"To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often."
— Winston Churchill
When a person is forced to accept a new self, the world around them changes in ways they never imagined. For Kain, the days after his awakening were a test of willpower, hunger, and the bonds of friendship.
---
The Waiting Game
Six hours had passed since Kain received his mission.
Not knowing what it meant for a vampire to starve, he simply tried to pass the time.
After awakening, the WGC would issue hunting licenses for the Beasts Continent. It usually took about twelve days for the passes to arrive at every house with a new Awakener. The process was thorough—everyone had to register their name and address with their TPID card (Terraeth Personal ID) at the tower.
Kain played games, watched movies, and socialized. This routine repeated for three days. He even went to the cinema.
---
*Ding Dong*
A bell rang.
*creak*
The door opened.
"WGC Delivery Service. Your Hunting Pass and Guild licenses have arrived. Please tap your phone here," the delivery man said, holding out a screen.
Kain tapped, his credits deducted instantly. The package was handed over, and the delivery man left.
"Who was it?" Eren called from the living room, eyes glued to the ARTV.
"Looks like our ID passes and WGC IDs are here," Kain replied.
For the first three years, Awakeners could work directly under WGC, enjoying top-tier guild services. After that, they had to join a guild—WGC was an alliance, not a guild itself.
Guild leadership was decided by elections, with each guild voting for another. Most guilds were run by powerful families, but a few had different systems.
"So it finally happened, huh..." Eren sighed.
"So? What are your plans? Are we really going to climb the tower?" Eren asked.
"Yes, we need to. Don't forget our promise," Kain said, determination in his eyes.
Climbing the tower was prestigious—Tower Climbers were the elite everywhere. But most avoided it; few returned alive.
"Don't think it's impossible. Didn't our Terraeth ancestors climb the tower?" Kain reasoned.
"Yeah... Fine." Eren dropped the subject.
"So, what's next?" he asked.
"We're heading to the Beast Continent of the north," Kain replied.
The Beast Continent spanned the northern hemisphere of Terraria, divided into many regions—some dangerous, some for beginners.
After their talk, Kain and Eren went outside.
---
The Hunger
As they walked, Kain felt strange—blurry vision, dizziness, and a powerful thirst. Water helped only briefly. He suspected it was the 'Vampire' thing, but refused to give in.
He believed he could conquer it, use the Sins, and avoid drinking blood. But he had no idea what he was doing. Blood was food and water for vampires.
They arrived at the WGC Headquarters in 02 City. The cities were built around the six towers—only six cities in the southern continent.
Inside, Kain felt it—the scent of humans. It was pleasant, almost intoxicating.
'Calm down... Calm down,' he repeated, taking deep breaths. His eyes flashed red for a moment.
"Are you alright, Kain? You seem to be hiding something from me these days," Eren asked.
Kain decided to hide the truth for now.
"What could I possibly be hiding from a guy who even knows my underwear size?" Kain shot back, sarcastic.
"Tsk. Just make sure to talk to me if you have any problems," Eren insisted.
"Mhm..." Kain nodded, finally suppressing his bloodlust. His throat calmed.
'Haha... I knew it... we can conquer it,' Kain cheered inwardly.
---
The Reception
They reached the reception desk.
The receptionist fixed her hair as they approached.
"This is WGC Headquarters. How may we help you?" she asked.
"We're here to report for the first time and join any newbie party," Kain said.
"Okay, I'll find the perfect party for you," she replied, searching her screen.
After five minutes, she said, "We have a party of three leaving tomorrow. Shall I add you?"
"Yes, please. Also, is there a place to get starter equipment?" Kain asked.
Venturing into beast territory without equipment was suicide.
"Oh, yes! You can get equipment at the counter. Starter gear for newly awakened costs 20 credits. If you buy again, it's 100 credits, so be careful," the receptionist explained.
"Also, since you're new and not in a guild, you can sell materials to WGC directly. No need for local vendors," she added with a smile.
"Uh... we'll consider that," Kain replied, knowing he'd sell nothing to WGC. Street vendors paid better; WGC only offered the 'Official' tag—like government jobs in the past.
---
The Market
Kain and Eren left for the Asmar Market—the biggest in 02 City. If you couldn't find something elsewhere, you'd find it here.
Unlike rowdy markets of old, Asmar was organized: big shops, sci-fi stalls, and separate paths for vehicles and pedestrians.
They stopped at a stall with swords and armor—5 credits for a sword, 10 for full leather armor. Much cheaper than the Association.
Quality was top-notch for the price; daily robot inspections ensured it.
So why didn't everyone shop here? WGC items were made by guilds, and guild members got huge discounts—20 credits dropped to 10. The crowd followed the trend, despite warnings online.
"Is anyone here?" Kain called.
A handsome boy with brown hair and glasses appeared. "Customer! Of course! Need anything?"
"How much for this sword and lightweight leather armor... Mr...?" Kain asked.
"Sam. That'll be 9 credits for everything. One credit discount. How about it?" Sam said, wiping the sword.
"Did you forge all this yourself?" Kain asked.
"Of course! My signature's on every item," Sam replied, pointing to a lightning bolt engraving.
"Alright, Mr. Sam, two sets please," Kain said, gesturing to Eren.
"Okay," Sam nodded, fetching the gear.
---
After buying their equipment, they added the WGC seal—a QR code-like ID—onto their armor.
They returned home.
---
'This throat of mine...' Kain felt the thirst again. It had been days. He tried to control it, but nothing worked. He couldn't possibly drink someone's blood... could he?
That night, he drank water endlessly—even straight from the pipe—but nothing helped. Food tasted bland. He went to bed, thirsty and hungry.
---
The Next Morning
Kain and Eren cooked breakfast together—Kain made rice, Eren chopped vegetables.
"Ouch! Ugh. No... I cut my finger," Eren said.
"Be careful, dude. Always watch your fingers," Kain replied, turning to look.
Suddenly, Kain's head spun. His vision blurred. The scent of blood overwhelmed him. Even a small amount was enough to drive him mad.
At that moment, he suddenly blurted out, voice trembling but desperate, "Eren, wait—can you... can you let me drink your blood? Just a little. Please. I'll explain everything after, I promise."
Eren froze, staring at Kain in shock and confusion. The kitchen was silent except for the faint drip of blood onto the cutting board.
Kain's eyes pleaded with him, the hunger clear in his expression. "Please, Eren. I need this. I'll tell you everything, just... trust me."
Eren hesitated, but seeing the desperation in Kain's eyes, he slowly nodded. "Just... don't take too much, okay?"
Kain's hands trembled as he gently took Eren's hand. He lowered his mouth to the bleeding finger, his fangs extending instinctively. The moment his lips touched the blood, a surge of energy rushed through him—sweet, intoxicating, overwhelming. He drank, just a little, savoring the taste, feeling it fill the emptiness inside.
[System Notification: Quest Complete!]
[You have drunk the blood of a human.]
[Reward: Full Vampire Transformation Unlocked!]
[Reward: Unlock new abilities and your first cardinal sin.]
Suddenly, Kain's body convulsed. He stumbled back, clutching his chest as a burning sensation spread through him. The world spun, colors blurring, sounds distorting. He collapsed to the floor, gasping for air.
A strange, translucent egg began to form around him, shimmering with crimson light. Eren watched in horror and awe as the egg solidified, encasing Kain completely.
Inside the egg, Kain felt his body changing. His senses sharpened, his muscles strengthened, his mind expanded. Memories and instincts not his own flooded his thoughts—hunting, feeding, surviving in the darkness. He felt his perception stretching outward, his awareness of the world growing sharper and more acute, as if he could sense the very movement of air and the tiniest sounds in the room.
[System Notification: Vampire Transformation in Progress...]
[Estimated Time: 10 minutes]
He could see flashes of his own reflection in the shell—his eyes glowing red, his skin pale, his fangs longer and sharper. His muscles tensed and relaxed, growing denser and more efficient. He felt his agility and perception rising, his body adapting to the predatory instincts of a true vampire.
Outside, Eren hovered anxiously, unsure what to do. The egg pulsed with energy, casting eerie shadows across the kitchen.
Inside, Kain heard a familiar voice.
[(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧]
[Heehee... Congratulations, Mr. Kain! You did it! (o^∀^o)]
It was Sanguini, his system assistant, appearing as a floating, emotive ball just like during his awakening.
[You have completed your first true step as a vampire! Now, your system will fully awaken, and you'll gain access to your first Sin! (☆ω☆)]
[Transformation Complete!]
[You are now a True Vampire.]
[Race: Halfling → Vampire]
[Vampire Blood Composition: 100%]
[New Abilities Unlocked: Enhanced Senses, Blood Healing, Night Vision]
[Sin Unlocked: Greed (Dormant)]
[System Assistant: Sanguini is now fully operational!]
[Status Increase!]
[+2 Agility]
[+4 Perception]
[+1 Strength]
[+10 Vitality]
[+1 Intelligence]
[Level Up!]
[You are now Level 2!]
[Vampire Status]
Name: Kain
Family: [No Family]
Talents:
- Retain (Unique)
[Stats:]
Level: 2
Agility: 6
Perception: 10
Intelligence: 5
Strength: 4
Vitality: 50
[Path Abilities:]
The Sin of Pride (Locked)
The Sin of Greed (Dormant)
The Sin of Wrath (Locked)
The Sin of Envy (Locked)
The Sin of Lust (Locked)
The Sin of Gluttony (Locked)
The Sin of Sloth (Locked)
[Bloodline Abilities: (Locked)]
[Other Abilities:
The egg cracked, shards dissolving into mist. A new Kain emerged from it.
Eren stared at him, wide-eyed. "Kain... are you okay? You look... different."
Kain smiled, but he didn't reply.
[System Notification: Welcome, Vampire Kain!]
[You have unlocked the Vampire System's main interface.]
[Current Level: 2]
[Blood Points: 10/100]
[Next Quest: Feed on a beast or monster to increase your power.]
[Side Quest: Learn to control your thirst in public places.]
[Special Notice: The Sin of Greed will awaken with your next feeding.]
Sanguini floated beside him, her digital face beaming.
[If you need anything, make sure to inform me (> <)]
[I am also here for emotional support (> <)]
[You can now access the Family Management. You need to level up for further evolutions! (＾▽＾)]
Kain took a deep breath, feeling the power coursing through him. He looked at Eren, gratitude and guilt mixing in his eyes.
"Thank you, Eren. I promise, I'll explain everything. I just... needed this."
Eren nodded, still processing everything. "Before that dude. Just tell me what the fuck are you?"