12
13
Come on… just 37 more.
14
THUD!
Huff… huff…
I lay on the floor for a few seconds before turning onto my back and staring at the ceiling.
Who would have imagined that I, someone who never even tried to work out, would be doing this at the age of one?
Well, it's not like I have a choice.
After experiencing this new life and learning about the possible future of this world, there's no option other than increasing my personal strength to improve my chances of survival.
After all, this world is much more than just the dream of an Oppai Dragon of creating a harem. It's filled with gods, demons, angels, dragons, magicians, and who knows what else.
There are many out there who either want to destroy the world or wipe out specific races.
Which, by the way, includes mine as well.
Actually, it should be races since I'm a hybrid.
Vampire ∪ Human → Dhampir
Vampires generally see humans as food, literally. The human population is one of the largest, and their blood supposedly tastes better than most. In fact, many vampires view humans as nothing more than sacrificial lambs.
And humans aren't any better.
Churches the self-proclaimed representatives of humanity sees vampires as evil creatures that must be exterminated. It's not just the Church, though. Hunters, magicians, and others also target them. The reasons vary depending on the individual or organization. Some have personal vendettas, some do it for fun, and some claim it's for the greater good. There are countless motives.
And since I'm half of both, I inherit the problems of both sides as well.
Not being a pure vampire has led to constant discrimination. It's quite serious. Even though my father is the Lord of House Vladi, a high-ranking noble I am still looked down upon by servants who see me with nothing but disgust.
It's an uncomfortable feeling.
And the only one who could stop it is my father who is no different from the rest. In fact, he sees me as nothing more than a mistake.
As for humans, although I haven't met any yet, I doubt it will be any different. Most would likely hunt me the moment they learn of my existence, either to "free" me from the so-called curse of being evil, to earn money from capturing a vampire, or perhaps to experiment on me.
Tch.
What a life I'm going to have.
Sigh.
At least not everything is bad. While not being a pure vampire makes me physically weaker than the full-blooded ones, I didn't inherit their weakness to sunlight though the discomfort is still there. I'm not completely dependent on blood either, although I still need it from time to time.
I also have a Sacred Gear, which is either a blessing or a curse, depending on what you receive and who you encounter.
In my case, it's both. Because I can't fully control its power yet, I've caused problems in this house many times, which has only increased the discrimination against me.
And it will likely create even more trouble once I leave this place. Some Fallen Angel might try to kill me. A Devil might try to force me into servitude. Other factions could have their own motives as well.
Though, all of that is worth it because of the ability it grants, the power to momentarily stop time for anything within my line of sight.
Of course, the effects may vary depending on whom I use it on, and it may even fail.
Still, there's no doubt it would have been the best cheat I could have had if not for the system.
Yes, I have the so-called "system," just like in the countless stories I used to read. Their effects vary widely since there's no limit to the types they can have, such as Gamer systems, sign-in systems, template systems, multiverse travel systems, and many more.
Despite their differences, there's one thing they all have in common, the one who possesses them eventually becomes stronger than the average level of their world, sometimes even the strongest. At least, that's how the plot usually goes.
The one I have isn't bad either. It's a gacha system, the kind where the main character spins and receives something, whether it's powers, items, weapons, knowledge, and so on.
It's a pity I haven't seen it in action until now. One of its rules is that it requires 360 days to recharge for each spin.
But I don't have to wait anymore.
Because today is the day.
So, let's do it.
I didn't hesitate to press the red button on the holographic screen that was visible only to me.
The next second, the screen went black before the cards appeared on it. Apparently, each spin gives more than one card, though the number is random. That's actually a relief since it makes the long wait feel more worthwhile.
Now then, let's see what I got.
Eric Brooks (Marvel)
Warping (My Hero Academia)
Ring of Mind Shielding (DnD)
I expected that not everything I received would be overpowered, but still… sigh. At least they aren't completely useless.
Ignoring the quirk and the ring for the moment, I focused on the character card.
Blade, the Daywalker from the Marvel multiverse.
I was hoping for Dio, but this isn't bad either.
While some of our abilities may overlap, one thing definitely doesn't which is his combat skills and experience.
With his template, my plan to run away from here can happen much sooner. I'm not stupid. I know that the dangers I'll face out there will be far worse than what I deal with now, and I'll lose the protection of this house. But there are many things I want to do, and for that, I need to go far away from here.
Besides, I don't have any future in this place anyway. Because I'm a half-blood, I won't become the lord of this house or inherit any high position. That will go to my step-siblings.
Of course, if I were to become overwhelmingly strong, the rules might bend in my favor but that would take time, and I'm not interested in that path either atleast for now.
With the way I've been treated, there's no attachment left in me for any of them.
It's already enough that I'm not crazy to start a species-wide extermination. Such a common stereotype.
I'd rather spend my time getting stronger and enjoying this second chance, which might even be my last. After all, who knows if I'll be reincarnated again with my memories intact?
I can't be lucky every time, right?
******************
Suggestions for Mashup