Chapter 66: No Regrets

Chapter 66: No Regrets

"Die like the filth you are," Freya remarked with a chilling expression, her eyes aglow in complete purple, showing no emotion in the face of the bloody spectacle before her.

"BAaAANNNggGG"

With a blasting sound, a water bullet pierced through the man's head, shattering through it like a velocity stone against a watermelon.

A heavy silence descended upon the battlefield. Those who remained, either still conscious or fortunate enough to escape, stood frozen, wide-eyed, staring at the lifeless body now sprawled on the ground. It was just one spell, that's all it took to free such a formidable opponent from his life.

"Is the chief dead...?" a man uttered, his words shattering the eerie stillness.

"No way... there's just... no fucking way," another guy responded, his mental state shattered as he sank to his knees.

"What the hell just happened?" Ben questioned in surprise. His original plan was to impart a lesson and extract a drop of blood. Taking a life was something he would contemplate multiple times before considering it.

[Be cautious, Ben. At this point, Freya might be stronger than you or Ray in a one-on-one battle.]

Ben shifted his gaze to Freya, her cold eyes meeting his. He observed the touch of purple in her eyes and the unyielding expression on her face, silently seeking an explanation.

However, Freya approached him, devoid of regret or remorse, and effortlessly lifted the overturned cart. "People like him don't deserve to live in this world. Someone had to clean up the mess anyways."

[She's not possessed, but whether she's being manipulated or not... I have no idea.]

Ben pondered the system's words, sensing something amiss about her. Yet, in the current situation, the wisest move for Ben was to leave, but not without a warning.

He walked forward and clapped his hands twice, capturing the attention of everyone in the field. The hum of whispers ceased, and silence enveloped the area once again as he addressed them, "What you just witnessed is the least punishment for those who dare to oppose me."

A brief pause followed as Ben surveyed the expressions on everyone's faces, all marked by fear. In an unaffected, commanding voice, he declared, "Consider this your first and final warning. Should anyone dare to challenge me again, your death will be neither peaceful nor swift."

Without awaiting any response, Ben proceeded to stride back towards the village. As he passed by Freya, who had finished arranging the hunts back on the cart, he cast her a sidelong glance. Without pausing, he uttered, "Let's go."

Freya obediently followed Ben, pulling the cart on her own, her actions seemingly a form of atonement for the earlier confrontation.

The journey back to the village transpired in silence, a ten-minute walk filled with unspoken tension. Freya, in the meantime, continued to heal her wounds, erasing any traces without leaving a mark.

[I suppose your plan is now in disarray after that dramatic display, isn't it?]

'Not entirely. I aimed to instill fear in the village, though I didn't intend to achieve it this way. Nonetheless, it still aligns with the overall plan.'

[And what's your intention after instilling fear? Aren't they already hostile towards outsiders?]

'No, they aren't afraid. They were hateful, not fearful. I needed them to fear me. As for what I plan to do with that fear, you'll find out soon,' Ben replied, checking the status screen. A sour expression crossed his face as he read the latest notification.

[ CONSUMPTION LIMIT REACHED]

[ you have already consumed more than 10 different human blood types. You can't gain any more strength by consuming human blood]

[ This restriction will only be removed after evolution]

"This was the last thing I expected to face in a time like this," Ben chuckled in disappointment, thinking that now he had to rely on other methods to evolve further.

[ Be positive Ben, there is still the other side to look at. You have gained 10 strength points in just one day, which in other words means that you are now at least 1.5 times stronger than you were before.]

[ Not to mention, you have yet to check the new quest in your quest board.]

'What's in my quest board? Some new death gambling targets?' Ben asked switching through the tabs in the air, he tapped to open the new quest.

[It is something which can get us closer to our main goal]

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╬═«Quest Update»═╬

»MAIN QUEST: Evolve Into Vampire Noble

[Reward: Exclusive Skill x1 + Aether Core + Soul Merchant ]

[ Required Level: Level 20 ]

--------------------

Observing the quest on his board, a sharp smile replaced the disappointment on Ben's face. As he commanded, "Show me the status," his smile transformed into a wide grin, anticipation gleaming in his eyes.

╬═«STATUS»═╬

┌Name: Ben Franklin

┌Race: Vampire

╔═LEVEL: 3; Hunger: slight

║Exp: 60/400; Magic: 000/006

╚═Health: 98/100; B.E: 100/100

┌ Strength: 36 noVe-1b-In

┌ Agility: 30 (+2 free stat point)

┌Stamina: 25

╠═ ACTIVE SKILLS ═╣

» Blood Bullet

» Influence

» [Locked]: Reach Level 5 to unlock

╠═ Soul Essence ═╣

» Inferno Stringer: (Enhancement Type) Normal tier

» Ancient Spear: (Weapon Type) Mid-Normal Tear

» Silver Fang: (Assocery Type) Mid-Normal Tier

» Cute Bunny Boots: (Assocery type) Top-Basic Tier x20

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"Look at that, with this strength, what do you think, System? Am I stronger than that almost intermediate-tier wolf?" Ben expressed satisfaction with his significant improvement. If there was even one area where he could surpass the almost intermediate-tier wolf, gaining the upper hand in battle would be more manageable.

[Let's see. Since it's a magic beast, it's naturally stronger than any humans. Considering its tier, I estimate the wolf must have 50 or more strength points right now, if we were to make a comparison.]

[With the stat points you possess, you would be classified as an advanced-tier beast yourself, so this is the minimum difference that must exist.]

"Oh well, fuck me sideways." Ben muttered out loud, a cloud of disappointment could be seen on his face again.

"Excuse me?!?" Freya asked awkwardly, making a weird face.

"Nothing just talking to myself...ignore me please..." - Deeply ashamed Ben Franklin.