Atticus's Odyssey: Reincarnated Into A Playground novel Chapter 730

Chapter 730 Vampyros

In another part of Eldoralth, a figure lounged in a dimly lit chamber, the air heavy with the scent of blood and incense.

Shadows twisted and writhed around the towering walls of the Vampyros citadel, casting a haunting glow over the lavish room.

Lirae Bloodveil, the Vampyros Apex, rested lazily in a chair, her legs crossed in effortless elegance. Her pale skin shimmered faintly in the soft, flickering light, and her violet eyes, filled with centuries of life and malice, glowed faintly from within.

At her side rested a blood-red lance, which continued to vibrate with intensity. _{frёeωebɳovel.com}

The room was silent as she traced her fingers lightly along the weapon's edge. Although she appeared youthful and radiant, her eyes betrayed the weight of the ages, reflecting a depth and cruelty that only someone who had lived for centuries could possess.

Standing before her was one of her many servants, an older man with sunken, hollow eyes and skin as pale as death.

His voice trembled slightly as he addressed her, fully aware of the power and danger emanating from the lady before him.

"Apex Bloodveil," he began, his tone cautious, "the council is… concerned about the Veriataga Nexus. The other races are preparing fiercely, and their confidence is troubling. The council believes we shouldn't take any chances and has suggested additional training for you to ensure our victory."

Lirae smiled, the kind of smile that was more predatory than welcoming, revealing the tips of her gleaming fangs. Her gaze never left the Bloodlance as she spoke, her voice smooth and velvety.

"Concerned, are they? So they want to mold me further… like I'm one of their pawns?"

The servant swallowed hard. "Not… a pawn, my lady. But they worry that—"

"They worry about their own survival," Lirae interrupted, her voice dripping with amusement. "Tell the council I have no need for their extra training." She lifted the Bloodlance, the weapon's pulse matching her heartbeat. "Tell me… what do you think they will do?"

The man hesitated, his bony fingers twitching nervously. He knew she was referring to the other Apexes.

"They will… likely rely on brute force," he said cautiously.

Lirae's chuckle filled the room, soft yet cutting, like a blade slowly being drawn across skin. "Brute force," she repeated, amused. "So predictable."

She rose from her seat, her movement graceful and deadly, like a panther stalking its prey. Her fingers lightly caressed the Bloodlance, which pulsed in response to her touch, as if alive, as if craving more blood.

She took a step closer to the servant, her presence casting an icy chill over him. "Tell me," she purred, her voice dripping with menace, "what is the true essence of survival?"

The man bowed his head. "Strength, my lady," he whispered, trembling slightly under her gaze.

Lirae's smile widened, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Wrong," she said softly, her voice sending shivers down his spine. "Strength fades. Power shifts. The essence of survival is… consumption."

The servant's brow furrowed in confusion. "Consumption, my lady?" he repeated, unsure of her meaning.

Lirae moved closer, circling him like a predator about to strike. Her voice dropped to a near whisper, hypnotic and commanding.

"To survive is not to simply endure—it is to consume," she explained, her fingers tracing his arm as she passed. "Not just life, but power, influence, resources. You don't just overpower your enemies. You absorb them. You make them part of you. You become stronger with every soul, with every victory."