Chapter 12: The Bloodline Awakening

The Valenciari estate was silent under the weight of the upcoming event. A bloodline purity test was not something performed lightly, and today, the heir to the Valenciari family would be judged.

Vincent sat in the center of the dimly lit chamber, surrounded by high-ranking members of the mafia. Luciano Valenciari, his father, stood before him, his sharp gaze filled with expectation. To his right stood Alfonso Moretti, the Consigliere, while the Right-Hand Man observed from the shadows, arms crossed in silent contemplation.

A heavy wooden table in front of them held a ceremonial dagger engraved with ancient Valenciari symbols, a silver bowl, and an aged tome containing records of their bloodline's history.

Luciano spoke, his voice deep and authoritative. "Vincent, today, we determine the purity of your bloodline. As my son, you are expected to inherit the strength of our ancestors. Let us see if the Royal Valenciari Bloodline truly flows through you."

Vincent nodded. He had already awakened his Supreme Valenciari Bloodline, but the family needed undeniable proof.

Alfonso gestured toward the dagger. "Place your hand over the bowl, young master. This ritual will allow us to measure the strength and purity of your blood."

Vincent didn't hesitate. He grasped the dagger and made a small incision across his palm. Dark crimson blood dripped into the silver bowl, immediately reacting as ancient symbols around the chamber began to glow a deep scarlet hue.

The tome on the table flipped open on its own, glowing letters appearing on its pages as the Valenciari elders watched in solemn silence.

Then, the room shook.

The symbols in the chamber flared, the walls trembling as the blood within the bowl began to rise, twisting and spiraling into the air. It pulsed with a powerful aura, far greater than anything ever recorded within the family in centuries.

Gasps filled the room.

"Impossible…!"

"Such purity…!"

Even Luciano's normally unreadable expression shifted slightly. His sharp eyes fixated on his son as the glowing script solidified into words:

[Bloodline Purity: 100% – The Supreme Valenciari Bloodline has fully awakened.]

Murmurs erupted among the elders.

"A perfect bloodline…"

"No heir in the last three generations has achieved this!"

Even the Consigliere, Alfonso, let out a slow breath. "Young master, your bloodline… it surpasses even that of your father's. This is unprecedented."

Luciano remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking, his voice carrying weight. "Vincent, do you understand what this means?"

Vincent looked up, meeting his father's piercing gaze. "That I have the potential to surpass all who came before me."

Luciano's smirk was faint but unmistakable. "Precisely."

As the ritual settled, Vincent felt a familiar presence in his mind. The God Author's System responded to his awakening:

[Bloodline Evolution Confirmed!]

[Unlocked Abilities:]

Mafia Sixth Sense – Heightened awareness of danger, deception, and subtle movements.

Iron Creed (King's Regalia Artifact) – Enhances strength and allows for weapon destruction.

Gunslinger's Instinct (UPGRADED) – Now allows firearms to adjust aim with greater efficiency, bullets can now track moving enemies with twice the previous accuracy.

Mafia Aura (Lesser Form of Sovereign's Authority) – A subconscious pressure that affects weaker opponents, making them hesitant in combat. Full ability remains locked.

Basic Combat Insights – Granted from the Beginner Package, allowing Vincent to instinctively grasp fundamental combat strategies.

[System Credits Available: 500]

[System Credits Usage:]

Can be used to enhance bloodline abilities and unlock locked powers.

Can purchase specialized training programs within the system.

Can be exchanged for unique items or upgrades.

Vincent's eyes widened as he recalled the 500 credits. He skimmed through the system interface, realizing that with enough credits, he could accelerate his own growth, unlocking his latent abilities faster.

[Pending Unlocks:]

Final Command: The Don's Rampage – Locked.

Phantom Arsenal – Locked.

The Silver Guillotine (King's Regalia Artifact) – Locked.

Weapon Manifestation – Locked.

The Emperor's Mantle (King's Regalia Artifact) – Locked.

Sovereign's Authority – Locked.

Vincent clenched his fists. He had only begun to scratch the surface of his potential.

Luciano stepped closer, placing a firm hand on Vincent's shoulder. "With this revelation, there is no room for failure. The entrance exam to Ardent Academy will be the first battlefield where you prove your worth. You must not only pass but dominate."

Vincent met his father's gaze without hesitation. "I will."

Alfonso nodded approvingly. "We will arrange a private training session before you depart. You must learn to control the full extent of your awakened bloodline. The world will soon know your name, young master."

Just then, the door creaked open, and a small, delicate figure peeked in. Isabella Valenciari, Vincent's younger sister, ran toward him with wide, sparkling eyes.

"Big brother!" she squealed, clutching his sleeve. "Did you do something amazing again? I felt the whole house shake!"

Vincent chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Something like that, Bella."

She beamed up at him, pure admiration shining in her eyes. "You're the best!"

Luciano, watching the interaction, allowed a rare chuckle. "You'll need to grow strong enough to protect your sister, Vincent. The world beyond our estate is ruthless."

Vincent met his father's gaze once more and nodded.

As Vincent exited the chamber, his mind burned with determination. He wasn't just the heir to the Valenciari family anymore.

He was their strongest successor.

And soon, the entire world would know it.

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TO BE CONTINUED…