Eurobeat and BL enjoyer*✧ ✰ ｡*

A couple of weeks have passed since Shiki started to train Akira.

Despite such a brief period, the vampire is genially impressed by how quickly his human mastered the basics of swordsmanship.

Perhaps tomorrow he’ll take Akira to the Colosseum. Besides, if any pesky fool will survive long enough, he’ll allow him to face him as supposed-to-be Il Re. Or so Shiki decides as he watches the silver-haired male slashing down the armored knight.

Within the shattering metal noise, Akira puts his katana back into the sheath, attaches to his belt, and closes his eyes.

As he turns his head and opens his calm blue eyes, he addresses Shiki. “Is that all? Or did you pick low-ranked monsters because you’ll feed on me later?”

While the dark-haired male leans against the training arena’s wall and crosses his arms, he smirks like a feline. “Unless you want it so badly.”

Sure, it’s hard to keep his serious face, but Akira decides not to let the vampire tease him, and only silently exhales while approaching him.

After a brief pause, Shiki adds. “Let’s go. You need to rest for tomorrow.”

The blue-eyed male raises his eyebrow as he follows his partner. “What are you up to this time?”

Before Shiki opens the gate, he turns his head and replies. “You’ll see by then.”

Lastly, Akira rolls his eyes and remains silent.

A second later, he turns his head and gets prompted by the vampire. “What is it? Don’t just stand there.”

After the silver-haired hunter lowers his gaze, he opens the door and steps inside.

At the very least, he expected to see the walls covered in wooden planks and lighten up with small torches across the entire corridor.

More so, Akira strangely feels comforted by the light of countless warm flames surrounding them.

Even on their way, he can hear the faith sound of the streaming water that gets louder with each step.

Certainly, he hasn’t expected to see such spacious indoor hot springs.

On top of that, modern era style one, with oak plank walls and ceiling, and a stone floor.

In the corner of the room stands a beautiful white marble statue of a woman pouring water from a pitcher.

Even the buttons on her tunic, the necklace, bracelets, and her hair accessories are made from gold.

More so, the water runs down without rest from her held pitcher to the bath, which could fit at least a group of people.

Next to the statue, there are large shelves with rolled towels resting on them, bottles of massage and aromatic oils, and lightened votive candles.

Soon, Akira remembers he might be here not for nothing. After turning his back, he asks. “Why did you bring me here?”

However, the vampire only closes his eyes and replies. “That’s a stupid question.”

When he opens his crimson eyes, his chin points at the towel shelf and commands. “Undress and put it on. Or do you need a help with that?”

At first, the silver-haired male seems to listen to his partner’s demand.

When he approaches one shelf and picks a snow-white towel, he turns his head and slightly frowns. “Then what about you? I’m not going in if you’re going to just stand there and watch.”

Instead of saying anything, Shiki gracefully gets closer like a feline.

As he holds Akira’s chin, he narrows his gaze and smirks. After all, these indignant yet questioning blue eyes entertain him.

After a brief pause, he releases his partner’s chin and turns his back. Just before taking his leave, he replies. “Just make sure that I find you in the bath.”

In the end, Akira only closes his eyes and exhales.

No matter what that stupid vampire has in mind, it’s useless wasting time trying to guess what he has planned. Moreover, he will become bored quickly if he continues playing by the rules he has created. The blue-eyed swordsman decides as he unbuttons his black vest.

Some time has passed.

Akira is completely at ease in the hot spring, where the water seems to wash away all his troubles and stress.

At this point, he doesn’t even care to fall asleep or slide to the center of the bath and drift to wherever the current will take him.

Finally, he closes his calm blue eyes and listens to the streaming water while forgetting that Shiki has left.

Several minutes have passed.

Suddenly, Akira widens his eyes and sits by the sound of something poured into the water.

After he turns around, he notices Shiki only having a towel wrapped around his waist and holding an empty green bottle.

He was not confused by the dark-haired man standing over him, but by the spreading scent of lavender in the room.

“What is it with you?” Shiki asks before walking down the stairs and joining his partner.

Despite Akira moving further from him, the vampire keeps sitting closer to him.

After getting chased like this for a good circle, he gives up and allows the red-eyed vampire to sit close to him.

But for now, Shiki crosses his arms and exhales while his human looks away.

After a minute of awkward pause, the silver-haired male lowers his shoulders and turns his head towards his partner.

Just as he opens his mouth, he notices Shiki is peacefully sleeping. Or so Akira can assume from the vampire not responding to him.

In any case, it’s his first time seeing the fearsome ruler of the night exposing himself like this in his true form.

More so, Akira feels how the blood rushes to his cheeks by observing the slumbering nocturnal creature.

No matter how hard for him to admit it, he slowly starts admiring how a ruthless creature like Shiki reminds him of a beautiful, fragile porcelain doll with pale skin and silky hair and how even a single wrong touch could shatter him into tiny pieces.

At this point, the vampire might be easily mistaken for one by his doll-like face with the pretty eyelashes.

Unfortunately, when Akira lowers his curious blue eyes on his partner’s chest, he instinctively grasps his own and softens his gaze.

Apparently, there is a scar in the middle of his chest, as if he was stabbed by the enormous blade in the past.

As his fingertips are about to touch the vampire’s scar, he gets alerted by Shiki opening his eyes.

A moment later, the water splashes as Shiki grabs his wrist and pulls him close.

Even when his body is pressed against his partner’s and his hand thrown over his shoulder, Akira cannot comprehend how he ends up in this position.

However, the vampire’s voice makes him lift his head. “What were you thinking of doing?”

At that moment, the silver-haired male can only stare with his big blue eyes at Shiki, looking at him with his stoic face and waiting for his answers.

Soon, Akira returns to his senses.

After he closes his eyes and shakes his head, he places his palms on his partner’s chest and gently pushes him away.

To his surprise, Shiki only silently observes him as an annoyed feline whose sleep is disturbed for no reason.

After the blue-eyed hunter leans against the bath’s wall and lowers his gaze, he comments in a slightly gloomier voice. “I don’t understand… Vampires are known for their instant wound healing. You weren’t supposed to have that scar. So, why do you have it? Who done this to you?”

“Hmph. It shouldn’t concern you.” The vampire backfires as he crosses his arms and narrows his gaze.

Yet, Akira immediately responds while giving a questioning look. “Does it have anything to do with That Man you mentioned once?”

It makes Shiki widen his eyes and grasp around his heart area by remembering HIM and HIS indifferent changing color eyes looking down on him while his bloody palm twitched.

Meanwhile, the silver-haired male closes his eyes and sighs. “So, I was right…”

As he opens his eyes, he adds. “Just whom in the world have you fought? It’s not an ordinary monster, right?”

For sure, it’s the last drop patience of Shiki’s patience.

Suddenly, he corners his prey while his crimson eyes glow and silently growling at him.

Despite the nocturnal creature’s intimidation, Akira keeps his poker face without removing his eyes from him.

After a brief pause, he addresses the vampire. “Do as you wish. However, weren’t you the one who told me not to let the emotions control you? At least practice what you preach.”

When Shiki places his hand on the side of his human’s neck and slides it down, he rests it on his shoulder.

Meanwhile, Akira voluntarily turns his head and exposes the other side of his neck, impatiently waiting for the vampire to sink his fangs.

Besides, it’s not the first time when Shiki feeds on him. That’s why he has learned to make himself comfortable while Shiki feeds on him.

Despite that, he still cannot bring himself to look at how the vampire is about to sink his fangs, as if it were watching how a nurse is about to draw blood from him.

However, he is alright with Shiki feeding on him. At least he can be reassured that this stupid vampire is safe and not recklessly throwing his life.

Yet, he is still not fully get used to by Shiki’s fangs piercing his skin each time. Akira thinks to himself while mentally preparing for another ritual, which has become an inevitable part of his routine.

Meanwhile, such a gesture thrills the nocturnal creature, and he delightfully narrows his gaze.

“You are something else, Akira…” Shiki remarks in a purring-like voice while holding his partner’s upper arm with his other hand.

Lastly, the silver-haired male lets out a shivery sigh and closes his eyes when the vampire licks his neck.

“What I just told you earlier?” Akira whispers upon understanding that he has become a toy for this large feline. Nevertheless, he sinks his fingertips into Shiki’s hair and starts stroking them.

‘You stupid vampire…’ He wants to add but keeps it in his mind and closes his eyes.

It is the evening of another day.

Tonight, Shiki is supposed to show something important. Whatever it is, that vampire takes his time for what he refers to as preparations.

Either way, it must be something worth all that hype, then. Or so Akira decides as he checks the time on his pocket watch.

However, the sudden knock on his bedroom door and the polite voice behind it get his attention. “Are you awake, Young Master? Master Shiki would like to see you.”

“Yes. I’m coming.” The silver-haired male replies as he fixes his shirt.

After he opens the door, the demon maid with curly red hair closes her eyes and nods. “Please follow me.”

Thus, he closes the door behind him and follows this demon.

After a while, they leave the inner quarters and reach the same rusty elevator with metal bars that take them to the training arena.

When Akira expects the elevator to stop on the second floor, he is surprised that it’s still going up while the redhead maid remains calm.

When she notices the confused hunter, she gives a slightly concerned look. “Is everything alright, Young Master?”

A second later, she closes her green eyes and smiles. “Please do not worry. Just a little bit and we’ll be there.”

Upon the sound of the squeaking gears and rustling chains, the old elevator stops, and the metal bar door slides to let out the passengers.

After walking for a few minutes in the corridor, this couple is greeted by the spiral stone staircase lighting up.

For now, the demon maid politely points at it with her palm. “This way, Young Master.”

Meanwhile, he feels as having no choice but to follow the redhead until they reach the top of it. Or at least Akira believes so.

However, the silver-haired male stops climbing the stairs and widens his eyes as someone gently pulls his sleeve.

When he turns his head, the demon maid addresses him. “Where are you going, Young Master? That is the guests’ seats, and this is not where should we go.”

As she turns to the door next to her, she knocks on it. “Master, I’ve brought Young Master Akira as you asked. May we come in, please?”

After receiving the permission, the red-haired maid opens the door and allows Akira to go first.

After he takes a deep breath, he enters without knowing what to expect.

Upon observing his surroundings, Akira realizes he might be in the special room of the Colosseum reserved for important people.

After all, the tall throne facing the other side of the seats is the proof along the hanging opened curtains.

A second later, the vampire speaks up while sitting on the throne. “You can leave now.”

Meanwhile, the redhead bows before taking her leave and closing the door. “As you wish, sir.”

As Shiki stands up and leaves the throne, he receives an avalanche of questions from his partner. “You didn’t bring me here for nothing, did you? What did you want to show me so badly?”

“Come here and you’ll see.” The vampire replies.

No matter how much Akira doesn’t like being ordered by this arrogant fellow, he understands it is better to listen to him.

After he gets to the end of the room, he leans on the stone parapet.

For sure, from here, he can see the entire battle arena as it is on his palm.

More so, from the fresh blood traces on the walls and several weapons lying on the ground, he can guess that someone met their unfortunate fate recently.

Soon, he turns toward Shiki while resting his palms on the parapet and raising his eyebrow. “Is this what you wanted to show me? Or do you want just to show-off before you’ll kill another challenger?”

As the vampire steps closer, he closes his eyes and briefly explains. “Only if anyone lives long enough to fall under Il Re’s blade.”

After he opens his crimson eyes, he adds. “Tonight, you’ll be Il Re.”

“What do you mean?” The silver-haired male asks as he leans on the parapet.

However, Shiki remains calm and backfires. “Which part you do not understand? I’m lending you the Il Re title until you defeat your challenger.”

A second later, he takes Akira’s hand and adds. “Get up. A new challenger should show up any time. So, greet him properly.”

After the blue-eyed hunter allows the vampire to help him stand up, he gets to the throne and makes himself comfortable.

Yet, his guard is caught off by Shiki transforming into a liquid shadow that becomes a black panther with red eyes and a katana attached to his belt.

As Akira watches, the smug feline approaches him and sits next to him.

Lastly, Shiki wraps his tail around him and fixates his crimson eyes on the arena.

So, is he really taking this that seriously, huh? The silver-haired male wonders while staring at the serious panther and having a strange feeling of sitting as a new ruler of the demonic castle.

However, the loud rustling chains and the creaking gate alert Akira.

As the large gate lifts, the aloof challenger enters the arena.

It’s a man in his fifties with tied long curly dark hair and a beard wearing a long sangria color coat, crimson pants, and leather gloves.

More so, it’s one of the veteran vampire hunters, which Akira saw a few times in the Hunter Guild.

Even if hunters like him rarely visit the guild, each time they return, they bring an impressive S-rank or higher rank-worth monster with them.

After that man reaches the center of the arena, he picks up the bullwhip and points it at Akira.

While he keeps an unpleasant look on his face, he addresses the ruler of the castle. “Come out and face me, you monster! Or do you intend to hide like a coward?”

However, when the hunter takes a better look at the silver-haired male, he widens his eyes and lowers his whip. “It’s you!”

For sure, that man’s voice alone nearly makes Akira jump from his seat.

A second later, the veteran hunter asks. “What are you doing here? I come to defeat Il Re and not a stupid brat that cannot hold a weapon. Where is he, boy?”

Despite the dark-haired man’s intimidation, the blue-eyed swordsman keeps his new role and answers in a strict tone. “You are talking to one right now. However, I must congratulate you for making it this far.”

The hunter only cracks a smile. “Tsk. Don’t make me laugh. On the other hand… Perhaps the luck is on my side, after all. So, I’ll take that vampire’s head along with the traitor’s.”

Meanwhile, Shiki studies his human, and when he finishes his speech, he observes the challenger while narrowing his gaze.

Lastly, that man points at Akira. “Very well. I’ll take you down if that is the only way to summon that bastard!”

At first, the blue-eyed male checks on Shiki and gives him a confused look.

Yet, the noble creature of the night only keeps a straight face while exhaling through his nose.

At this moment, Akira understands he has to do what he has to do. Thus, after he stands up and takes a deep breath, he gets close to the parapet and jumps into the arena.

Surprisingly, he manages to land safely.

After he fixes his posture, he picks up the katana and points the tip of the blade at his opponent.

Meanwhile, the hunter keeps a proud look on his face and stretches his bullwhip.

Thus, the battle starts with Akira charging at his opponent.

However, the dark-haired man’s reaction is faster. And he unleashes several lower whip cracks.

Fortunately, Akira avoids each strike by jumping back. However, a strike after a strike, he nearly loses his balance.

Meanwhile, the veteran hunter takes to his advantage. Suddenly, he unleashes a powerful strike that hits his target, making him groan.

Yet Akira manages to kneel safely while his face twists in pain.

As long as he has the weapon in his hands, he can still fight. Besides, even if he cannot see right now, he’ll show Shiki that he won’t go down that easily. Or so the silver-haired male thinks while his blue eyes burn with determination.

Soon, Akira grips the handle with both hands and rushes at his opponent before releasing a diagonal slash.

That boy already lost. The hunter wonders as he cracks a mocking smile and jumps back.

A second later, he picks several knives from the bag attached to his belt and throws them at his opponent.

Suddenly, Akira twists the blade, reflecting most of the knives. After the hunter’s blades reach the ground, he uses the upper strike.

Yet, his attack is blocked by the older male’s stretched whip.

Just from what this whip is made of? The silver-haired male wonders as he widens his eyes and grinds his teeth by seeing how his sword doesn’t even scratch the enemy’s weapon.

“What’s the matter, boy? Did you chew more than you could swallow?” The veteran hunter mocks while unleashing another strike.

Unfortunately, Akira has no time to dodge the attack. Upon it slashes at him, he closes his eyes and gasps. A second later, he groans as he receives a kick in his guts. Yet, no matter what, he holds onto his katana.

Even while he roughly pants and leans on his trustworthy weapon, he keeps his ice-cold blue eyes on his opponent.

Meanwhile, Shiki only observes this fight while noting for himself what Akira’s flaws he should work on harder.

However, as the crimson-eyed panther lifts his paw, he freezes on the same spot by hearing his partner’s voice. “DO NOT EVEN DARE TO INTERFACE!”

At that moment, Akira shakily leans while grasping the handle of his katana with both hands.

While his lips tremble, he adds. “I’m not done yet… I can still fight!”

Surely, these words sparkle the excitement in the panther’s eyes.

After the dark-haired hunter bends, he grabs his throat and lifts him, making their eyes meet. “This is where you’re wrong.”

Yet Akira refuses to let go of his trustworthy weapon and gathers his remaining strength for the final attack.

In the end, the veteran hunter catches the naked blade with his gloved hand and throws it away, and he comments. “Too bad that the guild wants you alive. It can’t be helped then…”

After he finishes his speech, he aggressively tosses Akira to the ground and stomps on his back a few times.

A second later, he sends a powerful kick to the silver-haired male’s side, making him grunt and curl into a ball.

However, as he kneels and is about to tie his opponent’s hands behind his back, he immediately lifts his head by the panther’s roaring.

Apparently, Shiki jumps through the stone parapet and gracefully lands on his fours.

While the deadly feline approaches the arrogant human with his lowered tail, his red eyes flare with rage.

“The hell?… Did you finally decide to avenge your master?” The dark-haired male addresses the large feline.

However, Shiki only bares his sharp fangs and growls.

Just as the hunter stands up and aims his whip at the feral beast, he widens his eyes when the panther becomes into a liquid shadow and disappears. “What a?-”

Suddenly, the sound of the tearing flesh echoes, and the hunter lets out an agonizing scream.

As the blood splashes like a fountain from the hunter’s back, he collapses.

For now, the large feline bites into the same arm that had cracked a whip and tears it apart.

Meanwhile, Akira only leans on his elbow and silently observes how the large feline spits his opponent’s limb and the screaming hunter, begging to be spared.

However, Shiki goes for another limb as well.

The silver-haired male understands he has to stop the blood-thirsty predator before he’ll be overtaken by his blind wrath. Or so Akira decides as he shakily stands up, picks up his trustworthy weapon, and puts it back into the sheath.

Meanwhile, the black panther places his bloody paw on the fallen man and sinks his fangs into his nape.

One sudden move and Shiki rips down his cervical spine, silencing the dark-haired man once and for all.

Just before he starts tearing apart the corpse, he receives a hit by the handle into his head. “Enough!”

For sure, it gets the large feline’s attention, and he wrinkles his nose while hissing at Akira.

However, the beast’s threat doesn’t affect the blue-eyed swordsman, and he narrows his ice-cold gaze.

While Akira attaches the katana to his belt, the panther spreads his legs and lowers his back while fixating his eyes on him.

Despite that, he scolds the feline. “He is dead already… Just look at yourself! You are nothing more than a feral animal! Yes, I lost. So, what? It was my mistake to fight someone who is clearly more superior…”

After a brief, he turns his back to him. “Do as you wish. Kill me or whatever you want to do with me. I don’t care…”

When he clenches his hands into fists, he lowers his shoulders and exhales. “I do not want to see a feral animal playing with his food. I’m leaving.”

Meanwhile, Shiki lowers his ears and licks his face while keeping his lowered tail close to him.

But for now, the panther stands and approaches the hunter from behind.

Soon, he nibs on his partner’s sleeve and pulls it.

Such a gesture makes the silver-haired swordsman turn his head.

After noticing the large feline keeping his lowered ears and staring at him with big red eyes, Akira softens his gaze and sighs. “You stupid cat…”

Just before he lands his palm on Shiki, he immediately withdraws it when the panther transforms into a liquid shadow.

Soon enough, the blue-eyed swordsman sighs as he becomes into a certain vampire he knows.

Yet, when Akira notices a strangely sleepy look on Shiki’s face, he realizes it may not end well.

Instead of saying anything, he remains silent while Shiki wraps one arm around him and brings him close to him.

Even when the dark-haired male moves his arm around his shoulders while another one is on his hips, Akira only fixates his blue eyes on him.

After Shiki lifts his partner, he checks on him with a content expression and addresses him. “What’s wrong? I’ll just need to see your wounds.”

Lastly, the red-eyed vampire carries Akira as a wounded princess.

Notes:

A couple of hours pass. After Shiki washes the still unconscious Akira, he carries him to the bedroom and puts him into a gray pajama.

As the vampire observes his peacefully sleeping partner, he brushes his hair from his face.

Despite his unexplained warm emotions upon seeing Akira, he is determined to keep his prized possession close and protect him.

More so, the bite marks on the hunter’s body prove he belongs to him and no one else.

He even carried Akira to his personal bath to wash him safely. After all, pure water - be it a holy one or not, irritates his skin, and if he stays longer in it, it can leave terrible rashes and burn him.

On the other hand, mixing the water with aromatic herb oil negates its effect. Therefore, the vampire could take care of his human.

But for now, while Shiki enjoys the lingering herb scent on Akira, he tucks him under the blanket. Human life is fragile.

More so, it will be troublesome if anything bad happens to him. He denies developing stronger feelings for the blue-eyed male and resisting the urge to give him more attention.

These thoughts are nothing more than irrational and should be gone soon. Something that only weak, selfish, and stupid creatures like humans would waste time on it. Or so the red-eyed vampire convinces himself. Yet, such cold logic fails when it comes to the silver-haired hunter.

In the past, he did not need to bother himself with anything even remotely close to this nonsense. That’s why,  he is anxious about something he cannot explain.

For now, Shiki sits next to slumbering Akira.

However, accusing Akira of trying to befriend and kill him is pointless and childish.

More so, the silver-haired male hasn’t such ulterior motives nor has any acting skills, and Shiki can see through him as a clear glass.

As Shiki picks the small, silver cross from his pants pocket, he studies it and remembers. When he brought Akira to the inner quarters for the first time, he returned to the master room to retrieve this holy relic.

He wondered why this person relied on it and used it as a last resort to defend himself. It wasn’t even blessed, nor did it possess any secret power that only legendary hunters could unleash. It was about as useful as a fifth leg would be to a dog.

That’s why Shiki took it to the alchemy laboratory to learn the truth behind it.

After he prepared all the needed instruments, he turned on the gas lighter and dropped the necklace into the testing tube. As the bright blue flame wrapped the bottom of the tube, this piece of jewelry melts.

However, Shiki turned off the lighter immediately when he saw something inside the cross. Upon pouring the molten metal on the testing plate, he observed it.

The noble creature of the night cracked a smile. Someone implanted a tiny tracking device in it. In the end, Shiki picked up his katana and smashed the device by its handle.

That should let anyone know that they should give up. After all, their sent pawn is dead.

But for now, the vampire plays with the hunter’s cross between his fingers and wonders.

The blue-eyed male wasn’t just here to kill him and get a generous bounty. If so, he wouldn’t receive a mere decoration like this.

Someone wanted Akira to infiltrate the castle for whatever reason. Well, whoever is the mastermind behind this, and if their goal is still unclear, it doesn’t matter.

On the other hand, the longer Akira stays in the castle, the more often Shiki senses an overfamiliar presence that lurks somewhere in the darkest shadows. That dark, chilling energy that cannot be mistaken for anyone else.

No, that cruel entity didn’t return to haunt him, not just after unbearable humiliation a long time ago. That demonic creature doesn’t stalk him to taunt him or laugh at him, and Shiki knows that.

Within time, the dark-haired male realized that HE momentarily appeared and watched Akira over, somewhere in the distance, with his changing color, glowing eyes.

Suddenly, Shiki grasps the cross and grinds his teeth, just knowing how day by day this creature gets closer, yet HIS presence instantly vanishes when Shiki chases HIM.

More importantly, after he took down another challenger yesterday, was no exception.

After he facepalms and fixes his hair, he opens his eyes and puts the small cross into his pocket.

For now, the red-eyed vampire stares at Akira, wondering what could be so special about this human that he even attracts his long-time-forgotten enemy after many years.

He is a troublemaker who has a significant talent for finding problems where they don’t exist. Secondly, his blood has an extraordinary taste that no mortal ever has. He can’t even hold a sword.

Yet, there is something unexplainable about the silver-haired male that keeps even a merciless, dark ruler of the night attracted to him.

It even makes Shiki give in to the morbid curiosity that he barely felt before and desiring him.

In the end, the vampire considers granting this human wish. Even if it’s Shiki’s personal whim, he wants to see how far he can push the hunter’s limits and how he’ll grow. Maybe someday, the vampire allow him to face him again, but without holding back.

Perhaps, this time, the outcome of their fight could be different. Who knows?

But for now, before taking his leave and dealing with another pesky challenger, he almost touches Akira’s cheek. Even so, he withdraws his palm and himself and freezes at the last moment.

He doesn’t understand why he did such a stupid thing, as if he instinctively did it. In the end, he only exhales and leaves the room.

Some time passes. Finally, the blue-eyed male wakes up. When he sits, he closes his eyes and sighs.

He is certain - that the pesky shape-shifting creature is not here.

Of course, he isn’t. Why should he be here?

Maybe he is hunting for new prey or playing with his target before finishing it. After completing his daily tasks, the vampire turns into a panther and spends time with the silver-haired man before sleeping on him.

Then, a new day will arise, and the same circle will repeat until Shiki drains him to death or gets bored by him and replaces him.

After all, what is a human’s life for the immortal? It’s nothing more than dust in the desert. A mere blink compared to the timeless life-span of noble creatures of the night that fought more battles than there are stars in the sky.

Therefore, anyone else temporal life means nothing for vampires or demons. Besides, why would such creatures feel any emotional connection towards a mere source of nutrients? A wolf would never cry after eating sheep. Otherwise, such a predator won’t survive in nature.

So, Shiki should be like any other of his kind - just a cold-blooded killing machine, as Akira is just another prey for him.

Despite that, the blue-eyed hunter cannot accept being slowly eaten alive. At least his remains of pride refuse. He acknowledges that he stands no chance of fighting and winning against the vampire.

Even so, Akira continues to prove that he is not a vampire’s toy, nor anyone will break his will.

Hell, he is aware that he cannot leave the castle, nor he wants it anymore. More so, if he outlives Shiki somehow, he’ll make it into his new fortress, desolated by the outside world. Even the idea of the solitary life as the ruler of the vampire’s castle strangely comforts him.

But for now, he widens his eyes by hearing a familiar voice. “You are finally awake. Took you long enough.”

Upon turning his head, Akira notices the vampire leaning against the wall next to the door with his arms crossed. The first thing that catches his eye is that aside from not wearing his long coat nor carrying his sword, Shiki is more chilled than usual.

Suddenly, the memories of yesterday flow inside the hunter’s mind, and his poker face cracks. As he feels the rushing heat to his cheeks, he asks. “Why are you here? It’s still too early for you to annoy me.”

Such a reaction amuses the ebony-haired man, who smirks like a feline.

“What do you want from me?” The silver-haired man inquires without removing his eyes from his partner, who approaches him.

After he lowers his gaze, he spots a familiar katana resting against the night-drawer. Instead of using it against its owner, he gives a mildly bewildered look as he asks how long it has been there.

Soon, he complains. “Why is it here and can you stop using your vampire charms for once? Because their effect is growing weaker.”

No matter how he is tempted to tease his partner, he holds back from commenting. Besides, if this is what he wants to believe, let him be. Or so decides the vampire.

After a temporary pause, he sits next to Akira and asks. “Your name?”

The hunter is confused by his partner’s question. For now, he lowers his gaze while grasping the blanket without understanding Shiki’s ulterior motives.

Yet, without receiving the wanted answers, the vampire remains persistent and leans closer. “Come on. Just say it.”

In the end, Akira glimpses at him before closing his eyes and replying in a humble voice. “Akira.”

Meanwhile, Shiki delightfully stares at the hunter and repeats the hunter’s name as if it were a newly learned foreign word. A second later, he remarks. “… Someone who can be bent but cannot be broken.”

However, the silver-haired male uses his chance while Shiki is in a better mood and replies. “Then you also owe me some answers.”

“What is it?” The red-eyed swordsman asks.

As Akira fixates his eyes on his partner, he states. “You took too long to deal with the previous challenger.”

Shiki only closes his eyes and cracks a smile. “Hmph. Were you worrying about your master’s well-being?”

It was a last drop of Akira’s patience, and he scolds the vampire. “Cut it out and take it seriously!…”.

When he notices how the smug look on Shiki’s face was wiped, he realizes that is screwed. Nevertheless, he continues. “You wouldn’t just show up as a panther and behaved as you did, if that was a mere hunter. Something terrible happened. I don’t know what it is, but I don’t like it.”

He feels that he angered the vampire. Yet, he refuses to close his eyes or shrug. For now, he slightly withdraws and nervously swallows the saliva while staring at Shiki, whose face darkens.

After a minute of intense silence, the dark-haired male turns his head away and replies. “It’s none of your concern.”

“If you throw your life away recklessly without saying a word, it is.” Akira backfires.

Shiki only closes his eyes and silently chuckles while shaking his head. “Idiot…”

When he lifts his head and opens his eyes, he explains. “What happened in the past should not concern you… No matter what madness of one man you saw or if that may come back to haunt you. So, get rid of useless emotions if you want to become strong to take your revenge.”

The blue-eyed hunter is clueless why Shiki is telling all this, nor what it could mean. Despite that, he genially asks. “But it happened now. Does it have anything to do with that person? Do I know him?”

In the end, the vampire turns his head to face his partner. “All you need to know is that you are a trouble-maker that cannot be left alone.”

After a brief pause, he gets up and orders. “Either way… Get up. We’re leaving.”

“Where?” The silver-haired hunter asks.

“You need to eat. Then we’ll start on your training.” Shiki briefly explains.

Of course, it doesn’t sound too promising for Akira. More so, knowing Shiki by far, it could mean anything.

But he understands the vampire won’t leave him alone until he gets what he wants. In the end, he closes his eyes and removes the blanket.

When he gets up, he covers his sore bottom with his palm. For now, he gives a slightly irritated look to Shiki, who remarks. “If it is too early for you to walk, maybe your training should be delayed.”

However, Akira only lifts his head and walks towards the closet. After he picks the dark bathrobe, he puts it on. “And then, you gonna show up the next day asking for the same thing. So, let’s just get going.”

When the silver-haired male fixes the bathrobe, he walks by Shiki and prompts him by the gaze of his blue eyes alone.

For sure, such a gesture satisfies the red-eyed vampire. After all, his human becoming more confident.

An hour passes. After the hunter finishes his meal, he changes into Shiki’s left clothes for him. The outfit he received this time was the same Victorian-era one as before. The only difference was that there was also a pair of leather gloves, and instead of a cotton vest, this one was made from sturdy leather.

Of course, Shiki also mentioned it would be useful during the training. After all, Akira still has no idea what his partner meant by training. More so, knowing the vampire’s nature, it could be anything.

Nevertheless, he is more curious than concerned, even if that might be the ebony-haired male’s other way of teasing him.

Currently, the silver-haired hunter enjoys leaving the inner quarters. Even though he is supervised by Shiki.

After wandering in the castle corridors, they reach an old oak door and enter inside.

Akira's intuition alerts him as he feels the coldness in the air and notices the only light source is fire torches on the stone walls, indicating something is suspicious.

Suddenly, the gentle push on his lower back returns him to his senses, and he turns his head to meet the crimson eyes that suggest he shouldn’t stay behind.

And thus, he doesn’t leave the vampire’s side and goes down this endless spiral staircase.

Fortunately, it doesn’t take long to reach a small corridor branching to two sides. On the left and the right side, there are doors.

But for now, Akira follows Shiki to whatever is behind the door on the left.

Apparently, it’s a medieval-style weaponry storage.

For sure, the blue-eyed hunter had never witnessed such a vast collection of weapons, ranging from combat knives to spears, swords, whips, long axes, and much more. There were even a few modern shotguns on the shelves, and who knows what else was hidden in the sealed wooden boxes.

Hell, any of his visited weapon shops could only dream about this place.

Either way, he doesn’t understand why Shiki would ever need such weaponry. On the other hand, it won’t be surprising that it might be just his trophy collection from his defeated enemies.

Meanwhile, the vampire addresses his partner before going deeper into the storage. “Just wait here.”

Lastly, he observes how his partner searches for a specific item. After he returns carrying a familiar-looking katana, he tosses it at him. “Here.”

Even after Akira catches it in his hands, he raises his eyebrow while studying the given weapon.

“It should do it for now.” The vampire calmly adds while passing him by. Just before opening the door, he turns his head, asking the hunter to follow him.

A few minutes pass by.

Upon entering the right door, the hunter is welcomed by a long corridor adorned with crossed weapons and warrior statues in various battle positions.

Of course, another detail that catches his eye is the several locked cells on each side. After glimpsing through the gaps of the bars on the top, inside some cells, there are hanging skeletons or exhausted, wounded prisoners.

Suddenly, the silver-haired male is alerted when he hears the rattling bars or groaning like undead.

However, the vampire explains. “Ignore them. These are weaklings who have broken the game rules or went against me.”

“What game?” The hunter gives him a curious look.

Shiki only briefly cracks a smile. “Next time, I’ll take you with me and show you.”

As they walk further, the previous voices shut down after not receiving attention from the silver-haired male.

After a while, they finally reach an old elevator covered in red rust, which reminds a large cage. Even behind it, there is visible an extension of this corridor.

Soon enough, the elevator automatically opens while creaking. Surely, it doesn’t look trustworthy. They won’t use it, right? Or so Akira hopes so.

Yet, the vampire gives him an indifferent look. “What are you doing? Get inside.”

No matter how the hunter wants to protest, he plays along.

Suddenly, the elevator closes the door from both sides, and it slowly goes up. Surprisingly, aside from the loud gear and chain grinding, it runs smoothly.

When the elevator arrives at the second floor, it stops and opens the door to let out all the passengers.

This floor differs from the previous one because there are no prisoner cells, only a tall gate securing something behind the wooden lock. And thus, Shiki lifts it.

After being greeted by a couple of hooded men in robes, they enter deep into the spacious field.

As Shiki leans against the wall, he addresses his partner. “What are you waiting for? Your training starts now!”

“What are you?-” Akira speaks up before he gets alerted when the ground trembles and a group of new enemies emerge.

Suddenly, the undead bandits charge at him.

The silver-haired hunter closes his eyes and cuts the zombies with a heavy slash. Upon the bloodstream, the dead howl before hitting the ground.

Soon enough, the necromancers raise their arms and cast another spell.

As Akira pants and opens his eyes, an additional threat arises - this time, a couple of armored skeletons surround him.

For sure, the luck is on his side, and he dodges the double attack. Lastly, he grasps the sword and uses a lower strike.

Meanwhile, Shiki only studies his partner’s movement while he takes down another target and exhales. After all, the hunter leaves so many open spots while relying on aimless swinging like an amateur.

The more he observes Akira, the more he notes what flaws he should fix. Yet, he is mildly entertained watching this human who keeps fighting and refuses to give up or ask for help.

Finally, the last challenger shows up. Apparently, it’s a few meters tall armor knight wielding a chained steel ball.

As the monster stares at its victim with white glowing orbs through the gaps of the helmet, it roars and swings the chain into the air.

Even so, Akira nearly gets crushed by a thrown metal ball.

Soon, the creature brings the chain close to it.

One thing is for sure, it will be difficult to approach the enemy from such a distance.

However, his further thoughts are interrupted by another heavy attack and the armored knight taking a few steps closer to him.

Crushing strike after crushing strike and the hunter’s energy is nearly drained from dodging and rolling. It might be a matter of time before he passes out.

Even so, he wants to try one idea which may kill him.

As Akira stands up, he waits for the armored knight to swing its chain.

When the heavy ball is thrown at him, Akira shakily closes his eyes and slides forward into the beast. While his opponent is busy withdrawing his weapon, the hunter picks up his sword and slashes the creature’s arm that holds the chain.

After the armored knight howls after the lost limb, it punches the stunned hunter and sends him flying off across the arena.

As Akira’s back harshly hits the wall, he gasps before collapsing. All he can do is lie on the ground while the armored knight picks up the chain with his remaining arm and approaches him.

When the vampire is about to draw his blade, he is immediately stopped by the silver-haired hunter’s voice. “It’s not over yet! I can still move…”

Meanwhile, before necromancers are about to summon a new enemy, Shiki gives them a cold, piercing look. “Begone!”.

Thus, a couple of robbed men raise their hands, and as the darkness surrounds them, they disappear like smoke.

Finally, while the creature swings its arm with an iron ball, Akira shakily leans on his elbows and stares at his opponent with a determined gaze.

Suddenly, the diagonal slash cuts it in half. Just before the beast collapses, Akira widens his eyes as he is carried far away from the fallen enemy.

In the end, he realizes he is in the vampire’s arms upon hearing him. “I’ve seen enough…”

More so, from his serious face and voice alone, he knows that he disappointed Shiki.

However, he has no idea why it hurts him more than his still-aching body. For now, he turns his head away and waits until they return to the bedroom, where he can rest without needing to face Shiki.

After the vampire sighs, he addresses his partner. “You can rest for today… You earned it.”

In the meantime, Akira is confused if his senses tricked him or whether he misheard the last part.

Of course, he wants to object, but the best thing he can do is cling to Shiki’s shirt with one hand.

For sure, such a gesture thrills the dark-haired swordsman. “What is it with you? I would just check your wounds first.”

While Akira is being carried, he only closes his eyes and buries his face in the vampire’s chest. After all, he doesn’t understand why he is genuinely relieved and feeling that inner warmth for the first time. However, at the moment, he doesn’t mind this feeling.

Another day begins, and thus, Shiki takes Akira to the arena for the training. Of course, the hunter mentally prepares himself for what kind of monsters he may need to face this time.

However, there are no necromancers, nor anyone else aside from this couple.

Perhaps, today, the lord of darkness decided to use him as his training dummy. The hunter wonders while they are getting closer to the arena’s center.

Instead, he hears a brief demand. “Show me how you swing sword.”

“Huh? Didn’t see enough yesterday?” The silver-haired hunter complains.

After the hunter draws his blade, he swings it high until the tip of it almost touches his back. Suddenly, he lands a heavy strike.

“Did I ask you to chop the wood? Try one more time.” The vampire comments.

Meanwhile, Akira gives an annoyed look and raises the sword again. Yet, he panics when he feels Shiki’s body pressing against his back. As he turns his head and lowers the blade, he addresses his partner. “What are you?-”

“Straighten your back and raise your head.” Shiki orders while he holds Akira’s chin with one hand and makes him face forward. When he wraps his other arm around his partner’s waist, he fixes his posture and continues. “Never swing your weapon above your head. You’ll only exhaust yourself without dealing any damage.”

After the red-eyed swordsman gracefully leaves his side, he instructs. “Try again.”

Lastly, Akira closes his eyes and exhales. Lastly, he follows the orders and… Slash! His strike is successful.

For sure, it satisfies the nocturnal creature, and he crosses his arms. “Again. Repeat it until I say so.”

No matter how the blue-eyed male doesn’t like taking orders, he doesn’t argue, and slash after slash, he continues this movement.

Later, Shiki worked on improving his partner’s lower and high guard and stance. It’s still far from perfect and needs to be corrected. However, the vampire is impressed by how Akira is a quick learner and catches up with given instructions.

In this case, he will test the hunter’s skills again sooner than expected. Perhaps he would even let him go through the obstacle course. Who knows?…

But for now, Akira’s training continues.

Some time passes by. Finally, the silver-haired man starts waking up. After he sits and looks around, he notices that he is alone.

Perhaps that vampire is hunting for new prey, or he messes with his mind again, waiting for him to leave the room. Or so Akira wonders while staring out the window.

At some point, the hunter got used to seeing the crimson moon above and how the moonlight falls on the Forest of Eternal Night. More so, this place become like a new home for him. Yet, Akira understands if he tries to leave again, the creatures silently lurking in the darkness may attack him.

But for now, when he places his palm on the neck, he widens his eyes as the flashbacks of yesterday rush to his mind.

Suddenly, Akira closes his eyes and lets out a weak mewling noise as he remembers how easily that evil creature toys with him and feasts on him.

Even the sensation of two sharp fangs sinking into his neck while he is forced to do such shameful acts still lingers inside him.

As the hunter opens his blue eyes, he realizes he was turned into the same creature that he hunts.

On the other hand, the silver-haired man doesn't feel anything has changed. He still feels the same as yesterday, before the vampire sank his fangs into his neck. Either way, he needs proof before confirming this terrible truth.

After Akira jumps from the bed, he starts looking for the mirror. Unfortunately, no matter how hard he searches, his effort is vain.

Did that bastard hide it? Or so the blue-eyed hunter thinks after an unsuccessful search while punching the nearest wall.

However, the sudden knock on the door and a gentle, polite female’s voice ‘‘Are you awake, Young Master? Master wants you to come to the dining room.’’.

For sure, the very last thing the silver-haired hunter wants to do is to see Shiki. More so, instead of facing Akira, the nocturnal creature has the audacity to send one of his servants.

As he closes his eyes, he frowns and replies ‘‘Tell him to get lost. I’m fine being here.’’.

Yet, the voice behind the door objects ‘‘This isn’t good… You cannot upset Master like this. Young Master, please open the door.’’.

‘‘Leave me alone.’’ Or so the blue-eyed man backfires while turning his head away from the door.

After a minute of silence, Akira assumes this person is finally gone.

‘‘...You leave me no other choice. Please excuse me for intruding.’’ The same maid's voice speaks up.

As the door opens, the silver-haired man dumbfounded stares at the bewildered nocturnal creature with long pointy ears who wears a traditional maid’s uniform.

‘‘Young Master… Wh-what happened here? Are you not hurt?’’ The green-haired demon asks without hiding the genial concern while staring at the room, which is in a mess as if the storm came by.

However, the vampire hunter turns his head away and remains silent.

It seems that the maiden doesn’t waste any time and begins to look in the closet for one specific piece of clothing ‘‘Anyway, let’s prepare you before meeting Master.’’. After she picks up and carries the black silk bathrobe, she approaches the careful hunter ‘‘Here~ You might want to wear this so that you won’t catch a cold.’’.

Suddenly, Akira briefly objects ‘‘I’m fine like this and staying here. Besides, I won’t feel cold or hungry any longer because your master turned me into one of your kind.’’.

Yet, the demon only gives a confused gaze. A second later, she comes up with the conclusion ‘‘Oh! You are already aware that Master is considering adding you as a part of his family. That’s great! Now, please, allow me to help you.’’.

In the end, the blue-eyed hunter understands that it’s useless to argue with both - the ruler of this castle and his servants. More so, it appears that this maiden does not possess any harm to him and only follows the given orders.

And thus, Akira gives one arm and another to get dressed up. Besides, the quicker he’ll finish the business with Shiki, the sooner he can return to his room and lock it from anyone entering.

Some time passes by. Meanwhile, the crimson moonlight shines through the stained-glass wall in the luxurious dining room, where the red-eyed vampire sits at the end of the long dining table and waits for his companion to show up. However, he knows that Akira will arrive any moment now.

Suddenly, the knock on the wooden door, and a polite voice disturbs the silent moment ‘‘Master, I have brought the Young Master. Can we come in, please?’’.

After the demon maid enters inside, she holds the door for a silver-haired man, who cautiously walks while glaring at him, giving him a suspicious look on his face.

For sure, such a reaction entertains the vampire. But for now, Shiki turns his gaze to the other nocturnal creature ‘‘You may leave now.’’.

The green-haired maid closes her eyes and bows ‘‘As you wish, sir.’’. Lastly, as she closes the door, this couple is left alone.

Without wasting no time, Akira takes a step closer and briefly asks ‘‘What do you want from me?’’.

While those red eyes sparkle with amusement, Shiki cracks a smile ‘‘Can’t you guess it already? Sit down.’’.

However, the blue-eyed hunter only glimpses at the prepared feast on the table and gives a suspicious look ‘‘What do you want me to do with it? I can’t eat it any longer.’’.

Instead of saying anything, the dark-haired man chuckles ‘‘Why is it so?’’.

‘‘Stop playing dumb! You should know it better.’’ Or so Akira backfires in an indignant voice. As he places his palm on his neck and rubs it, he lowers his gaze ‘‘Thanks to you, I’m no longer a human.’’.

When Shiki closes his eyes, he places his hands on the table and gracefully stands up. While he approaches Akira, he speaks up ‘‘Hmph. What are you talking about?’’.

After he gets close to the silver-haired man, he grabs the hunter’s wrist and holds it. While his crimson eyes study the bite marks on Akira’s neck, he comments ‘‘Ah, do you mean this? You are too weak to handle vampire blood. In your current state, you’ll pathetically die from a single drop of it. Rest assured. I was only feeding on you.’’.

The blue-eyed hunter only silently growls and narrows his gaze. Suddenly, he brushes the vampire’s hand ‘‘Don’t touch me! You should have killed me while you could.’’.

When his eyes meet Shiki's, he widens them and turns his head away. After all, what if he gets mesmerized by these crimson eyes again?

‘‘What’s wrong? Are you afraid of me?’’ Or so the nocturnal creature asks.

When Akira takes a step back, he returns his gaze ‘‘I’m not falling into your trap again, vampire! Neither I’ll let you toy with me around.’’.

As he takes another step back, Shiki takes a step forward. Step after step, Akira’s back touches the door, and he leans against it. However, when the vampire places his palm under his chin, he stares him straight into his eyes. He understands that Shiki may use his hypnotizing eyes and mess with him again.

Even so, Akira keeps his determined blue eyes. After all, the nocturnal creature can defile him as much as he wishes. However, he will never break his mind and spirit that easily.

But for now, Shiki narrows his gaze while tilting the hunter’s chin and curves a smile ‘‘If that is so?’’. After he releases the hunter, he changes the subject ‘‘Either way, you need to restore your strength. So, you are not allowed to leave until you do so. Understand?’’.

‘‘As if you leave any other choice…’’ The silver-haired man hatefully spits out the words. Lastly, he closes his eyes and heads toward the table.

After sitting down, he suspiciously stares at the feast prepared for him and raises his eyebrow ‘‘You didn't put poison into it, right?’’. In the end, he carefully nibs the picked dish.

At the opposite end of the table, the vampire gives a smug look ‘‘Why should I waste time on that? Eat it. Or do you need help with that as well?’’.

No matter how hard Akira thinks, he cannot figure out why Shiki cares that much for a mere food source like him. However, he would not test the vampire’s patience.

After all, if that man only keeps him to satisfy his hunger, he could just throw him into a dungeon and treat him like a prisoner. Instead of that, not only he has been cleaned and dressed, but also eating like a noble despite being watched by the ruler of the castle. Or maybe it’s not for the human mind to understand why vampires behave this way and how they think.

Even the theory that he learned about the creatures of the night as a hunter now feels as if he knows very little or nothing at all. Perhaps the vampires are dangerous not for their terrifying power, endless cruelty, and bloodlust but for how mysterious and enigmatic these creatures are.

In any case, Akira decides to play along with the red-eyed vampire’s rules and continuously study him while keeping his guard high.

Meanwhile, Shiki is entertained at how the silver-haired man looks like nothing more than a stray dog who is cautious and still doubts after receiving a treat instead of being threatened.

''It is only a matter of time before he’ll gladly eat from my hand.'' Or so the dark-haired vampire wonders while enjoying observing how this human without realizing being slowly tamed.

However, the sudden Akira’s voice grounds him to earth ‘‘Is it that entertaining? At least let me eat in peace.’’. Lastly, Shiki only slightly softens his gaze and silently exhales.

After a while, a peaceful time gets interrupted by the familiar maid storming in "Master! I came with the big news - there is a hunter in the castle!".

Yet, the vampire only lifts his eyes and gives an indifferent look "And?".

"There were two of them. One of them was eaten by your pet, while the other one managed to get through. What should we do?" Or so the concerned demon asks.

‘‘Then greet him and take him to the Coliseum, where I would wait for him.’’ Shiki gives brief orders.

Lastly, the green-haired maiden nods ‘‘Understood! I’ll inform the others.’’. A second later, she looks towards the silver-haired man and asks the ruler of the castle ‘‘But what should I do with this boy?’’.

The noble nocturnal creature replies ‘‘Take him to the bedroom and make sure he won’t escape until I return.’’.

Meanwhile, it’s the last drop of the blue-eyed hunter’s patience. After he clenches his hands into fists, he stands up and addresses the arrogant vampire ‘‘Just because you defeated me once, it doesn’t mean that you can do as you wish. So, you have no right to decide for me.’’.

Suddenly, the demon maid gasps and begins to scold Akira ‘‘Please, watch your language and to whom you are speaking!’’. Just as she is about to take a step further, she widens her eyes and freezes in the same spot.

Apparently, a silent palm raise alone has such a powerful effect, which is followed by Shiki’s strict voice ‘‘Enough. You may leave now.’’.

‘‘Y-yes!’’ Or so the demon replies before rushing through the door and leaving this couple alone.

Even if at the moment Akira doesn’t like the deadly silence and the tension in the air, he refuses to say anything.

More importantly, it’s nothing that he has told nothing wrong. It's Shiki's problem if he gets mad. Or so he convinces himself.

However, when he is about to leave, he feels the gloved hand grasping his wrist.

Suddenly, Akira widens his eyes and turns his head 'Just when did he?-'. After he turns his head, he notices how Shiki holds his wrist and gives him a smug look.

Nevertheless, he closes his eyes and sighs ‘‘Let me go. Aren’t you supposed to protect your stronghold?’’. After opening his blue eyes and holding his wrist close to him, he continues ‘‘You should never underestimate your enemy. It might be a veteran hunter, and you may get killed this time.’’.

For sure, the silver-haired man’s words thrill Shiki who curves a satisfied smile. Lastly, he wraps his arm around the hunter’s waist and brings him closer ‘‘Then stay here and keep this place in order until I return.’’.

Surprisingly, Akira doesn’t resist or say anything. Not even the red-eyed vampire’s other hand sinks into his gray hair. Although, he doesn’t care whether Shiki uses the mesmerizing gaze again or not.

However, when he is prepared for something more to happen, he is released from the vampire’s embrace. Strangely, he even feels slightly frustrated and annoyed at how the dark-haired man walks past him and only turns his gaze to him before leaving the room ‘‘I won’t take long. So, behave yourself and don’t cause any problems.’’. And with these words, the noble creature of the night elegantly leaves.

A few hours have passed. However, there is still no sign of that arrogant vampire. During all this time, Akira killed the time in the study room or wandering around, he eventually got tired of waiting and was guided to the bathroom.

Despite that, while the hunter enjoys the bath and his healed bite marks, he feels anxious.

Shiki takes too long dealing with what he assumes is an easy challenger. What if he was finally defeated? What if, before taking his head as proof, he got sold to the black market as a slave or for organ harvesting? After all, vampires' organs and body parts are valuable material. Or so Akira wonders as he stares at the dark marble ceiling.

As the silver-haired man closes his eyes, he slowly sinks into the bathtub while the negative thoughts flow in his mind.

More importantly, if another hunter kills Count Il Re, Akira will be sent to rot in jail because of being accused of murder. Besides, even if he escapes the castle, the Hunter Guild probably has placed a generous bounty on his head.

Lastly, the blue-eyed hunter lets out an exhausted sigh ‘‘That arrogant fool should have drained me to death before recklessly throwing his life at risk…’’.

On the other hand, if the dark vampire lord had perished, his demonic castle may have crumbled too, unless Shiki is not as powerful as the legendary rumored SSS-rank monster. Who knows… Either way, the mysterious hunter or Shiki will eventually show up and finish him. That’s why there is no point in worrying about the inevitable grim future which awaits him. Or so Akira decides.

But for now, the silver-haired man leaves the bathtub and grabs the white, fluffy towel. Lastly, without rushing, he dries himself and puts the pajama on.

A good amount of time passes. Akira is deeply asleep on the vampire’s bed without realizing that a large black feline has returned.

After the red-eyed panther approaches the peacefully resting human curled under the blanket, he carefully jumps on the bed and makes himself comfortable. As Shiki’s head nudges the hunter’s back, he closes his eyes and deeply purrs.

Meanwhile, the familiar strong vibrations and the sound wakes Akira up. But for now, he refuses to open his eyes or move. For now, he only murmurs in a sleepy voice ‘‘You stupid cat… Why did you take so long? Anyway, go to sleep somewhere else.’’.

However, the large feline places his paw on the human and begins to lick his nape and hair. Then, he gently licks the hunter’s cheek while loudly purring.

For sure, such an unexpected move makes Akira shrug and silently groan. A second later, he hides under the blanket while hoping the clingy cat leaves him alone.

Unfortunately for him, he can feel how Shiki climbs on top of him and rests his upper body on him. Although he is under the blanket, he can imagine what kind of smug face this panther makes.

Suddenly, the silver-haired man widens his eyes when a black paw removes the blanket and exposes his face. Even if Akira can perfectly sense Shiki’s breathing on him, he tries to remain calm and asks ‘‘What is it with you? Did anything happen to you?’’.

In the end, he deeply exhales and lazily rolls on his back ‘‘Fine… If that makes you leave me alone.’’.

Soon, the panther climbs on top of Akira and corners him with one paw. While his ears are lowered, the feline narrows his eyes and begins to lick the hunter’s neck and face. A second later, his one paw kneads the pillow while the other one the silver-haired man’s chest.

For sure, no matter how hard Akira thinks, he can’t figure out what caused out of blue Shiki’s behavior nor why he is so clingy.

Perhaps it has something to do with Shiki’s encounter with the new challenger. Although, the feline has returned alive and without a single scratch. Could it be that even a fearsome lord of darkness was finally threatened or on verge of death?

Either way, it shouldn’t be any of his concern. Or so the silver-haired man tries to convince himself.

Despite that, Akira is curious why Shiki seeks attention from him instead of his servants. More importantly, why the dark-haired man only behaves like this only in the panther form? But for now, he doesn’t resist and instinctively reaches out to stroke behind the feline’s ears while wrapping his other arm around the panther.

Surprisingly, Shiki immediately ceases purring and moving while only staring with his crimson eyes at the blue-eyed man while the hunter strokes his head.

In the end, the large feline rests his head on Akira’s chest and enjoys the given attention. Eventually, his red eyes become sleepy, and without notice, the black panther falls asleep while loudly purring.

Meanwhile, the silver-haired hunter continues to stroke Shiki’s head until the purring becomes quieter and quieter until the beast exhales and briefly licks his own face before falling asleep.

But for now, Akira also feels how his eyelids become heavy, and without realizing he returns to his peaceful slumber.

Finally, after taking a long slumber, the hunter wakes up. It’s been a while since he rested so well. However, he can feel that something is off. When Akira checks on himself, he spots that he is under the blanket.

At first, he gets alerted that someone sneaked inside the room and that he didn’t sense anyone’s presence. Secondly, he is disappointed that he lowered his guard down and how someone took advantage of it.

On the other hand, why would anyone bother to enter this room to cover him with a warm blanket?

Perhaps, Akira got cold, and without realizing it, he wrapped himself under the blanket. Or so, that could be the most logical explanation, which the blue-eyed hunter thinks.

After sitting up in bed, he checks the window. The same crimson moon is still in the dark sky, and it only worsens Akira’s orientation in time.

In any case, details like this shouldn’t matter when you are in the enemy’s lair, where you aren’t supposed to stay longer than needed.

After looking around, the blue-eyed hunter notices there is no sign of Il Re’s pet. Perhaps, he got bored and returned to his master’s side.

But for now, he can search for his weapons without getting caught. And thus, without wasting any time, Akira looks through every little corner of the guest room.

Fortunately, he instantly spots the silver cross necklace lying on the night drawer like it was left on purpose.

However, no matter how hard he looks for his combat knife, his search is for naught. Perhaps, his weapons are somewhere else or thrown away.

One thing that Akira cannot understand is why the vampire returned to him the most lethal weapon that can instantly kill every demon and monster near him. Maybe it’s only a part of Il Re’s twisted game. After all, the evil vampire feels like everyone else is just a mere chess piece that he can move how he wants and when he wants.

Or maybe he’ll wait as much as needed until the hunter uses the cross and gets weakened to finish him.

Speaking of which, as the vampire hunter puts on the silver cross and stares at it, he hears a deep purring.

When he looks down, he notices a certain panther sitting in front of him.

‘‘How did you get here?’’ Akira asks the dark feline, who only looks at him with these interested crimson eyes.

As he sighs, he continues while stroking this fellow’s head ‘‘Why am I even bothering to ask you, you stupid cat? But you come here for not for nothing. Just show me where you want me to go.’’.

After the silver-haired hunter stands up, the black panther gets up. Hell, the big cat even momentarily wrapped his tail around Akira’s thigh and keeps it up in the question-mark shape while he leads him toward the door.

For sure, someone allows himself too much. Yet, no matter how Akira is tempted to scold Shiki for showing such audacity, he holds back. Besides, maybe it’s only another test.

After a while, Akira arrives at what he assumes is the dining room.

Surely, such a luxurious and spacious room could perfectly serve at least half of the Hunter Guild members. Despite being a noble nocturnal creature, this Il Re person might not differ from any rich man showing off his fortune. Or so, the hunter thinks to himself while trying to suppress his amazement.

More so, the table filled with an assortment of food would be too much, even for several people.

Even if since the beginning of his journey, he had nothing, Akira shakes his head and refuses to get anywhere close to an endless feast. What if the Count wants to poison him? Therefore, he must endure until he’ll defeats his target and return to the guild.

‘‘Are you trying to poison me and bring me to your master? I’m not hungry. But you can eat it.’’ The blue-eyed hunter addresses the black panther.

The large feline keeps pushing him forward until he gives up and plays along with the beast’s rules.

In the end, when the stubborn hunter sits, he speaks up in an annoyed tone ‘‘Fine. I’ll take a few bites if you leave me alone, you stupid cat.’’.

Even behind the amused cat’s gaze, Akira can sense that this fellow is proud and entertained by making him do all these tasks.

Whatever. Food is food, and it’s Il Re’s fault that he feeds his enemy, who will bring his head to the church and hunt again. Maybe training that stupid cat as his companion might also help him fight against powerful monsters. Or so, the hunter wonders while he carefully munches and suspiciously looks down on the feline.

While the red-eyed panther observes him, Akira rolls his eyes and pinches a good amount of meat. When he brings it close to Shiki, he sniffs the food. After the big cat turns his head away, the hunter comments ‘‘Then, why did you ask this for if you are not eating it? Or maybe it’s not suitable for your royal taste. Who knows. But you eat everything once I’ll train you. So, get used to it.’’. Although, the panther only indignantly puffs.

For sure, the large feline’s big tantrum makes Akira snort ‘‘You stupid cat…’’.

Some time passes. As soon as the hunter finishes his meal, Shiki insists on showing him around the castle. That’s how the more time he spends with Il Re’s loyal pet, the more Akira doesn’t understand him or the reason for such behavior.

If Shiki wanted to kill him, he could have done that during their first encounter, when Akira was the most vulnerable. Besides, the black beast is an agile predator who moves more silently than the night.

So, even if the hunter may have his combat knife, he would still face a challenging opponent who protects his territory.

However, for some unknown reason, Akira appears to be in favor of the deadly feline. Perhaps Shiki is an oversized cat who walks where and when he wants, and no one would tell him how to behave. Despite that, for now, having a temporal ally is better than nothing, and he cannot be picky in this situation.

Meanwhile, the red-eyed panther shows him the floating garden. Not only the hunter is greeted by the elegant dance of the rose petals in the night sky, However, also staying outside feels so refreshing. Who knew that feeling the mild wind is so pleasant and liberating too?

More so, it’s like a breath of fresh air after seeing nothing but the gloomy stone walls. That’s why whoever works on keeping this slice of nature’s paradise does a good job.

Yet, as the large feline guides him, the blue-eyed hunter keeps reminding himself that he is not here to enjoy himself but only to play along with whatever Shiki comes up with.

After arriving at the garden’s edge, Akira leans on the marble parapet and observes the scenery in front of him. Seeing the vasts of Forest of Eternal Night from above makes him understand how everything looks so petite. Even if he got killed by the ferocious dog, no one would spot a tiny dot like him in such a large space.

Perhaps, the Count spends his time here wondering whether anyone will reach him through the endless forest filled with the clawed and fangs armored creatures. However, does seeing the same scenery enlighten by the crimson moon again and again and impatiently waiting for a cunning thief to arrive doesn’t bore him?

Suddenly, the vampire hunter kills the silence by commenting ‘‘Did you bring me here to show how big your owner’s kingdom is? It might be impressive. But having all this for a single person might be too much and unnecessary, don’t you think?’’.

Instead of answering this human, Shiki loudly exhales through his nose, and his long tail hits the ground.

After looking down at the panther, Akira asks him in a slightly irritated tone ‘‘What is it? Don’t expect me to praise your master. I’m not here to become his new servant or please him. I’m here to take him down. So, if he dislikes something, it’s his problem, not mine, got it?’’.

Lastly, Shiki turns around with his lifted head while expecting Akira to follow him.

In the end, after walking together in the castle, the red-eyed panther shows the hunter the last place he wanted him to see.

Unfortunately for Akira, it’s not the master room. Although, on their way, when he noticed the giant gate in the hallway and tried to approach it, Shiki pushed him away. Perhaps, behind that door, his master is impatiently waiting for the new challenger. In any case, the hunter kept an eye on it and the path how to find it.

But for now, he cannot understand why exactly he is brought to the enormous library and guided in this endless labyrinth of tall bookshelves.

Even from quickly scanning his surroundings, he could tell that the dark lord’s library is filled with ancient textbooks about alchemy and sorcery, a lot of various encyclopedias and bestiary, to various fiction in any human tongue and from the demon realm. Yet, the hunter doesn’t expect to see the vampire owning the thick volumes about science and medicine as well.

Meanwhile, the black panther turns back time from time to see whether his human isn’t lost. After all, a mere wanderer can easily lose their way and stuck in this endless maze. Yet, seeing how the hunter doesn’t hide his curiosity and carefully studies his surroundings interests the beast.

Good. Perhaps, that will help this foolish human to remember the path when he needs to leave. If he lives long enough. Or so, the large feline decides.

After a while, this couple reaches the end of this maze. As Akira should have expected, there is an area that he assumes is used as the study room.

The hunter can even imagine that when the Count is bored, he sits in front of the wide desk in that comfortable armchair while his loyal pet lies next to him.

When that bastard is tired of this world, he can indulge himself in diving into the one from his library. Perhaps, this is what you need in your life - peacefully enjoying the warmth of the fireplace in the dark evening and your solitude. If he wasn’t his target and a blood-thirsty killer, he might have something in common with this Il Re type. Or so, Akira wonders.

However, something else catches his eye again. There is one tall bookshelf that is leaning against the wall. As he gets close to it, he notices through the book gaps that there is a room behind it.

Unfortunately, when he is about to lean and see what it could be, Shiki bites into his wrist while growling at him. A second later, he lets out a small gasp.

Even if his fangs don’t penetrate his skin, Akira can feel a sharp pain as the feline pulls his hand. From Shiki’s glowing red eyes and lowered ears alone, he can tell that this big cat does not want him to go anywhere close to that specific bookshelf.

The hunter knows he has to remain calm no matter what kind of monster faces him. That’s why he addresses Shiki without removing his eyes from him ‘‘Let me go. You gonna tear my arm.’’.

Surprisingly, the dark beast listens to him and loosens his jaw around the hunter’s hand. Yet, his lowered tail rapidly hits the ground.

‘‘I won’t go anywhere close to that place if that makes you happy. So, don’t stare at me like that.’’ Akira assures the panther. Lastly, he doubts for a second before ruffling Shiki’s silky fur.

Although, the hunter keeps a note that when he defeats the evil vampire, he will check what is hidden behind the forbidden shelf. But for now, the hunter uses his chance to look for something to distract himself and make himself comfortable in the armchair.

After a while, the panther leads Akira back to the guest room. Of course, the hunter would be fine resting in the library if it wasn’t for the black feline pulling his clothes and prompting him to get up. And thus, he had to leave this place.

When he crashes into bed, he only stares at Shiki, who sits next to him. Meanwhile, the panther’s eyes follow the swinging cross on the hunter’s chest. Eventually, the large feline cannot resist anymore, and he lifts his paw.

As Akira observes how this oversized kitten plays with the cross, he remarks on this behavior ‘‘If you knew what this thing can do, you wouldn’t act so recklessly.’’.

Yet, Shiki doesn’t pay attention to these words and continues his play. Besides, the hunter doesn’t mind what the feline does anymore.

Several hours have passed. Once the silver-haired young man senses the slowly rising level of the dark energy, his sleepiness instantly disappears.

However, when he turns to the other side, he only notices that while Shiki yawns, he stretches out and lifts his tail into the air.

‘So, it’s a false alert, huh?’ Or so, Akira thinks to himself as he almost closes his eyes. For now, he pretended to be peacefully slumbering and see how the feline will act.

It appears that the panther falls for his acting. Suddenly, the feline becomes a dark, liquid shadow and loses its shape.

However, the hunter understands that no matter what happens; he has to wait patiently and control his emotions. Otherwise, who knows what Shiki may do to him?

In the meantime, the shadows transform into the silhouette of the tall man. Soon enough, as the dark shadow melts, it reveals the panther’s true form. It is a beautiful man with pale as porcelain doll skin and ebony hair. Although, the most outstanding detail for the hunter is those mesmerizing crimson eyes.

Yet, the dark shadow instantly covers his body and forms his luxurious clothes. Even this noble person has the feline’s katana is attached to his belt.

Suddenly, Akira speaks up his name in silent disbelief ‘‘Shiki…’’. However, as soon the nocturnal creature’s gaze turns toward the hunter, the blue-eyed young man tries to reach out for him ‘‘Wait! Is it you?’’.

Unfortunately, there is no answer, just a silent staring at each other. Lastly, when Shiki turns around and as his coat rustles, he leaves the room. For now, the hunter remains alone with countless new questions.

Some time passed. When Akira finally gets up, he notices someone has placed his long coat on him. More so, the hunter spots his combat knife and the bag of throwing knives lying on the night desk.

After putting his coat on and attaching his weapons, he looks and calls one panther. However, no one responds to his words. When he leaves the room, not even a single spirit neither greets him nor attacks him.

Perhaps, Shiki has also returned to the master room to be by Il Re’s side. Even if that is the case, Akira will still need to fight against the evil Count. Fortunately, the panther showed him the way to the master room. That’s why he shouldn’t waste any time looking for it.

Upon arriving at the needed gate, the hunter pushes them to open them. After the gate is wide open, he is greeted by the gust of the wind and the snowy weather. As the snowflakes gracefully fall from the clear sky on the stone staircase, he grasps the cross around his neck.

Step after step, the silver-haired hunter is getting closer to his enemy while the light red moonlight shines on him. Lastly, when Akira stands in front of the large gate of the master room, he takes a deep breath before opening it.

Somewhere, in another time and place. It was a world where humans rule since ancient times. However, the creatures of the night also walk on this land without humanity realizing it.

That’s right, intelligent monsters and demons learned to hide their true form behind their human shape. Not only does it work as a perfect disguise, but also it does not drain their energy in this world.

Although, not all nocturnal creatures wanted to live together easily to catch food and lower themselves to the same level as these foolish humans. These ferocious monsters and demons openly hunted down humans and spread fear and terror across the land.

Fortunately, as long as kindness, love, and justice lived in people’s hearts, there was hope! One day, people with supernatural strength and power, who called themselves hunters, fought back the creatures of the night. After a long-lasting battle, which took many brave lives, the hunters defeated the evil monsters and restored the peace.

In the end, those who survived were feared as the ones they slain and even banished from their hometowns. Yet, instead of turning their backs on humans, some hunters continued to live in solidarity, and the others gathered into groups known as hunter guilds.

Everyone is welcome in the hunter guilds - from veteran hunters to anyone who just picked their first weapon. However, one of the conditions is - you need to pay for the rent and food. And for that, the Hunter Guild offers the chance to earn not only for survival but also to live a decent life.

There is frequently updated information about all available bounties, and the hunters can pick any wanted target.

And this is where the story of one vampire hunter who is fated to meet an unfortunate end, yet keeping his pride to the very end, begins.

It is another day in the Hunter Guild. Life here never stops even for a single moment because either someone checks the notice board and carefully picks their new target before setting on the new journey, or some people gathered in small groups. Lastly, someone is returning to the guild and about to claim their sweet bounty money.

Speaking about claiming the reward, one silver-haired hunter wearing an open long dark coat with a snow-white fur collar, an orange t-shirt, and light gray jeans enters the guild while dragging his defeated vampire. Even if the nocturnal creature was listed as an A-rank monster, in Akira’s eyes, he was barely as strong as a D-rank one. Perhaps, even lower rank than that, but the guild offered a generous reward.

In any case, the money is the money, and he’ll use it to live without worries for a good couple of weeks and take a long-awaited break.

The blue-eyed hunter also never cared about fortune, nor felt the thrill of dominating and killing his target, as some elite hunters do. Besides, he only does what he can do, and if the enemy is in front of him, he doesn’t hesitate and finishes it as soon as possible.

Even since his first hunt, he cannot understand how earning bread and keeping the roof under his head sounds exciting or glamorous to anyone. After all, it is monotonous work for which he gets paid.

Surprisingly, Akira has become a vampire hunter, not because of seeking revenge for what vampires did to him. More importantly, killing the blood-thirsted monsters won’t bring his dead parents.

Lastly, it is already a distant past, even if he cannot recall bits and pieces of it, and believes in the hunter’s words, who rescued him and raised him as his child and later suggested joining the Hunter Guild.

But for now, Akira remembers that his mission is not over until he delivers his captured target to the master room. That’s why, the faster he brings his captured creature, the better it will be.

On his way, he hears a familiar voice calling out for him ‘‘Akira!’’.

Upon looking in the direction of that voice, the blue-eyed hunter spots his childhood friend, who greets him with excitement in his voice ‘‘You’re finally back! How did it go?’’.

Suddenly, the brunette gets startled by the groaning vampire revealing bare fangs and hisses at Keisuke. Yet, Akira coldly glares at the dead creature.

‘‘Why-Why it is… It’s still alive?’’ Keisuke asks in disbelief.

After silently exhaling, the silver-haired young man explains ‘‘He is not. It’s only his last breath.’’.

‘‘Oh… I see.’’ the brunette replies. A couple of seconds later, Keisuke lowers his gaze and asks in a slightly shy tone ‘‘Um, I was thinking about it for a while, but I couldn’t ask you this while you were gone.’’.

As Keisuke clenches his palms into fists, he finally gathers enough courage and speaks up ‘‘Can I train with you? Well, if you are fine with it, of course… Or at least watch you. I-I promise I won’t bother you!’’.

‘‘Do as you wish. But not today. I need to rest.’’ Akira quickly backfires.

Suddenly, the brunette’s eyes sparkle with innocent joy, and he cheerfully replies ‘’Y-yes! Then, I’ll wait for tomorrow, Akira.’’. In the end, the rookie hunter follows his childhood friend to the master room.

Some time passes. At last, Akira reaches his room. However, after opening the door and stepping on the rustling paper, he gives a questioning look. Once he looks downs, he notices an envelope sealed with wax.

Upon picking up this piece of paper and studying, the silver-haired hunter realizes that this is the letter from the church.

Perhaps, it’s for the wrong person. Or so, he wonders. However, Akira carefully checks the address and the recipient’s name.

‘‘Just what kind of business the church wants with me?’’ The hunter murmurs as he tears the envelope and reads the letter.

The church offers him an unusually high reward, which allows him to retire early and live as a noble by only for bringing the head of an SS-rank vampire. However, Akira doesn’t trust this offer and already can sense that it sounds too good to be true.

Nevertheless, he decides to go to church. After all, he is running out of holy water, and it won’t do any harm to bless his trust-worthy combat knife and other sub-weapons. More importantly, he won’t feel under someone’s pressure by observing him during his training session. And thus, once the sun rises, he is going to visit the god’s house.

After entering the church, the vampire hunter is greeted by the priest and the red-haired nun near the altar.

‘‘Welcome. We’ve been waiting for you, hunter.’’ The redhead addresses him in a proud tone.

Yet, Akira doesn’t waste any time and straightforwardly asks ‘‘So, you were the ones who sent the letter? What do you want from me?’’.

After the nun cracks a smile, she replies ‘‘Not only you didn’t show up yesterday, but you dare to speak like this when you are a wanted criminal, vampire hunter Akira.’’. As her blue eyes sparkle, she adds in a mocking voice ‘‘Who knew that an excellent hunter is nothing more than a cheap fraud… You claim enormous rewards by killing innocent people who look similar to your targets for a long time. However, this time you won’t get away, boy.’’.

For sure, Akira has no idea what this woman is talking about. Yet, instead of listening to the empty insults, he turns around and is about to take his leave.

Unfortunately, the same voice makes him freeze at the same spot ‘‘Go on and leave. I’m sure that the Hunter Guild is already waiting to arrest you, and before preparing you for the public execution, you may receive proper punishment for your actions. Even your dirty lies about your target being too weak won’t help you.’’.

The silver hunter widens his eyes and grids his teeth. After turning around and approaching the church people, he exhales and defends himself in a patient and chill voice ‘‘I don’t know what you have against me, but you got the wrong person. My target was a vampire. He had sharp fangs and glowing eyes.’’.

‘‘The police reports say otherwise. How about you read it by yourself? Maybe then you’ll realize that you have nowhere to run.’’ The redhead backfires, and when she turns her head, she addresses the priest ‘‘Father, could you pass me the papers?’’.

After the dark-haired man passes the pile of papers, the nun handles them to Akira and explains ‘‘We do not wish any harm to you. We are only the humble servants of god. I’m Emma, and he is Gwen. As you can see, a group of people witnessed how a hunter who looked exactly like you abused a homeless man until he stopped resisting so that you could drag him away.’’.

When the vampire hunter removes his gaze from the studied papers, he replies ‘‘But it wasn’t me! I was in the opposite part of the city when it happened.’’.

‘‘If it was only one person or two, you may still argue about whether one of them is lying. However, these people say the same thing, even if they don’t know each other. Anyway, this church shares a long history of supporting the Hunter Guild. That’s why we may still help you.’’ Emma explains.

Lastly, she addresses Akira in a strict voice ‘‘Listen, we are giving you a second chance, and it’s up to you if you will use it. We have a perfect job for you. There is one pesky, arrogant vampire named Il Re, who kills people for his entertainment and challenges the brave men to play his little game. This manipulative creature even brainwashes people and makes them fight each other until only one remains. However, his hunger for power has grown stronger over the years, and he plans to destroy all humans and take over the world. That’s why, we ask you to go to the Forest of Eternal Night, where he lives, and defeat him. However, you must bring his head to us as proof of your victory. If you cooperate with us, we will convince the guild master it was another person who hunted the wrong target. More importantly, you will receive a reward, which lets you live the best of your life.’’.

However, once she finishes, the vampire hunter feels like such an offer is suspicious. Therefore, he asks to make sure that his senses are false ‘‘I can assume it is at least an SS-rank vampire. So, why are you asking me instead of the veteran hunters? I’m not even from any legendary hunter clan nor hunted down monsters above the S-rank. Aren’t you risking to send someone who may die and waste your time by looking for another hunter?’’.

‘‘You do realize that you have no bright future ahead of you, and you will rot in prison? It’s fine by us, hunter. However, we’ve seen records of your previous targets, which were enough for us. So, consider it again.’’ The redhead nun replies in a serious tone.

No matter how much Akira dislikes that someone decides what he should do, he admits that the woman is right, and either way, he may die. That’s why, after a while, he picks the lesser evil and accepts the offer.

‘‘When do you want me to start?’’ The blue-eyed young man asks.

In the end, Emma delightfully stares and curves a smile on her face ‘‘You’ve made a smart decision. However, before you go, I’ll give you something that will be useful during your journey.’’. After removing the silver necklace with the cross by her right arm, she handles it to Akira ‘‘This is a holy cross, which will vanish all creatures of the night around. However, use it wisely because it will work only once. Lastly, may the Lord be with you.’’.

Lastly, when the silver-haired hunter receives the blessing from the church, he sets on a new adventure to prove his innocence.

A few hours passed since the hunter left the city, and he entered the Forest of Eternal Night. Despite this place being quiet and reminding an ordinary forest during the nighttime, he is more cautious than usual. After all, who knows what kind of monsters are lurking in the dark? However, the longer he wanders here, he notices that the only entities he has encountered by far are the small and harmless animals that ran away after seeing him.

By far, the most outstanding thing about this forest is that the moon, which is surrounded by countless stars, is glowing in bloody red. More so, according to these church people, he should follow the moonlight until he reaches Count Il Re’s castle.

Some time passed. As Akira continues on his path, he isn’t aware that a pair of glowing eyes are watching him and waiting for the right moment in the distance. Soon enough, the lurking creature in the darkness reveals its fangs and licks it with its long wolf’s tongue. Certainly, the human’s blood smells delicious, and that fool will be easy prey. Or so, an enormous monster thinks.

Just as the vampire hunter spots the bridge connecting the forest and the castle, he can sense that something is off. However, the moment he is about to pick up the combat knife, he hears the loud, freezing in fear growling behind him.

Suddenly, the giant werewolf jumps from the depths of the forest with its open mouth. Yet, Akira’s reaction is quicker, and he dodges the attack.

Although the furry monster dashes at him with its sharp nails. Slash after a slash, and the hunter gracefully maneuvers it. However, the last strike almost gets him, and a nail damages his cheek.

After smelling the fresh blood, the beast howls and licks its lips, thirsting for the flesh. As Akira picks multiple knives into his fingers and aims at the werewolf. Although, the nocturnal creature brushes away the launched blades at it. Hell, it even didn’t get scratched.

Yet, the hunter had not a single second for wondering or a breath. The ferocious beast launches a strike at him at an inhumane speed and sends Akira flying until his back hits the tree.

As he lets out a painful groan, the hunter harshly lands on the ground. Despite that his whole body twitches, and he realizes that, in the end, he became mere food. Yet, he refuses to show any sign of suffering to the monster in front of him.

Meanwhile, the ferocious beast’s claw roughly grabs him by the throat and lifts him into the air. Even when his throat is under such pressure, the blue-eyed hunter shakily places his hands on the hungry dog’s wrist and attempts to remove it.

However, the creature only enjoys his struggle and sticks out its tongue. Of course, Akira is disgusted by this creature licking his face and drooling on him. Unfortunately, there isn’t much he can do, nor does anyone show up and save him.

When the silver-haired young man closes his eyes, gathers his remaining strength into his one leg, and kicks into the creature’s guts.

As the werewolf groans, it releases the choking and dizzy hunter. Even when Akira desperately catches air, he instantly draws his combat knife and slits his opponent’s throat. When he is showered in the dark crimson liquid, the hunter picks the holy water from his coat’s inner pocket and removes the lid with his teeth.

Then, he shoves the bottle inside the monster’s throat through its open wound. The werewolf screams like a slaughtered animal as the holy water burns it and scratches its neck. Yet, it was too late for the ferocious dog. Soon enough, the blue flame ignites and spreads across the beast’s body. However, Akira wastes no time, and without realizing it, his legs carry him away from the creature howling in agony.

After running for a while like there is no tomorrow, he crosses the bridge and reaches the castle’s gate. When he lifts his head, Akira realizes that this is only the beginning of his mission. No matter how huge is the Count's castle, the hunter knows - somewhere at the top, there should be the master room, where the oh-so-feared Il Re waits for him.

But for now, he can swear that he felt the sudden burst of dark energy behind him. As the hunter looks back, he sees no one, and as soon as that aura appeared, it instantly disappears. Perhaps, his mind only plays tricks on him. Or so, Akira convinces himself.

A couple of seconds later, the gate opens for him, like inviting him inside. In the end, he enters the castle without realizing that the dark shadow follows him and watches him.