SSS Awakening: Rebirth of the Strongest Vampire God novel Chapter 88

Chapter 88: Unexpected Twist

While Damon was going through the notifications, Blood Reign quickly called out in his mind. "Blood God! Now! Act like you are weak and wounded. Maybe the elf will offer you some blood."

"What an evil weapon spirit. Always plotting and scheming. Always giving me underhanded methods and unscrupulous ideas." Damon shot back but he nevertheless feigned weakness and acted as if he was struggling to breathe.

"So shameless!" Blood Reign pouted in his mind.

Damon ignored her and continued putting on an act. He was almost certain it was not going to work but the next second, Lirae rushed to his side, tears still falling from her eyes.

She dropped to her knees beside him without hesitation, her trembling hands hovering uncertainly over his chest, then his face, then his arms, like she didn’t know where to start. "Blood Drinker... you’re hurt. You... gods, you shouldn’t have pushed yourself so far! Why did you risk your life for someone like me?"

Her voice cracked with emotion, still raw from nearly being crushed to death moments ago. Her eyes were wide, haunted, and brimming with more than just gratitude. Guilt. Grief. Something deeper.

Damon gave her a weak smile and forced a cough, just enough to add a tremble to his shoulders. "I’ll be fine. You should be the one resting, not fussing over me."

She shook her head violently. "You saved me. You saved all of us." Her fingers brushed lightly against his arm, uncertain but warm. "And I... I have no way to repay you... I have no healing left. I have nothing to ever repay you. I am nothing. I am no one. You should not have risked your life for a nobody like me."

Blood Reign practically vibrated with glee in his mind. "Say it! Say the line! ’There is... one way you can help me.’"

Damon sighed internally. So dramatic. There was no way he was going to do that. That would undo all of his hardwork and bring his reputation with her back to zero. It would be better to just wait for the next chain quest.

"...You’re not going to say it?" Blood Reign whispered, scandalized.

Damon ignored her entirely, tilting his head toward Lirae with a soft, exhausted smile. "You’re wrong," he said quietly. "You are not nothing. You held the line. You stood your ground when everyone else would’ve run."

Lirae shook her head, her silver hair spilling over her shoulder like liquid moonlight. "Only because you were here. Only because you fought."

"And you still stood," Damon replied, voice firm despite the act. "That’s more than most nobles would’ve done. You’re not nobody. You’re Lirae Sylvaris... the only one who didn’t run."

His words hung in the air like a balm, and for the first time, the wild guilt in her eyes gave way to stillness. She stared at him for a moment, searching for something in his gaze. Then, slowly, her expression softened.

"...Thank you," she whispered, the words almost reverent.

Damon nodded and looked away, letting silence speak for him. Blood Reign, of course, couldn’t leave it alone. "Ugh. That was honorable. I feel itchy. You sure you’re the notorious Blood God?"

Lirae eventually stood, gently helping Damon to his feet. The other soldiers were cheering in the distance. "Let me help you rest a little." She brought him over to one of the wooden buildings and closed the door behind them. "Please sit here."