Chifuyu's Pov

"I'm going to be betrayed?"

What in the world is this vampire talking about? He just kidnaps up and spouts all this nonsense. Shoyo, right, we shouldn't listen to a thing this guy is saying.

But for some reason, I couldn't help but look at Ariel. Our eyes met. We both just instinctively turned to each other. There's no way she would turn on us. Does this guy think he's from the future or something?

"This guy's talking out of his ass Ariel, we don't need to listen to him."

"Yeah."

"You're no fun."

"We've let you talk long enough, you're coming with us vamp."

"Heh. Catch me if you can, proclaimed strongest Hunter."

The vampire whose name is still unknown falls backward from the parking lot railings and begins his escape. Shoyo immediately takes pursuit, Ariel tries to come along.

"Don't come Ariel, we can't have a vampire being seen."

"It's the middle of the night, nobody'll see me."

"Suit yourself."

They have no time to argue. They jump out of the parking lot and the chase begins.

"S-Should we go too?"

"Oh yeah. Sorry, I'll put you down now."

***

"Oi, oi, oi. Since when can humans jump across buildings?"

The vampire comments on Shoyo's ability to keep up. Ariel is right by his side.

"Tsk, this guy is fast."

"He's gonna escape at this rate, throw me to him!"

"Sigh, fine."

Not stopping his momentum at all, Shoyo grabs Ariel's legs while running, sweeping her off her feet and tosses her violently after a couple of spins to buildup the power of the throw.

"I'm gonna kill you!"

This threat was directed not at the enemy in front of her, but at Shoyo.

"Uh oh."

Turning back, the vampire notices a flying Ariel coming at him at Mach speed.

Not really, but she was too fast for him to dodge.

"Come give your old leader a big hug!"

Ariel successfully tackles him which causes them to go crashing down in the middle of the street. A car that was passing was forced to slam on their brakes and swerve out of the way. Not wanting to get innocent civilians involved in this, Ariel tosses the vampire into an alleyway and charges after him.

"I'll have you know I wasn't your subordinate."

"That's a shame."

The two stand face to face, holding the other back with their hands clasped.

"Ho, you're a little strong aren't you?"

"I pity you, Vampire Lord from 200 years ago. If you think there are still only 6 vampires who rival your strength, you're sorely mistaken."

This gave Ariel a sudden realization. Something that was obvious, but slipped her mind. Over 200 years have passed, so of course many vampires have gotten a lot stronger. It was just a realization though. She's not afraid whatsoever.

"Well, now you got me all excited. So how many Lords are there now?"

"Come back to our world if you wish to find out. As for me, it's still too early to show my cards."

The vampire breaks loose from their struggle and kicks Ariel away.

"Til next time, Ariel Ryuji."

"Wait!"

He disappears into the shadows without a trace.

"Tch. So he could've gotten away at any time with his curse..."

"So you let him get away, huh?"

Ariel looks upwards toward the top of the building, Shoyo looks down at her with a smug look.

"Shut the hell up."

He jumps down into the dumpster, unaware there was a cat in there that scratched up his pretty face.

"That look suits you."

"Shut the hell up."

"So, now what?"

"The vamp got away. I have to submit a report to the President and arrange for that abandoned parking lot to get cleaned up asap."

"Hm. It may not be much, but I may have something you can add to that report."

"What is it?"

"One of the vampires who wouldn't stop talking to me said it had been about 30 years since he'd been to our world, what you guys refer to as the Alter World. I don't think it would be strange to assume vampires go back and forth between each of our worlds. It could be to simply go back for however long, to drink human blood over there, or to report back on whatever occurs here."

"That's definitely something we've considered before. Thanks for telling me, I'll be sure to include it."

"Don't mention it."

A few of the Hunters that were present during the trial were assigned to keep watch on Chifuyu in shifts. But since this vampire was able to still slip past them, Shoyo also plans to just tell the President they're no longer needed. He definitely won't let Chifuyu get captured again, and by the time he finishes his training, he'll be able to protect himself.

"I'll go look for Chifuyu and Iris, I'm sure they must've tried to follow us. Wait here until we come back."

"Ariel, Shoyo!"

"Huh, how'd you guys find us?"

"Chifuyu's my master. I'm his servant. He's able to know where I am thanks to our master-servant contract. The same goes for me."

"Well, that's convenient."

"What happened to your face!?"

"Don't worry about it."

"Did that vampire get away?"

"Yeah, unfortunately. You guys ready to go home?

"Yep."

In no time flat, Shoyo teleports them back to the house.

"Get some rest, just cuz you got kidnapped doesn't mean we're not gonna train later."

"Right..." Chifuyu and Iris say in unison.

"I have a report to make so I'm heading to Hunter Agency HQ."

"No rest for you, huh Shoyo."

"I'll be fine."

***

"Ugh, I'm exhausted."

It's the afternoon of the same day and Chifuyu just finished his 5 hours of training. Iris is also on her break, and she's in the living room with Chifuyu. Although she's not saying anything, it's still a big step from staying cooped up alone in her room.

"Chifuyu, I really am sorry about last night."

"Friends try to kill each other at least once, don't sweat it."

"I don't think that's true..."

"By the way, Shoyo told me your backstory."

"What, he did? And why are you calling my past a backstory like I'm a character?"

"My bad. But he just told me what happened. I don't know why you actually started training to become a Hunter. You weren't forced or anything were you?"

"N-no. You really want to know why?"

"Of course!"

"Eh..."

Chifuyu looks upon Iris with excited eyes and a wide smile.

"Well, I never wanted to become a Hunter. But the President of the Hunter Agency or whatever told me how much talent I have. I wasn't forced, but I had no interest in anything else. I told myself why not, and halfheartedly decided to become a Hunter. I wholeheartedly regret my decision though."

"Haha, you can be pretty funny, can't you?"

"I wasn't trying to be..."

"What about your parents? They were fine with your decision?"

"Well, the main reason is so I can support them. Hunters get paid really well after all. Hehe. I also have a little sister. And as much as she annoys me, I want her to have a successful future. So once I do become a Hunter, my parents are going to open up a savings account for her so I can deposit money."

"Well look at you Iris, that's totally admirable!"

"Hehe, you think so?"

Iris is rarely complimented, so when she does receive words of kindness, it easily gets to her head.

***

Meanwhile at Hunter Agency Head Quarters.

"That concludes my report."

"Thanks Shoyo, I appreciate you flying all the way out here."

"I don't mind, I enjoy flights."

"You enjoy flights on private jets you mean."

"You got me."

"The abandoned parking lot should be cleaned by now, right?"

"Yes. I called for the Trauma Team immediately."

The Trauma Team is a department of paramedics that are trained with basic swordsmanship if they find themselves faced with a vampire. There are currently less than a couple of thousand members of the Trauma Team, about 50 of which stay in each district. Their main job is cleaning up after incidents involving vampires and treating injured Hunters during big battles or after any run-in with a vampire, then taking them to a hospital if needed.

Hunter Agency HQ is on an island located in the middle of Shioto encircled by mountains and a vast river. It's known as Capri Island. The President of the HA(Hunter Agency), numerous high-class citizens, and dozens of 1st Rank Hunters and Trauma Team members live here.

"Word that the two Hunters in training under you were kidnapped will remain a secret, of course."

"Yeah, I don't want the world to know I'm training any apprentices yet after all. Maybe disciples would be a better name."

"I'm putting my trust in you to not let this happen again."

"No worries there!" Shoyo says giving a thumbs up gleefully.

"What's this about two disciples now?"

"Gah... Ruby, why are you here?"

"I live here."

"You know what I meant."

"I'm simply submitting my weekly report to the President. Don't worry, your secret's safe with me."

The woman who just walked into the room was Shoyo's former classmate, a 1st Rank Hunter stationed on Capri Island. She walks up to the President and hands him her written report.

"Thanks, Ruby. I'm sure this fool doesn't mind you knowing about his Hunters in training."

"Sigh..."

"What's the matter, Shoyo? Was this perhaps something you didn't want me hearing about?"

"No, not at all..."

"Great, I'll come and visit on one of my days off."

"I'm sorry?"

"I want to see what the kids you decided to train yourself are like. You have my number, so text me the address of wherever you're staying. See ya."

"This chick..."

"Haha, Ruby's straightforwardness is what makes her so interesting. That's why I stationed her here on Capri Island."

"I'm grateful to you pops. Thanks to you, I barely get to see her."

"Don't call me pops."

"My bad."

***

Later that night at Shoyo's house in District 5.

"Shoyo's still not back."

"Yeah..."

"Do you know how to cook, master?"

"I don't..."

"I'll order some pizza. W-well, if that's fine with you guys."

"Sounds great. How are you paying though?"

"I have Mr. Shoyo's card information memorized."

"Iris..."

"Mr. Shoyo is the one who said I could use it whenever I wanted to! I rarely use it though."

"So we have access to his funds, do we? Order 500 of whatever this pizza is!"

"I think just 3 will be fine. Actually, 4 in case Shoyo wants any when he gets back."

"O-ok."

"You're gonna love what we're getting, Ariel!"

"I trust your taste buds."

"So, what type do we want?"

***

Ariel's Pov

I can't let Chifuyu see me as someone who can't protect him. I won't let him see me in my weakest state.

Nino and Reoa were my closest friends. I had to hold myself back when I first heard that Reoa had died. When I finally went back inside Chifuyu, I let it all out. It's a good thing he can't feel my emotions while he's asleep. That was the first time in a long time that I cried feeling sadness. It's something I don't want to do again.

I know the war is still going on in my world, but what's the real state of everything over there? How is the empire after 200 years? Who else has died? How are my sister and Nino? There's only one way to find out, and it'll be when the Hunters launch their next expedition.

It's been over two centuries, so just how strong could the other Lords have gotten? How can I get stronger myself without feeding on humans anymore?

I'll find a way. But one thing's for sure.

I need my blade back.

I'll worry about that after Chifuyu finishes his training.

Birthdays were a big deal in my world. There'd be lavish celebrations every 5 years until we turned 15 years of age. Apparently, most humans here celebrate their date of birth each year, but not as extravagantly as I explained to Chifuyu. His happens to be next month, I'll have to prepare a surprise of some sort.

***

June 20th. Chifuyu's birthday.

Chifuyu's training started on March 28th, so 3 months and some change have passed by now.

Chifuyu and Iris are finished for the day, and Ariel has been out since early morning along with Shoyo.

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"Where do you think they went?"

"I don't know. This is the first time Ariel went somewhere without me."

"D-do you think she's getting something for your birthday?"

"That would be awesome if she is."

The two are waiting on the living room couch. Before Shoyo left, he put out a bunch of balloons and decorations. He even left $300 under Chifuyu's pillow which was a bit creepy but still thoughtful.

"By the way Iris, when's your birthday?"

"Oh, it was in January."

"Ah, we missed it. Nothing we could do about that I guess."

Moments later...

"Happy Birthday Chifuyu!"

Shoyo came barging through the door with a giant multi-layer cake in his left hand that'll last them about a month and a confetti blaster in his right hand, littering the floor with countless decorational paper.

Slowly following in was Ariel with her hair tied up with a giant bow, in her hand was a small birthday box. Opening it up revealed a single chocolate donut with sprinkles.

Ariel had thrown her pride away and asked Shoyo to take her to a donut shop. The reason they were gone so long though was because they drove 2 districts away to the best cake factory and had their cake custom-made on the spot.

"Happy Birthday Chifuyu," Ariel said bashfully.

This is the most awkward she's been since meeting Chifuyu.

"This isn't much, but I hope this donut will be tastier than usual."

Accepting her gift, Chifuyu takes a bite out of it, followed by several more bites finishing the donut in seconds.

Immediately after, Ariel receives a big hug from Chifuyu.

"That was the best donut ever, thanks, Ariel!"

Taken aback by the hug, Ariel gets a bit flustered, but happy nonetheless.

She didn't reply after that, there was no need to. Her smile was enough to show how delighted she was.

***

At a hot spring in a certain district, a meeting involving interesting characters is about to occur.

"Ah, it's been a while since I've been to one of these babies."

"Hot springs are best when bumbling idiots keep to themselves."

"Tah, you're such a wet blanket, Patrick! Someone bring me a beer!"

"They don't have beers here idiot."

"Augh, what's taking them so long? Do they expect us to wait in this sizzling water forever?"

"You never did like hot springs did you, Ame?"

"Looks like the rest are here."

This last line came from outside the hot springs.

"What's up, you lot?!"

Two new figures entered into the fray.

"Woohooo."

One of them launches themselves into the hot spring, splashing water everywhere.

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Everyone's here now."

"Hey Hanako, I heard you fought the strongest Hunter. So, was he weak or what?"

"I didn't fight him. How did that rumor even spread? My orders were to just secure Ariel."

"And you failed somehow."

"On purpose, of course. An interesting turn of events happened after all."

"Huh?"

"Don't worry about it. Anyway, I was told to gather the strongest members of the Slayers today for a little meeting, as you all already know."

Saying these words, Hanako gets into the hot spring.

"Leader's a little mad that I didn't come back with Ariel, so she wants us to make a big show soon. Though I'm pretty sure she wanted us to do this anyway."

"Ho. Are we finally coming out of hiding?!"

"Calm down Kakuto. We will, not just yet though."

"Huh? How long are we talking?"

"October of next year."

"That's not soon at all!"

"Hm? What, has your sense of time become that of a human's? Ariel's betrayal has pushed us back a bit, but it's not much of a problem in the grand scheme of things. Our first step will be the slaughter of every human attending that Hunter Academy, so as to dwindle the number of those who believe they'll be able to oppose us."

"Naturally, that'll also strike fear back into the population here. You could say things have gotten relatively peaceful on the outside compared to when we first invaded."

"You're correct. So we'll be making preparations to raid the Hunter Academy in District 3 by October of the year 2024."

"Alright!"

"I can finally get out of this lava pool."

"Ha, it can't be that hot to you Ame, considering your curse."

"That's exactly why I can't stand it."

"What a shame."

"Truly. Farewell now."

"'Whistle' What a babe!"

"She'd kill you if she heard that, Aku."

"Nah, I think she has a thing for me."

"Uhuh."

"Anyway, I can't wait that long for us to make our move. My body's been killing me for a real fight. No, my very soul's been urging me."

"You sound corny as hell, I'm leaving."

"Chisato has sure adopted how the humans here speak. Anyway, what do you plan on doing Aku?"

"You fought the strongest Hunter, didn't you?"

"Ugh, again with this question?"

"How strong is he?"

"I didn't fight him. But if you two were to truly battle..."

"..."

"You'd die."

"Ha. I don't believe that for a second!"

"Go ahead then, I'll look forward to your humiliated face when you're forced to run away."

"Bah! When I get the opportunity, I'll claim his head and bring it back as a trophy."

"No fair, I wanna fight as well!"

"Don't. You'll never run away from a battle, Kakuto."

"Oh, and I would?"

"..."

Hanako shrugs his shoulders in silence.

"Teh, let's go Rogi."

"You really shouldn't do this Aku..."

3 remain in the hot spring.

"I hope that buffoon gets himself killed."

"Now now Patrick, we'll be in trouble if he actually dies. I was just egging him on. They'll probably draw."

"I suppose I'll take my leave as well."

"I'd rather enjoy the hot springs, so I'll stay here a while longer."

"Of course you would you oaf, just don't kill the employees here."

"You've integrated yourself quite well in this human world, haven't you Patrick? What do you plan on doing before our raid?"

"I'm intrigued by this half-vampire kid, I think I'll pay him a visit soon."

"I trust you to not get your cover blown, so have fun."

"Oh, I will."

Patrick leaves the hot spring waving his fingers goodbye with a mischievous look.

"Hey Hanako, could you have killed that strongest Hunter guy if you wanted to?"

"Hm, probably not. But he wouldn't be able to kill me either."

"So the only one who can kill him here is our leader."

"I suppose."

"I hear there's a bunch of strong Hunters now. Just like Aku, I've been patiently waiting for us to make our move, so I'm ready to go ballistic whenever!"

"Your patience is appreciated."

The sudden meeting of 7 of the strongest Slayers comes to a close. Behind the scenes, several pieces are on the move. Once they all converge together, an inevitable war will be born. A battle for Shioto.

Vampires are not the only enemy.

***

6 more months pass

December 21st

Chifuyu has already finished the first half of his training which consisted of only working out and practice swings to build up his core strength and stamina, and to sharpen his form and technique. Now, he must hone his swordsmanship through live combat. Not being able to dodge, parry, or block attacks from vampires will be fatal.

So for almost 3 months now, Chifuyu has been training with Shoyo in live combat using wooden swords with weights on his wrists and ankles. This training has been the very definition of intense, yet Chifuyu has managed to keep up. Most students at the Hunter Training Academy wouldn't be able to get through this. After all, Chifuyu is completing training that should take 4 years to finish. Not even Iris finished her training in one year. Perhaps he has his already well-conditioned body and immense resolve to thank. But, there is still a little over 3 months left.

Only those with true resolve can call themselves Hunters.

That will be made apparent in time.

***

Chifuyu visits his parents each week on his day off. On Christmas week though, him and Iris were given a 3-day break. So they both spend that time with their respective families. They got another 3-day break for New Year's week as well. The following Monday, they're back to their normal schedule.

"Remember Chifuyu, you're just now starting out so never go for the kill with your first attack. If it's blocked, their counter will definitely sound you badly if not take your life."

Shoyo lectures Chifuyu as they're in the midst of training. Chifuyu must be able to listen and take in everything he's saying while training, keeping his form and technique steady and solid.

Footwork is an important part of swordsmanship, especially in fierce battles. Being able to pivot into and out of any attack may seem simple, but it's an advanced movement that comes with swordsmanship.

"When fighting those stronger than you, don't telegraph your attacks. You won't be able to land a single hit like that."

"Got it."

All Chifuyu has managed to do so far is clash wooden swords with Shoyo. He hasn't been able to land a hit at all yet. But slowly, he's been managing to keep up with Shoyo's attacks. At the start of this training, Chifuyu had just been getting knocked around silly. Nonetheless, he kept on getting back up. This is thanks to the core strength, stamina, and endurance he built up over the first 6 months.

Most Hunters neglect this, but they should be doing practice swings daily. To continuously perfect their technique and form. So even as the second part of his training started, Shoyo still has Chifuyu doing 100 practice swings a day.

Days pass.

"If you can keep up with my moves Chifuyu, you should be able to handle the average vampire's attack with no problem."

"Heh, I hope so."

Awareness is crucial in battle. Naturally, knowing when to dodge, parry, and block attacks like Chifuyu has been training for. Along with knowing when to strike back. One's awareness during combat is called battle sense. Iris, as well as Chifuyu now have a great battle sense, but only when fighting alone. They must also learn how to coordinate with other Hunters while fighting. Which is why Iris will now be joining Chifuyu's training for the last 3 months.

Shoyo will no longer be holding back.

"Let's go, Iris!"

"Y-yeah!"

"Hmph."

They charge towards Shoyo, pressuring him relentlessly with swings that're all dodged. Shoyo's not going to tell them how to fight as a team. They'll have to figure it out themselves together.

As expected, their attacks aren't synchronized at all right now. This is more of them trying to land a hit on Shoyo individually than working together.

Their training for the day finishes and Shoyo dodged all of their swings, all they could do was take his counterstrikes head-on.

This last stretch of training will be the most difficult.

"Ah... We couldn't do much, but your swordsmanship really is great, Iris. I can't help but admire it."

"Hehe, you think so?"

"Of course! I have to do my best not to slow you down."

"Um, I don't think you were slowing me down. W-wait, I don't mean to say I'm stronger than you or anything..."

"Ha, don't worry about it. You are stronger than me, without a doubt."

"But, I don't think you should be saying something like that anyway. We have to learn how to fight as a team."

"You're right. We have to sync our attacks, or something like that."

"Yeah."

"Well, we can worry about this tomorrow. Let's enjoy our break before we start studying."

"Okay."

***

The next day.

"HOLY CRAP!"

"Huh, what happened Chifuyu?"

"We have an emergency Iris..."

"What is it?"

"It's been over 9 months since I've read any Jump."

***

Chifuyu currently has a crisis at hand. Back before he got involved in the world of Hunters and vampires, he was a devout reader of Jump. He read several new chapters of manga from them each week, but now he's fallen terribly behind on them.

"Ah... I don't even have time to read them now anyway."

"I'm sorry?"

Iris apologizes to Chifuyu's random despair with a question. Suddenly, a fire is lit in Chifuyu's eyes.

"That's it, Iris. My resolve has now skyrocketed a millionfold. I'll get through these last 3 months, so that I can binge the manga I've fallen behind on."

Chifuyu has a newfound resolve.

"I-I didn't know you liked that stuff."

Chifuyu raises an eyebrow. 'That stuff?' He didn't like where this was going.

"So you're a nerd?"

He quickly gets offended by this. "That's rich coming from someone like you," he mutters under his breath.

"Does that mean you wanna marry 2d characters? What do they call them? W-Waifus…"

Chifuyu holds in his fury. "I see. So you're the type of person who judges and makes assumptions about us." But a screw in his head came loose nonetheless. "Did I just tell myself I don't have time to read any manga? Ha… what a sad excuse. I'll make time to not just read 100 chapters of manga, but also 100 episodes of anime. And I'm gonna convert you while doing it. 2 birds with 1 stone."

"Uh.. I— I… Oh no." Iris realizes she's just made a grave mistake. 'I'm in danger.'

***

While Chifuyu and Iris face the challenge of binging anime during their intense curriculum, another one that had been slowly building up since the new year started has reared it's head.

For their academics, they take quizzes every Thursday for each subject and tests at the end of every month covering everything they've learned in the past 30 days. Training to focus more on better coordinating themselves while fighting together made them unconsciously start slacking on their studies.

They bombed their quizzes for the second and third week in January. It's now the 19th, the Friday after the day of their third quiz of the month. They're mulling over why they started slacking on studying. This is a first for Chifuyu, although his studies had been just as intense as his training, he was keeping up with no problem. But now, he's at the hardest part of his training and is currently unable to handle the curriculum. They have a test in 11 days, so now they must review what they failed to learn this month on top of continuing to learn new material. The true intensity of this is finally catching up with them, Chifuyu in particular.

Although Shoyo said he'd be homeschooling them, it was mainly just for the first 6 months. Chifuyu trains for 5 hours and studies for 6 hours a day. Naturally, Shoyo has been present each day for training. After the first 6 months, the Hunter Agency President forced him to report to his duties when he's not training them. Training ends at 1 p.m, so Shoyo leaves shortly after and returns between 7 and 9. Chifuyu and Iris have been studying on their own now for a few months, and they were fine. But now is a different story.

Now that Shoyo sees they're struggling, he gets some help. He doesn't hire a professional tutor or teacher, he instead gets the assistance of a student from the Hunter Training Academy who's the same age as Chifuyu and Iris. It's a girl that's taking college-level classes. At the Hunter Training Academy, those are only offered to those who are far pass their grade level and excel at their training with flying colors.

"And so, this is Shinatsu Boreas. Clap, clap, clap."

Voicing the action that he's doing, Chifuyu and Iris follow along clapping slowly with awkward expressions.

Chifuyu can't help but think, 'Wow, this girl sounds like another genius'.

"Nice to meet you," Shinatsu states with a plain expression. Just by looking at her, you can tell she carries herself with an air of dignity. For some reason, she's staring daggers at Iris.

"You're a student at the Hunter Academy, do you really have time to tutor us?"

"I don't have a choice in the matter."

"Hey, don't make it sound like I'm forcing you. She'll have time to look over both of your studies from 5 to 8 p.m. We'll see how it goes for the next month."

"I didn't know there were backdoor ways to become a Hunter."

She states her thoughts frankly.

"These 2 are an exception."

"Hmph, is that so?"

Shinatsu is here to only help with their studies. She won't be hearing about what Chifuyu has become and the entity that resides within him. Shoyo teleports to get her since the Hunter Training Academy is in another district.

"How do you even know this girl Shoyo?"

"I meet with the Boreas family a lot, I've known this snot-nosed princess since before her Academy days."

She's not actually a princess, but one of the many children of the Boreas family, one of the Big 3 families.

"Well, let's get to it now. You can leave Shoyo."

"Haha, have fun guys."

"Sh-she just ordered Mr. Shoyo to get out of his own house, this girl's scary Chifuyu..." Iris whispers.

"Relax Iris, she's the same age as us. If she gets too bossy, I'll let her know." Chifuyu whispers back.

"I can hear you two y'know."

"Gah, cover blown."

"Hmph."

A scheming smile warps Shinatsu's mouth. She wraps around Chifuyu and Iris and puts her arms around their shoulders.

"So Chifuyu, I actually already know a bit about you."

"Huh, what do you mean?"

"I know all about you and your little secret."

'What the hell is she talking about?'

"Why don't you bring out your little friend? What was her name again, I believe it was… Ariel."

The air of dignity that was just present around Shinatsu disappears without a trace.

"WHA-"

Chifuyu and Iris both look at each other with perplexed expressions. How does this random girl know Ariel?

"It's no use hiding it from me, your friend already spilled everything to me."

"And who would that be...?" Chifuyu asks with an awkward smile.

"Drum roll please,... Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da..."

Shinatsu claps her hands on their shoulders.

"Da-ko-ta."

'WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?!' Chifuyu internally screams to himself.

'That dumbass, there's no way he's telling people this!'

"Ha, you're face is priceless. You don't have to worry, it's our little secret. Nobody else knows."

'She read my mind?!'

Shinatsu playfully twirls her index finger on Chifuyu's shoulder.

"You should've seen his face when he realized I'd heard everything. He was talking about it to this Erika girl who I assume is also your friend that was telling him not to chatter about you where others may hear. I had just happened upon them, truly unlucky for you."

"Does Shoyo know you know?!"

"Nope. It was pure coincidence that he called me here. Haha! What would happen if word got out that a half-vampire was allowed to live among us along with the strong vampire which was sealed who the public doesn't even know is out?"

"What should we do, master?"

Ariel quickly emerges from Chifuyu's shadow and puts Shinatsu in a chokehold with her legs.

"Hey, didn't I say it was our little secret?"

"Let her go, Ariel."

"So this is what they call a Vampire Lord, huh? Didn't expect them to come in kid sizes."

Ariel once again puts Shinatsu in a chokehold with her legs, even more pissed than the previous time.

"What should we do with her, master?"

"Like I said, let her go..."

***

"Can we trust you, Shinatsu?"

"Of course. You have my word, I swear on my family name. I've known for a while now anyway."

"Ah.."

Iris sighs with relief.

"That Dakota... He won't get off easy next time I see him."

"Now, let's actually begin."

In the corner of the room, Ariel was writing on a sheet of paper. It was titled "Shit List" which now has 2 names written on it.

***

"I see. So this is why you guys are struggling now."

"Hm."

"You're actually trying to learn."

"Huh?"

What is Shinatsu suddenly going on about?

"You two are only studying to get a high school diploma, so there's no reason to actually try so hard to master everything."

"Our courses cover much more since we were learning 2 years' worth of material in one, I don't think it's so simple as to not try as hard."

"I-I agree with Chifuyu."

"Well, it really is that simple. You're training to become Hunters, you won't be needing any of this knowledge, especially senseless things such as y=mx+b. Like who even needs that?"

"I'm pretty sure there are professions that need that..."

"Well, you won't. You guys are trying to understand and master everything you're learning. There's no need. Just understand the basics for everything and memorize the rest."

"So you're saying we should just cram everything in, to forget it afterwards?"

"Precisely."

"But..."

Iris interjects.

"We have a final at the end that covers everything we learned in the past 6 months. We also had a midterm like that after the first 6 months. It was hell..."

"Will just cramming the information in seriously be better than earnestly studying?"

"In the end, both ways are no different. Since you won't be needing any of this after you get your diplomas, cramming will be the more efficient method. I can see you guys are smart enough to understand the basics of everything, so simply remembering the rest should be easy."

"I have a feeling this is somehow going to be more intense."

Iris had her worries.

And so, the cramming began. Much to their surprise, they were able to get through each material quicker. This is only possible because it's the last 3 months, they had seriously studied in an intense curriculum for the past 9 months. Now that they simply have to go over each subject, understand the fundamentals, and cram the rest for their quizzes and tests, Chifuyu and Iris were able to climb out of their momentary slump. Of course, they have Shinatsu to thank for this as she recommended they do this. For over a month, she quizzed them on their memorization each day she was there and helped them understand concepts they were confused on.

***

"Chifuyu, your break's over."

Shinatsu and Iris had been waiting for Chifuyu for almost 20 minutes, Shinatsu asked which room was the slackers so she could fetch him. After knocking and getting no response, she opened the door to find him sound asleep.

'He's knocked out…'

Grabbing one of his shoes by the wall, she throws it at his head with pinpoint accuracy.

"Wake up!"

"Ahh! ….Oh crap, was I asleep?"

"Yeah. You were even snoring like an old man."

"I was?!"

"I'm joking."

"Phew.. Don't scare me like that."

Taking a few glances around his room, she notices an unopened gaming console.

"You play?"

"Huh?"

"Video games?"

"Yeah? Are you gonna call me the worst insult ever or something?"

"No. I'm fond of gaming."

"Oh? Don't tell me you're a gamer too?"

"Surprising, I know. It's great for one thing."

"That is…"

"Taking my anger out on other players online."

A frightening smile warps Shinatsu's face.

"Ahaha…" Chifuyu laughs nervously.

"But I'm kind of disappointed."

"Hm?"

Shinatsu covers her grin with her hand as forbidden words leave her mouth, "You're a console player, playing on PC must be too high level for you."

Chifuyu gets easily triggered by this remark and scoffs, "Is that so? Then you should be able to easily beat me in any kind of game on my lowly console. It's been a while since I've played, but I'm gonna open the new SX5 later so I can put you in your place. I'm assuming you mind staying a bit late, would you?"

"Fine by me. You're on."

Sparks of intensity flash around the two who will later be putting their pride as gamers on the line.

***

Come February 28th, they managed to pass their final monthly test with almost perfect scores across the board. They now have exactly one more month until they're finally done.

As far as training, Chifuyu and Iris have been able to improve their teamwork and coordination exponentially. They've seen each other every day for nearly a year now, so all they needed was a little time training together to synchronize while fighting.

Although they still can't land a hit on Shoyo, that's to be expected. They have managed to make him block several times though.

When it rains, they train in Shoyo's underground facility. But this time, Shoyo wanted them to train in the rain just for the day since there'll be days when they have to fight under those conditions.

It should've been difficult, but that was Chifuyu and Iris's best day yet. It was cloudy and dark, yet the raindrops that day were beautiful. Puddles splashing nonstop, wooden swords clashing with the added effect of raindrops splashing on them, 3 figures trading swings nonstop. Up until this point, they'd take short breaks sparring against Shoyo, but not this time. They were clashing nonstop for the entire 5 hours. Intervals between attacks were brief. A swing by Chifuyu would be immediately followed up by Iris, and vice versa. At the last minute, Iris landed a hit on Shoyo.

For the first time, Iris got hyped.

The morning dew the next day was looking more beautiful than usual.

***

Later that week, they receive a visit from a certain individual.

"Good morning, Ruby Scarlet here."

The lady speaks through the intercom at the front door. Shoyo is reluctant to let her in although he gave her his address. This is the one woman, no, person that has Shoyo wrapped around their finger.

"Who is that Mr. Shoyo?"

"A nuisance..."

"Ho, a person that you find annoying. I'm sure we'll get along quite well."

"Go back into Chifuyu's shadow, she can't know about you."

"Fine..."

Ruby knowing about Ariel wouldn't be a problem at all, Shoyo just doesn't want her to know.

Sighing, Shoyo opens the door.

"What took so long?"

Wasting no time, she walks in.

"Good morning to you too."

Ruby Scarlet is a Hunter a part of the Trauma Team that Shoyo ran into during his visit to Hunter Agency's HQ.

"So are these two your disciples?"

"Disciples? Is that what Shoyo's calling us? I kinda like it actually."

"I'm Iris Sakata, it's nice to meet you."

Iris politely bows introducing herself.

"I'm Chifuyu Kyotani."

"Ruby Scarlet, you can say I'm Shoyo's only best friend. Scratch that, I might be his only friend."

"Oi..."

Even while joking, Ruby keeps a nonchalant expression and tone.

"Scarlet, so you're from one of the Big 3 families?"

"I am."

'I feel like I'm just gonna keep on meeting these important people' Chifuyu thinks.

He is right. He will be meeting another bigwig apart of a Big 3 Family very soon.

"I just came here to meet you two. When does your training finish?"

"On the 28th this month."

"Hm... You guys have been training hard, haven't you?"

"Yes!" Chifuyu and Iris say together.

"I'm sure we'll be seeing each other a lot in the future, I'll look forward to what the two of you do."

"You're leaving already?"

"Today's one of my rare days off, I'm gonna be visiting my family."

"That's nice."

"Unless Shoyo wants me to stay longer."

"You can leave. They start their training in a few minutes anyway."

"Til next time then."

It was a short exchange, but one to not forget.

***

Later that evening during Shoyo's patrol, he senses prying eyes at him. He's had this feeling before, like someone staring daggers at him. It was the gaze of a vampire looking at its prey.

Shoyo waits until late to go to a secluded area. There weren't many choices close by, so he chose the vast parking lot of a mall that had closed a couple of hours ago.

Without a sound, he appeared before him.

A vampire.

"This is the first time in a while that I've been targeted, are you new around here or something?"

"Not at all."

"Hmph. If you're getting this bold now, then you vamps really are planning something soon."

"I'm just here for a good fight. What do ya say?"

Shoyo sighs while stretching his muscles, but smiles nonetheless.

"I'll entertain you a bit."