Solar Laser Eyes: Every cell of the body contains the power of the sun that fuels the laser eyes. Gains the properties of solar power.
Mind's Eye: The ability to map the surroundings with utmost precision from God's perspective. It also allows the user to have a glimpse of the future for ten seconds.
Ian read the description of his upgrade abilities. Just last year, after he had reached the strength surpassing the Grand Elder, his system had awakened a new function to upgrade his existing body parts, with the system automatically deducing the next direction.
Now, his laser eyes, which were already formidable, had reached another level. In the past, its lethality relied solely on his physical strength. But now? It not only relies on his physical strength, but also on the solar power that his cells contain.
A vampire that can absorb the power of sunlight? Ian felt that he had become the multiverse vampire version of Superman! Yes, absorbing sunlight allows his cell to store it and thereby enhance his physical strength!
Of course, Ian didn't know the upper limit. Unfortunately, the sun doesn't shine on the Curtained Imperium. He could only test its efficacy on the outside world. He also knew that his solar absorption was just the byproduct of his Solar Laser Eyes... So, the degree improvement might not be as rapid as Superman's.
On his throne, Ian sat comfortably. He naturally didn't intend to become the king. However, the Grand Elder had begged him, saying things like 'You are the hope of the vampire race to rise in the Curtained Imperium.
Even the Vampire Council tempted him with the benefits of being the king. For instance, he managed to use his authority to elevate his old team's status. Now, they had occupied important positions and could be said to have become a part of the upper echelons.
'I really am the vampire king now...'
Ian gave a cursory glance around him with a leisurely look. He sported a majestic dark red robe. Unlike normal kings, he refused to wear a crown. On his body, he had his exoskeletal armor that he hadn't upgraded. 'Well, I should really consider it. It desperately needs an upgrade, and it can't keep up with my strength anymore. If defensive power weren't tied to my physical strength, it would have been utterly useless.
Every body part of his body had its capabilities directly proportional to his physical strength. What does that even mean? Well, the stronger his body, the stronger their effect.
Ian was in a spacious hall almost as big as a football field. Fortunately, his body size was no longer what it had been, or else he wouldn't have fitted here.
Golden statues that look like Ian are scattered on the side of the hall. On the ceiling, ornaments such as diamond gems, obsidian crosses, etc, provided an extravagant design that made the hall look expensive.
On the ground, there was a plain red carpet with twelve seats made of silver just below Ian's majestic blood-red throne. Yeah, his throne looks like it was made of vivid human blood.
"You're majesty."
"The king."
The twelve seats were occupied by the twelve most important elders of the council. Other seated elders weren't "qualified" to meet Ian, according to the Grand Elder. The Grand Elder himself had once again entered his seclusion, but he told Ian he could summon him any time, and he would gladly follow his orders.
Ian glanced at the twelve elders one by one, whose eyes were fixed on him. 'Who would have expected these top figures would someday call me king? It seems they really put the interest of the Blood Empire seriously to the point that they even willingly bowed their heads to me. How loyal...'
Of course, Ian knew that his strength was indispensable. He had become the hope for the entire vampire race to surpass every dark race of the Curtained Imperium.
"First of all, don't expect me to always stay on my throne to manage the empire. I just agreed to become the king due to the benefits. My priority would always be to continue to grow stronger."
"What you do in the past would remain the same. All of you would still be responsible for the Empire's operation while I might interfere only with the general direction once in a while, understand?"
Elder Alaric, who had many interactions with Ian, had been promoted by him. Now, he was qualified to be among the twelve seats. He raised his hand at this time.
Ian nodded at him.
"Do not worry, King Ian. The vampire council will continue to be responsible for important matters. We will be the ones to manage, only requiring you to take action when needed. You are the trump card of the empire." Elder Alaric said respectfully.
At this time, another Elder chimed in: "Your Majesty, give us your plans and we will implement them with the best of our abilities."
Ian listened thoughtfully. He became silent for a moment, his eyes deep, as he tapped the armrest of his throne rhythmically. No one dared to make a sound at this moment.
After a while, Ian spoke: "I think we should focus on talents. Improve the education system. As for how to do it? Just copy the system of the human world. They're best at it."
"Go summon the Grand Elder out of seclusion. I have things to say to him. As for the rest? Dismissed."
Ian didn't have much to say, nor did he bother. He's not that good at leading a damned empire. If he really did so, he might lead the Blood Realm astray. He would need professional matters to professionals. As for his role? Personal strength matters the most. He became the king due to his strength in the first place.
He hasn't forgotten his role and original intention. As they say, 'You must keep your original intentions.
In a few more years, Ian planned to personally meet the strongest characters of the Curtained Imperium!
For now, there was still the Secret Realm waiting for him. He had already done enough preparations to enter.