In the dimly lit basement, a single candle flickered with its meager glow.
The charming and alluring vampire princess Theresa gazed upon the scarred young woman before her.
As she saw the girl nod slightly, two long, sharp canines became particularly conspicuous between Theresa's teeth, which were as white as the finest porcelain.
Gulp!
Without hesitation, the adorable vampire princess sank her fangs into the young woman's neck.
The girl shuddered violently, a flash of pain crossing her face in an instant.
An unparalleled nectar flowed steadily into Theresa's mouth—so sweet that it immediately quickened her breath to rough gasps.
Unlike the three individuals she had fed from earlier, this virgin girl's blood was undeniably more delectable! It contained far fewer impurities, purest compared to anything else she'd ever tasted.
Yet... Theresa felt herself losing control.
She wanted more—needed to drain every last drop of blood from the human cradled in her arms.
The primal instincts of a vampire began to surge within her, threatening to consume Theresa entirely, pushing her perilously close to madness.
The adorable Theresa suddenly thrust away the girl cradled in her arms, gasping for breath. Only after several long moments did she regain her composure.
When she looked at the girl again, she realized that the young woman had been transformed into a vampire as well—a unique kind of vampire belonging not to any specific faction, but solely to the Luna Kindred series.
Or perhaps more accurately described as... half-human, half-Honkai Impact beast.
"You've become a monster now," Theresa explained softly. "Transformed from human to vampire... You can still eat regular human food, but it won't satisfy your hunger. Only blood—whether from humans or other monsters—can fill you up and even grant you greater strength.
By now, you should be able to sense how much stronger you've become, though it may never feel like enough.
Oh right, one last thing: Avoid crowded places when you're hungry. At such times, you might lose control entirely. Human blood is the most tempting feast for vampires, so if faced with that temptation while famished, you could completely lose rationality and turn into a ravenous predator."
As she watched the fangs emerge from the corners of the girl's mouth, Theresa recounted the strengths and drawbacks of her kindred.
The Luna Kindred vampires were undoubtedly superior to other Vampires under the moonlight embrace series. However, their sole flaw was this very transformation. If they could overcome this limitation, these beings would be truly perfect.
With just one bite, Theresa herself paid no price whatsoever; yet those bitten by her gained eternal youth—unaging and undying, invulnerable to all worldly fears.
"From here on out, your path is yours alone to choose," Theresa continued, observing the silent maiden. "Will you become a predator, growing ever stronger? Or will you withdraw from humanity, becoming an immortal observer?
It's up to you entirely. I won't interfere." With that final word hanging in the air, a pair of wings sprouted from Theresa's back.
In an instant, she vaporized into mist, departing the basement as swiftly as she had arrived.
For... her mission had been accomplished.
And now, her next objective lay ahead: journeying towards the Demon Realm to seek out Rimuru.
-
One day later...
"Ah, lost again..." Theresa muttered helplessly as she sat on a rock.
How could I have forgotten to bring a map? Navigating through the Great Jura Forest was impossible without one!
After a moment of silence, Theresa stood up once more. I'll just buy a map from someone nearby, she decided.
Has my intelligence truly diminished along with transforming into Theresa? This isn't good at all!
This won't do!
However... Theresa glanced down at her attire—it was rather revealing. Yet changing clothes would be inconvenient due to the wings on her back; they needed easy access for folding and unfolding.
But surely it shouldn't matter too much, she reasoned. In this fantastical Western fantasy world, many people dress like this anyway.
Well then, let's proceed as is!
-
Upon locating a nearby town, Theresa exchanged her Blood Embrace for an Oath of Judah.
She then manifested the Oath behind herself, its holy light shimmering as she approached the entrance.
Though a vampire by nature, the adorable Theresa was unharmed by the saintly glow—indeed, not only did it fail to harm her... but she could even wield it at will.
And so, a Gothic lolita standing just 145 centimeters tall, with a two-meter-tall cross of radiant holy light on her back, joined the queue leading up to the town gates.
The line stretched long, filled with those awaiting entry into the settlement.
As Theresa approached, those waiting in line were utterly astounded. The Oath of Judah she carried was unmistakably massive, yet this young lady barely 145 centimeters tall bore it without any apparent strain.
One glance at her made one thing clear: Do not underestimate her.
But that wasn't the most remarkable sight. More astonishing still... they beheld holy light emanating from the cross itself.
"She must be from the Western Holy Church..."
"I could swear I just saw a halo around that cross."
"To think such a tiny girl can carry such an enormous cross—she's truly incredible."
"She's soo cute!"
Whispers rippled through the crowd as they gazed upon Theresa...
However, their adorable subject paid them no heed. Nor did anyone dare approach her for conversation.
Finally, when Theresa reached the front of the line, the soldier guarding the entrance raised his weapon, blocking her path.
"Halt!"
"Hm?" Theresa paused, looking up at him quizzically.
"You're from the Holy Empire of Lubelius?" The soldier ventured a guess based on Theresa's appearance alone.
"... "
"I am merely an devout follower following God," Theresa replied, her face bearing a pilgrim's expression as she spoke while carrying a cross on her back.
The soldier gazed at her attire, perplexed—Would a follower truly dress like that?
"Entry fee..."
"Just let her through!" Another soldier intervened just as one was about to demand payment.
"Hmm..."
Once inside, Theresa first visited a shop to purchase a map before procuring some additional items. Along the way, she unexpectedly stumbled upon familiar names from home.
There was talk of the legendary adventurer known as the "Conqueror of Flames"... And regarding the Great Jura Forest, there were no mentions yet of it being rumored as a realm of demonic beasts.
Could it be that Rimuru hasn't crossed over here yet? she wondered. The only way to know for sure would be to investigate personally.
If he hadn't arrived yet, all the better... Having read a bit of the novel, Theresa knew well that early-stage Rimuru was indisputably good—a kind-hearted soul pure in intent and eager to help others without any ulterior motives.
Later on, due to Shion's death and other events, it completely shed its "innocence." By then, forming any kind of relationship with him (or her) would indeed be challenging.
Without lingering in town any longer, Theresa purchased a map and set off towards the Great Jura Forest marked upon it.
Before leaving, however, the adorable Theresa took care to establish some of her own kin among the demonic beasts in the area.
By ensuring that her descendants were present across various regions, she safeguarded against any imminent peril to herself.
Nevertheless, having once been human, Theresa could never allow them to run amok unchecked. Whether draining blood or engaging in similar activities, they must treat both humans and magical creatures alike—no discrimination allowed.
After all, low-rank demons were countless, with hordes perishing every day without consequence.