Ethan’s vision blurred. His limbs felt heavy, his strength draining rapidly.

  A metallic taste filled his mouth—his own blood.

  And then—

  A sharp pain pierced his neck.

  His body convulsed as a cold yet burning sensation spread through his veins. His breath hitched as two sharp fangs sank deeper, drawing more of his essence.

  His Vital Force should have been depleting—but it wasn’t.

  Instead, it was rising.

  The sensation was unlike anything he had ever felt—his body weakened yet strengthened, as if something was changing inside him.

  “What… are you?” Ethan rasped.

  He forced his eyes open.

  Lisa was on the ground, unmoving, her bow lying shattered beside her. A thin line of blood trickled down her temple.

  And above him—

  Reyna knelt, her lips pressed against his neck, her fangs deep in his flesh.

  Her once green eyes glowed red, her pupils thin like a predator’s. Her skin was paler, almost luminous, and her entire body radiated an ancient hunger.

  She was drinking his blood.

  But she wasn’t just feeding.

  She was binding something to him.

  Reyna pulled away slowly, her lips stained with crimson. She licked the excess blood from her fangs, a satisfied smile curling her lips.

  “Oh, Ethan,” she purred, her voice sultry and thrumming with power. “You taste… exquisite.”

  Ethan shuddered. His body felt different.

  The pain was still there, but underneath it was a surging energy, something new taking root in his very essence.

  Reyna leaned closer, pressing a cold finger against his chest, right above his racing heart.

  “You asked what I am,” she murmured, tracing zy circles on his skin.

  She tilted her head, smiling wickedly.

  “I am a Crimson Ascendant—a Vampire, if you prefer the old term.”

  Ethan tensed.

  A Vampire.

  He had fought monsters, bandits, killers. But this—this was something far worse.

  Reyna’s grin widened as if she could hear his thoughts.

  “Oh, don’t look so scared.” She chuckled, tapping his cheek pyfully. “If I wanted to kill you, you’d be dead already.”

  She leaned closer, her breath cool against his skin.

  “No, my dear Ethan…”

  She ran a finger down his jawline, stopping at his chin.

  “I want you alive.”

  Ethan clenched his fists, trying to push himself up, but his body refused to move.

  Reyna’s bite had done something to him.

  His Essence felt twisted—as if something had been added to it.

  “What the hell… did you do to me?” he growled, forcing himself to meet her gaze.

  Reyna smirked, brushing her fingers through her dark hair.

  “I did you a favor, actually.”

  She extended her hand.

  “Ethan, you intrigue me. So I’m offering you a deal.”

  A faint glow surrounded her pale fingers, and suddenly—

  A System Notification appeared before his eyes.

  [Blood Pact Proposal]

  A Crimson Ascendant has marked you as their Chosen. Accepting this pact will grant you:

  Enhanced Vital Force regeneration

  Increased physical capabilities

  The ability to wield Blood Essence

  A direct link to your Patron

  Warning: Rejecting the Pact may result in violent consequences.

  [Do you accept?]

  [YES] - [NO]

  Ethan stared at the glowing prompt, his breath shallow.

  This wasn’t just an offer.

  It was a trap.

  Reyna had just forced a connection between them, binding him to her Essence whether he liked it or not.

  Ethan’s fingers trembled over the options.

  If he chose [NO], there was no telling what she would do. She had already defeated him effortlessly. If she wanted, she could end his life here.

  But if he chose [YES]…

  He would be bound to her.

  He would gain power, but at what cost?

  Reyna tilted her head, watching his internal struggle with amusement.

  “Come on, Ethan,” she whispered, her red eyes gleaming. “You and I both know you’re not strong enough yet. This world is only getting worse.”

  She leaned closer, her lips brushing against his ear.

  “Let me make you stronger.”

  Ethan swallowed hard.

  His entire body screamed at him not to trust her.

  But he also knew one thing for certain—

  He hated being weak.

  And he needed every advantage he could get.

  His finger hovered over the option.

  And then—

  He pressed [YES].

  The moment he confirmed the Pact, a sharp pain erupted in his chest.

  His veins burned, his body convulsing as something foreign merged with his Essence.

  Reyna watched eagerly, her eyes glowing brighter.

  “Yes,” she whispered. “Feel it, Ethan. Let the power sink in.”

  Ethan’s heartbeat thundered, his muscles spasming as his body transformed.

  His Vital Force surged, his wounds closing at an unnatural speed. His senses sharpened, the world around him becoming clearer, crisper.

  And then—

  A new System Notification appeared.

  [Blood Pact Complete]

  You are now a Chosen of the Crimson Ascendant.

  New Ability Acquired: Blood Infusion

  You can now merge Blood Essence with your abilities, enhancing them beyond their limits.

  Vital Force Regeneration: Increased

  Physical Enhancements: Active

  Ethan gasped as the pain faded, repced by a sudden rush of strength.

  He flexed his fingers, feeling the raw power coursing through him.

  Reyna giggled. “Oh, Ethan… you look amazing.”

  She caressed his cheek, her expression one of genuine satisfaction.

  “You’re mine now.”

  Ethan gred at her,

  but his body betrayed him.

  Despite his instincts screaming in protest, he felt an undeniable pull toward her.

  The Pact was complete.

  And he had just become something more.