I Became The Vampire Progenitor

"Master of Demon Heart, state your intentions clearly. Your actions are infringing upon the interests of the Dark Pact."

His sharp gaze was like that of a hawk in the hunt.

"Otherwise, the Dark Pact will consider you an enemy and respond with indiscriminate retaliation."

As he spoke, the aura around Li De grew increasingly sacred. Faith energy radiated from his entire being. In his eyes gleamed a commanding majesty, the kind that belonged to deities.

Yet the juxtaposition of that holiness with the vampire fangs showing beneath his lips, under the dim red glow of the magic lamp, created a bizarre, almost grotesque contrast.

Wales, locked in Li De's gaze, felt a strange urge to look away. The sacred aura emanating from this vampire stirred something deep inside him, a creeping dread.

What kind of terrifying being could actually contain the power of the Gods of Light within their own body?

Could this figure be on the cusp of breaking through Transcendence... maybe even preparing for demi-godhood?!

The divine power of the Gods of Light was lethal to dark beings, even evil gods acknowledged that. It was a fundamental truth across all the eras of Glory.

Yet here, in front of him, stood a vampire radiating the very essence of that divine power. And beside him stood four top-tier professionals above Level 15, all showing genuine reverence.

Wales's thoughts were racing. The conclusion he reached made him want to flee the room.

This man must be laying the foundation to ascend into demi-godhood.

To accommodate the divine power of the Gods of Light within a vampire's body. What kind of monstrous entity was he facing?

Wales had once heard whispers from high demons, unverified rumors. They claimed dark beings like demons and vampires were incapable of becoming true gods because they could not wield faith.

But it was said that some among them, hungry for power, had invaded holy temples to steal divine faith energy and unravel its secrets, seeking the path to demi-godhood.

He had always dismissed these stories as myths.

Until now.

"Respected Lord Iro, Demon Heart bears no ill will toward the Dark Pact."

Hearing Wales say this, Li De's mind stirred. Especially when he saw the panic flashing in the other man's eyes, he sensed something.

Interesting.

Li De's eyes narrowed slightly.

"No ill will?"

Wales flinched at the coldness in Li De's gaze.

This man might actually be preparing to ascend to legendary status!

And in the world of Glory, one never disrespected a true powerhouse. That was a rule for survival.

"Yes, Lord Iro. Viscount Berna was once an ally of Demon Heart.

But he's now being hunted by a Transcendent. The Dark Pact has fallen into disarray. If Demon Heart hadn't intervened, the Pact might not have survived long enough for Berna to return."

Wales's face was a mask of righteous concern, as though he hadn't been the one feeding the military information about the Dark Pact's bases.

"So Demon Heart stepped in to help the Pact.

Lord Iro, that Transcendent mage in Green City bears immense hatred toward the Dark Pact. Perhaps you and the Pact would be better off laying low.

I have a few estates in the Western District. I would gladly offer them to you."

Li De's eyes narrowed again. This expression didn't match the one Wales had just worn.

A test?

His tone was lofty, righteous, and aggressive.

"Wales, now that I have arrived, the Dark Pact need no longer fear that Transcendent mage.

Hide?

Heh. Even when facing that middle-aged Black Dragon in its prime, I never backed down.

Wales, you've reached Level 19. Without a resolute heart, how can you ascend even higher, let alone pursue eternity?"

[T/N: I'm guessing this black dragon he is referring to is Locke Hart the Transcendent of Green city. It's the only thing that makes sense, maybe i'm missing something. Let me know if I'm wrong.]

His voice carried a tone of philosophical reflection, tinged with a loneliness known only to those who walked at the summit.

Eternity?

Wales's mouth twitched. His pupils trembled. What, in this world, could be considered eternal?

Gods.

The divine aura around Li De couldn't be an illusion. It wasn't something that could be faked by external force.

Wales's respect deepened.

"Whether human or demon, the strong never cower. Even the snakefolk, masters of cunning, will stand tall when it matters most."

Li De's tone was meaningful. Wales blinked, then his expression lit up with something close to reverence.

He asked instinctively.

"Lord Iro, how did you break through to Transcendence?"

A beat later, he regretted it, watching Li De nervously, afraid he had offended him.

But he had been stuck at Level 19 for far too long. Even before acquiring his demonic blood, he had reached this level.

Becoming a half-demon had been a desperate attempt to push through to the next stage.

But Transcendence was elusive. Not even the might of demonic blood had helped.

So if there was even a sliver of a chance, he couldn't let it slip.

Li De, hearing the question, was momentarily stunned.

Wait, what? When did this negotiation turn into a tutorial on how to reach Transcendence?

I don't even know how to get to Level 15!

Did I overdo it with the posturing?

Still, looking into Wales's burning eyes, Li De cleared his throat and replied.

"Wales, do you know the difference between the Transcendent and those below?"

The difference? Wales hadn't expected a reply, but now his heart leapt with hope.

He pondered for a moment.

"Control over power?" he said hesitantly.

His crimson eyes brimmed with yearning. He desperately sought Transcendence. Now, to receive guidance from a being who wielded even the light of the Gods, this was truly the blessing of the Goddess of Luck.

Li De shook his head.

"No. Control is important, but it's not everything."

Wales frowned deeply. He thought again, then cautiously asked.

"Is it the accumulation of energy?"

Li De still shook his head.

"No. A Cyclops has far more energy in its body than a human, but it remains a mortal."

"Lord Iro, please guide me. I will give you anything you desire."

Wales could no longer hold back. He rose from his seat and bowed deeply before Li De under everyone's gaze.

Grote and Betty exchanged bewildered glances.

What is happening?

A Level 19 Mind Eater asking our Level 13 boss how to become Transcendent?

Li De, unaware of their complicated expressions, nodded in satisfaction. With the air of a sage, he began.

"Your sincerity moves me, Wales. Tonight, the Goddess of Luck smiles upon you. I will make an exception and offer you guidance."

Emi and the others barely stopped themselves from grimacing.

Li De's tone deepened, as if recalling a glorious past.

"To reach Level 20, you need the accumulation of strength and refined technique.

But to reach Transcendence, you need a heart that knows no fear."

"A heart that does not flinch before gods."

"A heart unshackled by limits, peerless under heaven."

"A heart that... cough, shatters the ages, one that defies time itself."

Wales fell into a trance as he listened. It felt like divine revelation, like a blessing from the Abyss.

Suddenly, everything made sense. He had been on the wrong path all along.

Lord Iro is truly incomprehensibly powerful, to share such a crucial secret with me.

Wales's heart surged with emotion.

Praise the demons. Praise Lord Iro!

As Li De reached the climax of his impromptu sermon, Wales's aura suddenly shifted.

A terrifying, violent energy erupted across the room. It was like a dragon had emerged.

Li De's eyes widened.

Wait, this bastard isn't really going to break through to Transcendence now, is he?!