Chapter 59: Taste Good

"This magical energy is…?!"

"Fourth Primogenitor? No… that's not it. Wait, why did it suddenly vanish?!"

"What happened?"

"Is the Kaleid Blood about to start?"

"Who awakened the specimen in the MAR research institute?"

"Could there be another Primogenitor here?"

"Hurry and see what's going on!"

The sudden surge of Shichen's magical power startled the people lurking nearby. Ever since the Fourth Primogenitor's specimen had been excavated, many received the news right away, and they were closely monitoring every move of the specimen.

The so-called Kaleid Blood was the name of the Fourth Primogenitor's awakening ceremony.

Ordinary folks wouldn't entertain the idea of becoming a True Ancestor—it was impossible anyway. But becoming one of their "Blood Servants" was certainly of great interest.

A "Blood Servant" is created when a vampire grants part of their body to another, turning them into a pseudo-vampire. This is fairly common knowledge in the demon city. Vampires possess absurd regenerative capabilities, but giving away a piece of their own body to a servant means that piece no longer regenerates. Typically, vampires create servants by sharing their blood, but to grant a more powerful servant, they might offer a more important body part.

Now that the Fourth Primogenitor had changed from mere legend to reality, it was only natural that some people would be tempted: if they could help her awaken and gain her favor, becoming her Blood Servant would mean the possibility of attaining True-Ancestor-level power!

From a nobody's perspective, it would be akin to "following the dragon" and seizing the opportunity for greatness.

Thus, the Kaleid Blood would inevitably stir up a storm of intrigue.

But it was also widely known that the Fourth Primogenitor had been separated into twelve portions, most of which had not yet been found, so the awakening ritual couldn't begin so soon. Some people, however, still worried that a different True Ancestor might show up to complicate matters.

Currently acknowledged True Ancestors were three in number: the first was the "Lost Warlord," ruling Europe; the second was the Alliance Lord "Fall Gazer," ruling Western Asia; and the third was the "Chaos Bride," presiding over North and South America.

They each commanded an army of thousands or tens of thousands of their own kind, establishing self-governing "Warlord Empires" on three separate continents. They were effectively the imperial rulers of the dark vampires.

To most people, the Fourth Primogenitor remained a mythical being rather than an actual existence. Yet now, the Fourth Primogenitor had apparently emerged. Naturally, there were those keenly interested in "following the dragon," hoping for a shot at greatness.

That dream, however, was already becoming unrealistic. The original consciousness of the Fourth Primogenitor had been completely devoured by Shichen!

The outflow of magical power had lasted but an instant. Once Shichen regained control and suppressed his aura, he began to digest the Fourth Primogenitor's memories.

Her ancient memories would help him grow stronger, because a vampire's power accumulates over the long years spent acquiring emotions and desires. The more time a vampire lives, the stronger they become.

A True Ancestor's centuries of experiences and accumulated might are beyond what humans or typical demons can compare to.

Shichen needed just that: the immense timespan. By devouring the Fourth Primogenitor, he could compensate for his own lack of that long history.

He had no interest in her personal memories—he only needed the blank epochs of her life.

When he opened his eyes again, bright crimson glinted within them. That gleam seized the mind and heart, full of bewitching charm. Without needing to test it, Shichen knew his True Ancestor power had become stronger than before, far more tangible and real.

The Fourth Primogenitor truly was a supreme tonic.

"What are you doing? Why such a huge commotion again?"

He had barely begun to revel in delight when a voice broke in. Before he noticed, Natsuki Minamiya's voice rang out in the room, and she appeared from within a magical formation by the bed.

"Natsuki-chan?" Shichen was taken aback. "Why are you here?"

"You still have the nerve to ask?! Have you no idea how big a disturbance you just caused?" Natsuki glared at him crossly, stepping over to give him a whack with her lace fan.

Shichen understood her meaning and, unconcerned, smiled at her. "Ah, sorry, sorry. My magical energy surged too abruptly."

"Didn't you say you only came to visit a classmate's family? What on earth did you do?" Natsuki frowned.

"Nothing much—just devoured the Fourth Primogenitor." Shichen answered honestly.

"Oh, so you just devoured the Fourth Primogenitor, that's all… Are you kidding me?! Why do you sound so casual about something so horrifying?" Natsuki again smacked him with her fan.

"Oww! Natsuki-chan, why have you been hitting me so often lately?"

"Because you deserve it! Don't change the subject; tell me everything!"

"Look at this girl," Shichen motioned to the bed, indicating Akatsuki Nagisa lying there.

"That girl… Wait—what did you do to her?" Natsuki glanced at Nagisa curled up peacefully, then at Shichen, her expression dangerous.

"Wait, wait, Natsuki-chan, why suspect me again?" Shichen cried out, aggrieved.

"You tell me. This little girl is about the same age as that Kanon, and here she is lying in bed like this. Why wouldn't I suspect you?"

"Can't you place a bit of trust in me? I don't go after underaged girls—at least I shouldn't."

"Hmph! Hurry up and explain."

"That girl was possessed by the Fourth Primogenitor's soul."

"You what?" Natsuki found it hard to believe.

"That's how it is." Shichen shrugged.

"…And no one noticed?"

Natsuki stared at Nagisa again. "I see. So the girl's shrine maiden powers must be quite outstanding."

"I suspect someone out there actually knew, but that guy's a bit unreliable." Shichen's tone was filled with contempt.

As a father, that man might have had his charms, but as a dad, he clearly dropped the ball.

"I see. Who is this 'that guy?'" Natsuki asked.

"Doesn't matter—he's not important."

"…"

"In short, this girl was possessed by the original consciousness of the Fourth Primogenitor, and it seems she sensed me and unexpectedly awakened."

"And then you devoured her?"

"Don't make me sound so cold-blooded. We were trying to negotiate, but it failed."

"Negotiation failed?"

"She refused to leave the girl's body and even tried to threaten me, basically courting death."

"Amazing job," Natsuki commented blankly.

"Right? Right? Shouldn't you give me a hug as encouragement now?"

"Encouragement, my foot! Do you have any idea how big a stir you caused just now? The moment you step out of here, your identity will be laid bare!" Natsuki once again smacked him with the fan—this time with some real force.

Shichen rubbed the spot on his chest. "So what? If my identity is exposed, then so be it. I can just teleport away."

"What use is that? How did you even get in here? Everyone will check, and it'll be easy to find you out."

"Uh… so what do we do?"

"Isn't that obvious?"

"No big deal. So be it if I'm exposed—I can just take over Itogami Island. Then you'd finally be free." Shichen grinned, turning his gaze upon Natsuki.

Natsuki froze slightly, then quietly responded, "…It won't be that easy."

"Ahaha~ Just leave it to me!" Shichen patted his chest.

Watching him, Natsuki pressed her lips together, thoughts tangled. This fellow truly kept her in mind, constantly thinking about her concerns.

~~~

Patreon(.)com/Bleam

— Currently You can Read 100 Chapters Ahead of Others!