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The Story So Far: Ever since Mount Fuji erupted, the nights in Japan—and in this city—have been forever changed. Some humans were covered in volcanic ash that caused them to transform into battle-type vampires with extraordinary power, and they thus began slaughtering each other in a bloody rampage. Under the rule that whoever rises to become the supreme vampire will control the entire world, Domino, a True Ancestor Vampire, stepped forward to claim the throne. With Kyoji Karino and Zen Sagami as her minions, Domino had been cutting down powerful enemies who sought the throne. However, soon the Radiance, led by True Vampire Shiro Hinomoto, appeared before her. Through battle after battle, she recruited two new minions: Ken Nanahara, a former member of the Radiance, and Akira Hinomoto, Shiro Hinomoto's daughter. With the decisive battle against the Radiance approaching, Domino and her group visited the third faction, Golden Palm, led by True Vampire Euben Pemberton, and formed a temporary alliance. Furthermore, their strength was enhanced through the Blood Creation Ritual, a ceremony that increases the body's adaptation rate to newly acquired vampire powers, and through gladiator contests that fostered camaraderie with the members of Golden Palm. Then, as the day of the decisive battle with the Radiance was drawing near . . .
When Mount Fuji erupted, people were bathed in volcanic ash and subsequently transformed into vampires.
Not everyone bathed in the ash awoke as vampires, however. Those bathed in the ash became vampires when their fighting instincts drove them to think, I want to kill someone.
And so they entered the stage of slaughter.
Vampires killed each other at midnight to determine who was the strongest vampire. Each fought for supremacy to become king of the world, driven by their beliefs, ideals, and desires.
But not everyone wanted to kill everyone.
In every era, there were those who refused to play by the rules.
That was shortly before Zen and the others held their gladiator contest on the remote island off Minamiizu.
In a peaceful town untouched by the disaster lived a man known as Clairvoyant.
He ran a fortune-telling shop in a dim alley, and rumors spread that he could predict the future with uncanny accuracy.
However, the man had unremarkable looks and the weary demeanor of someone in his thirties. He wore a hooded cape that only made him appear more shabby. Tucked away in a dim alley off the main street, his business wasn't thriving despite his supposed skill.
Clairvoyant preferred it that way rather than being swamped with customers.
Still, having no customers gets lonely . . .
That night, once again, no customers came to have their fortunes told. Clairvoyant was about to give up and pack up when . . .
Footsteps echoed from the far end of the dark alley, and a young man emerged.
Hey there . . . you still open?
His tone was mocking, as if he found something amusing.
The young man was blond, and his black outfit looked sharp against the darkness. With both hands shoved in his pockets, his casual manner belied the confidence radiating from every gesture.
Clairvoyant was put off by the blond man's smirk.
There's a nice bar on the main street. Want me to point you in that direction?
Clairvoyant replied coldly.
It was jealousy talking; the man was undeniably good-looking.
Ha . . . I'm not some drunk looking for trouble. I'm actually into fortune telling.
The blond man shrugged.
You can see the future, can't you?
That kind of fortune teller doesn't exist. What I do is make educated predictions about what will likely happen by observing people. That's what other people mistake for supernatural foresight.
Huh . . . that sounds even more suspicious . . .
So you've heard the rumors about me. Fine, I'll listen to what you want.
The blond man sat down across from him and casually crossed his legs.
Even that simple gesture looked effortlessly cool, which irritated Clairvoyant a little. He was a petty man.
There's going to be a fighting tournament. Tell me, who do you think is going to win?
The blond man placed three photographs on the table.
They showed a poor-looking man in a tracksuit, a stubborn-looking woman in sportswear, and an ordinary man caring for dogs and cats.
That's problematic.
Clairvoyant's face soured. He occasionally got requests like this.
Which horse would win, which team would win—people trying to make a quick buck off fortune telling were nothing but troublemakers. Sometimes, they'd even resort to violence if he refused.
Hmm . . . You can't do it?
I'm not a betting consultant. Besides, you're giving me far too little information. If I could make predictions just by looking at photographs, that would truly be foresight. And furthermore—
So in other words, you can't even do this? I'm disappointed in you, fortune teller.
The blond man was laughing as if appraising him.
This man was testing him, but he wasn't testing his fortune telling results. He was testing whether or not Clairvoyant's power was genuine. Picking up on that from his expression, Clairvoyant studied the three photographs for a while.
He may look ordinary, but the man caring for the animals shows promise.
The blond man whistled softly.
Oh, really . . . why do you say that?
Assuming all three have equal ability . . . first, this scruffy-looking man. Resentment radiates from his face. I can sense something determined in his eyes, but he's the type who'll get caught up in selfish desires and make a major mistake. Next, the woman in sportswear. She's probably well-trained, but she has that stubborn look of someone with tunnel vision. She won't notice what's happening around her and will get blindsided . . . Though she does have upset potential.
So the one who looks least likely to fight . . . really?
From your subtle gestures, I could tell you had expectations for this man.
Clairvoyant stared at the blond man.
Rather than actually reading the future of the people in the photos, he figured he could protect his own pride by simply telling this man what he wanted to hear.
Clairvoyant's deduction seemed to be correct, as the blond man nodded with satisfaction.
Okay. It'd be interesting to have you read me with those observation skills of yours.
Clairvoyant hesitated slightly. Originally, he had no interest in reading young men.
What he loved most was watching young women get emotional over his fortune telling results.
Still, Clairvoyant couldn't help wanting to see a troubled look on the face of this handsome bastard who seemed to be living life to the fullest.
. . . Very well. May I have your name?
Kyoji Karino. What, you gonna do name analysis or something?
No, it would be inconvenient if I didn't know your name. Besides, I can roughly see through someone's past and future just by looking at them. The experiences people have accumulated . . . what you might call the karma that clings to them. It appears to me in ways, such as colors.
Ooh, occult!
Kyoji shrugged exaggeratedly.
Go ahead and make fun of me. This power is something ordinary humans could never even conceive.
Clairvoyant sneered inwardly without changing his expression.
Then . . . let me read your future using my power to see through a thousand leagues.
Clairvoyant focused power into both eyes.
Having spent his life constantly reading people's faces, when he awakened and discovered his observation skills had become specialized, his first thought was how to use them to make his life easier.
And so that mediocre man became a fortune teller, indulging in pleasures night after night.
Keep on smiling like an idiot . . . I'll expose you. I'll predict the worst possible future. I'm going to wipe that smirk off your face.
So . . . what color do you see when you look at me?
Clairvoyant gasped.
Should a color like that have even been visible? Should such a human have been allowed to exist in this world? To Clairvoyant, Kyoji's thin smile looked more ominous than any demon's, and he forced his expression to remain neutral to hide his alarm.
So, how do I look to you?
Clairvoyant saw a pitch-black aura representing violence and death.
The pitch-black aura sprouted from Kyoji like countless arms. The black arms swayed seductively, as if seeking something beloved, ephemeral, and fragile.
Hmm? What's wrong?
. . . M-Mr. Karino, you usually seem quite aloof, but you overreact to certain things.
Yeah, I love violence. I love pain. I absolutely love to see people's expressions twist in fear.
Clairvoyant tried to speak evasively, but Kyoji answered with brutal honesty.
Cold sweat dripped down Clairvoyant's cheek.
You have no traumatic past . . . you've lived a proper life . . .
Yeah, my parents were normal. So was my upbringing. I've lived a normal life.
White bands extended from behind Kyoji—proof that he had led an honest life.
But countless pitch-black arms extended from those white bands.
But you were different, Mr. Karino . . . you couldn't enjoy being normal . . .
I guess you could call me an explorer. I realized I liked the expressions people make at the moment they die.
And yet . . . Mr. Karino, you . . . maintain your sanity even within madness . . .
That was what frightened Clairvoyant the most.
Violence and death clung to Kyoji like shadows, yet he remained completely unaffected. He moved through it all with perfect composure, untouched by the darkness that surrounded him. There were no barriers protecting his mind.
He was either a saint, a madman, or something else entirely.
Clairvoyant could sense his own death approaching.
I've changed my opinion of you . . . You really are a skilled fortune teller!
Kyoji opened his mouth wide and laughed eerily.
It was an evil smile, like something a shark would display just before tearing into its prey.
He's going to kill me . . . !
Clairvoyant's survival instincts kicked in, and he transformed his body in an instant.
His skin became shiny and slimy like a slug's, with a small human face perched grotesquely on his torso—a truly hideous form. Even by vampire standards, he was particularly revolting, and Clairvoyant knew he was obviously one of the weaker specimens.
Even after his vampire transformation, Clairvoyant still hated his ugly, weak self.
That's why I was living like this, modestly . . . hiding and preying on humans . . . but now . . . !
Clairvoyant tried to attack, but in that instant, Kyoji vanished.
Ha-haha! You look like something I'd want to pour salt on . . . !
That vampire was sitting on the alley stairs.
His entire body was covered in ink-black skin with protruding spikes. A sharp tail whipped behind him, and he looked like some nightmarish cross between a lizard and a scorpion. His form radiated the menacing weight of layered armor plating.
That ominous form perfectly reflected Kyoji's inner nature.
Damn it . . . ! I was doing so well until now . . . !
Huh? You thought you were hiding? Haha, you weren't fooling anyone. You reeked of blood. Either way, this was bound to happen sooner or later. Hey, this is a rare vampire-on-vampire fight. Let's make the most of it, yeah? Don't worry, in a place like this, no one will come to save you. Not even if you scream.
Kyoji laughed loudly.
It was a shrill, grating laugh like an engine spinning at high speed.
Clairvoyant fought back desperately, though it made little difference.
There was an overwhelming difference in their power, and his frantic struggle only fueled Kyoji's sadistic pleasure.
Minutes dragged by . . . Clairvoyant was on the verge of turning to ash.
Like a child dissecting an insect, Kyoji took his time thoroughly tormenting Clairvoyant.
Clairvoyant's vampire heart—his cremain—was damaged, and he would soon die. For what felt like an eternity, Clairvoyant experienced hell on earth. He cursed the world, wondering why he had to endure such a terrible fate, screaming over and over again.
But no one came to help. Of course not. Clairvoyant had deliberately set up his fortune-telling business in a place where no one would care, even if he screamed at the top of his lungs.
Desperate to land at least one blow, Clairvoyant studied Kyoji . . . and suddenly realized something.
. . . Hehe, hehehehe.
He laughed pathetically.
You . . . will soon . . . lose something precious . . . serves you right!
Before Clairvoyant could finish speaking, he turned to ash and scattered.
Kyoji watched with cold, unmoved eyes.
Kyoji wasn't the type to believe in prophecies. Even if this one came true, it wouldn't shake him.
There had been a fortune-telling girl he'd met at university. He'd followed the contact information she'd given him just before vanishing, which led him here—and it had turned out to be decent entertainment. That's all he was thinking about then.
Still, Clairvoyant's words lingered in his mind.
■
Just after the gladiator contest ended, Ken Nanahara was getting an earful.
In the early morning, in a room at the lodging facility on Euben Pemberton's remote island, Domino Sutherland was chewing out two of her subordinates for their poor performance in the previous gladiator contest.
The two subordinates were Ken Nanahara and Kyoji Karino.
Listen up! As long as you're my minions, you can't humiliate me like that!
Boss . . . isn't this ancient history . . . ?
Kyoji deflected Domino's anger as he kept his eyes closed.
Since Kyoji had low blood pressure, he spent his days sluggish and lethargic, and even now he was leaning back in his chair, half asleep. Yet he'd perk up the moment others were in pain—frustrated by this contradiction, Ken stepped in to cover for Kyoji, who he looked up to like a big brother.
W-well, Lady Domino. Unlike me, big brother did win the gladiator contest . . . though his methods were, well . . .
Zen, who would normally jump in to help smooth things over at times like this, was still sleeping. Like Akira, he was probably still exhausted from his battle with Euben.
That one's fine. The problem is the fight with Akira. You're acting pretty relaxed despite your plans going awry.
You're so harsh, Boss . . .
Kyoji ignored Domino's anger completely.
Ken didn't really understand what they were talking about, but he could sense some kind of trust between them.
Domino was intimidatingly beautiful. Even though he'd seen her every day since he became her minion, Ken thought she was just as stunning as ever.
Kyoji served as Domino's right-hand man, able to hold his own with her.
Zen's in a similar position as big brother, but . . . somehow, he's different.
Hmph, if you're so bored, I'll give you work to do. Kyoji, I'm ordering you to investigate something. Use it to redeem yourself from this disgrace.
Investigation . . . ? Can't we just take it easy . . .
In contrast to Kyoji's stark disinterest, Ken shot his hand straight up.
Ken was planning to earn some points here.
I'll do the investigation, Lady Domino! I don't know what we're investigating, but! I'm a wolf! I've got a good nose!
I don't want you to do it.
Domino dismissed him curtly, and Ken deflated.
Huh . . . so it's not something Ken can do. Boss, am I going solo on this?
Kyoji perked up.
He seemed to sense there was rough business brewing from that brief exchange.
No, there's one more person. It'll be a joint investigation with one of Euben's vampires.
Is it really okay for us to be so cozy with them . . . ?
It's fine for now. Kei, come in.
Pardon me.
A quiet male voice came from the other side of the door. It opened slowly, and a young man entered carrying a laptop under his arm.
Ken's first impression was that . . .
He kinda looks like Zen.
He looked to be about the same age as Ken and Zen. He was an otherwise ordinary-looking young man with black hair and a mountain parka. His features resembled Zen's in some ways, but he gave off a different impression. He wore a knowing expression, his eyes filled with the resignation of someone merely coasting through life.
Ken also thought his demeanor reminded him of Jun Akutsu.
I'm Kei Kujirai. It's nice to meet you.
Kei gave his name and bowed politely.
Each of Euben's vampires moved systematically according to their assigned roles. The outlaw Jun was the same way. Ken figured this ordinary-looking young man of similar age must also have some unusual ability.
After looking around, Kei let out a tired exhale.
Well . . . if the conversation isn't moving forward, shall I explain?
Ken felt irritated by Kei's attitude and snapped.
Hey! What's your problem?! Are you insulting how Lady Domino does things?! Lady Domino is taking her precious time to help us bond as master and servant!
I don't understand why you're so angry. I was simply making a suggestion based on efficiency.
Which is?!
Kei frowned in genuine disgust at Ken's shouting.
Ken bristled at Kei's condescending look; it was the kind reserved for dealing with crude idiots.
Hey, how old are you anyway . . . ?
Fifteen.
You're younger than me. Arrogant little shit.
. . . Arrogant? Huh, should I respect someone who doesn't deserve it? Would you respect me if I was older?
D-Don't get all logical on me!
Could you please stop picking fights? What a waste of time.
You elitist son of a! Ow!
Since Ken was getting loud, Domino smacked him on the head.
Quiet. The conversation isn't getting anywhere. And you, stop being so provocative.
I wasn't particularly—oh, uh, sorry.
Kei bowed deeply.
Ken found Kei's mature attitude irritating—the kid was just a brat, after all—but decided to keep quiet. He didn't want to get smacked again. Domino was training him like a dog.
Kei . . . if you want to explain the situation, that's fine by me.
. . . Before that, is Karino really going to be my partner?
Kei narrowed his eyes and fixed his stare on Kyoji, who was grinning smugly.
All eyes turned to Kyoji, and he put on an exaggeratedly wounded expression.
Oh, no. You don't like me . . . ?
Was there anything likeable about how you acted in the gladiator contest? I can't trust you.
I see . . . that's only natural. What do you think, Boss?
Domino answered with a serious expression.
Are you dissatisfied with Kyoji? He's good at rough work.
I don't question his combat skills. Since I'm not good at fighting, having a strong partner would help. But I don't think he's suitable for this investigation.
He definitely is. He's sociable and versatile. He's a scumbag, though.
Domino showed no sign of changing her mind, and Kei frowned with dissatisfaction.
An ominous atmosphere settled over the room. Impatiently, Ken suddenly spoke up.
Hey, hey, hey! Who was the one who was just complaining about wasting time? Now you're the one derailing the conversation! We're not getting anywhere!
. . . You're right. Mr. Euben also told me to team up with Mr. Karino . . . Let's get to the main topic.
Kei's expression sobered completely.
Ken thought he wasn't being reasonable. He was just a cold bastard.
Ignoring the stares around him, Kei placed the laptop he'd been carrying under his arm on the table and started working on it quickly. Once the desktop switched to a dark screen, he angled the laptop so everyone could see.
There were rumors in our company for a while, but we finally confirmed it the other day.
It appeared to be a foreign site with text displayed in English, and Ken looked puzzled.
What the hell is this?
It's the dark web. A domain that exists on the internet, but can't be accessed through normal browsing. This is located in one of its deeper areas, what you'd call the underground.
. . . What does it say?
Kei answered as he scrolled through the screen.
Firearms . . . drugs, murder contracts.
Hah?!
It's a link directory that only collects illegal transactions. You can dive even deeper from here.
He stared at the laptop screen with lifeless eyes, as if this were perfectly normal, his expression remaining cold.
Murder contracts . . . you can actually trade stuff like that?
It works as a business because there's demand. They even sell human limbs for meat to cater to certain collectors.
That's fucking sick. These animals . . .
Ken remembered Bato.
That man hated his own life and spread misfortune throughout the world; he was an irredeemable villain.
But the humans beyond this screen were spreading malice worldwide just to satisfy their own desires. Ken felt sick listening to Kei speak of it as an everyday reality.
Ken, the feelings you hold are precious.
Domino's words lifted Ken's spirits, and he felt as though her powerful presence was showing him the right path.
Still, Kei, you seem to enjoy going off on tangents. Is that because you work under Euben?
. . . I apologize. I'll continue.
Kei worked on the laptop again, moving through screen after screen.
He seemed to be diving even deeper into the dark web's hidden areas, but his detached expression remained unchanged.
Then he stopped at a particular image.
Wait . . . is that . . . ?
Drawn in by Ken's startled voice, Kyoji leaned over to look at the screen as well.
Kei stared at Kyoji with emotionless eyes as his lips curled into a smirk.
That's right, that's something we know all too well. Something that shouldn't exist is lurking in the depths of the dark web. There's no way this is some bullshit scam, because that's something you can only get by killing a vampire.
It looked like a metallic heart-shaped lump, one crudely stitched back together with thread.
It was a vampire's core—something that would increase the power of the vampire that consumed it.
A vampire heart. A cremain.
■
Immediately after receiving the investigation order from Domino, Kyoji and Kei left the remote island off Minamiizu.
Their efforts paid off, and they reached the Red Zone on the mainland during daylight hours.
It was a regional city with a population of tens of thousands . . . or, well, it had been.
Now it was an area the government designated as uninhabitable, a place where the buildings had been damaged by disaster and posed a significant threat to residents' lives. The ruined city was crisscrossed by ground fissures, making it look like a monster had clawed the earth. It was absolutely uninhabitable, and the disaster's scars were heartbreaking.
Kei thought it looked like a city that had been bombed.
There were other places besides that one where people could no longer live.
More than half a year had passed since the eruption, but there were still many cities where the debris hadn't been cleared. Cleanup work wasn't progressing due to the risk of secondary disasters, and they had their hands full supporting evacuees in their new lives. There was simply a shortage of manpower.
It had been such a massive disaster.
Few knew that this disaster had been the spark that ignited the vampire war.
When Kei thought about the people who had died because of schemes orchestrated by powerful beings beyond human understanding, his chest tightened with pain. He felt helpless, wondering if there might be another, darker reason why the removal work had yet to begin.
But Kei steeled himself, accepting that it was reality.
He forced himself to show no emotion, to become the same detached person he'd been when he'd briefed Domino and the others.
It's not fair . . . evil always wins over good. Yeah. That's just how the world works.
Kei walked down the main street of the ruined city, biting his lower lip as if fighting back pain.
Somethin' wrong? You look like shit.
Kyoji called out from beside him.
He had both hands shoved in his pockets and wore a thin smile.
. . . The buildings could collapse, so I was being cautious. Don't worry about me, Mr. Karino.
Please, Kei, call me Kyoji.
Kyoji seemed to lack energy during the day, and his words had been sluggish from the start.
But to Kei, it felt like he was being mocked.
Stop treating me like a child.
That's what kids always say . . .
I work for Mr. Euben. It's not exactly a proper organization, but I'm still a working adult, so don't make fun of me. I know how harsh the world really is.
Hmm? Come on, now, that's an interesting reaction . . .
Kyoji laughed unpleasantly.
Shouldn't you be in school?
I dropped out. Um . . . What's the point of asking that?
Well . . . Partners ought to understand each other better . . . and trust each other, right?
Kyoji made a heart shape with his fingers.
Kei had seen the fight between Milli Kojika and Kyoji in the gladiator contest clear as day. It was disgustingly brutal—more than enough to confirm that Kyoji was a complete bastard. In many ways, it was a fight that should have been restricted to viewers eighteen and over.
He was definitely not someone that could be trusted.
You just want to mess with me.
You are such a clever little boy, Kei!
You don't actually want to get to know me better, do you? Well neither do I, so that works for me.
Hmm . . . you remind me of my little brother, so I feel like teasing you . . .
A smile pulled at Kyoji's lips, but his eyes were cold.
Those detached eyes that seemed to view everything through a lens bothered Kei. It prompted him to ask,
. . . I see. What's your brother like, Mr. Karino?
He's a boring little bastard living a boring little life.
If you find him boring, he must be an admirable person.
Must be.
There was something strange about the way he said it, as if he were talking about someone else.
Though Kei was bothered by Kyoji's expression—one that was sleepy yet somehow lonely—he cut the conversation off there. It wasn't that he was curious about Kyoji. Rather than viewing him as a partner, Kei saw him more as a bodyguard, since he himself wasn't skilled in direct combat.
The source of the cremains was the Red Zone.
Golden Palm's independent investigation (one backed primarily by Euben's wealth and connections to the True Ancestors) had identified the source, but their information security was so sloppy that anyone could find it with minimal effort.
Despite what they were trading, security was quite lax.
That seemed intentional.
The Red Zone itself was far too suspicious to begin with.
It was a collapsed city where no one lived anymore. There were suspicions of armed organization involvement, but they couldn't spare personnel with the decisive battle against the Radiance approaching.
So Kyoji (who handled rough work) and Kei (who handled reconnaissance) were assigned to investigate first.
The real investigation would begin at night when vampire abilities could be used.
Before that, Kei looked around the main street to secure a base of operations.
. . . Ah.
Children's clothing lay buried beneath the rubble.
The collapsed buildings had terraced hills of debris. The edge of a skirt fluttered beneath the rubble.
Kei frowned involuntarily and bit his lip.
Somethin' wrong? You look like shit.
Kyoji said the same line as before.
Like a shark that can smell blood from miles away, this man had an acute sensitivity to other people's pain. What a terrible human being, Kei thought, deliberately keeping his expression neutral.
It's nothing . . . That's . . . It's not exactly uncommon, is it?
What is? What's wrong, baby boy . . . ?
Nothing's wrong. Lots of people died in the disaster. There are still many places where they haven't cleared the debris yet. This is the Red Zone, after all. This happened everywhere.
Kei told himself that.
But . . . yes. We should . . . clear the debris, shouldn't we . . . ?
Huh? You think someone's still alive under there . . . ?
Could there have been a girl trapped in the gaps between pieces of rubble? Could she have miraculously survived for over six months on nothing but rain and dew?
Kei suppressed the part of himself that wished that were true.
. . . No. But if we can identify her, we can notify her family. If her family is dead, then we can notify relatives, and if there's no one left . . . at least we'll know that one girl died. We can give her a proper burial. This is our duty as human beings.
Our duty, huh? In a place like this . . . there seems to be plenty of those scattered all around.
Kyoji gazed at the ruins with apparent indifference.
Kei ignored Kyoji and approached the rubble where the skirt was trapped. He tried to grab and move the debris, but it was too heavy for him to move alone.
Hey, little boy. Use this.
Kyoji tossed over an iron rod that had been lying on the ground.
Kei caught the iron rod and thanked him.
. . . Thank you. Also, could you please stop calling me that, Mr. Karino?
I'll stop calling you that if you start calling me Kyoji . . . baby boy.
Kei looked away from Kyoji's infuriating smile. Then he inserted the iron rod into a gap in the rubble and used it as a lever to shift the debris.
. . .
There was no girl's body there—just clothing trapped in the debris.
Relief washed over Kei when he saw it was only clothing, but then he heard metal clanging. When he turned around, Kyoji was holding a metal plate.
Huh, there's nothing there. That's good, right . . . ?
The metal plate was a sign from a children's clothing store.
Kyoji laughed as he tossed the plate aside, and Kei realized the man had known all along. His face flushed red with anger.
Is this funny to you . . . ? I . . . I absolutely despise scumbag bastards like you who don't give a damn about human life . . . Kyoji!
Fueled by anger, Kei glared at Kyoji with all his might.
Kyoji's eyes became distant, as if Kei reminded him of someone else.
Haha . . . Well, look at that. You can make interesting faces after all.
Kei took a deep breath to calm himself.
He reminded himself not to sink to Kyoji's level. Before they left, Domino had given him some advice,
The more pissed off you get, the more fun Kyoji has.
That was what he'd been told.
Scumbag psycho bastard . . . no doubt about it. I shouldn't get mad, don't even give him the satisfaction.
Kei switched off his emotional circuits and returned to being a pragmatic adult who understood how the world worked. Even as he was doing his best to calm his anger, Kyoji provocatively shook his head in an exaggerated manner.
Kei felt a flash of irritation but kept his expression neutral as he brought up something that had been bothering him.
. . . More importantly, Kyoji. Since you probably haven't noticed, I'll tell you. The Red Zone . . . it's a bit strange.
Hmm . . . ?
The debris on the main street has been organized to some degree. Areas that look ready to collapse have been reinforced with scrap materials to keep people away, and there are signs of human activity everywhere. This doesn't look like cleanup work . . . Something else is going on here.
Once Kei finished speaking, Kyoji scratched his head with apparent exasperation.
Huh . . . Isn't investigation your specialty? Aren't you supposed to be good at reconnaissance? Is that really the case . . . ? You only checked the obvious stuff, felt satisfied with what you found, and then stopped thinking . . .
What?
Kyoji spoke with a serious expression.
Given where we are, I'll warn you. If you don't want to die, remember this: never stop thinking. There's something about this place that's more obvious than human intervention . . . it reeks of blood.
Trying to detect any scent of blood, Kei scanned his surroundings again.
That was when it happened.
A voice rang out from the main street up ahead.
Please don't kill me!
A scream rang out.
Please don't kill me!
Kei had heard that plea many times since he'd become a vampire. They were the screams of pitiful victims caught in the crossfire of vampire wars.
But it was daytime now. Vampires were creatures that only went on killing rampages at night.
Kyoji had described this place as reeking of blood.
Kei sensed the urgency and felt his fighting instincts surge, despite the fact that he knew it was daytime. He was surprised by how much he'd adapted to the nighttime world. He wondered if he could fight while staying human—or at the very least, whether he should arm himself with the iron rod.
But it's daytime . . . can I even fight to kill . . . ?
Kei hesitated.
Don't even think about it. If your opponent is a vampire, you'll die.
Kei couldn't believe his ears at Kyoji's disturbing remark.
What? Kyoji?
When vampires feel murderous intent during the day and try to kill . . . their hearts break and they die. We can only fight each other at night.
N-No one told me that?! You're not lying, are you . . . ?!
Wanna try it? I think that kind of dedication isn't half bad.
I'll just die like that?! Then what do we do?!
Kill on instinct? If you really try, you might be able to pull it off.
Kyoji grinned with obvious enjoyment.
A vein bulged on Kei's forehead at his casual yet psychopathic attitude. Kyoji watched Kei's irritated reaction with obvious amusement.
Don't panic. If your opponent is a vampire, they're stuck working with the same restrictions. If they're human, then you being human isn't a disadvantage. We don't die that easily. If we're investigating anyway, running into trouble is actually pretty convenient, right?
Kyoji spoke confidently.
Unlike his earlier drowsy demeanor, he was now energized. Kei realized this was clearly a man who thrived in this world of violence.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained, huh . . . ? We should hide, at least for now.
You should have made that decision from the start. It's too late now.
A human figure appeared ahead on the main street.
The tension spiked, and Kei's expression hardened. In contrast, Kyoji smiled thinly as if anticipating trouble. Kei grew anxious at Kyoji's reaction—he looked like a starving wolf.
Please don't kill meeeee!
Then a young man around Kei's age appeared.
He was still too far away to see clearly, but the blond young man was running and crying. He wore a traditional Mongolian deel, but that appeared to be just a fashion choice, as he appeared to be Caucasian.
The blond young man tripped over his own feet and collapsed where he fell.
Kei thought there was still a chance to hide.
What's this, Kei? Are you going to help him?
Kyoji called out to stop Kei, who was about to rush toward the blond young man.
He seems like someone who might know about this city's confusing situation. If someone has information, we need to make contact . . . That's all.
Without looking at Kyoji's expression, Kei rushed toward the blond young man.
The blond young man was crouched in the center of the main street, refusing to move. His whole body was trembling, completely paralyzed by terror. He was sobbing, too.
Um, are you . . . all right . . . ?
Eek . . . ?!
The blond young man looked up.
He had narrow, somewhat fox-like eyes, and with his twisted expression and runny nose, he looked pitiful.
Please don't kill me, p-please don't kill me, please don't kill me, please d-don't kill meeee . . .
We won't kill you, we won't! You're safe! We won't harm you!
B-but . . .
The blond young man pointed a trembling finger behind Kei. There Kyoji stood with his sharp teeth bared, his face twisted in a villainous expression full of murderous intent.
Kei snapped,
Kyoji . . . ?! Stop that! You're making it worse!
Whoa. No, Kei, I'm just testing to see if he's an enemy.
I can't tell if you're serious or not . . . ! Just behave yourself! Um . . . you're really safe. He's just an asshole who likes to scare people . . .
Unable to provide anything but unhelpful reassurance, Kei felt a headache coming on.
Far from regaining his composure, the blond young man pointed his trembling finger at Kyoji and frantically tried to speak.
M-M-Murderer . . . K-Killer . . .
No, this person isn't a murderer or a killer . . . I think.
No! N-Not . . . Him . . . !
What the blond young man was pointing at wasn't Kyoji, but the pile of rubble behind them.
Perched on top of the pile of rubble that looked ready to collapse at any moment was a bizarre man.
He held a small chainsaw in his right hand and a hatchet in his left. Half his head was covered in tattoos, with numerous nails driven into his skull. He wore a checkered shirt and a blood-splattered apron, with torture devices hanging from his waist.
The outlandish serial killer getup left Kei frozen in shock.
The small chainsaw's engine roared to life, the man's bloodshot eyes turned toward them, and Kei . . .
He's going to kill me.
He sensed that instinctively. It was a feeling that came from experience.
Snapping back to reality, Kei looked for a weapon, but Kyoji stopped him.
Hey, that guy's got a chainsaw. You really think you can fight him with junk metal? You're a bigger maniac than I am.
Have you got a better idea?! Besides, look who's talking!
Kyoji was holding a heavy stone fragment.
Hitting him with it might have some effect, but there was no way it could beat someone armed with a chainsaw and hatchet. Kei suspected that Kyoji was even more confused than he was.
The man on the rubble pile screamed.
His beast-like roar seemed otherworldly.
Then Kyoji hurled the stone fragment straight ahead. But the stone missed the man and struck a road sign behind him instead. The man grinned smugly.
Then the road sign, which had been ready to fall at any moment, crashed down onto the rubble pile.
Ah.
Kei involuntarily let out a sound.
Much like a sandcastle built by children, the precariously balanced rubble pile couldn't withstand the heavy road sign that pierced through its peak. The surface immediately crumbled like an avalanche. The man at the top flailed his arms desperately, trying to keep his footing, but . . . he was ultimately caught in the collapse and tumbled down.
And as the man slid to the ground, the small chainsaw that had fallen with him plunged into his buttocks.
GYAAAAAAHHHHH???!!!
Inhuman sounds echoed throughout the area.
Kyoji's eyes gleamed at the sight of the man's face twisted in excruciating pain.
Ahahahahahaha! Motherfucker got his ass split open!
Kyoji approached the man with light steps, seeking a front-row seat to the spectacle.
The man with the chainsaw embedded in his buttocks writhed in agony. Kyoji wore an innocent smile like a child with a new toy, but as the man weakened, his smile faded.
Then Kyoji roughly yanked out the embedded chainsaw and freed the man.
He hadn't helped him. He had simply grown bored by the notion of a broken toy.
Ah . . . humans really are boring after all . . .
Kei shuddered at Kyoji, who seemed genuinely bored.
Once again, he was reminded of just how dangerous Kyoji was; he was absolutely not someone who could be judged by normal social standards.
The moment he was released, the man, his buttocks bright red, lunged at Kyoji. However, Kyoji shattered his jaw with a backfist while gripping a stone, knocking him unconscious.
Kyoji brushed off the dust and tried to move away from the man, but . . .
Si—r!
The blond young man clung to Kyoji's waist.
He flashed an opportunistic smile and began speaking at an incredible pace.
Thank you so much! You saved my life, sir! Man! I thought I was going to die! But I can't die until I get my hands on some big money, you know?! I don't know how to thank you enough . . . Should I massage your shoulders? Should I lick your shoes? I'll do anything you want so long as it's free!
His opportunistic demeanor was unbelievable considering he'd been crying just moments before.
Kyoji's expression remained unchanged as he answered wearily.
How very noble of you . . . So, why did that guy want to kill you?
Ah! I was running a little side business with some rich folks here in the Red Zone when . . . they caught onto my scheme, sir. So they made me a sacrifice for the Slaughter Show! Isn't that terrible?!
Too many disturbing words were being thrown around in rapid succession, leaving Kei bewildered.
H-hold on! Can you please start from the beginning and explain that properly?!
Kyoji ignored Kei and made a beckoning gesture with his index finger.
So, those guys . . . are they friends of yours . . . ?
From wherever they'd been hiding, men who were clearly not ordinary citizens appeared to surround Kyoji and the others. All were dressed casually but wore tactical vests and carried automatic rifles. Several of them were carrying the chainsaw man away on a stretcher.
The rest of the men had their gun barrels trained on Kyoji and Kei.
They're the Slaughter Show management staff.
The blond young man answered matter-of-factly and hid behind Kyoji's back.
The suspicious men's unfamiliar equipment made Kei feel like he'd arrived in a foreign country. But getting his world turned upside down had been a daily occurrence ever since Mount Fuji erupted.
. . . Kyoji, we're hard to kill. We should be fine if they're just humans, right?
Should I try throwing another rock?
Please don't.
