As Vecna delved deeper into his training against the Automatons, the atmosphere inside the chamber started getting tenser. What was happening inside this Suppression Chamber was an overlapping contradiction with the players' goals to defeat their enemies as fast as possible.
The atmosphere crackles with energy as Vecna begins assaulting his opponents, fully immersing himself in this battle of physical prowess and mental wits.
Each encounter was a meticulous dance of power and finesse, as he spared no effort in pushing himself to his limits and extracting every ounce of knowledge and strength from his adversaries.
Yet it was mainly about prowess since the Vampire didn't resume himself to just building his Strength, far from it, he wanted to steal some of the Automatons techniques, ways of implementing certain combos with his available skills.
The first Automaton to suffer a travesty was the Magician Automaton, who got toyed by Vecna's insane Vampiric movement speed.
Each time the Caster would prepare to cast a spell, Vecna would pause and stare intently at the glyphs of the spellcast. This was the essence and fundamentals of spellcasting, and by understanding the principles of magic, you could improve your own Spellcasting.
One didn't have to rely solely on the System to use their capabilities for Magic, instead you could take the headstrong approach and learn how to use Magic just like any other forms of art.
'Let's analyze how Mages fight. It would be useful in case that Elf thinks she can play tricks on me.'
The Automaton conjured spells of fire, lightning, and ice, casting them with immense power and precision. But Vecna, with his vampiric intellect and keen observation, analyzed the patterns and weaknesses of the magical onslaught.
He could see how the particles of mana flew around the body of the Automaton, gathering on as they formed the glyph.
Crossing his arms, he started rubbing his chin, later on dodging an arrow targeting his head, not buckling his full attention over the Caster.
Vecna immersed himself in the intricate world of magic, engaging the Mage Automaton head-on.
'Blood Magic might work similarly.'
'Having an idea about those fundamentals, would be helpful when I get my hand on the Blood Magic Spells. Ummm. Right.'
'I should check with Book of Night to receive my first Blood Magic Spell since I got past the level 20 mark.'
Approaching the Mage Automaton without showing signs of fearing the Fire Spell about to hit him, Vecna studies its every move with a meticulous eye.
He observes the subtle gestures, the incantations muttered under its breath, and the intricate patterns woven in the air.
[Intelligence has risen by 1]
'There's a small catch I got.'
'The notification proves that I started forming an understanding over Magic.'
'But… It requires some testing once I get the Blood Spells. Maybe I can also improve the activation of the spells, enhancing them would be worthed in the future.'
With a thirst for knowledge, curiosity to better himself against any type of opponents, he analyzes the interplay between magic and combat, seeking to unravel some secrets that the player community had yet to find out.
[Intelligence has risen by 1]
As the spells erupted around him, he moved with ethereal grace, stepping through the dancing flames, sidestepping the crackling bolts, and dissipating the freezing tendrils with a flick of his wrist.
His movements are fluid, his body an extension of his will. He anticipates the ebb and flow of the Mage Automaton's spellcasting, countering with swift strikes of his own.
With an unholy synergy of sword and sorcery, he deflected and neutralized the magical assaults, his blade gleaming with a dark aura as he harnessed the destructive energies against his enemies.
'Not bad. You can nullify a spell by targeting the point where mana is weakest.'
Vecna's body was graceful in the midst of this deadly dance, his crimson eyes calculating the path the Automatons' spells took and keeping in mind how the spell formed thanks to his Vampiric Senses that made reality move slower than the perspective of a human.
[Intelligence has risen by 1]
[Insight has risen by 5]
Meanwhile, the Sentinel Automaton draws its bowstring, unleashing a flurry of arrows that streak through the air like vengeful spirits. Vecna's senses heighten, his Vampiric Instincts guiding him with supernatural precision.
"You're itching so badly?"
Against the Sentinel Automaton, Vecna showcased the extent of his Vampiric Instincts. The Automaton's arrows whizzed through the air, aimed with deadly accuracy.
But Vecna's supernatural reflexes and enhanced senses allowed him to perceive the slightest changes in trajectory and anticipate the onslaught.
With a fluid grace, he weaved and dodged, his movements almost preternatural in nature. His lithe form, enhanced by his vampiric agility, glided effortlessly between the projectiles, while his piercing crimson gaze tracked their every path.
[Agility has risen by 1]
Swift strikes punctuated his evasion, his sword slicing through the air with lethal precision, redirecting the Automaton's attacks back upon itself.
[Agility has risen by 1]
He becomes one with the shadows, evading each arrow with split-second timing and grace. His body moves like a blur, dodging, ducking, and sidestepping with an almost ethereal grace.
Every near miss showed the boost to his sharpened reflexes, his mental fortitude that got adjusted to its new fate as a Vampiric Monster.
Those reflexes that would make everyone greedy to achieve, while gained from his fall from the God's Graces, were honed through countless battles and now pushed to new limits. The rhythmic thud of arrows hitting the ground echoes his growing agility, his body adapting to the chaotic tempo of the battle.
'This got so easy compared to when I first started the fight.'
'I can guess accurately the path of the projectiles.'
In the midst of this relentless barrage, Vecna counters with calculated strikes of his own. With a flick of his wrist and a twist of his body, he deflects incoming arrows with uncanny precision.
His blade dances through the air, meeting the onslaught of projectiles with a symphony of parries and ripostes. With each successful deflection, his agility further heightens, his movements becoming almost supernatural.
As the Sentinel Automaton's arrows deplete, Vecna's body pulses with otherworldly energy.
His Vampiric Instincts become more refined, his reflexes surpassing human limitations. In this crucible of arrows, he emerges not just unscathed but stronger, his agility now elevated to extraordinary levels.
[Agility Points to earn have been depleted.]
'That's it? Well, only gaining 15 Agility Points from the bot is … disappointing.'
'Hah, I need to vent my frustration on someone else.'
"You. Better don't self-destruct without taking you to 10% HP."
Finally, Vecna turns his attention to the towering presence of the Guardian Knight. It looms before him, a stoic guardian ready to test his mettle. The clash of steel reverberates through the chamber as Vecna assaults the Guardian Knight.
[Strength has risen by 1]
"Yes. That's more like how a Knight should fight!"
While engaging the Guardian Knight, Vecna showcased the indomitable resilience and strength that defined his vampiric nature. The Automaton's massive weapon swung with brutal force, threatening to shatter bone and armor alike. But Vecna, infused with the dark power that surged through his veins, met each blow head-on.
"Continue. Don't tell me this is your limit."
His body, a vessel of inhuman stamina, absorbed the impact, barely flinching under the onslaught. The clash of metal reverberated through the chamber, each strike from the Automaton parried by Vecna's impeccable swordsmanship.
His muscles strain under the weight of each blow, his swordsmanship still in a delirious symphony, With each clash of blades, he senses the energy flowing through his body, empowering him with a newfound strength and resilience. The rhythm of combat becomes second nature to him, his strikes landing with unerring accuracy.
[Stamina has risen by 1]
His blade danced with deadly precision, finding the weak points in the Automaton's defenses and exploiting them with ruthless efficiency. With each resounding clash, Vecna's strength grew, his muscles pulsating with the unholy might of the vampire within him.
[Strength has risen by 1]
He blocks, parries, and retaliates with unwavering resolve. Every ounce of his being is focused on this moment, on surpassing his own limitations. With each exchange, he discovers the intricate nuances of swordsmanship, refining his techniques and bolstering his Stamina and Strength.
'To think I could see such improvements to my swordsmanship.'
'The saying that you grow stronger with each battle you survive wasn't just the rambling of old men.'
Throughout the grueling training sessions, Vecna maintained a delicate balance, ensuring the Automatons remained in a state where they could continue to challenge him without being defeated too swiftly.
His strategic restraint allowed him to study their mechanics, anticipate their attacks, and exploit their weaknesses. It was a test of his self-control, a demonstration of his dominance over his own Vampiric instincts.
As the battles unfolded, Vecna's character flourished, his attributes expanding with each encounter. His intelligence heightened as he discerned the Mage's spells, his agility sharpened as he evaded the Sentinel's pursuing arrows, and his stamina and swordsmanship reached new heights as he clashed with the Guardian Knight.
Then, in the midst of battle, bouncing around each Automaton, a notification got to his attention that affected his state of mind.
[All the available Stat Points of the Suppression Chamber have been depleted.]
Vecna stopped from all the fighting, watching the Automatons who were in shambles, barely functioning.
--SIGH--
A long sigh reverberated in the entire chamber, discerning itself with its disappointed tone that got out from his chest.
'This would do for today.'
Taking out the Book of Night from his inventory, he activated [Blood Bank] to draw in the remaining Vitality he stored, enough to get his health back to pristine conditions, turning the Chamber into a nightmarish scene as the Blood Mana gushed out like tendrils of an evil entity.
'Golden Flash'
The golden light that began morphing into crimson light wrapped around Vecna's feet, disappearing from where he stood as he appeared before the Mage Automaton.
The Mage Automaton, sensing the approaching danger, summoned a protective shield of pulsating mana, attempting to ward off the impending assault. But Vecna, undeterred by the formidable barrier, channeled his raw power into his skill, [Swift Strike].
With a surge of supernatural speed and precision, Vecna's sword arced through the air, colliding with the Mage's shield in a cataclysmic collision. The impact resonated throughout the chamber as the shield shattered like fragile glass, unable to withstand the sheer force behind Vecna's strike.
The Mage Automaton stood defenseless, exposed before the might of the Vampire God.
"And that's all for your Defenses."
In the blink of an eye, Vecna's vampiric instincts took over. His crimson eyes glowed with a predatory hunger as he launched into a devastating sequence of attacks. Each strike was a calculated masterpiece, executed with lethal precision.
He combined his swift footwork with the dance of his blade, weaving through the Mage's feeble attempts at defense. Blow after blow landed with brutal efficiency, his sword carving through metal and circuitry as though it were mere flesh and bone.
The Mage Automaton, unable to withstand the onslaught, crumbled under Vecna's relentless assault, reduced to a pile of shattered remnants.
[You have defeated an 'Advanced Mana Automaton' gaining the following rewards.]
[You will gain: 38,690 EXP; 1x Radiant Mana Gem; Amulet of Elemental Focus; Spell Book: Chain Lighting]
[You have leveled up.]
With the Mage Automaton dispatched, Vecna swiftly turned his attention to the Sentinel.
The hail of arrows intensified as the Sentinel unleashed its barrage in a desperate attempt to repel the Vampire God. But Vecna, drawing upon his newly acquired skill, 'Resilience,' emanated an aura of impenetrable defense.
The arrows, once deadly projectiles, now bounced harmlessly off the shield of resilience that surrounded him. Like a force of nature, he pressed forward, his footsteps unwavering amidst the storm of projectiles.
Closing the distance, he unleashed the full might of his vampiric prowess, activating [Blood Requiem] delivering devastating blows that shattered the Sentinel's metallic frame.
[You have defeated an 'Advanced Mana Automaton' gaining the following rewards.]
[You will gain: 40,468 EXP; Longbow of Precision]
[You have leveled up.]
There was only one enemy left for Vecna, the Guardian Knight who proved its worth to him, always a thorn in his back as he worked relentlessly into defending its allies.
"Now, it's only you and me. Quite lonely and silent for what used to be a loud place."
With his blade whirling in a mesmerizing dance, he activated his skill, [Blade Dance].
The Guardian Knight, a bastion of indomitable strength, matched Vecna's onslaught blow for blow, the clash of their weapons echoing through the chamber.
'The taste of the Blood Requiem always leaves after each use. It's similar to the time I was in Caine's Dungeon.'
'It's almost as if I can touch the Blood Mana lingering in the air after the skill is activated.'
Vecna, feeling the pulsating energy coursing through his veins, sensed the emergence of a newfound power.
In the heat of battle, he tapped into the depths of his vampiric abilities, unlocking something that he only thought might be worth trying.
[Ding!]
[You have unlocked an Skill of the Vampiric Race, 'Blood Corruption.']
'This is that sensation, just like with the Quenching. Blood, I can move it at my will.'
This dark and forbidden art allowed him to twist and corrupt the life force within his enemies, bending it to his will. With a malicious grin, he extended his hand towards the Guardian Knight, channeling his sinister power.
As the tendrils of crimson energy snaked their way through the Guardian Knight's metallic frame, its internal mechanisms were thrown into disarray. The Automaton's self-destruction protocols were overridden, and its movements became erratic, its defenses compromised.
"It has a high cost, but this skill is worth everything right now when I'm limited."
Vecna, seizing the opportunity, exploited every opening, his sword strikes honed with lethal precision. Blow after blow rained down upon the Guardian Knight, reducing it to a twisted wreckage of gears and shattered armor.
[You have defeated an 'Advanced Mana Automaton', gaining the following rewards.]
[You will gain: 42,860 EXP; 1x Corrupted Mana Gem; Boots of Stalwart Steps]
[You have leveled up.]
[You have reached level 39]
Through the battles, Vecna reveled in the sensations brought forth by the newfound power of Blood Corruption.
The surge of dark energy, intertwined with his vampiric essence, filled him with a heavy mix of euphoria and domination. It was a potent reminder of his ascent to power, a glimpse of the limitless power that lay within his grasp.
'I might have to restrain myself. This feeling is too addicting, just like drinking blood.'
His body bathed in the glow of victory, he reveled in the sensation of power coursing through his veins. The training had been rigorous, the battles fierce, but with each triumph, Vecna grew ever closer to the embodiment of his vampiric legacy—a being capable of shaping the very fabric of the Satisfy World with his might.
With the Suppression Chamber settling down, Vecna walked toward the door of the next room, only to stop when he got in its proximity, taking a seat on the cold ground as he started checking each of his rewards, starting with his improved Stats.
'Open. Status Window.'
[Status Window]
[User: Vecna / Class: Caine's Reincarnate / Race: Low-Grade Vampire]
-----------------------------------
[Level: 39(23,244/38,950) / Title: The Fallen One / Strongest Man in the Neighborhood/ Avid Explorer / Sharp Lumberjack / Rookie Explorer / Novice Adventurer]
-----------------------------------------------
[Health: 4202/4202 Mana: 1744/1744]
-----------------------------------
[Strength: 239 | Stamina: 173 | Agility: 204 | Persistence: 50 (From Lumberjack)
Intelligence: 218 | Charm: 230 | Dignity: 50 | Composure: 20 (Novice Adventurer)
Regeneration: 60 | Indomitable: 150 | Insight: 62 (Avid Explorer)
-----------------------------------
Available Stat Points: 210]
.
'My stats are above the previous stats I had at level 81.'
Clenching his fist as his claws protruded out, he smiled to himself showing off his fangs that could enchant the onlookers, yet it was only himself in this dark room.
'Six Months of struggle and trying to level up as fast as possible in the past all washed away in only one week.'
'Damn. Is this how those Top Ranked guys feel? I can't describe what I feel right now.'
'Maybe. Excitement for the future would fit best right now.'
'Hah. Let's check the rewards and skills before logging out. I'll have to prepare for the Auction too.'
'Open Skill Information.'
[Blood Corruption- LV.1]
Rating: Unique
[Targeting an enemy within range the user can channel the blood energies into the enemies bloodstream, corrupting and twisting their life force. The target becomes temporarily weakened, with their defenses compromised.
Lowers the Defense of an enemy by 20% and enters a 'Slowed' State for the duration of the skill.
Skill Duration: 30 seconds
Skill Consumption: Consumes 15% of your Vitality
Skill Cooldown Time: 240 seconds]
[★ Special Effects: Under the 'Sanguine World' the skill will evolve, having its effects doubled, while the cooldown timer of the skill is decreased by 100% and the following activation free of charge.]
.
'A curse skill is always welcomed in my arsenal. Makes my sword pierce easily into their defenses. Whatsmore, the Vitality Consumption might be mitigated with the new change to Knightsblade.'
[Corrupted Knightsblade]
Rating: Epic
[Durability: 180/220 | Attack Power: 136-174 | Attack Speed +3%
* Strength & Stamina +10
* Decreases the healing ability of the target by 10% when they are hit.
* Drains the life force of the struck enemy, healing the wielder for 15% of the damage dealt .
* The Skill <Resilience> is generated
A once noble blade that has been corrupted by the dark powers of the fallen Vampire God.
It exudes an ominous aura and resonates with dark energy. The corrupted essence grants the blade the ability to drain the life force of its victims, empowering the wielder while sapping the vitality from their foes.
Users Restriction: Level 30 or higher, More than 175 Strength & 125 Agility]
.
[Resilience]
Type: Active
[The sword enhances the user's defense by 25% for a duration of 60 seconds while reflecting 15% of the damage received.
It serves as a defensive measure to provide novices with a small margin of protection in dire situations.
Skill Mana Cost: 200
Skill Cooldown Time: 30 minutes]
.
'Oh my, my. Is this some hidden effect of Sanguine Quenching and the sword getting attached to me?'
'Honorable… Heroic… Corrupted. Who cares as long you have the power to stand above other swords.'
'No worries. I'll make good use of you until I get to level 75 and wield my old buddy.'