Epilogue: The Storyteller Doth Depart!

Juna Riebeluka was lost deep in the woods.

She could not return to the city. The police must be on the lookout for her by now.

But if, perhaps, she wandered through the forest, a miracle would occur once more.

After all, she had proven the existence of vampires today.

She thought to herself. How had things come to this?

Tears of frustration slid down her face. What was she missing? Why wouldnt he appear before her?

And she reminisced. Countless times she remembered.

Once, on this island, she had been beset by a monstera werewolfand was about to be torn to pieces in his jaws.

But at that moment, a blue-haired werewolf had appeared, taken down the other werewolf, and rescued her.

She had been terrified. But the blue-haired werewolf had said to her,

Sorry, Miss. This guys an outlander. Ill give him a good beating later, so dont worry. Just wanted you to know that not all werewolves are like this jackass.

Though he had the face of a wolf, he had grinned with a hint of innocence. He smiled.

A superhuman creaturea special beinghad smiled at her.

At that moment, Juna Riebeluka fell in love.

It was a special love, she knew. That powerful desire twisted her love.

Who are you calling twisted?

Excuse me. In any event, her overpowering love for the werewolf led Juna to visit the island countless times in search of him. If, perhaps, she grew influential as a reporterif she became famouswouldnt he one day see her on television and come to meet her? For that hope alone Juna worked desperately, using every trick in the book to rise through the ranks. Her pursuit of the vampire legends was but a means to an end.

But no matter how long she waited, she could not meet him.

And so Juna began to think

If she could recreate the situation from before, perhaps she could see him again.

But what were the chances of being assaulted by a werewolf again?

She had been attacked by human delinquents, but she escaped by simply shooting them with the gun she was hiding. Their bodies must still be buried somewhere on the island.

Though no one found out, that was her first murder. And through that act, she came to a sudden realization.

That she just had to become the werewolf.

If she became the werewolf and attacked young women, much like herself at that time, that man would appearshe was certain.

Thats right. Im still certain. He just hasnt appeared yet because somethings different from then. But heiswatching over me. He even put a boulder over well with the corpse for me!

Juna had realized the presence of an invisible accomplice.

That man must be the accomplice, she reasoned.

It would not be long. She had no time to waste.

But Juna made a mistake. She was too rashshe killed someone on the spur of the moment. She killed the girl out of jealousy.

Thats right. I was jealous. How could a little bitch from the countryside be friends with special creatures like vampires? Its unfair! I worked hard to meet that man again, but he still hasnt come to me!

Ultimately, Juna Riebeluka was left to wander the woods.

Come to think of it who are you? Why are you talking into my thoughts?

As she asked, I showed myself.

Weve never met before, have we? Heh heh. This is amazing. Youre amazing. Most people are surprised when they realize that Im talking into their heads.

Are you a vampire, too?

Good to see youre quick on the uptake.

I clapped my hands together. Juna was slightly disappointed. Again. Another inhuman creature who wasnt the man she was looking for.

So you can read my thoughts. Are you the one who told the other crew members about me?

In that case, this man was her enemy, Juna thought cautiously. I decided to give her a dismal piece of information.

Let me give you a dismal piece of information. It doesnt matter how big of a commotion you makethat blue-haired werewolf wont come to you today.

Wha-

I looked into some things myself, and it turns out that the werewolfs out of town right now. Hes on a business trip in Southern Germany.

Thank goodness. He hasnt abandoned me after all! Juna thought, delighted.

You really are incredible. Although Ihavemet killers who thought like you.

Thank you! Youre on my side, arent you? I need your helpget me off this island

You sound determined. But you dont need to go that far. Theres a much easier way to meet that man.

Really?! There is?!

Of course. But I need a small bit of your blood in exchange. Id like to suck your bloodjust enough to leave you standing.

Instead of answering, Juna stuck out her slender white neck toward me.

I feel a little bad. But a promise is a promise. Ill let you meet him.

But before that, my friend made a little deal with the mayor.

Before I give you your dream of the werewolf, Im going to show you a few hells.

Dont worry. Itll end quickly.

Im just going to give you four dying peoples worth of pain and suffering and terrorone for each victim.

It adds up to about ten hours.

But Ill compress it to three seconds before I carve it into your mind.

Before dawn. The harbor.

A corner of the harbor was bathed in the warm glow of the brightening sky.

Mirald returned from his refueling. Dorrikey spoke.

Did you leave her in front of the police station as I told you to?

Of course. Her blood was so good that I drank more than I intended, but she just ended up with a bit of anemia. Of course, I cant say her mind is in a particularly stable state. But since its not broken, she wont be found criminally not responsible.

Im surprised.

Ididgive her ten hours worth of agony in three seconds. I thought shed lost it, but thats when I used her memories to recreate in her head her meeting with the man of her dreams. Her mind came right back to life. In any case, Im going to have a word with Mr. Gerhardt and let her meet the werewolf in reality next time. In prison.

Mirald seemed to take amusement in Junas thoughts. But Dorrikey did not share his enthusiasm.

Of course were there any problems?

Ah, right. You know that device she had? The one that made it look like she carved out the victims heart, dropped the victim into the well, and then tore out her throat?

You mean the device that makes me curse all the time I wasted trying to deduce the truth of the well murder? Dorrikey twitched. Mirald nodded.

The one who made that device wasnt her or Dimguil. There was someone in the shadows, egging her on. Someone other than Dimguil. And as a matter of fact, this is distantly connected to me. Mirald said matter-of-factly. Dorrikey found himself grimacing.

What do you mean by that.

Well, remember that man from the soire? James Sutherland?

The one who mistook you for someone else.

I thought he was surprisingly well-prepared for a wannabe Hunter. So I took a deeper look into his head. And as it turns out, the voice of the human who told him about my soire matches exactly with that of the one who gave Juna her device.

I smell a rat. At first I thought Doubs might be pulling a prank, but even he doesnt take his jokes to lethal levels.

My word it seems well have even more to discuss at the Organization meeting.

Dorrikey sighed. Then, he decided to focus for now on the happy fact that the case on Growerth had been resolved. He observed a moment of silence for the women who were murdered.

For some time they were quiet, but Dorrikey eventually grew bored of waiting for the ferry and turned to Mirald.

Im surprised you have so many memories of murders.

Well, Ididsense them in person. Hey. Dont make that face. At least, dont start calling me a lowlife in your head. You know as well as I do that until I met you and Mr. Gerhardt, humans were just objects to me. Objects to observe.

I dont see much of a difference in your attitude now(was he really at the limits of his thirst earlier?).

(Whyre you shutting up. Dont tell me you were lying to me because you wanted to make the situation more interesting. Right? Dont tell me you knew about Dimguil and Juna Riebelukas plans from the beginning? Dimguil was probably planning to turn Hilda personally to see if Relic felt the emotion of having something taken away from him. Could you possibly have known it from the start? You were tailing the TV crew, after all).

From a distance, they looked like two men sitting in silence.

In that silence, Dorrikey posed an important question.

(Were you, perhaps, planning the same thing as Dimguil? Looking to see how Relic von Waldstein would react to despair? Could it be that you, a self-proclaimed storyteller, only got involved with a push from Hawking because you felt a twinge of guilt?)

(Please tell me that you at least have a conscience)!

After yet more seconds of silence, Mirald finally broke out into a grin and clapped his hands together.

Incredible. Thats an ace detective for you! You are right on the money.

Nothing came up in Dorrikeys mind, but the detective took Miralds hand and caught him in a shoulder throw, dropping him into the sea.

You lowlife! There are some lines that shouldnt be crossed! Repent and die!

Incredible, Dorrikey! This is the first time you threw me before I even read your intentions!

Shut up! Im calling Damp this instant to call George the Deep Deep Deep Blue. Wait right there!

Wait, Im immune to running water, but its going to be sunrise soooooo

Watson watched from afar as she happily munched on some meat.

A silver-haired girl chewing on raw meat.

It was the very image of peace on Growerth.

In a dream.

In his deep sleep, Relic recalled a conversation he had with his father several months earlier.

[Your musings on power are too complicated, Relic. Think of power simply as coin to buy you more possibilities. To possess more power is merely to possess a wider range of choices. For example, let us suppose that you are in a situation where you must choose between the life of your beloved and the lives of a hundred people.]

Relic had been mulling over the meaning of his power at the time.

As he muttered that he did not want his power, Gerhardt had not scolded him. Instead, he offered advice in plain font.

[It matters not what form your power is in. Whether it be physical strength, wisdom, connections, or, to take things further, luck or divine blessing. In any case, with power, you could potentially create a third option to that sadistic choice. That is what power is.]

Are you saying that someone who makes a choice between the two options is weak?

Gerhardt had rejected the notion.

[Not at all. If one chooses between two possibilities, yet more possibilities open up afterwards. Whether to flee from the consequences of one decision, or to change ones mindor, if ones heart is strong enough, to overcome the consequences. Though it is a power of sorts to stick with logical utilitarianism, I would prefer to choose that method only when all others have been exhausted.]

[Power and weakness are things that others judge after an assessment of the results of your actions. It is not wise to wantonly claim, I am strong because I made this choice. If you have such time, you should rather commend others who have shown courage.]

Relic opened his eyes.

Remembering at his fathers words a certain courageous mayor.

Waldstein Castle.

When Relic opened his eyes on his throne, he heard the same sounds as usual.

Urgh one day, Ill make sure to pay back Mr. Stalf for this humiliation Mage grumbled. The female freeloader offered him words of comfort.

It mustve been tough on you, Mage. But dont worry. Im sure better things are on the way!

Ah, thank you. It feels like things are looking brighter already.

As Mage chuckled, the other freeloaders began whispering.

Wish theriajuu(1)d just fallen off the building and died. Hope his Lear Jet explodes. Or better yet, hope he turns out like King Lear. Wait. But dont you feel bad for the youngest daughter? Well, then the third daughter can join the crew and help us stamp out theriajuu. Excellent. Die, Mage. Take a left straight! HEY!

A familiar din of voices filled the castle. Relic smiled in relief.

Then

Hey, Relic.

A soft voice tickled his ears.

Hilda

Tensing slightly, he turned to the girl standing beside his throne.

Two slightly long fangs glinted between her smiling lips. When Relic looked at them, he was seized by complicated emotions.

Hilda Dietrich had become a vampire.

At some point before her heart was carved out by Juna, Dimguil seemed to have transformed into a bat and bitten her on the ankle.

After her revival, Relic had gone to her house before dawn to explain the situation.

Her father had lashed out fist-first; her mother had burst into tears. But they seemed to have been prepared for such a day, as they gave permission for Hilda to live with Relic in the castlefor the time being, she needed to adjust to her new life as a vampire.

However, the fact that Relic had not turned Hilda himself seemed to worry her parents to no end.

It was true that, if Hilda were to be turned, Relic had wanted to turn her himself. But at this point, Relic was simply happy that she was still alive.

The freeloaders had worried,Well, turning someones just like reproduction in human terms. If someone else turned his girl, I wouldnt be surprised if he went full-out murder on the guy. But Relic was not particularly affected in that way.

However, Dimguils curse was stronger than expected. Even if Relic tried to turn her into a flock of bats with his own powers, a mysterious power interfered with his efforts. Not only that, Hildas heart was occasionally subjugated again, throwing her into a death-like state. There were many unanswered questions about the curse.

In any case, Relic had consulted Doctor and Professor in the castle basement, seeking a way to free her from the curse.

It will be too dangerous to contact Dimguil in person Now, Ive heard that the Kumanobe Clan of Japan holds some clue to changing turned vampires back into humans. However, the Clan is veiled in secrecyI cannot tell you much more, Im afraid.

And so, Relic was making plans to head to Japan.

If youre looking for a way then Ill go with you. Hilda had said when Relic told her his plans. I have human records, so I should get a visa.

Hilda sounded like she was planning a vacation. Relic warned her that it might be dangerous, but

But I was turned and had my heart carved out right here on Growerth, Relic. She had replied with a smile.

Relic thought, perhaps Hilda was pushing herself very hard.

Perhaps she wanted to burst into tears, but was forcing herself to be cheerful.

Unable to ask her outright, he wallowed alone in guilt.

Even still, he thought to himself that he truly loved her.

Not knowing that Hilda was also thinking the very same thoughts,

The awkward young couple approached one another at a snails pace.

Say, Hilda?

They had been dating for years, but the distance between them was still not yet closed.

Yes, Relic?

Of course, perhaps that was a good pace for a pair of immortal vampires.

I might not be strong enough to protect you. But I promise, Ill get stronger! So well, could I keep being in love with you from now on?

Though he had no idea what the future held in store, there was one thing certain about them

Relic?

Y, yes?

If you ask me something that obvious again I think I might like you a little less.

Sorry.

They were, for now, happy.

Night. The backyard of the ruined church.

Damn it, old man. Whatre you gonna do bout a grave when you kick the bucket in a few decades?

I dont need one. Even if there is an afterlife, I dont need anyone coming to visit my grave.

Then how bout that empty can over there? Perfect for an old bastard like you.

Why not? A grave is like a mirror. Its a way for the visitor to get business done with the memory of the dead. A can must be just about right for the way you think of me.

Tch. Fucking geezer. All I have to say to my memories of you are complaints.

Fine by me, you little punk. Ill have a listen at your complaints, if that makes you feel any better.

Remembering the past, the mayor stood alone at a certain grave.

The gravestone was in a corner of the churchs yard. On its simple surface was simply written, Lorenz.

Though it was not particularly high-quality, it was well-maintained.

Watt stood there and mumbled as though to a listener.

Shit. Being mayors still a fucking pain in the ass. All I ever do is clean up after idiots.

Of course, nothing but the wind responded. Yet Watt continued.

To be honest, Id be happier working hard for everyone who voted for me and spitting at the ones who didnt. But I have no way of figuring that out. So I just have to be good to everyone.

He crouched in front of the gravestone, remembering his conversations with the graves occupant. He spoke to the dead man in his memories.

Sright. Im still a good-for-nothing-dumbass, you old bastard.

Though he was part-vampire, he neither saw nor believed in ghosts.

I gotta go visit the victims families tomorrow to give em official reports. So if there really is an afterlife out there cheer em up for me there, will you?

But Watt solemnly faced the gravestone like a mirror, bowing his head to the Lorenz in his memories.

Thanks, Lorenz.

Pouring the old mans favorite beer over the grave, Watt placed the half-emptied can in front of the grave.

Thanks for taking the time to talk to a bastard like me all those years ago.

It was a face he never showed anyone. Words he never let anyone hear.

Leaving the church, Watt headed for the car parked in front of the building to head back to the city hall.

But at that moment, he spotted a colorful fog in the direction of the mountains, far beyond the car.

Whats that idiot doing over there?

He turned, surprised by the jesters presence

And saw the Waldstein Castle maids, standing in a line and bowing deeply to him.

The maids and the jester departed quietly. An empty laugh escaped Watts lips.

Heh. Theyre all soft, the lot of em. Dont you think so, Count?

Stars were appearing in the sky. The man who prided himself on being a petty villain looked up, then headed for the lair known as City Hall.

Believing that, as long as he continued to eat away at the heavyweights, he would one day become the existence he always dreamed of.

The mayor who prided himself on his pettiness continued today to eat away at bigger fish.

(1)Internet slang for someone who is focused on real life as opposed to fandom and the internet.

The Rest of the Story

Two vampires were on a grand, elegant, and rather anachronistic carriage as they made their way through a dark forest.

If I may make a suggestion, Master Dimguil.

What is it?

Wiping clean the camera he ended up stealing from ZZZ Network, Dimguil lent an ear to his vassal.

Though Relic von Waldstein is of low birth, his power may prove to be incredibly useful. We must bring him into our midst before he thinks to contact other Clans.

It was a logical suggestion. But Dimguil glanced at Pamelas lips and mumbled, I suppose youve begun to fancy him.

Wh, wha?! N, no, Master Dimguil!!

There is no need to try and hide it, Pamela. Of course. I suppose he was quite handsome. And there are no vampires around your age in our Clan, so its understandable that you developed an interest in him. But what to do? His heart is already set on someonealthough, as Im the one who turned her, I cant guarantee what will happen in the future.

I suppose his connection to that human is quite powerful wait, no! No, Master Dimguil! I do not

You are a poor liar, Pamela. In any case, Im glad to see that you are over the shock of having been eaten.

~~~~~~!

The conversation continued, and eventually Dimguil returned to cleaning his camera.

Pamela turned to the window, recalling the face of the boy engraved onto her eyes. Even knowing that her love could never be, she quietly let her thoughts wander to him.

They had yet to realize.

That the Sunfold Clan had been attacked and annihilated by a mysterious girl.

That their base of operations had been taken over by a certain group, which the girl was a part of.

Not knowing that they were, essentially, the last survivors of the Sulfold Clan

Not knowing that, from the moment they encountered the mysterious group, a great change that would shake the world of vampires would begin

The Vampire Killers quietly departed into the darkness of night.

-To be continued-