SSS Awakening: Rebirth of the Strongest Vampire God Chapter 693 Cursed lands

Although the outer edges of the wilderness posed no real problems, the deeper zones were a whole other story. The dense negative energy that had permeated the ground weighed heavily and sapped strength. Merely entering it allowed Damon to sense the overwhelming hatred and bitterness closing in from every side, as if innumerable unseen gazes were murmuring hexes straight into his marrow.

This went beyond mere aggression. It represented built-up spite, the lingering traces from endless fatalities, deceptions, and unresolved conflicts that had drenched the earth across countless ages. The mana in this spot hung thick and cloying, resisting any smooth circulation.

Damon's steps grew cautious, his face hardening into a sharp, intent gaze. His form naturally adjusted, with blood energy flowing automatically to purge the harshest effects. Still, subtle murmurs grazed the borders of his awareness, shards of fury, hopelessness, and lunacy that weren't his own.

Kill…

Burn…

Die with us…

While most would gradually wear down, their thoughts devoured by the surrounding animosity, Damon managed to brush aside the effects. His willpower proved sturdy enough to endure the barrage temporarily. Yet he sensed that the challenges would intensify further inward.

Treating the wilderness as some casual practice ground would be reckless. After all, that's why even B-rank adventurers shunned it like a deadly contagion and steered clear. Damon had no intention of testing fate recklessly. However, the strain he experienced right now extended beyond just his psyche.

Pressure also afflicted his physique and spirit. He couldn't grasp the exact cause or the mechanics of the curse energy, but one fact stood clear. This very setting could, in some manner, deliver the intensity required to unlock his trickier meridians.

Another advantage came from pressing on. The loot improved dramatically as he delved into the chaos. He'd already gathered numerous crafting formulas, among them ten fresh poison concoction recipes.

Additionally, he'd acquired several novel abilities. The mightier horrors displayed a wider range of techniques and battled more akin to humans than their inferior animalistic instincts.

Damon paused under a warped stone gateway partially engulfed by dark, gnarled roots and glanced at his interface for a moment. The recent abilities he'd obtained turned out to be vampiric in nature. He lingered a few more minutes until his scouts came back and verified the observation.

"Hmmm… I should go in this direction."

Without delay, Damon advanced deeper into the wilderness toward the zone teeming with increasing vampiric creatures. Though these monsters didn't yield skill books directly, he aimed to absorb and claim fresh abilities from them through consumption.

With Blood Reign's persistent alerts, he realized his vampiric techniques and blood control powers fell short of what they ought to be at his present level. Maybe later, he'd have to pursue more vampires for gains.

Although striking his own kind didn't appeal to him, certain individuals he wouldn't regret eliminating. For now, this location appeared ideal for honing his vampiric prowess.

Before long, Damon eased his movement once more, his perceptions extending in cautious pulses. Unwelcome visitors approached, and these weren't typical blood fiends or soulless corpses.

Shadows shifted amid the trees, slender forms hugging the darkness, their gazes flashing red momentarily before fading. Some slithered across limbs with unnatural poise. Others rose tall, exuding potent presences.

Damon barely had time to respond before the entire band charged at him. They advanced in a synchronized onslaught instead of a wild charge. The initial group skimmed low and swift, talons raking wood and rock as they zigzagged to dodge aims. The follow-up assault plummeted from the canopy, forms contorting in flight, teeth exposed, targeting his throat and back. A third entity held position, its energy dense and controlled, obviously serving as the leader.

At last, Damon got a clear view of his foes. Werevampires, an entire group of them. They resembled a mix of wolf and vampire, appearing more human-like than animal. Roughly two dozen encircled him simultaneously.

Even more startling, each one radiated a peak C-rank aura. One additional figure felt deeper and more intense than the others.

Damon acted without pause, instantly deploying his miasmic field. The werevampires moved quickly, but his velocity edged them out slightly. By the time the first frenzied creature reached his spot, he'd already disappeared, leaving only the miasmic field to meet them.

Yet the creatures boasted astonishing reflexes. As Damon materialized anew, bloody talons slashed through the atmosphere at him.

His frame contorted at an unnatural bend, allowing two strikes to graze his side while a third grazed his arm, bursts of solidified blood mana scattering. Before the assailants could press the advantage, Damon drove his heel into the earth.

The miasmic field surged outward with ferocity.

A shadowy toxic fog surged forth like a vital wave, infiltrating pelts, flesh, and veins without mercy. Several werevampires faltered right away, their actions lagging as lines blackened under their hides. The rest growled and ramped up their flows, expending blood mana to counter the invasion. They assaulted him with all their might.

Damon struck back. He drove his fist into the torso of the closest werevampire using the complete might of his enhanced and improved physique, crushing it with a heavy thud. He didn't pause for the corpse to drop; instead, he spun, smashing his elbow into another's face with force enough to break its neck in mid-jump.

The group countered without delay.

They fanned apart, encircling and swapping spots. A pair bounded rearward to offer ranged aid, shaping blood formations on their limbs, as the forward line altered strategy, seeking to trap Damon instead of simply overpowering him.

The commander at last stirred.