Once Darren grew accustomed to the weight of his new body, he naturally began throwing questions at Evernight. She answered each one patiently, never once losing that soft, loving expression on her face.
At times, it almost felt like she was treating him as her son.
From her words, Darren learned the truth that it had actually been more than twenty years since he first arrived in this world. His soul had been sleeping, synchronizing with the body prepared for him, and that process had dragged on for decades.
That was also why Astrea had left on an important journey. Since no one could predict when he would awaken, she went to handle her own affairs first.
As for the world itself, Evernight explained it simply: this was the Mortal Realm. A place far beyond the mundane Earth he once knew, yet one still bound by rules, with its own structured power system. A true fantasy world where swords, magic, and mysteries were woven together.
There were nine continents in total. Eight of them were ruled by the so-called Supremes—the absolute rulers of their kind. The Vampires, Humans, Elves, Dragons, Beastkins, Witches, Angels, and Demons each reigned over their own lands.
The last continent, however, was different. Neutral ground. A place managed by representatives from every major race.
Currently, Darren resided in the Nyxterra Continent, homeland of the nocturnal Vampires. Since Evernight held dominion over Night, Moon, and Eternal Darkness itself, she only needed to request a place here, and the Supreme of Vampires had willingly granted it. After all, how could they refuse their Goddess a place to stay?
And thus, Darren found himself in this new life, living inside a grand Vampire castle, guided by the very beings worshiped as gods.
As for what a Supreme truly was? Darren quickly pieced it together. They were more than kings. They were the sole sovereigns of an entire continent, each sitting atop the world as untouchable existences. Worshiped like divinities. Feared like calamities.
It all tied into the power system Evernight described. Though Darren had only memorized the surface details, he remembered the names of the Tiers, the ranks that defined one's place in this world.
Dormant. Awakened. Ascended. Exalted. Mythical. And finally, Supremes.
He had no doubt there were higher realms beyond that, but for the Mortal Realm, these alone already stood as unreachable mountains.
Evernight gave him only a brief overview, just enough to spark his imagination. She also revealed that Astrea had traveled to the Witches' Continent for personal matters. It would be some time before she returned.
"Interesting! Then, what race are you from?" Darren finally asked, curiosity shining in his mismatched eyes.
Evernight's reply came calm, almost casual. "This form you see isn't truly a race. It's a mutation of this Avatar. It cannot handle my full presence properly. Asty suffered worse from this. She lost all her limbs, and now must rely on energy-forged replacements."
Her words were spoken plainly, yet they carried the weight of eternity.
Darren frowned, then tilted his head curiously. "By the way, if this is the land of Vampires, then why is there a sun outside? Shouldn't it be all gloomy and eternal night?"
Evernight's lips curved into a faint smile. "It's artificial. I had it crafted for you. I thought you would prefer waking up beneath some sunlight."
Darren couldn't help but chuckle. "Thanks. You really are considerate." His grin widened as he asked the next question. "So then… what about our identities? How exactly do I fit into this world?"
"Why, naturally, you are our Son." Evernight's answer was soft, yet firm. "It is difficult for two female partners to conceive, but it is not entirely impossible. To the world, you will be known as the son of Evernight and Astrea. Understand?"
"Of course." Darren's grin turned mischievous. "I'll proudly shout to the world that I'm your son… and then add that I'm also in a relationship with you two."
"Fufu~ that sounds fun." Evernight let out a musical giggle. "In any case, tell me your goals. I must prepare properly for your future."
Darren leaned back, his smile turning sharper. "My goals are simple. First, I want a big harem and to enjoy life with them. Second, I want excitement—real excitement. And lastly…" His eyes glinted. "…I want to gather the Fragments so that I can truly dominate you."
Evernight's eyes shimmered faintly. "Interesting. Then I shall prepare everything accordingly."
She rose gracefully, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek before turning toward the door. "Now freshen up and get dressed. I'll be waiting for you in the dining hall."
Her violet gaze lingered on him one last time. "Do you want some maids to assist you?"
"As tempting as that sounds, I'll handle it myself for now." Darren smirked, and with that, Evernight slipped out of the room.
Left alone, Darren wandered into the bathroom. The sheer modernity of it made him blink in surprise, he had expected something medieval, yet the amenities were more advanced than he'd imagined. After washing up, he slipped into a crisp white shirt and a pair of fitted blue jeans.
Finally, he stood before the mirror.
What he saw staring back at him almost didn't feel real.
A towering figure—six foot seven, broad-shouldered, his frame sculpted with muscle sharp enough to cut shadows. His physique was the stuff of envy, the kind of form that would leave athletes and models alike gnashing their teeth.
Silver hair, long and flowing like Evernight's own, gleamed under the light. His mismatched eyes, one deep crimson, the other a searing blue radiated an unnatural magnetism. Anyone who stared into them would forget the world itself, captivated by their strange, dangerous beauty.
Darren smirked at his reflection. "Well damn… if this is the body I've got to work with, then the world really isn't ready for me."