Reincarnated into a New World As a Vampire

"Welcome. I am Gavros, an attendant to the council of elders. The elders have summoned you to an audience. I am to escort you there immediately."

Without a word, Aldritch nodded, motioning for Ingrid to ensure their people settled in. Then he followed Gavros, his steps unhurried but deliberate.

…

The walk through the Vampire Society's domain was an experience in itself. The streets were wide and paved with black stone that shimmered faintly underfoot, as though infused with magic. The surrounding buildings, constructed with dark elegance, rose like monuments to the Society's wealth and power. Vampires of various ranks moved about, their regal attire and sharp features marking them as members of a sophisticated, formidable society.

'When every member of he race lives for so long, it's impossible not to develop like this.' Aldritch thought to himself, impressed.

As they neared the council chamber, the air grew heavier, charged with an almost oppressive energy. The structure itself loomed ahead, its entrance flanked by towering columns carved with intricate runes. A massive double door of polished obsidian opened soundlessly as Gavros approached, revealing a deep huge hall-path bathed in faint blue light.

Walking through the path, they soon came into the chamber. It was circular, its walls lined with high-backed chairs where the elders sat. Each was a figure of undeniable presence, their expressions ranging from cold disinterest to open disdain as Aldritch entered.

Gavros stepped aside, bowing slightly. "Lord Aldritch Mondragon Hellsing," he announced.

Aldritch met the gazes of the assembled elders, his own expression composed yet sharp. He could feel their scrutiny, the weight of their judgment pressing against him like a tangible force.

'The old heads are the same in every world and race, aren't they?' He thought to himself as he walked in.

The central chair, slightly elevated and more ornate than the others, was unoccupied. Aldritch could easily guess who would be seated there, though. One of the elders seated gestured for Aldritch to step forward.

"Lord Aldritch," she began, her voice smooth and commanding. "You stand before the council of elders, the governing body of the Vampire Society. We are here to determine your place among us."

One elder, a wiry man with silver hair and a sharp sneer, leaned forward. "A place among us? He is an upstart with no lineage, no standing. Why should he even be allowed to remain in our domain?"

Another elder, a regal woman with piercing green eyes, a rather unusual trait, folded her hands gracefully. "And yet he commands over a thousand vampires, all of high rank" she said coolly. "That alone warrants consideration… not to mention, his own rank." She said, glancing at Alditch with interest and an amused smile on her lips.

The silver-haired elder scoffed. "A rabble of weaklings and Blooded fledglings."

Aldritch's gaze shifted to the man, his expression unflinching.

Another elder, a hulking figure with dark hair and a heavy brow, spoke next. "You've made an impression, Aldritch. But impressions alone won't sustain you here. What do you seek from the Vampire Society?"

"Strength," Aldritch replied without hesitation. "Knowledge, resources, allies. The tools to ascend beyond what I am now. And in return, I offer the same—strength and loyalty, as long as it is reciprocated."

The vampire seated closest to the head seat observed him closely, her expression inscrutable. "And what of our laws, our traditions? Will you abide by them?"

"I will," Aldritch said. Then he added, his tone sharpening slightly, "But I will not be bound by rules that serve no purpose beyond maintaining the status quo. Evolution and growth requires adaptation."

The chamber fell silent.

Finally, the female vampire rose from her seat, her presence filling the room. "Bold words, Lord Aldritch." She said, as her gaze fixed on Aldritch, and for a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath.

"By decree of the council," she said, her voice resonating with authority, "Aldritch Mondragon Hellsing is granted the rank of elder within the Vampire Society."

Surprisingly, there was no opposition this time, even the most angry looking didn't say anything to oppose.

'So they had already agreed on this before hand.' He thought to himself. Then again, their ruler had already made the decision. He was unsure of the king of government that ran in the society, but, his plan was successful, so that was enough.

"To reflect your new status," she continued, "you will be given a territory befitting your rank and the size of your following. It will be yours to govern, to protect, and to strengthen as you see fit."

Aldritch inclined his head slightly, his composure unshaken. "I accept."

her lips curved into a faint smile. "Good. Gavros will provide the details of your new domain. For now, you may leave."

…

As Aldritch left the chamber, the murmurs of the elders followed him, but Aldritch paid them no mind, his thoughts already focused on the path ahead.

Gavros met him outside, his expression unreadable. "Congratulations, Lord Aldritch. Few have risen so quickly."

"It's not the rise that matters, is it?" Aldritch said, a small smile on his face.

Gavros nodded, leading him toward the settlement where his people awaited. "Indeed. Then, let us prepare for what comes next."

…

After returning to their temporary settlement, Aldritch could see everyone either outside or inside the huge mansion, but either way, they were more than overcrowded. Quickly, they prepared and left for their new settlement.

The carriages carrying Aldritch's people rolled smoothly along the paved roads of the Vampire Society. Aldritch sat at the head of the lead carriage, his eyes scanning the surroundings as the group made their way to the newly assigned territory.

The journey was quiet, save for the occasional murmur of awe from his people. The architecture of the Vampire Society continued to impress, a seamless blend of dark elegance and formidable design. Castles and manors dotted the landscape, surrounded by expanses of lush forestry.

Lada, seated next to Aldritch, broke the silence. "It's vast," she said. "Much larger than I expected."

"It's deliberate," Aldritch replied, his gaze distant. "An empire in its own right. And we're just scratching the surface."

Ahead, the first envoy, Orven, rode alongside the procession on a dark steed, his posture rigid, exuding a sense of duty.

As they passed a small bridge, Lina leaned out of her carriage window, "Lord Aldritch," she called, "how much farther?"

"Not long now," Orven answered before Aldritch could. His voice carried easily over the sound of the moving wheels. "Your territory lies just beyond that ridge."

The procession crested the ridge, revealing their destination below. A sprawling castle stood at the heart of the territory, its sharp spires reaching skyward. Surrounding it were open fields of grass, dotted with smaller outbuildings and enclosed courtyards.

The vampires disembarked from the carriages, their footsteps crunching softly against the stone-paved courtyard.

"It's… isolated," Ingrid remarked, her tone carefully neutral.

Aldritch nodded. "Mostly by design. Proximity to the main castle would imply dependence. This distance gives us autonomy."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

As the group explored the grounds, a noticeable absence became apparent. There were no humans. No villagers, no livestock, no sign of the usual sources of sustenance one might expect in a vampire settlement. It was the same back at the centre settlement, the same thing had been noticed.

Lina voiced the question that lingered in everyone's thoughts. "Where are the humans? Or any blood sources, for that matter?"

Aldritch turned to Orven, his expression inquisitive but calm. "I've noticed this since we arrived," he said. "Your lands are vast, your population dense, yet there are no humans in sight. How do you sustain yourselves?"

Orven regarded Aldritch for a moment, as if weighing how much to reveal. Finally, he nodded remembering his new status. "It's a fair question," he said, "We Vampires have long since moved beyond dependence on blood for sustenance. Instead, we practice a technique known as Mana Absorption."

"Mana Absorption?" Ingrid echoed, her brow furrowing.

"Yes," Orven replied. "It's a method of drawing sustenance directly from the ambient mana that saturates this land. By refining our bodies and spirits through ancient techniques, we've learned to convert mana into a source of nourishment."

'Just like Lodestar?' Aldritch thought to himself.

Lada crossed her arms, her skepticism evident. "And the blood? It's still consumed, isn't it?"

"Of course," Orven admitted, his tone pragmatic. "But not for survival. Blood serves other purposes, rituals, power enhancements, magic, and sometimes… indulgence."

Sigmund tilted his head, intrigued. "This technique… is it difficult to master?"

Orven smirked faintly. "For those born into the Society, it's second nature, having to learn it from the get-go. Needless to say, it requires dedication and discipline. But once mastered, it eliminates the… vulnerabilities associated with blood dependence."

Aldritch's gaze remained fixed on Orven, his expression thoughtful. "This technique," he said slowly, "has it always been the way of the Society?"

"No," Orven replied, shaking his head. "In the early days, we relied on blood, just as you do now. But as our Society grew, we realized the dangers of dependence, territorial conflicts, resource shortages, and, most importantly, exposure to the mortal world and possibility of our enemies using it against us. Mana Absorption was adopted as a solution, allowing us to grow more self-reliant."

The group stood in silence for a moment, processing the information. Aldritch broke the quiet, his tone even. "An elegant solution," he said. "It's clear why your Society has flourished for so long."

Orven inclined his head slightly. "It's not without its challenges. The technique demands discipline, and there are some who struggle to adapt. Even now, there are those who still prefer the old way. Then again, minority doesn't dictate the majority in this case. But for those who succeed, it opens doors to power that blood alone could never provide."

Aldritch's lips curled into a faint smile. "Then perhaps it's time for us to adapt as well."

Lina glanced at him, her expression curious. "You're considering adopting this technique?"

"Why not?" Aldritch replied. "Strength lies in evolution. If this practice can enhance us, it's worth exploring."

As the conversation concluded, Orven gestured toward the castle. "Please, explore your new home," he said. "You'll find it equipped with everything you need. Should you require assistance, simply summon me, I'll get an architect to see to your demands in case you should need a change, or addition of new structures." He said, looking at the vast numbers of the vampires under Aldritch, knowing that he would be needing the services soon enough.

Aldritch nodded. "Thank you, Orven. Your guidance has been… enlightening."

Orven bowed slightly, his tone respectful. "I serve the Society, as you now do. Welcome to your territory, Lord Aldritch."

He departed, leaving Aldritch and his people to settle into their new domain.