I Became the Progenitor Vampire Chapter 294 – Chapter 294 Chapter 296 Heart

Chapter 294: Chapter 296 Heart-eating Demon in Wales (6800 words) Chapter 294: Chapter 296 Heart-eating Demon in Wales (6800 words) P.S. I'm writing very slowly today, sorry~ My eyes are too heavy to stay open, I haven't made the third round of edits. I'll fix any typos tomorrow morning. Everyone should go to bed early, good night~
“My Lord, we've made progress with 'Dawn's Shadow'!”

Stanley's first words to Lide instantly lifted his spirits considerably.

But looking at Stanley's smile, which was uglier than crying, the corner of Lide's mouth twitched slightly, and his attention was rapidly diverted.

You are a Bloodline, and yet our high-attractiveness camp has been brought down a notch by you alone. Being ugly could get you kicked out of the camp…

However, Stanley's face wasn't actually ugly–despite the ferocious scar. He had a cold, elegant demeanor with a ruggedly handsome charm, but that scar on his face was exceedingly jarring and ruined what would have been his good looks.

Lide shook his head and refocused on the matter at hand. The scar was Stanley's choice to keep, and it wasn't anyone's place to comment.

“Go on.”

Stanley was fully in charge of the Dawn's Shadow project. Apart from significant matters, Stanley could make decisions on his own, so there were many details about Dawn's Shadow that Lide was unaware of.

Lide had placed full trust and support in Stanley, confident in his intelligence to shoulder this hefty responsibility.

Excitement flickered in Stanley's eyes as he detailed the process of purchasing slaves to consume their blood to enhance his level, to how he coerced and enticed, and finally the initial embracing of a fallen noble.

“Are you saying you faced backlash after enhancing your level by consuming fresh blood?” Instead of focusing on the newly embraced young noble, Lide was more concerned with Stanley's level advancement.

The Crimson Hunter was extremely powerful, an absolute trump card for the Bloodline, and the consumption of fresh blood to increase power was a super trait not possessed by the other three professions.

Still, the backlash after consuming fresh blood was unexpected to him.

He had been busy handling various major affairs recently, leaving little energy to delve deeply into the Bloodline's professions, so his knowledge on the subject was limited.

“That's correct,” Stanley said with a hint of solemnity. “After my level-up, the negative emotions hidden within me due to blood consumption erupted. An intense desire to kill and the screams of countless souls nearly shattered my sanity.

If it weren't for my experience in facing trials of willpower, I would have likely become a mere killing tool after advancing in level.”

Lide's brow furrowed slightly and after a moment of contemplation, he replied slowly, “I will inform the others of this as soon as possible.

If it's merely about negative emotional backlash, it likely has to do with your rapid consumption of fresh blood in a short period.”

After a pause, a gleam of insight shone in his eyes.

“This level of negative energy cannot linger in the body indefinitely. In the future, you should try to extend the timeline and avoid consuming too much fresh blood in a short span.

Give your body some time to buffer.”

How much negative energy could be drawn from consuming two or three lives below level 15? Even the overwhelmingly negative energy of Undead Creatures couldn't cause such strong backlash.

It was clear Stanley had not properly managed it, consuming too much blood in a short time which caused an accumulation of negative energy, not dispelling until the moment of level-up, resulting in serious backlash.

Stanley nodded in agreement. “I had the same idea as you, my Lord, and am already experimenting with it.

However, there hasn't been much observable effect in the short term.”

Lide smiled slightly, forgoing further discussion as he trusted Stanley.

After some thought, he said softly,
“There's no rush with the matter of Dawn's Shadow, and make sure that the noble who became your initial embrace conceals his identity well.

We are already developing equipment that can resist Light Attribute powers, so until we make significant progress, it's crucial to proceed cautiously and not act rashly–we have plenty of time.

The most important thing to be wary of in intelligence operations is carelessness and oversight.”

Stanley bowed respectfully, “Yes, my Lord, I will be careful and prudent in my actions.”

Lide nodded, “I'm reassured with you handling this.

About the Crimson Hunter's ability to recover Bloodline Power through consuming fresh blood and the potential to embrace others prematurely, I will arrange for other Bloodlines to test it soon.

If the Crimson Hunter can use blood to restore Bloodline Power, perhaps other Bloodlines might as well.”

The point about the Crimson Hunter's traits was of particular interest to Lide amidst the information Stanley reported. The numbers of Bloodline were too few, limited to only one initial embrace per year, making it difficult to quickly increase their forces.

If there was a solution, it would be incredibly beneficial for Dawn City.

“Should you discover more about the Crimson Hunter's profession traits, report them to me immediately.”

The Bloodline's professions were treasure troves, and while Lide lacked the time to explore them himself, he had many talents under his command who could compile their experiences and share with the rest of the Bloodline.

“As you wish, my Lord,” Stanley replied, certainly not disagreeing. In fact, he had already been compiling the Crimson Hunter's profession traits and related techniques–it was just not yet complete.

Lide nodded and turned to look at Grot, who had been silently standing by his side, his physique sturdy and imposing like a stone tower.

“Grot, has there been any activity from the 'Heart-Eating Demon' over the past year?”

Although he held the title of Vice President of 'Demon Heart,' Lide had not seen the half-demon level 19 Heart-Eating Demon named Wales since an incident where he nearly caused a disaster.

With his recent focus on Dawn City, Lide was somewhat out of touch with the goings-on in Green City.

“My Lord, there hasn't been much activity from 'Demon Heart' in the short term,” Grot shook his head and spoke with simple honesty.

“However, I did encounter the Heart-Eating Demon Wales the last time I purchased slaves. This half-demon's presence is now very subdued; I couldn't even sense his inner power when I walked in front of him.”

Oh?

Lide's eyes narrowed slowly.

A subdued presence? That was not good news, indicating that Wales had further honed his control over his powers.

He was likely not far from a breakthrough to the Extraordinary level.

But Lide wasn't troubled–no matter how close Wales was to becoming Extraordinary, it would still take years to break through, as it was not so simple to rise to that level.

As long as Lide could bluff the opponent now, that was sufficient.

As for the future, if Dawn City couldn't handle an Extraordinary being in the next three to five years, they might as well disband.

“I mainly returned this time because of the upcoming auction at the black market for Three Circle and Four Circle Magic Scroll Making Skill,
If I remember correctly, the Dark Contract had also participated in the management of the West District black market under the recommendation of the Demon Heart, acquiring a portion of the market's power.

“Do you know more about the inside story of this matter?”

Stanley shook his head, “My lord, this matter is completely manipulated by the Demon Heart, and the information we have obtained is not much more than that of the Crimson Mage Tower.

In fact, the Crimson Mage Tower has sources from the upper echelons of Green City and is likely to know even more than the Dark Contract.”

This was the helplessness of underground forces; although the Dark Contract also had connections with several high-ranking nobles of Green City, the network of interests had shattered after the disappearance of the Dark Contract's former chairman Viscount Bernard.

The newly established network was nowhere near as vast as that of the Crimson Mage Tower and the Demon Heart.

Thus, in some channels of information, the Dark Contract might indeed not match up to the Crimson Mage Tower.

Moreover, since this auction primarily targeted the visible powers of Green City, the information obtained by the Dark Contract was significantly delayed.

This was also why Lide was determined to establish an intelligence command center; with so many forces at his command, each excelling in different areas, it was essential to integrate their strengths to provide more useful references for the decision-making of Dawn City.

“Mm, I'm already aware of the information from the Crimson Mage Tower, I'll handle this matter.

Besides, how is the construction of Green City's intelligence network going?”

Stanley's stay in Green City was partly to undertake the Dawn's Shadow project and partly to build an intelligence network.

Although Dawn's Shadow was currently very important, the basic intelligence network could not be neglected.

“My lord, everything is going according to plan. Our informants have been placed in position gradually. However, to prevent any risk of exposure, these informants have been lurking, waiting for our signal to activate.

The intelligence network is expected to be fully operational by this year's Frost Month.”

A flicker of confidence crossed Stanley's eyes; he had invested a lot of effort in this area.

Lide nodded and did not press further, leaving the job to the expert. Stanley's talent in this field was undeniably exceptional.

With the additional information related to Earth that he had given previously, operating the intelligence department wasn't too problematic.

“Let's discuss these matters later. For now, prepare yourself; accompany me to the Demon Heart.”

“Yes, my lord.”

This time, the objective was the Magic Scroll Making Skill, and there was no rush to handle other matters after that–if someone else snagged the Magic Scroll Making Skill, his loss would be substantial.

Under Lide's command, a luxurious caravan guarded by 30 Level 10 Dark Contract warriors quickly set out from the Black Rose Manor.

Green City's southern district could accommodate over 600,000 people and was immense.

The black market was located at the center of the southern district, at some distance from the Black Rose Manor.

Although it was already nightfall, Lide did not proceed to his meeting accompanied only by top combatants as he had done before.

What was Lide's status now? He was Lord Ilo!

The chairman of the Dark Contract, the Vice President of the Demon Heart, the Legendary figure who had reached the heights of transcendence.

Such a status naturally warranted a befitting display of power.

The most lavish of noble caravans, the most formidable guards, and even Grote, the Level 17 Bloodline, personally serving as the captain of Lide's guard, leading the way.

Grote, atop a black and white high-steed, led the way at the very front, his powerful aura radiating. The blood-tinged aura subdued the greedy gazes of those wicked souls of the West District.

The flag fluttering on the carriage behind Grote made them subconsciously disperse.

A sensuous black rose bloomed provocatively on the flag.

In the West District, few were ignorant of the power behind this black rose.

As one of the three giants of the Green City underworld, the reputation of the Dark Contract was without question.

If the Dark Contract's banner caused passersby to frown and retreat, then Grote's formidable presence left them in awe. A powerful being clearly beyond Level 15 was merely a guard for that luxurious caravan.

If the guard was Level 15, who could possibly be worthy of such a top-ranking professional's protection?

Connecting it to that alluring black rose, a name that made everyone's breath quicken emerged in their minds.

Lord Ilo.

That leader of the Dark Contract, unseen but always revered by the Level 19 Heart-eating Demon Wales, left a legend in the West District.

Rumors had it that this unseen lord was a true Transcendent, as in, on the same level as the Extraordinary Mage that was well-known in Green City.

It was also due to the famous name of Lord Ilo that the status of the Dark Contract steadily rose in the West District.

Few forces dared to offend the Dark Contract with a Transcendent at its helm.

Lide's luxurious caravan left Black Rose Manor and made its way to the black market without any attempt to conceal its movements.

Word of Lord Ilo's appearance quickly made its way to the desks of numerous bosses within a short time frame.

Most of this information was only a brief message.

The chairman of the Dark Contract, an Extraordinary Existence–Lord Ilo is currently heading to the central area of the West District, the suspected destination being the black market. Avoid any confrontation.

Surviving in the underworld is far more difficult than in the world bathed in light and normalcy.

Above ground, Green City's forces adhere to conventional morals and rules, able to maintain a baseline.

But there are no baselines in the underworld; here, it is the epitome of the law of the jungle, where evil is commonplace.

Those forces that grew and thrived in the West District were nearly all cunning as foxes–there were few fools among them, with the idiotic having been weeded out during their rise.

Unbeknownst to Lide, before he even reached the black market, his terrifying legend had already prompted a host of potential adversaries to become meek.

Clip-clop~ Clip-clop~
Hooves struck the cobblestone pavement, wheels rolled forward.

Half a day later, the carriage came to a gentle stop.

“Your Majesty, we have arrived at the black market in the Western district.”

Lide nodded slightly upon hearing the voice outside the carriage, turning his head to glance at Betty, who had remained silent during the journey, donning a black mask that only revealed her two large eyes.

He waved his hand and then stepped out of the carriage.

Possibly due to wearing the mask, Betty's gaze seemed bolder, almost continuously stealing glances at Lide while inside the carriage.

Now that it was time to disembark, she felt an inexplicable sense of reluctance.

After stepping off the carriage, Lide looked at the bustling street before him and nodded slightly.

The black market in the Western district wasn't just a market, but an entire street.

The black market here sold a variety of goods with dubious origins – possibly stolen, robbed, or acquired through extortion. Legitimate items were, in fact, relatively rare.

Even the evil items that were not permitted outside – rotting corpses, blasphemous offerings to evil gods, tributes for demonic rites, and magic materials required by Undead Mages, amongst others – were all available here.

Most of the things prohibited in the outside world could be bought here.

And there was a saying in the Western district's black market that everyone enjoyed quoting – if you can afford it, everything here can be taken away, even my soul.

Of course, Lide had no love for souls. He turned his head to look at Grote, who was approaching him, clad in Dwarf armor and leading a contingent of guards.

“Which auction house are we heading to?”

“Your Majesty, the black market has only one auction house – Arnold Auction House.”

Stanley, who had come up beside Lide, added, “Arnold Auction House is directly controlled by the Heart-eating Demon, and Wales, the Heart-eating Demon himself, often resides there.

However, you cannot drive a carriage into Arnold Auction House; you need to walk through half of the street to reach it.”

Was this the den of that Level 19 half-demon?

A trace of amusement flashed in Lide's eyes, feeling somewhat akin to the mood of going to defeat a boss.

“Let's head straight there.

I suspect our friend has already received the news.”

The caravan had left Black Rose Manor without any concealment, it would have been strange if the Heart-eating Demon didn't notice.

Leaving some people to guard the luxurious caravan, Lide, surrounded by a throng of guards, stepped into this black market that was said to have been in existence since the founding of Green City.

The street was paved with gray stones, neat and clean, without the stench of refuse common in other districts. Most of the reliefs on the walls were in praise of the divine and related to religious legends.

The shops, most of them with semicircular arches, had roofs with spires adorned with carvings of fire-breathing giant dragons.

Inside the shops, the items for sale were chaotic and varied – Longswords with notches, armor stained with blood, and even shriveled human heads and foul-smelling Demon Beast carcasses.

Everything exuded an aura of abnormality.

Lide walked leisurely, observing the surroundings with interest.

The crowd on the streets was mostly composed of professionals.

The warriors, reeking of sour beer and clad in full armor, squinted sleepily, clung to their greatswords, and staggered as though they might collapse to the ground at any moment.

Thieves, dressed in black tight-fitting clothes and accustomed to lurking in corners and shadows, watched a well-dressed portly merchant with a greedy, rat-like gaze, as if their prey were about to be ensnared.

Spellcasters, adorned in Mage robes, held their heads aloof, scornful of the surrounding crowd. The intense Magic Fluctuation emanating from them forced the crowd to give them a wide berth, afraid to offend these notoriously eccentric beings.

There were also archers with longbows, shield-bearers with shields, and mysterious figures with their heads covered, hiding their shapes.

In Green City, where commoners and beggars were most often seen, here they became a rare sight.

It was bustling and lively, primitive and magical, the essence of a Medieval magic world leapt vividly before the eyes.

Lide looked around curiously; this was also his first encounter with the so-called blackness, and all sorts of strange and peculiar items overwhelmed this Earthling's soul.

Although the street was lively, there wasn't any overt violence or evil; still, Lide sensed some hidden evil beneath the calm surface.

Amidst the passing crowd, there were often presences filled with discomfort for the ordinary people, and he could effortlessly sense several passersby radiating an unmistakable aura of Dark Life.

Indeed, it was a market befitting its name. Lide took a deep look at a figure cloaked in a cape brushing past his guards.

That was the aura of the Undead…

Half a day later.

Arnor Auction House.

Lide finally understood why the carriage couldn't drive directly to the Arnor Auction House.

The auction house was actually built beneath the ground's surface.

An impressive feat, they had hollowed out an entire area of the ground and then constructed this auction house within the rock underneath.

Since Dark Contract was also one of the managers of Arnor Auction House, Lide and his entourage were allowed to enter directly.

The moment he saw the auction house, a flash of amazement crossed his eyes.

Such architecture could only belong in a magical world; if placed on Earth, it would indeed be Legendary.

Arnor Auction House was majestic, its interior structure resembling that of an egg, carving out an enormous space within the rock, then encircling the rock, twelve circles of construction from the top to ground level, an imposing 120 blades high.

These twelve rings of architecture were spectacular, like the stellular rings of a star, enough to quicken anyone's pulse.

The auction house was not dark; magic lamps covered the surrounding rock faces and buildings.

Looking down from the twelfth and highest level, it was like a scene from a mythic saga, awe-inspiring.

Countless magic lamps dotted the spacious circular auction hall, like fireflies, their warm yellow light contributing to a hazy and dreamy atmosphere.

Even a modern light show could not compare to this quaint and magical scene's ability to stir the soul.

Lide rested his hands on the railing of the top twelfth level, gazing down at the scene below, his face calm but his heart giving twelve points of approval.

It's no easy feat to befittingly serve as the lair of a Level 19 Heart-eating Demon, a place energizing the thrill of facing a boss.

“Respected Lord Ilo, Mr. Wales invites you to the main hall…”

Just a minute after entering Arnor Auction House, a mysterious person draped in a black cloak, exuding the aura of a Level 15 top-tier professional, approached Lide with ten stunningly beautiful girls.

Upon their encounter, Lide immediately sensed the demonic aura emitted by the mysterious person.

“Lead the way.”

Lide nodded, dispensing with any superfluous small talk.

Now, he was no longer the Lide who relied on deceit to act a year ago.

Although the Level 19 Wales was formidable, Lide could still suppress this Heart-eating Demon if he wished.

It was merely a matter of the cost.

Lide issued an order that naturally no one dared to refute; beneath the black mask, Betty's eyes sparkled with the eagerness to try, full of fighting spirit.

Challenging the strong has always been a pleasure for her.

A cold light flickered in Stanley's eyes as he observed the mysterious person and everything around him, as if he intended to etch every detail into his memory.

Grote, on the other hand, loyally followed beside Lide, protecting Lide's honor with his tower-like physique.

Seeing this scene, Lide's lips curled up in a satisfied smile.

The power now at his side was enough to make any opponent shiver.

Level 17 Crimson Hunter Grote, Level 16 Crimson Hunter Stanley, Level 16 Northern Land's Valkyrie Betty, and in his arms, the Level 15 newborn king Castro, shrunken and donned in Extraordinary Armor. Plus, there was the Level 18 Bone Dragon Withered Bone lurking in Dimension Space.

With the addition of himself, a Level 15 Blood Clan Ancestor, his side currently boasted an impressive six top-tier combat powers of Level 15 and above.

As long as the Heart-eating Demon Wales hadn't stepped into transcendence, he could not escape Lide's reach.

Lide's eyes were profound, and in his pitch-black Mage robe complemented by the fangs in his mouth, he exuded an indescribable allure and handsomeness.

Tap tap, tap tap–
The group walked on the black hardwood floor, slowly descending.

Creak, creak–
Besides the staircase, there was also a Magic Elevator carved into a recessed passage in the rock.

These Magic Elevators were constructed using magic and needed merely a surge of Magic Power to operate.

Although no different from an ordinary elevator, once associated with magic, it immediately seemed out of the ordinary.

Even Lide took several extra glances.

Creak, creak, creak–
The subtle sound of chains rubbing against each other rose as the elevator descended smoothly.

The third floor.

The Magic Elevator came to a stop.

Dozens of figures were already waiting at the entrance of the doorless elevator.

In the central position stood a tall figure in elegant noble attire, his eyes a soft crimson hue.

Despite appearing like an old-time noble, the stench of blood that wafted from him was chilling to the bone, hinting that this elegant middle-aged man was not entirely human.

When Lide stepped out of the Magic Elevator and saw the middle-aged man, his eyes slightly narrowed.

Chairman of the Demon Heart, the Level 19 Heart-eating Demon Wales.

Such a familiar demonic aura.

“Wales welcomes your arrival with the greatest respect, Lord Ilo.”

Upon seeing Lide, the Level 19 Heart-eating Demon Wales, who was faintly surrounded by the smell of blood, immediately stepped forward, looking at Lide, now appearing as Lord Ilo, with utmost deference.

He could not help but respect him–the man who guided him on the path to transcendence. In Wales' heart, Lide's strength was likely Legendary.

Respect must be given to the powerful!

Lide observed the respectful Wales and showed a meaningful smile.

Secondary identity–Lord Ilo, Chairman of Dark Heart
While using a secondary identity in Green City's Underworld, +10 Legend Level, earning the title Dark Legend.

Dark Legend traits: 1) When facing Dark Race creatures, intimidation is heightened, gaining Dignity Effect with creatures whose Legend Level is 5 points below yours (enemies experience fear, all attributes decrease by 30%); 2) High likelihood to intimidate Lower-Level Dark Creatures into serving you; 3) Viewed with hostility by creatures of Good and Nature camps.

The secondary identity has a special intimidation effect on the Heart-eating Demon Wales, with +10 Legend Level when facing him.

The first time he'd met this Heart-eating Demon, Lide had led Wales to touch upon the path of transcendence with a series of persuasions.

Since then, his alternate identity was acknowledged by the other, and he gained the Dark Legend trait.

Compared to that time, Lide found this somewhat laughable; the man was indeed easy to cajole.

“Indeed, Wales, your aura is increasingly subdued. The path to transcendence is near.”

“Praise be to your magnanimity, my lord! It is all your doing!”

Wales praised loudly, his face showing even more respect.

Lide smiled faintly, about to speak when, out of the corner of his eye, he suddenly caught sight of a figure in the crowd that surprised him.

What is she doing here??

Chapter end