Reincarnated into a New World As a Vampire

Aeress smiled faintly, "I am indeed changed, and I will explain." She gestured lightly toward Helga. "But first, let us leave this place. I haven't being back home for a very long time." She said.

'Is that so…' Nahia thought to herself. If no for the fact that the person before them was obviously way stronger and didn't show any sign of exhaustion, left to her, she would have opted to take her back in ropes for questioning instead of just allowing her to tell them whatever she wished herself.

Helga nodded, raising her hands to weave another spell, the air shimmering with an ethereal light. The teleportation spell enveloped the four of them, and with a rush of energy, the battlefield vanished before their eyes in an instant, leaving the battle torn landscape without any witnesses.

The four women reappeared within the sanctity of their hidden sanctuary, their base of operation. It certainly was a place untouched by the chaos of the outside world, even in such a time. Even then, the absence of any other person besides them gave the place a sense of loneness.

As always, the base was a magnificent underground temple, its walls carved with ancient runes that glowed faintly, casting the chambers in soft hues of blue and silver. Pools of crystal-clear water lined the halls, reflecting the intricate mosaics on the ceiling that depicted Aeress' rise and the loyalty of her devoted followers.

Aeress took a moment to breathe in the tranquil air, the oppressive weight of the battlefield lifting from her shoulders. Her followers stood nearby, watching her with reverence and questions.

"The place… it changed very much. It used to be a mansion, but now…" Aeress spoke softly as she took in the aesthetics.

"Is it no to your liking, great mother? We can always-" Helga said, but didn't finish her words.

"No, no, Helga, it's beautiful. Change is not bad, especially towards the right direction."

They spent a little bit of time going around as Helga led the group to a study room where they could sit and discuss.

Veronica was the first to speak, after they arrived and were seated. "Great Mother, with all respect, your aura... it feels different. Muted in some ways, but sharper in others. What happened?"

Nahia furrowed her brows, still harboring suspicion in her heart. "Part of you—it is not entirely gone, but it feels... distant."

Helga, standing slightly apart, hesitated before adding, "Great Mother, if there is anything we must know, please share it with us. Whatever has changed, we will adapt."

Aeress turned to face them fully, her silver gaze softening. "You feel it because it is true. I am not the same as I was before. When I reclaimed my body, I found that the abyssal corruption had left an indelible mark on my soul. I had anticipated this from the get go, which why I needed so many souls, and unfortunately, I was right. The Abyssal entity did corrupt part of my soul at its roots. To truly free myself from its taint, I was forced to... split my being." Aeress explained.

Her followers exchanged glances, a mixture of surprise and concern evident in their expressions. Aeress continued, her voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of vulnerability.

"I separated myself into two halves: my light side, which now resides fully within this body, and my dark side, which I cast out. What you see before you is who I am now—the culmination of my virtues, my compassion, and my clarity. The darkness, the rage, and the malice that once lingered within me... they have been severed."

The room fell silent as her words settled.

"In the end, it is not necessarily a bad thing. From all the years I have spent wondering the spirit and astral planes, I had gained a great deal of knowledge. This time, by separating my very being into these two opposing sides, I have been able to let go of many negative aspects tied to me also, including my own karma. In this sense, it is beneficial."

Nahia was the first to respond, her tone measured but probing. "What about this, darkness... it still exists, doesn't it?"

Aeress inclined her head. "It does. For now, it is dormant, but we must remain vigilant from now on. With the influence of the abyssal being, there is no saying that what should have remained dormant would not gain some sentient or even fuse with another being. Such a force will not remain idle forever if it does happen, and we might very well be in its line of sight when such a time comes. Well, I, more accurately, will be amongst its targets."

Veronica leaned forward as she spoke. "You've become something purer, then. Something greater." She paused, her eyes locking with Aeress'. "But does this... diminish you in any way? Your power? Your resolve?" She said, sharing a moment of doubt with Nahia.

Aeress smiled faintly, the warmth in her gaze returning. "No, my child. If anything, this transformation has allowed me to see with greater clarity. Well, while I may be more inclined to do things more inclined with this side of me, it doesn't change who I am fundamentally. Let's just say, it only affects most, my temperament."

"I see…" Veronica said.

Helga clasped her hands together, her expression serene. "If this is who you are now, Great Mother, then we will follow you as we always have. Your light will guide us."

Aeress stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Helga's shoulder. "Thank you, my child. Your faith means everything to me."

The tension eased as the three women absorbed Aeress' revelation. Despite their initial concerns and doubts, her unwavering confidence reassured them, even if but a little to some.

Aeress gestured toward the central chamber of the sanctuary. "Come, let us sit together. There is much to discuss. The world has not been idle during my absence, and we must prepare for what lies ahead."

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