章節 3: III: The Pawn and the Queen
In the dimly lit chamber of Queen Hundred's palace, Kaizer, a mere twelve-year-old Human boy, found himself caught in the web of Queen Hundred's tutelage. His fascination and trepidation mingled as Queen Hundred, the epitome of elegance, grace, and ageless beauty, assumed her role as mentor, protector, and master.
"Listen well, young Kaizer," Queen Hundred began, her voice a delicate symphony of condescension, "for I shall impart to you knowledge that predates your mortal existence by centuries."
She motioned for him to sit beside her on an ornate, blood-red velvet couch. With a mixture of awe and submission, Kaizer obeyed, perching on the edge like a child humbled by the presence of a goddess.
"The origins of our kind are shrouded in darkness and myth," Queen Hundred continued, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns of her own regal attire. "Long before your ancestors roamed the surface world, Vampires were born from the shadows of the earth. We are creatures of the night, gifted with eternal life and formidable powers."
As she spoke, Kaizer marveled at the way her crimson eyes seemed to hold the secrets of ages past. He hung on her every word, a sponge soaking up the history of a world he had only recently discovered.
"The Vampire hierarchy," Queen Hundred began, her tone taking on a lecturing cadence, "is a complex structure that governs our society. At its apex stands the Queen, which, in this era, is yours truly. I hold the highest authority and power over all Vampires within our domain, the Vampire Society, otherwise known as Sanguine City. And that also goes for the Humans who serve us, what we call Necessaries. But you are not one of them; they are laborers. Per my demand, I will be enrolling you in Vampire Noble Academy, and you will adopt our ways. When you graduate, I will turn you." As she said that last part, she cupped Kaizer's chin with her sharp nails.
Kaizer nodded, trying to absorb the layers of this intricate hierarchy. He listened with bated breath as Queen Hundred continued elaborating on each level of the Vampire Society.
"The Elite are those who have earned my trust and respect," she continued. "They serve as my advisors and wield significant influence in Sanguine. Then, there's the Council, also known as The Cauldron. It's a secretive body of influential Vampires from different bloodlines who make critical decisions, like declaring war."
"Then come the Noble Houses," Queen Hundred explained, "ancient bloodlines with unique strengths and talents. Members of these houses often hold positions of influence. Then there's the majority of Vampires, known as Common Vampires. They are far less powerful and intelligent, and are truly not much more than uncivilized beasts, their only purpose being to hunt. Common Vampires are not immortal in age like Noble Vampires are, and they are also vulnerable to disease like any other animal."
"Lastly, there are Mixbloods, newly turned Noble Vampires who are considered lower in status in spite of their Human origins. That's what you will be, at first. There is only one other Mixblood besides yourself. It is a rare occurrence to be chosen."
The complexity of this society weighed heavily on Kaizer's young mind, but he dared not question it aloud.
"Now, young Kaizer," Queen Hundred said, her gaze settling on him, "you, as a Human, may wonder how you fit into this intricate tapestry."
Kaizer nodded, his curiosity piqued.
"Magic," she stated simply, as if it held the answer to all questions. "The magic that courses through your veins, a gift passed down from your ancestors, allows you to harness the shadows themselves, even as a Human. It is your connection to this world. You are not just an ordinary Human—I know this because I can literally smell your blood, even now, as I'm speaking to you. Although one day you will become a Mixblood Vampire, a being bound to be discriminated for your impure status, I believe that once you gain access to the potent essences within my DNA, you will be able to unlock a power far greater than even that of a pure-blood Noble Vampire. As you can see, little one, I have high expectations for you."
With her guidance, Kaizer embarked on the arduous journey of mastering the basics of Shadow Magic. Queen Hundred's training was exacting, her demands relentless. He learned to manipulate shadows, drawing them around him like a protective cloak. He summoned bats from the darkest corners of their world. He moved with an unnatural grace, his body bending to his will like liquid.
Yet, it wasn't without its hardships. Queen Hundred's condescension and occasional cruelty weighed heavily on Kaizer. Her power over him was absolute, and there were moments when she reveled in belittling him, reminding him of his place in this world.
One evening, after a particularly grueling training session consisting of intense physical exercise and extensive shadow manipulation practice, Queen Hundred's cruel side emerged. She taunted Kaizer mercilessly, reminding him of his vulnerability as a Human in a world of immortals. Her words cut deeper than any physical pain.
"You will always be an outsider, Kaizer," she sneered. "No matter how much power you gain, you will never truly belong. Your Humanity is your greatest weakness."
The young boy's eyes welled with tears, his heart heavy with the weight of her words. He felt small and insignificant in the face of her power.
But then, just as swiftly as her cruelty had surfaced, Queen Hundred's demeanor shifted. She reached out, gently wiping away his tears, her touch tender. "Do not forget, Kaizer, that I am your savior as well. I will mold you into something greater, something that transcends mere Humanity."
Years passed, and Kaizer's life became a relentless cycle of training, Shadow Magic practice, and the relentless scrutiny of Queen Hundred. By the age of fifteen, he had grown stronger, more confident, and disturbingly loyal to the Vampiress.
As the time for him to enroll in Sanguine's esteemed Academy approached, Kaizer stood at the precipice of a new chapter in his life—a chapter that held the promise of knowledge, opportunity, and perhaps, the chance to uncover the truth about his connection to Sanguine.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票