Bruno and the Crimson Veil

Now standing once again, Bruno watched attentively as Flávia continued her explanation.

— I believe you've already understood why vital energy and power control are the two foundational pillars among vampires. — She paused briefly, then continued: — But now, let's talk more deeply about transformation... and the mist.

— The mist functions as a pseudo-domain for vampires — she explained. — Within it, we gain geographic advantage over other beings.

Flávia allowed a slight expression of displeasure to cross her face before continuing:

— Those who cannot manipulate it are constantly hunted. They're considered low-level vampires.

— But know that it doesn't stop there — Flávia went on, her gaze now carrying a more serious glow. — Once your command over the four powers reaches a proficient level, and with continuous training, you can access the first stage of advanced vampire transformation.

She paused dramatically before revealing:

— It's called the First Phase of the Vampire Count.

Flávia stepped a little closer, as if her words carried ancient weight.

— The Count Phases draw out the full potential of the vampire race. It's the peak essence of our power, adapting to the specialties and talents of each individual. At that stage, you're recognized as a Warrior-level vampire.

Giving Bruno a brief moment to absorb everything, Flávia then continued:

— Watch closely.

She began by channeling her vital energy and power control in a steady, focused manner. A white, ethereal energy manifested around her body. With a light punch motion, the energy suddenly expanded, carving a crater three meters wide into the ground. The remaining energy dispersed into small vortexes, swirling in the air as if reality itself was warping.

Flávia proceeded, but this time, the energy shifted — it expanded differently, becoming tangible and illusory, like a dense fog.

Without Bruno noticing, a black cat appeared out of nowhere and leapt onto his shoulder. With a graceful jump in front of him, the cat transformed before his eyes — returning to Flávia's form, now wearing a faint, mysterious smile.

Bruno, astonished, reached out and held Flávia's arms, still unsure whether this was all an illusion. As she felt his touch, she smiled gently and asked:

— So... what did you think?

Excited, his eyes sparkling with curiosity, Bruno couldn't help but praise her:

— That was... incredible. Your abilities are insane!

He stepped closer, like a student before a master:

— How do I do that? How do I learn to use that kind of transformation?

Flávia leaned in slightly and replied in a calm voice:

— Bruno, remember that feeling when you stimulate your energy. Now, try to use your power control to expand it.

Bruno nodded with determination and attempted to copy her. But after a dozen tries and nearly an hour of relentless practice, all he managed to produce was a faint mist — thin like smoke, with a reddish hue, like glowing embers at dusk.

Flávia, who had watched everything in silence, noticed the disappointment on his face. She approached with a soft smile and said in a comforting tone:

— Bruno, you did well. It's still your first day. And after only one hour of training, you achieved a small success. That's already above average.

Flávia then added:

— Besides, you're still going through the vampiric assimilation process, which lasts about a week and a half. Now... let me show you my Count form.

At those words, Bruno's eyes lit up with excitement, a wide smile of anticipation stretching across his face. Flávia smiled in return and said:

— Step back a little.

Though exhausted, Bruno dragged his body about four meters away.

Then it began.

Flávia's vital energy surged outward, abrupt and intense — far denser than anything she had shown before. Feeling the weight of that manifestation, Bruno nearly backed away… but he stood firm. He wanted to see it through.

Then he saw water energy swirl around her, dancing like liquid serpents. Small hurricanes formed in various directions, creating whirlwinds that kicked up dust and leaves. Her hair turned into living water, flowing constantly. She grew about two centimeters taller, as if her entire body adjusted to the transformation. Her eyes became icy and translucent, and her lips shaped into something cold, sculpted by winter itself.

Bruno could only stare, mesmerized by that sublime and terrifying form.

After about three seconds, Flávia returned to her normal state, as if nothing had happened. Bruno, wide-eyed and breathless with excitement, ran to her — joyful like a child — and began praising her, firing off questions one after the other. Flávia laughed and answered them all with patience and kindness.

When things finally calmed, she said casually:

— Let's go inside and take a shower now.

I nodded and started following her. But as I walked, a single thought echoed in my mind:

She's only at the level of a Mid-Rank Baron… and she's already that powerful.