Chapter 5: The Blood Harvest
"Master Ryu! What a rare pleasure it is to see you here again," the shopkeeper said, bowing slightly. "It's been ages since your last visit."
"I wouldn't know, sir," Ryu replied coolly, his crimson eyes scanning the quaint interior of the shop.
"Hahaha! Well then, allow me to treat you to our finest pastries today!" the shopkeeper exclaimed, clearly delighted at the prospect of such an esteemed guest.
"Thank you," Ryu said simply, though his tone carried no trace of enthusiasm.
"Don't mention it—but the tea will still cost you," the shopkeeper added with a wink.
"Fine. I'll have a Volcano Boba Black Tea."
"Right away, Master Ryu!"
Moments later, a steaming cup of red tea and a plate of delicate pastries were placed before him. Ryu sipped the tea slowly, his expression unreadable.
Though he appeared human enough on the surface, there was something unsettling about the way he savored each sip—something primal, almost predatory.
To outsiders, he might seem like any other wealthy patron indulging in luxury, but beneath that veneer lay a creature driven by darker cravings. Still, he found the taste of the tea... intriguing.
Not unpleasant, just different.
Across the street, hidden in the shadows of a neighboring storefront, a pair of rough-looking men watched Ryu intently. One of them—the leader—gritted his teeth in frustration.
"Tch. Boring rich brat," he muttered under his breath. "Wasting all this time drinking tea for hours. Must be rolling in money if he can afford to waste it like this."
Though Ryu possessed Haki—the ability to sense the emotions and intentions of those around him—he paid little attention to their whispers. His focus remained sharp, calculating, detached.
As dusk began to settle over the village, Ryu stood up from his seat and gathered two boxes of treats to take back home for Gray and Mia.
"Thank you for coming, Master Ryu! Please come again soon!" the shopkeeper called out cheerfully as Ryu exited the shop.
With the fading light casting long shadows across the landscape, Ryu strolled leisurely toward the outskirts of town. The desserts were for Gray and Mia, but now it was time to prepare his own meal.
"Look, boss, he's moving!" one of the thugs whispered urgently.
"I see that. Let's follow him," the leader replied, motioning for his subordinate to move.
"Yes, sir!"
The two men trailed after Ryu, keeping a cautious distance until they reached the wilderness. Just as they prepared to strike, Ryu stopped abruptly and turned to face them.
By now, night had fully descended, cloaking the world in darkness. Only the faint glow of the moon illuminated the scene. In the dim light, Ryu's scarlet eyes gleamed unnaturally, sending a shiver down the spines of the would-be assailants.
"Do you need something?" Ryu asked calmly, his voice devoid of emotion.
Their earlier attempts at stealth had been laughably poor, bordering on blatant arrogance. Did they really think he wouldn't notice?
"Boss... something feels off," the smaller thug murmured nervously, taking a step back. Beads of sweat trickled down his neck.
"What are you afraid of? He's just a kid—a spoiled noble brat, no less. How hard could it be?" the leader scoffed, trying to mask his unease. "Let's go!"
With a roar, the leader lunged forward, his hands reaching out to grab Ryu. But Ryu moved with unnatural grace, twisting away at an angle that defied logic.
For a moment, he didn't retaliate, content to observe. This was his first real fight in this new world, and thanks to his Observation Haki, he could predict every move before it happened. The thrill of complete control coursed through him, intoxicating and addictive.
"How... how is this possible?! This kid—he's a monster!" the leader gasped, stumbling backward in terror.
"You're right," Ryu said coldly, baring his fangs without hesitation. Before the thug could react, Ryu struck, sinking his teeth into the man's throat.
The second thug tried to flee, but Ryu was faster. With a swift, brutal motion, he pierced the man's heart, leaving both bodies lifeless on the ground.
Standing amidst the carnage, Ryu felt... nothing. No remorse, no disgust. Perhaps becoming a vampire had dulled his humanity.
Instead, he methodically retrieved his blood pouch—a seemingly ordinary flask that transformed into a set of razor-sharp fangs when pressed against flesh. Within moments, the corpses shriveled into husks, drained dry of their lifeblood. Eight kilograms of fresh blood—eight units—now filled the pouch.
Ryu weighed the flask in his hand, anticipation building within him. Lately, the craving for blood had consumed him, and he eagerly anticipated the taste.
Shaking his head, he scolded himself silently. This isn't normal. I can't let this consume me.
Back at the mansion, Mia greeted Ryu with wide-eyed curiosity.
"Master Ryu! You're back! A huge coffin was delivered earlier. Was that... yours?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.
"Yes, it's mine. I'll bring it to my room later. Don't worry about it," Ryu replied dismissively.
"But, Master Ryu..." Mia started, only to be cut off.
"Forget it. Here, these are for you and Gray. Enjoy." Ryu handed her the dessert boxes, which she accepted with glee.
"Wow, thank you, Master Ryu! ヾ(≧▽≦*)o"
After Ryu left, Mia suddenly remembered the coffin and spun around, only to find him already gone.
"Ugh, he slipped away!" she huffed, pouting. "I'm telling Gray!"
Minutes later, Mia and Gray sat in the attic, nibbling on the pastries and sipping the tea Ryu had brought back. Through the window, they watched as Ryu effortlessly carried the massive coffin into his room.
Mia stared in awe. "Gray, did you see that? He's so strong for someone so young!"
Gray, however, seemed unfazed. She merely smiled knowingly.
"Gray, Master Ryu has been acting so strange lately. Sleeping during the day, training at night... and now he's buying coffins. What's wrong with him?"
Gray ruffled Mia's hair affectionately. "The Ikano family has a genetic condition. When they reach a certain age, they can't tolerate sunlight well. They become lethargic during the day and more active at night. Didn't you notice? Even the master used to stay indoors most of the time."
Realization dawned on Mia. "Oh... so that's why..."
Meanwhile, oblivious to the conversation unfolding upstairs, Ryu settled into his newly acquired coffin. After testing its comfort, he nodded in satisfaction.
Ah, much better, he thought. A vampire should sleep in a coffin—it feels... right.
Though the current coffin was made of ordinary wood, Ryu couldn't help but fantasize about crafting one from Adam Wood someday. That would truly befit his status.
With his resting place secured, Ryu stepped back outside. Night was still young, and the sun wouldn't rise for hours. Sleep could wait. There was much to explore—and much to hunt.