pillar man 2.0

Chapter 4 - Flesh Bud

'How did it end up like this?' I lamented as I carried my mother back to our house. After she saw me absorbing those people earlier, I implanted a flesh bud in her. (AN- He will use some vampire powers) The flesh bud will make her forget everything that happened tonight. I feel very guilty for doing this. "Maybe I should have been honest with her and told the truth," I thought, but I'm not sure. Although these people sacrifice humans, they haven't seen someone absorbing a human and enjoying it. The greatest fear is the fear of the unknown. Even if she accepts it, this incident will forever linger in her mind, and our relationship won't be the same. So this is the best option I can think of. Even if it's wrong, it's the safest. I'll tell her the truth in the future, but I'm not prepared for that now. Soon, we reached home, and I laid her on the bed. Then I went to my room and tried to sleep. Honestly, I couldn't sleep.

In the morning, everything was normal as any other day. Some people came and informed us that two slaves had escaped but were soon eaten by some animal in the forest. They apologized and promised to strengthen the defenses more.

I tried to act as normal as possible with my mother. She noticed that something was wrong but didn't question it. I think the flesh bud might have influenced her a bit to trust me more. It could be a side effect, as I only implanted it to erase that memory. I stayed holed up at home until the sun went down. I looked through several books and learned a bit of astrology. It was one of the specializations of the Aztecs.

[1 year later]

I was panting from the intense training. Yes, I started my training in these past months. Due to my body being stronger than most teenagers and even some adults, I began my combat training at the age of 5. My teacher was an elite Jaguar warrior. They were one of the elite units of the Aztec empire. The other was the Eagle warrior. Jaguar warriors decorated their armor with jaguar pelts and jaguar heads.

My training consists of hand-to-hand combat training, weapon training, and lessons about warfare with my father. I learned to use various weapons like swords, spears, and daggers. But the Aztecs primarily used the Macuahuitl. A Macuahuitl is a wooden sword with obsidian blades embedded along the sides. One strike with such a weapon would decapitate a horse. The main purpose of using this weapon compared to traditional weapons is to capture the enemy, not kill them. The Aztecs primarily captured their enemies to sacrifice them rather than kill them. But I think these weapons don't suit me.

'I think I feel more comfortable using spears and polearms.'

This training also revealed my abnormality to the tribe. They now know I have supernatural powers. I have been preparing for this. I only revealed my super strength, agility, senses, and light regeneration. Nothing too extravagant like body manipulation.

Again, they mistook it as a blessing from the gods. They prepared a great sacrifice to thank their gods and wished for more children like this.

'Unfortunately for them, they won't get any.'

Even with my strong body, I can't defeat my teacher. It's the difference in skill that can't be overcome by a strong physique.

'I'm just a novice at fighting, but I believe I'll defeat him soon and wipe that smug, arrogant look off his face.'

I don't know why, but I'm not interested and lazy about researching the stone mask. Maybe the near-immortality has made me a bit lazy.

'Anyway, I have all the time in the world to research the stone mask and send vampires to this world.'

Perhaps another reason is that every time I look at the mask, I'm reminded of the Red Stone of Aja and get depressed. I don't know what I'll do about that problem.

"Zee, come have breakfast. Enough training already," I hear my mother's sweet voice. Things with my mother have calmed down. Due to the flesh bud, she has no memory of that incident. But I still feel guilty.

I also still absorb humans. I was a bit hesitant at first, but I had no choice but to move forward. After that incident, I felt like I had unleashed my thirst for blood. I frequently have cravings to consume humans. But I have maintained some restraints.

Maybe when I grow up and become an adult, I won't feel these cravings and will have perfect control. Only time will tell, and I have all the time in the world.

Soon I had my breakfast, which was roasted duck. Honestly, I was quite uncomfortable eating the primitive food available here. So, I taught my mother some cooking tricks I remember from the modern world.

"Hey, Zee, you're here. I'm going to have breakfast with you too," I heard Atzi's excited voice. Unconsciously, a small smile formed on my face. I haven't seen this girl recently as she is learning about becoming a priestess.

"How are your studies going, Atzi?" I asked with a smile.

"Don't worry, I'll definitely become a priestess and serve our god. I think you should become a priest too."

'Haha, a priest, huh? Honestly, I don't truly believe in sacrifices to gods and things like that. Since I met a being considered a god, I'm not very impressed and terrified by a god.'

Soon I finished my dinner and did my study on astrology. I have become very interested in Aztec astrology. According to their astrology, my horoscope is a snake.

The snake symbolizes the reconciliation between heaven and earth in human history, as well as certain magical powers. They are very flexible, fluid, and tend to acquire authority, although they can poison themselves.

'Really interesting. I wonder if it's true or just some delusions of crazy people. If it really describes a person's traits and personality, then I should be careful not to get lost in power and desire.'

End of Chapter