SSS Awakening: Rebirth of the Strongest Vampire God Chapter 676 More vampire followers

Damon observed as each individual crossed over to the far side of the portal. It was a surprise to him, but every person he had reached out to ended up stepping through the gateway, teleporting directly to the wilderness outskirts.

Lirae and Kate were the first to appear, arriving nearly as quickly as he had. His personal followers followed suit: Ellora, Kaelthorn, Erin, and then Malia. They were joined shortly after by Green Eyes and Mallana. Riven was the final one to emerge, his expression filled with hesitation.

His kin followed next. Since Damon had already recalled the castle into his soul space, his family hadn't actually been given a choice in the matter. Sylvara and Nevin stepped through, with Meira, Blood Wraith, and Phoenix close behind.

Blood Wraith was visibly vibrating with excitement; had his sister not physically restrained him, he likely would have leapt through the portal much sooner. Arya was the last of the group to arrive, purely because her shy nature prevented her from cutting ahead of anyone else in line.

Their collective actions made it clear: no one had any intention of staying behind. Just as the queue ended, a dark silhouette darted into the gateway and reappeared on the other side.

"Master, I have arrived." Third announced his presence. Damon simply offered a brief nod. He didn't recall specifically inviting the man, as Third wasn't in any immediate danger of being linked to his actions. However, since he had made the trip, Damon didn't mind.

Surveying the assembled group, Damon let out a soft laugh. "So, everyone decided to show up? Excellent. Let us begin, then."

Just as Damon prepared to lead the group forward, the portal flickered unexpectedly once more, and three additional figures stepped out. Damon recognized them instantly. It was impossible to forget the three legendary blacksmiths from his previous life, men whose skills were enough to cause tremors throughout the light faction continent.

They were Leonel, Mathao, and Holden.

His ghost spirit arrived alongside them, swiftly merging back into his soul. Damon felt a sudden drain on his internal energy, though it was nothing a quick drink of blood couldn't fix. "What is your reason for being here?" he questioned the ancient vampire.

"Brat, do you take me for a fool? You decided to scorch half the continent with poison, and you expected me to leave my talented disciples in harm's way?"

Damon chuckled softly. In truth, he hadn't believed they were in any real peril, which is why he hadn't sent word. But now that they had arrived...

"Very well. I actually intended to find you all again to pass on some items. I recently came across some fascinating materials." He acknowledged the three future superstars with a respectful nod.

The three young men seemed uncharacteristically intimidated to be in his presence, maintaining a suspicious silence. "Did something occur?" Damon inquired of the old vampire via their mental link.

Silence followed for several moments. Eventually, the old vampire cleared his throat awkwardly. "I might have shared a few details about you with them."

"Oh?" Damon found himself amused.

"What’s so funny, brat? You misled me, didn't you? Where is this disciple of mine with the heaven-defying talent? Hmph. Unlike your deceptions, I simply told them a few things while omitting others." Damon raised a skeptical eyebrow. Just a few things?

The old vampire’s tone turned even more defensive. "Stop looking at me like that. I merely explained that you are a monstrous Cultivation prodigy of the highest caliber, someone who can rewrite destiny itself, possessing talent that would make ancient emperors look like amateurs. It was just a bit of color. Hardly anything at all."

Damon continued to stare in silence.

"...And I mentioned you've slaughtered ten thousand people without a second thought," the old vampire added with a grunt. "But that's a fact, so it doesn't count as an exaggeration."

Damon's gaze didn't waver.

"...And that your bloodline is among the most terrifying sights I have witnessed in my entire undead life. Which, once again, is technically the truth."

The staring match continued.

Finally, the old vampire threw his hands up in frustration. "Fine! I might have suggested you were cursed, volatile, erratic, half-mad, and on the brink of an ascension that would consume entire worlds! Are you satisfied now?"

Damon blinked in surprise. "You told them what?"

"And I may have also let slip that you encountered the world forge and were tested by an entity so ancient it predates countless eras."

Damon could only manage a bitter smile.

"Also... *cough*... all three of them are desperate to become your followers. They wish to undergo the transformation into vampires and be officially recognized as your junior brothers."

Damon shot the old man a sharp look. The ancient vampire simply sniffed and crossed his arms defiantly. "Don't glare at me. If anything, I didn't say enough. I kept plenty of secrets, like that fire sprite you've bound or your power to devour and assimilate what belongs to others."

"...You are truly something else."

"I learned from the best," the old man retorted.

Damon gave him a flat look, which the old man met with a smug grin.

"Look, I have no problem gaining talented followers, but I'm hesitant to interfere too much with their destiny and change their paths. I don't want to be the cause of their downfall."

"What nonsense are you babbling about now, brat?"

Damon let out a tired sigh. He looked at the three young men and the pure awe in their eyes as they watched him. He rubbed his chin, feeling awkward. Did he truly want them as followers? While it might provide them a massive Cultivation boost and aid their journey, it could also become the very obstacle that stunted their growth. It was a gamble.

Then again, he had already warped their timeline significantly. Their mentor was now a vampire ghost—was there any point in worrying about "fate" anymore?

"Fine. I’ll take them on as followers. But please, stop trying to brainwash and convert every person you meet. Let them develop naturally." Damon shook his head in resignation and began to walk. "Let's find a spot to pitch camp first. We can discuss the details there."