"So without getting lost in the details, I want to become a hunter. However, I have no affinity for Chi, Magic or Essence. All I have is a lot of Vitality. So, if you could teach me how to use my Vitality for blood magic, that would be awesome!"
Leon's excitement was evident, yet Valeria could only stare at him, completely shocked.
"How are you so ok with everything?"
"What do you mean?"
"What do you mean 'what do I mean'!? I'm a Vampire. I just drank your blood. You should be dead, angry, scared, something!"
"I mean, from my perspective, this is kinda a fateful encounter."
He raised his hands, trying to add a dramatic flair as he stood taller.
"A beautiful vampire, starving to death because she refuses to eat humans. But then, on one fateful night, on the very edge of death... she finds the one person she can drink without killing."
Then he dropped the theatrics, still grinning.
"Plus, I really want to be a hunter, so this is a win-win. You can eat guilt free and I can learn blood magic."
"You're insane... It's like... Ugh. I don't know what to say."
She was still unsure about everything that was happening. Even so, a human she could eat without killing, not to mention how good he tasted. Just thinking about it was enough to make her blush.
"...I need to consider it... can you tell me more... about yourself."
Wow she's cute when she's shy! Yet she's still not sure if she could trust me? Weird considering she could easily overpower me and kidnap me.
He sat down against the wall.
"Well where to start. I'm new to this city. I arrived this morning. Since I have no money I was just walking around in circles to pass the night."
She sat down against the same wall, still keeping an arm's reach away from him.
"...I see..."
"Before that I was at the hunters guild. I did pass, so technically I am a hunter. But without any attributes, I'm basically just human."
"Then how'd you pass... That's what you meant about only having Vitality. Your score was high to carry you through the exam? Is there no requirement for attributes?"
"You'd think, but apparently not. And, as you can see by me still being alive, my Vitality is really high."
"Yeah. You are very lively. Do you not feel tired at least?"
"Nope!"
"And now with no attributes, your only hope to be somewhat successful is to learn Blood Arts to use your own Vitality..."
"Blood Arts huh. Well I wasn't thinking of a vampire in particular. Actually, I was just warned by the guild master to avoid monsters like vampires who can use my Vitality for themselves."
"...and then I stalked you in the middle of the night."
"Yeah, you're all caught up."
"... what... about before today... What about you...?"
Shit. I can't tell her I'm from another world. She is already still uncomfortable with the whole situation.
"Oh uh like me personally. Let's see... My favorite color is probably green. And umm... favorite food is between steak or ribs. Ummm..."
This is so awkward. It feels like the first day of school. When a teacher asks you to do an introduction.
Valeria tilted her head, eyes narrowing slightly.
"That's not exactly what I meant."
"Yeah, but I didn't know what else to say. My life's not super interesting. Is there anything more specific you want to know?"
"It's not about being interesting. It's about... knowing who I'm talking to. I'm not exactly welcomed here, or anywhere. Nor have I had any interaction with someone friendly in a long time..."
Leon let out a sigh. He was trying to have a heart to heart with her, yet was completely fumbling.
"I don't know. I can't blame you for being cautious. Honestly, I'm surprised how 'un-cautious' I'm being. The guild master said I was a 'walking premium meal' and yet I'm speaking with such certainty and confidence. I've lived my whole life as the quiet type. It's so out of character for me, especially considering my situation."
He noticed Valeria listening intently. Something he had said was finally starting to resonate with her.
"I've had a recent close encounter with death. Now I'm here, alone, in a completely new place. No family or home to return to. Despite it all, I've definitely felt more... Fearless? I don't know. I'm still trying to process it myself."
"Your situation sounds as bad as mine... maybe even worse. Yet you're taking it very well."
Oh shit I hope I didn't just say the equivalent of 'it could be worse'
Valeria mumbled under her breath. Two words She probably didn't mean to say out loud
"...fateful encounter..."
She sat up straight, putting on a face of determination.
"Alright Human. You have a deal. No backing out now. You shall be my food, and in return I shall teach you Blood Arts"
Leon's face lit up. His excitement caused him to jump up.
"Let's go! What do I need to do? When do we start? Let's start now! The night's young."
"Shhhh calm down. This isn't something you should go around yelling. You'll be hunted before you become a hunter if this gets out!"
As she spoke, Leon noticed two cloaked figures had emerged. One at each end of the Alley, trapping the two of them in.
"Ok that was way too fast."
Valeria stood up and took a defensive stance. Pulling out the crimson dagger she made earlier.
"They're not here for you. These two are assassins who've been hunting me."
Blood began to pour down the right hands of the assassins. Flowing through the air and spinning around their fingers. The flowing blood took the form of a rapier. The blades were thin solid crimson, while the handles and guards remained flowing streams of liquid blood.
Those must be the vampires who were causing the attacks. So while Valerie was starving herself and running. These guys were just eating people whenever.
Leon raised his fists
"Time for lesson number one."