Chapter 115 — Incompatible Bloodlines
Amelia shook her head.
"Vampire bloodlines and mutant bloodlines seem fundamentally incompatible. Any mutant who has been turned ends up like the Lycans — total cellular collapse and death. No exceptions."
William fell into thought.
No wonder Amelia's faith in him had risen so quickly. He had just accomplished something the vampire race had failed to achieve for over a thousand years.
But then—how had Selene acquired [Undying · X Subtype]?
Was it because she had protagonist-level destiny?
He hadn't—
Halfway through the thought, William understood.
The virus had mutated inside his body, fused with his genes, and only then been transmitted to Selene through blood.
That explained everything.
As for why his body could embed genetic traits into the Undying virus—
Either it was due to Disease Transfer, or because of Poison Immunity.
With nothing else left to do here, William stood and got dressed.
His eyes landed on a silver longsword hanging on the wall.
He remembered he had obtained Swordmaster Experience, so he extended his hand.
The silver blade slid from its sheath and flew into his grasp.
The moment his fingers wrapped around the hilt, his body moved instinctively, performing a smooth flourish.
"I'll borrow this sword."
"Everything I possess belongs to the Father. For this blade to be chosen is its greatest honor."
Despite their earlier intimacy, Amelia's devotion remained absolute.
Fifteen-hundred-year-old values were no joke.
William was very satisfied with her attitude. She might not have given him a system reward, but among all the women he had been with, Amelia's disposition pleased him the most.
Perhaps Sophia and the others from the Shameless world had similar faith.
"Amelia, the Father does not neglect those who believe.
When the destined hour arrives, you shall inherit the authority of the vampire race."
Hearing this, Amelia — still unclothed — dropped to her knees again, overcome with emotion, pressing a reverent kiss to the top of his foot.
"Thank you, Father, for your grace. Your believer shall offer everything."
William helped her back to her feet.
He had no intention of lingering here much longer.
After arranging Amelia's next steps and establishing a method of contact, William had her gather her remaining subordinates.
One by one, he removed the [Undying · Bat Subtype] virus from their bodies.
Of course, he left one carrier intact — a living pathogen source — so that person could later re-infect the others.
Amelia agreed without hesitation.
Being stronger than one's subordinates was the best way to secure loyalty.
Power was never something to hand out lightly. The moment followers gained strength equal to their leader, they would stop thinking about obedience… and start thinking about replacement.
With everything settled, William resumed acting alone.
Amelia could not be the one to kill Viktor.
If Selene did it, she would never again be able to remain within vampire society openly.
So William needed to arrange a regicide — a killer who could bear the stain.
---
Meanwhile — Back at the Vampire Stronghold
As in the original timeline, Selene awakened Viktor — even though it should not have been his century to rise.
The vampire political system had once been ruled by the Three Elders — Viktor, Amelia, and Marcus, supported by a Council of Twelve.
But six hundred years ago, Lucian's rebellion had slaughtered most of the council. The current council had devolved into little more than obedient figureheads.
Thus the power system became rotational:
Two Elders sleep. One governs. A century per cycle.
---
Viktor sat upon his throne, his withered form slowly stabilizing, staring down at Selene.
"Your blood fragments are chaotic… disordered. That is why only an Elder is meant to oversee awakening. You lack the skill for this, Selene.
It is Marcus's turn to rule — not mine."
"But I had no choice!" Selene pleaded.
"Our family is in danger! Lucian is obsessively tracking a human — there must be a conspiracy, my lord. Please allow me to prove it!"
Selene was a warrior, not a politician. She did not understand the implications.
By breaking the chain of rule, her fate would now be decided by the Council.
Execution was unlikely — Viktor favored her — but exile was almost certain.
Viktor gazed at her… and for a moment, saw Sonja.
After a long silence, he spoke.
"I will have Kraven gather evidence. If any exists."
Selene's heart sank. Worse than refusal — it felt like betrayal.
"How can you trust Kraven more than me?!"
She had always believed her bond with Viktor was genuine.
In truth, she was merely a living memorial to his dead daughter.
"I love you," Viktor said quietly.
"You are like a daughter to me. But laws exist for a reason. They preserve our kind."
Then his voice turned cold.
"You will receive no privilege. When Amelia arrives, your fate will be judged by the Council. You violated the chain of rule and our covenants. You will stand trial."
Selene stared at him, disbelief in her eyes, tears forming.
She could not understand how everything had turned out this way.
Guards seized her arms and began escorting her away.
Then—
The great doors of the castle burst open.
Lightning flashed outside.
Every head turned.
Framed in the doorway, dressed in a magnificent evening gown, pale as moonlight, bearing the presence of a queen—
Amelia had arrived.