Chapter 14: In Search of Power: Towards the Metropolis

After four years of penance and rigorous training, Marcus was ready to leave behind his solitary life in the forest. Under Orion's guidance, he had not only become a warrior but had also learned to control his inner Bloody and Anomalous Chi and werewolf power. The ashes of Lilywood and the new identity he found in the wolf den were no longer a burden, but a source of indomitable power.

Marcus bid farewell to Orion, bowing to his master with deep gratitude. Orion gave him a final blessing: "Your journey will take you where you need to be, Marcus. Trust in your power, but never forget your humanity."

Marcus said goodbye to the forest and set his course for Elaria's largest metropolis, Ellaias. This was the capital where Emperor Draconius's palace was located. Marcus knew that in Ellaias he would find opportunities to become even more powerful. This was a place where various power groups, martial arts schools, and powerful warriors resided. He needed more power and allies to take revenge on the vampires, and Ellaias was the place where he could find them.

Arrival in the Metropolis: A New World

As he emerged from the forest, Marcus experienced a new world. The colossal walls of Ellaias touched the sky, and the city's hustle and bustle could be felt from afar. His heightened senses were now overwhelmed by the myriad smells and sounds of the city – the aroma of spices, the clang of metals, the whispers of thousands of people, and the clatter of horses' hooves. It was very different from Lilywood, a world where power and influence reigned supreme.

As he passed through the city's massive gates, Marcus found himself in a crowded marketplace. People were busy with their daily activities, unaware that a being carrying one of Elaria's most terrifying secrets was passing among them. Marcus had disguised himself in ordinary clothes to avoid drawing too much attention. His eyes, which sometimes glowed red, he had carefully concealed.

Marcus observed the city's tall buildings and the training grounds of powerful warriors. He realized that there were many powerful organizations here, by joining which he could further enhance his power. His Anomalous Chi surged within him, as if challenging him to discover his true potential.

Joining Powerful Forces: The Search for 'Blood Bound'

Marcus's first goal was to find a powerful group in the city that could further train him and provide him with information about Dracula's empire. He knew that there were some secret organizations in Elaria that opposed vampires, but getting information about them was not easy.

Marcus began to wander the city for several days, exploring every corner, and listening to the whispers among powerful warriors. He searched for places where power was practiced, where warriors honed their skills. His Bloody Chi drew him towards places where life and death had a deep connection.

One night, as he was passing through an old part of the city, he heard the sound of a mysterious fight. His sharp senses drew him to a narrow alley. There, some masked attackers were assaulting a lone warrior. The warrior was skilled but was losing due to being outnumbered. Marcus decided to intervene without thinking.

He focused his Anomalous Chi into his fist and lunged at the attackers. His speed was incredible, and his blows were so powerful that the attackers couldn't even react. In a few moments, he had knocked all the attackers to the ground. The warrior, who was injured, looked at Marcus in surprise.

"Who are you?" the warrior asked, his voice filled with respect and a little fear.

"A traveler," Marcus said, his voice deep. "Are you alright?"

The warrior slowly nodded. "I am Kelan. You are very powerful. I have never seen your fighting style before."

Kelan saw something in Marcus's eyes, something that seemed familiar. "You have a strange power. Are you... related to the 'Blood Bound'?"

Marcus was startled to hear the word. 'Blood Bound,' he had never heard that name before.

"Blood Bound?" Marcus asked.

Kelan looked at him carefully. "We are a secret organization that works to maintain balance in Elaria and oppose dark forces like vampires. Your power... it seems like ours, but more intense."

Marcus realized he had found what he was looking for. This was a powerful organization, an enemy of vampires.

"I want to join," Marcus said. "I need to become more powerful. I need to take revenge on the vampires."

Kelan saw the determination in Marcus's eyes and gave a serious smile. "You will gain power, Marcus. But joining the 'Blood Bound' is not an easy path. It is an oath, a sacrifice."

A New Chapter of Power

Kelan led Marcus to the secret hideout of the 'Blood Bound', hidden in an ancient labyrinth beneath the city. There, Marcus was introduced to other members of the 'Blood Bound' – powerful warriors, mages, and strategists. They sensed Marcus's power and recognized his potential.

The 'Blood Bound' began to teach Marcus more advanced martial arts styles, magical resistance, and information about the history and weaknesses of vampires. Marcus now not only received physical training but was also taught to use his Bloody and Anomalous Chi in new ways. He learned that the sanguine quality of his Chi could allow him to sense and even influence the blood of enemies, while his mysterious Chi could grant him invisible attacks and unique abilities.

After four years of training, Marcus had become one of Elaria's most powerful warriors. He was not just a martial arts master; he was an invaluable member of the 'Blood Bound,' whose power and skill had made him a legend. His eyes now glowed red, but they were under control, and his inner primal spirit now worked as one with him.

Marcus knew that Dracula was still out there, and the revenge for Lilywood was yet to come. But now he was not alone. He had allies from the 'Blood Bound,' and within him was the power that could change the fate of Elaria. The next chapter of his journey was now beginning, a chapter where he would confront his true identity and face Elaria's greatest enemy.