บท 41: Insatiable Hunger

Upon arriving in the city of Como, the trio was relieved to find respite from the harsh journey they had endured.

As the trio made their way toward the city gate of Como, the initial glimmer of relief they felt upon reaching the city began to fade. The city's exterior presented a facade that clashed with its true state. The cobblestone streets were cluttered with stalls, beggars huddled in corners, and the buildings showed signs of neglect.

"Finally, some signs of civilization. Those sign planks were misleading for sure. Saying it would take only a sundown to get to this city," Maribel voiced her sarcasm, her disappointment palpable.

Elysia's observation mirrored the sentiment. "This place looks… certainly dull."

The trio's initial relief was quickly replaced by a sense of disillusionment as they rode on their horses towards the city.

From a bird's-eye view one could spot the "grandiose" Castle of Baron Como perched on a mound looming over the city.

"We'll go with some simple procedure. Pay a small fee to enter, and we'll be left alone. You two shouldn't act, just let me deal with them." explained Vecna, opening his lips that cracked from how dry they were.

His voice was hoarse, giving the impression that even his vocal cords were suffering because of his Vampiric Hunger that he was battling like some twisted monster with uncertain morality.

"Fine, Vecna. Don't force yourself. We can handle just fine," Elysia voiced her worry with regards to Vecna's health status, seeing him battle against his inner self more and more.

She thought of all sorts of scenarios where Vecna would turn into a monster and indiscriminately begin to kill and suck the blood of innocent people.

Yet, her worry took a backseat when she heard his voice sounding calmer than normal even in its hoarse timber.

"... Be good,"

Nonetheless, this wasn't all that Como City had in store for the trio. What used to be some customary process for a player like Vecna who paid a small tax tool at the gates for access, turned on its head for an weakened Vampire who suffered further from the side-effects of "vampiric malnutrition".

Their encounter with the city guards, however, quickly soured the atmosphere even further when a certain leech decided that he was the protagonist in his own story.

As they approached the gate, the guards stationed there immediately regarded them with stern expressions, their posture authoritative. One guard in particular, a younger man with a sly smirk, let his gaze linger on Elysia, his eyes undressing her with a predatory glint that didn't go unnoticed by Vecna.

[Jay - LV. 114](Silver)

'This rat? Are you ogling my girl? I'll gouge your eyes and later make you eat them, before I dry you of blood.'

'Hah, calm down. Why am I even bothering with some low-level NPC that I can kill in an instant?'

Vecna's vampiric instincts flared, his fangs elongating involuntarily, and his crimson eyes darkening with an intensity that was hard to control. He clenched his fist tightly, the urge to lash out simmering beneath his veneer of self-control.

'Enough! I'm in charge here, not you, cursed hunger.'

The lecherous guard took a step forward, his gaze locked onto Elysia's ethereal beauty. Her silver hair shimmered like moonlight, cascading down her shoulders.

Her presence seemed to radiate a certain elegance and grace that drew the attention of anyone who looked upon her. The guard's sly smirk deepened as he spoke, his tone dripping with innuendo.

"Well, what do we have here? A pretty little thing passing through our gates. The Goddess has finally responded to my pleas."

Elysia's eyes hardened, her gaze meeting his with a mixture of defiance and unease. She straightened her posture, refusing to let the guard's inappropriate behavior go unaddressed, even if that meant disregarding Vecna's words.

"We're travelers, adventurers that seek to reach Summit's Crest. You might have heard but the Town is under assault by the Orcs. I suggest you show the appropriate courtesy."

"We're here for only one thing, to rest."

The guard's smirk widened, his demeanor growing more inappropriate by the second. "Oh, a feisty one, I see. I can offer you a warm bed and much more, my dear. How about you and I make some memories together?"

The foolish guard didn't even put the blonde man who clearly to be afflicted by a sickness, only focused on the Elven Beauty, who had an uniqueness to herself unlike a human woman.

'...'

What he didn't know was that Death was staring back at him.

Vecna's patience was wearing thin, his grip on his wrist tightening as he fought against his vampiric urges. Maribel, sensing the growing tension, shot a glare at the offensive guard. "Back off. She's not interested in your advances."

'Phew, I thought I was going to see the head of that moron fly.' thought Maribel when she felt a chill in her heart, and by turning to look at Vecna she saw that his right hand had the claws of a monster ready to strike.

The lecherous guard's gaze shifted to Maribel, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features before he returned his attention to Elysia. "I'm sure she can make her own decisions, sweetheart. No need for you to interfere."

Before the situation could escalate further, another guard, older and seemingly more experienced, intervened. He stepped forward, his stern gaze directed at the lecherous guard. "You there, Jay, let them pass. We don't need any trouble today."

"Trouble? There's nothing here, Captain."

The guard called Jay, and others who only stood to watch the show reacted by first checking who was the danger, and when their eyes met with the blonde sickly man, goosebumps spread all around their covered body.

A pair of murderous eyes capable of seizing their souls stared them dead in the eye.

The guard called Jay absorbed the intensity of Vecna's gaze, the color draining from his face as he realized the dangerous territory he had ventured into. As the guard leader's words resonated, Jay knew he had pushed his luck to the brink.

Jay's eyes widened, his bravado completely shattered, replaced by a palpable fear. He swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry as he felt the weight of Vecna's presence bearing down on him.

"You should be glad. If not for that leader of yours, you'll be my next meal."

The guard leader's warning had been enough to make him cautious, but the implied threat in Vecna's words left him shaken to his core. Vecna's aura held a dangerous edge, and Jay was left with no doubt that he had narrowly escaped a fate far worse than he could have ever imagined.

As the trio moved forward through the gate and left the guard behind, Jay's gaze followed them, his expression a mix of trepidation and confusion. He exchanged a brief, uneasy glance with his fellow guards, their eyes mirroring his own unease.

"What was that guy? Why did I feel so scared?"

"Probably a Vampire. If you get attacked at night, I will give my prayers to you." remarked the older guard with a monotonous voice, clearly not emotionally attached to this younger guard.

"You mean? That guy wants me dead? I just talked a bit with that Elf woman, nothing big."

"Sure. Maybe you escape with a thorough beating."

"I can't! I'm friends with Lord Vernell Como."

"And? It's the son of a Baron willing to step up for a guard? Think a bit before speaking, you idiot."

The encounter had left an imprint on them, a reminder of the darkness that existed beyond the city's walls.

Inside the city, the narrow streets were cluttered with stalls and beggars, while the buildings seemed to sag under the weight of neglect. The aroma of freshly baked bread was overshadowed by the underlying stench of unwashed bodies and decay.

The trio couldn't help but feel a sense of disillusionment as they navigated through the city's grim reality.

Vecna's senses were acutely aware of the stark disparity between the grandeur of the Baron's castle, perched high on a mound overlooking the city, and the dilapidated state of the city itself. The extravagant architecture of the castle seemed like a taunt to the struggling populace below.

Elysia's gaze swept across the scene, her expression growing somber as she took in the condition of the city. "This place… it's not what I expected."

Maribel's eyes narrowed, her lips pressed into a thin line. "It's clear where the Baron's interests lie. The prosperity of the common people doesn't seem to be his concern."

Vecna's lips curled into a rueful smile. "Appearances can be deceiving, indeed."

As they traversed the city, the trio's footsteps mingled with the grumbles of discontent that seemed to hang in the air.

The contrast between the splendor of the Baron's castle and the poverty that gripped the city was undeniable. The streets were crowded with weary faces, their eyes reflecting a mixture of resignation and frustration.

Elysia's voice held a note of sadness as she spoke, "It's unsettling to witness such disparity, especially in the heart of a city."

Elysia's silver hair shimmered as she glanced around, her expression a mix of disappointment and empathy for the struggling citizens. "This Barons' priorities seem to lie elsewhere."

Vecna nodded, his gaze briefly flickering towards the distant castle that loomed above them. "Power and wealth concentrated in the hands of a few often come at the cost of those who are left to suffer."

"By the way. How are you feeling, Vecna? I saw you almost taking the life of that idiot." Maribel inquired as she watched the blonde vampire, whose features were still in its transformed state.

Maribel's question directed at Vecna hung in the air, drawing his attention away from his thoughts. He looked at her, his expression still holding traces of his vampiric transformation.

[Hunger Meter: 13/100]

"I'm managing. Barely, but it's still alright. From 1-100, I'm at 13/100. It's not something that can be easily controlled, especially in certain situations."

Elysia's empathetic gaze shifted between Vecna and Maribel. "We understand the struggle, Vecna. Just remember we're here to support you."

Vecna's lips twitched in a semblance of a smile, a rare sight in his current state. "Appreciated."

As they navigated the streets of Como City, their aim was to locate an inn that would provide them with the respite they needed. The city's gloomy atmosphere matched their expectations as they rode through narrow alleys, passing by ramshackle buildings and glancing at the stalls that lined the way.

Their search eventually led them to an inn nestled within a quieter corner of the city. The inn's exterior was worn, but its warm light spilled through the windows, inviting weary travelers to find solace within its walls.

Upon entering, the trio was greeted by the comforting scent of hearth fires and the murmur of voices. The common room was cozy, with wooden beams overhead and a mix of locals and travelers huddled around tables. Vecna's vampiric senses immediately picked up on the rich smell of food and the faint pulse of life.

As they stood at the inn's entrance, Vecna's gaze shifted to Maribel, his vampiric features still present. He spoke in a hushed tone, his voice carrying an air of calm authority. "Maribel, would you mind handling the conversation this time? My current... condition might not sit well with the innkeeper."

Maribel's lips curved into a reassuring smile as she looked at Vecna. "Of course, I'll take care of it. You focus on getting yourself back to normal."

"... I'll try what I can."

With Maribel taking the lead, they approached the innkeeper, a portly woman with a welcoming demeanor. Maribel inquired about room availability, and after a brief exchange, the innkeeper gestured towards the rooms upstairs, detailing their options.

Maribel turned her attention to the innkeeper, her tone polite and friendly. "Excuse me, ma'am. We're in need of a room for the night."

The innkeeper's smile widened. "Of course, dear. We have a few options available. We have a cozy room with a single bed, perfect for a solo traveler. There's a larger room with two beds, suitable for friends or companions. And then there's our family room, spacious enough for three people."

Maribel exchanged a glance with Elysia before nodding. "We'll take the larger room with two beds, please."

The innkeeper nodded in agreement. "Very well, my dear. That will be 100 gold coins for the night."

Maribel reached into her bag and pulled out the bag of coins that Vecna had given her. She handed it to the innkeeper, who accepted it with a gracious smile. "Thank you. Enjoy your stay here at The Hearthside Inn."

As Maribel turned to rejoin Vecna and Elysia, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief. The inn provided a temporary sanctuary from their journey, a place where they could rest and regroup.

With their room secured, Maribel took a moment to inquire about the inn's menu for the day. Her stomach rumbled with hunger, the physical toll of weeks spent riding across varied landscapes and terrains. Satisfied with the options, she made her way back to the table where Elysia was waiting.

Seated at the table, the trio shared a meal, the aroma of warm food filling the air around them. Laughter and conversation flowed freely as they recounted their journey, shared stories, and simply enjoyed each other's company. The atmosphere was light and comfortable, a stark contrast to the tense encounters they had faced.

However, as the first traces of twilight painted the sky, Vecna's demeanor shifted subtly. His face tightened, the struggle against his vampiric urges evident in his eyes. With a nod to the others, he rose from his seat. His voice was hoarse as he excused himself, his words carrying a heavy weight of unspoken challenges.

"I'll retire to the room for now. It's been a long day." The effort it took to control his instincts was palpable.

Maribel and Elysia exchanged concerned glances, but neither pressed him further. They understood the battle he was waging within himself, the constant fight against his hunger. As he walked away, his figure seemed to blend into the shadows, a solitary silhouette retreating to the safety of their rented room.

Left alone at the table, Maribel sighed softly. "He's dealing with more than any of us can imagine."

"You know, despite his... condition, he's really quite a sweet guy underneath it all." continued the red-haired beauty, as she cleared her mouth with some beer.

Elysia nodded in agreement, her expression a mix of sympathy and worry. "Yes, and yet he keeps going, pushing through the challenges."

Her thoughts mirroring Maribel's sentiment. "I've come to realize that. He never forced himself on me, even though he could have many times. And he's been through so much – his struggles, his determination to protect his family."

Maribel leaned in, her voice lowered. "Just remember, Ely, he's not the monster he appears to be. There's a reason he fights so hard against his nature."

Elysia looked down at her clasped hands, a conflicted expression on her face. "I know... I've seen glimpses of the real him. It's just... complicated."

The stories Vecna had shared over their time together had woven a tapestry of his past, revealing a vulnerable side that Elysia hadn't anticipated. His journey from a beginner adventurer, facing a daunting and foreign world, all for the sake of his family, struck a chord with her.

"He's different from the others I've known, the suitors back in Silverwood Kingdom. He treats me like a normal woman, not just a princess," Elysia confessed.

Maribel grinned mischievously. "Well, you know what they say, Ely. He's got a heart in there somewhere. Yours for the taking if you're willing."

Elysia blushed, her embarrassment evident. "Maribel, don't say such things. We're just... getting to know each other."

"Love often is complicated," Maribel said with a knowing smile. "But whatever happens, I'm here for you. And I think he's here for you too, in his own way."

Chuckling, Maribel gave her a knowing look. "Just remember, supporting each other is how you both achieve your goals. Now, I'm going to stuff myself with this delicious food. Enjoy your 'intimate time' when you head back to the room."

Elysia rolled her eyes, playfully annoyed. "Can you not phrase it like that? We're not... I mean, it's not..."

"Silly Ely," Maribel teased. "You're blind if you can't see how much he cares about you. That vampire still has a heart that beats, and it might just be yours if you're brave enough to claim it."

With her mind slightly clearer after Maribel's words, Elysia made a decision. She excused herself from the table and headed back to the private room they had rented in the inn.

It was time to confront her own feelings, to sort through the emotions that had been building between herself and Vecna, and to see if there was a connection worthy exploring further.

Meanwhile, Vecna holed up himself inside the inn room, standing on a couch trying to calm down, but the sensation of hunger he was feeling reached a primal stage that it made absolutely no sense that a player like him, connected only by his consciousness inside Satisfy would be impossible to feel.

'I guess this is the curse of being a Vampire. I can enjoy regular food, but I there's something missing in the food that this body doesn't register.'

'Whoever created the Vampires for the game took the philosophy of this species from some Sci-Fi story.'

'Ohh, so I wish I could punch you in the face for messing around with my brain.' this thought led to a sudden shudder from a man, resting in the penthouse of a Skyscraper inside Seoul.

'I need to think of an alternative method of finding sustenance. As time grows and I get attached to the girls, it would make it harder and harder to drink their blood.'

'They're really not some brainless cows that I can exploit to my whims.'

He stood there, transformed into a beastly vampiric form, with his blonde hair looking to have grown longer, but this didn't bother Vecna whatsoever, as he was deep in thought.

[Hunger Meter: 7/100]

'I guess, I'll go find that Jay bastard and suck him dry off all his blood. Maybe build-up my storage for another week.'