[Asher's Perspective]
I awoke abruptly, my senses sharp and alert. Outside, the city bustled with activity, the clock indicating it was 8 at night—time for everyone to commence their nightly routines. Necessaries would emerge from bunkers for their night shifts, Noble Vampires would begin their activities — whatever the hell they did—, and the rest of the city would strive to endure another day.
Celeste lay on my chest, peacefully asleep. A faint smile touched my lips. A sudden knock disrupted the tranquility, startling Celeste awake. She hurriedly moved as I approached the door with measured steps.
Opening it, I faced a female Necessary, somewhat plain in appearance, holding out an envelope.
"Good night, Mr. Asher. I am here to inform you that you have been drafted by Best Blood Corp. into the Runner Program. Inside this envelope are more details about what the Runner Program is and the next steps to follow. Have a good night, sir."
The Necessary departed, leaving me with the ominous envelope in hand. I tore it open and unfolded the paper inside.
"What is it?" Celeste's soft voice reached me as she hovered beside the paper.
Dear Mr. Asher,
We trust this correspondence finds you in good health. We regret to inform you that, as per the mandatory requirements of Best Blood Corp., and by order of The King, you have been drafted into the Runner Program. Enclosed within this envelope, you will find comprehensive details elucidating the nature of the program, along with the subsequent steps you are required to undertake. It is imperative to note that, in the event of a declination of this draft, you shall be subjected to charges of draft evasion, carrying a penalty of 10 years in Bloodguard Prison.
To commence your participation, you are to present yourself at the Best Blood Corp. headquarters situated at Bloodrun Park, on the outskirts of the city, promptly at 11 PM. This facility serves as the focal point for the Runner Program, where you will receive further instructions and undergo initiation into the regimen. Expect rigorous exercises, training with Blood-Tech machinery, familiarization with the Extractor device, and an emphasis on survival skills.
We appreciate your prompt cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
Best Blood Corp. Administration
"Eh? What the hell is this?" I growled, scowling. "I'm being drafted?"
"Drafted…?" Celeste asked, confused.
"Yeah, it's when the government forces you to fight… but this isn't fighting, it doesn't sound like… I have no idea what this is."
Celeste looked up at me. "So… what's gonna happen?"
I shrugged, tossing the paper to the side. "I— I— I don't know, it says I gotta go to some kind of facility. I'm… so confused right now. Nobody said anything about a draft!"
"Well… can I go with you?" She asked, her voice pleading.
"Of course you're going with me," I said assuringly.
She smiled, and flew up and kissed my nose.
"Good."
I couldn't help but smirk. I looked around the room, sighing. "Well, I guess I better get ready then. I'll go take a shower."
"Okay, have a nice shower," Celeste replied, watching me as I walked to the bathroom.
I paused, and looked at her scrutinizingly. She looked to the left, and then back at me.
"What?" She asked.
"You're being awfully nice this morning," I said.
Celeste rolled her eyes, turning away to hide her blushing face. "Shut up and go take your shower."
I laughed and kept walking. "Hey, I'm not complaining. It's kind of endearing how you get so flustered, though."
"I said shut up!"
Cruising through the nocturnal vibes of New Sanguine City on my bike always invigorated me. The lively rhythm of the city awakened my senses, making me feel truly alive.
As I approached the expansive facility near Bloodrun Park at the city's outskirts, a deep breath under my helmet steeled me for what lay ahead. Parking in the lot, I dismounted, and even though Celeste remained invisible, her voice accompanied me as I walked into the building. In the vast lobby, Necessaries and Ascended Vampires populated the space, each group keeping a distance from the other. Amongst the Ascended Vampires, the buzz of chatter and the glow of mobile screens filled the air.
But as I glanced around, I couldn't ignore the unsettling scene before me. Necessaries were huddled together, tears streaming down their faces, and some were visibly shaking. The room was heavy with anxiety, amplified by the sight of all the Necessaries chained together, their fear painted on their faces.
"So many people," Celeste remarked beside me. "Why do they need so many?"
I glanced up to a podium crafted from Blood Magic, where an unexpected figure caught my eye—King Aster, overseeing the assembly alongside the Best Blood Corp. Runner Program Directorate.
"I don't know… but we're about to find out."
The Directorate's voice echoed, "His Majesty will speak now!"
A hush enveloped the room. King Aster's smooth voice carried throughout the room effortlessly.
"The mission you've been brought here to carry out is this: go to Achiron, and extract from a blood source using state-of-the-art technology designed by our greatest minds."
"Take heed that the Underworld, Achiron, is fraught with peril. Feral creatures known as Ghouls, Monsters, Cursed Spirits, and Abominations, in the order from lowest to highest power, roam there. All of you, as newly-recruited Runners, will be coming into contact with all of these, but your main focus is an Abomination. The historically-known Scorpion — she is the blood source."
Gasps and murmurs swept through the room.
"Silence!" The Program Directorate commanded, restoring order. "Have you no shame, nor respect for our king?"
King Aster maintained a calm smile and continued, "I wish all of you luck in your training, as well as your first Run. Remember that what you've been called to do is an honorable service for the Vampire Society and for our beloved Goddess Noctisha. Live for her…"
"Die for her."
The Directorate whispered to King Aster, nodding, and an understanding passed between them that eluded my comprehension.
"Please remain on standby until your transportation arrives! You will all be transferred to our training facility in The Red Desert."
The room buzzed with chatter and movement once again. I stood there, contemplative. King Aster's words lingered in my mind, sending an unsettling shiver down my spine.
"Why would he say that? What is this?" I pondered, feeling an unexpected chill.
Celeste's voice echoed, "Asher... I'm scared."
Taking a deep breath, I exhaled slowly. "To be honest, me too. But it's either this or prison, and I can't afford ten years locked away. Maybe this could be my ticket to the top. It's an honorable service, according to the King. I'll be a veteran."
"I-I don't know... they're talking about Monsters, Abominations. I just couldn't stand it if anything happened to you."
Understanding her concern, I nodded. "I know. That's why I'll make sure nothing happens to me. You trust me, right? I'm not a weakling, you know."
Suddenly, the Directorate bellowed, "Your transportation has arrived! Ascended Vampires, form a single file line and exit the building, and board the airship! Necessaries, stop howling and get with the program!"
I joined the line and stepped outside, greeted by a massive airship with a ramp extended from the entrance. Thousands of Half-Vampires and Necessaries shuffled onto the ship, uncertain of the journey ahead.