CHAPTER 79: BLOODLINES

In Veltraxia, bloodlines are far more than mere genealogy.

They are ancestral imprints, embedded deep within the soul, passed down through generations influencing not just appearance or strength, but destiny itself.

They pulsed with latent power, carrying within them the might of ancient beings, divine essence, and primal forces that once shaped the world.

These inheritances are coveted above all else, often valued more highly than any noble titles or vast fortunes, for they hold the key to unlocking one’s true potential.

Bloodlines manifest as dormant genetic memories passed down through generations, containing fragments of power from their original sources.

Each bloodline affects a person’s affinity with Essence Paths.

Such as fire-based bloodlines excel at destructive magic, Water bloodlines master adaptive techniques, Beast bloodlines enhance physical prowess and primal instincts Growth Potential.

Those born with stronger bloodlines tend to harmonize more naturally with certain Essence Paths. They can accelerate training, recovery, and advancement.

Bloodline ranks are often categorized by tiers.

Common, Elite, Legendary, Mythic.

Common bloodlines are found in almost every being, and lower nobles.

Elite bloodlines are awakened by higher noble houses.

Legendary bloodlines are often found extremely powerful families, mostly royals, or distinct prodigies.

While Mythic bloodlines were just whispers often described in the tales of ancestral heroes who had been long perished from the world or didn’t even exist to begin with.

Most bloodlines remain dormant until triggered by:

Life-threatening situations that force latent power to surface.

Ritualistic ceremonies performed by skilled practitioners, exposure to related essence that resonates with the bloodline.

Trauma, rage, or spiritual evolution.

Alaric remained unconscious for several minutes, his chest rising and falling in shallow breaths.

Then...

"Urgh!"

His eyes slowly fluttered open, squinting against the moonlight streaming through the window.

A dull throb pulsed in his skull as he slowly pushed himself upright, one hand pressing against his temple.

Then his gaze shifted to the cyan screen hovering silently before him.

[Bloodline Awakening Failed!]

He blinked at the message, then let out a weary groan as he struggled to his feet.

"Ah, wonderful. Why would anything go my way...?" he muttered to the empty air.

Steadying himself against the wall, he made his way to the full-length mirror near the wardrobe.

His reflection showed a blood-soaked mess, crimson streaks painted his face from eyes, nose, and mouth.

"What a mess," he muttered, studying his haggard appearance.

He retrieved a clean cloth from the wardrobe and carefully wiped the dried blood from his face and neck.

Then he peeled off his stained clothes and changed into fresh garments, his movements still unsteady from the ordeal.

After that, he opened the door and stepped out into the hallway.

A passing maid curtsied when she saw him.

"Could you my room, there was... an accident" he said, voice low and tired.

The maid nodded respectfully and hurried away to fetch cleaning supplies.

Still feeling nauseous and disoriented, Alaric began walking aimlessly through the corridors. The cool walls offered little comfort, but after a few turns, he felt a breeze brush past him.

Fresh air.

He followed it, soon finding himself near one of the side balconies. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale glow across the corridor.

And that’s when he saw her.

A figure stood near the railing, her back half-turned, midnight-blue hair swaying gently in the breeze. She wore the standard maid dress, simple but neat, and her posture was relaxed as she leaned over the railing, gazing out at the quiet estate grounds.

He said nothing and simply joined her, moving to lean against the railing as well.

The figure turned her head toward him, her violet eyes gleaming like amethysts under the starlight. She gave him a respectful nod.

"Do you require anything, young master?"

Alaric studied her face for a moment, then shook his head. "No, I just needed some fresh air."

He leaned forward, resting his arms on the cool stone and exhaling deeply.

His fingers massaged his temples where the throbbing pain still lingered.

When he glanced sideways, he found her still watching him intently.

"Is something wrong with my face?" he asked, a dry edge to his tone.

This time she shook her head quickly.

"No, young master. You just... look familiar to me. I apologize for staring." She turned her gaze back to the night sky.

Alaric raised a brow, thinking, She recognized me? I’m certain we never met this closely before. He shrugged and moved to a nearby wooden chair, he sank down into it and leaned back, letting his eyes drift closed.

The girl cast him one more glance, then turned away again.

He couldn’t be him, right? That would be impossible...

Still, she gave him another sidelong glance.

But he really does look like him...

She forced herself to look away, focusing on the distant stars. I can’t be sure, since I never actually met him in the first place.

A couple of hours passed...

Alaric stirred, his eyes fluttering open as he rubbed them groggily. A soft groan left his lips as he stood and stretched, joints cracking slightly from the awkward nap.

"Did I fall asleep?" he muttered to himself.

"Yes, you did."

A calm voice from behind nearly startled him.

He quickly turned around to see her sitting in another chair seated in another chair a few feet away, hands folded neatly in her lap, watching him with that same stoic expression.

"What are you still doing here?" Alaric asked, raising a brow.

"I thought it’d be rude to leave without making sure you were alright," she replied matter-of-factly. "You looked exhausted."

Alaric gave her a small nod, then studied her carefully, his eyes narrowing slightly.

I can’t sense her essence at all, he thought with growing curiosity.

Is this girl stronger than me?

"What’s your name?" he asked, crossing his arms as he leaned back against the stone railing.

The cool night breeze brushing through his hair.

The maid stood up from the chair and straightened her posture. Her expression remained composed as she offered a light bow.

"It’s Nyra, young master."

He looked at her for a moment, then...

"Well, Nyra, thank you for making sure I was alright, but you didn’t need to do that."

He glanced over his shoulder at the gardens below, moonlight casting silver shadows across the hedges.

"You can go now if you wish."

But instead of leaving, Nyra stepped closer, walking toward the railing and stopping beside him.

She shook her head softly. "It’s alright, young master. You don’t need to thank me. It’s my duty."

She looked back up at the star-filled sky and added softly, "Besides, it’s comfortable out here. Inside... it feels suffocating."

Alaric studied her profile, then nodded without comment.

After a moment of shared silence, he asked, "Are you doing well working here?"

She nodded, though her expression remained neutral. "Yes, young master. Some of the other staff gave me trouble at first, but Lady Selene has been very kind to me."

At this, Alaric raised a brow with interest.

He gave another thoughtful nod. "I’ll make sure they don’t bother you again."

Nyra turned slightly toward him, dipping her head in gratitude. "Thank you, young master."