The Ruler

Seeing as Raven had chosen the continent, the sandbox zoomed in to show the selected area in detail. Raven could now see the rough terrain: plains of red or black soil, a few mountains, and sparse water bodies. Greenery was minimal, with forests and vegetation appearing mostly dark.

As Raven examined the terrain, Lex introduced the next task: choosing the exact location. This seemed challenging until he spotted a unique area—a valley in one of the few hilly regions. This valley had visible forestry and a river. The entire area was the size of a country back on Earth, and in the middle of the valley was a small hill. Raven fantasized about how he could use this place and decided to choose the valley.

"Lex, let's go with this place," he said, pointing at the valley.

Lex nodded in acknowledgment. Right when Lex approved, a system window appeared in front of Raven.

[The Vampire Progenitor has chosen the first plot on the continent.]

[The Vampire Progenitor is given the authority to name the continent.]

Raven was shocked. Who knew he would get the chance to name the continent? After some thought, he decided on a simple name: 'Evernight.'

[The continent name 'EVERNIGHT' is registered.]

"Hey Lex, will everyone who chooses land first get to name the continent?" Raven asked.

"Gaia will provide all progenitors who do something special with incentives, privileges, or other gifts. They will also be punished for actions that could lead to Gaia's destruction." Not waiting for Raven, Lex continued, "With the land selected, most of your race will be teleported directly here. While some races may be teleported throughout Gaia due to peculiarities, you won't be affected. Progenitors are given a choice: stay and rule over your race or see this place as an area where your race stays while you roam free."

Raven was surprised. He thought all progenitors would choose to lead their respective races. Still, there might be those who prefer to roam freely. Sensing something fishy, he asked, "Is there a difference if we choose to roam freely or lead?"

"You are correct. Gaia treats progenitors differently based on their choices. Leading your race grants privileges you wouldn't get otherwise. While I can't give you details until you decide, I recommend leading, as it would be more helpful in the long run," explained Lex.

Realizing Gaia favored those who help her prosper, Raven decided to lead the vampires. He had already planned to become powerful.

[The Vampire Progenitor has chosen to lead the vampires.]

['Ruler' Trait imprinted.]

Before Raven could ask about the trait, a new screen appeared.

[Ruler]

[ A regal aura will always be present around the host. This amplifies the effect of a progenitor on their race and grants innate charm towards all intelligent life forms. ]

"Since you have chosen to lead the vampires, you can select a residence for yourself, which will serve as the point of contact for all vampires coming to Gaia," said Lex.

"So I get to design it?" asked Raven.

"You are given choices based on how races are depicted in various cultures. For example, orcs, typically seen as tribal, will choose accordingly," answered Lex.

"So as a vampire, I'll get a castle?" Raven asked with anticipation. Though he planned to rule, he thought he'd start from scratch. Who knew there would be such privileges?

Lex responded by displaying a screen with various architectural styles fitting vampires. Raven quickly chose a gothic-style castle. He made some customizations, particularly in the throne room. He placed the castle on the hill in the middle of the valley, making it feel as if the castle and hill were one. Though he couldn't see it in reality yet, he was confident it would look impressive.

After that, Raven asked Lex, "So is that all?"

"Yes, that's all." And with that, Raven vanished from the void.

_______

The next time Raven opened his eyes, he found himself in a giant courtyard with an elevated platform adorned with symbols resembling arrays from the novels he had read. The courtyard was almost entirely barren, except for the platform and array, which he surmised was where new vampires would arrive in the future.

His attention quickly shifted to the gigantic castle before him. The castle, which he recognized as the one he had chosen, was entirely black and designed in a gothic style. What made it truly striking were the blood-red torches lighting the entire structure. Since the Evernight continent never had any sunlight, the castle would always be illuminated by this eerie glow.

The teleportation area where Raven now stood was beneath the castle, right by the hill the castle occupied. Seeing all this, his mind brimmed with ideas for the future, such as building a village around the teleportation area that could eventually grow into a town or city.

With nothing else to do for the moment, he decided to explore his new home, the castle. But before he could take a step forward, he felt an overwhelming force hit him, as if a truck had crashed into him. He felt every bone in his body break, and before he could even think, he lost consciousness.