Ascension of the Nephilim

The group moved and did as Kyros instructed. Ragion was bounded with various metal chains that the Viscount team had brought themselves.

"We leave the weapons and armors of these people?" Hemsey asked. This was unlike the previous actions they did. Normally, Kyros would strip the armor and only leave the clothes. But this time, they left the precious armors of the enemy save for a few nice weapons.

"Yes. Only take the extraordinary weapons that they have brought. I have also sent the bodies of the two Viscount to the Temple along with a note explaining the current situation. Keep on drinking blood. The moment you guys finish drinking them, we leave." Kyros ordered.

The group followed Kyros's instructions, and even Martha had to drink blood despite her apparent distaste. 

Martha did her first bite on several humans.

"I feel nothing, huh?" She sighed as she bit on the human. It was as if a part of her couldn't feel disgusted or horrified at her act.

"You'll get used to it." Scarlet smiled.

"Besides, I'm confident that Lord Kyros will only make us go after bad people."

"Look around you... They are all bad people." Hunter laughed as he passed by.

After resolving to accept her new life, she bit down.

Surprisingly, the taste wasn't as disgusting as it would be.

"A little stale... But I guess this new life isn't as nauseating as it seems." She sighed.

"Stale?" Hems heard her and bit the dying knight.

"Hey, you're right! Lord Kyros, why is this guy's blood stale?"

"He must be anemic. Move on and keep biting." Kyros ordered.

As they continue to feed, a new notification appeared on Kyros's vision.

---

Coven Level increase!

Coven: Coven of the Nephilim Level 2

Coven Blessing: 2 -> 3 Added stat points

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Abilities:

Dark Link Level 1->2

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Minor Life Vampiric Trait bestowed on all Coven members.

Ghoul Commander Skill bestowed on all Coven members.

---

A faint reddish hue appeared on all members of the Coven.

"Lord Kyros!" Scarlet was startled. 

The others also reacted as they began to feel a strange sensation and warmth around their body.

"I'm... alive?!" Hunter realized what had happened.

"Relax. It's my bloodline. The trait that allows me to be a living being and undead is being passed on to you. But this is only a small portion of our power. Still... This would allow us to travel freely as a faint life is detected on you. We might have to pretend to be ill to fool our enemies, though. Anyway, let's move out!"

With the addition of Martha, the group managed to turn twenty-seven ghouls. While another slot was available, Kyros decided to leave it empty. And so, the group traveled north and headed towards the mountain peak.

They carried a bound Ragion that was groaning in pain. Aside from being wounded, the pain of the vampire curse continued to assail him. Slowly his heart was being corrupted. He was also gagged that prevented him from screaming.

After marching a few kilometers, the group found shelter in the middle of several rocks that were covered by thick forage. 

"Alright. Let's rest and regroup here. Check for any damages in equipment, heal any wounds, and so on..." Kyros ordered.

"I don't understand, Lord Kyros. Why have our plans greatly changed?" Hunter asked as they finally had the chance to talk.

"Because of Fate. This has been part of my plan from the start. With our experience in the mountain, when we fought those lizards, I realized that Fate was actively moving and being involved in making plans to attack us. It gave us opportunities and even allowed us to meet a group of lizards that managed to slip through and survive the golems so that we would have a false idea of the mountain. Didn't we assume that there was a strange ecosystem in there? Who knew the golems were guardians! If we knew about that, then things would have been smoother from the start."

It was then that the Coven realized how cruel Fate tricked them.

"The moment I met a skilled archer like Martha, who just happened to chance to be on patrol and returned just when I was busy drinking blood, I knew that Fate's works were crueler this time around. Not only is she far skilled compared to a regular archer at her level, but she is also a person of interest to my Uncle!"

"She's related to Lord Aron?"

"My Uncle has this small crush on her. Don't tell him I told you this. He told me on that night we talked."

Martha was blushing. As she now had life, a faint blush appeared on her face.

"Oh, and Martha... I won't force you in a relationship with my Uncle." Kyros assured.

"So... I knew something fishy was going on with how Fate arranged those things. I knew Fate would go after us. These guys, including this Ragion was supposed to go up the mountain and investigate the appearance of Cracky Batcheeks. But Fate led them to that specific outpost. The question is how?" Kyros turned to Querk.

"You scream, I kill you. Who are you?" Kyros removed the gag.

"Who... are you?!" Querk was so surprised at Kyros's deduction that he asked that question back.

"Right now. I'm you're daddy. Answer my question! Who do you serve? Are you a servant of the Eldrich?"

"Daddy?" Scarlet repeated in confusion.

"Eldrich?" Querk was also confused.

"The Eldrich is alive? I thought they were all killed during the Nether Wars." Martha asked.

"No. My master, Calaminus, told me that they are alive. So this Cracky that I used as a moniker is a servant or a traitor to the Eldrich race. But enough about me... Why were you after Martha?" Kyros asked.

"And please hurry. That vampire bite won't turn you into a vampire unless you drink my blood. And while you're level and various resistance could have allowed you to survive, you will die with many wounds and many bites from my Coven. Answer me, or I won't heal you."

"... It is as you said. We were three Viscounts sent by our respective to look for that person you used as a moniker. Our mission is to find Cracky Batcheeks for all the activities that he caused here."

"Oh? What's interesting is that we only used that name a few hours ago. So the kingdom can't know that name and send it... And I didn't say Cracky Batcheeks but only said Cracky. But you knew who I am talking to... So the Eldrich must really be behind whoever you are serving and have ordered you to look for Cracky..." Kyros smiled.

Querk's expression was more confused with Kyros's declaration.

"So the Eldrich already knows of Cracky? This sounds bad." Calaminus thought.

"Not really. By the looks of things, Fate has been actively following its limitations. Success Limiter only allows certain people to know about Cracky Batcheeks. Otherwise, the Greater Gods or the Fallen would be after me. I think that Fate led a person to overhear or find out about that name somehow and is trying to score some good points at their Eldrich boss." Kyros smiled.

"I still feel uncomfortable at you throwing out that name recklessly."

"I am uncomfortable as well! You just had to go with some strange, eccentric name!" Kyros cursed.

"But I think we can relax. Fate's doing his part. I believe that the Fallen or the Greater God is busy with something else which makes them ignore whatever rumors are circulating about Cracky Batcheeks."

"Greater God Daradiel..." Calaminus realized it.

"Spot on. Fate must be helping Daradiel and drawing attention that demands immediate action."

Kyros then turned back to Querk.

"If you are after Cracky, why did you head to that outpost? Me and my team created havoc to the north of this place. Why did you go here?"

"It was that Spearmaster. He was the leader of our group and wanted to use the chaos of the vampire to take control of that outpost."

"I see... Create an illegal entry for you and your allies."

Martha's expression turned angry.

"It was an opportunity of a lifetime. Finally, we had the means and the people to do that..."

"Traitors! This mountain range belongs to all the human kingdom!"

"That's very ironic, coming from a vampire..." Kyros chuckled.

"But why did you choose that outpost? Has it something to do with Martha Bowheart?" Kyros asked.

"Yes. You are correct once more. Gradier Conquistar wanted to kill her."

"What fault do I have against the Conquistar family? I don't have any quarrels with him, his clan, or even the Jericho Kingdom!"

"Let me guess..." Kyros laughed.

"Martha... Have you killed any mercenaries, thieves, brigands, and the like?"

"Of course I have! I guard the caravans and transports!"

"There you go. The Conquistar must have had a special unit here that steals and pillages caravans. Since this place is located in a remote region with too many kingdoms, killing and stealing would be hard to trace."

"What?! Why would a family of powerful viscounts-"

"He's right," Querk confirmed.

"Specifically, you attacked one of their young masters, which is also Gradier's younger brother. You blew up his -erm... sword."

Martha was stunned.

"See? And here you were having a moral dilemma of the people we kill. Not everyone is as righteous as your Bowheart clan. And yes... I said it. Righteous. Your Bowheart clan, for all its faults and poor treatment towards you, still stands as one of the better families in this world. Now... which group do you serve? Do you belong to a Coven of vampires, a Gathering of Skeletons or Liches?"

"No. I don't know about the others. But I am paid for my services. I do not serve the undead but have dealings with them. However, since you brought me here, you intend to make me a part of your Coven, correct?"

The vampires were amazed.

Scarlet and Gregory had seen firsthand the power of this man. If he were part of the Coven, it would be very helpful to them!

Kyros couldn't help but smile at Querk's words.

"You talked about Fate. So you mean to say my decision to join in this escapade would soon help me find a powerful vampire master? You are an Ancient Vampire, correct? Is this Fate? That I am to serve you?" Querk asked.

"It does seem that Fate brought you to my hands. But, for my contract to work, I need a soul that is willing to serve me."

"Then so be it. I am willing. Save me from death by making me become it!"

"Alright." Kyros then stabbed his sword to Querk's heart.

"Wha-what... are you...?"

"Are you taking me for a fool, Fate? Martha was one thing... But this one? Too suspicious!" Kyros laughed as he pushed the sword deeper and released dark energy.

Querk's death was assured.

"Why... did you... kill me...?" Querk roared.