[Warning: Unknown blood detected. Trace of divine origin confirmed]
[Analysis complete: Incompatible divinity]
[Divine Decree: This trace of authority is not of the Storm. Assimilation is forbidden]
[Warning: Storm condition critical]
[Override initiated]
[Divine Decree: Exception granted]
[The Storm absorbs the blood of the Vampire God's descendant]
[Warning: Corruption detected]
[Warning: The Storm is undergoing vampirization]
[Resistance initiated]
[Sufficient authority. Transformation denied]
[Stabilization complete]
[Divine Decree: The Storm shall not be corrupted. The Storm shall remain the Storm, and nothing else]
When Rohan opened his eyes, he was surprised to see multiple notifications hovering in front of him.
A vampire god?
Vampirization? Did someone just try to turn me into a vampire?
In an instant, several questions ran through his mind. For now, he still did not understand how or why his wounds had suddenly healed. The evidence was clear when he touched the upper right side of his abdomen, where his liver had been damaged. And both of his thighs had also recovered.
He also did not know exactly when his armor had disappeared and returned to his inventory.
But despite the many questions weighing on his mind, he slowly forced himself to rise to his feet. And once he realized nothing was wrong with his body, he smiled.
Good. I still can fight.
In an instant, he summoned the Soul of Leviathan.
He lifted his gaze, searching for the enemy.
But to his surprise, the fight was already over. In the distance, he saw Luciana kicking the enemy's face.
At that moment, his expression softened as he realized the danger had passed.
He was actually thankful that he did not have to fight. Because without his armor, he doubted he could have made any difference.
Afterward, he focused his attention on Luciana, who had miraculously recovered.
Naturally, he knew his followers, including Luciana, were not dead, which is why he had not panicked when he saw their bodies collapse earlier.
However, as far as he knew, vampires, despite their near immortality and resilience, still required time to recover from such devastating injuries.
And yet, Luciana had recovered far too quickly.
He was almost certain that something was off about Luciana. But for now, that was not his priority.
At a steady pace, he took a step and started to walk toward them.
Not long after, Luciana noticed him. At that moment, relief immediately appeared on her face when she saw him standing again.
But then, she frowned.
She noticed that his eyes were still blue, not red. And his scent had not changed either.
Before Rohan could speak, Luciana grabbed his face and forced his mouth open.
To her surprise, there were no vampire fangs.
Rohan, baffled by her behavior, pulled her hands away and frowned. "What's the matter?"
For a moment, Luciana did not know what to say. She just stood there with her mouth slightly open.
Not far away, the elf, still pinned down with a bloodied face, spoke with a faint smile.
"She tried to turn you into a vampire. That's what happened."
Rohan then noticed the blood dripping from Luciana's wrist.
At that moment, everything clicked into place.
He realized that Luciana had healed him by giving him her blood. And by all logic, that should have turned him into a vampire.
But it had not.
Because of his system, the blood had failed to change him.
Now he understood the confusion in Luciana's expression, the hesitation, and the way she had been looking at him.
"No. I didn't try to change him! I was saving him!"
She then looked at him. "If I hadn't given you my blood, without proper treatment, you would have died."
Rohan exhaled quietly while his gaze lingered on her.
And then he patted her on the shoulder. "I trust you, Luciana. Thank you for saving me."
After he expressed his gratitude, Rohan walked past her and stopped in front of the elf.
He crouched slightly and asked, "Who sent you?"
The elf let out a soft, melodic laugh. "Straight to the point? How refreshingly brutish. Very well. If you let me go, I will tell you everything. I might even offer a little treasure you would never find on your own. Sound fair?"
In an instant, Luciana snapped. "Bitch! You refused to say anything when I questioned you, and now you suddenly want to talk?"
The elf turned her head slowly. "Oh, my dear, I told you I despise vampires. Were you not listening, or is your temper making you conveniently deaf?"
Rohan's expression did not change. Ignoring their exchange, he simply nodded.
"Fine. I accept the deal," he said firmly.
The elf smiled at him, clearly unconvinced. "Oh, darling, you lie so poorly. One look at your face and I can already see the blade you're imagining at my throat."
"But if you truly want my answer, then swear it. Give me your word on the Dragon of Judgment, using His true honorific name. Surely even a man like you would not dare break such an oath. Or would you?"
She then tilted her head slightly. "Or you could spare me. I can be far more useful alive than dead. I know secrets. I know weaknesses. And if it pleases you, I could stay close. Warm your bed and your ambitions. I wouldn't mind belonging to a man who can make me kneel."
She let the last word linger with a faint smirk. "What do you say, my would-be executioner? Shall we play a different game?"
Rohan stared at her in silence. Then, without warning, he moved his blade toward her neck.
The elf's composure shattered instantly. "Wait! I don't know everything, but it was a butler from the Lastbender family!"
Her earlier confidence faded, but not entirely. "I accepted the job because I didn't have to kill anyone," she said quietly. "Bringing you back alive was the only requirement."
She met his gaze, her voice softer now, but steady.
"I'm not your enemy. Killing me won't solve anything."
"But letting me live… that might be useful to you."
Rohan stopped.
Seeing the hesitation, Luciana stepped forward. "If you will not kill her, I will."
Rohan glanced at her. "Please wait."
Although hesitant, Luciana listened to him.
He then looked back at the elf. "Have you ever killed before? Your answer will decide your fate."
The elf hesitated. She was unsure whether to lie or tell the truth. But eventually, she chose honesty.
"I have killed before."
He nodded.
"Good," he said while removing the blade from her neck.
He then added. "Pledge your faith to the Storm God."
Killing her would solve nothing. But having her as a follower... that would be useful.
With that in mind, he continued. "Accept the Lord, and your life will belong to the Storm. There is no second chance."
Beside him, Luciana's eyes widened as she turned to him.
"Rohan, have you lost your mind? You're trusting the person who just tried to kill you?"
She then grabbed the collar of his tunic. "She hurt my friends! And you want to spare her?"
"Rohan..."
"This is wrong." she added as she lowered her gaze.
He simply stared at her, his eyes calm despite her grip.
It's not about right or wrong.
Just… which outcome I'm willing to accept.