Reborn as a Vampire in a Dying World: Blood, Power, and Pleasure
Chapter 33: The House of Moans and Moondust

Chapter 33: The House of Moans and Moondust

"Now then, for the three hundred and fifty gold?" Rose asked, grinning ear to ear, unable to hide her excitement. Her steps even had a slight bounce, the sound of the coin pouch jingling like music to her ears.

She was clearly eager for a shopping spree.

Corven mirrored her expression with a small smirk, clearly on the same wavelength. "Well, first we can—"

[Minor Quest Triggered]

[Objective: Maximize bond with progeny 76/100]

[Reward: Choose One Trait/Ability to add from random list]

His sentence halted mid-thought, a faint flicker passing through his eyes.

"Nevermind," he said, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck. "Guess we have to tweak my original plans a bit."

Rose narrowed her gaze, immediately suspicious. "Judging by where you’re looking and that sudden tone shift... let me guess—another one of those random tasks from your mind?"

Corven snapped his fingers and gave a short laugh. "Ten out of ten guess. Nailed it."

She chuckled, arms crossing. "What is it this time?"

"Not saying," he replied smugly. "More fun that way. But don’t worry, you’ll find out eventually."

With that, Corven took the lead, weaving through the busy street with Rose close behind. While the quest clearly had importance, practical matters couldn’t be ignored. Gearing up was still on the table—though not in the usual swords-and-armor kind of way. Both of them were walking arsenals already. What they needed now were utility enhancements—things that could complement their natural strengths.

Right on cue, a familiar figure arrived—Leywin, flapping overhead in his bat form before landing neatly in front of them with a wild laugh that drew a few stares.

"By the devil, you two are already making a name for yourselves," he said, flashing a sharp grin before giving a dramatic bow. "Quite the winning streak I heard about."

Then he clapped his hands together. "Anyway! Might be able to help with your current little task."

Rose immediately stepped in, unimpressed. "You showed up a little too conveniently... If I was any more jumpy, you’d be splattered on the pavement."

Corven laughed and gave her shoulder a light pat. "Embracing the bloodlust, huh?"

"Don’t misunderstand," Leywin replied casually, brushing imaginary dust off his cloak. "I was just passing through after hearing the noise you stirred up in the local arena. No ulterior motives... probably." He winked, grin widening. "Or are there?"

He waved off the thought before it could linger.

"Anyway," he continued, "if you’re looking for proper gear—real enhancements—you’ll need to go through the baroness. She has all the high-tier stock reserved for our kind. Blood-forged stuff, special enchantments, maybe even relics."

Leywin let out a sigh as he propped one hand on his hip. "It’s all part of the stupid deal. Makes it easier to control the local vampire population, but most of us don’t complain. She keeps the power centralized."

Corven raised a brow. "The baroness?" he echoed, genuinely confused.

"Yep," Leywin confirmed with a nod. "You’ll need an audience with her if you’re serious about any kind of power-up."

Corven folded his arms, hand brushing his chin in thought. "That changes things a bit..." he muttered.

Then Rose stepped forward. "We should avoid her for now. Stick to more local opportunities first."

Corven gave a short nod. "Yeah, you’re right. I still need to reverse engineer that arrow, too."

Leywin grinned again, eyes flicking between the two. "Well, the offer stands. If you ever want an audience, give me a holler."

And just like that, he transformed back into his bat form with a rustle of wings and vanished into the sky above.

Corven sighed as he watched him go, a slight frown forming. "Looks like upgrades are off the table for now." But deep down, he knew it was better this way. Small steps first. They had other priorities.

Like the arrow.

And the codex quest.

’I can push the arrow back for now... The quest takes priority since it rewards a skill.’

"Hey, Rose." Corven started.

But before he could continue, she cut in, eyes lighting up with an idea.

"Actually, can I suggest something?" she asked.

Corven blinked, slightly surprised at her initiative. "Sure. What’s on your mind?"

She pointed ahead toward a building that looked like an architectural mess—part inn, part tavern, part brothel, with a darker, almost carnal vibe layered beneath the crimson-lit signage. There were crimson curtains in the windows, shadowy figures behind fogged glass, and faint trails of laughter and moans from inside.

"That place," she said with a confident smirk. "Looks shady, but definitely interesting."

Corven raised a brow, skeptical. "That’s your idea of a training spot?"

"Not training. Strategy," she replied, grinning as she posed with mock elegance. "They’re bound to sell blood—maybe even specialized stock. Something rare, enchanted, or tailored for our kind. You can’t tell me a place like that doesn’t have unique items tucked away."

Corven glanced back at the building again, this time with more curiosity. "You make a good point. Could be worth checking out."

"See? Praise me more often, will you?" she said with a playful pout before sauntering forward.

Corven chuckled and followed, the odd, blood-slicked glow of the building casting long shadows behind them. The place looked like trouble—but sometimes trouble had the best rewards.

And this one?

This one definitely wouldn’t disappoint.