‘Professor Lara of Archwood, Study of Vampirism.

Vampire Types.

Generally, the Vampire Race is considered, by many, to be the same as the Demon Race. Admittedly, the two races have many similarities, but regarding them as the same is a pretty common misconception.

Vampires, albeit their dwindling numbers, are typically categorized into three types. First and foremost are the Originals, or the Original Vampires. Founders of the Five Original Vampire Families and immortal beings, whose first appearance was in Year 2000 of the 2nd Era.

Although not much is known about the Originals, there is one thing for certain. Each generation, there could only be one Original, one who would lead their vampire family. However, as they are practically immortal, the heads of family never really change except in very special and, as of yet, unknown circumstances.

The five Originals are active at least once per century, thus, we can somewhat establish a list of the current originals.

Tir Lanto, over three thousand years in age, often called ‘The Faceless Devil’. He is the head of the Mendaces vampire family, which has the least number of members.

Marjory Na Xivia, over twenty thousand years in age, titled ‘The Masked Queen’. Head of the Aeternus vampire family. She is the only vampire who actively appears in public and has amicable relationships with a handful of nations. Her territory is to the far East of the Human Continent.

Yae Konor, over five thousand years in age, labeled as ‘The Crazed Jester’. Head of the Scurra vampire family.

Amalon Si’knta, over thirty thousand years in age, commonly known as ‘The Fallen King’. Head of the Niger Leo vampire family.

Teresa Zan ‘The Ultimate Beast’, over five hundred years of age, head of the Gehenna Family.

It is said, and also proven, that the might of the five Originals encroaches upon the realm of gods, making them dreaded, especially the more vicious ones like Teresa Zan.

The second type of Vampires are the ‘Defect Vampires’, who were not originally vampires but other species. Once a living being is bitten by a vampire, they become a half-vampire. To complete the transformation, the half-vampire must either drink the blood of a ‘complete vampire’ or consume the blood of fifty humans. If, however, they do not complete the transformation, they will eventually become a ‘Blood Pest’. A mutated beast without any mind or consciousness.

Last but not least are ‘Descendant Vampires’. As the name suggests, they are literal descendants of the Five Originals. However, there is a recorded method in which a Defect Vampire became a ‘Descendant’ by drinking the blood of an Original.’

‘Professor Lara of Archwood, Study of Vampirism

The process of Vampirism.

Vampirism is a common term used when a victim is bitten by a vampire. It’s the consequential state in which the victims find themselves upon receiving the ‘bite’.

The process of Vampirism is different depending on the Race and the victim. It is relatively short and could even occur instantaneously.

The following are the common and distinguishable symptoms: Pupils turning red, occasional and unwarranted impulsiveness, lack of taste, periodic fever, and, of course, the craving for blood.

The longest recorded case of Vampirism is seven days and twenty two hours, though the average is one to four hours.

There is no known cure for Vampirism, but a High Priest could permanently forestall the transformation through regular blessings.’

Arthur put down the book and contemplated its content for twenty full minutes. He even forgot to call for Evelyn and refill his tea. Although Professor Lara’s history and informative books about Vampires were enlightening for him, they were still not enough to explain everything.

As a Blood Parasite, he did not crave blood or suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms, which meant he wasn’t a vampire, at least in a technical sense. He had vampire-related skills, but they weren’t enough to categorize him as a ‘Defect Vampire’.

As he was about to begin reading ‘How to Kill A Vampire’, Arthur was interrupted by his maid.

“Master, the Baron summoned you to his manor. His knights are waiting for you.”

Evelyn didn’t look pleased as she said that, her expression was a mix of chilling coldness and surfacing confusion.

“Oh? Are they, now? Okay.”

He stretched his limbs, lazily yawned and stood up, appearing neither anxious nor surprised. Since Baron Lernon was so dependent on Latif’s research, it was within Arthur’s expectation for this to happen after he attacked Leonis using Latif’s body. It was only a matter of time.

The Baron would surely inquire about what happened that day, demanding explicit details. Furthermore, he would want Latif’s body.

“The Baron also wants-”

“The old man’s body. I know. Do prepare some seafood for dinner, please.”

“Master?”

She stepped in front of Leonis and tilted her head, looking perplexed.

“Ah, I forgot to mention it. You’ll be staying here this time.”

“Master, the Baron is suspicious. He will not let go of this-”

“You will stay here, Evelyn.”

The maid narrowed her eyes and after a momentary silence, she bowed and left the room.

****

“My lord, please.”

A tall knight wearing shiny golden armor motioned toward the carriage while the other knights carefully handled Latif’s rotting and foul body.

“Such a warm escort. I’m honored.”

Arthur’s sarcastic remark did not escape the man’s ears, but he didn’t retort. He behaved respectfully and soon instructed the carriage driver to depart.

The trip to the Baron’s manor was short and peaceful. Arthur was immediately led to Lernon’s office, but as a noble, he was treated like last time, when he was possessing Latif’s body.

Before he arrived at the office, however, Arthur chanced to meet Feylord, the Baron’s only son and eldest child. The handsome young man was in the midst of talking to someone only to be startled to see a group of knights with Leonis at the front.

The Baron and Leonis Sanguis never had an ‘amicable’ relationship. In fact, they were known to dislike each other and despite the former’s absolute authority in Wilsden, he did not provoke or cause trouble for the latter.

The only reason for this was Leonis’ family. While it remains true that Leonis cut all ties with his cousin, the Baron didn’t take chances and limited his interactions with Leonis.

“Greetings, Lord Leonis.”

“Greetings to you too.”

Arthur grinned and leaned his head to the side, scrutinizing the short person Feylord vainly tried to hide.

Not expecting his father to summon a noble now of all times, Feylord was annoyed and a bit nervous, but he didn’t let it show on his face. He

‘Out of all people, what did it have to be him?!’

He inwardly cursed Arthur while maintaining the friendly smile. Just when he thought the guest would continue walking, Arthur, to get a better look, took a step forward and shamelessly peeked.

Knowing Leonis’ nasty character and his past, he thought he would cause a ruckus about seeing the person behind him, but it wasn’t the case, surprisingly. He frowned for a second then resumed his smile.

“And who might this be?”

“...”

For a couple of breaths, Feylord maintained silence, his eyebrows raised.

“It’s just a friend.”

“Oh?”

Arthur straightened his inclined posture and performed a bow toward the other guest, who turned out to be a woman.

She had long glistening silver hair, a snow-white skin, and an exceptional beauty. Although he had seen only twice and only for a brief period of time, Arthur did not fail to recognize her. She was the very same Demon woman who was chased by the mercenaries and then hid in Latif’s cave.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, demon lady.”

Upon hearing his words, Feylord’s body twitched and his expression turned ugly. As for the woman, she looked slightly surprised, her expressionless eyes intensely locked onto his face.

“My lord, the Baron is waiting.”

Noticing the awkward atmosphere, the golden-armored knight subtly urged Arthur while moving in-between him and the ‘demon lady’.

“Yes yes.”

Leonis Sanguis lazily waved his hand and continued ahead, seemingly not interested in Feylord or the woman anymore.

…

“Damn!”

Once Leonis and the knights were gone, Feylord was unable to contain his frustration and anger. He stomped the ground and glared at the silent demon.

“Now that he saw you, we’ll have to think of another plan.”

“Why?”-Demon

She spoke with a bone-chilling voice, her eyes drifting toward the windows.

“Can’t we just kill him?”-Demon

“Kill him? Do you even know who he is? And even if we do, it’ll be too late. He could tell anyone once he leaves this place!”

“Then kill him here. I don’t care.”

“You… fuck! Let’s go somewhere else.”

He was about to grab her hand and pull her to another place but she retreated and gave a deadly glare, making him rethink his actions.

“Don’t forget our deal. You will obey me and I will get rid of the Holy Knight on your trail.”

“You better get to it, then. He has already started sniffing around.”

****

“Lord Lernon, a pleasure to see you.”

Once at the Baron’s office, Arthur followed the noble etiquette and properly bowed, still maintaining that fake smile.

His host, however, was in a bad mood and did not try to hide it. He was grumbling behind his desk, his hands clenched into a fist.

“Sit, Leonis.”

“Thank you!”

Arthur pulled a chair and sat across Lernon, behaving in an overly-friendly manner, unbefit of his natural disposition. Of course, this did not escape the Baron’s notice, but apart from a momentary confusion, he immediately delved into the main topic.

“I summoned you here to talk about your assailant. Do you know why he came after you?”

“Unfortunately, I do not.”

“Did you have any prior interactions with him? Do you know who he is?”

“Was he not just a crazy old man? I did not deem it important to investigate the matter. It was just a greedy fool who was after my wealth.”

“I see.”

The Baron intently stared at Arthur, trying to read behind his smile. Eventually, he let out a sigh and leaned back against his chair.

“It was due to the lax security around the town. I hope you forgive my inattentiveness.”

“It’s fine, Lord Lernon. I have already forgotten about it.”

“Alright. Pleasedo take care of your health and always be wary when leaving Wilsden.”

Arthur nodded his head and waited for the Baron to talk again, which he did not.

“Is that it?”

“Hm?”

“I mean, is that everything you need from me, Lord Lernon?”

“Yes, it is… or is there anything you want to tell me?”

“Not at all. I will take my leave.”

Arthur did not linger there any longer, he exited the office and was escorted back to his manor.

…

Meanwhile, the Baron was still holed up in his office, deep in thought. Leonis’ behavior was beyond suspicious but his answers were within expectations. After all, Latif was a very secretive person and would not meet up with Leonis. Then again, why would he attack Leonis? For what reason exactly? All those questions weighed on Lernon’s mind. Furthermore, the Militant Inspector was coming soon and the research was nowhere to be found.