Chapter 57: A choice of power
Noah sat on the bloodstained floor of the dungeon, his chest heaving as the Dungeon Guardian's body slowly dissolved into shimmering particles. The notification of his level up still lingered in the corner of his vision, but what truly caught his eye was the new, glowing prompt that accompanied it.
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**Class Upgrade Available!**
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Intrigued, Noah opened his status window.
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**Noah's Status:**
- **Class:** Hunter (Upgradeable)
- **Level:** 6
- **Strength:** 9
- **Agility:** 4
- **Dexterity:** 4
- **Mana:** 4
- **Skill Points:** 1
- **Attribute Points:** 1
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Noah ignored the attribute point for now, focusing instead on the class upgrade notification. As he tapped on it, a new screen unfolded before him, presenting three potential paths:
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**Class Upgrade Options**
1. **Crimson Blade (Vampire Knight):**
A warrior who channels the power of their vampiric bloodline into physical combat, wielding unmatched strength and agility. Specializes in melee combat and blood magic-infused strikes.
2. **Bloodbound Mage (Vampire Arcanist):**
A spellcaster who manipulates mana and blood to unleash devastating spells. Gains access to unique blood magic and arcane vampiric techniques.
3. **Nightlord (Vampire Progenitor):**
A sovereign class tied to vampiric royalty. Balances physical prowess and magical aptitude while commanding lesser beings and wielding abilities of domination and control.
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Noah's breath hitched as he read the descriptions. Each class exuded power, offering an evolution beyond his current limits. But what struck him most was the consistent theme: **vampiric bloodline.**
He had assumed his transformation into a vampire in his previous world was a relic of that existence. But now, he realized that his bloodline persisted even here, silently shaping his abilities and future paths.
**"So this world recognizes what I am… or perhaps, who I am,"** Noah murmured, his fingers tracing the air as if touching the screen.
He couldn't help but wonder: if his class choices were tied to vampires, did that mean this world had its own vampires as well? And if so, were they hidden in the shadows like the ones he had faced before, or were they integrated into the very fabric of this society?
The thought of other vampires existing here stirred something within him. Excitement? Curiosity? Or perhaps a primal sense of rivalry. Regardless, it was clear that his bloodline would define his path in this world as much as it had the last.
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Noah leaned back, considering his options. Each class had its merits. The **Crimson Blade** would allow him to refine his swordsmanship and physical abilities, complementing his already impressive combat skills. The **Bloodbound Mage** could unlock new dimensions of power through spells and blood manipulation, a tempting option given the mana-based structure of this world. But it was the **Nightlord** that truly captivated him.
A sovereign, a ruler—someone who could stand at the apex and command others. It resonated deeply with his ambitions. He had ruled from the shadows in his past life, manipulating and dominating others to achieve his goals. This class seemed tailored for someone like him.
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With a smirk, Noah made his decision. **"Nightlord it is."**
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The moment he confirmed his choice, a surge of energy erupted within him. His entire body trembled as his vampire bloodline awakened further, the dormant power roaring to life. His senses sharpened, his vision shifted, and he could feel the mana in the air more acutely than ever before.
A new notification appeared:
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**Class Upgrade Complete!**
**New Class: Nightlord**
**Abilities Unlocked: Domination Aura (Passive), Blood Command, Dark Regeneration**
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The power was intoxicating, yet Noah remained composed. He skimmed through his new abilities:
- **Domination Aura (Passive):** Instills fear or loyalty in those nearby, depending on their strength relative to the user.
- **Blood Command:** Allows control over weaker creatures or individuals, provided they submit to the user's authority.
- **Dark Regeneration:** Enhances healing capabilities, allowing recovery from severe injuries using mana or blood as fuel.
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As Noah absorbed the details, a thought lingered at the back of his mind. **Were vampires a known entity in this world?** If they were, how did society view them? Revered? Feared? Hunted?
The possibilities were endless, and Noah knew he needed answers. If this world's vampires existed, he would either bend them to his will or destroy them completely. There was no middle ground.
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He stood up, gripping **Abyssal Night** tightly. The sword seemed to hum with approval, as though it recognized the elevation of its wielder. Noah could feel its power resonating with his own, a bond that transcended worlds.
Before leaving the dungeon, he allocated his attribute point to **Strength**, further solidifying his growing physical prowess.
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**Noah's Updated Status:**
- **Class:** Nightlord
- **Level:** 6
- **Strength:** 10
- **Agility:** 4
- **Dexterity:** 4
- **Mana:** 4
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As he walked out of the dungeon, the moonlight bathed his form, illuminating the confident smirk on his face. He was no longer a mere **Hunter**. He was a **Nightlord**, and his path to the peak of this world had only just begun.
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**"I will rule this world, and if vampires do exist here…"** he said to himself, his crimson eyes gleaming. **"They will either kneel before me or perish."**