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In a secluded forest far from human contact, near a tranquil lake, a magic circle appeared—pitch black in color. As Vespar slowly emerged from the circle, he opened his eyes, basking in the beauty of nature.
"Where am I right now, Nyx?"
[We're inside 'Feralys,' host. This forest is inhabited by magnificent beasts, and their ferocity is second to none. The flora and fauna here are said to be the most beautiful on the entire planet.] Nyx answered.
Suddenly, the rustling of grass startled Vespar. He turned around to see what it was and was met with a mesmerizing sight: a pure black lion, its fur gleaming in the light, standing about 10 feet tall. Its mane flowed majestically in the wind.
The lion growled, exposing sharp canines as it drooled. Vespar stepped back, searching for something to use as a weapon, but all he could see were grass and trees surrounding him.
He started running toward the lake. With a deep inhale, he jumped into the water. The lion waited for a while before retreating, frustration and hunger clear in its eyes.
Vespar surfaced and swam toward the shore. When he checked his belongings, he realized the only thing he had was the dimensional bag. Nothing lost.
"Shit, I'm drenched." Vespar squeezed water out of his clothes. "Nyx, how far is the city from here?"
[You'll have to follow the road straight down, host. In about half an hour, you'll reach the human city. Aaachhooo... sniff... the water was cold, host. I can't handle it.] Nyx sneezed while answering.
Vespar raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you fused with me? I didn't feel anything. How did you get a cold?"
[Looks like it'll take more to fool him.] Nyx whispered.
"I can hear you, darling. You're literally inside me." Vespar smirked as he began walking toward the city. The path was smooth and easy.
Once in the city, he bought five pairs of clothes and some boots. The whole transaction cost him 1 gold coin.
As he conversed with Nyx, he learned that 20 gold coins could easily support a family of four for a month. The currency conversion was as follows:
1 gold coin = 10 silver coins
1 silver coin = 20 bronze coins
100 gold coins = 1 jade
As Vespar walked by the apothecary, Nyx suddenly stopped him.
[Host, please buy that vial of blood. It will be of great use to you.]
Vespar was startled by the sudden request. "What's so special about this blood, Nyx?"
[That vial contains the blood of a vampire, but not just any vampire. It's from a high-level one—the black-maned lion we encountered earlier. A teenage vampire could take down hundreds of these with no prior training. It'll give you IMMENSE POWER just by absorbing it.] Nyx's voice emphasized the word immense.
Vespar scratched the back of his neck. "That's tempting, but I won't be able to walk in the sun, and that would be a huge disadvantage."
[That won't be a problem, host. I'll alter the way your body absorbs it so only the positive attributes will be absorbed.] Nyx gave a thumbs-up.
"Hello, how can I help you, sir?" The girl at the counter greeted him with a sleepy expression, looking like she'd pulled an all-nighter.
"How much for this vial?" Vespar pointed at the blood.
"It's for my research, dear customer. I can't sell it." The girl fidgeted nervously with her shirt.
Vespar thumped the bag of gold on the table. "Here, 500 gold. Please, sell it to me. It's important."
"Ehhhh, sir, it's not even that expensive. Here, if it's that important, please take it." The girl handed him the vial.
"Keep the money, and thank you for the blood." Vespar turned and left the shop. As soon as he did, the girl's features began to change. Her eyes turned red from their deep blue hue, her hair lightened until it became shining white, and her skin turned pale. A black gown replaced her formal clothing.
"What did he find so interesting in my blood?" she wondered aloud, slicing her palm to extract more blood. Thanks to Vespar taking the vial earlier, the cut healed instantly.
"Guess I'll check on him later." She sipped wine from a wine glass, a wicked smile creeping onto her face.
After a bath and dinner, Vespar sat on the bed. "So this blood will give me power, huh? Are you ready, Nyx? I'm drinking it." With that, he gulped down the entire vial.
[Initiating blood absorption...]
[Expecting changes in physical and spiritual attributes...]
[Absorption completion in... 5... 4...]
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