Humans but not pure.

A/N: MC's behaviour can change at certain moments. His personality has a split. It's battling against the real kleir's personality and Lucas's soul.

—

N-30 was stunned, her hand quivering as she clutched the rifle.

The sight before her defied all logic, shattering her understanding of what was possible for a mere human.

It was an unfathomable reality that was playing out directly in front of her eyes.

Kleir's face matched hers, his eyes wide with surprise. The gunshot had ripped through his right shoulder, leaving a trail of blood in his wake, yet he showed no symptoms of suffering.

It was a strange sensation, a mix of misery and absence that left him perplexed.

Kleir retreated from his initial stance, wrestling with the weird paradox that was occupying his mind.

-

Pain. It's there, but it's not. This sensation is weird and unusual. I can't wrap my head around it.

Everything feels odd. My mind screams in pain, but my senses are mute. It's a strange sense that I can't explain.

I was so stupid, so naive. My thoughts were uncontrollable, seized by a false sense of superiority.

I sensed a split within myself as if someone else's consciousness was taking over, but I still had some control.

But now that I'm confronted with these humans, I can't help but wonder why these two are so frail.

It's nothing like I was told!

Despite their lack of strength, the flints they possess provide them with a lethal advantage.

I need to capture this woman and that guy as well. I can not kill her.

I can figure out what's happening later!

I must proceed with caution. I'm not sure how I survived this encounter, but I doubt I'll be so lucky the next time.

-

The wound started to heal, and it was accompanied by a wispy column of smoke. The muscles rebuilt with each passing instant, covered by new skin.

"Tch!" A sting lasted, yet the region changed quickly as if reborn in a moment's time.

A subtle rustle of leaves reached Kleir's ears in the midst of this. As he looked towards the source of the sound, his face lit up with excitement.

"Haha, finally arrived, huh?" he said, a smile tugging at his lips.

***

N-32 leapt from tree to tree with unrivalled grace, his heart beating in his chest. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as he desperately sought to reach his boss's location.

The imminent threat loomed in the silence, and anxiety grabbed him hard.

The sound of the gunshot rang in his ears, the consequence shrouded in mystery.

His anxiety gripped him as he wondered what had happened in that key time.

-

Did N-30 get him?

No way...but he had to have been shot at some point, right?

-

"Why isn't she taking advantage of this opportunity to flee?" N-32 mumbled feverishly. "Shit! I can't afford to lose concentration right now! Recovering her can wait!"

An obvious presence loomed behind him while his mind stayed set on his speed.

The air crackled with the approaching attack of a sword aimed right at N-32, but he swiftly avoided it just before impact, narrowly avoiding its murderous path.

"Tsk...Missed it." She whispered to herself.

"W-what the fuck?!" he muttered, his voice shaking with terror.

When N-32 turned around, his eyes widened in disbelief and shock when he saw a female with ethereal white wings, pointed ears, and elongated teeth.

She clutched a rapier beautifully, hovering in the air as though defying gravity. It was Irene, Irene de Montfort.

"V-Vampire...? How?"

Irene recognised something was wrong when she noticed the fear in his eyes. The truth became clear when she noticed his iris.

He was not a pure human.

"Is that a Scius? What exactly is a Scius doing here? And here I was, afraid for no reason when Young Master summoned me," she said, her voice tinged with laughter.

[ Before Kleir engaged in the battle with N-32 ]

Kleir rapidly appraised the situation, realising that dealing with two foes at the same time would be difficult.

He knew he had the upper hand in terms of strength, but their combined efforts could still represent a threat.

Furthermore, his expertise in human technology was limited, necessitating care.

With the possibility of one of them escaping as well, Kleir decided to contact Irene telepathically and seek her assistance.

"Irene, this is Kleir. Respond immediately," he transmitted his message.

Irene, who was surveying the area from the treetops for the source of the ruckus, responded swiftly, "Yes, young master! What was that ruckus? Are you okay?"

"I'm all right. But we have a mission," Kleir responded quickly.

"A mission? But aren't we supposed to..." Irene began to wonder.

"This is critical. Meet me in the forest's heart, near the huge trees."

"I'll be there as soon as possible. But what exactly do you require of me?"

"Capture the humans."

Irene's thoughts became silent. She was gripped by fear. It was the humans once again. The images of her companions flashed before her eyes.

They were cruelly slaughtered one by one, powerless to resist the last time. But she couldn't defy Kleir's orders; her duty was to protect him.

She lifted the veil that had been covering her face, revealing her actual form, and extended her magnificent wings.

Confused by her sudden transformation, the other knight asked, "What's the matter, Miss Irene?"

She stared at him, concerned, and mumbled, "It's the people... I must fight them with all my power or perish."

"Let us accompany you, Miss Irene!" the knight said, surprised.

"No, this is an order from the young master. I have to confront them alone!" She took off into the skies with those words, going towards her destination.

[ Back to the moment ]

As she glanced at the trembling N-32, Irene's face softened and a faint grin curved her lips.

She made a courtesy gesture by placing her hand on her chest and leaning her head forward slightly.

Her tone dripped with mockery as she spoke, "I am Irene de Montfort. I've been sent here with the express intent of capturing you. Please do not resist, as my orders are the only ones that require your capture."

N-32, his eyes filled with terror and bewilderment, murmured in shaking tones, "V-Vile..."

Unaware of his words, Irene questioned him, "What was that?"

N-32, overcome with an array of fear and anger, burst out in a fervent tone, "You... You vile creatures! Spawns of the devil!"