11 Chapter 11

As chaos erupted among the remaining vampires, Atlas's mind raced with thoughts of opportunity and ambition. He had read about the resilience of vampires like Vlad in his previous life, knowing that death was often just a temporary setback for creatures of their kind. With Vlad seemingly destroyed, the power vacuum presented an opportunity that Atlas could not ignore.

Gazing at Vlad's signet ring, a symbol of power and authority that gleamed ominously in the moonlight, Atlas felt a surge of determination coursing through his undead veins. The ring seemed to whisper promises of dominion and conquest, stirring something primal within him, but he knew it wasn't time. Not yet.

Turning to his maker, Sophia, Atlas spoke with conviction, his voice carrying an undertone of calculated ambition. He persuaded her to declare that they remained loyal to Vlad and no other, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of chaos. Sophia, ever shrewd, recognized the potential in Atlas's words and reluctantly agreed, though her gaze held a glimmer of suspicion.

It was a risky move, Atlas knew, but one that could potentially elevate him to a position of great influence and power. With the support of his maker and the façade of loyalty to Vlad firmly in place, Atlas began to plan his next move, his mind abuzz with schemes and stratagems.

As the other vampires squabbled amongst themselves, their voices rising in a cacophony of discord, Atlas gathered his troops and awaited the inevitable return of Vlad von Carstein. He could sense the tension in the air, a palpable anticipation that hung heavy like a shroud over the darkened landscape.

The night seemed to stretch on endlessly, each passing moment fraught with anticipation and uncertainty. Atlas stood vigil, his gaze fixed on the horizon where Vlad would inevitably make his return. He knew that when the time came, he would be ready to seize the opportunity and claim his rightful place in the hierarchy of the undead.

The night stretched on a vampires fell on vampires. Undead armies that had been united against the mortal armies now turned on each other. Atlas and Sophia watched from the outskirts. Not powerful enough to be a danger for the would-be-Count and therefore let alone; at least until the fighting stopped and a new ruler emerged. The new Vampire Count would undoubtedly reward those loyal and punish those who weren't – a category Atlas, with his neutrality, would fall into. 

Finally, Herman Posner, Duke of Waldenhof, took his place as the head of the army. His strength of arms had been proven by slaying two other Dukes in single combat and emerging from his tent with their severed heads held aloft for all to witness.

Finally, as the first light of dawn began to streak across the sky, a hushed murmur spread through the assembled vampires. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and a chill wind swept through the air, carrying with it the unmistakable scent of death and decay.

And then, emerging from the shadows like a spectre of doom, Vlad von Carstein returned.

His presence was like a dark cloud descending upon the battlefield, his eyes ablaze with an otherworldly fire that sent shivers down the spines of all who beheld him. Clad in regal attire that spoke of centuries of unyielding power, Vlad exuded an aura of malevolence and authority that was impossible to ignore.

As Herman Posner, strutted arrogantly at the head of the army not willing to give up the command he had achieved. Vlad's gaze fell upon him with a cold intensity that sent a chill down Posner's spine. Without a word, Vlad raised his hand, and the very air seemed to crackle with dark energy.

In a flash of movement too swift for mortal eyes to follow, Vlad's enchanted sword was drawn from its scabbard, its blade gleaming with an ethereal light. With a single, decisive stroke, Vlad struck down Posner without a moment's hesitation, his expression impassive as he watched the life drain from the Baron's eyes.

The silence that followed was deafening, broken only by the sound of Vlad's footsteps as he strode forward with an air of quiet confidence. His return had been met with bloodshed and betrayal, but now, as he reclaimed his rightful place at the head of the army, there was no doubt that his dominion over Sylvania was absolute.

As Atlas watched from the shadows, his gaze filled with a mixture of awe and anticipation, he knew that the coming days would bring even greater challenges and opportunities for those bold enough to seize them. With Vlad's return, Atlas's ambitions burned brighter than ever before, his path to power illuminated by the blood-red glow of the rising sun.

Then Vlad's eyes found his.

A silent command was given, impossible to refuse or even think of refusing, his body moved toward Vlad to bow low before a being so powerful he had left his legacy on the pages of history.

As the dark lord Vlad von Carstein summoned Atlas and Sophia to speak with him, a sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air. The grand tent was dimly lit, shadows dancing along the ragged walls like silent spectres.

Standing before Vlad, Atlas felt a mixture of trepidation and excitement coursing through his undead veins. He met Vlad's piercing gaze with unwavering determination, his posture rigid and composed as he awaited the Count's words. A silent prayer his presence as a dimensional traveller wouldn't be discovered.

Vlad's voice reverberated through the chamber, commanding attention and sending shivers down Atlas's spine. "Atlas," he began, his tone carrying a mixture of praise and curiosity, "your prowess in battle has not gone unnoticed. Your skill and loyalty amidst the chaos and betrayal speak volumes."

As the Count continued, Atlas felt a surge of pride mixed with apprehension. "Of all my clan," Vlad acknowledged, "only you and Sophia have remained steadfast in your allegiance. A rare display of faith in my power, or perhaps a sign of your lack of ambition—a trait few vampires dare to admit."

With a sense of anticipation, Vlad offered them each a boon, a favour to be granted at their request. Sophia, quick-witted as ever, wasted no time in seizing the opportunity. "I request the General's magical sword," she declared, her eyes gleaming with determination.

With a nod of approval, Vlad granted Sophia's request, a fleeting satisfaction dancing in his crimson eyes. Then, he turned his attention to Atlas, awaiting his request with keen interest.

With unwavering determination, Atlas spoke, his voice steady despite the turmoil of emotions swirling within him. "I seek knowledge," he declared, his hunger for power burning bright. "The secrets of summoning higher undead—beings of greater strength and intelligence than the mindless thralls that populate our ranks."

Vlad regarded Atlas with a mixture of curiosity and intrigue, his gaze piercing as he weighed the request. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded slowly, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "A worthy pursuit," he acknowledged, "but one fraught with peril and uncertainty."

With a gesture, Vlad summoned a servant, instructing them to retrieve a leather tome from his personal collection. The servant bowed low and hurried from the chamber, returning moments later with the ancient tome cradled in their hands.

As Vlad handed the tome to Atlas, the weight of its knowledge seemed to fill the air between them. It was a gift of unparalleled value, a key to unlocking the mysteries of the arcane and mastering the dark arts of necromancy.

As Atlas accepted the tome, a sense of determination filled him. With the dark knowledge contained in those pages and with the refinement of his AI chip, he would unlock new heights of power and ascend to a position of unrivalled dominance within the ranks of the undead. Higher undead were more than a powerful troop; many could wield magic and even raise undead armies of their own.

Walking away to the privacy of his own tent, he began to record the tome and the other scraps of books looted by his troops into the AI chip.

"AI Chip. Record and Scan."

Beep!