My Blood Legacy: Reincarnated as a Vampire

The night was remarkably clear in the vampire kingdom. The sky stretched like a velvet canvas of ebony, studded with stars that sparkled like lost diamonds. In the center of this celestial display, Dante floated silently, his figure surrounded by a faint aura of energy. His black cape swayed gently in rhythm with the nocturnal breeze. The silence around him was absolute but not empty; it carried the tension of something inevitable.

Below him, Vlad's castle stood as an eternal sentinel, its gothic spires reaching defiantly toward the starlit heavens. The windows were dimly lit, their glow muted and pale, while a crimson radiance emanated from certain points in the structure, as though the castle itself pulsed with the essence of the vampires within.

"It's rare to see someone like you lost in thought," a deep, cutting voice echoed through the air. Dante's eyes opened slowly, recognizing the commanding tone even before turning his head. Vlad, the King of Vampires, emerged from the shadows. His presence was imposing and unmistakable. He wore a crimson mantle that shimmered like fresh blood under the starlight, and his eyes glowed with an otherworldly intensity.

Dante didn't move, remaining suspended in the air with a faint smile curling his lips. "Always vigilant, aren't you, Vlad?" he replied, his tone carrying a blend of respect and teasing.

Vlad crossed his arms, a cold smile gracing his lips. "It's not every day I receive unexpected guests. Especially ones who choose not to use the door."

Dante chuckled softly, descending gracefully until his feet touched the parapet of one of the castle towers. "I thought it would be rude to wake your guards. After all, I'm not here to cause trouble."

"And yet, here you are," Vlad countered, walking calmly along the parapet, his posture regal and unyielding. "What brings the famed Demon King to my domain? Some new crisis involving demons and gods?"

Dante sighed, folding his arms as he gazed out at the horizon. "Sometimes, I wish it were as simple as that. But yes, I'm here because of the war. It's closer than ever."

"Mary Rose?" Vlad asked, his voice devoid of emotion.

"Among others," Dante replied, his voice heavy. "The balance is breaking. Astaroth is in Hell, seizing complete control. Mary Rose has brought Tiamat back. And now, I sense the next step will be a direct assault on this world."

"Interesting," Vlad murmured, his tone unreadable. He turned to Dante, his glowing eyes sharp with curiosity. "And what do you expect me to do with this information?"

"It's clear that the vampire world won't be spared. No one will," Dante said, turning to face Vlad directly. "I need you to be on alert. Fortify your defenses. Prepare your people. When the war begins, they'll come for you—either to destroy you or to use you."

Vlad chuckled dryly, the sound devoid of warmth. "Vampires have existed longer than most races in this world. We've faced persecution, hunts, holy wars. We've survived it all. What makes you think we won't survive this?"

"Because this is different," Dante replied sharply, his voice cutting through the night. "This isn't just a conflict of ideas or territory. It's the end of times we're trying to avoid. Astaroth wants to destroy the balance to seize absolute control, and Mary Rose wants to erase everything. You may be immortal, but that won't save you from being reduced to nothingness."

The smile faded from Vlad's face, replaced by a contemplative expression. He paced a few steps along the parapet, staring into the darkness below. "I'll admit, your concern is… intriguing. It's not often I see you, of all people, speaking with such urgency. Do you truly believe it's this dire?"

"It's worse than dire," Dante said, his voice grave. "It's inevitable. I'm heading to Hell to face Astaroth, but that's just one piece of the puzzle. What comes next? We don't know. But I can guarantee you this—you'll want to be ready."

Vlad turned to face him, his piercing gaze locking onto Dante's. "And if I refuse? If I decide this isn't my problem?"

Dante smiled, though his eyes burned with an intense fire. "Then, when everything crumbles and your kingdom is overrun by horrors beyond your comprehension, don't say I didn't warn you."

Silence hung between them for a few moments, broken only by the sound of the wind. Finally, Vlad sighed. "Very well. I will consider your words, Dante. But know this—the vampires will not bow easily to any cause, not even yours."

Dante nodded, satisfied with the response. "I'm not asking you to bow. Only to be ready. Your people are a force to be reckoned with, Vlad. It would be a tragic loss if we weren't on the same side when chaos comes."

Vlad tilted his head slightly, a gesture that seemed to convey both respect and acceptance. "Very well, Dante. I will keep my people on alert."

Dante inclined his head, appreciating the implied loyalty in Vlad's words. "Thank you. It might make all the difference."

The conversation ended as abruptly as it began. Vlad vanished into the darkness, leaving Dante alone once more. He sighed, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing heavier on his shoulders. Still, there was more to be done that night.

Descending slowly from the sky, he landed in front of the entrance to an imposing house in the heart of the vampire realm. The massive wooden doors stood slightly ajar, as if anticipating his arrival. Dante pushed them open gently, stepping into an interior bathed in a soft, welcoming light.

In the center of the main hall, seated in a grand armchair, was a delicate-looking child. Silvery hair cascaded in soft waves, and golden eyes gleamed with an intelligence far beyond her youthful appearance. The child—or rather, the entity—was Ouroboros, the Infinite Dragon, disguised as a young vampire girl.

"You're late," Ouroboros said, her voice sweet but tinged with ancient wisdom. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't come."

Dante walked toward her, stopping a few steps away. He tilted his head, studying her intently. "You've outdone yourself this time, Ouroboros. This form suits you."

The dragon chuckled softly, crossing her legs as though completely at ease. "It's just a whim. But tell me, Dante, why have you decided to visit me? Or rather... it seems you've regained all your memories."

"The war is coming, Ophis," he replied, his expression serious. "And I know you feel it as much as I do."

Ouroboros smiled enigmatically, leaning forward slightly. "Oh, I feel it, indeed. And I'm curious to see how you plan to handle it all. After all, a destroyed world wouldn't be particularly interesting for me."

Dante crossed his arms, his gaze unwavering. "So, will you help, or will you simply watch from afar?"

Ouroboros's smile widened. "That depends. Perhaps I'll do a little of both. After all, what fun would it be to intervene so early?"

Dante sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Whatever the case, keep an eye on things. This war will shake the very foundations of the world, and no one will be entirely safe."

Ouroboros nodded, her golden eyes sparkling with what could only be described as amusement. "I'll be around, Dante. And who knows? Perhaps I'll do something unexpected when the time is right."

Dante shook his head, resigned. "I can only hope that when that moment comes, you'll be on our side."

With those words, he turned and walked toward the exit. Ouroboros's soft laughter echoed behind him as he left the house, disappearing into the night once again. There was still so much to be done, and time was running out.

'Crazy dragon...' he thought before vanishing and reappearing in the center of Albion.

Dante finally returned to his realm, soaring through the skies with the majesty of a sovereign and the resolve of a warrior.

His wives were gathered, each of them displaying distinct expressions that ranged from curiosity to concern and determination. The cold night breeze swept through their garments, while the sound of the fountains in the courtyard provided a gentle contrast to the tension hanging in the air.

"You took longer than expected," Alice remarked with a smile, though her eyes gleamed with a hint of unease. "I hope you've brought good news."

"Not exactly," Dante replied, his voice deep and heavy with meaning. He stopped in front of them, his black mantle billowing in the wind. "Hell is on the brink of chaos. Astaroth has slain all the demon kings and is now moving against Lucifer. There's no time left to waste."

Dante's words were met with silence. Lyrianna crossed her arms, her gaze dark and contemplative, while Morgana bowed her head slightly in thought. Valentina stepped forward, breaking the quiet.

"So, you're leaving for Hell now?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

Dante nodded silently. Without another word, he raised his right hand, his fingers tracing deliberate and precise motions in the air. A dark aura began to emanate from his body, enveloping him in a pulsating energy. In the center of the courtyard, a fissure glimmered, and then, abruptly, a colossal portal began to form.

The portal was monumental—a masterpiece of infernal craftsmanship. Its structure appeared to be forged from a dark, pulsating metal etched with intricate demonic patterns that twisted into ancient runes of power. The edges were grotesque, adorned with depictions of twisted demons, their faces frozen in eternal agony. It was as though the very essence of Hell had been shaped to create this gateway.

"The portal..." Fey whispered, a shiver running down her spine as she gazed at the creation before them.

The portal's core pulsed like a dark, malevolent heart, glowing with fiery crimson light. The runes surrounding it burned brightly, their intensity both mesmerizing and foreboding. The eyes of the carved demon faces glowed like smoldering embers, fixing on anyone who dared meet their gaze.

"This is the Hell Gate," Dante said, his deep voice reverberating through the courtyard. "It will take me directly to that place... but because of my... contract, I'll have to endure the cycles of Hell." He sighed, his gaze shifting to his wives.

"I may take far longer than you think," he murmured. "I'll have to traverse every layer before I reach the battleground where Astaroth and Lucifer are fighting."