Red Itu slowly woke up, stretching under the soft morning light.
"Good morning! It's me… Red Itu," he said cheerfully, a warm smile on his face.
He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and sat on the chair, gently patting the small wolf pup curled beside him.
"This little guy… he's my friend, my companion, my family," Red said, scratching behind the pup's ears.
Cuttey lifted its head and let out a happy bark. "Woof!"
The morning calm filled the room, peaceful and quiet, the kind of peace Red cherished.
From the doorway, a familiar voice called softly.
"Red, are you awake? Come down, dear—breakfast is ready."
"Coming, Grandma!" Red replied, standing up and grabbing his satchel. Cuttey trotted alongside him, tail wagging.
Red stood in front of the small, cracked mirror, adjusting his adventurer's outfit.
The leather straps hugged his frame, the dark fabric contrasted sharply with the deep crimson of his eyes.
He tilted his head slightly, examining his reflection.
"Another ordinary day," he muttered with a faint smirk.
There was something undeniably… cool about himself—like a vampire straight out of a tale, ready for adventure.
Red sat at the plain wooden dining table as his grandmother placed plates of simple breakfast before him.
"Take one more," she said warmly.
"Okay," Red replied, returning her smile.
Cuttey sat quietly on the ground, eagerly munching on its portion of food.
"How is the food?" Grandma asked, her eyes gentle and curious.
"Good, as always," Red replied with a warm smile, his crimson eyes softening as he looked at her.
The meal ended quickly, and Red stood, stretching lightly.
He walked to the door, pushing it open. Outside, the city sprawled beneath the morning sun, streets slowly coming to life.
Grandma remained seated, watching him go. A quiet sigh escaped her lips.
"Leaving for the guild this early?" she asked, her tone tinged with introspection.
"To take some easy quests," Red replied casually, grabbing his satchel.
He waved briefly, then stepped out of the house, Cuttey trotting at his side.
A soft morning breeze ruffled his hair, carrying the scent of the bustling city as Red left home, ready for another ordinary day.
Red walked through the bustling town streets, Cuttey trotting faithfully beside him.
The morning sunlight caught his crimson eyes, making them glow faintly. From a distance, townsfolk began to murmur.
"Those eyes…"
"Is he a vampire?"
"What a curse… seeing him this early will ruin my whole day."
Red kept walking, his expression calm, but in his mind, he muttered quietly.
*Yes… because of my red eyes, I've never been treated well. I have no friends. Society fears me. Red eyes… they're a vampire trait, not common in humans. What a curse.*
The guild building loomed ahead. Red pushed open the heavy wooden door, stepping inside.
*I just have to take some easy jobs…* he thought. *Iron rank is the lowest, after all. No need to push myself too far.*
Inside the guild hall, the morning chatter of adventurers filled the air. Red walked toward the quest board, keeping his head down.
A few adventurers snickered as he passed.
"Look at that—an Iron Rank adventurer."
"Not even human, I think."
"A weak vampire, maybe."
Red ignored them, though the words stung faintly. His crimson eyes flicked over the board, scanning the available quests.
Then he spotted it: a slime-hunting job, simple and straightforward. A small, genuine smile tugged at his lips.
*Perfect… just what I needed.*
*