Now standing, Bruno watched intently as Flávia continued her explanation.
"I believe you already understand why vital energy and power control are the two main foundations among vampires." She paused briefly before continuing, "But now, let us delve deeper into transformation… and the mist."
"The mist acts as a pseudo-domain for vampires," she explained, gesturing lightly as she paced across the training field. "Within it, we hold a geographical advantage over other beings."
A faint trace of displeasure crossed her face before she went on:
"Those who fail to manipulate it are constantly hunted. They are deemed low-level vampires." Her gaze sharpened, and her tone turned more serious. "But that is not the limit. Once your mastery over the four powers reaches a proficient level, and with continuous training, you can access the first stage of the vampires' advanced transformation."
She paused dramatically before revealing:
"It is called the First Phase of the Vampire Count."
Flávia stepped closer, her words carrying an ancestral weight, almost reverent.
"The Vampire Count Phases draw out the full potential of the vampiric race. They are the pinnacle of our essence, molding themselves to each individual's specialties and unique talents. At this stage, you are recognized as a warrior-level vampire."
She gave him a moment to absorb this before concluding:
"Watch closely."
She then channeled her vital energy, weaving it seamlessly with her power control. A white, ethereal aura began to manifest around her body, rippling as though the very air trembled. With a light punch, the energy burst outward, carving a three-meter crater into the ground. The remainder scattered in small vortexes that whirled around her, distorting the air.
"This is only the basic application," she remarked, as the energy shifted form before Bruno's eyes.
This time, it expanded differently, becoming both tangible and illusory — a thick mist that blanketed the field.
Before Bruno even realized, a black cat appeared out of nowhere, landing softly on his shoulder. In one fluid motion, it leapt before him and, in a blink, transformed — returning to Flávia's form, a faint, enigmatic smile now curving her lips.
Bruno, impressed, grasped her arms, still unsure if what he witnessed was real or mere illusion. Feeling the solid warmth beneath his fingers, she smiled calmly and asked:
"So… what do you think?"
Bruno's eyes gleamed with curiosity, and praise slipped from his lips almost involuntarily:
"That was… incredible. Your abilities are insane!"
He stepped closer, like a student before a master.
"How do I do that? How can I learn such a transformation?"
Flávia approached, her voice steady and calm.
"Bruno, remember that feeling when you stir your energy. Now, try to use your power control to expand it."
He nodded with determination and began his attempts. Yet, after nearly an hour of relentless effort and a dozen trials, all he managed to create was a faint mist — thin as smoke, tinged with a reddish hue, like fading embers at dusk.
Flávia, who had watched in silence, noticed the discouragement on his face. She stepped forward with a soft smile and, in a warm tone, said:
"Bruno, you did well. This is still your first day. And after only one hour of training, you've already achieved a minor success. That is above average."
Then, with her usual composure, she added:
"Besides, your body is still undergoing vampiric assimilation, which lasts about a week and a half. To conclude… I will show you my Count Form."
At those words, Bruno's eyes lit up, and a wide, eager smile spread across his face. Flávia returned his excitement with a faint smile of her own and instructed:
"Step back a little."
Exhausted though he was, Bruno retreated about four meters.
Then it began.
Flávia's vital energy flared abruptly — intense, dense, almost suffocating — far beyond any display she had shown before. The sheer pressure of it made Bruno hesitate for a moment, but he stood his ground. He wanted to see everything.
Water energy surged around her, twisting like liquid serpents. Small whirlwinds erupted across the field, scattering dust and leaves. Her hair turned into living strands of flowing water, constantly in motion. Her body lengthened slightly, gaining nearly two centimeters, as though her entire structure was being refined. Her eyes became icy, almost translucent, and her lips took on a cold contour, shaped by winter itself.
Bruno could only watch, mesmerized, by that sublime and terrifying form.
After about three seconds, Flávia returned to her normal state, as if nothing had happened. Bruno, still wide-eyed and breathless with excitement, rushed to her like an awestruck child, showering her with praise and questions. Flávia laughed softly, answering each one with patience and ease.
When at last the moment settled, she said casually:
"Now, let's head inside and take a bath."
Bruno nodded and followed her. Yet as he walked, one thought refused to leave his mind:
She's only at the level of a Median Baron… and already this powerful.