CHAPTER 25: VAMPHOOD

 "Hey, what is going on?" the vampire guy asked, utterly bewildered.

Hazel's gaze locked onto the vampire, his eyes flashing crimson. "Simple. You die."

"Hey, we are on the same side now!" the vampire protested.

Suddenly, Alexa vanished from sight. The vampire guy scanned his surroundings, unable to locate her. He turned just in time to see Alexa's hand pierce through the female vampire's chest, her heart clutched in Alexa's grasp on the other side.

"Stop! We are on the same side!" the vampire guy repeated desperately.

"Sorry, but I think you're mistaken," Hazel said coldly.

"Release my heart at once!" the female vampire demanded of Alexa.

"Just as I thought, ripping out your heart isn't enough to kill you when you're a vampire," Alexa observed.

The vampire guy lunged to help the female vampire, but Hazel instantly appeared before him, causing the vampire to jump back to avoid an attack. As he landed, he looked down in confusion, his legs unresponsive.

"Wait, what happened? I can't feel my limbs," the vampire guy thought in panic.

"Oh, sorry. I think I might have mistakenly taken your legs and hands," Hazel said with a chillingly casual smile.

"What the f*ck do you mean by 'mistakenly,' you demon?!" the vampire guy shrieked.

"Oh, now I'm the devil? Well, I guess I am," Hazel said, unleashing the oppressive aura of the Demon Lord within him.

"You're the one that killed the Demon Lord?!" the vampire exclaimed in shock.

"Surprise," Hazel said with a dark chuckle. "I really appreciate the upgrade you came to give me. I will enjoy using it."

Meanwhile, Alexa slowly crushed the female vampire's heart in her hand, a cruel smile playing on her lips.

"We surrender! You win! We will leave!" the vampire guy pleaded.

"Sorry, but there is no surrendering," Hazel said flatly. "Enough of the play; it's time for you to die. Oh, and remember one thing: if you meet me wherever you're going, RUN." With that, Hazel swiftly slit the vampire's throat, the effect of his scythe ensuring a permanent death.

"Alexa, end her already, and let's head home to the others," Hazel commanded.

Alexa finished crushing the female vampire's heart, ending her life.

{You have killed a vampire, you have gained 100,000 EXP}

{You have leveled up}

{Your level has been reset}

{You are now at level 10}

{You have obtained skill Blood Scythe}

{Your subordinate has killed a vampire and has gained 100,000 EXP}

{Your subordinate has leveled up}

{Your subordinate is now at level 10}

{Your subordinate has obtained skill Twin Blood Blade}

"Come on, let's go," Hazel said to Alexa.

They returned safely via Alexa's shadow travel, but their changed appearance upon arrival shocked the others.

"You are vampires now," Oscar stated, his eyes wide.

"Yeah, I guess," Hazel replied nonchalantly.

"Wait a minute, won't you try draining our blood?" Darwin asked nervously.

"We aren't exact vampires, and according to the system, we don't need blood to survive, so we're all good," Hazel reassured him.

"That's a relief. If you try sucking my blood, I will kill you," Mia declared firmly.

"Hey, Hazel, turn me into a vamp," Ashton said eagerly.

"Are you crazy?" Darwin exclaimed.

"Don't be a fool. You can feel it too, right? The increase in both their auras. They became stronger when they became vamps," Ashton argued.

"Hazel, turn me too," Darwin echoed.

"Don't leave me out of this. I want to get stronger also," Mia added.

Hazel sighed. "I can't believe we're doing this."

"If this is what you want, then fine. We still have to eradicate the other vamps, including their lord," Hazel conceded.

Hazel vampirized them.

Oscar's burning flames now had a bloody hue. Darwin's clothes and hair gained a striking red and yellow pattern. Ashton's usual monochrome turned completely red, with a watch symbol appearing on his coat. Mia gained a beautiful red tattoo. Shadow's fur became a mix of red and black, with bloody flames flickering above his paws.

Loris remained the only one unwilling, finding the idea of becoming a vampire repulsive compared to her demon heritage.

~System notification~

{You have obtained an achievement 'Young Lord'}

{You have now gained the ability to conceal your vampire side, and you can also do the same for your subordinate}

"Nice, right on time," Hazel commented.

He used vampire concealment on everyone, including himself. Their vampire traits vanished, and they appeared as they always had.

Hazel went to his favorite spot on the rooftop, gazing at the stars.

"I know you're there, Alexa," Hazel said softly.

Alexa emerged from his shadow. "I know you knew."

"Hazel, I want to tell you something," Alexa said, her voice hesitant.

"What might that be?" Hazel asked, turning to her.

"Hazel, I... I... I... love you," Alexa confessed, her face flushed as she covered it with her hands.

Hazel stood up and walked towards Alexa. "I know," he said gently. He took her by the waist, pulling her close, placed his hand on her cheek, and kissed her.