DAYBREAK ARC

The warm sunlight danced across the guild's halls, casting a sense of renewal over theonce-tense atmosphere. Michi, Henu, and Airi returned, their footsteps echoing off thestone walls. The once-accusing gazes now held remorse, filled with genuine regret formisunderstanding Michi's intentions.As they passed by, Ryker, a rugged adventurer with a heart of gold, approached Michi. Hiseyes, once filled with suspicion, now shone with sincerity. "Michi, we're sorry. Wemisjudged you. I hope you can forgive us." Ryker's voice trembled, revealing the weight ofhis guilt.Michi's gentle smile dispelled the tension, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's okay. Justdon't assume the worst if I take commissions with other adventurers, like Gorvoth." Michi'swords were laced with a mix of understanding and caution, forged from the trials he hadfaced.Yakop's booming voice interrupted the apologies, his tone warm and inviting. "Michi! Airi!My office, now!" Yakop's eyes sparkled with a hint of excitement, his broad shoulderssquared with pride.In Yakop's office, the guild master's broad grin welcomed them. "Congratulations, Michi!Your rank up is well-deserved. Take a day off; you've earned it." Yakop's words were infusedwith pride, his eyes shining with a deep appreciation for Michi's growth.Airi's eyes sparkled like polished gemstones. "Let's go to the sea right away!" Herenthusiasm was contagious, spreading like wildfire through the guild.Yakop chuckled, his belly shaking with mirth. "Wish I could join you, but duty calls." Hisexpression turned wistful, his gaze drifting toward the sea.Later that day, Michi and Airi strolled along the sun-kissed beach, the salty breeze carryingthe cries of seagulls. Airi asked Michi to wait for a moment and vanished into a nearbybush, a minute later, she emerged wearing a blue top that complimented her fair skin alongwith a white flowing skirt that gracefully danced in the breeze. She twirled, her laughterinfectious.A gust of strong breeze suddenly lifted up her skirt, and Michi's gaze locked onto her. Airi'scheeks flushed as bright as the sunset hues.Airi grabbed Henu, throwing him at Michi. The two crashed to the ground, Airi fainting atopthem. Airi's apologies filled the air as they regained consciousness. "I'm so sorry! I didn'tmean to—"Michi sat up, gazing out at the turquoise waves. Henu stirred beside him.Airi's hands trembled as she reached for Michi's. "You've become so powerful, Michi. Yourpast doesn't matter anymore; No matter what happens, I'll always be with you." Her voicewas barely above a whisper as if it was playing with the gentle sound of waves.Just as their fingers touched, Henu slipped, oil-slicked fur igniting Michi's face.Michi's pained smile sent Airi into fits of laughter. "Oh, Michi! You're too funny!" Her joyfullaughter was music to Michi's ears.As the sun dipped into the horizon, Michi and Airi walked along the shore. The stars beganto twinkle above."I'm glad we came here," Airi said, her voice filled with contentment."Me too," Michi replied, "It feels like a nice start to a great journey."The guild's warm fire crackled, casting a golden glow on Yakop's stern face as hesummoned Michi to his office. The air was thick with anticipation."Michi, you've received a special invitation regarding a quest from Count Ventrilo Vonni,"Yakop announced, his voice low and measured. The guild master's eyes locked ontoMichi's, their depth conveying the weight of the invitation.Michi's curiosity stirred, his mind racing with the implications. "Who's Count Vonni?" heasked, his voice laced with curiosity and caution.Yakop leaned forward, his elbows resting on the worn wooden desk, his crossed fingershiding his mouth. "A powerful dracula residing in the nearby town of Ashwood. Hisreputation precedes him – ruthless, cunning, and feared by all." Yakop's expression turnedgrave.Michi's eyes widened, his grip on the armrest tightening. "What does he want?" Thequestion hung in the air like a challenge."He wants to see you in action," Yakop replied, his words dripping with an unspokenwarning. "The reward is quite substantial as well as enticing: direct ascent to Rank Badventurer and a luxury teleportable home, courtesy of the Count himself." The guildmaster's eyes seemed to bore into Michi's soul.Michi's thoughts swirled, weighing the risks and benefits. The promise of a teleportablehome and increased rank was enticing, but the Count's true intentions remained shroudedin mystery.Later, in his cozy room, Michi packed his gear with a mix of excitement and trepidation.Henu watched with interest, sensing the shift in Michi's demeanor."Time to go, Henu," Michi said, his voice firm but laced with a hint of uncertainty.Airi burst in, her eyes shining like stars on a clear night. "I'm coming with you!" Herdeclaration was a battle cry, her spirit infectious.Michi chuckled, attempting to lighten the mood. "There's no need, Airi. You're an S-Rankadventurer. Don't waste your valuable time on someone like me." Her smile faltered,sensing the unspoken concern behind his words.Airi's face contorted, her emotions raw. She bonked Michi on the head with her hand, thegesture a mix of playfulness and desperation."Ow! What was that for?" Michi rubbed his sore spot, his eyes locking onto Airi's."Stupid Michi!" Airi scolded, her voice trembling. "I worry about you because you have nomemory of your past, no one to rely on. I won't let you become a blood bank for a dracula!"Her words spilled out like a confession.Michi's heart swelled, touched by Airi's concern. He smiled, his eyes shone with a sense ofgratitude.Airi helped Michi up, apologizing. "Sorry for hitting you." Her touch sent shivers down hisspine."I'll wait for you by the lake," Michi said, his voice low and reassuring.The silence between them was filled with unspoken understanding. Airi rushed off to pack,promising to meet him soon.By the lake, Michi watched the sunset along with Henu, lost in thought. The water's gentlelapping soothed his mind. A cool breeze washed his face as if it was trying to calm down hisworries.Airi arrived, her bag slung over her shoulder. "Ready, Michi?" Her eyes sparkled. Her hairwas tied into a ponytail as if she was ready for a fight.Together, they boarded a boat, gliding across the water. The stars were twinkling brightly inthe night sky.(A sudden scene has come showing a boy with no face sat engrossed in his gamingconsole, the screen casting an eerie glow. A figure loomed, snatching the console. "Give itback to its rightful owner, you pig," the figure growled, malice dripping from their voice. Theboy's face remained blank, his eyes empty.The boat's wooden hull creaked as it floated across the lake's glassy surface. Michi, Henu,and Airi sat in silence, the only sound being the gentle lapping of the water against the hull.As the sun dipped below the horizon, a chilling fog rolled in, shrouding the lake. Terrifyinghowls echoed through the mist, sending shivers down Airi's spine."Something feels wrong," she whispered, her eyes scanning the fog.Michi's gaze locked onto the fog, his brow furrowed. "It's draining our energy. Henu, can youhelp clear this?"Henu spread his wings, unleashing a blast of fire. The flames danced across the fog,dispelling its dark tendrils.As the fog cleared, Ashwood village came into view – or rather what remained of it. Ruinsstretched out, a haunting testament to the village's downfall.The trio disembarked, their footsteps echoing through the desolate landscape. The foglingered, its malevolent presence palpable.In the village center, a majestic mansion stood, its grandeur a stark contrast to thesurrounding devastation.A low, smooth voice drifted through the air, like a snake slithering through grass. "Oh my,my, you young children finally reached my mansion despite the deadly fog…you two havesome serious hard senses, I guess."The voice materialized before Michi, taking the form of a tall figure draped in a black longcoat. His face was chiseled, handsome, and unsettling.Count Ventrilo Vonni's eyes gleamed as he extended a pale hand. "Pleasure to meet you;the wolf slayer, Michi. I am Count Ventrilo Vonni. Looking forward to working with you."Michi's handshake was firm, despite the Count's unnerving smile."Now, let me suck the poison out from your blood, or you may dry up by the end of thenight," the Count said, his fangs bared.With a swift motion, the Count appeared behind Michi and bit into his neck. Michi's eyeswidened, but he felt no pain.Airi and Henu tensed, ready to attack.The Count released Michi, his smile twisted. "No need to get hostile, princess and littledragon. I'm saving his life."Henu's ears folded back, his eyes glowing with concern. "You know too well how dangerousthe fog is, little dragon?"Henu nodded, and said, "Yes." in a low voice.Michi examined his neck, finding no pain or wound.The Count turned to Airi, fangs bared.Airi stopped him, her tone low and deadly. "No need to do that. I'm good."The Count's smile widened. "Ok, Miss. I think you like to keep things private, don't you?"Airi's eyes flashed with anger, her jaw clenched.Michi intervened, his voice firm. "Thanks for having us. Now, why don't you tell us what youwant from me, what's with the weird quest, and why the village is like this?"The Count's smile grew. "All in good time, Michi."Airi and Michi's attention shifted to the mansion's rear, their limbs went numb with shock.Zombie-like villagers stumbled slowly toward the mansion, their voices haunting. "Helpus…redeem us!"As the night sky darkened, Michi, Henu, and Airi steeled themselves for the impendingbattle against the undead horde. But just as they were about to charge, Count appeared infront of them and raised his arm as if to shield them, his tall figure towering over them like adark specter."Wait, don't harm anyone of them," he commanded, his eyes gleaming with anotherworldly intensity. "They have come to seek redemption."Michi and Airi exchanged perplexed glances. What could the Count mean? Why sparethese abominations?"Go inside the mansion and wait for me," the Count instructed, his voice low andmysterious. "I will join you shortly."As they entered the mansion, Michi couldn't help but notice its eerie beauty. Cobwebsclung to the chandeliers, and the air was heavy with the scent of old books and decay. TheCount lived alone, surrounded by the whispers of the past.In the first room, they waited in silence, and the only sound that could be heard was thecreaking of the wooden floorboards beneath their feet as they began walking around.Outside, the zombies' shuffling footsteps grew fainter, as if they too were waiting.The Count returned, a trickle of blood was dripping from the corner of his mouth. Michi andAiri's eyes widened, as the Count reached his hand inside his robe only to pull out a redhandkerchief and elegantly cleaned it; their minds were racing with implications. TheCount's gaze met theirs, his eyes glinting with a mix of sadness and determination."No need to look at me like that," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of sorrow. "I willanswer all of your questions, but first, Michi, promise me that you will do something for mein return."Michi's brow furrowed, unsure of what to expect. "If it's a good thing, then yes."The Count's smile was enigmatic. "I can't reveal too much, not even to you two. Your lives,and those of your loved ones, would be in danger. This nation is not what it seems to be.These people don't understand the concept of letting the past be. To them, we're merelivestock, tools for their twisted experiments."Airi's eyes sparkled with indignation. "Why?"The Count's laughter sent shivers down Michi's spine. "Ah, the nation is a farce, a façadehiding the darkness within. I've lived for almost 1000 years, witnessing the shadows thatlurk beneath the surface.Michi's curiosity got the better of him. "Who are these people? Why have they turned intozombies?"The Count's expression turned somber. "They were once humans of this town like you two,but unfortunate enough to get corrupted by the poisonous fog. It rots their flesh, turns theminto deathseekers, forever trapped in a living hell."Michi's heart ached for the fallen souls. "Is there no cure, no way to save them?"The Count's eyes clouded over. "I wish I could, but it's too late. Those responsible wouldrather eradicate them than find a solution. They're beyond redemption."Michi's mind reeled. "So, you're killing them to end their suffering?"The Count's gaze locked onto Michi's. "As the baron of this town, it's my duty to protect mypeople, help them, even if it means killing them with my own hands. But I wish…I wish Icould save them… save every single one of them."The room fell silent, the weight of the Count's words hanging in the air like a challenge.Michi found his voice. "What do you want me to do?"The Count's smile was a thin, mirthless line. "Kill me, Michi. I can't go on living like thisanymore. I'm not the monster people make me out to be. I had become a Dracula a longtime ago but I still have a spark of humanity left inside me."Michi's eyes welled up with tears. He couldn't bring himself to utter the words, his heartheavy with the burden of the Count's request. Airi's hand found his, a gentle comfort in themidst of turmoil.The Count's voice broke the silence. "You know how to kill a Dracula, don't you, Michi?Everyone knows… Meet me at dawn, but for now, get some rest. I have already preparedrooms for you. As for the reward, this mansion can teleport to another place by thethoughts of its owner…I have lost my ownership. This house now belongs to you, Michi.Please be my savior."Michi and Airi didn't say a word, silently leaving the room with Henu. As the room fell silent,the Count stood up, his eyes fixed on the wine rack. He chose a bottle, his smile awhispered promise. "Finally, I can open you, my love, as my final voyage…". But his thoughtswere interrupted by an unknown presence outside the room. The Count's smile grew wider.Morning crept over Ashwood, casting a pale light upon the abandoned village. Michi stirredfirst, his eyes adjusting to the dimness. He quietly rose and made his way to Airi's room, thecreaking floorboards echoing through the silence.He knocked at her door and gently called out her name but there was no response. As hepushed open the door, a warm glow spilled out from the window filling the room,illuminating Airi's peaceful face. Michi's gaze lingered, his thoughts drifting to the events ofthe previous night."Airi, wake up," Michi whispered, gently shaking her shoulder.Airi's eyes fluttered open, her gaze cloudy with sleep. She stretched, her lithe bodyunfolding from the bed."Where's the Count?" she asked, her voice laced with concern, as she rubbed theremnants of slumber from her eyes.Michi's expression turned grim. "I don't know. Let's look for him downstairs."Their search yielded nothing. No sign of the Count, no hint of his whereabouts. The silencewas oppressive, punctuated only by the creaking of old wooden floorboards.Just as they were about to give up, Airi's scream pierced the air.Michi rushed to the backyard, his heart racing with every step.The sight before him made his blood run cold. Count Ventrilo Vonni's burning corpse lay onthe ground, his body brutally mutilated. The air reeked of charred flesh and smoke.Michi's eyes welled up with tears. Why did these things always happen to him when he justwants to help others? The Count wasn't a sinner; he didn't deserve such a cruel fate.Airi hugged Michi from behind, her own tears falling onto his shoulder.Michi composed himself, his mind racing. The murderer could still be nearby; it wasn't safeto linger."Let's pack our things," Michi urged, his voice low and urgent.As they prepared to leave, Michi glanced back at the mansion. Suddenly, it shuddered,shrinking into a mini playhouse that fit neatly into Michi's bag.Henu growled, startled.Michi calmed the dragon, then bowed to the ground. "Thank you for bearing this pain for solong. I sense no more presence here anymore. You've helped in redeeming everyone."With tears in their eyes and a mix of sadness and gratitude, Michi, Airi, and Henu departedfrom Ashwood, the town which soon will be forgotten by everyone.The journey back to the guild was somber, the weight of their encounter with the Counthanging as heavy as lead chains.Upon their return, Michi and Airi recounted their tale to Yakop, omitting the nation'sinvolvement.Yakop listened intently, his expression unreadable.When they finished, he opened a drawer and produced a letter."This arrived after you left for the mission," Yakop said, his voice measured. "It directlycame from the Kingdom of Prussaria, from the King's personal cabinet. It orders theextermination of Count Ventrilo Vonni, for citing plans against the nation."Airi and Michi exchanged fearful glances, remaining silent.Yakop congratulated Michi on his direct ascension to Rank B adventurer and presented himwith paperwork for his new home.Michi's smile was tinged with sadness.Later, outside the guild master's office, Michi turned to Airi."I want to go on a long quest, get some peace, and try to forget this," Michi said, his eyesdetermined. "Airi, can you travel with me?"Airi's smile was warm. "Finally, the kid has grown, I see", and ruffled his hair.Henu flew between them, growling softly.Together, the trio approached the receptionist to find a matching quest.As they browsed the available quests, Michi's thoughts drifted back to the Count. What haddriven him to help others, despite the danger?