The Decision

After finalizing his decision to walk the Ghostblade Blood-Lord path, Dracula chose the Military as his next target and created a route he would take to become the King of Svalka. He did not choose this field without any forethought; instead, his planning was as meticulous as it could be.

Because there were 3 main reasons which would make his rise in both strength and authority the most efficient way if he chose the Military.

One… The Kingdom of Svalka aka the home of the Vampire species was currently at war with the human empire, forcing the ruling powers of the nation to conscript people for war in large numbers. This would be his best way to enter a powerful organization of the kingdom without extra checkups and tests due to the demand for soldiers.

Two… During a war, the meritocratic system always rewarded the outstanding soldiers who showed promise and immense power as well as skills useful for large-scale war where Powerhouses were required.

But for Dracula, this wasn't his aim at all.

What he wanted was access to the battlefield and the means to roam the sites of battles with full authority. Because he was choosing the Ghostblade profession, he would naturally join the Intel gathering aka the Reconnaissance teams who always went forefront to scout the areas and were the first to arrive at any place before even the foot soldiers or cavalries arrive there.

On top of it… this would also grant him a chance to find powerful enemies, enemy forces and with the help of his abilities, he could even assassinate these powerful individuals. The biggest reward here would be easily gaining a large number of Blood Points while also acquiring unique and useful skills of the said target or species with the help of the Blood Sovereign System.

So in the long term, not only would he be gaining recognition from the ruling authorities, but he would also achieve his main goal which would help him gradually become stronger very quickly and save years of time in becoming strong like a standard some gradual progression from the bottom where it took way too much time to rank up in strength.

This was the hurdle Dracula did not want to waste too much time on.

And the third reason being… His identity as Vlad Silverfang who was of Noble blood lineage.

In the end, no matter which world it was… the elite of the society or the top brass that ruled the kingdom would never allow someone of Commoner birth or without a prestigious background, to rise among their ranks regardless of how talented, useful, patriotic, or deserving they were.

One without a great birth heritage would find it impossible to rise to the top in a world which greatly emphasized bloodlines, nobility, lineage and elitism. At best, you'd become their most prized tool who existed solely to serve the upper class.

Hence, Dracula fully planned to use his identity in this new world of Redros as a descendant of a Noble House.

Naturally, it would take him some time to rise in military ranks and show astounding results since he was starting from the bottom, But when the right time came, his rise would be meteoritic and without many thorns in the path.

And now… Only one thing remained for him to deal with first before he officially started his journey of achieving World Domination in this world.

Getting his Godfather's permission.

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At night, Marcellus Whittaker aka Vlad's uncle Marcel finally came to their designated quarters after 2 consecutive days of duty.

"Uncle Marcel, there's something important I want to discuss you with.'' spoke the young Vlad with a nervous expression.

And in the following minutes, he revealed his intentions to join the Military.

"Absolutely NOT!!" bellowed Marcel in rage as if Vlad had committed a grave crime.

"But why?" asked the stifled Vlad.

"Vlad… listen to me. The outside world is no longer what we used to know.

You do not see the truth of the world because you're lucky enough to be with me in the safe layers where the standard of living is still maintained.

But the outer zones of the stronghold… they're suffering from numerous and inexplicable problems that you have no idea of." he spoke in a grieving tone.

[Of course, I know. I have already experienced what it's like to live during times of war.] thought Dracula while maintaining his pretense of a young boy who hadn't seen much of the outside world.

"You're safe and protected here as long as I'm with you.

You don't have to go outside and face war.

You… are my responsibility, Vlad.

I won't be able to die in peace if I led you to death's door after failing to protect your family.

For mine and your deceased family's sake… don't choose this path." he spoke in a resolute yet worried voice.

Marcel's heart was full of trepidation and uncertainty as he saw Vlad showing no signs of wavering.

"And what am I supposed to do then, uncle Marcel?

Just live off an easy life while you risk yours everyday for my sake?" he questioned in return.

"That's not what I meant. You're not strong or skillful enough to survive outside.

We're in times when even new recruits who don't even know how to hold a spear properly or even have enough gear to protect themselves are forced to fight on the front.

And those hopeless and fearful soldiers get wantonly slaughtered without even having a chance to fight for their lives." iterated Marcel with a solemn voice.

What Marcel said was indeed the truth.

During times of war and chaos, the lives of soldiers were worth less than a single day's meal.

And sending troops of untrained soldiers to the war was a common occurrence in such times.

To his words, Vlad's expression turned complicated and furious at the same time.

"Then what am I supposed to do?!

Those bastard humans killed my entire family in front of me!

They massacred everyone from our town… everyone that I've known growing up.

How do you expect me to not seek revenge?!" he bellowed in a tone filled with unparalleled anger and hatred while his vengeful eyes gave him the look of a man without fear for his life.

For the next 2 hours, Vlad and Marcel quarreled loudly, their voices resounding in the surroundings to the point where even people from other quarters could hear them clearly.

And finally, after Dracula made a few false promises here and there while finding a middle ground, both Vlad and Marcel came to an agreement.

"I will allow you to enlist. But if I find out that you're unfit to fight or even defend yourself during your training period…

I will pull you out even if I have to break your bones to get you discharged! Do you understand me?!" asked Marcel, revealing an indomitable and overbearing demeanor.

Inside his mind, Dracula rejoiced because now… there was no longer a need to worry about anything else.

What Marcel didn't know was that this was nothing but an act by Vlad aka Dracula as he had plans for Marcel as well. And on his volition… Marcel had unleashed a ferocious beast without even knowing.

As for Dracula… It was time to start his rise and become a terrifying existence.

Who would even scare the entire Human race one day.