Vol 4 Chapter 1 (1/2)

Invitations for the Vampires

Put simply, the call was an extraordinarily brief one

[I propose a ather at the Mars Faht local time on the final day of the month

-Gerhardt von Waldstein]

There was nothing else

But these words were translated into countless languages and spread across the Earth through all sorts of media

Of course, the e was not broadcast to the people of the world like a television show

Only about one hundred individuals were in receipt of this call

The group went beyond sirounds and languages—those who co to do with each other

From a human perspective, that is

Those ere called had one thing in common One simple but decisive factor

They were vampires

Most of those who received the e had not only surpassed the bounds of huoverned the world

To cite a more specific coanization of vampires

Of these individuals, said to be the most powerful of vampires, many had laid their roots deep into human society and beyond

In other words, they were everywhere and anywhere

No different from humans

<=>

The United States of Ao

”An excellent vieouldn't you agree?”

The voice of thethe as deep and resonant, but his enunciation was clear to those in the room

They were in one of the o

This particular rooht sky outside the as filled with stars

Dots of light lining the skies, and countless electric lights scattered across the earth

The glow of the city were just beginning to overpower the glow of the heavens And in this room at the boundary of the two spaces, a man quietly muttered,

”But there's one flaw in this excellent view Nebula's Mist Babel, the only obstacle to ’s supremacy Hmph… But I suppose that can't be helped Theelse, our total assets are greater than Nebula's—and I have to acknowledge the Mist Babel for the debt I owe to their chairo”

The man's eyes were fixed upon the headquarters of the multinational corporation known as 'Nebula'

With his gaze on the great white tower that stood proudly over Chicago, the lass in his hand

Fro was probably one of the greats as well The carpet covering the floor was mainly of primary colors, but there was not a hint of frivolity in its design It was as though a chunk of floor had been carved out of a royal palace and transported here

The carpet was not the only thing that fit this description The little round tables, the lights on the walls and ceilings, and even the pillars were showy yet majestic

The rooht out of the h-class restaurant

And since the space was, in fact, a dining rooreat wealth, neither comparison was very far from the truth

The man stood before one of the s in this roo in front of the wall, which wasaround, he addressed the space behind himself

”Setting aside that one bleht is simply splendid The world only truly shi+nes after darkness falls Wouldn’t you agree?”

”…”

He heard no answer

Behind the er man with his hands tied behind his back He looked to be in his ht beard on his face Droplets of blood were scattered across his brown coat, and his face was also covered with his own blood

”Now… let ain Why did you make an attempt on my life?”

With the disturbing question, the man at the ly turned around

His bright blond hair was neatly con of disconcertment before the one who had supposedly attempted to kill him

The blond h his physical movements made hi in his reat maturity behind him

And at this e came a voice filled with pure hatred

”…You wanna knohy? I thought you had ed here 'cause you already knew”

The young e, and ust

”Hue that my life has been threatened more times than there are stars in the sky But letMy family are the ones who control the Gardastance Group today All I have to my name is power and influence that lets me use money like water So if your business, or some equivalent thereof, lost out to our-”

”Cut the crap, you vampire!”

A vampire

It was a strangely unscientific statement for a man in the middle of a modern city The blond man, however, was unfazed

”Yes I am indeed a vampire And?”

His ansas incredibly nonchalant The young round his teeth

”That's reason enough for me to kill you!”

With a look at the young h to be reserved for the Devil himself—the blond vaht He soon opened his mouth once more

”I was being quite serious when I asked for yourto say So let me ask… why did you try to kill me?”

”Wha-”

”I looked into your background You have no religious affiliation, and though I considered that you ht be a freelance Hunter, I still found no reason why I should be threatened It's not as though I've ever kidnapped soet myself the loveliest of women And if I couldn't earn her love with h to sway her to ant as to assume that love can be purchased”

After his rather calm and proud declaration, the vampire continued,

”Perhaps you have me confused with another vampire After all, co our kind Perhaps it's the influence of cinema…”

”Don'toff the vampire, ”what's the difference? You’re are all the same! You deserve to die because you're a vampire!”

”Ah! Now I understand”

The va man's threats nodded, and draantly looked down upon the human

”To think I would be placed under threat for such an outdated reason in this day and age! Of course Of course! What a curious day I'd heard Gerhardt was visited by rabble like this in the past, but now I've got myself a wonderful story to tell the others!”

”…'Outdated'?”

”One can't argue that the idea of vaht Don't you agree that oneout to eli vampires for no reason other than their identity, in this day and age, is nonsense Of course, soive us a fair chance and study about us before declaring us ene”

The vaed and addressed the back of the room

”So, how does it feel to have been hindered? Not by vampires, but humans?”

”…Never thought so many people’d sell their souls to the Devil”

The Hunter spat hatefully, slowly turning his focus to the area behind himself

There were more than just the two of them on this floor

Dozens ofin a row behind the bound Hunter

In fact, the halls on this floor and uarded by 'private soldiers' ere dressed, not in army jackets, but security uniforms

The soldiers were dead silent No emotion showed on their faces

But as though speaking on their behalf, the vampire continued scornfully

”Devils? Souls? That's what's so outdated about your claims I demand labor from these people, which they supply me with And I compensate them I also pay them money to keep secret the fact that I am a vampire After all, there are countless people who are more desperate for immediate reward than eternal life”

”…”

”Ito talk with such an old-fashi+oned Hunter like yourself While you await trial, why not take your ti around a weapon as strange as a white stake?”

The va lost interest The Hunter frowned and asked,

”…You're not going to kill me?”

”I have no reason to But let ive you a piece of advice The one you should truly fear isn’t the vampire It’s the capitalist Remember I have the power to frame you for falsified crimes and put you away in prison for all eternity”

With his co words, the va smile and put an end to the conversation

”Thein the world? It’s not vampires It’s money”

He began walking, past the young man And at that very moment,

”That so…?”

The Hunter grinned maniacally

”Then die”

He had, at some point, untied his restraints The Hunter leapt into the air with great force, charging towards the vampire And in his hand was a very thin stake of carved wood he had drawn from somewhere

”?!”

But before the nearest soldier could react,

Before the blond vampire could even turn to face the Hunter,

Before even the sound of the younginto the air,

The Hunter reached out to kill the vampire at positively inhuman speeds

He reached out

Further,

Further and further,

Further and further and further still

Co man became a mass of determination that existed for the sole purpose of destruction

His one attack was filled with resolve and purpose, flying like a bullet towards his target

But the attack would never reach the vampire's heart

”Wha…”

To the young man's shock, the object that blocked his wooden stake was so all too familiar to him

Paper

His determined attack had been blocked by a mass of hundred-dollar bills

Where in the world had they come from?

It was a pile of wealth itself, composed of hundreds, thousands, or perhaps tens of thousands of bills

Hundred-dollar bills, which were sure to be worth a fortune if tallied together, had flown and squirh possessed of minds of their own They had become a paper shi+eld that stopped the Hunter's stake

A real bullet, perhaps, would have been able to pierce the sy the barrier of papers was a wall of metal composed of countless coins

From behind the absolute wall of capitalism, the vampire said with pity in his tone,

”Impressive movements For a human, anyway”

In a corner of the wall of rinned, just as the Hunter had done moments earlier

”Here's your tip”

A second later, the bills threw the his limbs of movement

Then, the vampire reached into his pocket and took out a wallet He took out a single coin and flicked it towards the Hunter

It was an innocuous action, but no one had been able to catch the ers

By the tih air, it was already over

”…”

The Hunter fainted without so roan, the whites of his eyes exposed

Lodged in his chest was a coin that had been driven into him at incredible speed

The blond va ant smile

”Remember This is capitalism”

<=>

Once the Hunter had been taken away by the police, the vaside his secretary, who had been waiting in the hallway

Rude addressed the secretary with utter cal of the distant past

”Any interesting news?”

”Yes, sir Mr Waldstein has just called for a conference”

As she gave her report, the secretary opened up a PDA and held it out to Rude

The h the contents of the eave way to an uncomfortable frown

”The end of thescheduled?”

”Yes, sir Dinner with Senator Sture banquet”

At the secretary's answer, Rude breathed a joyous sigh of relief and shut the PDA with a laugh, handing it back to her

”Trifles Cancel those engagements Even h to turn down Gerhardt's invitation”

”Is this all right, sir?”

”Of course Those hu by the Organization'swill be a much more profitable use of my time”

”From the word 'available' on the e, sir…” The secretary said, just in case

Rude looked up at the ceiling of the elevator with a haughty smile, and spoke in an appropriately proud tone

”I don't need to remind you; I have money More money than anyone in the world”

”Are you trying to be arrogant, sir?” The secretary asked enored her question, and allowed his expression to soften ever-so-slightly

”That's why I know better than anyone the value of those who can’t be bought with money

”In other words, that is the worth of the Organization is to us vampires”

<=>

Just as Rude had received the e,

Many other vampires all over the world heard the call

Through enal fire, or telepathy

All kinds of means were used to invite all kinds of vampires from all kinds of locations

One, in an ancient castle in Eastern Europe

One, on the grounds of a shrine

One, on a city crossroads

One, in front of the computer at home

One, on the high seas

One, under the waves

One, in the back of a cavern

One, atop a gigantic spiderweb in an abandoned house

One, in a pet store

One, in an arcade

One, on the front lines of battle

One, inside a crib

One, inside a grave

One, in digital space

One, beyond the stars

One, in thea human

One, in thebitten by a mosquito

One, in the amble at a casino

One, in thewith a human woman

One, in theout a crime

One, in themaintenance on his own body

One, in theat a church

One, in the estive medicine

One, in thea tan on the beach

One, in thea bomb

One, in theon a utility pole

One, in the midst of a dentist's appointment

One, in theattacked by a Hunter

One, in thea friend about to be attacked by a Hunter

One, in the uise of a Hunter

In all kinds of tie

Their dead hearts began to beat with excitement at Gerhardt’s sudden call

<=>

The former chairman of the Gardastance Group—athe top ten companies in the United States of America—flaunted his freedom and wealth without restraint

”The Mars Family's vacation home If I remember correctly, they have a helipad”

”Yes, sir They have eight helipads set aside for guest use”

”…I see”

The varavely looked at the secretary and came up with a proposal

”What do you think of this plan? Arrive on scene with a purchased un?”

”It's an affordable plan, sir, but for the sake of my mental health I would like to ask you to refrain” The secretary answered emotionlessly

Seeing the visible twitch in the woman's temples, the richest vampire in the world broke out into a cold sweat He averted his gaze and began to brainstor

<=>

A home on the island of Growerth

”I'm broke…”

The boy was looking back and forth at his wallet and his passbook,to himself in despair

”Oh no… What do I do…? Now I can’t buy Ferret a gift”

His name was Mihail Dietrich

He was an exceedingly nor in rural Germany

By age, he was quite close to beco an adult But the air of innocence around him made him seem rather childlike still

A the many types of secondary education offered in Ger a vocational school But thanks to certain circu related to the various tourism-related businesses on Growerth

Immediately after his studies, he would be conscripted There was a busy plan laid out before him, but at this point, all he was concerned about was the fanciful drea a fairl he loved A complete rejection of reality

The girl he loved, of course, never returned his affections And even if she did, there were still countless obstacles standing in their way

But what bothered him noas none of these obstacles, but the reality of the fact that he was too poor to buy her a gift

It occurred to hiift, but he currently wasn't able to make her a present himself And he had also experienced over a hundred instances of writing love letters(which were cost-free) and having them all torn apart or throay

At this point, the girl could probably report Mihail for being a stalker But fortunately, she had a good reason for being unable to turn to the police

This reason was connected to the obstacles that stood in their way

In terms of both social class and position, they were at opposite ends of the spectrum

He was an ordinary commoner

She was an aristocrat's daughter, living in a castle

He was a hu

She was a vampire

Ferret von Waldstein

It had been many years now since she stole Mihail's heart

To this very day, he continued to shower her with affection

But there was nothing but trouble in his way

Each whisper of love earned him a punch

Each love letter was tossed away on the spot

His parents were in staunch opposition

His parents hired Hunters to kill the vairl

He was pierced with a stake by another Hunter who attacked her And for a time, Mihail had been in the hospital in critical condition

And yet he did not give up

Ferret had been looking quite down lately So in order to live out his affections, Mihailpoas currently a resounding zero

”I guess I'd better find a part-time job”

In Gers from part-time jobs were subject to taxation And the nuuarantee that Mihail would find employment

He had tried to get an interview at several places, but certain circu hired

”That's all right! As long as I have Ferret's love, things'll work out somehow… Come to think of it, didn't Doctor say before that he was recruiting test subjects? …I wonder if he needs any humans”

Mihail slapped his knee with his left hand He got to his feet and immediately ran for the door

Not knoho, or what strange fate awaited before him

Of course, even if he knew, Mihail would not hesitate to step forward

<=>

Several days later Waldstein Castle, on the island of Growerth

Growerth was a large island in the North Sea, under the jurisdiction of Germany

Not only was it a proe island, it was also under development as a tourist destination It was also actively establishi+ng sister cities overseas, in countries like japan, America, and Australia

Including Neuberg, several cities were on the island, upon which was everything froes to modern-day civic centers and hotels Of course, there were no skyscrapers on the island—five-story hotels were about as tall as they went And yet not a single roos by the large streets that had been renovated into hotels were also quite popular with visitors In more recent years, the annual festival had becoe-scale hotel were currently under consideration Local opinion on the development was still mixed

Many small peaks rose up near the center of the island, covered with deciduous trees And near the top of a peak on the southern side of the island was a large castle taken straight out of the Middle Ages Waldstein Castle, the symbol of Growerth and one of its most popular tourist destinations

Its majestic beauty harmoniously blended with the viridian forests and mountains Countless visitors lost thehts as they stepped into this storybook setting

Thanks to the fact thatwere displayed on the prehtseeing destination on the island known for its rich culture

But most people had no idea

Deep within the castle, there was a residential area hidden from the public's view

But what lived inside was not human

In thein death from behind the veils of darkness

The vaed to the world of the Night

But the Master of Night, ruler of Growerth, was currently looking just about ready to cry in the face of his younger sister's rage

<=>

Evening, Waldstein Castle dining hall

”Honored Brother! Just how many times must I remind you?!”

A boy flinched at the outraged voice directed towards him

”C'ry I almost dropped my plate”

”I anation! Honored Brother, you are the master of this castle and the Lord of Growerth! So what possessed you to personally take your finished plate to the sink?!”

As Ferret chastised hihed uncomfortably

It was currently one in the

Relic and Ferret were vah so else, the tere capable of also enjoying ordinary s

Around the over theh the scene warmed their hearts Ferret, however, did not seee at Relic

”But it's faster for me to just take the plate myself…”

”This is not a matter of efficiency! Honored Brother, youof your own noble status! There is a place for commoners, and there is a place for aristocrats Is it so difficult for you to see that this boundary must not be crossed?!”

The girl earing a coant dress Her outfit alone made her seem far removed from mere humans or the mundane world

Meanwhile, the boy earing clothing you could find on any young man in the city He carried himself with a completely different air from his sister

”I think I told you this before, but… I mean, sure, I inherited the island from Father But I don't really want to act like… you know…”

”Hmph!”

As Relic trailed off vaguely, Ferret decided to turn her rage towards the htlyto them The venom hich she berated her brother had been softened