The three of them stepped out of the dungeon. The huge portal behind them was still spinning like a twisting hole in space. Outside, a thick and shadowy forest stretched as far as they could see, the dungeon hidden right at its center like a buried secret.
The sun was just starting to rise, sending warm golden light through the trees. It caught on the dew covered leaves and slowly brought the quiet forest to life.
Ashan glanced at Narasha, concern flickering in his eyes.
"The sun is rising. Are you alright with that?"
Narasha nodded calmly, her pale skin glowing in the early light.
"I'm fine with that. I'm a pure-blooded vampire. Sun rays can't harm me."
Nearby, Ashan spotted a small device emitting a faint blue light, camouflaged near the portal.
"A signal jammer? So they used it to hide signals from the portal. Other associations won't find traces of it.'
From the body's memories, he recalled that the previous Ashan and Nevil had joined a party from a hidden organization that hoarded dungeons for private raids. When it appears inside forests, portals take at least six hours to track it down.
Ashan closed his eyes, piecing it together.
'According to the memories, we came as extra helpers. Since the party died except for us, no one knows we were here. If we act wisely, we won't get caught. We should leave quietly.'
"So what are we going to do now?" Nevil asked, scanning the forest warily.
"We have to escape this place without getting caught. I'm sure no one knows about us." Ashan replied.
"Yes, that's true. We joined secretly. No traces, so no trouble." Nevil agreed.
"Hmm.. so we need act thoughtfully. Nevil, we should part ways here. You go this side, and she and I will go to the other." Ashan suggested, gesturing to the diverging paths.
"Wait! You're going to take her to your home? Are you serious?" Nevil's eyes widened in disbelief.
Ashan nodded firmly. "Yes, for now. But don't worry. She's no harm to me."
"But still… tch.." Nevil glanced at Narasha suspiciously, then back at Ashan.
"Alright. Let's separate. Don't forget to call when you arrive home. Got it?"
"Yes, I will. Have a safe trip."
After hugging each other, Nevil vanished into the underbrush, leaving Ashan and Narasha alone.
"He's really worried about you. Your bond seems very close." Narasha remarked with a mocking smile, her voice carrying a hint of envy.
"Yes, both of us are orphans. We grew up together. We shared every good and bad moment. We're no different from brothers. He is the only person in this world I trust." Ashan explained warmly.
"That's a bit funny. Facing greed, everyone betrays their own kind. Same with my kind, they kill each other for survival." Narasha countered, her tone serious.
Ashan smiled gently.
"That might be true, since it's life. But not everyone acts like that. Some ignore that nature and live nobly. They care and save others, rejecting greed. Like how lilies bloom without dirtying themselves in mud."
"Is that so? But I never saw such a being in my lifetime. We'll see if those words are true or not." Narasha challenged, though her eyes softened slightly.
"Sure." Ashan replied, and they ran through the forest at high speed, their movements graceful and swift.
Soon, they reached a cliff and climbed to the top. From there, the city sprawled below—a modern metropolis of towering buildings, bustling streets, and glowing displays advertising everything from mana potions to luxury cars. Lights twinkled everywhere and people filled the avenues.
Using his Sharingan, Ashan observed the crowd, noting the blend of ordinary humans and superhumans.
'So fascinating. It's so moderate. Even mixing with supernatural things, people still developed technology. Humanity is truly amazing. This technological era must be intertwined with powers. Every info I received about this world seems true. Now I can rely on them with ease.' Ashan thought to himself.
"Is this the human world? It looks so complex and mysterious." Narasha said, gazing at the skyline.
"Yes, it is. It's a charm of humanity." Ashan grinned.
Narasha smirked mockingly. "You humans live only a century. Compared to us, immortals, that life is a joke. Yet you waste it on every sort of thing."
"Puff…" Ashan held back a laugh, looking away.
"Why are you laughing? Did I say something wrong?" Narasha demanded, her pride pricked.
"Yes, I found it funny. Your kind must have existed long before us. Yet no development? Still wearing the same style clothes, relying on mana and primitive weapons. Did your kind find it noble? Humans are the opposite. Beyond powers, their main weapon is the mind. They seek knowledge and invent new things, developing daily. So we have big gaps, not just lifespan. Don't you agree?" Ashan explained, his words cutting deep.
Narasha fell silent, her mouth shut by his honest critique. Her pride stung, but she couldn't argue.
"Anyway, there's another problem. We need to hide that you're a vampire. Do you have a solution?" Ashan asked, shifting topics.
Narasha nodded, closing her eyes. Her murderous aura vanished, her face brightened, and her sharp fangs retracted, the red dot on her forehead disappeared, making her appear fully human.
"How is it now? Do I look like a human?" She asked, her voice softer.
Ashan's eyes widened in shock.
'She'd become even more beautiful.'
Her features were alluring in a way that stirred Ashan desires. He stepped closer, grabbing her hand and touching her face gently. His lips neared hers, the air thick with tension.
"There's a much higher problem now. Do you have any idea how seductive you've become? I feel like I can kiss you all day." He whispered huskily, his breath warm against her skin.
Narasha flushed in frustration and pushed him away.
"Stop your nonsense. Act mature, will you?"
"Sorry, sorry, I will. But seriously, you need to hide your face. And it seems we need to change our clothes too." Ashan chuckled, though his gaze lingered on her curves.
…
"Hey, who in the world are they? Are they celebrities?" A shop assistant whispered to his colleague in the bustling mall.
"I have no idea. I've never seen them before. Weird outfits too. But that tall handsome guy is definitely a raider. Don't you feel the pressure from him?" The other replied.
"Yes, I do. But that woman next to him is the most eye-catching. Even with a mask, her beauty shines. I wish I could see her face once." The first assistant sighed dreamily.
"Hey, you idiot, keep quiet. Are you looking for trouble?" His colleague warned.
The couple in question was Ashan and Narasha. She wore a mask to conceal her features. They'd come to the mall to buy clothes. Ashan pulled out his debit card.
'It says the account balance is 200,000 neros. Decent sum. It seems previous Ashan was into savings. Prices seem affordable. The mask for Narasha was 0.12 neros. These clothes too.' He thought, relieved.
After shopping, they changed into modern attire and left. Narasha tugged at her trousers and t-shirt uncomfortably.
"This is so weird. Why do humans wear these kinds of clothes?" She complained.
"No, don't worry. You don't look weird. Instead, you look cute. I want to hug you so badly." Ashan teased, his eyes roaming her figure appreciatively.
"You're seriously out of your mind. Whatever, now what?" Narasha huffed, but a small blush crept up her neck.
"Now, let's go to my place." Ashan replied, leading her through the streets.
After a long walk, they reached an apartment building. Using the elevator, they ascended to the third floor.
"Humans are really lazy. They even invented this to climb complexes." Narasha remarked, stepping out.
"Normal humans aren't strong and active like we are. They need tools to make life easy." Ashan explained patiently.
They walked down the hallway and stopped at room 56.
'It's 56. That's my place.' Ashan unlocked the door with a key.
Morning sunlight flooded the small but tidy apartment, divided into bedroom, bathroom, and living room with an attached kitchen.
"Are you telling me this is your home? This place can be called a prison." Narasha scoffed.
"In theory, yes, but people live like this. Life is expensive. I'm a raider, but my income isn't great because my rank is low." Ashan admitted, checking a bookshelf.
"Low rank? You wiped out my army in one go and almost defeated me. You must be near my level." Narasha argued.
"I became strong recently. I didn't get a chance to prove myself. Don't worry. Soon, I'll take you to a better place." Ashan reassured.
"No need to wait. I have wealth. Use it and find a better place ASAP." Narasha offered.
Ashan smiled gently, approaching her. He took her hands, looking into her eyes.
"You may have immense wealth. But things need to happen as they should. In human societies, men should take care of their family. More importantly, I gave you a promise and asked you to come with me. So you're my responsibility. I can't ask anything from you."