The eerie glow of the Ghostlichen cast long, dancing shadows as the Crimson Kindred regarded the flashing notifications in their minds. Garrick's bloodied grin was infectious, and even Elara, usually more reserved, had a spark of triumph in her eyes. Marcus gave a sharp, satisfied nod.
"Confirm," Garrick boomed, his voice resonating with eagerness. [Garrick - Level Up! Level 1 -> Level 2.]
[System Notification: All Core Attributes (Strength, Agility, Endurance, Intellect, Perception, Charisma) marginally increased.]
[System Notification: Attribute Points available for allocation: 2]
[System Notification: Understanding of Original Vampire blood and innate abilities has deepened.]
[System Notification: 'Brute Vigor (Minor)' unlocked. Passively enhances raw physical power output slightly beyond standard attribute increases.]
"Brute Vigor!" Garrick flexed his already formidable arms. "I can feel it. More… solid power." He immediately allocated his points. "Strength and Endurance, of course!"
Elara was next. "Confirm." [Elara - Level Up! Level 1 -> Level 2.]
[System Notification: All Core Attributes (Strength, Agility, Endurance, Intellect, Perception, Charisma) marginally increased.]
[System Notification: Attribute Points available for allocation: 2]
[System Notification: Understanding of Original Vampire blood and innate abilities has deepened.]
[System Notification: 'Shadow's Grace (Minor)' unlocked. Enhances natural stealth and agility in low-light conditions or when moving silently.] Elara's smile was subtle but genuine. "Shadow's Grace. That will be… useful." She allocated her points to Agility and Perception.
Marcus confirmed his own advancement. [Marcus - Level Up! Level 1 -> Level 2.]
[System Notification: All Core Attributes (Strength, Agility, Endurance, Intellect, Perception, Charisma) marginally increased.]
[System Notification: Attribute Points available for allocation: 2]
[System Notification: Understanding of Original Vampire blood and innate abilities has deepened.]
[System Notification: 'Hunter's Acuity (Minor)' unlocked. Sharpens senses for tracking and allows for a brief moment of heightened focus on a single target's vulnerabilities (requires concentration).] "Hunter's Acuity," Marcus murmured, his gaze already distant, as if testing this new focus. He chose to enhance his Perception and Agility.
Adrian observed them, a sense of satisfaction warming him. Three more of their Kindred had ascended. Their collective strength was growing. Each of them, as Originals, also received that crucial "deepened understanding," suggesting their own paths to unique abilities might open up, similar to his 'Blood Focus.'
Seraphina, who had been watching intently, spoke. "My own XP is substantial, but not quite at the threshold. Another hunt like this, or perhaps a different kind of contribution…" [Seraphina - XP: 85/100 to Level 2] The System seemed to oblige her unspoken query with a quiet update only she perceived initially, which she then relayed.
Silas, characteristically, offered no comment on his own status, but Adrian caught a flicker in his eyes – a calculating look that suggested he too was close and already planning his next move. A quick mental check with the System confirmed it. [Silas - XP: 80/100 to Level 2]
"The Armored Grazer's blood was clearly key," Adrian stated. "The quality and essence it provided far surpassed the Grunters. Our Sustenance Protocol is effective. We now know what to prioritize for advancement."
"So, we hunt more Grazers?" Garrick asked, already eager.
"Eventually. But not immediately," Adrian decided. "We return to the den first. Rest. Let your new levels settle. Those of you who advanced, explore your new abilities, understand them. Seraphina, Silas – you are close. The next cycle, we can plan another hunt specifically to push you over the threshold." He also needed to continue his 'Progenitor Study.'
The journey back to their den was quicker, their steps lighter despite the lingering scent of blood and the intensity of the hunt. The three newly leveled vampires moved with a new confidence, a subtle but discernible increase in their physical presence.
Back within the reinforced confines of their shelter, a different kind of energy took hold – not the tension of an impending hunt, but the quiet hum of burgeoning power. Garrick tested his strength against an Ironshroom log, leaving deeper scores than before. Elara seemed to melt into the shadows of the den with even greater ease, her movements nearly soundless. Marcus spent a long period in silent contemplation, his eyes occasionally darting about as if perceiving things previously unseen.
Adrian watched them, considering the Overseer's mandate. 'Start growing their supposed race, creating a village and then a kingdom…' These individual advancements were the first, crucial steps. Each Original vampire becoming stronger meant their nascent Kindred was becoming a more formidable force. And his own path, with 'Blood Focus,' felt like just the beginning of unlocking the deeper secrets of his Progenitor Blood – secrets that might one day define their entire race.
As the cycle ended, new directives appeared. [System Objectives (Daily Cycle):1. Consolidate Power: Newly leveled Kindred members to familiarize themselves with enhanced attributes and new minor abilities. (Ongoing)2. Progenitor Study: Adrian to continue experimentation with 'Blood Focus (Rudimentary)' and explore further insights into Progenitor Blood. (0/1)3. Strategic Resource Acquisition: Locate and assess a deposit of dense mineral or stone suitable for crafting more durable tools or shelter components. (0/1)4. Advancement Support: Plan and execute a hunt or other XP-generating activity to facilitate advancement for remaining Level 1 Kindred. (0/1)]
The path was laid out. Growth, understanding, and the relentless drive for power in an ever-expanding world.