I turned Maya, Moro, and Jai into vampires as well.
The forest was drowned in screams once again. It was a haunting melody, one that would have probably terrified me just a few months ago.
Anyway, four new vampires stood like silent, crimson-eyed statues around the perimeter, guarding the place.
They didn’t let a single living thing near our camp. Whether it was a curious predator or just the wind rustling the tall grass, they were on it in an instant, their new instincts keeping us in a bubble of absolute safety.
And so, I just relaxed near the fire, watching the three writhe on the ground as they became vampires. I watched them with a sense of genuine amusement, not because I enjoyed their pain, but because the process itself was so fascinating to witness.
To kill time and keep my muscles from getting stiff, I started swinging my sword, going through my basic training routines. The weight of the blade felt very light in my hand, and each whistle of the metal cutting through the air was a rhythmic accompaniment to the groans coming from the dirt.
The fact that it was me— just a guy— who was turning these people into vampires made it feel more magical in a sense. I’ve been in this world for quite a while now, but sometimes it still hits me. To think that I was just a normal office worker not too long ago is hard to believe. Back then, my biggest concerns were spreadsheets, meeting deadlines, and whether the coffee machine in the breakroom was working.
Now, I’m out here in a fantasy world, creating a small pack of supernatural beings, and I’m not even fazed by it. It’s amazing how quickly I adapted to it.
Still... I think this life is much better than my previous one—
’At least I’m having fun here, not living every day on repeat boringly.’
I thought to myself.
In my old life, everything was predictable. It was a loop of waking up, commuting, working, and sleeping. Here, every day is a gamble, and every night brings something new. There’s a certain thrill in the unknown that a nine-to-five job could never provide.
’I do miss the technology and a proper toilet, though.’
There are times when I’d kill for a smartphone or even just a roll of soft toilet paper. Living in a fantasy world is amazing, but the lack of modern plumbing is definitely a downside that I haven’t quite gotten over yet.
By the way, I also gained a skill from drinking the blood of the others while I was turning them into vampires.
I guess I really don’t have to kill my targets just to get skills from them. As long as I consume their blood, my body seems to absorb a part of their essence and translate it into a new ability.
The skill I got this time is a passive one called [Lunar Surge].
Basically— it just boosts my skills, strength, and everything else by a significant amount whenever it’s night time. And the effect gets even stronger when it’s a full moon.
This is a massive buff for me. I could feel it working already. As the moon climbed higher in the sky, I felt a surge of energy pulsing through my veins, making my movements even more fluid and my senses even sharper.
It’s a really good skill for me.
... ... ...
*****
Later... Once Maya, Moro, and Jai had been turned into vampires— Everyone gathered around the fire.
"We’re all done here. You’re all vampires now."
Verc said, looking at the seven with studying eyes.
They were all looking back at him with their new, glowing red eyes. The firelight reflected in those crimson pupils, giving the entire group a fearsome appearance.
They didn’t look like the broken, dying survivors they were just a few hours ago.
Verc nodded his head, satisfied with the results of his little experiment. All seven had survived, and each had successfully transitioned into their new forms.
"..."
The seven of them just kept their eyes on him, standing in a semi-circle. They remained silent, as if they were waiting for Verc to say anything— perhaps a command, a speech, or a direction on where they should go next.
But then—
"Well then, I guess this is goodbye now."
Verc suddenly said that.
The announcement hit the group like a physical blow.
"...?"
The silence that followed was heavy with shock. They all froze, their eyes widening as they processed the fact that the man who had just saved their lives and granted them new hope was planning to just walk away.
Verc didn’t seem to notice their stunned expressions. He turned his back to them and started approaching Bong who was hitched nearby.
He also called for Onyx, and began packing up. He was ready to move on to his destination.
And realizing this—
"Wait! Lord Verc!"
Tatum shouted that and stepped forward quickly, his boots thumping against the ground. The others followed his lead, moving as a group to block Verc’s path toward his horse.
"...?"
Verc stopped and turned back to them, looking genuinely confused. He tilted his head slightly, his hand resting on Bong’s saddle.
"What is it? Did I forget something?"
Verc asked them.
The group shared a look of pure hesitation and confusion. They seemed to be struggling to find the right words.
But after a while, Tatum spoke up, his voice wavering slightly.
"Are you... are you not going to take us under you?"
Tatum asked that.
Verc’s brow furrowed into a frown. He looked even more confused than before, his expression turning into one of pure bewilderment.
"Take you under me? Why would I do that?"
He asked.
And this time, it was Jed who stepped forward to answer. He stood tall, but there was a deep sense of respect and obligation in his stance.
"You helped us when we had nothing and barely know anything about us. You gave us another chance, a new life, and a new power. We thought that for us to pay it back... you’ll have us be your subordinates. We expected to serve you."
Jed explained.
Verc just casually brushed his shoulders, as if the life-altering decision he had performed was nothing more than a minor favor.
"Look, I did it on a whim. I saw you guys were in a bad spot and I thought I’d help out. You don’t have to do anything for me. You’re free now. You should all just go find a new place to live and forget about me... Oh, and also take revenge or something."
Verc said, dismissing their concerns with a wave of his hand. He turned back to his horse, intending to finish his preparations.
But then, Ashley spoke up. She moved to the front of the group, her eyes fixed on Verc.
"How about us who are connected to you now?"
She asked.
Verc paused again, sighing as he turned back around.
"What do you mean?"
Verc asked.
"I mean those of us who drank your blood. Tatum, Maya, and I... we can feel you. It’s like a thread in the back of our minds. We are connected to your essence. How can we just forget about you when we can literally sense your presence?"
Ashley asked, referring to the specific bond that had been created by the second method of transformation.
Verc frowned deeper. He hadn’t really thought about the long-term implications of that blood connection. To him, it was just a way to heal them.
"That’s... well, you’ll probably get used to it eventually. Just ignore it."
Verc said, trying to brush it off again.
The group shook their heads in unison. It was clear that they weren’t going to let this go. They looked at each other, a silent agreement passing between all seven of them.
"We cannot just leave."
Tatum said firmly.
"You are our saviour and creator now. You are the one who gave us the strength to seek revenge and to survive in a world that hates us. Whether you want it or not, we owe our lives to you. We will follow you as repayment."
The others nodded, their expressions resolute. They weren’t asking for permission anymore; they were stating a fact. They were a pack now, and they had chosen their leader.
Verc frowned, looking at the seven red-eyed vampires. He had never intended to start a cult or a private army. He liked his solitude. The idea of seven people following him around everywhere sounded like a massive headache.
"Look, I really don’t need subordinates. I prefer traveling alone. It’s less work."
Verc tried one last time to refuse them.
"We will not be a burden, Lord Verc. We will hunt for ourselves, we will guard you while you sleep, and we will fight your enemies. We just ask to stay by your side."
Jed said.
’I don’t sleep though.’
Verc thought to himself.
Verc looked at their faces. He saw the loyalty, the determination, and the sheer stubbornness in their eyes.
Then... He realized that if he tried to ride away, they would probably just run after him on foot. And with their new vampire speed, they’d actually be able to keep up.
So in the end—
"Haaaaaah..."
He just let out a long, defeated sigh.
"Fine. Do whatever you want. If you want to follow me into the dirt, that’s your business."
Verc said, throwing his hands up in resignation.
Hearing this, the seven beastmen-vampires instantly looked happy. The tension left their shoulders, replaced by a sense of purpose.
"Thank you!"
They all shouted together. In a display of deep reverence, all seven of them bowed their heads low toward him.
Verc felt incredibly uncomfortable.
"Yeah, yeah... stop that. It’s weird."
Verc muttered.
Without another word, he quickly turned and went into his tent, practically diving inside to escape the awkwardness. He pulled Onyx in with him and closed the entrance shut, leaving the seven new vampires outside in the dark.
Inside the tent, Verc sat on his bedroll and stared at the fabric wall.
’What have I gotten myself into?’
He thought to myself, rubbing his temples.
Outside, the seven vampires took up positions around the tent. They didn’t sleep; they didn’t need to anyway. They simply stood guard, their red eyes scanning the darkness, ready to kill anything that dared to disturb their master’s rest.