( Hazriel's POV )
" So you've finally met with Kremeth " Hazriel said as she looked over Max from many galaxies away using her galactic eyes.
The pendant was the last gift that Hazriel had given Max before parting ways, knowing full well it would alter the course of his destiny one day.
Although she would never admit this publically, Hazriel had grown attached with Max over the last year.
She had repeatedly kept tabs on him to check his progress and had started to admire his personality and choices as she began enjoying witnessing his growth.
She knew full well that the odds of Max fulfilling his destiny and becoming the Vampire overlord was highly unlikely.
There were far too many obstacles in his path and he was wayy to fragile at just tier 2 surrounded in a world of monsters.
Under ordinary circumstances, Max would have died from the dragon queen's gaze much less her aura, whereas not even his ashes would be left if she decided to unleash an attack, however, fate brought him in front of her under a circumstance where she was forced to tolerate his presence.
Maybe it was the highly unfavourable odds of Max living past every week that made Hazriel so attached to him.
Her feminine heart rooting for the small caterpillar to survive and become a butterfly in a world full of worm eaters.
" Just hang on for a while little Max, soon the dragon queen will be forced to ask for your help ". Hazriel said as she stopped peering into Max's life and returned to her angelic duties.
As one of the only fate seers left in the universe, Hazriel knew the probable course of future events.
************
( Meanwhile Max )
Max thought long and hard about Kremeth's question and in the end he decided that even at the cost of his life he could not betray Hazriel.
It was not easy to say 'no' to a terrifying existence like an ancient turtle who had ' Immortal ' as one of his titles but finding his spine, he looked at Kremeth and said " I'm sorry, I don't trust you enough to share that information".
The dragon queen looked amused at Max's answer, her eyes showing that she respected Max for it as even Kremeth broke into a smile as he said " So the kid has character, I can respect that ".
' Good one kid ' Drax said in Max's mind as he appreciated Max's decision to stand up to Kremeth.
Kremeth continued " If I was naive and young, I would think you are an unfortunate kid for having no mana coursing through your veins.
However, after witnessing countless heroes like Odin throughout history, one thing I've noticed is that every hero has a tragic origin story and some overwhelming disability at the start.
Just like Odin you also clearly have tremendous luck which is apparent from your pendant and your weapon, however, let me tell you one thing here today, if you want to be my disciple and learn the secrets of the turtle hermit immortal, you will not become a hero in life.
You will be a despicable bastard who is hated by all, but I guarantee that if you follow my teachings, despite being a despicable bastard you will one day be Vampire King, an existence feared by all".
Max felt the saliva dry up in his throat when he heard Kremeths words. Although the turtle had decided to not press Max for his secrets, the condition he had put for Max to become his disciple sounded very unfair to Max.
Max wanted to become the vampire king one day, however, he did not want to become a despicable bastard hated by all in the process.
Nobody did not want to be a hero, nobody wanted to be a coward by choice, however, that was exactly what Kremeth wanted of him.
" May I ask why it's absolutely necessary for me to agree to this beforehand? " Max asked as Kremeth very seriously replied
" Are you kidding me boy? Have you seen yourself fight?
I saw your fight against that werewolf where you grabbed him by the balls, undoubtedly a marvellous technique but 9/10 times in that fight you would have lost.
It was sheer luck that you managed to survive that fight, not only was your decision to run straight at the wolf despite being the weaker opponent straight up foolish and unnecessary, but your choice of throwing your weapon away in favour of grabbing the enemy's balls just left me speechless.
You fight like there is no tomorrow, like your brain is the size of a pea, relying completely on your innate battle senses.
I can't train a student like that to be a general and a king. Such an individual no matter how talented in one vs one fighting is only good enough to be cannon fodder on the front lines".
Max winced in pain as he heard Kremeths analysis of his fight and it was one that he was extremely satisfied and proud of in the end as well.
Killing that werewolf Max felt he had won the best duel of his life, however, Kremeth made him feel like it was a worthless battle.
" By any chance do you know my brother? You sound exactly like him ". Said Max as he felt like Kremeths words were a spitting image of how Rudra would lecture him were he here as Max felt his heart be more at ease with accepting Kremeth's way of life.
Maybe it would not be so bad to be the coward for a change?
Thinking about his big brother's advice, Max felt that what Kremeth said made sense, maybe he indeed needed to be tutored on the more mindful way of fighting.
' This is an opportunity where you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain Max, you should definitely take it ' Drax suggested to Max as he helped solidify Max's decision.
" Okay, I will accept, but before I do, I need to meet and talk to my friends about it first". said Max
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/// A/N - This bonus chapter is sponsored by patron Cervantez91, please thank him in the comments for this one.
In gratitude for receiving a lot of gifts lately from various donors, I have decided that tomorrow will be a 4 chapter mass release.
Thankyou for the consistent support you all show me.
Since today is Thursday, it's time for riddle number 2, let's see if you guys can solve this one fast.
Answer these 5 questions to win a prize
1)The full name of Asiva's father
2) The name of Roy Kingsman's father
3) The name of the vampire capital planet
4) The full names of Rudra's two kids
5) The designation of the mercenary monarch.
The first three answers in my discord dm win prices ///