Chapter 47: Spells
[Hmm, shapeshifting-type bloodline spells, huh?]
Zera's voice drifted lazily through Raven's mind. [Many demons and other races possess such spells—Vampires, Doppelgangers, Blood Imps, Syrenies, Dragons, Fairies, Succubi, High Humans… but those creatures are the kind you only read about. Even if you found one, you couldn't defeat it, let alone extract its bloodline.]
She paused briefly before adding in a teasing tone,
[But why are you looking elsewhere when you already have the best option nearby? Humans are the descendants of High Humans. Kill a few and absorb their bloodline essences.]
"No," Raven said firmly, shaking his head. "I won't kill humans for no reason."
[Hah, I'm not asking you to go on a killing spree, lad. Not all humans carry the pure blood of their ancestors anyway. Hunt down the criminals—the assassins and murderers hiding in the dark. Use Bloodline Extraction on them. You might just obtain the spell you're after sooner than you think.]
Raven's eyes flickered with thought, but Zera's tone soon turned solemn.
[Be careful, though. There's a limit to how many bloodlines you can absorb. Choose wisely. A poor spell will weaken your foundation instead of strengthening it.]
"I see… so I have to pick the best bloodline spells. What about the ones I already have?"
[Fortuitous Finder and Iron Resilience are top-tier. Poison Touch, on the other hand, barely scrapes above average. As for shapeshifting—it depends entirely on the race. If you can obtain the Dragon Bloodline spell, Polymorph, you could transform into a dragon, titan, or even a mythical beast, gaining their true strength in the process.]
[But the High Human shapeshifting spell only allows you to mimic humanoid monsters. You won't gain their power, but it'll help you hide your true strength.]
Raven thought deeply. "But where am I supposed to find a dragon? They vanished after the Battle of Heath."
[Then we'll look elsewhere. What about your next spell?]
"I haven't decided yet," Raven admitted. "Any suggestions?"
[Hmm… Warlocks are powerful, but limited. Once a Warlock chooses a bloodline pathway, it can't normally be changed. But your body isn't bound by those shackles. You should aim for a long-range spell first. The Three-Eyed Titan's Eye of Destruction is perfect. My old master said it could obliterate even an opponent a rank higher.]
Raven's eyes widened. "I've read about that! The Titans appeared eighty years ago and destroyed the Southern Wild Fortress. The Meadows Family survived only because of the Wizards from Crows' Misery."
[Good memory. Speaking of memory—your next target should be a spell related to it. Your Instant Memory is useful, but not a true bloodline spell. What you need is Eidetic Memory.]
"I've heard that name before… Teacher Elizabeth mentioned it ten years ago."
[Then find the Dawn Goblin. Extract its bloodline essence. That's where the spell originates.]
"Another goblin?" Raven frowned. "They're weak."
[Don't underestimate them, lad. The ones wandering the woods are impure—barely worth killing. True goblins are ancient and far more intelligent than humans.]
"So the Past Finder spell—was that also from a goblin?"
[Correct. The Night Goblin. My master insisted you must obtain it, no matter what. But they live in the Nightmare World, and sightings are rare.]
"It doesn't sound that special."
[It is. You'll see its worth in time. Now, your next spell should enhance agility or movement. I plan to awaken the bloodline power sleeping inside you.]
"The bloodline power hidden in my body?" Raven muttered, recalling the question marks that once appeared in his racial status—before Zera had removed that tab entirely.
"Does this have something to do with my royal lineage?"
[Yes. The guardian of your royal bloodline is the Twin-Headed Serpent. Every member of your family carries traces of it. Some—like the Seventh Prince and Twelfth Princess—have inherited teleportation-type bloodline spells. I could extract yours, but it's risky. If the process fails, it could drain every drop of blood from your body.]
Zera's voice turned grim. [The safer path is to find a beast sharing the Twin-Headed Serpent's blood—or awaken it naturally with a potion.]
"Bloodline Strengthening Potion…" Raven murmured. "It could help awaken dormant essence, but crafting even a beginner-level one requires rare ingredients—especially the Life Resin from the Tree of Life."
He frowned, recalling his studies. "There are seventeen two-headed snake species in the Empire. Only two can blend into shadows and teleport short distances. We'll need to track them down."
[Good. For now, focus on collecting those bloodline spells and developing your Elemental Circlet technique. Strengthen both your body and soul.]
Raven nodded and leaned back on the bed. "Before that, I need a new identity—and a safe place to stay."
Time passed quietly until the clock struck eight.
Elizabeth entered the room, wrapped in a hooded robe. "It's time to leave, Raven. Cover yourself." She tossed him a black cloak.
Raven caught it and put it on over his uniform. He could've changed completely using his spatial artifact, but he didn't want Elizabeth to notice.
[Haa… what am I going to do with this introvert?] Zera sighed in his mind.
"Do you have money? How will you manage on your own?" Elizabeth asked as he tightened the cloak.
Raven reached into his pocket and pulled out two gold coins and a few silvers. "My aunt always let me keep some money."
"Only two gold coins? Better than nothing. If you sell or pawn the boots I gave you at Oculus Bank, you can start fresh with a new identity."
They walked into the main hall. The furniture looked ordinary at a glance, but everything—from the lamps to the polished sofas—spoke of wealth. A strange black glass panel caught Raven's attention.
[Don't let it fool you, lad. That glass hides an artificial spirit watching your every move.]
Zera's warning came just as Elizabeth stepped outside. A brougham carriage waited under the night sky, its lanterns glowing faintly as the two prepared to depart.