NOT THAT YOU'LL EVER GO HOME AGAIN ✔️

⚰️Chapter 12

The Country of Vampires in Earth-Below was a large continent divided into four factions–which had their own beliefs, traditions, and routines. The East was the most modern with the highest human population, almost crowded already but the blue-bloods managing the East had no trouble governing them. The Ancient worshiped here were known to be fascinated by humans and never saw them as inferior creatures, whereas the West was ruled with iron hands by a huge Slayer organization. West remained difficult to travel to and while Slayers are humans with either strong psychic or fighting potential, their ruthlessness and dedication to eradicating 'anomalies' made them far from being humane. There was no known Ancient being worshiped or ruling here. In the South, no one knew a thing and barely talked about it, it was already considered a dead land by many.

And then there was North.

"There has been a strange surge in the number of Slayers roaming the land–"

"What is new about that, Klaus?"

The interruption quickly ignited Klaus Melbourne's temper to a flare which was evident in the slitted gaze he threw in the direction of the dhampir who cut his sentence. Cobalt blue his eyes may be but it would always bring intimidation to the lesser beings and gleam with fire.

Klaus exhaled loudly, crossing his arms and making a point to show he didn't appreciate the interruption while he was talking. "I wasn't finished, you see"

"Apologies," The dhampir lowered his gaze, swallowing nervously.

From the rest of the vampires inside the security room, one particular tried hard to cover his snicker with a hand which Klaus noticed but he only shook his head and continued.

"As I was saying," Klaus spoke again, "It is true that Slayers roaming here is already a norm, they always have this odd fascination with turning North as their playground to either entertain themselves or test their strengths. But recently there have been changes in their behaviors that I find concerning. The killing approach they use is more gruesome and...beyond my moral scopes" At this, he recalled the deaths near Tourmaline Hotel, two customers who were checked in for a week and both were wealthy vampires, they were found in an odd-fashioned death of mockery–their fangs taken out and torso disemboweled with some parts missing. "As Tourmaline Hotel's Security, it will fall on us to ensure the absolute protection of our clients"

After the discussion and updates from Klaus, the rest of the present vampires left to return to their stations. The only people left inside were Klaus himself and Zidane.

"How can you freaking find something to laugh about when we are having such a dire topic?" Klaus deadpanned, about Zidane's snickering earlier.

Zidane grinned, he wasn't sorry about it. "I did not mean to but it's just so amusing that we feel threatened by a bunch of humans with toys" He sat on the armrest of a lone couch in the corner.

"Toys that are proven harmful to us, you never learned after crossing one with them, huh? You almost got killed yet you still belittle them"

"Are you scared of Slayers, Klaus?"

It was only a curious question, there was no hint of mockery in it. "I am not but I know full well that even inferior creatures like humans can evolve, they will adapt to their environment and do what they can to survive. That said, the Slayers traveling from the West and coming here to 'play' are the most evolved among them I'd say"

A shrug from Zidane, "They sure do like visiting us like some kind of tourist spot"

Klaus knew his friend was on point about his word, a tourist spot indeed because the North had been known for the various types of bloodthirsty beings dwelling here and there, unlike in the East where humans are welcomed with open arms and given equal rights, it wasn't so much of the case in North. It was a rough place to live in, especially for the weak.