Canna gulped as he stared at the vial in his hand, a sense of foreboding washing over him. His instincts screamed that this vial was more than just simple "blood"—it was something far more potent and potentially dangerous. He glanced back at Tonitrum, the dragon's massive form looming over him, then returned his gaze to the vial.
Despite his apprehension, Canna knew that whatever this vial contained, it was meant to make him stronger. The dragon had a habit of pushing him toward greater power, if only to keep himself entertained by the growing prowess of his "MC."
"This vial... is it really your blood?" Canna asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty and a hint of awe.
Tonitrum's eyes gleamed with a mischievous light as he confirmed, "Yes, it's a concentrated amount of my blood."
"But why give me your blood? Usually, I only need to absorb mana cores to rank up. What's different this time?" Canna pressed, trying to understand the implications. The thought of changing his race, of becoming something other than human, stirred a mix of excitement and fear within him.
"A race change," Tonitrum explained, his tone thoughtful yet firm. "Being a dragonkin would be far better than remaining human. You know as well as I do the power that comes with such a transformation. The blood you receive from me will reshape not just your body but your very soul. The more you absorb, the stronger you'll become. This isn't just a rank-up; it's a rebirth.
Do I make myself clear?"
Canna nodded slowly, absorbing the gravity of Tonitrum's words. According to the codex and Mortem's teachings, dragonkin were naturally powerful, endowed with incredible abilities from birth. The prospect of becoming one was tantalizing, but it was not a decision to be made lightly.
He decided to check his own stats, reflecting on the progress he had made through rigorous training and countless battles.
[Name: Canna Yakane]
Level: 97
Race: Human
Rank: A Ranker
Class: Beast Covenant
HP: 240/240
MP: 270/270
Strength: 130
Speed: 110
Defense: 60
Intelligence: 175
Agility: 70
Stamina: 120
Vitality: 53
Charm: 22
Attribute Points: 0
Titles: None
The recent war had been a tremendous boon for him, providing not only the souls needed for the egg but also significant experience and mana cores. He then glanced at the stats of his most powerful allies, Mortem and Vorgrim.
HP: 1650/1650
MP: 850/850
Strength: 1000
Speed: 130
Defense: 75
Intelligence: 20
Agility: 25
Stamina: 85/86
Vitality: 45/45
Attribute Points: 0
Title: Warlord
Title Effect: Authority of Command
Commanding Presence: Naturally inspires respect and loyalty among allies, establishing a clear and authoritative leadership that unifies and strengthens the group.
Title: Dread Marshal
Title Effect: Beacon of War
Morale Booster: Significantly enhances the morale of allied forces, increasing their combat effectiveness and resilience in battle through your inspiring presence and formidable reputation.
As Canna reviewed their stats, he couldn't help but marvel at their sheer power. Their strongest attributes reached a thousand points, while his highest stat was only 175. The disparity was stark, but it was also a testament to the high-quality corpses used in their creation—thanks largely to the dragon in front of him.
Before making his final decision, Canna turned to Mortem, seeking his counsel. "What do you think, Mortem? Is this worth the risk?"
Mortem regarded the vial thoughtfully. "Master, the value of Tonitrum's blood cannot be overstated. Kingdoms would wage wars for such a treasure. The power it bestows is unparalleled. If you drink it, your strength will be beyond measure. It's an opportunity that few would ever have."
Canna took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision. If this transformation could help him achieve his goal of creating a one-of-a-kind sanctuary, then he was willing to embrace the change. "Alright," he said, his voice steady. "I'll do it."
After absorbing 127 low calamity mana cores, Canna began to feel a significant change within his body. This transformation was unlike his previous rank-ups, which had been excruciating, as if his body was being torn apart and reassembled. This time, however, the change was warm, almost comforting, as if enveloped in a soothing embrace.
As drowsiness overtook him, Mortem helped him drink the blood from the vial. The rich, metallic scent filled his senses, and as the liquid slid down his throat, it burned with an intensity that spread throughout his body. Every cell seemed to ignite, and he felt as if his very soul was being reforged.
The warmth from the mana cores was replaced by an intense heat, radiating from his body. Mortem's robes began to smolder, forcing him to conjure a barrier. Canna cried out as his body was enveloped in red and white nerves, forming a protective shell around him. From the outside, it appeared as though he was encased in...
"An egg? A transparent egg? Will he be alright in there?" Kael asked, his concern palpable as he peered at Canna through the shell.
Mortem, still sensing his master's life force, reassured himself of Canna's safety. Tonitrum's voice resonated through the dungeon, breaking the tense silence. "He is undergoing a rebirth. The longer he remains in the egg, the more powerful he will become. It is now up to him." The dragon then settled down, returning to his slumber, confident in the transformation's success.
Mortem and Vorgrim stood guard, their stances protective and vigilant. They understood the significance of this moment for Canna—a pivotal point that would determine the future of their journey. The energy emanating from the egg signaled a profound change occurring within, and they were resolute in their duty to safeguard him during this vulnerable phase.
With this transformation, Canna moved one step closer to gaining the strength necessary to build the sanctuary. However, they all knew that with such power would come new challenges, and Canna's journey was far from over.