Ancestral Lineage

Chapter 155 Dri, The Creator (1)

The berserk state wasn't just a physical transformation but a battlefield within Ethan's soul. He stood at the center of a dark, endless expanse, the ground beneath him slick with a crimson liquid that rippled with each movement. The heavy and oppressive air filled with an overwhelming aura of despair.

Shadows writhed and loomed around him, their forms shifting and twisting into grotesque, faceless figures. They whispered insidious words, their voices a cacophony that clawed at his sanity.

"You're weak."

"You couldn't save him."

"You'll never be enough."@@@@

Ethan clutched his head, his fingers digging into his temples as he tried to drown out the voices, but their venomous words grew louder. They encircled him like predators, their cold presence suffocating.

A sharp pain bloomed in his chest, and he staggered, falling to his knees in the crimson pool. His reflection stared back at him—twisted, monstrous, and unrecognizable. Crimson eyes marred with black veins glared at him, full of anger and sorrow, a distorted version of himself that seemed all too eager to devour him whole.

"Is this... all I am?" Ethan murmured, his voice trembling. The words felt heavy, a crack in his fragile resolve.

And then, amidst the swirling shadows, a faint light appeared.

It was small, almost imperceptible at first, but its presence was enough to draw Ethan's attention. He lifted his head, the faint glimmer cutting through the oppressive darkness. He instinctively reached for it, his hand trembling as it extended toward the light.

The shadows recoiled at the touch of the light, hissing like wounded beasts as they retreated slightly. The crimson liquid at his feet rippled violently as if resisting the intrusion.

The light coalesced, growing stronger until it took the shape of a familiar figure—Tia.

She floated before him, her small form flickering like a candle in the wind. Her usually vibrant glow was dim, her translucent wings drooping, but her voice was clear, unwavering.

"Master, come back to us."

The simple plea struck Ethan like a thunderbolt. He froze, his crimson eyes meeting hers, and the shadows fell silent for a moment.

Around him, more lights began to flicker into existence. They were faint at first, but one by one, they grew stronger, forming the silhouettes of those closest to him.

Trevor's commanding voice rang out, steady and unyielding. "You are stronger than this, Ethan. Fight it."

Clara and Harley's voices were raw with emotion, tinged with desperation. "We need you, Ethan! Don't leave us!"

The lights gathered around Ethan, their presence pushing the shadows further back. And then another voice rang out, calm and resolute.

"You are more than your rage."

Ethan turned toward the source of the voice, and a radiant figure stepped forward. Andriel's silver hair flowed like moonlight, and her violet eyes burned with a fierce determination. She extended a hand toward him, her voice steady and soothing.

Ethan's heart pounded as Kael continued.

"You would've slaughtered until all blood was yours, consuming every drop of life on the planet. Extinction would've been inevitable," Kael said bluntly. "And so far, from what I've observed, no other Primogenitor-level is being near you except Trevor. If this had happened now..." He let the words hang in the air, their weight suffocating.

Ethan sat in silence, the realization washing over him like ice.

"I'm sorry..." Ethan muttered, his voice heavy with guilt.

Kael turned to him, his expression unreadable. "I don't need your apologies," he said firmly. "Save them for your friends when you wake up. They're the ones who still need you."

Ethan nodded slowly. "Thank you," he said after a moment, his voice quiet but sincere.

Kael gave a faint smile, leaning back on the hill of solidified blood. "It's nothing. I can't let you experience what I went through. Trust me, it's a path you don't want to walk. Anyway, there's something else—a way to save Lamair."

Ethan's head snapped up, his crimson eyes widening. "How?"

Kael raised a hand, silencing him. "Let me finish, bruh."

Ethan blinked, then sighed, nodding. "Okay."

Kael chuckled lightly before continuing, his tone growing serious. "You can save him. He's dead, but his spirit hasn't fully dissipated from the world yet. As a Blood Primogenitor by status, you can turn him—but he won't become a vampire. He'll become something far darker. A ghoul."

"A ghoul?" Ethan repeated, frowning.

Kael nodded. "Yes. A creature tethered to you, bound by blood and will. However, to make this happen, you'll need the assistance of a spirit being to guide his transition. Without that, it won't work."

Ethan's mind raced. "How do I find a spirit being? And how long until his spirit completely dissipates?"

Kael smirked faintly. "Good questions. His spirit should have dissipated about three hours ago—thirty minutes after his death. But because of your connection, your protection, and his status as your subordinate tied to your path, both his spirit and body have been preserved, shielded from decay and the natural dissipation process."

Ethan exhaled in relief. "How much time does that give me?"

Kael's expression turned contemplative. "I'd say you've got about two days, give or take. But don't waste a second. As for the spirit being—you've already got two of them on your team. They just don't know it yet."

Ethan's brow furrowed. "Two-spirit beings. On my team? Who?"

Kael shrugged. "That, I don't know. Their presence is faint, dormant even. But they're there. They'll need to evolve before they can help you, though. The Empress can take care of that. She's been watching over you more closely than you realize."

Ethan let out a dry laugh. "Why do I feel like all of this is just one massive plan?"

Kael's crimson eyes gleamed as his lips curled into a wry smile. "Welcome to the chessboard of Fate, my friend. Where even gods are but mere pawns in her grand game."