The Dragoni were a race of human-dragon hybrids. Their hard skins were akin to scales, and they each had small, yet powerful tails behind them.
For many years the Dragoni Empire ruled over the continent that lay north of the five human empires. They had long since forced the Giant Kingdom and the Elven Empire to bend the knee. All they needed to do next was subdue the five human kingdoms before attempting to spread their rule to the southern island.
And just like that, the Prince of the Rose Kingdom appeared before ten Dragoni warriors, and he was alone.
"Isn't that the Rose Brat? Enoch Rose, was it?" One of the Dragoni warriors growled, pulling a sword from his sheath.
"Yeah, it is. Far from home though, isn't he?" Another responded, doing the same.
In only a few moments, the ten Dragoni had their weapons drawn and were spaced out throughout the tavern tables, scowling at Enoch.
As they wasted their time on words, Enoch stood in front of the portal that Jane had left for him, not bothering to jump through.
Instead, he looked over the rewards gifted to him from his latest meal.
[Skill Acquired: Scarlett Tempest Roar]
Grade: SSS
Suitable Affinity: Blood
Description: Summon a cloud that consumes the blood of fallen enemies beneath it. Once sufficiently consumed, the user can ignite the blood-saturated clouds, ionising every droplet into red lightning. Release a catastrophic thunder bolt, generating a concussive shockwave that ruptures flesh, pulverises bone, and crushes organs from within.
Costs & Risks:
• Cardiovascular Backslash
Channeling a thunderclap through the blood creates violent internal pressure on the user. Blood vessels rupture under the stress. Internal bleeding takes place, as well as temporary blindness if capillaries burst in the eyes, and numbness in limbs. Multiple uses in a short time can cause Heart Rupture, potentially causing death.
---
This ability frightened Enoch, yet he couldn't help but smile. It felt too powerful for a mere human to wield, similar to the Neverending Nightmares skill granted to him by Hvadis.
---
[Skill Acquired: Blood Manipulation]
Grade: A
Suitable Affinity: Blood
Description: Can manipulate blood within a certain radius, depending on the level of the user's soul.
Costs & Risks:
• Self-Harm
If there is no blood within the area, the skill will draw upon the blood inside of the user's body.
---
[Passive Effect Acquired: Hemokinetic Flow]
>The user's blood responds instantly to harm, sealing wounds and stabilising injuries before they can weaken them. Minor cuts close immediately, and deeper damage slows to a controlled bleed, allowing the user to fight far beyond normal limits. However, relying on this automatic blood control strains the heart and veins, leaving the user fatigued and overheated after prolonged combat.
[Passive Effect Acquired: Vampiric Feedback]
>When the user deals damage, a portion of the enemy's vitality is drawn back into their own body, restoring mana in small bursts. This regeneration becomes stronger against weakened or bleeding foes. Yet the more the user relies on this effect, the more their body craves the sensation of stolen mana, making it difficult to stop fighting once the feedback begins.
[Affinity Awakened: Blood]
---
Impressive...
Enoch could sense the growing tension between himself and the Dragoni, so he did not have time to check out the items within his soul space.
However, his titles were on display for all to see.
"H-hold on a minute." One of the younger silver-skinned Dragoni started. "Have you checked out his titles?"
The Dragoni's brows raised as they focused on Enoch's status.
What they saw brought them great fear.
[Title Acquired: Godeater]
Grade: SSS
Description: Granted to the living being who has currently consumed the most gods.
Passive Effects: None
Hidden Condition: When around others who are knowledgeable on the location of gods, they will unknowingly become inclined to gradually reveal such information to you.
---
[Title Acquired: Blood Addict]
Grade: S
Description: Granted to one who has developed a great attraction towards blood.
Passive Effects: The Blood Addict craves a daily dosage of blood from any creature. Once consumed, all senses are increased by double.
Hidden Condition: If blood is not consumed for seven days, the title will be lost. However, during such time, the Blood Addict will crave blood so much that it draws them towards evil tendencies.
---
Along with the previous title, Keeper of Veiled Dreams, that Enoch already held, the Dragoni felt as though they were reading the status of an incredibly powerful man.
"But he is only a bronze soul?" A Dragoni spat. "How can he own such titles."
Before anyone could respond, Enoch let out a laugh.
"Enough chatter." He said, drawing his sword from its sheath. "You have come face to face with one of the men that you wished to hunt, so get to hunting."
The Dragoni hesitated, but only for a moment.
"He's only one man!" The closest one roared, charging forwards with his sword raised.
He will be the first victim.
Their swords met, but Enoch deflected the strike to the side, throwing the Dragoni off balance.
Then, with his left hand raised, he allowed the black flames of Kurohono to roar.
They surrounded the Dragoni man in a second, setting him ablaze until his screams echoed through the tavern.
As he flapped about the place, attempting to put out the flames, Enoch thrust his sword into the man's chest, puncturing his heart and spilling blood.
Instantly, Enoch felt a deep connection between himself and the dark red liquid. His body wished to consume it, but he held back his desires.
Instead, he used his newly learned blood manipulation, gathering the blood using nothing but a clench of his fist.
It was easy to shape the blood, turning it into a small, dense ball of mass. Then with a flick, he shot it towards a Dragoni in the distance.
Too slow to react, the ball of blood crashed into the man's eye, rupturing his brain and travelling out of the back of his skull in a bloody mess.
At this point, the first man had been burned to a crisp and lay on the floor, whilst the other's brains were splattered on the wall behind him.
"Two of your men have fallen already. Who will be next?"
The Dragoni stood there in disbelief, instantly realising that they had underestimated Prince Enoch severely.
Three turned tail and ran, calling for back up which must have been outside of the tavern.
Others charged as a group towards Enoch, roaring fire from their mouths like true dragons.
But Enoch had no further intentions to fight.
He had already tested out a new ability and killed two of his enemies. He was satisfied for the time being.
So he stepped backwards into the portal, returning to the spirit realm where Jane's red light waited for him patiently.