Chapter 323 [Event] [Dolphian Kingdom Under Ruins] [9] Alicia's Vampire Instinct
I never underestimated them, but they were mere minions, after all. Mobs Werewolves shouldn\'t possess such ease in unlocking their Bestial Form, let alone accessing it in the first place.
It all began when they ingested something... I had a hunch, albeit one I hoped would prove false, knowing it would only compound my frustrations in the days to come.
Gazing down at my clenched fist, I focused, summoning a mana circle that hovered above it, its rotations deliberate and slow.
As the Werewolf lunged towards me once more, its eyes blazing with ferocity, I bided my time, waiting for the opportune moment.
"Reverse Claws."
-BOOOOOM!
With a forceful punch, the mana circle expanded, unleashing a raging torrent of purple fire that engulfed the Werewolf with formidable power. Seizing its face in my grip, I hurled it aside, then propelled myself into the air, delivering a crushing kick.
-BOOOOM!
The Werewolf crashed into the ground, yet it persisted, summoning another Moonbreath from its gaping maw.
-BOOOOM!
The Moonbreath erupted skyward like a dark yellow beacon, aimed squarely at me in mid-air.
Frowning slightly, I crossed my arms.
-BAM!
Pain surged through me, tinged with a hint of warmth in my arms.
So, this is the fabled Moonbreath of a Bestial Form Werewolf?
Truly impressive, to wield such monstrous strength.
If those individuals could muster such power, one can only imagine the capabilities of someone like Rodolf...
Propelled higher into the air, I adjusted my stance and extended my right hand. "Allow me to offer you a glimpse," I announced with a smirk playing on my lips.
The nails of my right hand sharpened, emitting a vibrant purple glow. As I clenched my fist, a shockwave of purple fire rippled through the sky. Without hesitation, I called upon Samara\'s power, feeling invisible hands seize my legs and propel me forward with incredible speed.
"GRAAAAH!" The Werewolf leaped towards me, mouth agape, gathering a tremendous amount of Prana, likely amassing all the energy it could for its most powerful attack.
But it was already too late.
In an instant, my form blurred.
-BAAAAAAM!!!
My fist collided with the Werewolf\'s open mouth, abruptly halting its Moonbreath and shattering its teeth in the process. Hurtling past the creature at tremendous speed, I swiftly adjusted my trajectory and landed with a resounding thud upon the ground.
"An easy victory," I said, casually waving my hand as my right hand returned to its normal state. As the Werewolf reverted to its ordinary appearance, it slowly collapsed to the ground, the semblance of its Bestial Form fading away.
"That was astounding, Sir!" Martin exclaimed, his voice filled with awe.
"Indeed!" Leire chimed in, clearly impressed.
"Well, let\'s retrieve his bracelet and..." I began, but my attention was drawn to Alicia.
"She\'s... still fighting," Martin remarked, his gaze fixed on Alicia with a mixture of shock and admiration.
I couldn\'t blame him for being stunned.
Alicia faced the Bestial Form Werewolf head-on, seemingly unfazed by the ferocity of the battle. Nôv(el)B\\\\jnn
-BAM!
-BOOOOM!
Blood and fire danced around them as Alicia wielded her rapier with unmatched speed and precision. Each thrust was executed with unsettling accuracy and grace, targeting the Werewolf\'s weak points with calculated strikes that drew blood with each hit.
Ducking under the Werewolf\'s swinging fist, Alicia leaped and somersaulted, driving her rapier vertically to carve a fine line of blood along its back. With fluid motion, she then stepped onto its back, raising her rapier high. "Suck and feast on him," she commanded.
As her rapier pierced the Werewolf\'s flesh, I watched as it drew blood, but simultaneously, the blood trickling down the blade seared the wounds it created.
"GRAAAH!" The Werewolf seized Alicia\'s arm, slamming her forcefully onto the ground with a powerful motion.
"Guh!" Alicia spat blood, but swiftly regained her footing, rolling aside to evade a vicious kick that gouged into the earth. Assuming her rapier stance with determination etched on her bloodied face, she crouched slightly, her crimson gaze betraying no hint of fear. It was cold and composed, yet tinged with a primal desire for blood.
This was her instinct as a Vampire, further amplified by her status as a Princess. Born to draw blood from others, she was slowly awakening to this aspect of her nature, though the toll it took on her was evident.
"GRAAAAAH!" The Werewolf\'s mouth widened, readying another attack.
It was a Moonbreath. I cast a glance at Alicia, assessing her condition before speaking. "Retreat. You won\'t be able to withstand that attack in your current state," I advised her.
But Alicia remained silent, her gaze fixed ahead, clearly resolved to face the attack.
"Come on, Junior, retreat. Unless you want to be embarrassed in front of your future husband," I goaded, nodding towards Adrian.
Still, Alicia showed little reaction, except for a curt response, "I can handle this alone."
"No, you can\'t. It\'s evident to me, your father, and everyone else," I countered, shaking my head.
"Shut up," Alicia retorted coldly.
Observing her closely, I couldn\'t help but wonder...
What was she attempting to prove, and to whom?
She already possessed great abilities, capable of facing a Bestial Form Werewolf, yet it seemed she hungered for more.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed James Raven and Victor, both visibly concerned for Alicia\'s well-being.
-BOOOOOOM!
That was your choice, Alicia Angelica Raven.
"UGHHHH!" Alicia summoned a large mana circle, from which scorching blood spurted out, forming a whirlpool in an attempt to counter the Moonbreath. Despite her efforts, she struggled against the powerful impact, her feet sliding back, tearing the ground apart.
Her grip on her rapier faltered, and she could only attempt to block the attack. As she struggled to hold back the Moonbreath, she coughed up blood, her once-pale skin now sickly pale.
"This girl..." I watched her with a mixture of emotions I couldn\'t quite decipher.
In the Game, I never witnessed this side of her, hidden as she was, but I couldn\'t deny my admiration for her prowess.
"Pierce through! Blood Salamander!" Alicia suddenly exclaimed, the mana circle expanding as the Salamander reappeared, swallowing the Moonbreath whole before exploding into a rain of blood.
Seizing the opportunity, Alicia dashed through the blood rain, delivering a final, decisive thrust of her rapier into the Werewolf\'s stomach before swiftly withdrawing it. It was a swift and devastating move.
The Werewolf\'s eyes glazed over as its body reverted to its original form, collapsing onto its back.
A heavy silence blanketed the stadium as all eyes were fixed on Alicia, who gasped for breath. Stabbing her rapier into the ground, she struggled to remain upright.
"G-Group C wins!" James Raven\'s voice broke the silence, a mix of relief and pride evident in his tone.
The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers, but Alicia still fought to catch her breath, her head spinning as she began to collapse.
Reacting quickly, I caught her shoulders, lifting her up and placing her over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
"U-Ugh..." Alicia groaned in pain, but I paid no heed as I carried her to the healers.
"Take care of Junior," I instructed them.
"Y-Yes..." They responded, hurrying to attend to Alicia\'s needs.
"Is she okay?" James Raven asked worriedly.
"She\'s fine, Professor Raven. Just in need of some rest," the healer reassured James Raven with a smile.
James breathed a sigh of relief, his worry evident despite his daughter\'s disdain for him.
"So, when will you teach me your Raven Art, Professor?" I interjected, flashing a smile.
James sighed once more at my inquiry. "As I\'ve said before, I can\'t-"
"Are you content with Alicia marrying that scoundrel, Adrian?" I pressed on, cutting him off abruptly. "I imagine you\'re enraged by Adrian\'s mistreatment of your daughter, but being under orders from your father, the Head, you\'re powerless. It must be hard, facing the resentment of your own daughter and ex-wife."
A chill settled over James\'s features as I delved into his personal affairs. "This is none of your concern, Amael. Watch your words. I\'m your Professor."
"True, but I speak not to the Professor, but to the father," I retorted, meeting his gaze with seriousness. "It\'s clear you\'re not pleased with the current situation."
James remained silent, his fists clenched tightly.
"Promise me your Art, and I\'ll offer you an invaluable reward," I offered.
Suspicion flickered in James\'s eyes, but I approached him with a knowing smile. "Tomorrow, when you announce the second round, pit me against Adrian Dolphis," I whispered.
"What?!" James exclaimed, taken aback.
"Don\'t be surprised. You\'ve endured unjustified hatred from your family, but now I offer you a chance to bend the rules for Alicia\'s sake," I explained. "I\'ll break off the engagement between Alicia and Adrian, with King Dolphis as witness. Just arrange for my group to face Adrian\'s."
James struggled to comprehend my proposal, his expression fraught with uncertainty.
With a smirk, I continued, "...I\'ll handle the rest."