Elder Level Strength?

Leo and Yuuki exchanged glances before turning their eyes back to Ian. Now that the battle had ended, curiosity gnawed at them.

"Ian," Leo started, his voice tinged with hesitation. "That laser… What exactly was that? I've seen countless blood abilities, but nothing even remotely similar."

Yuuki nodded, stepping closer. "Yeah. The sheer destructive force… I won't lie, even an Elder Vampire would be in danger if they took a direct hit. If you really wanted to, you could've killed us outright."

Ian chuckled, his deep voice echoing. "You're not wrong." He lifted a hand, flexing his massive fingers as if testing his own power. "But whether an Elder could survive or not… that depends on their strength, doesn't it?"

Leo and Yuuki stiffened at his words. He wasn't boasting—just stating a fact.

Before the conversation could continue, a powerful presence descended upon them. The air grew heavy, and a suffocating pressure enveloped the battlefield.

BOOM!

The stone walls trembled as three figures landed at the forefront of the vampire forces. Their crimson eyes burned with authority, and their long, regal robes fluttered despite the absence of wind. Three vampire elders had arrived.

Behind them, ten higher vampires—each exuding terrifying strength—stood ready, their hands gripping their weapons tightly. Their gazes locked onto Ian, wary and prepared for battle.

One of the elders, a tall vampire with long silver hair and piercing red eyes, stepped forward. His aura alone made the surrounding guards tremble. "Who dares attack Blood City?" His voice was sharp, commanding.

"Wait, Elder Alric!" Leo quickly stepped in, raising his hand. "This is all a misunderstanding!"

"Misunderstanding?" The second elder, a lean vampire with a scar across his cheek, narrowed his eyes. "You expect us to believe that after feeling such an overwhelming force?"

Yuuki joined in. "Ian isn't an enemy! He's a vampire—like us. And he's powerful. Stronger than any higher vampire I've seen… possibly even rivaling the Elders."

A hush fell over the gathered vampires. The ten higher vampires behind the Elders visibly tensed.

"Impossible," one of them muttered.

The third elder, a burly vampire with thick crimson armor, studied Ian carefully. His expression was unreadable, but a flicker of doubt passed through his ancient eyes. "Hmph. Even if what you say is true, strength must be tested."

Without warning, he raised his hand. A crimson glow burst forth, and in the blink of an eye, a razor-sharp blood spear shot toward Ian with terrifying speed.

Ian didn't move.

His eyes gleamed.

FWOOSH!

A concentrated beam of red energy blasted from Ian's eyes, meeting the elder's attack head-on. The impact created a shockwave that sent debris flying.

CRACK!

The elder's blood spear shattered. A moment later, a deep gash appeared on his shoulder, sizzling slightly from the laser's lingering energy.

The battlefield went silent.

The burly elder glanced at his wound, his eyes widening slightly. He had expected resistance—but not this. His gaze slowly lifted back to Ian, now filled with something new. Respect.

A deep chuckle rumbled in Ian's chest. "Was that enough of a test for you?"

The elder let out a slow breath before stepping back and giving a slight bow. "It seems I was mistaken. Your strength… is undeniable."

The other two elders remained silent, their gazes lingering on Ian with renewed caution.

Finally, the burly elder spoke again. "Forgive my earlier offense. I acknowledge you, Ian."

Ian smirked. "Good. Saves us all time."

The tension in the air finally eased. The guards, higher vampires, and even the remaining Elders couldn't help but feel the same thought run through their minds.

Just who was this Ian… and how strong was he really?

The air remained heavy even after the battle tension faded. The three elders exchanged glances before one of them finally spoke.

"We have seen enough." Elder Alric nodded toward Ian. "This matter shall be reported to the Vampire Council immediately."

The other two elders followed suit, giving Ian one last assessing glance before turning on their heels. Their crimson cloaks fluttered behind them as they left, their entourage of higher vampires trailing silently.

Leo and Yuuki let out a breath they hadn't realized they were holding. The confrontation had ended, and surprisingly, Ian stood unchallenged.

Ian, however, remained indifferent. He had no interest in the political dealings of the Vampire Council.

For now.

...

Two Days Later 

The Blood City was never silent. From the bustling market districts to the towering mansions of the noble clans, there was always movement, always whispers. But today, those whispers turned into loud discussions.

The Vampire Council had made an unprecedented decision—one that sent waves throughout the entire city.

"Someone called Ian has been granted the title of Honorary Elder!?"

"The giant that attacked the city!? He's only a true vampire! How can they promote someone who hasn't even evolved into a higher vampire?"

"Are you blind? Didn't you hear about what happened? He defeated two higher vampires with ease and even forced an Elder to retreat!"

"Don't you guys know what it means to be an Honorary Elder? It's those vampires that have Elder-level strength even though they're not Elder. That Ian seems to have only recently turned to True Vampire, yet his strength is comparable to a 1000-year-old vampire."

"Ian… just who the hell is he? Where did he come from?!"

"He must be a reclusive expert! Maybe he even drank ancient blood that made his body grow to such an extent—"

"Idiot! If that were the case, the Council wouldn't have made such a fuss. His strength is real."

The discussions varied depending on who was speaking. The common vampires saw Ian as a legend in the making. The noble families saw him as a threat to the existing hierarchy. And the higher vampires? They now feared him.

Not just for his overwhelming power.

But because they didn't know his limits.

...

A few days later, Ian found himself walking through the streets of Blood City once more. This time, he was not alone.

Leo walked beside him, acting as a guide, while Yuuki followed slightly behind. Many eyes turned toward them, but no one dared to approach. The once ordinary lesser vampire had suddenly become a major figure in the Blood Realm.

"So," Leo smirked, "10,000 contribution points, huh? You planning to buy an estate?"

Yuuki shook his head. "If he wanted that, he wouldn't have come here personally. He must be looking for something more valuable."

Ian remained silent, his deep eyes scanning the city. "Where can I spend them best?"

Leo and Yuuki exchanged glances before a grin spread across Leo's face.

"In that case… let's take you to The Scarlet Exchange."

Yuuki chuckled. "Heh, you'll love it."

...

One Month Later.

A Hotel in Blood City.

Ian sat in a dimly lit hotel room. The city outside was alive with its usual hustle and bustle, but Ian's focus was elsewhere.

Knock. Knock.

A voice came from outside. "Sir Ian, your delivery has arrived."

Ian's hand paused. A smirk played on his lips.

"My orders had finally come."