章節 2: Impotent?
Jeremiah's vision swam with a dizzying array of lights and colors, each flash sending waves of pain through his mind. The agony was beyond anything he had ever experienced, as if his very soul was being torn apart and reassembled.
"Arrrrghhhhh!" his voice echoed off unseen walls as darkness closed in around him.
<< Merging With Consciousness >>
<< Boosting Internal Resistance >>
<< Uploading Data >>
<< Uploading Quests >>
<< Updating Rewards >>
<< Uploading Levels >>
<< Uploading Locked Abilities >>
<< Strengthening Essence >>
<< Boosting Defense >>
Each notification felt like a nail driven into his brain despite being in an unconscious state. Fortunately, the pain began to slowly subside, replaced by a strange, almost comforting warmth.
<< Merge Successful >>
When Jeremiah finally regained consciousness he was greeted by a soft glow emanating from a floating notification in front of him.
[ Merge Successful ]
His vision cleared, and he found himself surrounded by medical specialists. Their robes were dark and much different in comparison to the designs of this royal chamber. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and antiseptics.
"Your Highness!" they exclaimed in unison, relief evident in their voices.
One of the doctors, an older vampire with sharp, angular features, stepped forward, holding a vial of dark liquid. "Drink this, Your Highness. It will help stabilize your condition."
Jeremiah shook his head, still disoriented but determined. "No, I'm fine. I don't need it."
The doctor frowned but didn't press the issue, stepping back reluctantly. Another specialist, a younger woman with kind eyes, offered a different potion, but Jeremiah refused that as well.
"Really, I'm fine," he insisted, waving them away.
After several more attempts and refusals, the medical team finally retreated, leaving him alone with his thoughts. As the door closed, Jeremiah took a deep breath, trying to piece together the jumbled fragments of his new identity.
He was Edmund, the Vampire Crown Prince of the Darkblorn Kingdom. His human mother had passed long ago, leaving him in a sea of envious stepbrothers, each one vying for his title.
The vampire folks, from peasants to royalty, disliked him immensely. He had been cruel both physically and verbally, pushing everyone away.
It seemed to be a defense mechanism born from his deepest insecurity—his inability to unlock his essence despite being sixteen years of age. This failure left him practically human in a society that valued vampiric power above all else.
His relationship with his father, the Vampire Emperor, was strained at best. They barely spoke, and Edmund often wondered if his essence deficiency was the reason for their estrangement.
As these memories solidified in his mind, a knock sounded at the door, interrupting his reverie.
"Enter," Jeremiah called, his voice steadier now.
The door creaked open to reveal a stunning young woman in a maid's outfit. Her long, dark hair framed a face that was both beautiful and fierce. Her curves were vividly accentuated by the simple dress. She had looks that would make males gush and skin as smooth as butter.
Her sharp eyes locked onto him with a mixture of annoyance and concern.
"Well, look who finally decided to wake up," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I was starting to think you were going to sleep forever, Your Highness."
Jeremiah couldn't help but smile. "Nice to see you too, Sasha."
Sasha, the only person who had ever stood up to Edmund, walked over and placed her hands on her hips. "Are you just going to lie there all day, or are you going to get up and do something productive for once?"
Jeremiah felt he had known her for ages despite this being his first time meeting her. He searched his memories for what Edmund would say so as not to give himself away as an imposter.
"I was just contemplating the meaning of life," Jeremiah replied, sitting up fully. "And I must say, the view is quite inspiring."
Sasha rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her grin. "Stop daydreaming, Edmund. Now, do you need anything? The doctors said you refused all their potions."
"I'm fine, really," he assured her. "Just needed a moment to clear my head."
Sasha studied him for a moment, her gaze penetrating. "You seem... different. Did the pain knock some sense into you?"
"Maybe it did," Jeremiah said, a hint of humor in his voice. "Or maybe I just realized that life is too short to be a royal pain."
"Ha! I'd like to see that," she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "But seriously, you look like you've seen a ghost."
"More like I've become one," Jeremiah muttered, rubbing his temples. "Sometimes my situation is a lot to take in, Sasha. The expectations of being the crown prince. And on top of all that, I'm basically human in a kingdom of vampires."
Sasha's expression softened, and she sat on the edge of the bed. "I know it hasn't been easy for you, Edmund. But you've got to stop pushing everyone away. Maybe if you let people in, things could change."
Jeremiah nodded, her words resonating with him. "You're right. It's just... hard. Especially with those brothers of mine waiting for any sign of weakness."
"Forget about them," Sasha said dismissively. "They're idiots. Focus on what you can control. You've got the title, now show them why you deserve it."
Jeremiah sighed. "Easier said than done. But I'll try."
"Good. Now, are you going to get up, or do I have to drag you out of bed?" she challenged with a playful glint in her eye.
Jeremiah chuckled, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. "Alright, alright. I'm up. Happy?"
"For now," Sasha said, standing up and smoothing her dress. "Just try not to faint again, okay? It's unbecoming of a prince."
"I'll do my best," he promised, stretching his limbs. "Now, what's on the agenda for today?"
"Well, you've got a meeting with the council in an hour, followed by a public appearance in the square. Apparently, the people need reassurance that their crown prince isn't dead because you've been cooped up in here for ages."
"Great," Jeremiah said, rolling his eyes. "Public appearances, my favorite."
"Look at it this way," Sasha said with a smirk. "You get to show everyone that you're still the same old Edmund—or... well, hopefully, a slightly better version who will awaken his essence soon."
Jeremiah laughed wryly, 'I don't know about that... Why does it seem like she's onto me?'
Jeremiah hoped he was wrong "I'll take that as a challenge. Let's go show them what this new and improved Edmund can do."
As they left the room, Jeremiah felt a strange sense of hope. Despite the overwhelming responsibilities and the constant threat of ridicule, he wasn't alone.
---
The grand hall was proof of the power and history of the Darkblorn Kingdom. High ceilings adorned with intricate carvings loomed overhead, and tall windows allowed beams of sunlight to filter through, casting patterns on the polished marble floor.
Jeremiah, dressed in the finest royal attire, entered the hall with Sasha at his side, feeling the sting of countless eyes upon him.
The council, a group of elderly vampires with centuries of experience, sat at a long table, their expressions a mix of curiosity and skepticism. At the head of the table was Lucien, Edmund's eldest stepbrother, his gaze icy and calculating.
"Ah, brother," Lucien said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I'm pleased to see you've recovered. We were beginning to worry about the state of our future king."
"Thank you for your concern, Lucien," Jeremiah replied, matching his tone. "I'm feeling much better now."
"Good," Lucien said, leaning back in his chair. "We have much to discuss. The kingdom has been restless because the last time you were seen by anyone besides your serving girl was weeks ago. There are matters that require your attention."
Jeremiah nodded while taking his seat at the table. Sasha stood behind him silently as always.
"Very well," Jeremiah said, adopting the authoritative tone he remembered from Edmund's memories. "Let's get to it."
The council proceeded to outline various issues—disputes among the noble houses, rumors of unrest among the peasantry, and whispers of rebellion from neighboring kingdoms.
Jeremiah listened intently, drawing on the knowledge from Edmund's memories to respond thoughtfully.
"I propose we send envoys to the noble houses," Jeremiah suggested after one particularly heated discussion. "Show them that the crown is still strong and attentive to their needs."
One of the older council members, Lord Valerian, nodded approvingly. "A wise suggestion, Your Highness. It's important to maintain unity during these times."
Lucien's expression remained unreadable, but Jeremiah could sense his brother's irritation. "And what of the peasantry?" Lucien pressed. "They've been complaining about increased taxes and food shortages. How do you intend to placate them?"
---
Hours later, Jeremiah and Sasha walked through the castle's grand corridors. The rich displays depicting the kingdom's history added an air of gravitas to the surroundings. The castle was a place of both beauty and power.
"Well, I must say, you handled yourself quite well back there," Sasha said, a hint of genuine admiration in her voice. "I almost didn't recognize you."
Jeremiah, still trying to process the council meeting and the system notification that had appeared, glanced at it again.
[ Goal Incomplete ]
He felt a hint of frustration bubbling up within him.
'What is this goal again?'
He decided he would properly look into this once he got back to his room. However, there was something he was curious about at the moment.
He turned to Sasha; "Sasha, there's something I need to understand," he began, his voice laced with urgency. "How is it that I'm... impotent?"
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