The crimson moon bathed the ritual chamber in its eerie light, casting dancing shadows on the cracked stone floor. Lucas stood at the center of the seal, arms crossed, fangs bared—not because he was angry… but because his ceremonial robes were two sizes too tight.
"I swear, if this thing hugs my balls any tighter, it'll be a fertility ritual instead," Lucas muttered.
Mira, standing at the edge of the runes, coughed awkwardly. "It's supposed to represent purity and sacrifice."
"Right. Next time, I sacrifice the tailor."
The ancient runes around Lucas began to glow with a pulsating red light as the seal reacted to his bloodline. The chamber shook, dust falling from above. A monstrous face of shadow began to form in the center—a smoky silhouette with glowing eyes. The Progenitor was waking.
Lucas braced himself, but instead of a violent explosion or deadly tendrils, the entity simply… blinked.
"You again?" the Progenitor said in a deep, echoing voice. "You're shorter than I remember."
Lucas snarled. "You're still ugly."
The ground cracked. A wave of mental force smashed into Lucas's mind, dragging him into a swirling void—the inner world of the seal.
Inside the Seal – Mental Realm
Lucas stood face-to-face with the Progenitor, who now looked like a tall, regal vampire in a shredded cloak, eyes blazing with power. Around them floated shattered memories—visions of bloodlines, battles, and betrayals. The seal wasn't just holding the Progenitor—it was the battlefield.
"Only one of us leaves this place whole," the Progenitor intoned.
"Cool," Lucas said, cracking his knuckles. "If I win, do I get your hairline too?"
A shadow claw lashed at him. Lucas ducked, rolling through nothingness, calling on his blood force. His vision filled with system text:
> [Blood Authority Activated]
[City Planning temporarily disabled in sealed space]
[New Trait Gained: Bloodline Devourer (Locked until Victory)]
"Great," Lucas mumbled. "No construction tools. Guess I'll build your coffin manually."
The two clashed, minds colliding in sparks of red and black lightning. Each attack revealed more of Lucas's past—his transformation, his purpose, and his connection to the vampire race.
The Progenitor tried to overwhelm him with sheer presence, invoking ancient commands of obedience.
> [Warning: Mind Suppression Attempt Detected]
[Lucas's Willpower – 93% Resistance]
[Trait Unlocked: Rebel Soul]
Lucas grinned. "Nice try. But I've been mentally abused by my ex for years. You're gonna have to try harder."
The Progenitor actually blinked. "...What?"
Back in the Ritual Chamber
Mira watched in concern. Lucas's body twitched on the ground, eyes rolled back, muttering something about garlic pancakes and debt collectors. She stepped closer, blade ready—just in case.
"Come back, idiot…" she whispered. "Don't leave me in charge of this mess."
[Author's Note]
Lucas faces the Progenitor head-on this chapterbecause sarcasm is apparently a valid battle strategy now. The city trembles, the chains weaken, and the blood runs deeper than ever. Thanks for reading! Love you guys !!
– Crimson Ruin