turn of events made him recalibrate his estimation of his opponent's resourcefulness and instincts.
With a wry, chagrined smile, he muttered to himself, "I never expected that... a goblin would elude my 'Blood World.'" His ego had taken a hit, but he was far from defeated.
Ruk's only option was to abandon his Mudfoot Tribe and start fleeing toward the dense forest, the once audacious goblin chieftain had been humbled by the sheer power and tenacity of Vecna, the blood-soaked vampire who now pursued him relentlessly.
The ominous shroud of 'Blood World' had been left behind, a twisted crimson realm that failed to ensnare its target.
'A Monster, that person is worse than the Warchief. Fuck, which bastard unleashed him on my camp? Was the Darkclaw bastards?'
'It should be. They are the only tribe who rejected the dark mages and their gift. Even when it came to coming under Warchief Bloodmaw, they were last.'
'Always scheming from their dark caves.'
Ruk, despite his desperation and the demonic transformation that had seized him, was determined to reach the safety of the Orc Camp. The fear instilled by Vecna's presence, combined with the debilitating effects of the 'Archdemon Vanquisher' title, pushed him to his limits.
Behind him, Vecna's voice echoed through the forest, taunting him, and each word seemed to feed Ruk's resolve. "I never expected I would embarrass myself in front of a goblin. You becoming a demon, and being a goblin is an interesting combination against myself. Your cowardly nature got amplified by 100 fold."
"Screw you, blood tick. How have I wronged you that you decided to attack my tribe? FUCK YOU!!!"
"I hope you die a horrible death under the foot of the Warchief. Once I get to the Bloodmaw Camp, you're dead meat."
Though Ruk could hear these cold remarks, he remained focused on his escape, pushing his goblin body to the limits. He knew that if he slowed down or hesitated for even a moment, he'd be caught by the relentless vampire.
"You're overestimating yourself again, goblin. You think that having a slight lead would mean something against me? Think again."
The spectacle was a surreal one as Ruk, now a demonized goblin, dashed through the forest with all his might. Behind him, Vecna, in his vampiric form, gave chase, his crimson eyes fixed on his prey.
As they moved deeper into the forest, the goblin tribe they had left behind was slowly being consumed by flames. The flames danced and crackled, casting eerie shadows that seemed to reach out for Ruk, a constant reminder of the chaos that had unfolded.
Despite the chase, Vecna remained calculative. He knew that letting Ruk flee was not an option, but his earlier blunder had made him more cautious.
As Ruk sprinted through the dense forest, he could feel Vecna's relentless pursuit growing closer with each passing second. The adrenaline coursing through his veins only heightened his desperation. He knew that if he couldn't reach the safety of the Orc Camp, he was as good as dead.
Activating his supernatural abilities, Vecna closed the distance between them. A jump with 'Soaring Leap' allowed him to reach greater heights, swiftly closing in on the fleeing goblin.
Then, with a brand new skill that was rewarded from the Gacha Blood Spell System, initially he frowned upon seeing this spell since it was a movement type skill, mainly used on escaping or chasing targets.
Using 'Crimson Dash' Vecna moved like a crimson blur, leaving behind a trail of mist as he propelled himself at an incredible speed.
Suddenly, with a swiftness that defied reality, Vecna closed the distance between them.
In a heart-stopping moment, the vampire's boot collided with Ruk's back, sending the demonized goblin crashing to the forest floor. Pain shot through Ruk's body as he tumbled, leaves and twigs scraping against his skin.
Before Ruk could recover or attempt to flee once more, Vecna employed his 'Earthshock' ability, unleashing a concussive force that violently unbalanced the goblin. Ruk struggled to regain his footing, but Vecna was relentless.
With a cruel and relentless flurry, Vecna rained down sword strikes on the now vulnerable goblin, each blow delivered with precision and brutality. It was as if Ruk owed a blood debt to the vampire, and Vecna intended to collect with interest. Ruk's pained cries filled the forest as he desperately tried to defend himself.
As the final moments of Ruk Dirtmud's life drew near, Vecna's relentless assault continued.
Ruk's strength waned with each passing second, and his vision blurred with pain and exhaustion. The once defiant goblin chieftain was now a broken and battered creature, clinging to the last vestiges of his life.
Vecna, his face a mask of cold determination, pressed the attack. With a final 'Blade Dance,' he executed a series of blindingly fast sword strikes, his blade a blur of deathly grace. Ruk's feeble attempts to defend himself were futile. The goblin chieftain's body was pierced and sliced, and his blood mingled with the forest floor.
In the culmination of this brutal symphony of violence, Vecna unleashed his killing ability. The 'Blood Requiem' reached its crescendo, draining the last drops of life force from Ruk.
The goblin's agonized cries echoed through the forest one final time before falling silent. Ruk Dirtmud, once a proud and fierce chieftain, had met his end at the hands of the relentless vampire.
[Ding!]
[You have defeated 'Goblin Chieftain, 'Ruk Dirtmud' and gained the following rewards.]
[You have received 2,825,750 EXP]
[5 Gold received]
['Chieftain's Robes' has been acquired.]
['Goblin Warblade' has been acquired.]
['Spiked Goblin Shield' has been acquired.]
['Language Book: Goblin Tongue' has been acquired.]
['Demonic Essence' has been acquired.]
[ (8x) Weapon Enhancement Stones have been acquired]
[ (8x) Armor Enhancement Stones have been acquired]
.
[You have leveled up!]
[You have lev…]
…
..
[You have leveled up to level 124]
The forest was shrouded in eerie silence, save for the soft rustling of leaves in the wind, Ruk Dirtmud akin to those scattering leaves moved along with them in the form of black ash.
As Vecna caught his breath, a cruel smile played on his lips.
'Before I return to Summit Crest, I should go help Rax into winning the hearts of those goblins.'
'One last scare for those mud loving goblins.'
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone