[You have absorbed a Fragment of the Vampire Goddess Ego Zandros.]
[New Title Acquired] Void Vampire God
Ego observed both of them with keen, curious eyes as they adjusted to the flood of new power coursing through their veins.
The change was immediate. Their bodies shimmered with a faint aura, trembling under the surge. Key's eyes glowed a deep reddish-purple, like galaxies collapsing in on themselves, while Speedy's shone a sharp reddish-white, fierce and luminous. Their canines lengthened with predatory grace, glinting like blades forged to pierce the soul.
The ground quaked beneath their feet. Stones rattled, dust shook loose from the surroundings, and the air thickened with raw, unrestrained energy. It was surreal, like the world itself was struggling to decide if they even belonged in it anymore.
"Interesting…" Ego's lips curled faintly, her gaze unblinking. 'It's like my divine power is merging with their abyssal energy. But not being consumed..evolving.'
Key's aura expanded outward in a spiraling storm. His presence was an endless void—silent, expansive, swallowing the light around him. Darkness bled into the air, bending reality at the edges as if space itself recoiled in fear.
Speedy's aura was different. It didn't simply glow, it moved. Red-white streaks of energy raced around her, afterimages burning into the air and lingering too long, as if reality couldn't keep up. Every pulse cracked like distant thunder. Watching her was like witnessing a meteor streak across the night sky—brilliant, furious, and gone before you could blink.
Where Key's void devoured in silence, hers was motion—fast, sharp, alive. The world itself seemed forced to chase after her.
After nearly a minute, the storm of power finally calmed, fading into a lingering hum in the air. Both of them exhaled, staring down at their own bodies like strangers trying to wear new skin.
Key raised a trembling hand to his face. His fingers shook—not from fear, but shock. Every line of his palm looked impossibly precise, every ridge magnified. The world itself was sharper, colors deeper, shadows heavier. 'Am I even human anymore?'
Then came the sound.
DING.
The bell of the Game rang louder than it ever had before, reverberating through his bones. If he wasn't half-used to its sudden intrusions, he might've thought the sky itself was splitting open.
[New Active/Passive Skills Acquired!]
[New Perks Acquired!]
[Stats Have Changed!]
[Carnivorous Void Tendrils Has Mutated!]
[Vampiric Void Tendrils]
[Vampiric Void Tendrils]
Your Carnivorous Void Tendrils have mutated. They now pierce not only matter and space, but also flesh and lifeforce. Tendrils drain vitality and blood essence, strengthening you, accelerating regeneration, and amplifying Void growth.
The words burned into his vision, heavy with promise.
"Wow, I feel ecstaticc!!" Speedy's voice burst beside him, vibrating with energy. Key turned and all he saw were flashing afterimages warping around her, like reality couldn't lock her in one place.
Ego giggled softly, the sound like silk cutting through the heavy air. "Well, it looks like she's having a lot of fun."
"Yeah, definitely." Key smirked, flexing his hand as shadows swirled around his wrist. "That was one hell of a power surge. Can't even lie, I feel amazing myself."
"My gift," Ego said with a faint bow of her head, "and my thanks to the both of you."
Key nodded, genuine gratitude flickering across his expression. "What do you plan to do next? I know you damn sure don't want to stay here."
Ego fell silent. She closed her eyes, head bowing low. After a long pause, her voice came softer, layered with something broken.
"Honestly… I don't know. It's been fifty years. I don't even know if my home still remains. I was originally sent here by my Father on a mission. To explore and see if this land was habitable. But other things happened." Her brows tightened with grim anger.
Speedy's voice cut through. "Do you think there's a possibility your home might still be standing?"
"A very small possibility." Ego's tone darkened. "Before I came here, my home was hunted by a group we called The Unknown. Powerful hunters who wanted us dead to 'purify' the world of bloodsuckers. Our numbers had already dwindled from their onslaught. Who knows what remains now."
Key frowned, eyes narrowing. "This 'Unknown' group must be powerful if they can challenge Gods and Goddesses. Assuming you weren't the only one."
"Only one is ever chosen," Ego replied bitterly. "To bear the weight of being a God or Goddess. They chose me. I was their protector, their shield against the enemy. My people were strong, no doubt, but against them? It was only a matter of time."
Her eyes softened, disappointment and sorrow weighing them down. She couldn't even cry anymore.
Thump.
Speedy placed a hand on Ego's shoulder, offering her a wide, reassuring smile. "It's not your fault. We'll find your home, and everyone will be safe. But before we do, we have to make sure our friends are goo-"
Suddenly, the familiar massive, spiraling violet portal tore open in front of them. Reality bent inward, the ground vibrating as air was sucked toward its core. With a thunderous ripple, four silhouettes stepped out.
"Damn..you both look different. And..who's she?"
The voice was unmistakable.
None other than Sketch.