Kazuichi looked at the vials upon vials of Hybrid Blood and he was tempted to buy it. Currently, the zombie virus that plagued the entire world had no cure, and if what the auctioneer said was true, then Hybrid Blood is the next best thing. Kazuichi assumed that if someone were bitten, then they could just inject a vial of Hybrid Blood in their system and they'll turn into a hybrid. They'll still be infected, sure, but at least they get to have a portion of sanity, unlike the mindless bunch that roamed above ground.
"By the way, using Hybrid Blood comes with risks. If you were to inject Hybrid Blood when you're already infected, then there's a good chance that it will speed up the process of your infection, and you'll less likely turn into a hybrid."
"Usually, Hybrid Blood is used on perfectly healthy humans. Most buyers who purchased Hybrid Blood use it for their people, turning them into better Hybrid Hunters. Amongst the three types of Hybrids, the most popular one is the Merc, that's why Merc Hybrid Blood sells out so fast."
"Is it possible for me to buy everything here?" Kazuichi didn't even bother asking such a ridiculous request. He knew that the auctioneer would deny it outright, but Kazuichi was confident that they'd be able to reach a compromise after everything they did to him.
"That would be impossible, sir, but we'll immediately contact our supplier. At most you'll be able to buy one vial of each... that's the only compromise I could reach, sir..." The auctioneer trailed off while rubbing his hands. The last thing he wanted was to displease Kazuichi. After all, he knew just how strong Kazuichi was.
Kazuichi made sure to wear an unpleasant expression on his face to express his displeasure. He now knew his place in the auction, and that was why he didn't hesitate to pressure the auctioneer despite the fact that he was actually getting special treatment right now.
"B-b-but... you can still choose one more product aside from the three vials... a-a-and we're going to give it to you for free as long as you buy something." The auctioneer stuttered as he wore a troubled expression on his face. He was a mere auctioneer. There was no way he could compromise more than he already did.
A soft chuckle came out of Kazuichi's mouth. He continued walking around, asking questions here and there since he was curious about the Hybrid Auction. "And why were you selling animal blood as well?"
"Animal blood and meat... that's our normal diet as hybrids, right? But blood is much harder to get by. That's why we sell animal blood here. Would you like some? I can get some for you for free." The auctioneer asked.
While Kazuichi didn't want to trouble the auctioneer any further, he knew that the auctioneer would feel as if he won if Kazuichi denied the offer right then and there. That's why he accepted the offer even though he didn't need it.
It was a first for him to hear about the Hybrid's diet though, that's why he continued asking more questions. "Is there a particular reason why we can only eat animal blood and meat?"
"No, I'm guessing you've only recently turned?" The auctioneer asked. "Animal blood and meat decrease our urges to attack someone. That's why we rely on them. Without them, the urge to bite someone would get stronger, and then it's only a matter of time before our primal instinct kicks in, amplified by the virus."
"That makes sense," Kazuichi muttered to himself. "And the intake of animal meat and blood... can we take in as much as we want without worrying about repercussions?"
"Yes, that's pretty much it. We are not savages though, so cooking animal meat before eating it is normal. A lot of hybrids find eating raw meat unpleasant, that's why you don't have to worry about eating raw meat being unacceptable."
Once they reached the last rows of 'products' that will be presented at the upcoming Hybrid Auction. Kazuichi caught a glimpse of a cage. Unlike other cages, this cage had a little girl inside. The girl was no less than six years old, and she seemed to be shivering due to the cold.
For a moment, Kazuichi stopped in front of the cage and unbuttoned the suit that the manager had given him. He then threw his suit inside without thinking twice. He didn't even bother stealing a glance at the auctioneer to see his reaction.
The girl, who had been wrapped around a tattered rag nodded her head as she grabbed the suit. She hugged it with her small thin arms as if her life depended on it. And with a pitiful gaze, she glanced up at Kazuichi, not expecting anything else. She was more than thankful enough that Kazuichi gave her something to keep her warm.
The reason why Kazuichi looked at her with deep compassion was that she immediately assumed that the girl was infected. Of course, this is the Hybrid Auction, why would they sell humans? That would be illegal, right? A warm smile appeared on Kazuichi's face as he sat in front of the girl. "When were you infected? What happened?" He asked even though he wasn't expecting the girl to speak up.
The girl had black hair and a deep charcoal color as her pupil. Her innocent disposition and her curious gaze really resonated with Kazuichi, and a part of him didn't want to leave her alone. That's why he just had to ask her something before he went about his way. She was right by the curtain which leads right to the auction room, and Kazuichi decided that he'll leave as soon as he talked to the girl a little bit.
"Sir, have you perhaps decided on what to buy? This girl is actually one of the highlights of the auction, did young master perhaps take a liking to this girl?" The auctioneer still had his annoying tone as he spoke, and Kazuichi flat-out ignored him.
"What happened?" Kazuichi asked for the second time, thinking that the girl didn't hear her.
"I'm not infected..." The girl muttered, pressing her body against Kazuichi's suit as she took in as much warmth as she could.
"What do you mean... you're not..." Kazuichi began stuttering before he realized it. Slowly, he understood what the little girl meant when she said that. A sliver of bloodlust emanated from him as he turned his head toward the auctioneer. "Oi! What's the meaning of this?!" He screamed.