Chapter 5: The First Glimmer of Dominion

The transformation was swift, brutal, and utterly silent. Eliza's body spasmed as Vesperus's fangs pierced her flesh, but the spasm wasn't from pain. It was the shock of rebirth, the violent rewiring of her very essence. He felt her life force surge into him, a sweet payment for the gift he bestowed, and simultaneously, his own vampiric essence poured into her, reshaping, remaking. He drew just enough to complete the conversion, not enough to kill. This was creation, not destruction.

He pulled back, his fangs retracting with a soft click. Eliza lay on the cot, her eyes wide open, unblinking. The dull brown had been replaced by a striking, vibrant crimson, mirroring his own. Her skin, moments ago pale from weariness, now had an unearthly translucence, a soft luminescence in the dim lamplight. Her simple braid seemed to gleam. She was beautiful, transformed.

[Quest Complete: First Convert]

Reward: 100 Stat Points, Unlocked [Dominion Aura] Ability, Unlocked [Blood Bond] Skill.

The System's chime was a symphony of success. Vesperus felt a rush of raw power, another surge of energy flooding his new body. He quickly opened his Status Panel. The 100 points beckoned. He grinned, a flash of white fangs. This was it. This was how his kingdom would grow.

He allocated the points with a decisive hand:

* Strength: +30 (Current: 55)

* Agility: +30 (Current: 57)

* Endurance: +20 (Current: 45)

* Charisma: +20 (Current: 48)

The numbers jumped, and a wave of exhilaration washed over him. He could feel the new power humming under his skin, a tangible force. He was stronger, faster, more resilient. And his charisma, his power to enthrall, had just been boosted further.

His gaze returned to Eliza. Her eyes, still wide, slowly blinked. A soft gasp escaped her lips, and she sat up, not with a start, but with a fluid, unnatural grace. Her hands went to her neck, tracing the two tiny, almost invisible puncture marks.

"My... my lord," she breathed, her voice a low, husky whisper, utterly different from her previous timid tones. There was no fear now, only absolute, unwavering devotion in her crimson eyes. "What... what have you done to me?"

"I have given you true life, Eliza," Vesperus said, his voice imbued with the newly unlocked Dominion Aura. It wasn't a visible light, but a spiritual pressure, an undeniable command that settled deep in her soul. It compelled loyalty, absolute and unquestioning. This was the Redo of Healer side of him, enjoying the subtle, insidious power of control. The Rimuru part observed, pragmatically, that this level of loyalty would be highly efficient for kingdom building.

He extended a hand. "You are reborn. You are my first. My Progeny. And you will be forever loyal to me."

Eliza immediately took his hand, her grip surprisingly strong. She swung her legs over the side of the cot, standing with a newfound elegance. Her movements were sharper, swifter, her senses, he knew, now mirroring his own. She was a fully fledged vampire, albeit a nascent one.

He felt the connection, the Blood Bond forming between them. It wasn't just loyalty; it was a profound, instinctive tether. He could feel her basic emotions, her location, her overwhelming devotion. She was an extension of his will.

"Yes, my lord," she repeated, kneeling gracefully before him, her crimson eyes fixed on his. "Your loyal servant. Your... wife."

Vesperus’s smile widened. Wife. The word resonated strangely, yet satisfyingly, with his past self. This was the start of his harem, a living, breathing component of his power. And the realization that these were not just subjects, but also partners in his power-gain quest, was incredibly stimulating.

"Rise, Eliza," he commanded softly. "You are more than a servant. You are the first cornerstone of my kingdom. And my blood runs in your veins. You are my queen." He wasn't sure why he said "queen," but the word felt right, elevating her, strengthening their unique bond, and perhaps, subtly satisfying a deeper, unrecognized need from his past life for a devoted figure.

Eliza rose, her new power radiating subtly. "As you command, my King."

"Tell me, Eliza," Vesperus said, his gaze sweeping the humble cottage. "What do you know of this land? Of the nearest towns, the people, the dangers?"

Eliza paused, her new mind processing information with vampiric speed. "This is the village of Oakhaven, my King. Mostly human farmers. Small. To the east, about half a night's travel, lies the town of Eldoria, a larger trade hub. West is the Whisperwood, stretching for days. North... north are the foothills of the Dragon's Teeth mountains, where beastfolk and some wilder kin live. South, the river flows towards the plains, where human kingdoms rule."

A strategic overview. Excellent. The Rimuru-esque part of him immediately began planning. Eldoria sounded like a good next step. A larger population, more potential subjects, more women. But also, more guards, more resistance. The 20% Redo of Healer part reminded him that resistance was merely an opportunity for a more... thorough conversion.

He looked at Eliza, his first subject, his first queen. She was strong, loyal, and now, eternally bound to him.

"Eliza," Vesperus began, a new quest forming in his mind, "we have work to do. Our kingdom will not build itself. We must expand. And first, you need to learn. And then, you need to hunt."

A flicker of primal hunger returned to Eliza’s eyes, mirroring his own. "As you wish, my King. My every desire is to serve yours."

Vesperus smirked. This was going to be fun. And incredibly powerful.

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