Days Throughout the Training Arc Part 1

Chifuyu's Pov

"I'm going to be betrayed?"

What in the world is this vampire talking about? He just kidnaps up and spouts all this nonsense. Shoyo, right, we shouldn't listen to a thing this guy is saying.

But for some reason, I couldn't help but look at Ariel. Our eyes met. We both just instinctively turned to each other. There's no way she would turn on us. Does this guy think he's from the future or something?

"This guy's talking out of his ass Ariel, we don't need to listen to him."

"Yeah."

"You're no fun."

"We've let you talk long enough, you're coming with us vamp."

"Heh. Catch me if you can, proclaimed strongest Hunter."

The vampire whose name is still unknown falls backward from the parking lot railings and begins his escape. Shoyo immediately takes pursuit, Ariel tries to come along.

"Don't come Ariel, we can't have a vampire being seen."

"It's the middle of the night, nobody'll see me."

"Suit yourself."

They have no time to argue. They jump out of the parking lot and the chase begins.

"S-Should we go too?"

"Oh yeah. Sorry, I'll put you down now."

***

"Oi, oi, oi. Since when can humans jump across buildings?"

The vampire comments on Shoyo's ability to keep up. Ariel is right by his side.

"Tsk, this guy is fast."

"He's gonna escape at this rate, throw me to him!"

"Sigh, fine."

Not stopping his momentum at all, Shoyo grabs Ariel's legs while running, sweeping her off her feet and tosses her violently after a couple of spins to buildup the power of the throw.

"I'm gonna kill you!"

This threat was directed not at the enemy in front of her, but at Shoyo.

"Uh oh."

Turning back, the vampire notices a flying Ariel coming at him at Mach speed.

Not really, but she was too fast for him to dodge.

"Come give your old leader a big hug!"

Ariel successfully tackles him which causes them to go crashing down in the middle of the street. A car that was passing was forced to slam on their brakes and swerve out of the way. Not wanting to get innocent civilians involved in this, Ariel tosses the vampire into an alleyway and charges after him.

"I'll have you know I wasn't your subordinate."

"That's a shame."

The two stand face to face, holding the other back with their hands clasped.

"Ho, you're a little strong aren't you?"

"I pity you, Vampire Lord from 200 years ago. If you think there are still only 6 vampires who rival your strength, you're sorely mistaken."

This gave Ariel a sudden realization. Something that was obvious, but slipped her mind. Over 200 years have passed, so of course many vampires have gotten a lot stronger. It was just a realization though. She's not afraid whatsoever.

"Well, now you got me all excited. So how many Lords are there now?"

"Come back to our world if you wish to find out. As for me, it's still too early to show my cards."

The vampire breaks loose from their struggle and kicks Ariel away.

"Til next time, Ariel Ryuji."

"Wait!"

He disappears into the shadows without a trace.

"Tch. So he could've gotten away at any time with his curse..."

"So you let him get away, huh?"

Ariel looks upwards toward the top of the building, Shoyo looks down at her with a smug look.

"Shut the hell up."

He jumps down into the dumpster, unaware there was a cat in there that scratched up his pretty face.

"That look suits you."

"Shut the hell up."

"So, now what?"

"The vamp got away. I have to submit a report to the President and arrange for that abandoned parking lot to get cleaned up asap."

"Hm. It may not be much, but I may have something you can add to that report."

"What is it?"

"One of the vampires who wouldn't stop talking to me said it had been about 30 years since he'd been to our world, what you guys refer to as the Alter World. I don't think it would be strange to assume vampires go back and forth between each of our worlds. It could be to simply go back for however long, to drink human blood over there, or to report back on whatever occurs here."

"That's definitely something we've considered before. Thanks for telling me, I'll be sure to include it."

"Don't mention it."

A few of the Hunters that were present during the trial were assigned to keep watch on Chifuyu in shifts. But since this vampire was able to still slip past them, Shoyo also plans to just tell the President they're no longer needed. He definitely won't let Chifuyu get captured again, and by the time he finishes his training, he'll be able to protect himself.

"I'll go look for Chifuyu and Iris, I'm sure they must've tried to follow us. Wait here until we come back."

"Ariel, Shoyo!"

"Huh, how'd you guys find us?"

"Chifuyu's my master. I'm his servant. He's able to know where I am thanks to our master-servant contract. The same goes for me."

"Well, that's convenient."

"What happened to your face!?"

"Don't worry about it."

"Did that vampire get away?"

"Yeah, unfortunately. You guys ready to go home?

"Yep."

In no time flat, Shoyo teleports them back to the house.

"Get some rest, just cuz you got kidnapped doesn't mean we're not gonna train later."

"Right..." Chifuyu and Iris say in unison.

"I have a report to make so I'm heading to Hunter Agency HQ."

"No rest for you, huh Shoyo."

"I'll be fine."

***

"Ugh, I'm exhausted."

It's the afternoon of the same day and Chifuyu just finished his 5 hours of training. Iris is also on her break, and she's in the living room with Chifuyu. Although she's not saying anything, it's still a big step from staying cooped up alone in her room.

"Chifuyu, I really am sorry about last night."

"Friends try to kill each other at least once, don't sweat it."

"I don't think that's true..."

"By the way, Shoyo told me your backstory."

"What, he did? And why are you calling my past a backstory like I'm a character?"

"My bad. But he just told me what happened. I don't know why you actually started training to become a Hunter. You weren't forced or anything were you?"

"N-no. You really want to know why?"

"Of course!"

"Eh..."

Chifuyu looks upon Iris with excited eyes and a wide smile.

"Well, I never wanted to become a Hunter. But the President of the Hunter Agency or whatever told me how much talent I have. I wasn't forced, but I had no interest in anything else. I told myself why not, and halfheartedly decided to become a Hunter. I wholeheartedly regret my decision though."

"Haha, you can be pretty funny, can't you?"

"I wasn't trying to be..."

"What about your parents? They were fine with your decision?"

"Well, the main reason is so I can support them. Hunters get paid really well after all. Hehe. I also have a little sister. And as much as she annoys me, I want her to have a successful future. So once I do become a Hunter, my parents are going to open up a savings account for her so I can deposit money."

"Well look at you Iris, that's totally admirable!"

"Hehe, you think so?"

Iris is rarely complimented, so when she does receive words of kindness, it easily gets to her head.

***

Meanwhile at Hunter Agency Head Quarters.

"That concludes my report."

"Thanks Shoyo, I appreciate you flying all the way out here."

"I don't mind, I enjoy flights."

"You enjoy flights on private jets you mean."

"You got me."

"The abandoned parking lot should be cleaned by now, right?"

"Yes. I called for the Trauma Team immediately."

The Trauma Team is a department of paramedics that are trained in the Hunter Academy, but take a different curriculum than most students. It's a more intense course that finishes their high school education, trains them up to an extremely advanced level of fighting against vampires, and teaches them the skills needed to be highly skilled paramedics. They stay at the academy for 7 years rather than 4 and have a different campus to themselves. There are currently less than a couple of thousand members of the Trauma Team, about 50 of which stay in each district. Their main job is cleaning up after incidents involving vampires and treating injured Hunters during big battles or after any run-in with a vampire, then taking them to a hospital if needed. All members of the Trauma Team are strong enough to be 1st Rank Hunters.

Hunter Agency HQ is on an island located in the middle of Shioto encircled by mountains and a vast river. It's known as Capri Island. The President of the HA(Hunter Agency), numerous high-class citizens, and dozens of 1st Rank Hunters and Trauma Team members live here.

"Word that the two Hunters in training under you were kidnapped will remain a secret, of course."

"Yeah, I don't want the world to know I'm training any apprentices after all. Maybe disciples would be a better name."

"I'm putting my trust in you to not let this happen again."

"No worries there!" Shoyo says giving a thumbs up gleefully.

"What's this about two disciples now?"

"Gah... Ruby, why are you here?"

"I live here."

"You know what I meant."

"I'm simply submitting my weekly report to the President. Don't worry, your secret's safe with me."

The woman who just walked into the room was Shoyo's former classmate, and a current member of the Trauma team stationed on Capri Island. She walks up to the President and hands him her written report.

"Thanks, Ruby. I'm sure this fool doesn't mind you knowing about his Hunters in training."

"Sigh..."

"What's the matter, Shoyo? Was this perhaps something you didn't want me hearing about?"

"No, not at all..."

"Great, I'll come and visit on one of my days off."

"I'm sorry?"

"I want to see what the kids you decided to train yourself are like. You have my number, so text me the address of wherever you're staying. See ya."

"This chick..."

"Haha, Ruby's straightforwardness is what makes her so interesting. That's why I stationed her here on Capri Island."

"I'm grateful to you pops. Thanks to you, I barely get to see her."

"Don't call me pops."

"My bad."

***

Later that night at Shoyo's house in District 5.

"Shoyo's still not back."

"Yeah..."

"Do you know how to cook, master?"

"I don't..."

"I'll order some pizza. W-well, if that's fine with you guys."

"Sounds great. How are you paying though?"

"I have Mr. Shoyo's card information memorized."

"Iris..."

"Mr. Shoyo is the one who said I could use it whenever I wanted to! I rarely use it though."

"So we have access to his funds, do we? Order 500 of whatever this pizza is!"

"I think just 3 will be fine. Actually, 4 in case Shoyo wants any when he gets back."

"O-ok."

"You're gonna love what we're getting, Ariel!"

"I trust your taste buds."

"So, what type do we want?"

***

Ariel's Pov

I can't let Chifuyu see me as someone who can't protect him. I won't let him see me in my weakest state.

Nino and Reoa were my closest friends. I had to hold myself back when I first heard that Reoa had died. When I finally went back inside Chifuyu, I let it all out. It's a good thing he can't feel my emotions while he's asleep. That was the first time in a long time that I cried feeling sadness. It's something I don't want to do again.

I know the war is still going on in my world, but what's the real state of everything over there? How is the empire after 200 years? Who else has died? How are my sister and Nino? There's only one way to find out, and it'll be when the Hunters launch their next expedition.

It's been over two centuries, so just how strong could the other Lords have gotten? How can I get stronger myself without feeding on humans anymore?

I'll find a way. But one thing's for sure.

I need my blade back.

I'll worry about that after Chifuyu finishes his training.

Birthdays were a big deal in my world. There'd be lavish celebrations every 5 years until we turned 15 years of age. Apparently, most humans here celebrate their date of birth each year, but not as extravagantly as I explained to Chifuyu. His happens to be next month, I'll have to prepare a surprise of some sort.

***

June 20th. Chifuyu's birthday.

Chifuyu's training started on March 28th, so 3 months and some change have passed by now.

Chifuyu and Iris are finished for the day, and Ariel has been out since early morning along with Shoyo.

"Where do you think they went?"

"I don't know. This is the first time Ariel went somewhere without me."

"D-do you think she's getting something for your birthday?"

"That would be awesome if she is."

The two are waiting on the living room couch. Before Shoyo left, he put out a bunch of balloons and decorations. He even left $300 under Chifuyu's pillow which was a bit creepy but still thoughtful.

"By the way Iris, when's your birthday?"

"Oh, it was in January."

"Ah, we missed it. Nothing we could do about that I guess."

Moments later...

"Happy Birthday Chifuyu!"

Shoyo came barging through the door with a giant multi-layer cake in his left hand that'll last them about a month and a confetti blaster in his right hand, littering the floor with countless decorational paper.

Slowly following in was Ariel with her hair tied up with a giant bow, in her hand was a small birthday box. Opening it up revealed a single chocolate donut with sprinkles.

Ariel had thrown her pride away and asked Shoyo to take her to a donut shop. The reason they were gone so long though was because they drove 2 districts away to the best cake factory and had their cake custom-made on the spot.

"Happy Birthday Chifuyu," Ariel said bashfully.

This is the most awkward she's been since meeting Chifuyu.

"This isn't much, but I hope this donut will be tastier than usual."

Accepting her gift, Chifuyu takes a bite out of it, followed by several more bites finishing the donut in seconds.

Immediately after, Ariel receives a big hug from Chifuyu.

"That was the best donut ever, thanks, Ariel!"

Taken aback by the hug, Ariel gets a bit flustered, but happy nonetheless.

She didn't reply after that, there was no need to. Her smile was enough to show how delighted she was.