Saquin: Death To My Enemies

Voom!

A gust of wind blasted into Saquin's face as Lira appeared before him, materializing with her usual eerie silence. She held two unconscious mythics—a bruised elf and a fidgeting were-fox.

"Here they are, Saquin." She tossed the two at his feet with an effortless strength that was new, the kind of strength that took her above most in her level.

Saquin arched a brow, his gaze flickering between Lira and her captives. "Not only a new ability, but your power overall has increased." He inspected the mythics sprawled on the ground, noting the cuts and bruises that Lira had efficiently delivered.

"Yes, I feel… different." Lira's eyes shone with a mix of pride and something bordering on awe. "I feel as if I'm at the Lord level now."

Now, what do you plan to do with them? Mythic's voice buzzed in Saquin's mind, its tone curious yet calculating. These two didn't come to swear loyalty before, but Brimar is yours now; they'd have little choice but to follow you if they woke.

Saquin considered Mythic's suggestion but quickly dismissed it. I'd rather test something. This growth you mentioned—how does it work?

Typically, it amplifies training and any activities that promote strength—eating, fighting, absorbing powers… However, with me, the XP you gain from various actions is increased.

Wait—there's more than one way to gain XP? His brow furrowed in mild surprise.

Of course. Mythic's tone was dry. I went over them that night, but you tuned me out after hearing that killing granted the most. Would you like a refresher?

No need. He dismissed it with a mental wave. Just curious. So, this boost—how much are we talking?

About 50% more XP.

An idea sparked in Saquin's mind, and before Mythic could comment, he seized his sword from his inventory and swung down.

Thud.

Two heads rolled onto the ground, severed cleanly. The quiet of the forest seemed to thicken as blood pooled around the bodies of the slain mythics.

[ Kill –> +30XP ]

[ Higher level kill –> +75XP ]

[ Kill –> +30XP ]

[ Higher level kill –> +75XP ]

[ Lvl 5(330/500XP) ]

Nice. Saquin remarked with a smirk on his face.

He caught Lira's wide-eyed stare, her expression somewhere between shock and bewilderment. When he said to bring them, I thought he meant to scare them into submission… but this… Her unease was evident in the way she stepped back slightly.

"Are you scared of me?" Saquin asked her, his gaze steady as he gauged her reaction.

Lira hesitated, collecting her words carefully. "No… It's just…" She bit her lip, the earlier admiration tempered by a sudden realization. "I nearly forgot… you're part vampire. And you did kill three level 7s."

He smiled faintly, softening his expression. "There's no need to worry. My grandmother always told me never to hit women."

Lira's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? But I saw you hit the princess."

Saquin chuckled, glancing back to the dawn spilling over Brimar's trees. "I said I was told that, not that I promised to obey it. Refusing to hit someone solely due to gender is just discrimination. My grandmother and I reached a compromise: I only hit them if they attack first."

She blinked, taken aback. "But… you hit me yesterday."

"That was necessary," he replied coolly, his keen ears catching her whispered murmur.

Lira's pout was almost endearing, her defiance muted by her respect. "Okay, I guess…"

Interesting, Mythic remarked, bemused. She's warmed up to you rather quickly—already pouting as if you've known each other for years.

Shouldn't you know more about the blood bond than I do? Saquin countered. You suggested it, after all.

I suggested it as a future possibility, not for immediate action, Mythic huffed. But you went on about giving her immortality and power, even bestowing a name.

I know what my blood does. Saquin's reply was dismissive. You were supposed to assist with the bond, which you did. Now you're acting like you don't even understand it.

Your physiology complicates things, Saquin. This isn't your typical bond—it's closer to persuasion than forced loyalty. Instead of a master-servant relationship, she follows you willingly, guided by her own loyalty.

Good, Saquin thought, almost relieved. I dislike forcing people. I agreed to the blood bond to avoid surprises if my blood proved too potent.

Ah, yes. Mythic's tone was laced with irony. The ruthless killer who detests forcing others. The longer I exist, the more contradictions I encounter.

A flicker of guilt passed through Saquin. I also hate torturing people, he admitted, more to himself than to Mythic.

… Mythic's silence was unreadable, an empty space left for Saquin to ponder his thoughts alone.

"Saquin?"

Lira's voice broke the mental stillness, drawing him back to the moment.

"Yes?" He turned, meeting her gaze.

"I've been meaning to ask… why did you let that higher human woman go?"

"Simple." Saquin's gaze was steady. "She's a higher human. Royalty, in other words. And she's from the Southern Kingdom, judging by her clothing and weapons. Her king doesn't take kindly to threats against his kin. Letting her go is preferable to facing an entire kingdom's wrath, especially one armed with mythic-restraining weapons."

"Oh…" Lira nodded, processing his words with a hint of awe. "I didn't think that far."

"That's why humans rule, Lira," Saquin replied with a faint smirk. "Higher intelligence… and perhaps unchecked population growth. But intelligence is the main reason."

She nodded slowly, a trace of wonder in her eyes. "Are you really a vampire and a higher human?"

"Primal vampire," he corrected her, his voice unassuming.

Her eyes widened. "A primal vampire! Those are rare—maybe only five in history?"

A realization struck Saquin, and he directed it at Mythic. You didn't tell me that.

You didn't ask, came the dry reply.

"So… are you mainly human, then?" Lira asked, her curiosity evident.

"Nah," Saquin replied, straightforwardly. "I identify as both."

"Erm, okay." She hesitated, piecing things together. "But if you're a higher human too, doesn't that mean you might have some sort of royal blood?"

"..." Saquin turned to look at Lira for a second, before turning back to watch the sunrise. "Tell me about these forces eyeing my land, I need more XP."