Chapter 05

The previous day had passed in a blur. Bergard and Van managed to contact Kevin Graham, who informed them that he would arrive in two days, needing time to prepare for what lay ahead. Van returned to the Arkride Solutions office, where Agnès Claudel, his part-time assistant, was working. Concerned for her safety amidst the growing vampire threat, he insisted she stay away from the office and focus on her studies. With his weapons and ARCUS Device prepped, Van finally went to bed, though sleep did little to ease his mind.

Van awoke the next morning, groggily rubbing his eyes. The restless night had left him with only a few hours of fitful sleep, his mind plagued by thoughts of the vampire and Graham's imminent arrival. He stretched, trying to shake off the lingering fatigue, and gazed out the window as the first rays of sunlight began to creep over the horizon.

Yawning, he dressed quickly and double-checked his gear. His ARCUS Device and weapons were ready, as always. Descending the stairs to the main floor of the Arkride Solutions office, he found the space empty and silent. The solitude was almost eerie.

He slumped into his chair, trying to focus on the tasks ahead. "Two days..." he muttered, the weight of that timeline pressing on him. "Two days until Graham arrives..."

Van leaned back, exhaling heavily. He'd heard stories about the Enforcer of Steel—Kevin Graham was a legend, renowned for his combat prowess and enigmatic reputation. The thought of meeting such a figure filled Van with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

His thoughts were interrupted by the creak of the office door. He looked up to see Bergard enter, his expression serious and focused. The old man looked as though he hadn't slept much either, his eyes heavy but determined.

"Morning, old man," Van greeted him, trying to lighten the mood.

Bergard nodded, his face grim. "Morning, boy. You look like you didn't get much sleep yourself."

Van chuckled, though there was little humor in it. "You can say that again. That damn vampire's got me on edge."

Bergard managed a weary smile. "You and me both. Dealing with a vampire this powerful is no joke. But with the Enforcer of Steel on our side, we might stand a chance."

Van nodded, trying to cling to that hope. Graham's involvement was a beacon of hope, but the dread clung to him stubbornly. "Yeah, I know. But this isn't going to be easy. We need to be ready for anything."

Bergard's expression hardened, his tone becoming more serious. "You're right. We have to be smart about this. We can't afford to be reckless if we want to survive."

Van sighed, his chair creaking as he leaned back. "I just hope we're making the right call. Bringing Graham into this... it's a big risk. I just hope he can help us take care of this vampire before it causes any more damage."

Bergard nodded, his face reflecting the same solemn resolve. "I understand, boy. But we're out of our depth here. This vampire is beyond anything we've faced before. Graham's experience is our best shot at taking it down."

Van knew Bergard was right, but the unease gnawed at him. "Yeah, I just can't shake the feeling that this is bigger than we realize. Like we're stepping into something we're not prepared for."

Bergard's expression grew more somber. "You're not wrong. We've dealt with plenty of dangerous things, but this... this is different. We're going to need all the help we can get."

Van glanced at the old man, appreciating his unwavering support. "And that includes you, old man. We're going to need you at your best."

Bergard chuckled, the sound gruff but genuine. "Don't worry about me. I've been through worse than this, and I'm still standing."

Van smiled, the tension easing slightly. "I know, I know. Just don't overdo it, alright?"

Their banter was cut short by the sudden ring of the phone, the sound slicing through the room like a knife. Van and Bergard exchanged a glance, the unease returning tenfold. Van swallowed, his heart pounding as he reached for the receiver.

The voice on the other end was familiar. "Van... you need to watch the news report, ASAP."

Confusion flickered across Van's face at the sound of Feri's voice. He shot a puzzled look at Bergard before replying. "What's going on, Feri?"

There was a brief pause before Feri responded, her voice tinged with urgency. "It's worse than we thought. You need to watch the news immediately... and please, stay strong."

Van's heart sank at her tone, dread coiling in his stomach. "Alright, hold on..."

He quickly put the phone on speaker and switched on the TV beside his desk, flipping through channels until the Edith News Report appeared on the screen.

The reporter's voice filled the room. "In a mysterious turn of events, the Bracer Guild has reported that one of its most esteemed members, Elaine Auclair, has not reported for duty today. Attempts to contact her have failed, and guild members who visited her apartment found it empty. Miss Auclair has been missing since she signed off duty at 10 PM yesterday."

Van's eyes widened in shock. "Elaine? Missing?"

The disbelief hit him like a punch to the gut. He had always considered Elaine a pillar of strength, someone untouchable. But now, fear and dread washed over him, solidifying the grim reality.

"Oh no... no, no, no. This can't be happening..."

The reporter continued, "A voluntary witness has come forward: Agnès Claudel, a student at Aramis High School. She claims to have seen the missing person between 10 and 10:30 PM on Central Station Street."

The screen showed Agnès, visibly distressed, speaking to the reporters. "I saw her last night after 10 PM on Central Station Street. She seemed... overly cautious, like she was looking for someone or something. It was as if she was running from someone. I approached her, and she seemed very... agitated. Miss Auclair told me she felt like someone was following her, watching her. After that, I went back to my dorm, and she seemed to be heading home as well..."

Van's knuckles turned white as he gripped the edge of the desk, fear and concern twisting in his gut. Hearing that Elaine was missing and seeing Agnès so worried only deepened the dread gnawing at him.

"She was being followed... Damn it," he muttered under his breath.

Bergard, standing behind him, looked equally grim as he watched the news over Van's shoulder. He placed a steadying hand on Van's shoulder, trying to offer some reassurance.

"Easy, boy. We don't know everything yet. Let's just keep watching, see what else we can find out."

Van nodded, taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself. Bergard was right; he needed to stay focused. There had to be more to this, something they could use. Clenching his teeth, Van forced himself to watch the report, hoping for answers—or at least a clue.

The broadcast continued with brief statements from other witnesses before wrapping up. Van and Bergard sat in tense silence, both lost in their own swirling thoughts.

"This... This can't be happening," Van muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. He turned to Bergard, his expression a mixture of fear and uncertainty. "We need to find her, old man. We have to find her before it's too late."

Bergard's eyes were steely with determination. "We will, boy. But we have to be smart about this. Charging in blind won't help anyone. We need a plan—gather as much information as we can and use our brains, not just our fists."

Van nodded, recognizing the wisdom in Bergard's words, even though every instinct screamed at him to act. "You're right. We need to think this through. What do we know so far?"

Bergard paused, collecting his thoughts. "Elaine was last seen on Central Station Street around 10 PM. She felt like she was being followed and was scared. Now she's missing, and no one knows where she is."

"Alright, that's a start," Van said, his mind working quickly. "We need to go to Central Station Street, see if there are any clues or witnesses who can tell us more."

Bergard nodded. "Agreed. And we should also talk to Agnès. She was the last person to see Elaine. She might have noticed something that could help us."

Van stood, his resolve hardening. "Right. Agnès could hold the key to understanding what happened. We need to speak with her as soon as possible."

He began gathering his things. "Let's go. We don't have a moment to lose."

...

Agnès Claudel had just finished her morning classes, but her mind was far from the lecture hall. The news of Elaine Auclair's disappearance weighed heavily on her, compounded by Van's insistence that she stay away from the office. The concern gnawed at her, driving her to volunteer what little she knew to the reporters.

Needing a break, Agnès stepped outside to clear her head. She sat on a bench on campus, taking a deep breath in an attempt to steady her racing thoughts.

How could Elaine just... vanish?

Her musings were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. She looked up to see a young woman in the same green and white Aramis High School uniform, with long purple hair and striking golden eyes. It was Renne Bright, a member of the student council.

"Hello, Agnès," Renne greeted her with a soft smile. "May I sit down?"

"Renne? Of course, go ahead." Agnès replied, scooting over to make room for her friend.

"I'm sorry about your friend. How are you holding up?" Renne asked gently.

Agnès sighed, her shoulders heavy with worry. "I'm... just trying to process everything. I can't stop thinking about Elaine. She seemed so distressed when I last saw her. I wish I could've done more..."

Her gaze dropped to the ground, guilt gnawing at her. "I keep thinking... I should've convinced her to stay with me or walked her home. Maybe then this wouldn't have happened."

She looked back up at Renne, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "Have you heard anything about her disappearance? The authorities are being so tight-lipped. I know it's only been a day, but it all feels so... strange."

Renne shook her head. "No, nothing. It's a complete mystery to me too. An A-rank Bracer just vanishing without a trace... It's hard to believe. Edith's seen some strange things since Almata's downfall, but this..."

Agnès nodded in agreement. "It really is strange..." She paused, lost in thought before speaking again. "Can I ask you something, Renne?"

Renne looked at her curiously. "Of course. What's on your mind?"

Agnès hesitated but then decided to voice her concerns. "Renne... have you noticed anything odd about Van and the others? They all seem on edge, like they're hiding something. Van kept asking me to promise to stay in the dorms, especially at night..."

She trailed off for a moment before continuing, "I know Van can be a bit paranoid, but this feels different. I can't shake the feeling that there's something he knows, something he's not telling us."

Renne's expression grew thoughtful, her suspicions piqued. "What is it, Renne? You look like you've got something on your mind," Agnès said, noticing her friend's reaction.

Renne sighed. "I think I should look into this... and have a talk with Van." She glanced over her shoulder. "Speaking of which..."

Agnès followed Renne's gaze and saw Van approaching, with Bergard Zeman, his former mentor, trailing a few steps behind. "Ah, good timing," Agnès called out as Van drew closer.

Van approached them, his expression tense and troubled. "Hello, girls... I need to talk to you."

Agnès stood up from the bench, sensing the seriousness in his voice. Renne did the same, her attention fully on Van. "Van, what's wrong?" Agnès asked, concern etched on her face.

Van took a deep breath, struggling to keep his composure. "Please, tell me everything you know about what happened with Elaine. You were the last one to see her, right? What happened?"

Agnès nodded, trying to recall the events of that night. "Yes, I was the last person to talk to her. She seemed really agitated, worried. It was late, and she said she felt like someone was following her."

She paused, the memory weighing heavily on her. "I tried to comfort her... but she said she wanted to go home. We said our goodbyes, and I went back to the dorms. That's the last time I saw her..."

Agnès looked at Van, her brow furrowed in concern. "Van, what's going on? You seem... troubled."

Van swallowed hard, trying to steady his nerves. "Please, Agnès, for the time being, don't go out at night. Lock your doors and be careful who you interact with." He glanced at Renne. "That goes for you too, Renne."

Agnès looked surprised and even more worried. "Van... is there a reason you're asking us this? Is something dangerous happening?"

Van met her gaze and nodded slowly. "Yes... something very dangerous. Maybe even more dangerous than Almata."

Agnès exchanged a troubled glance with Renne before turning back to Van. "More dangerous than Almata...? What are you trying to protect us from?"

Van sighed, realizing he couldn't keep them in the dark any longer. "Alright... I won't hide it from you. I don't want either of you to fall victim to this bastard."

Agnès waited anxiously, her eyes locked on Van as she braced herself for what he was about to reveal.

Van exhaled deeply. "Two days ago, Feri contacted me. She wanted to meet, even though it was past midnight. We met at a café near her home, and she told me about a traumatic event from her past."

Agnès raised an eyebrow, surprised to hear Feri was involved. "What happened? What did she tell you?"

Van explained, "Feri told me that about a year ago, she was searching for a hidden treasure on Nemeth Island with a rival Jaeger. In an old chapel, they discovered a secret room containing a sarcophagus and what appeared to be a mummy. The rival Jaeger betrayed her, knocked her out, and stole the sarcophagus. But recently, the police caught up with him. When they arrested him, he had lost his mind, completely deranged."

Agnès listened closely, her expression growing more serious. "A rogue Jaeger with a relic from Nemeth Island... who's now gone mad. But what does that have to do with what's happening now?"

"Please, just hear me out," Van continued. "Feri visited that Jaeger in his cell, and he claimed that his group somehow woke up the mummy. He said it drained their blood and escaped. He called this creature Nosferatu. The guy was ranting about how it's coming for us all, how it will feast on the blood of everyone in Edith. Bergard and I did some digging, and with the help of an old friend, we found out that 'Nosferatu' is just another term for a vampire."

A chill ran down Agnès's spine at the word 'vampire.' It sounded like something out of a horror story, yet Van was speaking with a grave certainty. "A... vampire? Are you saying that this creature is a vampire?"

Van nodded. "Yes... and I have a strong feeling that it's already prowling the streets of Edith at night."

Agnès's sense of dread deepened. "W-Walking the streets... at night? Do you think this thing is responsible for Elaine's disappearance?"

Van scratched his head, clearly troubled. "I can't say for sure. But we can't rule it out."

Agnès tried to steady her nerves as she asked what had been weighing on her mind. "V-Van... if this vampire is preying on people at night, what's being done to stop it? We can't just let it roam free and endanger more lives."

"We're not," Van assured her. "I asked Bergard to reach out to Kevin Graham. He's an experienced Gralsritter, and he'll know how to deal with this thing."

Agnès felt a small measure of relief at the mention of the Gralsritter. "So, we have the Gralsritter investigating. That's a good start."

Renne seemed intrigued by the news that Kevin Graham was involved, remembering him from years ago. Van sighed and added, "Anyway... Graham, the old man, and I will handle this monster. It's too dangerous for you. So please, stay in your dorms at night, lock the doors, and the windows too."

Agnès nodded, the gravity of the situation sinking in. "I understand... I promise I won't go out at night. And I'll make sure my room is secure."

Van smiled faintly. "Good girl." He stood up and coughed, preparing to leave. "We'll go get ready to face this vampire. You two stay here, on campus. You should be safe."

Agnès and Renne nodded, understanding the seriousness of his words. As Van and Bergard left, the two girls stood in silence, grappling with the reality of what they were facing. It felt more like a nightmare than something real.

...

After finishing her classes, Agnès returned to her dorm. The conversation with Van weighed heavily on her mind. The thought of a vampire-creature roaming the streets at night was terrifying, and unease settled in her stomach. Following Van's advice, she double-checked that her door and window were securely locked.

She sat on her bed, letting out a long sigh. It had been a day full of shocking revelations, but with nightfall approaching, a sense of relief washed over her—though Van's warning echoed in her mind.

"Stay in your dorms at night... lock the doors. And the windows as well."

Agnès repeated Van's warning in her mind, the words echoing with an unsettling weight. The sense of dread that clung to her thoughts was impossible to shake, and she knew—without a shadow of doubt—that she would follow his advice to the letter. With a final, anxious glance at the locked door and window, she laid down on her bed, the soft sheets offering no comfort to her restless spirit.

Though she tried to relax, her mind remained on high alert. Every creak, every rustle, seemed magnified in the oppressive silence of her dorm room, making her heart race with growing intensity. Time stretched into an eternity as she stared at the ceiling, her nerves fraying with each passing second. The quiet was suffocating, broken only by the distant sounds of nocturnal creatures or the wind brushing against the building. But it wasn't the wind or the animals that unsettled her; it was the creeping sensation that she wasn't alone.

She had locked the door and window, just as Van had told her. Yet no amount of reasoning could dispel the feeling of being watched, as if unseen eyes lingered in the corners of the room. The shadows seemed to flicker and shift at the edge of her vision, feeding her paranoia. Turning onto her side, she faced the locked window, the moonlight filtering through the glass and casting eerie patterns across the floor. Under any other circumstances, the night would have been serene, almost beautiful. But tonight, it felt ominous, as if something malevolent lurked just beyond the glass.

She rolled over again, frustration bubbling within her as the anxiety clawed at her insides. Her breath quickened, and no amount of calming thoughts could slow the frantic beating of her heart. The silence pressed in on her, amplifying every tiny noise until it was deafening.

Finally, she couldn't take it anymore. Sitting up in bed, Agnès scanned the room, her eyes darting to every shadowy corner. Each moment of silence felt like a predator's breath on her neck, making her feel exposed despite the locked door and window. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. It was all in her imagination, she told herself. She was safe. There was no way the vampire could get in.

Yet the night felt endless, the fear gnawing at her sanity. She glanced at the clock—almost midnight. The room was bathed in an eerie glow, the moonlight seeping through the window, casting ghostly reflections across the walls. The oppressive silence became unbearable, and Agnès found herself drawn toward the window, compelled by an instinct she didn't understand.

Slowly, she slid out of bed, her bare feet making no sound on the cold wooden floor. She approached the window with a mix of dread and curiosity, her breath catching in her throat as she reached for the curtain. Pulling it back, she peered outside. The campus grounds lay still under the silver light of the moon, shadows stretching long and dark beneath the trees. The stars twinkled above, indifferent to the unease that gripped her.

But then she saw it—movement in the distance. Underneath a large, looming tree, a figure stood shrouded in darkness. Her breath hitched as she focused on it. The figure was too far away to see clearly, but she could make out a black coat, the silhouette blending with the night. What sent a chill down her spine were the eyes—two glowing red dots piercing through the darkness, staring directly at her window.

A cold, paralyzing fear gripped Agnès as she realized the figure was watching her. The sensation was so intense, it felt as though the figure's gaze was boring into her very soul. Was this the vampire Van had warned her about? The thought sent waves of terror crashing through her, freezing her in place. Her heart thundered in her chest, her mind screaming for her to move, to do something, but she was rooted to the spot.

Then, with a deliberate, almost predatory grace, the figure began to move. It stepped out of the shadows and into the moonlight, the black coat billowing slightly in the breeze. As it drew closer, Agnès could see the shadowed face more clearly now—a sinister grin stretched across it, framed by those glowing red eyes that never wavered from her window.

The terror that had been gnawing at her finally erupted, flooding her veins with cold panic. She couldn't tear her eyes away from the figure, her every instinct screaming that something was terribly, horribly wrong. And all the while, the figure kept advancing, its gaze locked on her as if nothing else in the world mattered.

The eerie grin on the figure's face sent a jolt of terror through Agnès. Who—or what—was this person, and why were they standing outside her window in the dead of night, grinning with such sinister intent? She took a shaky step back, her thoughts a whirl of fear and confusion.

The figure moved closer, their steps slow, deliberate, and almost predatory. Moonlight glinted off the black coat, accentuating the menace in every movement. With each step, the grin seemed to stretch wider, the red eyes burning like twin embers in the darkness.

Agnès was paralyzed, her heart pounding so violently in her chest that she was certain the figure could hear it. Panic surged within her, and she was on the verge of screaming for help, desperate to wake Renne, when the figure suddenly stopped.

They halted several meters from her window on the upper floor, their eyes still locked onto her dorm room. The figure stood there, motionless, for what felt like an eternity. The grin never wavered, and the silence became a heavy, suffocating presence. Agnès felt as though the air had been sucked from her lungs.

She couldn't move, couldn't look away from those glowing red eyes that seemed to bore into her soul. Just when she thought she might faint from the tension, the figure spoke.

The voice was deep and cold, like a whisper from the grave, sending shivers down her spine. She had to focus hard to catch the words.

"Hello there... My future Queen..."

Agnès' heart skipped a beat as the chilling words echoed in her mind. "My future Queen?" The phrase repeated itself, a haunting mantra she couldn't shake. She tried to respond, to ask who this figure was, but her throat constricted with fear, leaving her mute.

The figure outside her window chuckled softly, seemingly amused by her speechlessness. The red eyes glowed with a wicked delight as they spoke again, their voice colder and more sinister.

"I know you're in there, hiding in your little dorm room like a frightened mouse."

The words sank deep into Agnès' mind, the figure's tone filled with a malevolent confidence that made her blood run cold. That word "future" echoed again, filling her with a dread that gnawed at her insides.

Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the figure's cryptic words. "Future queen"? What could it mean? And why was this person standing outside her window, addressing her with such unsettling familiarity? The fear gripping her only tightened, her hands trembling as adrenaline coursed through her veins.

The figure continued, their voice dripping with a mix of intrigue and menace that sent chills down her spine.

"Ah, my sweet little one, there's no point in hiding. I can see you, you know. Clear as day. Like a ripe fruit, ready to be picked."

Suddenly, the figure leapt several meters into the air, landing gracefully right in front of her window. Agnès gasped, terror flooding her senses as she saw the figure clearly for the first time. He was young, around her age, with dark brown hair, dressed entirely in black. His pale skin contrasted sharply with his crimson eyes, which gleamed with a predatory hunger as they peered into her room.

Agnès took an involuntary step back, her heart hammering in her chest. The young man grinned wickedly.

"Don't you want to let me in, mademoiselle?"

Agnès swallowed hard, her mind racing with fear. His invitation carried a sinister undertone, like a cat toying with a mouse. She tried to speak, to force words out, but her voice was trapped by the overwhelming terror that gripped her.

The young man chuckled again, as if he could read her thoughts.

"Cat got your tongue, my dear?"

He took a step closer to the window, his face nearly pressed against the glass. His eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made her feel exposed, vulnerable.

Agnès felt her heart pounding so loudly it seemed to fill the entire room. She wanted to scream, to cry out for help, but fear kept her silent. The young man was so close now that she could almost reach out and touch him through the glass. Yet deep down, she knew that if she let him in, it would mean her doom.

The young man sighed, then with a flick of his hand, the window unlocked itself and swung open. He stepped inside, filling the room with a dark, ominous presence.

"Just for your info, mademoiselle," he said, yawning nonchalantly. "That whole invitation weakness is a load of bullshit. Just a myth mortals invented to feel safe from my kind."

Agnès watched in horror as the young man effortlessly entered her room. His words, dismissing the invitation weakness as a myth, echoed in her ears. She felt her knees weaken, her terror threatening to overwhelm her. She backed away until her back hit the wall, nowhere left to run.

"W-who are you?" she managed to stammer, her voice barely a whisper. She tried to sound brave, but the fear was plain in her wide, terrified eyes.

The young man chuckled, a dark, amused sound.

"Oh right, I haven't introduced myself yet. How rude of me. I am Lord Kain, a nobleman from Ereb—" He paused, then smirked. "Oh, screw it. Let's drop the formalities. My name is Kyo Hirasawa, and I am a vampire."

The word "vampire" hung in the air like a death sentence. Agnès' heart raced, her body trembling as the reality of her situation crashed down on her. She felt as if she might pass out from sheer terror.

But she clung desperately to her last shred of courage, forcing herself to speak.

"A… a vampire? Y-you're joking, right? This has to be some kind of sick joke…"

The young man—Kyo Hirasawa, or Kain, or whatever he called himself—giggled softly, a sound that sent a shiver down Agnès' spine. His response, laced with eerie amusement, confirmed her worst fears. "Oh no, my dear. I am very real."

Agnès' heart pounded as the reality of the situation sank in. A vampire—an actual vampire—was standing in her room, invading the most intimate space of her life. The terror was almost paralyzing.

"Then… w-what do you want from me?" she managed to ask, her voice trembling with fear.

Kyo smiled, a slow, unsettling grin. "Isn't it obvious, my little Agnès? I have come for you."

The words chilled her to the bone. I have come for you. The phrase echoed in her mind, sinister and foreboding.

"For… me? W-what do you mean?" she whispered, barely able to speak.

Kyo's smile warmed unexpectedly, catching her off guard. "I've come to sweep you off your feet."

Agnès blinked, momentarily disoriented by the sudden shift in tone. The warmth in his smile was completely at odds with the terrifying situation. "You… you want to 'sweep me off my feet'?" she repeated, incredulous. "That doesn't sound like something a vampire would say."

Kyo laughed, a deep, rich sound that sent another shiver through her. "Oh, my lovely Agnès, you have no idea. Yes, we vampires are creatures of the night, bloodsucking predators—but we're not completely heartless."

His words, so unexpected, sent a ripple of confusion through Agnès. Vampires, in her mind, were beings of violence and cruelty, not romance. But there was something about Kyo's laugh, the softness in his voice, that made her question everything she thought she knew. She swallowed, her mind racing with fear and a bewildering new sensation.

"But… why me? Why have you come for me?"

Kyo stepped closer, his presence overwhelming as he lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Isn't that obvious, my dear?"

His touch was cold, yet it sent a warm thrill coursing through her. Agnès' breath hitched as she looked into his eyes, feeling a strange, intoxicating pull. "I… no, it's not obvious at all," she stammered, her voice quivering.

Kyo smirked, his expression both predatory and alluring. "Perhaps actions speak louder than words…" he murmured, and without warning, he pressed his lips to hers.

Agnès' eyes widened in shock as Kyo's lips claimed hers. The kiss was unexpected, an intimate invasion that left her stunned. His lips were cold, but the touch sent a jolt of heat through her body, a thrill of fear mixed with something deeper, something dangerously enticing.

She tried to pull back, but Kyo's grip on her chin held her in place, his touch firm yet unyielding. Every instinct told her to fight, to push him away, but there was a strange, irresistible force growing inside her, a spark that rooted her to the spot.

Against her will, she found herself responding, her lips moving under his. The rational part of her mind screamed at her to stop, to remember that this was a vampire, a creature of the night. But the more she resisted, the more the strange sensation grew, a hunger that consumed her thoughts and actions.

She leaned into the kiss, her body betraying her fear, acting on some primal instinct she couldn't understand. The kiss deepened, becoming more intense, more consuming. Kyo's grip on her chin softened, his hand sliding to the back of her neck, pulling her closer. Agnès' resistance crumbled as her body responded willingly to his touch.

Her pulse raced, her heart pounding in her chest. Fear lingered, but it was being steadily overpowered by something else—something dangerous, intoxicating, and undeniable.

As the kiss continued, Agnès felt her body pressed against Kyo's. The coldness of his form seeped through their clothes, a stark contrast to the heat building between them. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her body responding to his touch with a mix of terror and desperate desire.

She knew she should be fighting, trying to escape, but the hunger growing inside her was too powerful. She couldn't—or didn't want to—pull away.

The world around them blurred, the room spinning as Kyo's lips claimed hers. There was only the sensation of his cold body against hers, the searing heat within her own flesh. Her arms came up, fingers clutching at his shoulders, pulling him closer, needing more.

She was lost in the moment, a prisoner to the overwhelming sensation that had taken hold of her. Rational thought was pushed aside, drowned out by the intense, primal need that surged through her.

Kyo's hand moved down her body, lingering at her waist as he pulled her even closer. Agnès trembled at his touch, her body reacting with a heat that left her dizzy. Her heart pounded like a drum, her breath coming in short, desperate gasps as the kiss deepened, becoming something more than she could have ever imagined.

Kyo's lips left hers, trailing down to her neck, where he began to kiss her sensitive skin.

Agnès gasped as Kyo's lips found her neck, the sensation electric, sending a thrill of pleasure and fear through her veins. She tilted her head back, giving him better access, her fingers digging into his shoulders as he lavished attention on her neck.

She was caught in a storm of conflicting emotions, torn between the primal desire he was awakening and the lingering fear of what he truly was. She felt trapped, her mind at war with her body, unable to resist the pull he had on her.

Kyo's lips moved lower, nibbling and sucking at the delicate skin of her collarbone. Agnès moaned softly, her body arching into his touch as the sensations consumed her. She was on fire, every touch sending waves of pleasure and pain through her system. Her resistance crumbled completely, her rational thoughts drowned out by a primal lust that threatened to overwhelm her.

She felt Kyo's breath on her skin, cold and chilling, yet it only seemed to stoke the strange fire building within her. Every icy touch was like fuel to the heat coursing through her veins.

His hand slid lower, fingers teasing the hem of her shirt before slipping beneath it. Agnès shuddered at the sensation of his cold hand against her bare skin. The contrast between his cool touch and her own burning flesh sent a thrilling shiver through her body.

"K...Kyo..." she gasped, her voice thick with a heady mix of desire and fear. "We...we shouldn't…"

Kyo sighed softly, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "Who decides that, my dear? We're the only ones in this room. We can do whatever we want…"

His words sent a delicious shiver down her spine, his breath cold against her ear, intensifying the warmth spreading within her. He was right; in this moment, in this room, nothing else mattered.

She could feel her resolve crumbling, the rational voice in her head fading as her body surrendered to Kyo's touch. She was trapped in a whirlpool of sensation, all her fears being drowned by the relentless tide of need surging within her.

"I… I suppose you're right…"

Kyo chuckled, his hand exploring lower, fingers tracing a slow path over her stomach and hip. His lips returned to her neck, nipping and sucking at the sensitive skin there. Agnès gasped, her body trembling in response to his every touch.

"You're so responsive, my dear," he murmured, his voice a smooth, seductive purr. "I can feel your body trembling under my touch. So sensitive, so eager for pleasure…"

Agnès flushed deeply at his words, acutely aware of how her body reacted to him. Her pulse quickened, her breath grew ragged with every kiss, every caress. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, like standing on the edge of a cliff, unable to stop herself from falling.

"I... I can't help it," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Your touch... it's like nothing I've ever felt before. I… I can't control myself when you touch me…"

Kyo let out a low, knowing laugh, clearly reveling in the effect he had on her. He moved his mouth back to her ear, his breath sending another shiver down her spine.

"That's the beauty of it, Agnès. You don't need to control yourself. Give in to the sensations, let them wash over you. Trust me, it will be the most exquisite pleasure you've ever experienced."

Her mind swirled with conflicting thoughts, torn between fear and the growing desire he was awakening in her. Part of her wanted to cling to common sense, to survival instincts, but the part that Kyo had ignited with his touch was gaining strength.

"I… I don't know if I can," she murmured, her voice trembling. "This is so different from anything I've ever felt… I'm afraid…"

Kyo's hand gently cupped her chin, tilting her face up so their eyes met. "You have nothing to fear, my dear. I won't hurt you, not in the way you're thinking. I only want to bring you pleasure, to show you a world of sensations you've never known."

He leaned closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "Give yourself to me, Agnès. Let me show you what true ecstasy feels like…"

Agnès shuddered, her body responding to his words like a finely tuned instrument. The fear was still there, a small voice in the back of her mind warning her of the danger, but it was being steadily drowned out by the growing hunger within her—the need to experience the ecstasy Kyo promised.

She took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she gazed up at him. "I… I want to…"

Kyo chuckled again, his voice laced with satisfaction. "That's a good girl," he whispered, his tone low and sultry. "Just let go, Agnès. Give in to your desires, to the sensations I'm going to give you. Trust me, you won't regret it."

His hand caressed her cheek tenderly before his lips found her ear once more, his breath hot against her skin. "I'm going to make you feel things you never knew were possible."

Agnès closed her eyes, surrendering to the sensations. The fear was melting away, replaced by a heady mixture of excitement and anticipation. Her body responded eagerly to his touch, the heat within her growing with every caress, every whisper.

Rational thoughts were fading, replaced by a primal, overwhelming need. She craved the ecstasy Kyo promised, even if it meant losing herself entirely.

"Please… show me," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Kyo smiled against her skin, his lips trailing down to her neck once more. He kissed and nibbled at her flesh, his touch both possessive and gentle.

"As you wish, my dear," he murmured, his voice as smooth as silk. "Just relax and let yourself go. I promise you, it will be like nothing you've ever felt before."

His hands roamed over her body, exploring every curve, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Agnès trembled, her body arching toward him involuntarily. His hands and lips seemed to know exactly where to touch to make her shiver and gasp, as if he was playing her like a finely tuned instrument.

She felt her fears and reservations burning away, consumed by the heat of his touch. Her heart pounded in her chest, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps as she surrendered herself completely to him. Rationality no longer mattered—all that existed were the sensations he awakened within her.

"Vampires...?" Renne murmured, her brow furrowing in confusion as she sat on her bed late at night, the door and windows securely locked. It was hard to wrap her mind around the idea. She lay back, staring at the ceiling, trying to process the unsettling thought. The very notion of vampires made her uneasy.

Minutes passed in silence as Renne wrestled with the strange idea. Eventually, curiosity began to gnaw at her, urging her to move. She sat up quickly, her heart beating a little faster, and made her way to the window. Hesitantly, she cracked it open and peeked outside.

The night air was crisp and cold, brushing against her skin as she scanned the quiet surroundings. Seeing nothing unusual, she let out a small sigh of relief and closed the window, returning to bed. Yet, the thought of a vampire lurking out there gnawed at her, keeping sleep at bay.

She tossed and turned, unable to quiet her mind. Restless, Renne sat up again, tapping her nails against the blanket in frustration. The boredom and anxiety only seemed to grow, making her more agitated by the second. She rose from the bed, pacing back and forth, her mind racing with thoughts of what might be lurking in the dark.

With every step, the idea of a vampire outside made her more anxious until she suddenly stopped, her eyes fixed on the door. A faint "thump" echoed from outside, as if something had been thrown against the wall of the dormitory.

Renne's heart skipped a beat. Her curiosity piqued, she walked toward the door, trying to locate the source of the sound. "Hello...?" she called softly, her voice trembling slightly.

There was no response, just an eerie silence that made her skin crawl. Another faint noise reached her ears—like something being opened. She glanced back at the window, noticing it was closed.

"Huh...?" she whispered, confusion and alarm creeping in. She distinctly remembered opening it. Approaching the window slowly, she opened it once more and leaned out, scanning the area below.

Her eyes darted around, searching for anything out of place, but she found nothing. A sense of frustration and unease welled up inside her. Just as she was about to close the window again, a cold breeze whipped through the room, sending a shiver down her spine.

"It's unusually cold tonight," she thought, shuddering. Glancing upward, she noticed a window on the floor above her was open. Her skepticism grew as she bit her nail, a nervous habit she couldn't quite shake.

"Isn't everyone supposed to keep their windows locked?" she muttered to herself, her mind racing. The open window above belonged to Agnès, and Renne's sharpened instincts as a former enforcer of the secret society of Ouroboros kicked in. Faint sounds reached her ears—gasps and slurps, barely audible.

Renne froze, her heart pounding. A chill ran down her spine as she strained to listen. "That... sounds like—no, it can't be..." Her thoughts spiraled as possibilities flashed through her mind.

The gasps grew louder, accompanied by faint, muffled moans. Renne's eyes widened as she recognized the voice. It was Agnès—without a doubt. Panic began to set in as she realized something was terribly wrong.

"Agnès! Are you okay?" Renne called out, her voice quivering with fear. "Please answer me..."

But the only response was the increasingly loud moans, gasps, and slurps. A deep, slow growl resonated from Agnès's room, inhuman and beastly, sending another shiver down Renne's spine.

"No... no, no, no..." Renne muttered in panic, her heart racing. "What's happening to Agnès...?" Desperation surged through her as she grabbed her scythe, its familiar weight grounding her, offering a shred of reassurance.

Without a second thought, she bolted from her room, dashing up the stairs toward Agnès's room. The unsettling sounds grew louder as she neared the door, amplifying her dread.

"Please be okay... please be okay..." Renne whispered under her breath, her hands trembling as she reached for the doorknob—only to find it locked.

A frustrated groan escaped her lips as she pounded on the door, her desperation mounting. "Agnès! Can you hear me? Open the door!" she shouted, her voice filled with urgency.

When there was no response, Renne's fear transformed into fierce determination. With a swift motion, she swung her scythe, the blade slicing through the wood effortlessly. The door fell open with a loud thud, revealing the interior of Agnès's room.

What could be seen in this room, was a spectacle Renne couldn't have anticipated. It was erotic and horrifying at the same time.

On the bed, two people lied. One was Agnès. Her cheeks were blushing and her shirt torn open. She lay on her sheets, gasping and moaning with closed eyes. But on top of her was a strange young man. He had dark brown hair and was very pale. His body was lean, yet muscular. He had his eyes closed while his hands groped and touches Agnès feminine curves, making her moan and squirt under him. The young man had his mouth on her cleavage. Renne could easily determine that the slurping sounds came from him. Renne froze in the doorway, eyes wide with shock and horror as she processed the scene before her. Her knees grew weak, and her hands trembled as a mix of disgust and disbelief coursed through her.

"What the-...!?" She whispered, her grip on her scythe tightening as she struggled to make sense of what she was seeing... She felt her heart racing again and a small wave of nausea washed over her at the sight of this young man violating her friend. Her fists clenched tightly, anger slowly building up inside of her.

"What are you doing to her! Get away from her, you bastard!" Renne shouted, her voice trembling a mix of shock and anger...

The young man stopped. His head pulled away from Agnès cleavage. He turned his head to Renne and opened his eyes. His eyes were crimson red and stared right at Renne. A stain of blood run down his chin. Renne could make out that a bite mark graced Agnès right breast now. Renne shuddered as she saw the intense red glow of the young man's eyes, paired with the sight of blood on his chin. Her heart skipped a beat as she stared at the bite mark on Agnès's breast. The realization that this was no ordinary person hit her like a ton of bricks. A vampire? Was this really happening? Her legs began to tremble even more, and the nausea that was starting to subside was now threatening to overpower her once more. She held her scythe more tightly, trying to steady herself.

"S-Stay back..." She managed to stammer out, her voice quivering with a mix of fear and anger. The young man grinned and spoke ''Oh my... I didn't think ordinary schoolgirls are running with scythes nowadays.'' He licked the stain of blood from his chin.

Renne bristled at the man's words, her anger growing. His casual attitude and disregard for what he had just done only fueled her rage further. "Don't play coy with me! What are you doing to Agnès?" She practically shouted; her voice filled with irritation. "Get your hands off her!"

Agnès gasped and breathed heavily. Her cheeks were still red. The young man smirked ''What am I doing? Isn't that clear? It's called sex. passionate, unadulterated sex.''

Renne's irritation turned to revulsion as the man spoke so nonchalantly about what he had done to Agnès. The nausea in her stomach intensified, and her grip on her scythe tightened even further. "You... you bastard..." She spat out, her voice trembling with anger. "How could you do that to her? She... she's... my friend!"

Now the young man laughed ''And soon she will be my Queen! And then we will walk the streets of Edith and feed on unsuspecting humans together...Muhahahahahaha''

Renne recoiled in horror at the man's words, a chill running down her spine. Her anger turned to deep concern for her friend. Agnes... a Queen? No, that can't happen. "No... no, you can't..." She stammered out, her voice cracking. "You can't turn her into a monster like you. I won't let you!" Suddenly the young man stood before her. Before she could react, her scythe was taken from her and thrown out of the window. Then, in a flash, the man had her by the throat, pinning her against the wall. "Ack-..." She gasped out as she clawed at the man's hand, struggling against his grip. Her vision became blurry as her air was being restricted, the pressure on her throat increasing. A wave of panic set in as she tried to pry the man's hand away, but to no avail. "Let- let go of me-" She managed to wheeze out, her voice thick with fear.

The young man grinned, showing off his sharp fangs. ''I think you need some relaxation as well. Just like your friend...May I hear your name?''

Renne struggled in the man's grip, panic and fear overwhelming her as she stared at his sharp fangs. Her body trembled as he asked for her name, and she managed to stutter out a response. "R-Renne... my name is Renne..."

The young man smiled ''Renne, huh? My name is ...Kyo Hirasawa...nice to meet you. I came here tonight to have a small taste of my future Queen. But seeing a hottie like you meddling in my affairs is quite the treat. Like killing two birds with one stone.''

Renne's heart pounded heavily in her chest as the man introduced himself. Kyo Hirasawa. The name sent a chill down her spine, a reminder of the danger she was in. "Let me go... I won't let you harm Agnes." Renne spat out, her voice defiant despite the fear that gripped her. "And don't even think about trying something with me...!"

Kyo Hirasawa cackled ''Harm her? No... I merely gave her pleasure beyond her wildest dreams. And since you intruded on us, I make you feel good as well. How does one say? The more the merrier...''

He cackled with a predatory grin.

Renne's eyes widened in horror and disbelief as Kyo spoke. The thought of him giving Agnès pleasure sent waves of revulsion through her body. "No... Stop! Don't touch me!" She exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and disgust. She tried to break free from his grip, but his hold was too strong.

Kyo Hirasawa pulled Renne close, crushing his lips against hers. She felt his tongue forcing its way between her lips, invading her mouth. Renne's eyes widened in panic and disgust as his aggressive kiss overpowered her. She tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong.

"Mmmff!" she tried to cry out, but her voice was smothered by his relentless kiss. She pushed against his chest, desperate to escape, but his strength far surpassed her own. The sensation of his tongue invading her mouth made her stomach churn with revulsion, the taste and feel of him repulsive.

"Nhh... mmmf...!" Renne's protests were swallowed by his assault, her mind racing with fear and disgust. She struggled against him, but it was futile; his grip was unyielding. "Mm mph... sto—mmff!" she managed to let out, pleading for him to stop, but her words were once again lost in the kiss.

Kyo's hands began to wander over her body, one gripping her waist, the other moving to her breast. His touch was invasive, violating, as he started to undo her shirt. Renne's heart pounded wildly as terror flooded her senses.

"Nhh... stop... don't touch me there...!" she whispered, her voice trembling with fear and revulsion. She weakly tried to push his hand away, but her strength was no match for his. The realization of what he intended filled her with dread.

"N-no... please, don't do this...!" she begged, her heart hammering in her chest, the sound deafening in her ears. She was defenseless, at his mercy, trapped in a nightmare she couldn't escape.

"Please... I beg you..." Renne whispered, tears welling up in her eyes, her voice breaking as she pleaded for mercy.

Renne felt utterly exposed, vulnerable, and completely at the mercy of Kyo Hirasawa's dark desires. His cruel laughter echoed through the room as he bared his fangs and plunged them into the tender flesh of her chest, just as he had done to Agnès before. The sharp, searing pain of his bite tore through Renne, her body convulsing involuntarily as terror and revulsion gripped her. She tried desperately to push him away, her hands weakly pressing against his broad shoulders, but his strength was overwhelming. She was trapped, helpless against his overpowering force.

"No... please... stop..." she gasped, tears streaming down her face. The pain was excruciating, the fear consuming her, rendering her powerless in this nightmarish moment. But Kyo was relentless, ignoring her pleas as he continued to feed on her, his hands roaming her body with twisted pleasure.

Renne's strength ebbed away, her body growing heavy and weak. She fought to resist, but each attempt grew more feeble until she could no longer struggle. A profound sense of helplessness washed over her, her mind retreating in a desperate attempt to find refuge from the horrors she was enduring. But Kyo wasn't done with her yet.

He grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. His crimson eyes bored into hers, as if piercing straight into her soul. Renne shuddered, a cold shiver running down her spine as she realized she couldn't tear her eyes away from his. His gaze was hypnotic, holding her captive, making it impossible for her to mentally escape.

Her thoughts grew cloudy, disoriented, as if his eyes were stripping away her defenses, leaving her bare and exposed. She wanted to look away, to break free from the agonizing eye contact, but she was powerless against the hold he had over her. The intensity of the situation, combined with the relentless pain and fear, was overwhelming. The realization that she was entirely at Kyo's mercy crushed any hope of escape.

Her breathing grew ragged, her heart pounding wildly as she fought to maintain a shred of composure. But the relentless combination of pain, terror, and Kyo's unyielding gaze was breaking her down, leaving her feeling small, fragile, and utterly powerless.

When Kyo finally released her, Renne's legs gave out beneath her, and she collapsed to her knees, exhausted and trembling. Relief washed over her, but it was tainted with humiliation and shame. She shakily tried to pull her shirt together, her hands trembling uncontrollably. Her mind was still reeling, emotions swirling in a chaotic mix of fear, disgust, and helplessness.

She glanced up at Kyo, meeting his crimson eyes once more, and her stomach churned. Quickly, she averted her gaze, focusing on the floor as she tried to regain some semblance of composure. But Kyo's satisfaction was palpable.

"I hope this has taught you a lesson," he sneered, towering over her.

A surge of anger and fear welled up inside Renne as she looked up at him, his smug grin only fueling her rage. She wanted to lash out, to scream and curse him, but she was too drained, too broken to muster the strength.

Kyo's voice cut through her turmoil, his tone dripping with arrogance. "I'll give you something I never had when I entered the world of the Undead. A choice."

Renne's heart pounded as she looked up at him, confusion and suspicion battling with the fear in her eyes. Was this another twisted game, or did he truly mean what he said? Her mind raced, torn between caution and a flicker of hope.

"What... what kind of choice?" she croaked, her voice weak and strained. Forcing herself to meet his gaze once more, she braced herself for whatever cruel trick he had in store.

Kyo smirked, his eyes gleaming with dark intent. "Give up on Agnès. She's already fallen victim to my charms and will soon become my Queen. Return to your mundane human life and leave Calvard altogether. Otherwise, you'll die with the rest of its people."

Renne's heart sank as his words hit her. Agnès... under his control? It seemed impossible, but the cold certainty in his eyes told her it was all too real.

"You..." she whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and fury. "You can't be serious..."

Kyo's laughter rang out, cold and menacing. "Oh, but I am. Edith and its populace will be the sacrifice for my grand plan. During the time of the eclipse, my underlings and I will rise and slaughter every human in Edith. But I'm generous, my dear. Since you have such a lovely body, it would be a waste to sacrifice it. So go... leave Edith. Save yourself."

Renne's anger surged anew as Kyo's twisted words sank in, the full darkness of his plan hitting her with crushing force. But alongside the rage was a deep sense of helplessness; she knew she couldn't stand against him alone. He had already demonstrated his strength and cruelty.

"And if I refuse?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Kyo Hirasawa, the vampire, regarded her with a dark smile that widened as he spoke. "Then I'll turn you into my progeny and condemn you to serve me for all eternity."

A shiver ran down Renne's spine as she imagined the grim fate he described. "Eternal servitude..." she whispered, her mind racing with dread. The thought of becoming Kyo's pawn for eternity filled her with horror, but leaving Edith and its people to face this monster alone seemed even worse. She was trapped, powerless, and utterly alone.

A lump formed in her throat as despair began to settle in. "I... I can't just abandon them," she murmured, her voice a mixture of resignation and defiance. She forced herself to meet Kyo's gaze, fear still gnawing at her, but a spark of determination now flickering in her eyes.

Kyo chuckled, amused by her resistance. "You fool... You can't save them. The city and its people are doomed. You're just delaying the inevitable. But your determination... it's admirable, in a foolish sort of way."

Renne clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white. She knew he was right; Edith was in the grip of a monster far beyond her ability to defeat. "Maybe I can't save them," she admitted, her voice quivering with fear and sorrow. "But I can't just walk away. I can't do nothing."

Kyo laughed coldly, the sound echoing with cruelty. He seemed to take pleasure in her inner turmoil, watching her struggle like a predator toying with its prey. "You're amusing, Renne. Your defiance, your determination, it's entertaining to watch. But ultimately, it's futile."

Humiliation stung Renne, but it only fueled her resolve. She set her jaw, summoning her courage. "Maybe it is futile. Maybe I am a fool," she said, her voice firm despite the fear clawing at her insides. "But I'd rather die a fool than live as a coward."

Kyo's expression darkened, his amusement replaced by irritation. Her defiance clearly angered him. "You're stubborn, I'll give you that. But let's see how much resilience you have left when your friends are dead and the city falls."

Without warning, Kyo's body distorted, dissolving into smoke. Renne flinched as he transformed, his form shifting into a cloud of mist that lingered for a moment before slipping out the window into the moonlit night.

"What... what was that..." Renne murmured, still reeling from the sudden transformation. But she quickly snapped back to reality and rushed over to Agnès, who still lay unconscious on the bed, a fresh bite mark marring her chest.

Seeing her friend in such a vulnerable state was like a punch to the gut. Renne knelt beside the bed, her hand trembling as she reached out to touch Agnès. The sight of Kyo's bite on her friend filled her with a mix of anger and despair.

"Agnès..." she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. Her fingers traced the skin around the bite, feeling the warmth and the slight swelling. "Damn him..." she muttered, her heart aching with fear and worry for her friend.

Renne took a deep breath, trying to steady herself against the wave of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She looked down at Agnès, who lay there blissfully unaware, and wondered what changes Kyo's bite might bring.

She turned her gaze to Agnès' face, taking in her pale complexion and the beads of sweat on her brow. Agnès looked so fragile, so defenseless lying there unconscious. Renne felt a lump in her throat as she sat beside her friend, her mind racing with thoughts of what might happen next. Though she had no clear plan, one thing was certain: she wouldn't abandon Agnès to whatever fate Kyo had in store for her.