Era of Players: Death God

Chapter 200: Upgrades 1

As the final moments of cooking approached, a strange tranquility washed over Alucard. The rhythmic sizzle of the meat became a hypnotic lullaby, and the warmth of the kitchen was a comforting embrace. For a moment, he was neither immortal vampire nor ancient warrior. He was simply a being engaged in a primal act, transforming raw sustenance into nourishment.

His mind wandered to a time long past, to a world where he was not a creature of the night but a mortal man. He could almost taste the simple pleasures of life, the warmth of sunlight on his skin, the taste of fresh bread, and the companionship of loved ones.

Back then he dreamed of being a cook, opening a small restaurant with his wife, Yet, these memories were fleeting, and he was pulled back to the present by the delicious aroma of the nearly finished steak.

With a practiced eye, Alucard assessed the steak. A perfect crust had formed, a rich mahogany that promised a crisp exterior. He removed the skillet from the heat and transferred the steak to a cutting board. A pat of cold butter, softened to perfection, was added to the sizzling pan. As it melted, it infused with the steak's juices, creating a rich, buttery sauce.

With a swift motion, Alucard sliced into the steak, revealing a deep crimson interior. The meat was tender, yielding to the knife with effortless ease. As he plated the steak, he drizzled the pan sauce over it, the rich, buttery liquid glistening in the light. A sprig of fresh rosemary was added as a final touch, a burst of green against the rich colors of the meat.

The steak was perfect. A symphony of textures and flavors, a testament to Alucard's culinary prowess. As he took a first bite, he closed his eyes, savoring the moment. The meat was tender and juicy, the crust with a satisfying crunch. The pan sauce was rich and complex, with a hint of sweetness from the caramelized meat.

It was a meal fit for a king, or perhaps, a vampire.

Alucard carried his creation to the dining room, a grand chamber adorned with dark wood and velvet. The soft glow of candlelight cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating an atmosphere of intimacy. He selected a bottle of wine from his new dwelling extensive cellar, a Bordeaux with decades of aging behind it. The cork popped with a satisfying 'plop', releasing the heady aroma of ripe fruit and oak.

As he poured the wine, he admired its deep ruby color. The first sip was a revelation. The wine was velvety smooth, with flavors of black currant, cedar, and a hint of leather. It was the perfect complement to the rich, savory steak.

Each bite was a journey, a symphony of taste and texture. The tender meat, the complex wine, the subtle spice of the rosemary - they all came together in perfect harmony. For a brief moment, Alucard felt a sense of peace, a contentment that was rare for a creature of his kind.

The remnants of the meal were cleared away, leaving behind a pristine dining table. Alucard, with a satisfied sigh, rose from his seat and moved towards the grand library that adjoined the dining room. The room was a labyrinth of towering bookshelves, each filled with volumes of history, philosophy, and literature.

His eyes scanned the shelves, seeking a companion for the long night ahead. His choice fell on a leather-bound thriller, its title promising a tale of vengeance and intrigue. It was a genre he rarely indulged in, but the promise of a gripping narrative appealed to him.

As he curled up in his armchair, a soft glow emanating from a nearby reading lamp, he opened the book. The world outside faded as he delved into the story, losing himself in the intricate web of deceit and retribution. For the first time in years, perhaps, Alucard felt a sense of anticipation, a hunger for the next chapter.

As Alucard delved deeper into the pages, he found himself strangely captivated by the human drama unfolding before him. The intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, offered a stark contrast to the monotony of his immortal existence. The characters, with their complex motivations and vulnerabilities, were a fascinating study.

He found himself questioning the nature of humanity. These mortal beings, with their short lifespans and fleeting passions, seemed to live with an intensity that was alien to him. Their capacity for love, hate, and revenge was both intriguing and perplexing.

A wry smile touched his lips as he read about the protagonist's relentless pursuit of justice. It was a pursuit driven by a desire for vengeance, a concept that Alucard understood on a visceral level. Yet, unlike the protagonist, he had centuries to contemplate his actions, to weigh the consequences of his choices.

The story transported him to another world, a world filled with danger and uncertainty. For a brief moment, he forgot his own immortality, his status as a creature of the night. He was simply a reader, lost in the pages of a thrilling tale.

Hours seemed to slip away like grains of sand as Alucard immersed himself in the world of the thriller. The story, with its relentless pace and shocking twists, held him captive. When he finally reached the last page, a sense of satisfaction washed over him. It was a rare moment of pure enjoyment, a brief respite from the weight of his existence.

He closed the book and stretched, his body feeling stiff from prolonged stillness. The night was still young, the world outside shrouded in darkness. With a renewed sense of purpose, he selected another book from the shelf. This time, a classic work of literature, a timeless tale of love and loss.

As he began to read, he realized that the tranquility of the night was a precious commodity. Tomorrow, he would return to the world of shadows, a world filled with danger and uncertainty. Until then, he would savor these quiet moments, lost in the pages of a book.

The morning sun began to paint the sky with hues of orange and pink as Noah gently disengaged himself from Lilith's embrace. Her soft snores and the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest filled him with a sense of peace and contentment. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, a tender gesture that was as natural to him as breathing.

With a silent prayer for her continued slumber, he slipped out of bed and moved cautiously towards the door. The corridor was still dark, save for the faint glow emanating from the security lights. He paused for a moment, listening intently for any signs of activity. The only sound was the distant hum of the academy's generators.

Satisfied that the coast was clear, Noah made his way back to his dorm room. He collapsed onto his bed, exhaustion washing over him. The events of the past few days had taken a toll on him, both physically and emotionally. But as he drifted off to sleep, a smile crept across his face. He had found something precious, something worth fighting for.

The morning sun was higher in the sky when Noah finally stirred from his slumber. A stretch that popped every joint in his body was followed by a yawn that echoed in the quiet room. He swung his legs over the bed and stood up, the cool morning air hitting his skin with a refreshing chill.

After a quick shower and a change of clothes, Noah headed out into the open air. The academy grounds were alive with the sounds of birdsong and the distant laughter of students. He began his jog with long, easy strides, his mind clearing with each breath. The physical exertion was a welcome distraction from the complexities of his life.

As he ran, he couldn't help but think about Lilith. Her image was a constant companion, a source of both comfort and turmoil. He wondered about her dreams, her fears, her hopes for the future. He ached to spend more time with her, to learn everything there was to know about her. But he also knew that he shouldn't rush things and lost focus of his original goal.

Having someone you could count on is nice and all but the real strength come from oneself, he must not forget his goal, never stray from it.

On his way back he stopped by a park and sat on a bench to recover, while doing so he summoned his status window.

?Status Window

Name: Noah Adler

Rank: Expert

Level 50

Class: Angel of Death

Title: Goblin Slayer

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?Stats?

Mana: 126

Strength: 134

Intelligence: 114

Dexterity: 134

Luck: 105 Explore more stories at m,v l'-NovelFire.net

Stat Points: 2

Coins: 25060G

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?Skills?

Common Skill: {Basic Swordsmanship},{Basic Close Combat} {Presence Detection} {Master of Weapons} {Mana's Armor Lvl 1} {Shadow Steps Level 1} {Blood Flowers} {Splitting Ripple Slash LVl 1} {Fangs of Insanity} {Flame Art} {Telekinesis Lv1} {Unprecedented Sense LV1} {Super Regeneration Lv1}

Exclusive Skills: {Seal of Death} {Night of Death} {Lord of the Night}

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?Runes ?

{Basic Strength},{Basic Speed} {Angel of Death}

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