"The Half-Blood Arc: Ashes of War - Volume 1"

Part 4

Heydrich's countenance contorted in surprise, his expression genuine enough to catch Matthias off guard. "What the hell is a vampire?" Heydrich burst out, his voice a blend of confusion and irritation. Matthias had expected a variety of reactions - perhaps hypnotism or a bat-like transformation - but what unfolded was a bewildering and tense moment of utter bewilderment. The same puzzled expression mirrored on Heydrich's face was now mirrored on Matthias's, creating an unusual pause amidst their otherwise intense exchange.



Within this curious silence, Matthias clutched the rifle with trembling hands, his fingers betraying his inner turmoil. His gaze shifted to a small mirror resting on the nearby table. Seizing it, he studied the reflection, only to meet Heydrich's perplexed gaze. A surreal tableau was set - two men, locked in an unspoken clash of curiosity, striving to untangle the inexplicable.

In a final attempt to gauge Heydrich's reaction, Matthias withdrew a cross from his pocket - a symbol of divine protection. With fervor, he exclaimed, "The power of Christ compels you!" and pressed the cross against his forehead. An awkward tension hung in the air, accompanied by Heydrich's growing annoyance. The stillness shattered as Heydrich abruptly inhaled, wresting the rifle from Matthias's grip and delivering a sharp smack to his head. Heydrich's voice brimmed with frustration as he scolded Matthias, "Once the war concludes, I'll be escorting him to a mental hospital!" Matthias, nursing his throbbing head, weakly replied, "Okay... okay... you win. Test passed."

Heydrich's stormy countenance gradually eased into controlled breaths, a moment of calm amid the chaos. Sensing an opportunity, Matthias gingerly retrieved a fallen book from the ground and presented it to Heydrich. The title read "Bram Stoker's Dracula." With a rueful chuckle, Matthias confessed, "Unconventional research for our unconventional circumstances."



Heydrich's gaze softened, an understanding glint flickering in his eyes. "Is it a job, does it at least involve a cape?" he pondered, a trace of amusement coloring his voice. Matthias's lips curved into a half-smile as he replied, "More creature than profession, but ironically, the one I read did feature a cape."

Chuckling with a hint of amusement, Heydrich commented, "Well, your unconventional research nearly got you shot. But since I'll pass your test, I suppose I'll hold on to your gun for a little while for both of our safety". Matthias nodded in acknowledgment, conceding with a simple, "Fair enough."

Heydrich picked up the book and offered a cautionary piece of advice, "I wouldn't place too much faith in fiction as a guide to unraveling reality's mysteries. That's how Doomsday cults are born, and you're far too grounded for a successful occultist."

Matthias settled into a seat by the fire, extending his hands toward the flames to ward off the chill. He continued his musings openly and candidly, "It's intriguing, Commander. You possess an uncommon understanding of death. Unlike many other commanders, you treat us as equals, genuinely listening to our thoughts. There's no arrogance clouding your judgment. It's almost as if this is more than a duty-it's a calling for you."

Matthias reached for a wine bottle, taking a measured sip before resuming his inquiry, "I won't claim exceptional intelligence, but were you immersed in the realm of science before military service?"

With a sense of concern, Heydrich set the rifle aside, shedding his jacket and offering it to Matthias. "Come on, I can't have you freezing," Heydrich remarked, his voice carrying a hint of compassion. He returned the borrowed book, a silent gesture that spoke of camaraderie. "During my youth, I never found fascination in Fairy Tales," Heydrich began, his tone reflective. "Instead, the enigma of the Great Pyramids and the ancient temples of Greece captivated my imagination." A flask emerged from Heydrich's pocket, a swig taken before he extended it to Matthias. "Care for a drink?" Heydrich inquired. Matthias politely declined, and Heydrich responded with an easy shrug and a playful chuckle. Nostalgia danced across Heydrich's features as he continued, "And so, I dedicated much of my youth to the pursuit of archaeology. My resolve was to unearth the ancestral secrets, to bring to light what had been veiled."