Pest Extermination (3)
I leveled the rifle at the vampire. He still hadn't noticed me. I wanted to pull the trigger right then and there and put a hole through that handsome head of his. But I wasn't confident enough yet. I'd only just shed my beginner's skin; I was no marksman. If someone asked whether I could reliably hit a target at long range, the honest answer would be no. I closed the distance. I had no intention of leaving everything to luck. Holding my breath, I lowered my stance and moved as quietly as possible, careful not to make a sound. Lulu followed behind me, also holding her breath.
The distance between us and the vampire was roughly three hundred meters. We hid behind bushes and trees and steadied our aim once more. The vampire was talking with Clare. She wore the face of a girl hopelessly in love, radiating that particular shy aura that appears whenever someone meets the object of their affection.
"Clare. You're late today."
The vampire looked down at her with cold eyes.
"I had things to prepare. I'm sorry for making you wait, Bell."
Clare had dressed herself up beautifully. She wasn't wearing her usual plain uniform. She had put real effort into her appearance, as if she were a lady attending a ball. She had climbed the mountain wearing heavy accessories and high heels, even using magic to keep her makeup from smudging. It was quite the display of devotion.
"Why did you come alone?"
"Pardon?"
"I distinctly told you to bring that girl named Lulu with you."
"W-well…"
"I've grown tired of your blood. You clearly said you understood last time. Are you mocking me?"
"I-I'm sorry, Bell. I wasn't mocking you. I just… didn't have the courage to tell Lulu…"
The vampire's expression twisted. Crack! His hand struck Clare across the cheek. She collapsed to the ground and looked up at him helplessly. Her pitiful, tear-filled eyes met his icy gaze.
"Don't delude yourself. Your only value lies in being useful to me. That worthless decoration you wear means nothing."
"I-I'm sorry…"
Lulu's lips pressed together tightly. I could feel the deep anger boiling inside her—the kind that wouldn't be satisfied until she repaid the vampire in kind.
"I can't forgive this. How dare he do that to my friend…"
Lulu wasn't particularly justice-oriented by nature, but she seemed quick to anger when it involved people close to her.
"Wait."
She ignored me and burst out of cover.
"Clare, why are you letting that thing control you!?"
"Lulu…?"
"That thing isn't human—it's an anomaly! A monster that drinks people's blood! Run away right now!"
The vampire and Clare both turned toward Lulu. This was my chance. The vampire's snake-like eyes hadn't registered Woo Suho yet. I placed my finger on the trigger.
"Why is Lulu here? And stop badmouthing Bell. He's just… a little eccentric and clumsy. He's not some evil monster…"
Clare was clearly under the vampire's spell. He sneered. Spotting Lulu, he approached her like a predator that had found its prey.
"Look at that. A delicious meal walked right up to me."
Lulu seemed to remember my warning. She avoided looking directly at the vampire's face.
"Clare. Tie Lulu's legs."
"H-huh? But…"
"Are you planning to keep disappointing me?"
Clare flinched at those words, shaking her head desperately as if being hated by the vampire was the most terrifying thing in the world.
"Then tie her legs."
Clare's eyes wavered. It was masterful gaslighting. I almost wanted to applaud. Lulu bit her lip.
"Clare, snap out of it! That monster is just using you!"
"I-I'm sorry, Lulu. I don't want him to hate me…"
Clare began glaring at Lulu with dangerous eyes—the same look she'd worn during our sparring class.
"I'm jealous of you, Lulu. If I had sweet blood like yours, he would pay more attention to me."
"Clare…"
The vampire and Clare advanced on Lulu threateningly. Now was the time. I pulled the trigger.
Bang!!
The rifle roared and spat fire. A neat hole appeared in the vampire's forehead. Blood sprayed as he collapsed. I didn't waste the opening. I switched the selector to full auto.
Tatatat!!
The vampire was tough. Unlike a human, a single bullet wouldn't kill him. While he was pinned down by the impact and pain, this was my best chance. I emptied the magazine, reloaded, and fired again. Gunfire instinctively terrifies people. The endless roar made Lulu and Clare cover their ears and drop to the ground. I lowered the smoking barrel. The vampire's body was mangled beyond recognition. There were no signs of regeneration. Only Woo Suho had the privilege of returning from death. He was persistent, but he wasn't immortal.
I dropped the empty rifle and pulled out the shotgun, walking toward the vampire.
"N-no… Bell. How could this happen…"
Clare screamed as she stared at the ruined corpse. Even in death, the vampire's charm lingered. It was still affecting the living.
"Is it over…?"
I turned a cold gaze toward Lulu, who had collapsed to the ground.
"Why did you ignore my orders and act on your own?"
Lulu flinched.
"Your actions just now could have created complications."
"I-I'm sorry…"
"I understand you wanted to help your friend, but good intentions alone won't solve everything. I hope this doesn't happen again."
Lulu lowered her head. If that warning was enough, she probably wouldn't act recklessly again. I looked back at the vampire's body. Clare's fate—sitting there in a daze—could wait. For now, I should claim my reward.
"!?"
A chill ran down my spine. I immediately raised the shotgun and scanned the surroundings. I couldn't sense anything suspicious, but—
"Take Clare and leave this place right now."
"W-what? Suddenly?"
"No time to explain. Run."
The vampire's scent had vanished. There should have been that rich, sweet smell, but all I could detect was the thick stench of blood. Lulu tried to help Clare to her feet so they could flee. I moved to shield them and escape together—
Whoosh.
I heard flames igniting. The moment I registered the sound, fire engulfed my body.
"W-Woo Suho! No!"
Lulu's magic was interrupted. Several figures blocked her as she reached toward me. When I turned my head, I saw the vampire—forehead still bearing a bullet hole—standing beside dozens of mages advancing on us. I wanted to use my ability immediately, but the pain flooding my body scattered my thoughts. Moments later, the flames that had savagely burned me finally died out. Black smoke pouring from my mouth, I collapsed. I could feel my life fading. Every organ inside me had been charred black. My vision was gone; only the faint voices of the mages reached my ears.
What happened to Lulu and Clare? Had they failed to escape?
"We've finally secured the daughter of the Lord of Sayang and the younger sister of the Clocktower's master."
"Who is this mage? He was using some strange magic I couldn't sense any mana from."
"Bell. We've secured the two as you requested. Now, about your goal…"
The vampire grabbed my fallen hair. I felt no pain—only a faint, distant sensation.
"You look familiar. Who are you again? Not that it matters. You're about to die anyway. I should've at least tasted your blood before killing you."
How irritating. At least there was one silver lining: these people weren't after Lulu and Clare to kill them. That meant there was still a chance.
"……"
"What? I can't hear you."
Split them while you still can. Next time, I'll be the one splitting your head in two. With that thought, I burned to death.
***
There were two fortunate things. One: I'd made a save point nearby in case of battle. Two: the vampire's scent was still strong. The vampire had broken the rules. It should have been impossible for the most arrogant and aloof of the Hwanjong to ally with others. Even the dim-witted Jason had gained intelligence. The Neck-Snapping Statue had developed the same ferocity as Jason. So it was only natural that the vampire would break the rules as well.
Dying by fire was an excruciating way to go. I offered a brief moment of mourning for the medieval witches who had been burned at the stake under false accusations. There were many enemies. Could I handle them alone? I looked up at the sky. Dark clouds had gathered overhead. My original goal hadn't changed. And if anything terrible happened to Lulu, her sister would be devastated. I had to go. No matter how many there were, a lion had no reason to fear rabbits. If I didn't chew up that vampire who had mocked me, where else would I vent this humiliation? I'd make him regret it. I kicked off the ground and ran.