The cold wind carried the scent of ash, stone, and something else—curiosity. Lucas sat in the upper chamber of the ruined keep, the highest structure still standing. The moonlight bled through a hole in the ceiling, painting him in pale silver as he leaned against a cracked pillar.
The city below stirred—quiet construction, murmurs, controlled hunger.
He opened the system interface.
[System: Crimson Core Accessed]
Welcome, Crimson Heir.
Blood Level: 6
Blood Energy: 71%
Clan Size: 14 Active Members
Loyalty Status: Stable (Low Fear, Growing Respect)
> View System Modules [Yes]
Lucas blinked. "Yes."
The interface shifted, revealing several panels:
[ACTIVE MODULES]
— Combat Enhancement
— Clan Management
— City Planning
— Bloodline Archive (Locked)
— Evolutionary Nexus (Dormant)
— Throne Protocol (Inactive)
"Bloodline Archive… what's that?"
The screen flickered. A harsh red warning appeared.
[Bloodline Archive: LOCKED]
Requirement: Absorb Ancient Blood (1/3)
Progress: 1 acquired (Crimson Core)
Lucas frowned. "So there's more to this bloodline than just power."
He turned to the next module.
[Evolutionary Nexus: Dormant]
This module adapts based on the structure and diversity of your clan.
Unique evolution trees will unlock as new species or bloodlines are added.
His mind churned.
Not just vampires? It wasn't a system designed to create a bloodthirsty horde—it was built to shape an empire.
He moved to the final, grayed-out panel.
[Throne Protocol: Inactive]
This protocol activates when territory reaches Stage 2 development.
Effect: Establish laws, resource flow, economic output, and diplomatic flags.
Lucas sat back, silent.
This wasn't just a leveling system.
It was a kingdom operating core. A living architecture.
And right now, it was asleep—waiting.
Waiting for blood, structure, loyalty... and something more.
Outside, Mira's voice echoed up the keep tower. "We caught a scout!"
Lucas stood immediately.
"Beast?"
"No. Human."
Lucas blinked.
The system pulsed.
[New Interaction Detected: Human Intruder – Unknown Intent]
Diplomatic Tree Unlocked – Options Available
Approach Carefully. First Contact Will Shape Future Relations.
He closed the interface with a whisper.
"Let's see what fate wants from me this time."