Ethan's POV
The next day I dressed in the finest dark clothing Master had chosen for me. She, as always, wore her signature black armour adorned with sinister looking spikes on the shoulders, elbows, and knee joints. In its chest area a dark dragon head with vertical golden eyes were adorned. Her long dark hair flew freely in the tempestuous winds.
It wasn't the heavy medieval plate armour of my previous life but a magical, flexible material that perfectly conformed to her body, accentuating her ample curves and hourglass figure. She looked both valiant and intimidating like a true warrior of darkness.
Standing side by side at the precipice of the highest point of Ebonspire Peak, overlooking the endless expanse of the Stormveil Shroud and the vast foreboding dark forest below I felt a wave of realization wash over me—I was no longer bound by the life I had left behind. This new world and its challenges awaited me.
While lost in my thoughts, a massive shadow passed overhead. Looking up, I saw one of the mighty shadow wyverns that dwelled in Ebonspire Peak. It landed gracefully beside us, its piercing, glowing eyes meeting ours. Without hesitation we leapt onto its broad scaled back.
The wyvern unfurled its colossal leathery wings and as I steadied myself it took to the skies. Each powerful beat of its wings propelled us hundreds of meters forward. Master remained silent throughout the journey, her expression unreadable as we soared over the dark forest.
I refrained from breaking the silence, sensing she was deep in thought. Below us, I occasionally glimpsed ominous landscapes that included towering dark mountains, mist-choked valleys that seemed to conceal unspeakable horrors and vast black lakes so still they appeared painted onto the land.
These enigmatic regions were part of the deeper, more perilous territories of the dark forest and were strongholds of ancient and powerful beings. Luckily, our altitude kept us far above any threats. Flying just above the dark clouds, the wyvern carried us effortlessly.
The air here was bitterly cold and the density of dark energy was palpable wrapping the sky like a heavy shroud. Yet, thanks to my training and body-tempering techniques, I not only adapted to the harsh conditions but found them strangely invigorating.
"There are three dukes among the vampire clans," Master began, her voice breaking the long silence. "All of them are Grade Five magical beings, those who have reached the Heaven Connection Realm. One of them is Duchess Althera Sangrial, an old friend of mine.
She is the ruler of the Eastern Stygian Woods, and she also serves a second role as the Headmistress of Abyssal Sanctum in the Central Dominance Lands."
Hearing this, my curiosity piqued.
"Abyssal Sanctum is ancient, its origins lost to even the oldest records," Master continued.
"It's famous for producing some of the most powerful beings in this world, many of whom have shaped history. Your Master is of course, among its alumni." A faint smile played on her lips.
"Duchess Althera and I have agreed to enrol you in Abyssal Sanctum, but under the guise of a member of the vampire race," she said, her golden eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.
"You see, for you to grow stronger and eventually awaken your demon bloodline, Abyssal Sanctum is a crucial stepping stone. Within its halls are treasures you cannot yet fathom with an extensive repository of dark arts, secret techniques, ancient bloodline records, methods for bloodline awakening and ignition, and more. It offers resources that far exceed what you could find anywhere else."
Her voice softened, and she gazed at me with a rare expression of vulnerability. "It is a place where you can not only grow in strength but also forge alliances, make powerful friends, and build a reputation earned through your own efforts.
To rely on me forever would be a disservice to your potential. True power is forged through trials, tribulations, and unique experiences that mold a person into an unstoppable force.
If I kept you by my side forever, you'd grow no stronger than a house pet that I coddled," she concluded, her tone steady but tinged with sadness.
"I don't want my little Ethan to be apart from me but this is necessary. Do not worry I'll come to see you often," she added brushing her fingers across my cheeks as she gazed at me with worried eyes.
The sight was almost surreal and if anyone acquainted with the fearsome reputation of the Nightshade Dragoness witnessed this moment, they'd undoubtedly be left speechless.
Her concern and expectations resonated within me, and I clasped her hand tightly. Meeting her gaze, I vowed earnestly, "I will become strong, Master. Strong enough that no one would even dare to think of harming you or my family."
A faint, captivating smile lit up her face. "That's my good boy," she murmured, leaning in to place a soft kiss on my lips. "That's your reward for being so sweet."
She continued, her tone serious, "As for why you must enrol as a vampire, it is absolutely crucial. Every admission to the Abyssal Sanctum requires a referral and it's exceedingly rare for commoners to secure a place within its ranks.
However, The most critical factor is that all branches of elves, humans, and even half-humans are strictly prohibited from studying there by the decree of the ancient sanctum spirit itself. This rule has been enforced for millennia, and no exceptions have ever been made.
That is why Duchess Althera's assistance is indispensable. Her influence and expertise will ensure your disguise is flawless and facilitate your admission. Without her, such a thing would be impossible," she explained her golden eyes narrowing slightly.
Her words weighed heavily on my heart as I began to comprehend the graveness of the situation. If my true identity were ever exposed within the sanctum, the consequences would be anything but dangerous.
"But you don't have to worry as according to my observation once you awaken your bloodline you will be able to effortlessly mask you human side due to the high purity of your demon bloodline that I can sense clearly.", I nodded as the demon face had said something similar.