Chapter 414 Sanguina's Flashback (Skippable)
Slamming into a tree, she slumped down the bark, landing in a slight puddle of swamp mud. Looking up, thinking to herself, "How could I let my guard down as her eyes closed, and moments later, she faded into a deep reflection of everything she had been through?
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The vast hall of Dracula's castle echoed with the sounds of clashing swords. Sanguina, much younger and more reckless, stood facing her father. His imposing figure cast a long shadow over her.
"Again!" Dracula commanded, his voice a deep rumble.
Sanguina wiped the sweat from her brow and lunged forward, her blade aiming for Dracula's heart. He effortlessly deflected her strike, his movements a blur. She gritted her teeth, frustration boiling inside her.
"You're too emotional, Sanguina," Dracula said calmly. "You must learn to control your emotions if you are to master your powers."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
With a roar, Sanguina unleashed a wave of dark energy, only for it to dissipate against Dracula's impenetrable defenses. He shook his head, disappointment clear in his eyes.
"Again," he commanded, his voice a deep rumble that resonated through the hall.
Sanguina took a deep breath, focusing her mind. She knew that raw power alone was not enough. She needed precision, control, and strategy. She needed to think like her father.
"Remember what I taught you about the art of the blade," Dracula continued. "Each strike must have intent. Your movements must be deliberate, not wild."
She nodded, her eyes narrowing in determination. She lunged again, this time with calculated strikes, her movements more controlled. Dracula parried her attacks with ease, but she could see a flicker of approval in his eyes.
"Better," he said, "but not enough."
"You must become the darkness," Dracula told her one evening as they trained under the pale moonlight. "Embrace it, let it guide you."
She practiced blending into the shadows, moving unseen and unheard. She learned to use the darkness to her advantage, to strike from the shadows and disappear before her enemy could react.
But her training was not limited to combat. Dracula insisted on a well-rounded education. She studied the sciences, arts, and languages of various planets. She learned about the cultures and histories of different worlds. She became a planetary person, knowledgeable and adaptable.
One of the most challenging aspects of her training was building immunity to poisons. Dracula subjected her to small doses of various poisons, gradually increasing the dosage as her body built up resistance.
"Pain is temporary," he would say as she writhed in agony from the effects of the poison. "But the strength you gain is eternal."
Sanguina endured the pain, her body growing stronger with each session. She learned to identify different poisons by smell and taste. She learned how to neutralize them, how to use them to her advantage in combat.
Her training also included mastering the art of survival in extreme environments. Dracula took her to the harshest landscapes on different planets. She survived in scorching deserts, frozen tundras, and dense jungles. She learned to find water, hunt for food, and build shelter. She became a master of survival.
One of her greatest challenges was learning to withstand sunlight. As a vampire, sunlight was her greatest weakness. Dracula exposed her to the sun for brief periods, gradually increasing the duration as her skin built up tolerance.
"The sun is not your enemy," he told her as she stood under the harsh rays, her skin burning. "It is a challenge to be overcome."
Sanguina gritted her teeth, enduring the searing pain. Over time, her skin developed a resistance to sunlight. She could withstand longer periods under the sun, though it still drained her energy.
Dracula also taught her the art of deception and manipulation. She learned how to use her charm and wit to influence others, how to read their intentions and exploit their weaknesses.
"Power is not just physical," Dracula said. "It is mental, emotional. You must learn to control not just your body, but your mind, and the minds of others."
She practiced these skills, honing her ability to influence and control those around her. She became adept at reading people, understanding their desires and fears. She learned to use this knowledge to her advantage, to manipulate situations to achieve her goals.
Despite the grueling training, there were moments of tenderness and pride. Dracula would often watch her practice from the shadows, a hint of a smile on his lips as he saw her progress.
One particularly harsh training session left Sanguina exhausted and demoralized. Her body was covered in bruises, her muscles aching from the relentless drills. She collapsed on the training ground, tears of frustration and pain welling in her eyes.
Just then, Erebos and his wife, Ria, appeared. Erebos, known for his kindness and wisdom, approached Sanguina with a gentle smile. Ria, a calming presence, stood beside him, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding.
"Sanguina," Erebos greeted her, "we thought you might need a break. And what better way to lift your spirits than with your favorite potato dragon stew?"
Sanguina's eyes lit up with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "Potato dragon stew? You brought that all the way here?"
Ria nodded, holding out a steaming bowl. "We know how much you love it. Thought it might help you recharge."
Sanguina took the bowl, the rich aroma of the stew filling her senses. She took a bite, savoring the familiar taste. "This is amazing, thank you," she said, her spirits lifting with each mouthful.
Erebos and Ria sat down beside her, watching as she ate. "It's important to take care of yourself," Ria said softly. "Both your body and your mind."
After finishing the stew, Sanguina felt a renewed sense of energy. Erebos waved goodbye to Ria, who left to attend to other matters. "Thank you, Ria," Sanguina called after her. "This means a lot."
Ria smiled warmly. "Anytime, Sanguina. Stay strong."
Erebos turned to Sanguina, his expression turning serious. "We need to talk," he said, his voice steady. "There are things you need to know about the upcoming war."
Sanguina nodded, sitting up straighter. "I'm listening."
Erebos began, "The Angelics and other universes are preparing for a massive conflict. This war isn't just about territory or power; it's about survival. The balance of our worlds is at stake."
Sanguina listened intently, the gravity of his words sinking in. "What do you need me to do?" she asked, determination in her eyes.
"You need to be strong, Sanguina," Erebos continued. "Stronger than you've ever been. Your training with your father is crucial, but so is understanding the larger picture. The Angelics have powers that can challenge even the mightiest of our kind. We need to be prepared for anything."
Sanguina nodded. "I've been pushing myself hard, but I'll push even harder. I won't let us down."
Erebos placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I know you won't. You're one of the most capable warriors we have. But remember, strength isn't just about brute force. It's also about strategy, resilience, and unity. We need to stand together if we're going to win this war."
Sanguina took a deep breath, absorbing his words. "I'll do everything I can. Tell me more about what we're up against."
Erebos explained the various threats they would face: the Angelics' formidable powers, the cunning tactics of other universes, and the unpredictable nature of the void realm. "It's a multifaceted war," he said. "And we need to be ready for anything."
They talked for what felt like hours, discussing strategies, potential alliances, and the importance of staying vigilant. Sanguina asked questions, seeking to understand every aspect of the impending conflict.
As their conversation drew to a close, Dracula appeared, his presence commanding attention. "That's enough for one day," he said, his voice carrying a note of finality.
Erebos stood, nodding respectfully to Dracula. "She's making great progress," he said. "We'll need her strength in the days to come."
Dracula's expression softened slightly. "I know. Thank you, Erebos."
Erebos waved goodbye to Sanguina. "Keep your spirits high," he said with a smile. "We'll get through this together."
Sanguina watched him go, feeling a mixture of gratitude and resolve. She turned to Dracula, who gestured for her to follow. "Come," he said. "It's time for a break."
They walked to the grand hall, where a massive dinner was being prepared. The smell of roasted meats, fresh bread, and rich desserts filled the air. The hall was decorated with banners and lights, creating a festive atmosphere.
As they entered, the room erupted in cheers. Sanguina's brothers and sisters, along with other members of their clan, gathered around long tables, laughing and talking. Music played in the background, adding to the celebratory mood.
Dracula led Sanguina to a seat at the head table. "Tonight, we celebrate your progress," he announced, raising a glass. "You've worked hard, and you deserve this."
Sanguina smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. She looked around at her family, feeling a deep sense of belonging. The dinner was filled with joy and laughter, everyone enjoying the food and each other's company.
As the evening progressed, the tables were cleared, and the music grew louder. People began to dance, their movements graceful and joyous. Sanguina joined in, feeling a rare sense of freedom as she moved to the rhythm of the music.
For a while, she forgot about the training, the pain, and the impending war. She was simply Sanguina, dancing and laughing with her family.
But the moment of peace was interrupted when a pegasus flew into the hall, its presence commanding immediate attention. The creature's eyes were wide with urgency, and it carried a message.
Dracula approached the pegasus, taking the scroll it carried. As he read, his expression darkened. "War is breaking out in the void realm," he announced, his voice heavy with gravity. "Erebos's wife has been attacked."
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