Sitting on a log with some of the 'Dream Walkers' party, Kai was introduced to the others shortly after Rathal invited him to join the 'Fire Cat' quest. Besides Rathal and Edea the healer, there was Hycis, Lorgug, and Ramon.
Hycis was the tallest in the group; she wore a mossy green robe and black underclothes. She has short silver hair reaching her neck and bangs covering the tips of her eyes. Her amber eyes stared into the fire longingly. If not for her pointy ears, Kai would have thought she was a giant; despite being the biggest, it was clear it was her muscles that made her appear that way. Hycis was the tank of the party, and by looking at the long scar on her rough white hand and muscles, Kai knew she must be a good one at that.
Sitting next to Hycis was Lorgug; compared to her, he was like an ant. Kai was informed by each of them of their races and knew it was because Lorgug was a Dwarf, was the reason he was much smaller compared to the rest. Lorgug wore a black robe and underclothes, he had long, curly, light auburn hair, and despite only being early twenties, he had a long auburn bread tied together. His brown eyes were focused on the drink in his hands. Kai was informed he was a warrior, like himself.
Lastly, Ramon, to Kai, it seemed Ramon was the closest to Rathal; the two were currently out, scouting the surrounding area. Ramon wore a bright white robe; he had long, curly, blue hair tied into a pony, with strands on the side of his head. His gray eyes gave him a mysterious aura; Ramon had dark skin, which contrasted nicely with his robe. Ramon was an assassin and human.
Like Kai, they kept all their weapons and gear inside their inventory until the time came. This comes with an advantage and disadvantage; the attacker won't know what class you are or what kind of protective gear you have, but if a surprise attack happens, it might be too late to equip the gear. Once Kai got real armor, he would wear it and put a cloak over it to hide it, but until then, his leather armor will have to do.
Kai was sitting on the edge of the log, Edea was to his right, then Lorgug, and lastly, Hycis. Their backs were toward the carriage and wagon.
Across from Kai was the pale man sitting on a short log that stood up vertically. During his introduction with 'Dream Walkers,' the pale man kept his eyes on Kai and, even now, was looking at him while licking his lips.
'Is he interested in young people or something?' Kai has long been uncomfortable from the pale man's stares.
To Kai's left, sitting on a separate log laid on its side, was the small family. The mother played with the daughter, seemingly distracting her from the strangers around her. The father only kept an eye on everyone, ensuring his family was safe. Kai was impressed he had enough energy to keep track of everyone, considering the deep bags under his eyes.
The two coachmen were on another small log, talking about the upcoming journey and the stops they'd be taking.
Kai had overheard that tomorrow they would sleep at Tuloc; he couldn't wait to see what 'Dream Walkers' teamwork looked like.
~Crunch~
Rathal and Rowan came from the forest holding many sticks.
"This should be enough for the night!" Rathal said with a big grin.
Laying the sticking next to the raging yellow-red fire, they sat down next to Hycis.
"What's your name, boy?" A quiet, soft voice echoed throughout the forest. Not only Kai but everyone else was surprised, not because of the question but because the voice was calm yet still held enough strength to carry out through the forest.
Looking at the pale man who asked him, Kai didn't know why he didn't just {Inspect}, no Kai was certain he had, 'So why is he asking me?'
"Kai" Keeping it short and avoiding unnecessary words, he didn't want to talk to the pale man if he could.
As if reading his mind, the pale man asked another question, "Are you wondering why I asked you and didn't use {Inspect}?"
"Mhmm"
"Manners, young man. It would be rude to use someone's name without asking or introducing yourself first."
'Manners? You've been licking your lips, staring at me for hours!'
Despite his thoughts, Kai didn't want to show what he was thinking, "I see, I didn't know that."
The pale man chuckled, "I bet there's a lot more you don't know; why don't I inform you?"
Watching the interaction, the 'Dream Walkers' only kept looking between Kai and the pale man without interfering.
"Why would you do that?"
Kai didn't believe he would do it just to help out. The pale man didn't seem like such a person, especially with that glint in his eyes.
Smirking, the pale man nodded, "I, of course, want something in return."
'I knew it!'
"And what might that be?"
"Your blood!"
Kai's mouth was left hanging open in disbelief. He never imagined the price would be his own blood! Even some members of 'Dream Walkers' had their eyes widened in surprise, while the small family was even more shocked. The two coachmen didn't have any reaction that Kai could see.
"Why would you want my blood? And what could you even tell me in return?"
Kai's eyes narrowed, not believing the pale man in front of him. Thinking he was messing with him, he didn't understand why the pale man would mess around with him like this.
"To drink it, of course! Haha, you see, I'm a Vampire." The pale man said while opening his mouth to let the world see his two long, sharp fangs.
~Gasp~
Kai heard almost all the spectators gasp in shock, he thought the 'Dream Walkers' would get ready to attack, but it looked like they were excited to meet the pale man. This only continued to confuse Kai; he thought everyone hated monsters and beasts, and he thought they would directly attack the pale man after coming out as a Vampire. The two coachmen seemed to have already known, judging by their lack of reaction. While the mother started to shake, and the father held her protectively. The little girl didn't understand what was happening and only looked at her mother worriedly.
"It seems like you don't understand, am I right?" The vampire asked, seeing Kai be confused.
Nodding, he signaled for him to continue.
"Vampires are beasts, but not just any beast. They're considered nobles among the beast. Vampires are generally tier:3 and higher. As you can see, beasts from outside the dungeons are rare and respected for their strength. Strength and power bring respect; people have to listen to you if you're strong enough. Beasts from outside the dungeons are different from those insides; I evolved past human limits and ascended into a new world of opportunities."
This shocked Kai more than the pale man being a vampire. If beasts outside of dungeons are respected, he wouldn't need to hide his entire life. This would make it easier to go all out if others are nearby. Unfortunately, the vampire's next words erased that thought.
"That is, generally speaking. There exist those who see beasts as spawns of evil, the church. Those who follow the path of 'Light' see beast as something that shouldn't exist, and they hunt down the beast. The Church here in Baraska is still small and doesn't have enough influence to pose a threat yet."
'For my safety, it seems like I shouldn't expose my true form.'
"But why my blood?"
The vampire seemed to expect this question and only smiled, "Because you look tasty! Haha."
'Really? Great, I look tasty to vampires.' At least Kai knew someone wanted him.
"Come, let us take a walk."
He motioned for Kai to follow as he got up, heading into the forest. Even if he wanted to, Kai knew if Vampires were tier:3 or higher, he couldn't resist; it was best to stay on good terms with him.
Signing, Kai stood up and walked the path the pale man took; before he left, he could hear Rathal whisper, "I can't believe we met a real Vampire, not one going to believe us!"
Well, Kai knew he was trying to whisper, but he learned Rathal could never be quiet, so it came out at an average level.
Shaking his head, he smiled, listening to Rathal before turning into a frown when he saw the Vampire waiting for him.
"So what exactly do I get from this?" He questioned, not liking the situation he found himself in.
"I'm going to tell you about the Starla family and your next evolution, little Werewolf." This time, his voice didn't carry throughout the forest; only Kai could hear it.
"Wha-"
Kai instinctively got into a battle position.
'How does he know?'
"Don't worry; I won't tell a soul. I met a Werewolf long ago; I know your scent. All races have a similar smell; you'll realize that once you fully develop your race." He waved his hand, saying, 'Don't worry, it's not a big deal.'
Narrowing his eyes, Kai stood up and walked over, he didn't trust the Vampire, but there wasn't anything he could do.
"So what about the Starla family? How would that help me?"
"You're going to Mongla City; that's where their main house is. Trust me; this information will at least entertain you."
"If you say so."
Walking through the forest, Kai stepped over many different plants and bushes, looking at the pale man in front of him.
"For nobles, the city where their main house is located is named after the family name. This is true for all the high-class noble families and most middle-class families. Noble families rise and fall; though rare for the middle-class, it has only happened once. Mongla City is named after the Monglate family. They once ruled over the city with kindness, and the people loved them. Until a man, Enta Starla. He took advantage of them and brought the family to their knees. He single-handedly killed them all; the King made him a noble to create ties with the man. Despite how they act, the Starla family isn't how it seems; it would be best if you didn't interact with them."
'One man killed an entire middle-class noble family?'
Just the thought was insane to him.
"How did he do it?"
"That is a long story; I'm afraid I'll have to tell you later on."
'So the Starla family has a bad history, why tell it to me?' Kai knew there was something else, but he didn't press any farther.
"So what about my evolution?"
"The more impossible the feat is, the greater the reward. Werewolves are unique; they have many more normal options, for example, becoming a magical Werewolf or regressing into a more powerful wolf race. There was once a tale about a Werewolf becoming Human even. They have one of the widest varieties of evolutions. Although it's never happened, neither has someone becoming a beast at tier:1, so what if a hybrid of beast exists?"
If two beasts were to combine, then its power would be off the charts. Yet there was something in the Vampire's words that Kai noticed.
"What are you getting at?"
Although he couldn't see it, Kai knew he smirked.
"I'll help you become a hybrid, a Werewolf-Vampire hybrid; in return, you destroy the Starla family!"