Reincarnated into a New World As a Vampire

The grand council chamber of the Vampire Society was steeped in an oppressive silence, broken only by the low murmur of discussions among the elders. Nahila Ven'dralis, the ruler of the vampires, sat at the head of the table, her expression impassive as she listened to the envoy's report.

"He refuses," the envoy finished, bowing his head. "Lord Aldritch has chosen caution and claims he will decide in time."

Hearing his words, the room erupted.

"This is an insult!" one elder snarled, slamming a fist onto the table. "Does he not understand the honor of the Ruler's invitation?"

"A mere upstart," another growled, his crimson eyes blazing. "He thinks himself untouchable, but he'll learn the folly of defiance."

"Enough," Nahila said softly, yet her voice cut through the din like a blade.

The elders fell silent, their eyes turning to her.

Nahila leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable. "Aldritch's caution is not unwarranted. Trust is a fragile thing, especially for one who rises so quickly and so far."

"But, Your Majesty—"

She raised a hand, silencing the protest. "We shall not act rashly. Continue the meeting."

The discussion resumed, though an undercurrent of tension lingered. The elders debated strategies and ongoing matters, their outrage over Aldritch's defiance simmering just beneath the surface.

…

Later that evening, Nahila retreated to her private chambers, her thoughts occupied by the enigmatic figure of Aldritch. Alone, she allowed herself a faint smile.

"So cautious, yet so bold," she murmured. "I'll be back." She said, as though a response, a nearby shadow shifted slightly. "Perhaps it's time I see this one for myself."

She extended a pale hand, and shadows wrapped around her, enveloping her form. In an instant, she was gone, her presence swallowed by the seeming void.

…

In the dim light of his private quarters, Aldritch sat at his desk, reviewing Sigmund's notes on the artifact as it sat close by. The faint hum of magic filled the room, a reminder of the power they had wrested from the elves.

In all the normalcy, Aldritch felt his instincts flare up. He managed to catch sight of a nearby shadow, casted faintly by the light in the room, the shadow shifted.

Aldritch tensed, his heightened senses alerting him to a sudden, chilling presence. He rose slowly, maintaining his calm and at a ready for anything, his crimson eyes scanning the room.

"Calm yourself, Lord Aldritch," came a soft voice from the darkness. "I mean you no harm."

From the deepest corner of the room, Nahila emerged, her form materializing as though she had stepped out of the very fabric of the night. Her black gown shimmered faintly and at the same time appeared like part of the darkness itself, and her piercing gaze fixed on Aldritch with unsettling intensity.

"Who are you?" Aldritch asked, his voice calm but edged with suspicion. She had appeared behind him, and now he had the table and artefact backed.

Nahila inclined her head ever so slightly, but gracefully. "I am Nahila Ven'dralis, the Ruler of the Vampire Society."

Aldritch's eyes narrowed, though he remained composed. "To what do I owe the honor of your… personal visit?"

She smiled faintly. "Won't you at least introduce yourself? I don't expect you to be so rude now."

"Aldritch Mondragon Hellsing." Aldritch said, his expression slightly serious, showing in his tone.

"Hellsing? An Interesting name. You declined my invitation, and I find myself curious. Few have ever done so, not without a good reason. Tell me, Aldritch, why did you refuse?"

Aldritch straightened his back, his gaze steady. "Because I don't see what I have to gain from joining your Society. My goals are my own, and I've achieved much without interference."

Nahila's smile deepened, and her eyes glimmered with an otherworldly light. "Ah, so it's pragmatism, not arrogance. Refreshing."

She took a step closer, her presence filling the room like a tangible force. "Tell me, Aldritch, how far do you intend to rise?"

He tilted his head slightly. "As far as I need to, as far as I want to… And then further." Listening to Aldritch, Nahila couldn't help herself.

Her laughter was soft, almost musical. "Ambitious. But you'll soon find that ambition alone isn't enough."

Before Aldritch could respond, Nahila's gaze sharpened, and a faint ripple of magic emanated from her. "You're a candidate for the War World," she said, her tone calm, yet heavy with implication.

Aldritch froze, his mind racing. "Seems everybody knows about that, huh?"

"Hard to say. Your strength, your growth, it's no coincidence," she continued. "The War World chooses those with the potential to reshape realms. You, Aldritch, happen to be one of them. But that path is fraught with challenges far beyond what you've faced, or even think of."

She gestured lightly, as if brushing away unseen threads. "You'll reach the bottleneck of Rank 1 soon enough. When you do, you'll find it insurmountable without help. Resources, guidance, allies… all of which I can provide."

Aldritch studied her carefully, his mind weighing the implications of her words. "And in exchange?"

Nahila's smile was enigmatic. "Nothing more than what you've already proven capable of: survival, growth, and perhaps a touch of loyalty to the Society… say, a cooperation."

Nahila continued. "As for the last reason, it is something you will know gradually after you join us. I hate to be dishonest, but I must withhold this from you as you're not yet ready."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Is that so? If I join you, what will I be? What role will I hold?"

"Naturally, you will be an elder, in name and in authority." She answered.

The room fell silent, the weight of the moment pressing down on them both. Finally, Aldritch nodded slowly. "Very well. I'll accept your offer."

Her eyes widened a bit, briefly, "Wise," Nahila said softly. "The envoy who visited you last will assist in transporting your people. You'll be brought to the Society's heart, where we can discuss matters further."

She turned, her form beginning to dissolve into shadows. "And Aldritch," she added, her voice lingering even as she vanished, "do not disappoint me."

As the shadows receded, Aldritch remained standing, his thoughts racing. He moved to the window, staring out at the camp below.

"So she truly did come," he murmured, the weight of the moment just then settling over him.

Far away, Nahila reappeared in her chambers, her expression thoughtful and amused. "Ambitious indeed," she said softly to herself. "Did I fall into his trap? Interesting, let's see how far this one can go."