Vampire Reincarnation

The sound of clashing metal reverberated in the air a distance away from Kai’s current location, pain-filled screams echoed in the solitary road between Limmin City and Nivero as a small river of blood flowed along its path. Several wooden wagons stopped in the middle of the track, their simple design contrasted by the vast array of valuables laid inside them.

Spices such as salt and pepper, oils, and cotton, as well as exquisitely sewn clothes made from the finest materials could be seen. Besides that, there were pelts and jewelry, as well as some foreign books. All of them are covered by a thin layer of mana, protecting them from the elements.

At the very front stood a large, gorgeous carriage pulled by an enormous deer, its huge stature emanating a respect-inducing royal aura. The blueish-purple fur decorating its body shone slightly under the noon sun.

Its thick and heavy hooves scratched against the ground, its long tail whipping about, lightly scratching the carriage with its spiky end. A crown made out of thorny antlers decorated its small head, and the five eyes covering its face blinked anxiously, the chains binding it to the carriage vibrating furiously as the animal tried to escape.

A beautiful purple linen material decorated the exterior of the carriage, sewn by a golden thread that sparkled under the shining sun, creating a stark contrast between it and the wagons.

Some similar purple material covered its spacious interior, whose seats were cushions with soft pillows, and the windows were covered by a thin curtain of the same color.

Hidden behind them lay a girl with blonde hair and emerald green eyes, soft cries escaping her shivering body as they inundated the carriage’s interior.

Six dozen men wielding a vast array of weapons surrounded the carriage from all angles. Their blood-covered clothes were covered in holes and tears, and they tightly held their old and shabby weapons as they eyed the carriage like a vicious predator. The sound of clanking metal echoed among the drowning cries as the bandits stepped over a few corpses of men wearing dark green armor.

Thirty or so men wearing armor of similar hue guarded the carriage, their swords trembling slightly in their hands while watching the bandits grow closer, however, they stood stall and proud, encircling the carriage in a defensive position as they prepared for another round of bloodshed.

The dense foliage concealed Kai’s presence, remaining motionless, his fingers tapping lightly on the hilt of his sword as he was struggling to make a decision. I want to help them but… what do I do about my appearance? How would they react if they found out I’m a vampire? Besides that… I’ve never fought another human before…

“Aaarg!” Another painful scream accompanied by a soft thud broke Kai’s train of thought, his eyes instantly dashing toward the direction of the cry. Another guard fell! His eyes lit up as an idea popped into his mind. I can use that!

A soft thud resounded in the area as he dropped his backpack on the soft grass, the small blades bending under its weight. He plunged his hand into the depths of his backpack, fingers grazing the rough texture of the notebook as he pushed it aside. A soft huff escaped his lips, and he caught himself biting down on his lower lip in concentration.

After a few seconds of searching, he pulled out an old cloak, dust flying in the air as he forced it out of the stuffed backpack. Holes and tears covered its rough, black material. Soft rays of sunlight passed through the damaged fabric, lightly hitting Kai's pale skin as he inspected it.

This is good enough!

The cloak rustled silently as he donned it over his shoulders. He used the hood to hide his crimson eyes and silver hair. The wind whooshed past his ears as he dashed out from the concealment of the overgrown foliage and sped off toward the carriage. Onyx’s huge figure followed closely behind Kai, his paws digging into the dry soil, leaving deep marks behind as he ran.

Wind and dust hit his soft, tensed-up fur as he squinted his eyes to see better ahead. His chest heaved lightly as warm blood rushed through his tightened muscles, his eyes glowing with anticipation for the fight. Kai’s eyes snapped to the Obborik, staring at him briefly before saying imperatively “Remember, don’t kill anyone.” Onyx’s ears lowered as he let out a soft cry, feeling wronged after hearing that, but he still blinked innocently.

…

The guard fell with a shuddering thud, his silent scream echoing forever in the river of time. The group of bandits stepped over his dying body, crushing his chest as he gave his last breath.

“Haiie... I thought the guards of the mighty Orchid Merchant organization would be better than this, but is this the extent of their power?” A bandit with a missing eye and face covered in ugly scars sneered mockingly with a laugh as he advanced maliciously towards the green-armored guards.

All of the guards wielded emerald green longswords, their blades shining brightly as they anxiously retreated towards the carriage, maintaining a perfect defensive formation.

“Aye, what a pity… we even gathered this many men but i’was a waste.” Another bandit with a crackling wooden hand agreed as he brandished his saber with a perverted look on his face, eyes locked onto the carriage. His dirty tongue ran across his dry lips as he chuckled lecherously “ I reckon the young lady and ‘er maid will be more than sufficient for compensation.”

“Protect the lady at all costs!” A guard standing in the middle of the formation yelled out the order while brandishing his sword, cutting three bandits in the process, blood splashing on his sparkling vambrace. His armor, exquisite and dark green like the others, bore an orchid engraving on the left side of the cuirass.

A strong, resounding “Yes, sir!” shuddered the air as the three dozen guards answered in unison, a faint luster enveloping their jade-like swords. The glowing of their blades intensified as they sliced their swords through the air with the skill of seasoned warriors.

A sharp, piercing whooshing sound echoed in the area accompanied by a strong gust of wind, pushing the assailants away, the glow of their swords dimmed as a thin, protective sheen of green light covered them and the carriage.

*Tsk* The one-eyed bandit snickered as he observed the barrier, delicate as silk, pulsating under his gaze. A soft hiss echoed from his scabbard as he cautiously unsheathed his iron sword, thousands of minute scratches visible on the blade’s surface. It’s been a while since I had to fight…

Disdain covered the faces of the other bandits as they sneered while brandishing their weapons, eyes locked onto the paper-thin barrier. One of them stepped forward, pointing his keen halberd at it “What’s this flimsy thing gon’ do?” he jeered, his voice dripping with contempt “Bet I could pierce it wit’ a needle” he added, pressing the sharp end of his halberd against the barrier with a mocking grin.

At that moment, the barrier’s glow intensified and a ripple spread out from the point of contact then bouncing right back as it returned to normal. The bandit shot back like a kite with its string cut, rolling on the ground before coming to a stop ten meters away, a pool of blood forming under his corpse. His companion’s expressions froze, their mocking words stuck in their throat.

The one-eyed bandit’s pupil trembled as it widened, his mouth was slightly agape and he tightened the grip on his shabby sword. The Valiant Barrier… I canne’t believe it’s so strong!

The lips of the guards curled into a mocking smile as they watched the corpse of the bandit bleed out on the cold dirt, their eyes filled with disdain. The captain of the guards swept his icy gaze over the attackers, a soft grating sound accompanied the thunderous voice of the captain as he tightened the grip on his sword. “You damn ruffians! The Orchid’s Organisation techniques aren’t something you peasants can deal with. Scram now before we cut off your tongues and feed them to the crows!”

Silence overtook the area, his imposing statement still bouncing off and echoing in the dense forest. The faces of the bandits were deathly pale, their entire bodies trembling as they struggled to hold their weapons. Their gazes danced around, rapidly switching between their dead comrade and the barrier. Their hearts faltered as they skipped a beat and some of them even turned to run away.

“Hehehehe…” an ear-screeching laugh broke the silence as a crackling noise accompanied by the sound of clashing metal drew everyone’s attention. “Just ye third-rate technique and ye proud of it eh?” The wooden-handed bandit jeered at the captain as he played with his saber, the clean surface of the blade perfectly reflecting the rays of sunlight falling upon it. His wooden hand let out a clopping sound as he tightened his grip around the handle. His smile disappeared. A faint luster was visible in his squinted eyes.

A suffocating pressure emanated from the bandit as the air around him thickened, his analyzing gaze observed the throbbing, soft barrier. A whistling sound echoed in the area and a thick cloud of dust rose in the air. The sound of glass shattering echoed through the air like a thunderclap a few moments later. A sharp whistling sound accompanied by a strong gust of wind dispersed the dust cloud, revealing a shocking scene.

Green particles scattered in the air under the widened eyes of the guards, cold sweat dripping down their foreheads. The wooden-handed bandit stood in front of them, contempt visible on his face. “So much for a family technique…” he ridiculed as he gasped for air, mist spreading out around him. This technique… how did that strange man get his hands on it?

The one-eyed bandit stared at his companion with his mouth wide open however he quickly regained his composure and a sly smile manifested on his hideous face. “Men, attack!”

The other bandits snapped out of their shock upon hearing the words of their leader. Their loud steps echoed like a death sentence in the guard’s ears as they rushed towards the carriage at a quick pace. Choking dust rose as the ground shook under their feet…

“Awooooo!”

The bandits stopped in their tracks as a deafening howl shook the forest, causing leaves and branches to tremble in terror. A shiver traveled down everyone’s spines as their eyes widened, the tip of their blades trembling uncontrollably.

“What… what kind of creature is that?” One of the bandits fell to their knees, accompanied by a soft thud as his kriegsmesser hit the bloody ground. In the distance, the bright silhouette of a tall beast rapidly expanded, its loud growl seeming like a song of death.

Inside the carriage, a trembling, curled-up girl lay on the soft pillows. A sudden warmth spread across her forehead, and a prickling sensation crawled down her scalp. Without a sound, she slowly opened her teary, sapphire eyes. As she blinked away the tears, a soft white light emanated from her forehead, leaving behind a faint mark in the shape of a moon and sun. Her golden locks of hair fluttered as she sat up with ragged breaths.

Crystalline beads of sweat clung to her silky clothes, turning them transparent. Soft thuds echoed out from within her fragile chest. Her hands intertwined in prayer as light muttering resounded in the small space, and drops of sweat slithered through her rosy lips as they covered her mouth in a salty flavor.

Next to her sat a petite freckled girl. Small, gray animalistic ears stuck out of her short auburn hair. They rustled back and forth as the howl resounded inside the small cabin. She hugged the girl’s arm, her small nose twitching nervously as she stammered “L-l-l-lady Orphelia, w-w-what is that sound?”

The soft murmuring kept bouncing off the walls for a few seconds before stopping. A light burning sensation spread across the blonde girl’s forehead, the moon and sun marking disappearing as quietly as they appeared. Orphelia’s hand flew to her chest, feeling her thumping heart beneath her fingertips. Her mouth bloomed into a faint smile accompanied by sparkling eyes. Her lips parted slightly and a clear melodic voice filled the walls of the carriage. “They have come to save us…”

“Hmm?” The freckled girl’s ears perked up as her tar-like eyes stared intently at Orphelia “They? Who’s they? Did Goddes-”

“Shh” Orphelia’s fingers darted at the small maid’s mouth. “Don’t mention any of that, we don’t know who may be listening.” The little maid’s hair fluttered widely as her head bobbed up and down, showing her understanding. “We are safe now.” Orphelia added, “Just wait…”

…

The Obborik’s huge figure cast a shadow over the group of bandits, his loud growling sending shivers of fear down their spines. A soft light enveloped his body as his pace quickened drastically.

Woosh

Onyx raced past the bandits like the arrow fired by an expert archer. A sharp whistling sound echoed in their ears as they were sent flying backward.

Penggg

A hooded figure raced towards the attackers with the momentum of a speeding bullet. Kai stopped in front of one of the weaker-looking members, a horrifying scar marked his face. A dull, muffled thud echoed in his ears after being hit by the wide part of Kai’s purple sword before falling unconscious.

Onyx also kept pushing the enemies towards Kai, who would then knock them down. The young Obborik was doing his best to make sure they couldn’t move too much, however, due to his negligence or inexperience, a few of them still managed to escape the encirclement.

Just when Kai was about to strike down another attacker, a faint crackling noise accompanied by the sound of whistling air sent shivers down his spine. He quickly jumped over the bandit and turned to look behind him. The wooden-handed assailant brandished his saber as he keenly observed Kai.

“Heh…” a mocking laugh escaped his lips as his eyes drifted about.

His sharp saber curved towards the sky. Kai’s body shivered uncontrollably accompanied by cold sweat that dripped down his neck as the bandit took the stance of a seasoned duelist. Slow gusts of wind blew against Kai’s hood, slightly revealing his crimson eyes.

“Kid, w’y didn’t you kill them bastards?” he jeered in a mocking tone, feeling slightly curious. Kai tightened his hold on the handle without saying a word, his heart pounding against his chest as a rough crunching noise sounded from under his feet, assuming the combat posture taught to him by his grandpa.

The bandit’s dry lips formed into a faint smile after noticing Kai’s fighting stance. His blade became slightly duller as his stance eased lightly. Such rough swordsmanship… he’s open to attack from all sides, against an experienced fighter this kid wouldn’t last three seconds.

A gentle breeze accompanied by the sound of fluttering leaves signaled the start of the fight. Dirt shot up in the air as the bandit dashed towards Kai with a thrust, the tip of his blade aiming straight at his throat.

Sparks flew everywhere as a deafening clash of metal echoed on the battlefield. Kai’s sword trembled as he blocked the vicious attack. Scraping noise reverberated as he pushed back against his opponent. The bandit’s eyes widened in surprise. A disdainful scoff rang in Kai’s ears as the saber circled his blade, causing it to hit the ground. The bandit immediately followed up with a flèche aimed at Kai’s shoulder.

Not good! He quickly retreated, sending dirt shooting in the bandit’s face. Kai’s hands trembled on the hilt as he raised his purple sword in a diagonal position. A short murmur escaped his lips after which his body lit up faintly. He squinted his eyes as the blade chirped soundlessly. Kai’s figure rushed toward his foe with a whooshing sound, the sharp tip of his weapon aiming at their stomach.

Fool! The wooden-handed bandit’s body snapped to the side as he cut down toward Kai’s neck. The young vampire crouched without hesitation, dodging the attack only to be met with a thrust aimed between his shoulder and neck.

A feint?! A gruesome slicing noise followed by a loud grunt rang inside the bandit’s ears, a vicious expression clear on his face. Warm blood trickled down on the cold ground, the unsettling dripping noise resonating like a melody.

A long but shallow cut ran across Kai’s chest, his bloodied hand trembled as he murmured something under his breath. A faint glow covered his body followed by a swooshing noise as his sword split the air, hurtling towards the saber. The sharp noise of clashing metal reverberated in his ears as a clattering sound followed shortly after.

Me hand…! The bandit’s wooden hand vibrated furiously as his saber hit the ground violently. His pupils contracted slightly. A loud clanging sound resounded on the battlefield. The bandit grabbed Kai’s sword, his wooden hand trembling rapidly as he tightened his grip on the purple blade. His other arm reached towards Kai’s neck, grabbing it with a silent swish.

Little bastard, t’is will teach ye! His eyes drifted behind Kai and a sly smile slowly manifested on his horrid face. The one-eyed bandit slithered silently on the battlefield, hiding in Kai’s blind spots using his snake-like movement.

His clothes rustled as a scraping sound resounded from his waist. Soft rays of sunlight reflected by the sharp blade of a dagger as they hit it gently. A muffled whistling noise directed at Kai’s nape made his hair stand on end. His heart pounded against his chest as his breathing got shallower. The grip on his blade lessened as his vision started to blur. Crap! Can’t…. Move…

Whoosh

A strong gust of wind appeared from behind the one-eyed bandit. A wet squelch reverberated in the air as his eyes lost all light. A shuddering thud silenced the battlefield.

Whoosh

Another sickening crunch echoed. The grip on Kai’s neck loosened immediately and another dull thud resonated in the area. The wooden-handed bandit lay limp on the ground, an arrow pierced his skull as blood gushed out of his head.