(Seth has torn through the ancient vampire lord, but victory comes at a cost. Vorrath’s presence grows stronger, his influence creeping further into Seth’s mind. And yet, the system does not ignore his triumph. New power is offered, new paths unlocked. But one question lingers—will Seth remain himself, or will he become something else entirely?)

  This chapter contains brutal combat, monstrous transformation, and dark power progression. Themes of losing control, the hunger for power, and the consequences of evolution are heavily present. Reader discretion is advised.

  ?? SYSTEM ALERT: ? CRITICAL STRIKE LANDED. ? TARGET STATUS: TERMINATED.

  The vampire lord’s crimson eyes dimmed, his throat torn open, his body collapsing into the dust-ridden cathedral.

  The silence that followed was suffocating.

  For centuries, the undead had ruled Craven Hollow. Now, their master lay dead at Seth’s feet.

  The hunger still lingered.

  The taste of power burned his tongue.

  The beast was not satisfied.

  "You felt it, didn't you?"

  Vorrath’s voice echoed in his skull, a guttural, triumphant whisper.

  "The pleasure of destruction. The thrill of devouring. Give in, boy. Give in to what you are."

  Seth’s fingertips twitched, claws retracting, his body still trembling from the exertion.

  He had used just enough of Vorrath’s power.

  Just enough to win.

  But the cost—the cost was a deeper hunger than before.

  ?? SYSTEM NOTICE: ?? BATTLE COMPLETE. ?? ANCIENT VAMPIRE LORD DEFEATED. ?? CALCULATING REWARDS…

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  ?? REWARD GRANTED: ? XP GAINED: 82,500 ? NEW SKILL UNLOCKED: [Predator’s Instinct] – Enhances reaction speed and awareness in combat. Passive boost against enemies who exhibit fear. ? NEW SKILL UNLOCKED: [Blood Dominion] – The first step into vampiric power. Grants temporary control over lower undead. ? **NEW ITEM ACQUIRED: [Ancient Vampire’s Blood] – A rare, highly potent blood essence. If consumed, it offers a chance to ascend into a High-Ranking Vampire.

  ?? WARNING: ? MUTATION RISK DETECTED. ? CONSUMPTION MAY LEAD TO PERMANENT ALTERATION. ? CHOOSE WISELY.

  Seth stared at the glowing vial in his palm.

  The dark red liquid swirled inside, almost alive, pulsing faintly with a heartbeat of its own.

  The power within it was undeniable.

  To drink was to evolve.

  To evolve was to change.

  "You are already beyond humanity."

  Vorrath’s voice coiled around his thoughts.

  "Drink it. Become what you were meant to be."

  Seth’s grip tightened around the vial.

  For a brief moment—he considered it.

  The potential. The power. The possibilities.

  But not yet.

  Not until he understood exactly what it would make him.

  Not until he was the one in control.

  ?? SYSTEM NOTICE: ? UNDEAD PRESENCE DESTABILIZED. ? UNKNOWN ENTITY STILL WATCHING. ? PAST CONNECTIONS DRAWING CLOSER.

  The air in Craven Hollow shifted.

  The undead had not moved.

  Their master was dead—and yet, they did not scatter.

  They did not collapse.

  They only watched.

  "They’re not free," Seth muttered.

  Something still held them.

  A presence beyond the vampire lord.

  Something else.

  Or rather—someone.

  And they were coming.

  ?? SYSTEM NOTICE: ? HOST HAS ALTERED THE BALANCE OF CRAVEN HOLLOW. ? NEW FORCES WILL INTERVENE. ? PREPARE FOR THE NEXT MOVE.

  End of Chapter 7: The Howl of the Dread Beast

  ?? Author's Note: This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and settings are purely imaginary. This novel contains dark themes meant to enhance the story and character development. Reader discretion is advised.