Lucas stared at the vampire council table like it might grow teeth and bite him. Honestly, that would be less painful than this meeting.
Seven clan leaders sat before him. All ancient. All annoyed. All wearing enough rings to arm-wrestle a treasure chest.
Lord Varric of the North snorted, "So you just activated an ancient relic. Without permission."
Lucas shrugged. "Wasn't really a 'permission' kind of moment. More of a 'save the city or die in fire' situation."
[System Update: Welcome to Vampire Congress™]
Current Topic: "Did Lucas screw up?" (Yes, but effectively)
Council Respect: 63% (mostly fear and confusion)
Lucas's Mood: Dangerously close to flipping the table
Recommended Action: Diplomacy, but like… sarcastic diplomacy
Lady Virella of the East leaned forward, ruby eyes glinting. "You may have won a battle, but your methods are... disruptive."
"Thank you," Lucas replied. "Disruption is part of the brand."
She hissed softly. "This is not a game."
"I know. If it were, the prize wouldn't be constant migraines."
Mira kicked him lightly under the table.
Lucas sighed and turned serious. "Look. You want control. I want survival. If that spire had stayed sealed, we'd all be ash right now. This isn't about ego. It's about what comes next."
[System Whisper: That almost sounded leader-like. Proud of you, sarcasm aside.]
Progress: You're growing
Subtle Threat Detected: Lady Virella is clenching her wine goblet too hard
Goat Status: Waiting outside. With sunglasses. Somehow.
Then… the doors opened.
And in walked someone unexpected.
Tall. Pale. Robes stitched with bone-thread. Eyes blind but glowing.
Lucas narrowed his gaze. "You weren't invited."
The stranger bowed slightly. "I represent the Deep Bloodline. We felt the awakening. And we bring a message."
Mira gripped her blade. The room tensed.
"What message?" Lucas asked.
The stranger smiled.
"The One Beneath... is curious about you."
[System Breakdown]
Identity: Unknown envoy from forgotten bloodline
Aura: Bad. So bad.
Intentions: Vaguely threatening, dramatically mysterious
Lucas Reaction: Probably about to say something stupid
Lucas tilted his head. "Curious? That's cute. I'm curious too. Like, why do you smell like sealed tombs and broken friendships?"
The stranger's smile widened. "We'll see you soon."
Then he vanished.
Literally.
Gone in a blink of blood smoke.
The council erupted.
"He's lying!"
"This is a declaration!"
"Deep Bloodline? That's a myth!"
Lucas just stood there, rubbing his temples.
"Cool," he muttered. "New threat unlocked. Old ones still simmering. And I haven't even had breakfast."
[System Final Notes – Chapter 26]
Threats: Multiplied
Allies: Slightly scared, slightly impressed
Lucas's Sanity: Hanging by a single fang
New Objective: Investigate Deep Bloodline
Council Mood: Like a nest of angry bats
Final Comment: Maybe start drinking. Politely.