Cherreads

Chapter 19 - Hidden Passage

With a determined stride, Cid followed Lucy through the winding alleys until they reached a nondescript metal door. Lucy placed her hand on a hidden panel, causing the door to slide open with a soft hiss. They stepped inside, the door closing behind them with a resounding clang.

The room was dimly lit, the air thick with the pungent scent of fear and aggression. In the center, restrained by one of Lucy's metal snakes, was a humanoid wolf creature. Its fur was a mottled gray, its eyes gleaming with a feral intensity as it struggled against its bonds.

Cid approached the werewolf, his crimson eyes glowing Purple with the power of his Qi. He reached out with his senses, feeling the creature's Qi pulsing weakly in comparison to his own. A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth - this would be all too easy.

"You will answer my questions truthfully," Cid commanded, his voice resonating with the force of his Influence skill. The werewolf's struggles ceased, its eyes glazing over as it succumbed to Cid's will.

"Why are you here? What are your plans for this planet?" Cid demanded, his gaze boring into the creature's own.

The werewolf's voice was a guttural growl as it responded, compelled by Cid's influence. "We have come to claim this world as our own. For too long, humans have dominated, pushing our kind to the fringes. But no more. In two days, during the lunar eclipse, our great leader will unleash a powerful artifact that will turn all humans into werewolves, making us the dominant species once and for all."

Cid's eyes narrowed, a sense of dread settling in the pit of his stomach. "Where is this Orb"

The werewolf's eyes glowed an eerie yellow as it replied in a guttural voice. "The Moonstone, our sacred artifact, is hidden deep within the Crimson Gorge. Only our leader knows its exact location. During the lunar eclipse, when the moon's power is at its peak, he will retrieve the orb and unleash its magic, blanketing this world in lycanthropic energy. All who bathe in its glow will be transformed, united under our glorious rule."

"If Someone wanted to go to your your leader and kiill him how would they do that?"

The werewolf let out a raspy chuckle, its fangs glinting in the dim light. "You think it would be that easy, vampire? Our leader is no ordinary werewolf. He is an alpha among alphas, imbued with the strength of a thousand moons. His power is unrivaled, and he is guarded by his most loyal and fierce warriors."

The creature's eyes took on a distant look as it continued, compelled by Cid's influence. "But if one were foolish enough to attempt such a thing, they would need to venture into the heart of the Crimson Gorge, to the very place where the Moonstone rests. There, in a hidden chamber carved into the red rock, our leader will perform the ritual during the eclipse."

Cid leaned in closer, his voice low and intense. "And how would one gain access to this chamber? Surely it is well-defended."

The werewolf's lips curled into a sneer. "The chamber is protected by ancient runes and the most powerful members of our pack. Only those bearing the mark of the alpha can pass unharmed. But even if you were to make it inside, you would face the full might of our leader and his inner circle. It would be a suicide mission."

Cid straightened, his mind racing with this new information. He glanced at Lucy, who had been silently observing the interrogation. "We need to warn the others. If the werewolves succeed in their Plans Humanity is doomed at the very least we must retreive the orb."

Cid's earpiece beeped, signaling an urgent call from Cayden. "Guys, Dee and Zeph took off in different directions," Cayden's voice crackled through the device. "I can track Zeph, but Dee was too fast for me. Something feels off about this." Cid quickly relayed instructions to Lucy and Cindy. "Lucy, go back to the military base hideout and gather information using your snakes. Cindy, we'll go after Dee." With a flick of his wrist, Cid extended his Qi in an orb around himself, allowing him to sense all things within 100 meters. He carried Cindy effortlessly with one hand as he leapt through the city, his enhanced vampire speed fueled by his Qi.

Cid and Cindy raced through the city streets, Cid's Qi-enhanced speed allowing them to cover ground at an incredible pace. His senses stretched out before him, searching for any trace of Dee's unique energy signature.

Suddenly, a faint flicker of Dee's Qi caught Cid's attention. "There!" he exclaimed, adjusting his course to follow the trail. They wove through narrow alleys and bustling thoroughfares, the city blurring around them as they focused solely on their pursuit.

The trail led them to the outskirts of the city, where the sleek metal buildings gave way to rocky, barren terrain. Cid skidded to a halt, his crimson eyes scanning the area for any sign of Dee.

Cindy hopped down from Cid's arm, her green skin shimmering with a faint sheen of sweat from the exertion. "Do you sense her nearby?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Cid nodded, his brow furrowed in concentration. "She's close, but something feels off. Her Qi is... erratic. Like she's in distress."

Just then, a piercing scream echoed through the air, sending chills down their spines. "Dee!" Cid shouted, his heart pounding with fear as he raced towards the sound, Cindy hot on his heels. t

As they emerged from the dense forest, they were met with a strange sight. A shimmering portal stood before them, and in front of it was a man holding Dee in his arms. Her face was tear-stained and she looked helpless, as if she were under some kind of mind control. Without hesitation, CId charged towards the man, fueled by rage. However, he quickly realized that this unknown adversary was too strong for him.

Bruised and bloodied, Cid staggers to his feet as the portal begins to close. They disappear into its pulsing light, leaving him alone in the darkness. Dee is gone, taken by the unknown forces lurking in the other realm, never to be seen again. A gut-wrenching scream echoes through the air as Cid falls to his knees, defeated and consumed by grief. Meanwhile in his rage he did not realize that Cindy had been trying to help him in the fight with the mysterious man. he suddenly heard a faint voice like the person who spke was in pain follwing the voice he saw her with a gash on her stomach leaning against a rock, Cid ran over to her and sent into a panic thinking and feeling with all his might i want to save her i want to help her she can't die! Just then the system popped up a notification.

"You have Unlocked Qi Vampire Turning ritual you can currently turn 5 people as you evolve the amount will rise." Those you turn will be a part of your family and will become bound to you unable to ever betray or turn against (this is excluding anomaly subclasses like wendigos.) Do you wish turn the Goblin before you?'"

With no Hesitation Cid said "YES!"

Cid as though he knew exactly what to do instinctively he placed his right hand unseen the stomach and a purple Runic circle with ancient looking symbols appeared around her stomach and a message popped up within his system beginning vampire spawn turning of the goblin Cindy.

As the runic circle pulsed with an ethereal purple glow, Cid watched in awe as the gash on Cindy's stomach began to close, the flesh knitting back together as if by magic. Her green skin took on a paler hue, and her eyes fluttered open, now a vibrant crimson that matched Cid's own.

Cindy gasped, her body arching as the transformation took hold. She could feel the power of Qi flowing through her veins, intertwining with her very essence. Her senses sharpened, the world around her coming into focus with a clarity she had never experienced before.

Slowly, she sat up, her gaze locking with Cid's. "What... what happened to me?" she asked, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and wonder.

Cid placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his expression soft and reassuring. "I turned you, Cindy. You were dying, and I couldn't bear the thought of losing you. You're a Qi vampire now, like me."

Tears welled up in Cindy's eyes as the realization of what Cid had done for her sank in. She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly as she whispered, "Thank you, Cid. Thank you for saving my life."

Cid returned the embrace, his own emotions threatening to overwhelm him. The loss of Dee still weighed heavily on his heart.

Suddenly, another message popped up within the system saying congratulations you have one of five family members what would you like to name your family after thinking about it for some time while hugging Cindy Cid In This Moment felt condemned thinking about this the system said family name accepted The Condemned family has now been created the goblin Cindy has been transformed into a subclass she is the first of her kind a Goblin Qi Vampire Wight. They both stopped hugging and Sid said to Cindy I should explain to you what you have turned into it doesn't seem that you were exactly a vampire but a subclass known as a wight but since I am not a regular vampire but one that uses Qi it seems you are a bit different did went on to explain to Cindy what exactly she had turned into and how she now looked like.

They both stood up and before Cid Cindy was now Standing between 5 to 5.5 feet tall, she possessed a lean, agile build that allows her to navigate the human realm with grace while exuding an undeniable presence. Her skin, a pale green reminiscent of faded moss, hints at her otherworldly heritage, while her sharp, angular features are accentuated by expressive, glowing eyes—either yellow or orange—captivating those who dare to meet her gaze.

Her long, wild hair flows with shades of dark green and black, intertwined with purples, alive like ivy swaying in an unseen breeze. With long, sharp nails hardened into obsidian-like claws, she embodies both beauty and danger, capable of silent movements that echo her mischievous nature.

Surrounded by a mesmerizing aura of swirling Qi energy, shifting in hues of greens, blues, and purples, she exudes an air of whimsical confidence. Yet beneath this captivating exterior lies a predatory instinct, ready to exploit any weakness.

Gifted with remarkable abilities, she can drain Qi from her foes to rejuvenate herself, create illusions to mislead adversaries, and teleport through shadows to evade danger. Furthermore, with her mischievous whispers, she can manipulate thoughts to sow confusion, summon ghostly goblin-like minions to aid her in battle, and absorb the essence of defeated opponents to enhance her strength.

This Goblin Qi Vampire Wight is a captivating blend of charm and menace, seamlessly weaving together the playful spirit of a goblin and the dark allure of a Qi vampire. She stands as a formidable presence in any encounter, an embodiment of both beauty and terror, leaving her mark in the hearts and minds of those who cross her path. After Cid had explain what she had become to had to act they had lost Dee for now but to could still go after Zeph so they both rushed back towads the City CIndy able to keep up with Cid easily now.

As Cid and Cindy raced back towards the city, their newfound connection as members of the Condemned family allowed them to move in perfect synchronicity. Cindy reveled in her enhanced speed and agility, the world blurring around her as she kept pace with Cid effortlessly.

They wove through the streets, their senses heightened and attuned to any trace of Zeph's presence. Cid reached out with his Qi, searching for the familiar energy signature of his friend, while Cindy used her new goblin-wight abilities to scan the shadows for any signs of movement.

Suddenly, Cid's earpiece crackled to life, Cayden's voice urgent and breathless. "Guys, I've found Zeph! He's in the old industrial district, but he's not alone. There's a group of werewolves surrounding him, and they look like they mean business."

Cid and Cindy exchanged a determined glance, their eyes glowing with a fierce resolve. "We're on our way," Cid responded, his voice steady despite the adrenaline pumping through his veins. "Try to keep them distracted until we get there, but don't engage directly. We can't risk losing you too."

With a burst of speed, Cid and Cindy raced towards the industrial district, the towering factories and abandoned warehouses looming before them like silent sentinels.

As they drew closer, the haunting howls of the werewolves echoed through the desolate streets, sending chills down their spines. The scent of fear and aggression hung heavy in the air, a palpable reminder of the danger that awaited them.

Cid and Cindy skidded to a halt at the edge of a large, open courtyard, their eyes widening at the scene before them. Zeph stood at the center, his posture defiant and his fists clenched at his sides. Surrounding him was a pack of at least a dozen werewolves, their eyes glowing with feral hunger as they circled their prey.

Cayden was perched atop a nearby building, his hydrokinetic abilities at the ready as he prepared to intervene if necessary. He caught Cid's eye, nodding in silent acknowledgment of their arrival.

Cid stepped forward, his Qi pulsing around him in a vibrant purple aura. "Let him go," he demanded, his voice ringing out across the courtyard with an authority that belied his age. "Your fight is with me, not him."

The largest of the werewolves, a massive beast with jet-black fur and scars crisscrossing its muzzle, turned to face Cid. Its eyes narrowed, a low growl rumbling in its throat as it sized up the Qi vampire before it.

"You dare to challenge us, bloodsucker!"

Without warning, a message from the system appeared in front of Cid, "They 12 werewolves ahead. Defeat all 12 in order to unlock a new skill. Cid smirked at the challenge and moved faster than the speed of sound, reaching the exact spot where the werewolf that spoke stood before. In one swift motion, he punched the black-furred werewolf directly in the stomach.

As soon as Zeph's friends arrived, he felt a surge of strength within him and his body began to shift. His bones cracked and reformed, his skin stretched and fur sprouted all over his body until he stood on four powerful legs in his majestic white wolf form. He let out a fierce howl, ready to fight alongside his friends.

Cayden, Zeph, Cid, and Cindy, now possessing newfound abilities, worked together to defeat the pack of 12 werewolves. Cid took charge, ensuring that he landed the final blow on each werewolf.

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