Chapter 25
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 25: Vulgar Slaughter, Craven Survival. (3)
Human Farm. Literally a facility confining humans like livestock and extracting blood as much as needed. A project combining strong blood supply, of course, with the goal of base construction. Even though not yet completed, it was doing its role properly. Because the scenery inside the facility was truly hell.
“Ugh, uuuuh...”
Warehouse. Space confining kidnapped humans. Cages that wouldn't even be 1 pyeong (3.3 sqm), prison where such cages are attached closely. Into scenery just like a chicken coop, about a hundred people are confined.
““......””
Has it been a while since they saw light. Impressions haggard one and all. Situation where everyone’s focus is out, staring blankly into empty air. Among such half-corpses, only one person rolled his eyes.
‘Fuck...’
Would age be about middle-aged. Equipped with a stylish mustache, appearance wearing knight order uniform. Appearance crumpled inside narrow cage was quite shabby. Man’s name is Kantas.
‘Hoped it was a dream please.’
Frontier Knight Order. Even among them, a member counted as veteran with accumulated years. Point where he is currently trapped is underground space of city ‘Riventa’. Came out to investigate news that disappearance accidents are frequent recently, and got kidnapped by vampires as is.
‘Fucking, blood-sucking bastards...’
Already a week since trapped in this iron car. As watched in the meantime, this place was no different from hell.
‘Fuck, fuck, fuck... fucking bastards.’
Facility built by vampires. Treatment humans receive here was below livestock. Getting blood sucked by things like hoses constantly is daily life. Often dragging some away and torturing, savoring while slicing flesh piece by piece.
‘Most terrible thing was... pulling out intestines alive.’
Just what was seen in limited vision was this much. Just what kind of things would be happening in places where eyes don't reach. Not only that. Humans kidnapped as livestock are disposed of if deemed to have served their purpose. Disposal here is, a process of being reborn anew not death. Vampires make disposal targets into monsters without reason.
‘Ghoul.’
Born monsters are subordinate to vampires. A place where one cannot become comfortable even after death. Kantas had no choice but to resign.
‘Doomed to live.’
Kantas was also quite strong among frontier knights as much as he had career. However, vampires spread here were different in class. Because kidnapped without even a gap to resist.
‘Vampires residing outside are minimum 30.’
Counting those inside facility would be more. Besides even if shaking off those, there was no way to escape as long as space is underground. Judging by vastness of space, seemed to have dug down at least tens of meters. Only same words are vomited between lips.
“Fuck...”
Frontier Knight Order, Kantas. Crossed death line several times while eating sword-rice (living as warrior), but seemed death approached indeed this time. No... since will become ghoul, won't even be able to die maybe. Missed wife and daughter who would be at home.
‘Support... won't come.’
Questionable from start if they can notice this space. Fortunate if everyone doesn't suffer same fate as himself. No hope. Lethargic eyes.
“......”
When leaning inside cage like that. Suddenly bustling noise was heard.
Kuuuung—.
Sound heard from outside. Seemed something exploded, also seemed someone screamed. Are blood-sucking bastards torturing livestock again. Even while shuddering, Kantas examined wall crack. He who habitually examines surroundings even in situation resigned to escape.
“......?”
However, what entered vision wasn't something like torture scene. Vampires gathered at one point somehow. Everyone was looking at same place. Where that gaze followed, black fluttering robe stood.
‘Mask...?’
Human. Human wearing mask stood among vampires. Holding shining fragment in one hand, colorful balloon in one hand.
‘What the fuck.’
Kantas had no choice but to float question mark. Whether so or not, mask’s lip corners were curved grotesquely.
“......”
I stared ahead quietly. Pupils glaring at this side. Would number be about twenty. Seemed everyone rushed out during work hearing commotion.
“Hmm.”
Guys looking around. Are they checking scale of enemy invaded. However, standing in front of eyes no matter how much examined are only two masks.
“What... just two? Besides one behind is vampire?”
“Said enemy invasion? Making fuss ringing alarm when there’s nothing?”
“Three sprawled over there. Surely those guys were beaten by those two?”
“Oh my, doing all sorts of things.”
Vampires ridicule among themselves. While front is buzzing, I ask Carmilla.
“Awkward to ask now but... are you okay Princess?”
“Asking what?”
“Anyway same kin aren't they. Will deal with direction of not killing as much as possible, but intend to kill without hesitation if necessary.”
“......”
“Princess.”
“......Know.”
Huu—. Carmilla taking deep breath. Silver hair flows down as if disheveled.
“Knew just with this thick scent of blood. How many lambs were sacrificed, also how terrible place this is. Good and evil are absolute standards. Must not become good because same species, must not become evil because different species.”
Carmilla Blandid. Princess was not shaken.
“Those deserve to be punished.”
“If hard fine to rest for a moment. Since I will handle everything.”
“No... weren't they ones who were once this lady’s people. This lady also must take responsibility.”
Girl’s eyes were grim. Unfolded Blood Manipulation Art at fingertips, holding a thin spear. Reliable backup.
“Then...”
I stepped forward. Toward vampires swarming ugeul ugeul.
“Good evening, everyone.”
“Ha... that’s a crazier guy than thought.”
“Isn't he sick somewhere? Wearing strange mask like thing on face too...”
“Well, just beat him up and find out. Vampire bitch behind too.”
Guys staring at this side as if looking at crazy guy. Among them some even burst into laughter saying fun. One who was at very front approaches jeobeok jeobeok. Greatsword made of blood. Guy holding sword as big as my body.
“Kid, did you two come alone? No more other humans?”
“Correct. Was visitor number perhaps a bit many?”
“Haa... this is really funny bastard.”
Kuung—. Heavy step rolls ground. Still was he concerned about three sprawled next to. Guy didn't narrow distance easily even while examining this side.
“Can't grasp situation perhaps? Don't see vampires spread all around?”
“Of course see. Everyone covered in blood is truly ominous but...”
“But, came two alone? Perhaps suicide wisher, something like that?”
“No way. I want to live long.”
“Look at this, not even scared? Certainly not normal.”
Vampire humming quietly. Seemed to tear me apart meticulously.
“Hmm... just ordinary? No, rather much weaker than ordinary. Muscles not developed on body, magic power not felt, seems can't use things like divinity or sorcery either...”
“Surprising. How did you catch all that.”
“Hey, with what guts did you enter? More than that how did you enter?”
“It is secret.”
Smile brightly. Following that smile, mask’s lip corners wriggle gently.
“That’s done... everyone’s body is soaked in blood. Are you okay?”
“Okay. This isn't our blood.”
“Oho.”
“Playing with humans, blood splashes a lot like this often.”
“Subject of interest.”
I asked. To hand with not only blood, but intestine pieces stuck deokji deokji.
“Where would be source of that blood? What did you do to kidnapped humans?”
“Haha! Don't worry. Didn't kill. Just played a little.”
“......”
Was it because of meaningful words. Other vampires watching from side also added words.
“Kik, kikik... not wrong words. Kept alive.”
“Just pulled out fingernails one by one, sliced flesh and ate one piece by... ah, is this kind of thing a bit cliché? Then will tell only creative things. What I liked most was, standing two humans and making them dig out each other’s intestines! Saving the winner.”
“Didn't save that, crazy bitch. While making into ghoul.”
“Chi... anyway saved right! Didn't say would save intact?”
“Besides heard people stood were mom and son? That was a bit fun.”
Vampires lining up boasts excitedly. Carmilla’s complexion turned pale white. I listened silently. Did they think I was scared? Guys poured out their saga excitedly.
“Indeed I liked kid the best...”
“Still you are too vicious. Pulling out intestines alive, watching process of breath stopping... Do you know how dirty surroundings become every time doing that?”
“Terrible bastard that one. Kids he kidnapped and brought alone would be 30?”
“Okay, okay. Did that but made everyone into ghoul right before dying.”
“Right, wouldn't have died. Now will live forever not as themselves but... kikik.”
Quietly. I was only listening.
“Still killing too much these days? Don't make useful kids into ghouls. Have to extract blood as much as possible.”
“So what. Majesty said to collect ghouls too.”
“Ghouls piled up already 100 was it. Did commit a lot.”
Malice. Malice mixed in every single word. Sticky breath caught at end of throat.
“Investigation came from knight order or something last time, time to restrain slowly right?”
“Come to think of it, where is that knight order guy? Put together where blood packs are put?”
“Subordinates already made ghouls, only guy who was leader or something alive.”
“Cheeky, let’s roll him longer.”
Those mocking life and death too easily. Lips speaking blood and flesh as if no guilt. My impression hearing all that, was only one.
“Why.”
However. Words couldn't stand without asking.
“Why is it.”
“Eh?”
“Anyway your purpose is blood isn't it. If additional goal would be ghoul accumulation.”
However.
“Why did you commit such acts. Act becoming no gain. Act of torturing, molesting someone. Giving sadness, giving despair... what meaning is there in such act. When you heard their begging, what did you think inwardly.”
““......””
Asking reason is, minimum humanity. Not long silence settled around. And,
“Puheup—!”
Someone bursts into laughter. Simultaneously with silence breaking, laughing sounds increase one by one. Before knowing vampires held belly and laughed as if chorus. Inside that laughter only I seemed not laughing.
“Aha! Ahaha...! Headache inducing bastard this!”
It was vampire holding greatsword this time too. Guy catching breath, looked at this side smiling brightly.
“Asking why did so... question never imagined. Well, since want to know have to tell?”
Short answer.
“Just.”
“......”
“Just, because can.”
“......”
“Role fitting perfectly for you humans. Struggling fucking hard while having no power. That reaction is fun so taste of bullying comes out. When made into ghoul than other livestock, that utility is wider too.”
“......”
“Why, mad?”
“......”
I didn't react. Just stood still. Someone holds sleeve from behind. Shaking red pupils, it was pale Carmilla.
“......Viktor.”
“Yes, Master.”
“......”
“......”
Princess found words, but found nothing to put on tongue. Thus, I also didn't contain any story. Short silence seemed to break neck. Sound girl spat at that end, was shabby beyond compare.
“......Those are ones who took human strong blood.”
“Looks so.”
“Violence is deep. Will be double stronger than general vampires.”
“Do you think I will be pushed?”
“No... not at all.”
“Is thought to fight still same.”
“Yes, all responsibility this lady must bear.”
Tears. Was what flowed down that cheek anger, or grief. Whatever was fine.
“Plan changed. Moderate suppression seems difficult.”
“Right...”
“Will keep only breath attached. Degree of cutting limbs of all members, making blind...”
Before knowing balloon sword was stored back in inventory. Wasn't in mood to play jokes. Instead one pocket watch was held. In other hand fragment of stake sparkles.
“What? Talking among themselves and fallen down.”
Ta-ak—!
In the meantime, guy holding greatsword rushed. Did he think this side is sufficiently defenseless. Maybe thought we were their opponents from start.
“Will play with you well too! Catch bitch behind too, after extracting information a bit...!”
Swaaa-aek—!
Body shot like arrow. Bright red greatsword sprinting, trying to fall above my head. I was quiet even until such moment. Just fiddled with watch.
Click—.
Eventually thumb presses button of watch, and
“Hmm.”
The next moment, I had passed the guy.
“......?!”
Surroundings panicked at that. Guy’s greatsword parried, flew away far. Also line where stake passed remained clearly on body. Vivid scars on both arms, both legs.
“Uk, ugeo-eok...?”
Udangtang—!
Following that, limbs separated from guy’s torso. Pieces floating in air sprawl to floor. I grabbed that hair and lifted face. And, rubbed fragment of stake on two eyes as if searing.
Chiiiik—!
“Kk, kk, kkeuaaaak!!!”
Scream bursting out between lips. Swing tightly clenched fist a few times.
Peoeok—!
"Mouth."
"Aueu, aaaaaak!!"
"Mouth, open, don't, shut, shut up."
Ppeok, ppageuk, peoeok—!
Teeth breaking shattering into pieces. Stuff handkerchief into gap where blood flows jiljil. Eyeballs almost cooked, scream also subsided.
“Phew...”
Exhale slightly risen breath. In my hand become rag, there is torso hanging danglingly. "Ueuk, eue..." Guy became arm cripple, leg cripple, eye cripple, mouth cripple and fainted. I discard body that finished utility carelessly.
Cheolpeodeok—.
““......””
Surroundings that were noisy until just before. Now not even shred of noise heard. Vampires losing mind.
“First one with this.”
““......””
I dusted off hands tuk tuk. Mask smiled, but in voice beyond that absolutely no laughter.
“So.”
Just cold enough to freeze.
“Who is next?”
Before they answered, I was already pressing watch button.
Click—.
Afterwards. Smell of burnt meat spread deeply in surroundings. Situation truly chaotic. I wipe off soot on fingertips. Whether moved unreasonably, sweat flowed juljul from forehead.
“Haa, haa...”
Exactly fourteen vampires were prostrated in surroundings. No... things with arms, legs, eyes, mouths all flown away. Momentarily questioned if can call those truly vampires. Passed brief agony, but then thought can call larva.
‘Remaining seven ran away...’
After some escaped, time taken to make remaining fourteen vampires into larva. At most 21 minutes 54 seconds. I swept back hair roughly. Lip corners of mask were torn to below ears. Even though I hidden inside, couldn't laugh a bit.
“Haa... Fuck.”
I am really weak. Unprecedented stat called overall E-rank. Body that would be good match with passing farmer. So, didn't want to fight intensely like this...
“Fucking bastards.”
Make me go crazy. Behind deep deep breath, I raised body once again.
“Viktor...”
By side was Princess with similarly tired look. Whether because assisting me who rushed out suddenly, seemed stamina consumption was severe than usual.
‘Or... because of mental stress.’
Red pupils examined me. As if checking if there is injured place.
“Body is okay...?”
“Fine. Rather than that Princess seems overdid.”
“This lady also not yet. Cannot retreat from responsibility carelessly.”
Jeobeok—.
Carmilla standing side by side. Even if stopped here, she wouldn't try to listen. Since person who would rather break being beaten than run away helplessly. I smiled.
“Ha...”
Things boiling inside subsided a little. Matching her feet, I walked toward bright red background.
“Shall we go immediately.”
“Yes.”
Didn't even discuss, but we were already sharing goal. Human Farm. Place where disasters beyond that happen while claiming livestock. Had to destroy this facility without leaving trace.
Ting—!
“Have to hurry.”
Also, to rescue survivors who would still remain. We moved steps to large facility far away.
“To save all.”
Night was just beginning.