Chapter 62: Ancient Blood (23)

"So, that was Eliza’s true face?"

Herbert opened his eyes, touched his neck, and after confirming his head was still on his shoulders, let out a silent sigh of relief.

Phew… good, my head’s still there.

To be fair, this was a truly immersive viewing experience!

When Prince Fatt was beheaded by Eliza, Herbert genuinely felt his own head roll off too.

It rolled several times on the ground, nearly making him dizzy.

Seriously.

What kind of Louis XVI experience card is this?

After mocking the overly realistic sensation, Herbert squinted, recalling the “Eliza” he had seen in that memory.

To be honest, Herbert was skeptical—was she really the vampire he knew?

"Well, no offense, but I really can’t connect her to that trash vampire."

What was Eliza like in Prince Fatt’s memory?

Mad, arrogant, cold, cruel… perfectly matched Herbert’s fantasy of an evil, powerful vampire.

And what was the Eliza he knew like?

Sneaky, with a strong sense of deceit, easily broken, yapping nonstop… yeah, perfectly matched Herbert’s fantasy of a trash vampire.

Without a hint, who could possibly link these two together?

But thanks to the industry’s foresight, there were already precedents for every type of vampire.

Like the ultra-poor vampire, the vampire who pauses time for five seconds to haul people down stairs, the vampire who drinks his own nosebleed, the vampire with dual pistols cackling maniacally…

So even if Eliza acted like a fool, Herbert found nothing strange or surprising.

But then again, if that memory’s Eliza was truly her, what had she gone through to become this way now?

Child, what did you endure?

He shook his head, sighing helplessly: “So what turned her into this ghostly mess?”

Was it Shi Chen’s fault?

【“Oh, you’re awake?”】

Lost in thought, Herbert had been staring blankly; upon hearing this, he answered without thinking, on instinct: “Uh… did the surgery succeed? Did I turn into a girl?”

【“Huh… Huh? You want to?”】

Neinasha paused, uncertain, then said:

【“Uh… though I don’t recommend it, if you’re really set on it, I could help…”】

“Never mind, I didn’t say anything. Just a bit drowsy.”

Herbert replied calmly, face unmoved, trying to change the subject:

“What ability did I gain?”

【“Hmph… fine, let’s just say that’s what it was.”】

Neinasha gave a meaningful hum, and surprisingly didn’t press further, answering as if nothing had happened:

【“Your luck’s still good~ That little bat gave you the ancient blood of a vampire.”】

【“Though diluted, it’s undeniably the primordial blood of the vampire ancestor—capable of unlocking some decent abilities.”】

Primordial blood?

Sounds great.

Herbert grew excited, rubbing his hands together: “What can I do? Quick, lay it on me!”

【“Hehe…”】

At that moment, Neinasha suddenly smirked strangely, speaking softly: 【“Hard to explain—I’ll let you experience it yourself.”】

Herbert: ?

Wait, what’s she planning?

“Wait—uh!?”

Thump-thump!

As Herbert opened his mouth, he suddenly felt his heart pounding violently.

His blood surged through his body, his entire temperature spiking!

“This… what is this?”

Herbert swayed, instinctively stepping forward—only to launch himself off the ground, nearly slamming into the ceiling of the private room.

Huh!?

Startled, Herbert raised his hand just before impact, then landed swiftly back on the floor.

He didn’t crash down—he smoothly dissipated the force, making only a faint sound.

Tap.

Within a few breaths, he adjusted his entire state, adapting to the discomfort of his suddenly boosted physicality.

Herbert raised his hands and noticed his skin faintly flushed, as if scorched.

Additionally, he clearly heard the echo of his heartbeat in the room—thump-thump-thump-thump!

His heart beat powerfully!

Neinasha’s voice chimed in cheerfully: 【“Feel it? That’s your first ability: Boiling Blood.”】

【“A rare ability among vampires—by raising blood temperature and accelerating flow, it triggers physical enhancement, at least doubling your strength.”】

For vampires, whose hearts no longer beat, this ability was utterly incomprehensible to most.

【“Duration depends on your physical limit—the stronger your body, the longer you can sustain it… you can probably hold it for about three minutes now?”】

【“Don’t feel bad—three minutes is still a long time!”】

But Herbert didn’t agree with Neinasha’s sarcastic explanation.

He shook his head, speaking gravely:

“No, this ability shouldn’t be called Boiling Blood.”

【“Huh?”】

“This is—Gear Second!”

Exactly!

Accelerating blood flow, enhancing physical strength… it all fits!

So I’m destined to become the Pirate King!

I’m already a man.

Next step: find a big-breasted Pirate King…

【“What nonsense are you spouting now?”】

“Cough… never mind, ignore me.”

Herbert cleared his throat and asked: “Isn’t this a vampire-exclusive ability? Won’t it be noticed?”

【“Nope~ To outsiders, it’ll just look like some kind of berserk ability. They’ll at most suspect you have barbarian blood.”】

Berserk abilities weren’t rare in this world.

As Neinasha said, who in this day and age doesn’t have a few short-term physical boost techniques?

No one would waste time studying him.

“Alright, stop teasing me—what else?”

【“The rest? Hmm… not much—just improved night vision, enhanced blood production, and slightly better recovery.”】

Indeed, compared to Boiling Blood, these were mere bonuses.

“Hmm. Any side effects?”

【“As for side effects~ I’m sorry to tell you—you’ll probably sleep very little from now on.”】

Neinasha’s voice grew gleeful, teasing:

【“Vampires are sleepless beings. Now that you’ve gained their abilities, you’ll be affected too.”】

【“Gradually, your sleep will dwindle until you no longer sleep at all—only non-sleep methods can restore your energy.”】

Yet facing this somewhat tragic news, Herbert blinked in confusion:

“Huh? Isn’t that a plus?”

【“Huh?”】

(End of Chapter)