Transmigrated to Game World

The blood moon rose again....!!

Kai woke up suddenly, gasping for air. His head throbbed, just like the frustration he felt earlier—or was it hours ago?—when he turned off the game after losing to the Darklord again. But this place… this wasn't his room.

The ceiling was low and made of dark, rough wood. Dried herbs hung from the edges, like charms meant to protect him. A small iron lantern on a wooden table flickered, casting a soft red light around the room. The air smelled damp, like earth and iron, with a hint of something sweet.

Kai sat up slowly, wincing as the world tilted a little. The bed was simple, made of rough wood with a thick, fur blanket on top. The walls were made of dark, burned wood, with uneven surfaces and strange carvings that Kai couldn't understand.

He pushed the blanket off and stood up, his bare feet touching the dirt floor. His heart raced as he walked toward the wooden door at the end of the room. He paused for a second, his hand just above the handle, before finding the courage to open it.

The door creaked as it opened, and Kai stepped outside, where a sight that took his breath away awaited him.

The village stretched out in front of Kai, looking like something from a dream—or maybe a nightmare. The houses, each different but all with a dark, gothic style, were scattered across a clearing. Tall black trees surrounded the village, their twisted branches reaching high above to form a canopy that blocked the sky, except for the blood-red moon that cast an eerie glow over everything.

The houses were made of dark wood and stone, with steep roofs covered in red thatch or tiles that seemed to sparkle faintly. Each house had its own unique look—some had shutters with detailed carvings of roots and veins, while others had small gardens with glowing crimson flowers. Vines with deep red leaves climbed the walls, their tendrils moving like they were alive.

The paths between the houses were narrow and winding, made of smooth black stones that seemed to hum softly under Kai's feet. Lanterns hung from wooden posts along the paths, their flames glowing a soft blue, flickering like little ghosts.

At the center of the village was a large communal square, with a huge oak tree standing tall. Its bark was black, and its leaves were blood-red. The tree's roots spread out like veins, glowing faintly and pulsing with a rhythmic energy. Around the square, market stalls were set up, their goods displayed under fabric canopies dyed in shades of crimson and black.

Kai's gaze shifted to the people walking through the village. At first, they seemed human, but the longer he looked, the more he noticed the strange details. Their movements were too smooth, too perfect, like they were performing a dance. Their faces were pale and flawless, with eyes that glowed softly in amber, crimson, or violet.

The villagers' clothes told a different story. They didn't wear the fine clothes of rich people or nobles. Instead, their clothes were torn and patched, showing signs of a tough, difficult life.

The men wore rough tunics and trousers made from burlap or coarse wool, held up by belts made of braided rope or strips of leather. Their boots, when they had them, were worn and repaired with scraps of fabric or animal hide. Some wore capes or shawls made from animal fur, with the edges frayed and ragged.

The women's dresses were simple and practical, made from plain fabrics in muted colors like gray, brown, and deep red. They wore aprons with big pockets tied around their waists, often stained with dirt or food. Many had scarves or hoods covering their hair, which was braided or left wild in messy waves.

Children ran barefoot, their clothes even more worn than the adults'. But even with their ragged appearance, the villagers moved with a quiet sense of dignity. Their glowing eyes and graceful movements felt otherworldly, making their simple clothes seem even more out of place, creating a strange and unsettling contrast.

Kai stepped out of the hut carefully, feeling the cool air against his skin. He slowly turned in a circle, taking in the haunting beauty of the village around him.

"What... what is this place?" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

A group of villagers nearby turned to look at Kai, their glowing eyes narrowing just slightly. One of them, a thin man with tangled hair and a tunic patched with different fabrics, whispered something to the others. They exchanged a few quick glances before going back to their work, losing interest in Kai as quickly as they had gained it.

Kai's chest tightened. These weren't NPCs. They didn't move or act like characters in a game. They were… real.

He stumbled toward the huge tree at the center of the village, drawn by its strange glow. As he passed by, he overheard bits of the villagers' soft conversations. Their voices were low and musical, speaking in a language Kai didn't understand. But there was something about the tone—their words carried a sense of caution, of secrecy.

In the square around the tree, a woman stirred a large pot over a fire, her hands wrapped in cloth to shield them from the heat. Another villager sat on the ground, sharpening a rough farming tool. Nearby, a child sat on the edge of a well, lowering a bucket into the dark depths below.

Kai's breath grew faster as the weight of his situation hit him. This wasn't the game. This wasn't his world. He was trapped in a place that made no sense, a place that defied all logic and explanation.

"This isn't real," he whispered, his fists tightening in fear. "This can't be real."

Kai stumbled forward, his mind racing to make sense of everything. This wasn't like the chaotic cities or peaceful towns he'd explored in the games he'd played. This was something... alive.

A boy dashed past him, chasing a glowing crimson ball, his laughter ringing through the square. Nearby, an older woman dressed in a black cloak with silver embroidery glanced at him. Her glowing violet eyes narrowed, studying him with quiet curiosity.

Instinctively, Kai took a step back, bumping into the wall of the hut he'd just left. His breathing grew faster as panic set in. "What… what is this place?" he whispered, his voice shaky with fear.

A soft voice broke through Kai's panic. "You're awake."

Kai turned around to see a man standing a few feet away. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his high-collared coat glowing faintly in the red light of the moon. His amber eyes studied Kai with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"The council said you would wake soon," the man said, his voice calm but firm. "You'll want to gather yourself. You've much to learn."

Kai shook his head, his heart racing. "The council? No—no, I don't understand. Where am I? How did I get here?"

The man's lips curled into a faint smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "You're in Crimson Veil," he replied simply, gesturing around them. "A place for those like us."

"Like us?" Kai echoed, his voice rising in disbelief. "No, no. There's been some mistake. I'm not—" He stopped, his mind spinning. This has to be a dream. Or maybe some sort of... extension of the game?

The man tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "You'll understand soon enough. For now, rest. Explore. The village is yours to roam."

Before Kai could argue, the man turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Kai alone in the shadow of the massive oak tree.

Kai's chest tightened as he scanned the village once more, the strange beauty around him only making the fear inside him grow stronger.

"This is impossible," Kai whispered, his voice shaking. "How did I end up here?"

But no answers came. Only the quiet hum of life in the vampire village of Crimson Veil. Whatever Crimson Veil was, he was stuck in it—and he had no idea how to get out.

"Nyx," someone called from behind, and Kai turned his head.