One of the strongest vampires joining the side of humanity will change the tides of this long battle. But those in the courtroom still need answers. They're not convinced about Ariel yet.

"A Vampire Lord betraying her kind certainly will tip the scales in our favor."

Dallas spoke his mind, and everyone naturally agreed with this statement.

"Indeed. So vampire, let's decide whether or not we can trust you."

Following what Dallas said, the President of the Hunter Agency wastes no time getting down to business.

"Why did you turn that boy into a vampire?"

Chifuyu already knew the answer to this question. It was the price he had to pay to stay alive.

"He'd been fatally wounded because of me."

"You attacked him?"

"No!"

Chifuyu interjects, wanting to answer this himself.

"It was another vampire who almost killed me. Ariel is the one who saved my life. She asked me if I wanted to live, and even though I wasn't able to say anything, she could tell that my answer was as clear as day. In the moment, I didn't think that living would mean me becoming a vampire. But I don't regret it! I'll strive to become human again while working as a hunter!"

"Is that so? But what will you do when your crave for human blood kicks in?"

"That..."

Vampires prey on humans because of their unshakeable blood thirst. Chifuyu is not an exception. Unless...

"He was captured by another vampire as an offering when I was unsealed. So responsibility for his life lies with me. Even if he consented to me saving him and has accepted that his life will no longer be the same, I selfishly brought Chifuyu into this world just so I could atone a little for all the lives I've taken."

Ariel cuts in, her words are genuine. Her life has been filled with nothing but war, she's simply tired of it.

"That's a respectable decision, but you too are a vampire. Eventually you'll need to feed as well. What will you do about that? Surely you don't think we'll have people offer up their blood each time you get thirsty, do you? If the price to pay for you joining our side is for even one person to die, we'll kill you right here and continue our never-ending battle against the vampires."

The President didn't waver while speaking. His words carried determination and complete devotion for the people of Shioto. A man worthy of the highest position.

"You don't have to worry."

Ariel speaks frankly.

"And why is that?"

"Yes, I'm a vampire through and through. But you all have one misunderstanding. Chifuyu is not a full vampire."

The hunters and onlookers all put on puzzled faces. What could she mean by not a full vampire?

"I see. I believe I'm starting to get the picture."

Dallas understood what Ariel meant, and what that also implied. The same goes for the President.

"So this boy is a half-vampire or something of the like."

The President didn't pose that as a question, but more as an assertion.

"That's exactly right. Chifuyu is a half-vampire. I fed him a substantial amount of my blood overwriting his very DNA. You can only be a full vampire if you're born as one."

Chifuyu couldn't put together what the real difference between the two is, but Dallas has already figured it out.

"So if this boy is half-human/half-vampire, does that mean he still meets the criteria that allows a vampire to suck his blood?"

"What an intelligent man."

A vampire's thirst for blood is the same as humans getting hungry, but on a more extreme level. The only way for them to get sustenance is through human blood specifically. Vampires cannot suck on each other's blood or drink the blood from animals to quench their thirst. They can still consume regular food and enjoy it but it provides nothing for their body other than momentary pleasure. If vampires go without any human blood for too long, it'll drive them to insanity first and death second.

Being a half-vampire, Ariel can get her sustenance from Chifuyu and vice versa.

"Half-vampires can also suck the blood of a full vampire to quench their thirst, so Chifuyu won't need to worry about drinking a human's blood or going crazy from not feeding."

"This sounds too good to be true. Won't the two of you eventually wring each other dry?"

After sitting back and listening, the judge speaks again again and casts his doubts.

"If vampires have a consistent intake of blood, it'll replenish itself. Also, vampires don't need as much blood as you think to quench our thirst, it's even less for half-vampires."

Wow, so it's like an infinite food glitch.

Such thoughts are occurring in Chifuyu's head as he's listening to this conversation.

"A half-vampire huh, I never thought there could be such an existence."

A hunter voices his thoughts, but a question the President has comes to mind hearing the last thing Ariel said.

"You just said something interesting Vampire Lord. If vampires don't need as much blood as we think, then why have they killed millions of us over the past couple hundred years?"

Ariel's relaxed expression twists with regret as she gets ready to answer this question.

"Because vampires began taking enjoyment out of it, I wasn't any different."

The onlookers who had calmed down didn't even try to hide their rageful stares after hearing that.

"There's another reason as well. Once a vampire has tasted human blood for the first time, they can never get enough of it. For most, they'll crave it even when they're not hungry."

"Like an addiction," Dallas adds on.

"Hm. You're starting to sound a bit believable. You've told us what happened with the young boy and how you'll both be able to live without feeding on anyone. But this trial isn't done yet."

"The judge is right. What power has allowed you to enter Chifuyu's body? Are you possessing him? Are other vampires capable of doing this?"

"She forced a master-servant contract."

Shoyo who had been sitting back after his grand declaration finally says something.

"A master-servant contract?"

"How do you know that Shoyo?"

The hunters look at each other quizzically not knowing what that is, while one of them questioned Shoyo.

"I simply had a chat with the Vampire Lord before the hunters showed up to the forest. The only thing I'll say is I have 100% trust in her."

As the man known as the strongest hunter, Shoyo's opinions have sway and meaning. Needless to say, they still need an explanation from the one in question.

"I don't doubt you Shoyo. Now Vampire Lord, if you will continue to answer the question. It sounds self-explanatory but I still want to hear it from you."

"The people of this world wouldn't know about it of course, unless that person told you."

"If you're referring to the person who sealed you, records say they disappeared a long time ago."

"I see. A master-servant contract is formed by simply using one's blood to draw the servant seal on the recipient's body. No dialogue is necessary, it's a quick process that anyone, even humans can do."

"It does sound straightforward. Did you make Chifuyu your servant?"

"It's the opposite, I made myself Chifuyu's servant. I used his blood to draw the seal on my body."

She moves her hair to the side which reveals the seal at the top of her back.

Ariel dons a short red frilly dress with black and pink ruffles. A black bow is attached at the center of her chest with its ribbons reaching just above the ruffles. The posterior of the dress is open showcasing the top half of Ariel's back. Her tight detached sleeves reach to just under her knuckles and has pink ribbons at her wrists with black frills coming out the top. At the moment she has no shoes or socks on.

This all sounds strange to the other hunters, especially the onlookers, but Dallas and the President simply accept the facts.

"You made yourself my servant? Why would you do that?"

"It's not like I'm put at some sort of disadvantage. It's just another way for me to atone. I told you didn't I, I'll stay by your side from now on. Although I was the one who forced this contract, the master has the authority to break it. So if you're unhappy with this, you can stop the contract whenever."

Chifuyu decided to put his complete trust in Ariel. As the one who saved him, he has an unpayable debt towards her.

"If you have no problem with it, then neither do I."

The newly formed partners exchange smirks.

They've accepted one another.

"Ariel Ryuji."

The President calls out to the Vampire Lord.

"In the span of this short amount of time since I arrived here, I've judged you as someone who can be trusted. I have one final question before I accept you on our side."

"Go ahead."

"Why did you decide to join us?"

Ariel's resolve will be laid bare for all to know.

***

Ariel's Pov

"I'll slaughter them, every last one of those humans!"

Whose words were those?

"I'll never forgive them! I swear in the name of my ancestors that once I'm freed from here, I will wipe out that lowly race."

Oh right, those were my words.

The humans here had no power at the time. To me, they were nothing more than insects. They couldn't even be compared to the humans of my world. If it wasn't for that enigma, my army and I could've easily killed and enslaved the people who reside on this land they call Shioto.

But, maybe it was for the best I lost that day. They could've killed me, but I was spared and sentenced to be sealed in solitude.

My rage peaked when I first lost my freedom. I was trapped in darkness where the only thing I saw was the color black. Not only could I not see, but my movement was restricted too. Each time I tried to move, chains binding my arms and legs prevented me from doing so.

My vampiric strength meant nothing in this chamber of darkness. I used all the strength I could muster to break free from those chains. I yelled at the top of my lungs, screaming in rage and pain from my skin being torn apart trying to free myself. Weirdly enough, even though I didn't have my strength, I was still able to heal. I wasn't sure if I kept my ability to do so, or if it was the doing of the place I was sealed in. Not that it mattered to me.

I spent each waking moment lashing out in fury, cursing the humans while tearing apart the flesh in my hands and legs.

I had been alive for around 70 years before I was sealed. Time means nothing to vampires since we're immortal. I'd never cared about it before, but here I couldn't stop thinking about time. I kept count of the days for the first couple of months, after that it became tedious so I stopped.

I lost interest in keeping track of time, but I was not through making an effort of trying to free myself. Eventually, I was able to get my hands through the chains. Although they were torn apart at the joints with my thumbs dangling, I knew they'd heal.

After waiting for them to return to normal, I began my attempt of freeing my legs. It didn't matter that I couldn't see a thing, I was set on at least enabling my movements. But this hell I was in wasn't going to let me.

Several spiked burning chains flew through my stomach and chest. My entire body was promptly set ablaze. I yelled in agony for who knows how long as my body was being torched by the unpersisting flames. I had to deal with that torture for what seemed like an eternity but was probably somewhere around a year. For some reason, my clothes stitched themselves back together.

How long had I been there now, 2 years maybe? Little did I know I would be here for a couple of centuries with no help on the way anytime soon. But this wasn't anywhere close to the suffering the humans caused me.

Time passes, and I attempt to free myself again. After enduring the same arduous pain, I freed my hands again, or at least what was left of them. I was prepared to burn again, but something else awaited me.

I could hear howling in the distance. Feral growls approached me with speed faster than what I was capable of. In an instant, the left side of my shoulder and right side of my stomach were ripped off my body. My entrails were feasted on by what I assumed to be wolves. A species of wolves stronger than vampires, they could only be Wyrves: humanoid hound monsters. My body was feasted on for even longer than it burned. Every part of my body would be constantly dismembered with organs all over serving as food for these Wyrves' insatiable hunger. I became numb to the pain not even halfway through. Even if I wasn't chained down and powerless, I still wouldn't be able to beat a pack of Wyrves. Vampires are nowhere close to being the strongest species.

I'd just been lying down incognizant. The Wyrves had gone away some time ago. After noticing that, I just continued to lay in the darkness without moving.

Someone was laughing hysterically. Their cackles went on nonstop for a few days. Oh yeah, those laughs devoid of sanity belonged to me. I tried my luck again to see if the third punishment would be harsher than the first two.

I regretted it.

For the first time since I was a child, I pleaded for help.

[Omitted]

At the very least, I had returned to my senses after that. The suffering I'd endured in here already far surpassed the ordeals the humans put me through. Even if I knew there were creatures stronger than me, nobody could ever imagine the damned monsters that shouldn't even be allowed to exist.

Things were slightly put into perspective. My race is fated to fight against humans as long as our blood compels us to feed from them. When I was a child, I didn't want to hurt others. That mindset was short-lived. The story of what happened during my upbringing can wait for another time.

By the time I was around 18 years of age, I swore vengeance against the humans. It wasn't my blood that was driving me to fight them, just my pure rage. I fought for several years nonstop, claiming thousands of human lives each day. But what is revenge in the grand scheme of things? I don't even know how big the world I come from is. In the end, I'm just a big fish in a small pond.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.

Well, I don't even know how big I am anymore. Maybe when this is all over, I can journey the faraway lands and experience what life truly has to offer.

"Haha."

Huh? Who's laughing now?

"Hahahaha."

It's obviously me again. But this time, it was a genuine laugh.

I'd realized how silly this battle has been.

If vampires don't drink human blood, we'll be driven to insanity followed by death. But the vast majority of us don't even fight to save ourselves from going insane. We take pride and enjoyment out of killing and enslaving humans.

This conflict won't end until either side is wiped out. Is there a possibility we can coexist? No. Most humans won't just allow vampires to suck blood from them so they can stay alive. And the vampires who've found pleasure and become accustomed to fighting humans won't stop after all this time.

Decades pass.

I spent years thinking. How can I bring this several-century-long battle to a close? A definite solution never came to mind. If I was simply able to think of a way where humans and vampires no longer had to fight each other, this battle would've ended long ago. But I did think of a course of action that could someday lead to a solution.

I will join the side of the humans.

To do so, I must be able to forgive them. Without realizing it, I already had.

Being sealed was a blessing.

For the first time in my life, I felt grateful.

I decided to keep hold of my resolve for as long as I lived. There was no way for me to determine when I'd be released, but I would wait as long as it could take.

After patiently waiting, the darkness that accompanied me had finally gone away. I found myself in a vast tomb. Somebody broke the seal, who I assumed to be a vampire. To my expectations it was. "The seal wasn't complex at all, it was just impossible to find", is what he told me. Apparently someone leaked it to them. I didn't care, what mattered was that I was finally freed.

Upon meeting other vampires, I found out I was sealed for over 200 years. I should've been surprised but wasn't. Just like how I wasn't surprised humans and vampires are still fighting.

I notice a captured boy who was undoubtedly brought as an offering. I decided to side with the humans, so I of course planned to save him. That's when it hit me.

I've never saved anybody else, not even my own kind. I was so absorbed with revenge while fighting, I never tried to save those I could've easily protected. I didn't even try to get to know the men I commanded. I only had two friends I'd known since birth and a sibling.

This would be the first person I've ever saved. When he suffered a fatal wound, I selfishly decided I wouldn't allow him to die. Even if he did want to live and ended up accepting that I turned him into a vampire, this was nothing more than an attempt at my start for atonement.

Nonetheless, I will stay by the boy's side now. The moment he established his will to live to me, our fates intertwined.

Instead of using my power to take lives, I finally saved one.

I divulged this to everyone in the courtroom.

I let my resolve be known, so they could in turn trust me.

***

What fate awaited Chifuyu and Ariel?

If the hunters decide they can't be allowed to live, Ariel plans to quickly break Chifuyu's chains and take him so the two could run away in the meantime. Ariel has no intention of harming a human, and she has a surefire to prove that.

"Vampires are known to be deceptive. There's countless that snuck into our society pretending to be human."

The president voices that he's not ignorant to a vampire's nature.

In normal circumstances, vampires can be easily told apart from humans. But they have an uncanny power that allows them to change their features to that of a human. All vampires have pointed ears, red eyes, noticeably sharp and long top canine teeth, and pointed nails. By changing their appearance to seem human, the top of their ears round out, their eyes take on the color of something besides red, their canines become less suspicious, and their sharp nails retract. This is an ability all vampires can pull off as long as they have sufficient blood in their system.

"But I sensed nothing except genuine regret, reflection, and resolve from your monologue. If I was told 20 years ago that I'd someday come across a changed vampire, I would've laughed and put that person behind bars for suspicion of betrayal. I guess anyone is capable of change, even a monster."

"Ha."

Ariel scoffs at the president's sentiment.

"I agree as well. I was already on board when Shoyo was backing her up, but I must say I'm thoroughly convinced now."

Dallas concurs with the president.

The other hunters and onlookers begin conversing amongst themselves. Naturally, some were still doubtful. No matter how convincing Ariel may have sounded, the humans currently present have been struggling against the vampires for as long as they've been alive. They would never accept a vampire to join their side even if it meant they were guaranteed success in coming out victorious in this long battle.

"I still don't think we should ever side with a vampire."

"Yeah, he's right!"

Every one of the onlookers were against it while some of the hunters were still unsure. It was difficult to decide on the spot if they would benefit from Ariel joining them. The opinions of those from the Hunter Agency have more political power than hunters. Since the president is leaning more towards having Ariel on their side, the views of those below him have no say in the end. Though generally the president and his staff are on the same wavelength, this case is an exception.

"These guys are gonna put up a fight to the very end, huh?"

These mocking words came from Shoyo who was still just chilling back.

"I respect and value what all of you have to say, that's why I chose most of you to join the agency. But I ask that you all trust in my decision, even if it goes against the majority."

"President..."

"No matter what, I will always go with the best course of action that has merits for humanity."

"President, what're you doing?"

"I Vow on my life as Cid Biyakuse that my decision is not the wrong one."

He deeply bowed to everyone. He has the authority to always make his decisions final. But he seeks for those under him, as their leader to have full trust in him and accept his wishes.

This leaves them reluctant, rethinking their previous thoughts. The words the president spoke has that much sway not only because of his position, but because he also put his life on the line. He vowed.

During the war 200 years ago when Ariel and her army invaded, they would've easily taken control of this world if it wasn't for the interference of an unknown person, who is also responsible for sealing her. They taught the humans how to fight against vampires and told them various things. One of the many pieces of information that was brought to light was what a Vow is.

A Vow is a spoken promise to oneself that must be set with a consequence if broken. The president made this Vow on his life. So if Ariel betrays them, his life will be forfeit.

"Vampire! Our president just put his life on the line for you, so you'd better not betray us!"

"Well, if I did betray you, I'd kill him anyway..."

Ariel voices a true statement.

"You have my respect, human known as Cid Biyakuse."

"Likewise, Vampire Lord Ariel Ryuji."

"Many of you may not be able to trust me, but I can also at least put my life on the line to show my resolve. I vow on my life as Ariel Ryuji to never harm a human with malicious intent."

"Hey, did you hear that?"

"She put her life on the line just to have our trust?"

"She just swore not to harm us."

They were taken aback.

"I've done all I could now Chifuyu."

"You're amazing Ariel!"

Chifuyu was in awe of Ariel's resolve. He knows he didn't make a mistake trusting her.

His sudden praise made Ariel blush a little as she tried to hold herself back from smiling ear to ear. She's rather weak to compliments.

"Vampire Lord Ariel Ryuji!"

Being brought back to reality, she turns to all the Hunter Agency members who had looked at her with resentment not too long ago. They all called out to her in unison.

"It's good to have you!"

Another surprise comes at her. The hunters follow suit.

"It's good to have you, Ariel Ryuji!"

Erika and Dakota, who'd just been quietly watching let excitement show on their faces now that it looks like nothing will happen to Chifuyu.

Everyone present was on board, Ariel had finally accomplished something in her life without any bloodshed. Gratefulness overwhelmed her countenance.

"Thank you for having me."

***

"So Ms. Vampire Lord, what do you prefer to be called by?"

"I'm no longer a Vampire Lord, Ariel is fine."

"Alright then Ariel, it's time to pick your brain on some essential questions. Why did you attack us over 200 years ago?"

"Hmph."

Ariel exhales as she prepares to answer.

"That's right. When we first attacked, you guys weren't even aware of our existence. After all, we're not from this world."

"Yeah, you vampires originate from the Alter World."

"We'd discovered the existence of Shioto not too long before I invaded. Scouts were sent to determine what this place was. After waiting for their return for about a year, we found out that this land thriving with humans. Under orders from the Vampire King, I was to be sent here just to observe this new world. In our world, we've been at war with the humans there for several centuries. The Vampire King had no interest in this place, all of his focus was towards the conflict right in front of him. So he had no intention of sending any forces to subjugate the humans here, at least not yet. But I disregarded his orders and brought a portion of my army with me that numbered at a total of 5000 vampires. I thought that would be more than enough to quickly take over this small world, but you guys had a hidden protector that's definitely not from here. That person taught you all how to fight against us, though they were the one who wiped out the majority of the forces I brought."

"Thanks to that hidden protector, we've been able to fight against the vampires for the past couple of centuries."

"Haha. Wow, you were really a hothead back then weren't you?"

"Haha. This guy is ticking me off a little."

Shoyo throws in some quick banter upon hearing Ariel's answer.

"Anyway, there are a few books written on the events that occurred 200 years ago. I read them of course but not much was said about are sweet guardian angel that protected us for a bit before vanishing. Who knows, perhaps they're still watching over us."

Shoyo adds in that almost nothing at all is known about this person. Maybe they asked for their existence to be hidden as much as possible.

"That's possible. I was beaten by them so their strength is certainly on par with the Vampire Lords."

"Um... Excuse me. You guys keep calling this person they. You fought them didn't you Ariel? Is their gender unknown?"

Chifuyu throws in a question. He's been dragged into this world, so he has every right to know what he can.

"Yeah, their whole body including their face was covered. As far as I can remember, their voice was hard to distinguish as male or female."

"Hm. Thanks for answering. My second and last question will affect a critical decision for us hunters."

"What is it?"

"When do you think the vampires from the Alter World will invade with the intention to crush us?"

"That will undoubtedly be when the war in the Alter World ends, if they win that is. Since I've been sealed for about 200 years, I have no idea if it's still going on."

"Figures."

"Has anybody from Shioto ever been in the Alter World yet?"

"Yes. Though we haven't explored much, or really anything at all. We had an expedition several years ago, but the majority of the hunters that went weren't even done in by vampires. They were slaughtered by monsters. Only a handful of survivors returned. I'm still not sure if there's any merit to even going there. But..."

"But?"

"We still must know what's there. So we'll be commencing our 2nd expedition in time. Much sooner than planned since you're on our side now. We should have no problem surviving there for a long period of time if you're with us."

"I see. So that's the decision you were talking about. Do you think you guys can hold your own now?"

"I'm sure. The first expedition was about 11 years ago. We have dozens of capable 1st Rank Hunters and a handful of Special Rank Hunters whose skills speak for themselves. Then of course we have that bonehead over there."

"Heya!"

"Our plan is to survey as much of the Alter World as possible and set up some portal artifacts the hidden protector gave us, and now also to find out whether this war you speak of is still going on over there"

"Portal artifacts huh, I'm assuming they're two-way portals so you can travel back and forth."

"That's correct."

"Portals? Is that how the Alter World is connected to ours?"

"Yes, Chifuyu."

It's common knowledge that vampires come from a foreign planet known as the Alter World. There are portals that connect the two that were only just discovered a couple hundred years ago. The latter part of information was determined not to be made public so people don't try to actively search for these portals.

"Although I said we have this numbskull Shoyo, he probably won't take part in the 2nd expedition. After all, we don't know how many vampires have been in hiding here. If they catch wind of our plan and choose to attack, Shoyo will be here to intervene."

"We should be cautious of the vampires here on Shioto. They stayed in hiding for so long waiting to unseal Ariel. Now that she's free and no longer on their side, they may plan something big soon. For some reason, I can't imagine them just returning to the Alter World."

Shoyo jumps back into the conversation. Everyone believes his statement to be right. Although Shioto has been relatively peaceful on the outside, there are still numerous missing persons cases or dead bodies found each month. There have also been a couple of big incidents where some vampires claimed dozens of lives in broad daylight. Those are suspected to be strays who perhaps wandered onto their world or vampires who were already here that began to starve.

"Did you forget that other presence Shoyo?" Ariel poses a question that they'd already talked about.

"I didn't. There was at least one other vampire who remained in hiding when Ariel was unsealed. There's no doubt they reported that their precious Vampire Lord betrayed them. One of them called themselves the Slayers. Perhaps it's what the group of vampires that are on Shioto go by."

"The Slayers... Ariel, do you know this group?"

"No. There was never such a group I was aware of."

"I see. This is rather troublesome."

Suddenly, Ariel seems to have come to some sort of realization.

"I'm starting to recall the face of the vampire that gravely injured Chifuyu... He was a low-ranking subordinate in my army! Wait, so were some of the other vampires there."

"I think I see where this is going."

"Back then, I never really cared about those under me. I just saw them as dispensable underlings. Now that I think about it, all the vampires that were present in that forest used to be my subordinates. It may be far-fetched to say this, but this group calling themselves Slayers may be vampires that were all under me. I played the part of a great leader, so I wouldn't be surprised if they abandoned the war to save me."

"We're finally getting a clear goal. All this time we've mainly been on the defensive. Our name isn't just for decoration, right guys? Until the next expedition, we're going to focus most of our forces on sniffing out these rats."

Humanities counterattack commences at long last.

"The hunt begins."

***

"I'm sure the verdict is clear, this court is now adjourned."

The judge officially ends the trial, those present have accepted Ariel as an ally and Chifuyu will no longer be executed.

"Listen up, what happened during this trial will become confidential information. It is to remain a secret that Chifuyu has become a half-vampire and that we have a Vampire Lord on our side. The latter can be revealed in due time. But until then, if any news of what transpired today gets out to the public, the heads of everyone here will be rolling. Do I make myself clear?"

"Sir!"

The president gives his final statement before pardoning everyone. He personally walks up to Chifuyu to unchain him.

"Nice to meet you kid. Shoyo, I leave him in your hands."

"That's the plan."

"I'll be waiting to see your merits as a hunter, Chifuyu."

"Uh... Yessir!"

"Hmph."

The president lets out a slight chuckle as he leaves the courtroom. Chifuyu bows to him.

"Looks like you get to live Chifuyu."

"I'm relieved, this whole thing has been exhausting."

"You think you're ready for what's to come?"

"I'm sure I can handle it."

Chifuyu's eyes conveyed absolute resolve.

***

"Chifuyu!"

Erika and Dakota shout Chifuyu's name in unison as they run towards him.

"I thought you were a goner man."

"Thank god everything turned out okay."

The two sigh as they let out their reliefs. Chifuyu is just as happy to see them fine.

"I'm glad you guys didn't get captured along with me. How long has it been since the Moon Festival?"

"It was just last night."

"So it's only been about a day. By the way, what're you two doing here anyway? It seems weird that they let two high school students be here, it couldn't be just cuz we're friends."

"Yeah, the thing is..."

Erika begins to explain, but Dakota cuts her off wanting to say what happened instead.

"When we woke up and couldn't find you, we split up to ask around. Someone told Erika they saw you get taken into the forest."

"Yeah. And instead of calling for help, we kinda just ran into the forest without thinking. And hunters that had just got there took us in for being suspicious."

"And that's when I came to save the day!"

"You... Saved them Mr. Shoyo?"

"Just Shoyo is fine. And yeah, I caught them being released after questioning and heard they were your friends, so I thought why not bring em to the trial that'll be held?"

"That sounds awfully irresponsible, what if I had been executed?"

"Don't sweat the small details."

'This guy can't be serious.'

Is what Chifuyu thinks, but Shoyo did have full faith he would make it out the trial alive.

"So you're Chifuyu's friends, pleasure to meet you."

"N-no, t-the pleasure is all ours Vampire Lord!"

Ariel greets Chifuyu's closest friends, Dakota can't help but be tense so he bows deeply and shoves Erika's head down as well so she could follow suit while greeting her back.

"Loosen up Dakota, you can trust Ariel."

"Well, if you say so."

Never in a million years would Dakota have thought he'd someday talk to a vampire on friendly terms.

"Um, Oh Great Ariel."

"Please don't call me that."

"Lord Ariel, Queen of- Ah!"

Before Erika could finish the troublesome title she came up with for Ariel, she chops her on the neck.

"No honorifics are necessary, really."

"Sorry... Then, Ariel!"

Finally just calling her by her name, Erika clasped both of Ariel's hands together with hers.

"Thank you so much for saving Chifuyu, words can't begin to express my gratitude."

"Heh, don't mention it."

Erika stops herself from crying as a big smile forms on her face. Ariel removes one of her hands from Erika's grasp and swings it around her shoulder. She closes in on her ear to whisper something.

"So, what's your relationship with my master?"

"Wha-… re-relation… ship?"

Erika's face flushes red and she reflexively covers it with both of her hands. Chifuyu looks over in confusion.

"C'mon, you're dating aren't you? I know humans like to indulge themselves in acts of love."

"No, we aren't!"

Erika whispers back, buts it's like a loud whisper to show she means it.

"Ah, how boring."

Erika takes quick glances at Chifuyu to see if he heard any of that. Looks like he didn't.

"So Shoyo, what happens from here?"

Chifuyu knows he's not going to immediately become a hunter, he has to be trained first. There's also the matter of school. He's wondering if he has to drop out of high school.

"Well if you're wondering about school, you'll more than likely finish your high school education through homeschool. I highly doubt the Agency will let you continue to go in person. I don't want to scare you, but there was a vampire who stayed hidden at the forest. They undoubtedly reported Ariel's betrayal and that you're her master now, so they may target you."

"Target me?? Now I have to watch my back 24/7..."

"Don't worry, you're going to be receiving training after all. And it'll be from yours truly!"

"Wait, you're gonna train me Shoyo?"

"Hehe, surprised the strongest man will specially be showing you the ropes of being a hunter. I could finish your homeschool education as well, I'm doing the same for someone that should be your age."

"Well, I have no complaints if that's what I have to do. Guess I won't be able to play basketball anymore."

Chifuyu didn't know what he wanted to do for a career, but he did plan to play basketball until the end of college. Having to give up on that so suddenly naturally has him disappointed.

"Um, Mr. Shoyo."

"What's up?"

"Would it be possible for me to become a hunter along with Chifuyu?"

"Ho."

"Wha... Erika?"

"I thought about the possibility of you having to become a hunter ever since the trial started. Mainly because I didn't want you to die... I thought that would be the only solution, so if that would be the case I wouldn't let you leave me!"

"How could you decide this so quickly, you've been living a normal life up until now?"

"Chifuyu's right, do you know what becoming a hunter means?"

"Of course Dakota. Y'know you've told me before you'd rather become a hunter than go to college."

"Geh."

"Now you have a reason, we can't let Chifuyu do this alone!"

'She's forcing me too?!"

Dakota's thoughts are filled with a bleak future.

"No, you guys don't have to do this. I-"

"This is our choice Chifuyu!"

"Our?!" says Dakota silently.

"I don't have to think twice about becoming a hunter with you! Didn't we promise to go to the same college, just think of this being the same as that."

"Those aren't the same at all."

"You've got great friends Chifuyu."

"Shoyo..."

"I can put in word for you two to transfer to the Hunter Training Academy."

"Thank you!"

"Oh man."

"That is after we get permission from your parents."

"We're truly grateful!"

Erika bows deeply, this time pushing Dakota's head down so he can also bow, his face says he'll regret going along with this.

"I'll have some staff escort you two home, I'm sure mom and dad are worried since you stayed here for questioning all night. I have to talk with Chifuyu longer and submit some documents for him later."

"Again, thank you so much!"

"You're very welcome."

"We'll see you later Chifuyu."

"Yeah!"

Erika and Chifuyu wave each other off, Dakota is too busy pondering his future to say anything.

"Already having regrets?"

"Erika may say it's their decision, but I dragged them into this. If anything happens, it'll be my fault."

"No Chifuyu, the blame would be on me. You were dragged into this because of my return after all."

He doesn't reply to that, Chifuyu just looks at Ariel with sulking eyes.

"Eugh, all this selflessness is gonna make me puke. Chifuyu, you said you're not going to regret this, didn't you? All you have to do is get strong enough to protect them. Or what, do you think they won't be strong enough to protect themselves?"

Slap!

Shoyo gives Chifuyu a good slap on the face, this surprises both him and Ariel.

"Things are only just beginning, you don't have time to overthink. From here, you're going to have to only move forward."

'No matter what happens.'

Chifuyu takes a big breath in and out.

"Thanks, I'm all good now. I can trust them to take care of themselves. They're my friends after all."

"That's the spirit."

Chifuyu's grin returns to his face.