Book 2 First Night (8)
Even without a concrete plan in mind, Matoba and Tilarna soon discovered the reason behind the vampire bypassing the periter. A report had co from one of the patrol units within the city. Roughly a hundred ters away from the shopping mall where the security guard had been murdered, they had discovered an abandoned truck.
Just as you would expect, they found another dead body inside.
The driver had been killed much the sa as the mall cop. While they could not precisely identify a ti of death, there was no doubt he died about the sa ti as the previous victim. Based on the security caras positioned around town, the truck had been passing by when the vampire made her escape.
Thinking about it logically
As they made their way towards Alamo Park in their car, Tilarna said.
after she killed the driver, she most likely went on to attack the security guard in the parking lot. In other words, there is a high possibility she used that truck to arrive at the scene of the cri. Perhaps she had hidden among the baggage. Or perhaps she had threatened the driver
Dont think that monster would go out of her way to threaten soone. She cant speak a lick of English.
Even so, she is extrely intelligent.
Damn it.
Regardless, that vampire had been thrown headlong into a city belonging to a mysterious civilization. Despite seeing automobiles for the first ti in her life, she had the wit to utilize them as a ans of escape. Sensing the presence of the police, she took it upon herself to slip past the periter undetected. It was truly mind-boggling.
Sharp fellow. Shes adapted to this place quite nicely, unlike a certain knight I know.
I will have you know that I have conford splendidly to your culture. I have no trouble paying rent, and I certainly face no hardships in feeding my cat, unlike a certain detective I know.
Is that so? Then, you wouldnt mind if I raised the speed a bit, would you?
S-stop it!
The instant he put his foot on the throttle, Tilarna froze, placing both hands on the edge of her seat. It appears as though the gallant knight had yet to conquer her fear of high-speed travel.
I-imbecile. Exploiting my weaknesses to your advantage, do you hold any pride as a warrior?
Tilarna protested sharply.
Shut it. For a fucking freeloader, youre one to talk shit about soone elses finances. Every morning, you get to eat to your hearts content. And who do you think pays for it? Thats right, .
Sohow, Tilarna had managed to learn how to use chopsticks in just one day. Contrary to her petite fra, Tilarna ate like a truck. More than Matoba, who was a large man by most standards. For lunch, she would have two hotdogs on top of two servings of yakisoba noodles, followed by a large roast beef sandwich. It was a miracle she did not get fat in the process.
Tis just a growing period. I have taken a great liking to that koshy hickari sothing or other. Soday, I would like to visit your holand of Yuonyuma.
Wrong. Uonumas just one of the places they harvest Koshihikari1 rice, not my hotown. Im from Kanagawa. And if youre talking about rent, when the hell are you gonna pay !?
I paid my rent properly, did I not?
As he turned the steering wheel, Matoba thought for a while.
You talking about that big sack of wheat you brought in last week?
Correct. With the stipend you receive, you should not be wanting for days. Do be grateful.
This alien doesnt seem to know the difference between a capitalistic society and a feudalistic one.
See, you havent adapted one bit.
Of course, I have.
No, you havent.
I have.
While they engaged in aningless banter, they had finally arrived at the shopping malls parking space. It was a three-storey car park.
Several police cars had already arrived at the scene to conduct forensics. Showing their badges to the officer in charge, they parked their car, crossing the yellow tape covering the area into the car park.
The body of the security guard was found on the outskirts of the first floor, hidden behind so shrubbery. It had not yet been touched. Due to the incident at the coroners office, help arrived late from their end. Having gotten permission from the young homicide detective supervising the scene, Matoba squatted down to get a better look at the body.
Now
Matoba muttered, turning to Tilarna.
whered you think that bitch went after killing the poor guy?
Good question
She stared at the remains intently before closing her eyes, placing her right fist on the left side of her chest. Heaving a small sigh, she got on her knees, surveying the bodys surroundings.
Are the witnesses still present?
Yes, theyre right over there.
As Tilarna inquired, a young officer from the local precinct answered her question. Maybe it was because he had never seen a Semanian detective before, or perhaps he had simply been captivated by her delicate features, the young policeman appeared to be a nervous wreck.
I wish to hear their testimony.
Walking towards the direction he pointed, she found a couple sitting down beside the police convoy.
No one had bothered to take their accounts just yet. A white couple, about 30 years of age. Even now, the woman looked to be in a state of shock, unable to speak. On the other hand, the man managed to keep his cool, and should be able to provide a statent attesting to the events he witnessed.
Based on his testimony, the vampire had both of her arms intact. The left arm Tilarna severed had already regenerated. And she was no longer naked, donning on proper clothes when he saw her.
What clothes did she wear? Were they work clothes? Or were they rags?
No, she didnt wear any of that
Uncertain, the witness said.
I didnt get a good look at her. It kinda looked like a black evening dress, but it was moving. What exactly could
Like a fla?
Yes, thats right. It looked as though she was clad in these black flas.
I see. Thank you for your cooperation.
As though she had understood, Tilarna left the couple alone. Following along after her, Matoba asked.
What the hell does all this an?
The Lad Neven is regaining its power. Sucking the blood of those two people allowed her to regenerate her left arm.
It grew back, huh? Kinda reminds of a lizard.
It is not just that. They ntioned black, fla-like clothes. That is a manifestation of excess rahtena known as Vau E Di.
Yet another unfamiliar term. As tedious as it was, Matoba asked.
Whats that all about?
Tis but an illusion. While those flas do not exist in reality, they appear as such to the casual observer. The form they take normally depends on the will of the user. For instance, they could act as a suitable replacent for clothing.
You guys can do things like that, huh? Why didnt you tell before?
I just realized it re monts ago. Vau E Di is not a particularly difficult form of magic. Even an amateur such as myself could conjure it up if she so wishes.
Then, go ahead and do it.
At Matobas words, Tilarnas cheeks flushed a slight pink.
I refuse. With my power, I would not be able to perform it without first undressing myself. The mont I lose focus, the spell would imdiately co undone.
Hmm
Even so, she probably underwent intense training to beco capable of using such a technique. Butt naked, in front of a mirror. Picturing those circumstances, Matoba could not help but feel that he was going straight to hell.
Do you find sothing wrong with that?
N-no, not really.
You were conjuring up so vile imagery, were you not?
The hell are you saying?
No, that face speaks of your insolence! How dare a commoner like you imagine m-my disrobed self.
The officers on the scene turned to them all at once. Feigning blissful ignorance, Matoba looked up at the night sky.
Coming to her senses, Tilarna awkwardly hung her head.
I-I am troubled.
Finally ca the ek, lifeless voice.
Ah, what the heck Knock off the persecution complex for now. Weve got an investigation to finish.
Right. A-anyway, being able to make use of such magic ans that the vampire has sufficiently recovered. Compared to the ti we fought her at the morgue, she will make a much more formidable opponent Though, there may indeed be a silver lining to all of this.
A silver lining? What kinda good do you see in this pile of shit?
She should be full by now. Most likely, she will not attack anyone for the ti being.
I see. So what youre saying is, no matter the monster, theyll have their guard down while theyre stuffed.
Precisely.
Certainly, this could be considered good news. If she had continued assaulting the citizens at this pace, the damage would be catastrophic. However, this ant that if anyone were to spot her from here on out, they would no longer be left alive. While they still had ti, they had to grab her by the heels sohow.
They once again set out to survey the parking space.
Opening hours at the mall had ended for the day; there were few cars left remaining. Given the nature of the attacks, there should have been large amounts of blood covering each of the cri scenes. And yet, the vampires footprints were nowhere to be found. The sa applied to the coroners office. There was a distinct possibility that the blood may have simply seeped into her skin.
If she had made her getaway via the main street, there should have been other witnesses as well. Despite that, no other reports were made. Taking her intelligence into account, this would imply that she chose to escape through a route with minimal human activity. Given the present situation and the need for rest, was there really a place where she could lay low for the ti being?
Tilarna. Can you track her scent?
Are you talking about her branii2?
Thats right.
I can point you in the general direction. It is over there.
She pointed towards the shopping mall.
The perfect hiding place. Still, it was much too close to the scene of the cri.
Given the speed with which she fled the morgue, could she really be hiding in the mall right next to the parking lot? If she was as smart as she was made out to be, this could be her way of outwitting her pursuers. Or perhaps it was the opposite. Maybe she thought that no one would think of looking for her there, so close to her victims.
Matoba called out to the chief of the local precinct.
You have anyone patrolling the mall?
Yep. Got a couple units running around the place.
Theres a possibility our guy is over there. Keep in contact with your n. Make sure they dont act on their own. And if you find her, dont do anything stupid
We heard headquarters. Dont worry bout it.
Sounding annoyed, the chief interrupted. Although he had received the orders from HQ, it did not seem as though he truly understood the danger of the situation.
Were going to the mall. Tell your n not to shoot us on the way there, will you? and her, two detectives from Vice.
Gotcha, pal.
The chief carelessly replied. Making their way past the man, the two quickly returned to their car. Pulling out a shotgun and so slugs from under his seat, Matoba headed straight for the mall.
The branii is getting stronger.
Following along quietly all this ti, Tilarna suddenly said.
You think its really in there?
I do not know. Our foe is a master of illusions. If she felt like it, she could direct her scent wherever she pleased.
And yet, she didnt. Whyd you think that is?
Perhaps she is testing us.
Tilarna prudently answered.
To gauge the strength of you bolicen, she purposely left her prey out in the open, not even attempting to conceal the scent of her rahtena. By ascertaining whether or not the bolice would respond, she can determine her current circumstances the location of the city, the prevalence of mildi3 , and more specifically, the threats to her safety. As for those people laying siege to her fortress, she most likely possesses enough confidence to outrun them sufficiently well.
I see. Pretty smart.
Is that sarcasm I detect? Ill have you
That aint it.
Trying his best to calm her, Matoba realized the potential sarcasm behind his words.
At any rate, even though she had absolutely no idea how to use a computer properly, her intelligence was the real deal. Setting aside common sense and her overactive imagination, in terms of both knowledge and intuition, she was a cut above the rest. If she had grown up on Earth, she would have beco a talented investigator for sure.
Looking back, what exactly was he doing at her age?
Training all day in the army, he did not get the chance to use his head very often. Competing against his squadmates in bouts of strength, or pondering what he could do to pass the exam to enter the Special Forces that was all he could think about. It would be impossible for his past self to co up with such a detailed explanation as Tilarna just monts ago.
Im truly impressed. Youre sothing, alright.
Tilarna puffed up her cheeks.
As I thought, you are making fun of . Imbecile.
Hey, Im being serious here.
Shut up!
Well, for the ti being, your story checks out. That vampire is probably hiding in the mall. First, weve gotta find a point of entry.
Very well. Let us prepare for battle.
Tilarna raised her index finger to her eyes before uttering a phrase. Her blonde hair fluttered in the gentle breeze. Bathed in a swathe of light, her coat suddenly transford into an elegant suit of armor.
Do not let your guard down, Kei.
Drawing her Krge4 from its scabbard, Tilarna rushed headlong into the shopping mall. Translators Notes: TL Note: A type of Japanese rice. See: sen.wikipedia/wiki/Koshihikari TL Note: The Farbanian word for scent/odor.' TL Note: The Farbanian word for magic.' TL Note: The Farbanian word for longsword.
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