Chapter 431
Chapter 431
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 431
Chapter Title: Lycoris (1)
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Currently, the perception of vampires in Korea wasn't all that bad compared to the past.
Several policies that Heinz had begun implementing once he fully took power were finally starting to bear fruit.
Thanks to their influence, which had practically taken over the entire underworld, the night streets had become much safer, and the frequency of terrorist attacks by villains popping up out of nowhere had sharply declined.
Since the change was tangible enough to feel in everyday life, the citizens clearly knew who to thank for this peace.
'And the Blood Alliance hasn't just been playing vigilante, either.'
Various measures had been selected to naturally integrate into society.
One of them was providing substantial sums of money to those in desperate need of cash in exchange for blood.
It directly entered people's daily lives while serving as a lifeline for those pushed to the brink.
'Of course, having blood sucked leaves you weakened for a while, so it can't be used often.'
Still, it was far better than resorting to predatory loans and watching your life spiral into ruin.
Performing the procedure in a clean, hospital-like environment rather than some shady back room had also played a big role in reducing aversion and building trust.
"Being able to step out into the light like this is all thanks to the Lord. Without him, we'd still be skulking around, watching our backs for the Guardians and the Ability Management Bureau."
The existence of 'Phantom'—who had single-handedly conquered Europe's underworld and ascended to the undisputed pinnacle of power—was enough to put the brakes on anyone thinking of cracking down on the Blood Alliance.
On top of that, they'd waged a bribery offensive through Howard Industries and played a major role in relief efforts and restoring order during the Seoul terrorist attack...
'With all that, how could perceptions not shift?'
Unlike before, when they were treated like criminals caught red-handed and rounded up on sight, now there was a tendency to observe them like reformed offenders first.
Of course, they were still under constant hawk-eyed scrutiny, ready to crack down at the first sign of mischief.
'On the flip side, perceptions overseas...'
As one might expect—lacking direct benefits—they remained quite negative.
Some even spun conspiracy theories, insisting the moves in Korea hid some ulterior motive.
Just recalling the foreign headlines after Phantom's trip to Europe made it clear.
<Massive Korean-Born Vampire Cartel on the Verge of Forming, Spanning the Globe. Citizens Tremble in Fear.>
<Reflections on the Dangers of Demon Vampires. What Fundamental Countermeasures Does the Mad Blood Vampire Incident Imply?>
<Dark Wizard Ha Hoe-tal and Vampire Phantom: Korea Already a Criminal Republic Ruled by Demons. Their Poison Now Spreading to Other Nations. Korea Must Bear Full Responsibility...>
Most headlines carried a negative tone.
There were some neutral commentaries, sure, but they were far outnumbered by the outright vitriol.
The idea of debuting beautiful vampires in Korea's entertainment industry—where negative stereotypes were milder—to foster familiarity had stemmed from that realization.
'Definitely not a bad idea.'
If vampires, once seen only as objects of terror, appeared on TV dancing and singing, or on variety shows emphasizing they were just 'humans with a few differences,' wouldn't that help improve their image?
And that perception would naturally spread worldwide through the internet and media.
There would be hurdles to overcome, but even if it failed midway, it wasn't a plan that risked major losses.
'...But is the Blood Alliance really okay expanding like this?'
An underworld organization delving into global magical artifact trade and now the entertainment industry?
Talk about tentacles everywhere.
"Fine, I already delegated full authority on that to you, so do as you see fit. How's it progressing?"
That said, since he'd approved it, he intended to see it through to the end.
Who knew? It might even let them absorb vampires from other countries.
"It's a big challenge for us too. Getting that first button right is crucial, as they say."
Even if it was better than other countries, that was relative.
With plenty still holding negative views, it was vital to make a strong initial impact and aim for mass appeal from the start.
"And above all—when you talk mass appeal, doesn't it have to be a girl group?!"
Jin Soran shouted confidently, her eyes blazing with determination.
Confidence radiated from her entire being.
"Hmm, a girl group."
Heinz stroked his chin and nodded.
Of course, it was just her personal opinion as a former idol trainee, but it did hold some persuasive power.
"We're in the final stages now—strict auditions to select members, grueling training, and recording all wrapped up. I'm sure the Lord will be pleased."
Jin Soran puffed out her chest proudly.
She'd personally handled the member selection, meticulously evaluating everything from looks and talent to eloquence, vocals, and sense.
Five members had emerged from that rigorous process.
"Mentality was key too. Early on, they'll face a ton of hate, and failure's a real risk."
Unique, attractive looks were a given.
Steel-like stamina from regeneration, acrobatic choreography defying human limits, explosive vocal power shredding their vocal cords in real time.
Jin Soran boasted that they'd birth the ultimate idol the world had never seen, snorting with pride.
"Ho? If you're saying that much, I'm looking forward to it."
There were awakened beings in entertainment, but vampires were a race inherently specialized in captivating others.
If they went all out, who could compete?
As he admired her enthusiasm, she kept going.
"We still have cover art, MV production, and promotion ahead, but with the Blood Alliance's full power, it won't take long. Oh! Want to meet the girls? They're probably practicing right now."
Jin Soran brimmed with more vitality than ever.
Heinz gave her an odd look.
She was usually energetic, but this excitement was new.
He blurted out without thinking.
"Ever thought of debuting yourself? I heard interest spiked after the Howard Industries showcase."
"Me?"
She blinked several times.
Then, as if the idea had never crossed her mind, she rolled her eyes and forced an awkward smile.
"...Nah, not really feeling it. Back then, maybe, but I'm happy with my life now."
She shrugged it off casually.
No trace of lingering regret in her attitude.
"Plus, with everything on my plate, adding idol work? I'd probably drop dead from overwork."
She pouted and grumbled, but it was obviously just talk.
As a Sacred Blood vampire who'd reached level 8 from Heinz's repeated gifts of Purified Blood Essence, rest wasn't a big deal for her.
Of course, juggling other duties meant less time for work.
"I do internet streams now and then anyway. That feels just right for me."
Above all, watching the idols she'd raised herself reach the top would be fulfilling, she added with a beaming smile.
'Well, if that's how she feels.'
Heinz had no regrets either.
No point raising a deputy head just for her to slack off as an idol.
"Alright, let's see the members first then. Have you settled on a group name?"
"Oh! Found the perfect one."
As she led the way out of the office toward the agency building with the practice rooms, Jin Soran tapped her smartphone.
She pulled up a photo of vivid red petals and showed it to him.
A bizarre red flower with wrinkled petals curling back, long stamens stretching upward from a slender stem.
"Lycoris! What do you think?"
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Lycoris.
The name came from Lycoris radiata, the scientific name for cluster amaryllis, also called red spider lily or corpse flower.
Known for negative associations like 'sad memories' or 'death,' it also carried positive meanings such as 'passion' and 'rebirth.'
'...Much like our situation. Stuck with negative images, yet struggling to wash them away and be reborn.'
Lee Na-hee swallowed hard.
She'd just finished performing dance and song with the other members.
For Jin Soran, who burst into the practice room, and... the great Lord, sovereign of all vampires, Heinz, who followed!
'Ahh, I feel like I'm suffocating. Did I do okay? His expression doesn't look good... Did I mess up? What? What's not to his liking?'
The five female vampires, including her, stood frozen stiff.
Heinz, arms crossed as he watched, nodded curtly to Jin Soran with a stern face.
Then, without a word, he turned and strode out of the practice room.
Leaving them still rigid!
'Aaaah! That's an out, no matter how you slice it!'
Lee Na-hee squeezed her eyes shut as wild thoughts swirled in her head.
This wasn't her first time seeing Heinz.
In fact, for a low-rank vampire, she'd met him surprisingly often.
Until recently, she'd worked as an office assistant at Heterosis, and even earlier, she was the moderate vampire after Jin Soran to encounter him.
From her experience, that reaction meant something wasn't to his taste.
'Ugh, I practiced so hard not to burden Sis.'
Like the others, she'd barely slept, pouring everything into practice.
She didn't want whispers that Jin Soran picked her due to connections.
No one would dare badmouth the organization's second-in-command, but the mere possibility irked her.
She wanted to prove she'd earned it through talent alone...
"Haa."
"Hoo."
Sighs erupted alongside hers.
Her fellow members, lined up frozen beside her.
They all thought alike, it seemed.
Exchanging bitter smiles, they sensed their debut wouldn't be easy.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Jin Soran had given him a rundown before the practice room demo.
The song came from a famous composer with multiple hits—they'd paid top dollar for it.
The members' talents were exceptional too.
The raw, dynamic choreography seemed impossible live, but their superhuman lung capacity and beautiful tones made Jin Soran's choices obvious.
Just one problem...
'...Not to my liking.'
It fell far short of satisfying him after his brief outing, lounging in the tree shade back at Harris's castle.
'The melody and voices clash completely? It kills the singers' charm and individuality, shining alone like a diva. That's not singing—it's the song using them as instruments.'
The song was decent enough, but his sensitive senses caught that it wasn't tailored to their voices.
Forced to fit an existing track, naturally it fell flat.
No emotion or philosophy could emerge from that.
'Debut with that?'
Instead of showcasing their allure, it reeked of generic K-pop.
As an elf pursuing perfect harmony between song, self, and surroundings, he couldn't tolerate it.
This struck at his pride.
"Harris! As usual today too... Eek!"
Then, Shapiron approached lightly with a snack basket, eyes widening as if she'd seen a ghost.
She clapped a hand over her mouth, whimpering.
"Ha... Harris has his eyes wide open..?"
Not his usual half-lidded gaze, but glaring fiercely.
Star-shaped pupils burned with illusory flames.
Gulp—
She swallowed unconsciously.
Blushing faintly, she stole glances, etching the sight deep in her mind.
His passionate side was a rare sight!
"Miss Shapiron."
"Y-yes?!"
Harris stood abruptly after staring.
He fixed her flustered form with intense eyes and spoke gravely.
"I have urgent work. Mind helping me out?"
"...Sure."
He strode off, her trailing with a dazed reply.
No time to waste thinking of tasks ahead.
'Can't release my subordinates' debut like that.'
It might do well in Korea, their stronghold, and it was picked for that market.
But he wouldn't settle for that.
'No way.'
Their potential was proven.
Jin Soran had an eye for talent—they could bloom spectacularly with the right song.
'If we're doing it, do it right. How long to conquer Korea and go global like this?'
No need to separate markets.
Great songs shine anywhere.
If he could deliver one overturning prejudices, unlocking 100% potential, overwhelmingly irresistible...
'If not, make one.'
Harris's starry pupils sparkled passionately.
Thus, gathering Shapiron and connected friends, he completed a satisfying track in just over a day in Outerica time.