Collision
Magic is not an academic subject.
It belongs to a category similar to a kind of superhuman ability, so unless you're a vampire by birth, it's difficult to even awaken that sense.
If I told a human right now to use their atrophied tailbone, could they even use it?
Similarly, feeling the 'mana' inherent only in high-class blood is no different from a baby's first steps.
Seowoo quietly gathered his concentration and opened his eyes tinged with red.
"..."
I can't feel it at all.
Following Acid's teachings, I tried to awaken my senses, but the results weren't good.
This was already the twentieth attempt at focusing on expanded senses.
Surprisingly, she didn't show any impatience and just told me to keep trying.
Pioneering unknown territory requires that much effort and time.
Acid, who had grown up seeing many kins, already knew this fact from long ago.
"Nothing is ever enough with the first try. There's an exception for geniuses."
"Let's try again."
"Good."
Seowoo, with the mindset of Cheonjeonpalgi, expanded his senses again to feel mana.
Since becoming one with the boy, many things had changed.
Not only internally, but physically as well, which was remarkable.
Namely, it had become possible to become a vampire on one's own.
So, I told Acid about the changes in my body and started boldly, but even if prepared, good results aren't guaranteed.
Even after redirecting energy inside the body to search for mana, the result was the same.
I had personally realized that there are no shortcuts in the Demon Path.
"Huu..."
Seowoo exhaled a long breath.
Just because the body recovers like a phoenix doesn't mean the mental strength recovers.
As the first time, he had repeatedly consumed high-level concentration, so he was quite tired.
As he focused on one thing with appropriate tension, it was inevitable that his clothes would get sweaty.
He was only conscious that the place he was in was a dormitory, so without thinking, he took off his top.
"Ah."
Acid was there, right?
Just as he was about to hurriedly put on his clothes again.
Seowoo saw it.
His own body, now with firm muscles.
The pectoral muscles with fluid curves, and the abs packed like jade beads.
When he raised his arms belatedly, the veins bulging and forearms greeted him.
She suddenly popped out from the side and asked playfully.
"Impressive?"
"..."
Yes, it's a bit embarrassing."
"Of course. That's the evidence that you've changed."
Human traits are fading, and the power as a vampire is becoming more prominent.
By the time I go to the human realm, I might not be burned by the sun.
"It's okay to take off your clothes. Concentrate."
"Yes."
I answered like that, but the glances I felt from the side made it hard to concentrate.
"..."
Do you have something you want to say?"
"Eh? Ah, no?!"
Acid acted like a kid sneaking snacks from the kitchen.
I know everything, but still.
"Without abstract words, is there no advice that's a bit more helpful?"
"Uu, um! If it's that, how about adding a bit of imagination?"
She let out a fake cough and continued.
"Think about what a shadow is to you. For me, it's been my companion since childhood."
The shadow that was swirling around Acid's body gently sat on her hand.
Unbelievable roundness, like a pudding with exaggeration.
"You've been told the tips and methods. Can you do it?"
"..."
I'll practice a little bit in between."
While chewing on what she said, I saw her preparing to leave.
"Now you're going back?"
"Yeah, today is a weekday. I have to work."
"Ah, right. Oh, I should prepare too."
"Yeah, if you can do anything, report it."
"Yes, understood."
After briefly seeing off Acid, Seowoo immediately went to the bathroom and washed.
Simple meal, changed clothes, quick commute prep done.
But.
"..."
What to do?
I don't know how to return to human form.
Past or present.
Seowoo had never returned to human state on his own even once.
It was a side effect of always entrusting his body to the fate of time.
***
At the same time.
Lucia, who had left the laboratory for a while, was staying at the Earlgrey's.
This was due to the vassals' interrogation about the incident at the ball.
"Could you please tell me again..."
"We didn't do anything wrong, did we?"
"No? There's not a single lie in what I said."
"Disgraceful!"
"You say a human is a kin without us knowing!"
The vassals, pounding the round table, couldn't hide their anger at Lucia's words.
A human introduced as someone who would become a family member of Earl Grey at the ball secretly turned out to be a kin who was being controlled by the family members.
"Hah, really! And you say he has no awareness that he's a kin?"
"Yes."
"Lord, have we done something wrong?"
"No?"
"Or is there something you don't like?"
"There's nothing like that."
Lucia only gave obligatory answers and didn't understand the vassals' feelings.
"Then why did you decide without consulting us? Such unheard-of humans don't match the family's status!"
In short, the human who decides on a kin is a connoisseur.
In an era where people see pets as family, even when humans look at the price of a pet dog, breed affects it greatly.
Lucia's action now is like bringing a rural stray dog and sitting it in the top seat, so her anger doesn't subside.
One way vassals expand their power is by recommending humans to become kins and exerting influence.
After driving out humans who had long paid tribute, without a word, she introduced the human she chose herself to the social circle.
"Status?"
"Yes, status! Status!"
"Listen, I understand your feelings, but you've gotten too excited. Calm down a bit."
Lucia didn't particularly stop the vassals from showing excessive enthusiasm.
Their efforts were real, and not understanding their feelings was correct.
But.
The one who insulted him couldn't be tolerated.
"Then, can I prove it? That status."
The voice that had cooled down made the vassals freeze.
"Of course! If it's the talent he personally chosen, at least it should be something we can accept!"
"I agree with what he said."
"Me too."
"I think the same."
When one of the representatives spoke, hands raised in agreement.
"Then, bring him to the family soon. Instead."
Seowoo must keep silent about the fact that he is my kin.
"Only that must be kept."
"Hmm... of course."
"I'll be careful."
No matter how you look at it, there was no one who could bear Lucia's anger.
However, since the vassals are also the main pillar responsible for power balance, they had to propose a countermeasure in case of failure.
"Then, may I speak of the conditions we set?"
"Of course."
There is no one-sided deal in politics.
"..."
If the human we bring is more excellent than that man, kill the kin and bring him in as a new kin."
"Listen, isn't killing too much?"
Even if it's your own child, blood doesn't go anywhere.
"Then, is there a better way than this?"
"Can't we coexist without killing?"
"Sorry, coexistence is impossible."
Since it was a hastily prepared discussion, the vassals' opinions didn't easily converge.
At that time, Lucia, who had been quietly listening to the argument, opened her mouth.
"It's fine. Agree to those conditions as is."
If you want to carry out your will as the family's lord, you have to do at least that much.
Sometimes you have to take risks to gain understanding.
"Even so, is it okay?"
"Yes, no problem. If even one doesn't submit, you have to do as they say, and even if I get bent, I'll acknowledge it."
This was a very appropriate statement.
Seowoo's life was bet on it, but Lucia didn't even think of losing.
His first impression was intense more than anyone.
If even one vassal recognized his true value, these words would be swallowed.
"Then, what do you need to prove the status you mentioned?"
"Evaluate magical aptitude."
The words heard occasionally from the laboratory, and Lucia, known for being strict, wouldn't have taken a useless human as a kin.
If you can distinguish superiority without intelligence, it's the product of what is called selected talent.
How much you can handle magic.
Like being a master of dimensional magic and contributing to Nectar's development like Faye Ceylon.
Or becoming a sword that protects the family with overwhelming military power.
Since its utility is infinite, those with high magical aptitude are always valuable.
"Lord also knows, right? A way to see it with a human body."
"..."
Are you talking about the Moon-Watching Herb?"
"Yes. As expected, you know well."
Lucia secretly clenched her fist, not showing it outwardly.
It was a mistake.
Among many things, she was going to challenge with magic.
The Moon-Watching Herb she mentioned is a strange flower that only sprouts with magic.
A flower that can sprout if you have innate talent, regardless of human or vampire.
A plant that nobles always hear about once in their education before taking a kin.
"Lord, a week will be enough?"
The vassal who gave opinion asked cheerfully.
The ones beside also looked surprised as if they hadn't thought of such a scheme, closing their mouths.
"Yes. Instead, since you decide the event, I can arrange the Moon-Watching Herb seeds?"
"Hmm... no choice. Since we're each giving a little, I'll accept."
"Okay. Then, since there's business, I'll go first."
"I'll see you off to the carriage."
"Do as you like."
The vassals, who had been cautious as if they had touched her mood, secretly checked Lucia's expression.
However, she maintained a blank expression outwardly.
The vassals internally let out a sigh of relief.
At this point, Lucia was thinking.
The moment she held the key to procuring the Moon-Watching Herb, her victory was already decided.
The way to win in a bet is very simple.
Start the bet after laying out a board where victory is already decided.
"Proper" is what fools who are not thirsty for victory seek.
Of course, vassals, being not fools, aren't just taking it.
But even considering that, she had confidence in winning.
The position of lord of the five families means being among the top five in Nectar.
"Where, let's see how well this human brings in."
Lucia, riding in the carriage, smiled while facing the night breeze.