Chapter 213: Shadows of Terror ǁ Shroudling ǁ
Vampires despise preying on the offspring of the living. Children make unsuitable minions and, even worse, meals.
However, under extreme desperation, a vampire might curse an innocent child with the curse of death.
In the rare circumstance where such an unholy creation survives to become a full-fledged vampire, it transforms into the feared Shroudling.
These creatures serve as royal assassins and spies for vampire nobility, striking terror into the hearts of those who encounter them.
Shroudling Child vampires embody all the mischief inherent in children, magnified to an extreme degree, coupled with sharp fangs and an insatiable thirst for blood.
These mischievous Shroudling creatures lurk in the shadows, sapping vital life force and reveling in the most inconvenient moments.
Their proficiency in assassination is unparalleled, and no magical defense has proven effective against their stealthy advances.
The only sure way to deter a shroudling pursuing you is to bathe in sunlight — a circumstance nearly impossible to achieve without the aid of powerful magic.
Its encounters with creatures like these that make spellcasters grateful for their chosen profession.
ǁ E N D ǁ
"A-a . . . a child vampire?" Yuzuro stuttered, her voice barely audible over the tension in the room.
"Don’t let your guard down," Victor said, his tone firm. "Its stats are formidable. Hikari, what light spells do you have in your slots right now? One that would illuminate the surroundings."
"U-uhmm . . ." Yuzuro quickly assessed her available spells, her mind racing. "I only have [Luminous Radiance]."
Victor nodded. "That will do. Use it whenever possible, but be mindful of your mana consumption."
Yuzuro nodded, her hands trembling slightly. "Y-yes."
"Here it comes!" Rever’s voice sliced through the stillness.
The Shroudling shrank back into the shadows once more.
"It’s using the darkness to its advantage, striking where you least expect it. Stay alert," Midnight Duchess warned her voice a whisper as she, too, disappeared into the shadows.
Xin’s golem hovered protectively close to him and Yuzuro, their only tangible shield against the unseen threat.
Victor and Rever stood tense, their senses heightened, scanning the room for any signs of the elusive Shroudling.
Like all lurkers, Shroudlings relied on stealth and guile. To remain hidden, the Shroudling needed to take a [Hide] action or utilize [Shadow Step], both actions consuming a significant portion of its MP.
From within the shadows, the creature patiently waited for the perfect moment to strike.
Its malevolent laughter, echoing through the chamber, sent shivers down the spines of Xin and the others. It utilized [Cackling Laughter] and [Shadow Fang], softening up its target before delivering a deadly blow.
The room was charged with an atmosphere of dread as everyone braced themselves, their eyes flickering between the darkness and the feeble light they could muster.
The battle had entered a dangerous dance, where every move had to be calculated, every step taken with caution, for the Shroudling, was a master of shadows, and they were its prey.
"Stick together," Victor instructed firmly, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "It prefers isolated targets."
In the dim-lit chamber, the Shroudling suddenly emerged from the shadows.
The Shroudling moved with eerie swiftness, its form flickering like a wraith, making it nearly impossible to track. Its eyes glowed with a malevolent light as it surveyed its prey, relishing the fear it instilled.
Rever positioned himself in front of Yuzuro, his knuckle claws at the ready, while Xin’s golems made sure to protect him at all costs.
Yuzuro clutched her staff and cast a protective barrier around the group, her eyes darting around, searching for any sign of the lurking threat.
Luminous Radian took time to cast, so the barrier would have to do for now.
The Shroudling, taking advantage of its [Enduring Evil] ability, seemed almost invincible. The battle commenced with startling speed.
Rever swung his claws, aiming for the creature, but it easily dodged his blows, its form melting into the shadows whenever an attack came too close.
Its eyes gleamed with intelligence, and it slipped through the group’s defenses like smoke through cracks.
Midnight Duchess, using her keen senses, detected the Shroudling’s movements briefly and warned the others.
But her warning came too late.
Out of the shadows, the Shroudling’s obscure figure lunged, its sharp claws slashing across Rever’s back. A cry of pain escaped him as he staggered backward.
"Hikari, heal him!" Victor’s voice pierced through the chaos.
This time, Yuzuro was prepared. She focused her magic, casting a healing spell that sealed Rever’s wounds and restored some of his health.
Rever gasped for breath, gritting his teeth. "Why is it always targeting me?!"
"I heard Lycanthropes are natural enemies of Vampires," Xin remarked casually, his expression unchanged.
Victor and Yuzuro shared a laugh despite the dire situation.
Rever’s eyes widened. "Ah, you’re right! Why didn’t I think of that before?"
Xin managed to glimpse the Shroudling for a moment, its form coalescing long enough for him to see its malevolent grin.
Midnight Duchess threw her dagger, but the Shroudling’s [Shadow Ride] ability came into play. It merged with the shadow of a nearby pillar, becoming one with darkness.
The dagger passed through empty air, leaving Midnight Duchess cursing under her breath.
The Shroudling, now hidden, unleashed its terror. [Cackling Laughter] echoed through the chamber, striking fear into the hearts of the adventurers.
Rever clutched his ears in agony, trying to shield himself from the horrifying sound.
Yuzuro cast a dispelling spell that would nullify the [Fear] status from everyone.
Suddenly, from the depths of the shadows, the Shroudling lunged at Rever once more. Its fangs sank into his flesh, and Rever cried out in pain.
The Shroudling’s [Bite] ability injected a deadly poison, weakening Rever further. He stumbled, his strength draining rapidly.
"Enough already!" Rever hissed through clenched teeth. "Damn this creature!" He lunged, attempting to grab the Shroudling and smash its head on the floor, but it swiftly vanished from his sight, merging back into the shadows.
"This little pest is becoming unbearable!" Rever screamed out his frustration while Yuzuro continued to heal his wounds.
"Is the spell ready, Hikari?" Victor inquired urgently.
"A-a little bit more," she cried out.