SSS Awakening: Rebirth of the Strongest Vampire God Chapter 8: My Lord Blood God

Damon reached the city gates in less than sixty minutes, having sprinted without pause along a well-known shortcut connecting the small town to the urban center.

Nieta Falls ranked among the smaller cities, and the area remained relatively empty since the player base had not yet begun their mass migration to the city.

The surrounding forests were populated by various level 5 to 10 beasts. Without knowledge of a secure route, a traveler was essentially doomed unless they possessed the strength to fend off multiple monsters. Typically, a player would need to reach at least level 10 to navigate this journey safely.

Because of this, Damon felt a flicker of surprise when he failed to trigger the first achievement for reaching the city. On second thought, he had spent two hours hunting rabbits and another hour completing his race change quest. That was more than enough time for a different player to stumble upon the location.

Upon entering, he noticed roughly a dozen players wandering the streets. The numbers weren't overwhelming, but they weren't negligible either. He had his eye on a specific high-value quest in this city that might be claimed by these newcomers, yet the awakening process remained his top priority.

Damon was walking briskly toward the Cathedral of Silent Waters when a condescending voice called out from behind him. "Where are you going in such a hurry?"

"Hmmm?" Damon turned around to find the same trio that had attempted to shadow him back at the starting village.

They were unmistakable—obnoxious, arrogant, and still clad in the same clashing starter equipment. The leader flaunted his nickname in bright red text above his head: [DaddyBrutal].

"Well, well, if it isn't the Blood God," DaddyBrutal mocked, crossing his arms over his chest. "You disappeared pretty fast back there. Pick up a juicy quest? Why don't you stop being a stingy little bitch and share it with us? This Daddy will make it worth your while. Check this out." He pulled a woman close and gave a wink.

With a single look, Damon realized she was a prostitute; the man was posturing as a high-roller simply because he had the coins to hire one. He offered a deadpan expression and turned to walk away. "I don't talk to idiots."

That sparked an immediate reaction. The man’s features contorted into a furious grimace, while his companions, [Sniper] and [SirShankzAlot], began jeering like immature middle schoolers.

Damon kept moving, refusing to waste time on fools today. "If you're looking for a fight," he remarked without glancing back, "try the forest. Maybe a rabbit will take you seriously."

"Bitch, you are going to regret this. I have connections in this place, I am telling you. Look. I have the first discoverer title."

Damon didn't break his stride. "Congratulations," he shouted over his shoulder. "It must have been quite the struggle to find your way here without a GPS and adult supervision."

DaddyBrutal’s enraged scream followed him, but Damon had already vanished, ducking around a corner and weaving through several side alleys. He had no desire to entertain them, though he felt a mild curiosity regarding how they had secured the city's first discoverer title.

Ultimately, it was trivial. The achievement only provided a single stat point boost. Unless a player dedicated themselves entirely to discovering every city in sequence—which was nearly impossible—the title was largely irrelevant.

As for their empty threats, he felt far too mature to be bothered. Then again, perhaps he wasn't.

Damon sensed someone tailing him. The group must have included a fourth player—a stealth specialist—who was currently tracking his movements. They likely intended to spy on him and seize whatever secrets they imagined he possessed.

PVP was prohibited within the city limits, and these players clearly understood that. They followed him quite boldly, unafraid of any consequences. However, they were missing one vital detail.

The charm hanging around Damon's neck would handle that specific problem for him.

Damon reduced his pace, feigning interest in his surroundings. Then, the moment the player closed the distance, he struck with lethal precision.

He lunged for the man's throat, slashing with his elongated nails. In a heartbeat, the stalker was hurled backward with a sickening, wet thud, hitting the alley wall like a discarded doll. A sharp gasp left his throat as blood sprayed, and he collapsed dead on the pavement.

[Ding! You have killed player [Lurking Panda]. You have gained +1 notoriety.]

Damon let out a slow breath and gazed toward the distant cathedral spire. He needed to arrive quickly. Fortunately, there were no further interruptions, and he reached the Cathedral gates within minutes.

He avoided the main entrance, opting for a side gate instead. To his relief, a familiar guard was stationed there—a young man in his twenties who was also a notorious drunkard.

The moment the guard saw Damon, his demeanor shifted instantly. "My Lord Blood God, I am here to serve you. Are you here for the awakening pool? Please come this way."

Damon smirked and adopted a regal posture. It worked; the man had seen his nickname and mistaken him for high-ranking vampire royalty. Perhaps there were vampire NPCs with similar titles, but both in his previous life and this one, the drunkard fell for the same ruse.

It was because of this man that he had accessed the Awakening pool for his second and third awakenings, which had been vital to his growth.

Now, thanks to this same individual, he would use the pool for his very first Awakening. Damon squeezed his fists in anticipation as he followed the guard into the holy structure.

The interior of the Cathedral of Silent Waters was exactly as he remembered. Slender rays of colored light pierced through ancient stained-glass windows, casting a glow over the statues.

The guard guided him down a cramped, winding corridor that spiraled into the depths. The Cathedral was nearly empty. Since Nieta Falls was a minor city, it was rarely chosen for awakening ceremonies.

After a few minutes, they arrived at a door at the end of the passage. The guard fumbled clumsily with his keys, apologizing profusely to Damon as he unlocked it.

"I will be fine on my own now." Damon gave a haughty nod. The drunkard bowed with deep respect and pulled the door shut behind him.

Damon entered the chamber alone. The Awakening Pool sat at the heart of the massive room. Despite the name, it wasn't a grand reservoir; the actual Awakening Pool was merely a small puddle.

It was a perfect circle of stagnant, silver water encircled by mysterious runes. Damon had no understanding of their meaning. He stepped into the water quickly, discarding his tattered boots. The liquid only reached his ankles, which surprised him, as it had reached his knees during his previous life.

There was nothing he could do about it now, so he watched the puddle in silence.

The water reacted the moment his foot broke the surface, radiating a crimson glow as if it were filled with liquid fire. His protective charm failed, leaving his vampire form completely revealed. It was a massive gamble, but the potential gains justified the risk.

Furthermore, Damon knew this area was rarely visited. Only high-ranking nobility were permitted here, and Nieta Falls was a backwater. Since he was already committed, there was no use worrying about an intruder.

In the worst-case scenario, he was prepared to commit suicide. Death wouldn't stop the awakening; as long as the ritual finished, he would succeed. He pulled out the body tempering liquid and downed it like a shot to maximize the ritual's effectiveness.

He had done all he could. The rest depended on the Awakening Pool.

"Come on. Come on. Faster," Damon whispered nervously, but the water moved at its own sluggish pace.

[Ding! Awakening Initiated]

[Your Race: Vampire]

[Affinity Detected: Blood | Darkness | ???]

[Body Tempering Boost Applied – Potency +38%]

[Special Conditions Met – Initiating Bloodline Scan...]

Damon’s expression froze. What was this? This had never happened before.