Chapter 43: Vampire Hunter

Leon's newest skill [Royal Vampire's Canines] had evolved into [Royal Vampire's Heart].

At first, it allowed Leon to drink blood from other people to heal himself. It was a simple skill that also changed his taste, bringing him new flavors of blood. But now that it evolved, Leon received a skill to become like a half-vampire.

However, Leon wasn't just an average human — he has a peak humanity's body.

In his case, if he uses that skill, Leon receives all privileges of a royal vampire, and even beyond, his body extends his bloodline to the progenitor's purity.

He's like the purest version of vampire royalty with that skill active.

"Two paths. Either become a duke and start a household or turn into a vampire hunter." Leon sounded confused as he didn't know where the second option came from.

Creating a royal family with such a bloodline seemed like a normal course of events. But the vampire hunter's path came out of nowhere, confusing him.

Celes didn't appear shocked. "Mating with other races was common ever since primordial times because of vampires' love of blood. Some vampires treated others like toys, and some genuinely cared for half-breeds. Vampire Hunters ensure that our bloodline doesn't fall into the enemy's hands and betray us. It's a royal class from a far past, Master.

"I would love for you to pick it up."

"Continue." Leon smiled, wanting the vampiress to carry on with her talk.

Celes spoke in her own slow style while sipping her liquor. "I can list out a few reasons. Starting from the most important one, I don't want to follow the same path. If you become a duke, you'll follow the same path as Her Highness when it comes to your powers and vampire household. Yes, I understand you'll have different rules. I still would rather try something new."

Leon related to her feelings since he'd been pretty hyped to learn about crafting classes.

Celes continued after Leon's eyes flashed with understanding. "Turning others into vampires would significantly increase your strength. But you've said it yourself, Master — you don't want to rule humans. The same applies to vampires, right? I reckon you'll choose special individuals to follow you while having a close relationship with their families or guilds. Instead of farming vampires, I believe picking up the vampire hunter path will strengthen you further."

It wasn't like Leon would lose the ability to turn others into vampires. The duke's path would allow him to easier develop others of the same race and control them.

"You don't lack that commanding presence-" Celes faintly blushed, which was a rare sight. "And you don't lack means to develop others. You own that monster collector class."

Everything she'd explained sounded right in Leon's mind. He analyzed his thoughts and her words, then came to a conclusion in less than a minute.

"Vampire Hunter, then." Leon chuckled.

​ [You have chosen The Vampire Hunter path.]

[This path is compatible with your main class, Monster Collector.]

[You have received new skills.]

[Royal Vampire Hunter's Instincts(Legendary) - It's a passive skill. A user has night vision and sharper senses to sniff out blood and vampires(Compatible with your peak humanity's body). In some cases, it might evolve into(World) grade.]

[Royal Vampire Hunter's Red Claws(Legendary) - Turns a user's mana into bloody claws, which apply severe bleeding no matter what damage. It extracts blood from others. You can use this skill on your hands or wielded weapon.]

"Well, pretty good skills for the beginning." Leon couldn't complain about those two skills, which would greatly improve his and his friends' safety on their adventure.

It'd also help him with hunting for monsters and animals to get food.

"Congratulations, Master." Louise was in better spirits since her master had advanced yet again. She felt happy for him and congratulated him from the bottom of her heart.Smiling faintly, Leon thanked her and patted her hair. "Thanks."

On the other hand, Celes remained silent. She'd been touched by Leon's decision, and it showed on her gorgeous face. A part of her was worried since she'd allowed herself to be more honest, but it seemed like Leon preferred a straightforward way of doing things.

And with him becoming a vampire hunter, Celes grew excited about his growth.

"I look forward to us flying beneath the moon, Master." Celes curved her lips before taking a shot.

Leon knew about vampire wings… "Me too. Well then. Since our break is about to end and we'll resume our journey, let's discuss our goals. You girls know I'll dig into the Human Emperor's past and misdeeds. Heaven Library Guild is the best source of knowledge, so we head there first."

Louise nodded and took over the conversation. "I'll find more about scarlet foxes and dwarves."

It was a short reply since leftovers of that cold feeling still coursed through her. Naturally, Louise also would practice her cooking and level up through quests. Her continuous development should trigger more quests — if not, Louise would go to the dangerous zones with her master and vampiress friend.

Two pairs of eyes fell onto Celes.

She flatly replied, "I'll see what happened to vampires."

"Alright. Our goals are intertwined, so we're together in it. Don't feel shy or pressured by the dangers of your ambitions, and share them with us. We have a lot of years ahead of us, so it's not like we have to separate to achieve what we desire. I'd hate it, to be honest." Leon warmly spoke to his partners before taking the horses' reins again.

"Yes…"

"…"

The carriage shook and went forward.

It bobbed and was as uncomfortable as before.

However, no girl felt bad whatsoever.

It was important to talk and share the burdens of their adventure. Leon was also prepared for a long and ambitious path, meeting various monster races and helping them. Even if a race managed to improve their lives after freeing themselves from The Human Emperor, he'd gladly see and bond with them.

His path was that different.

And Louise and Celes wanted to follow their master's wake. Those feelings made their journey much better despite their carriage being pretty simple and uncomfortable!