Henri's memories, though unpleasant, held vital insights into this realm. Rather than avoiding the harsh truth, Alfred chose to confront his circumstances head-on.
He remembered a phrase from the famous detective Sherlock Holmes;
'When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.'
Alfred was certain he was still alive. The grumbling of his stomach and the acrid taste on his tongue were like a wake-up call. These feelings were evidence of his state of being.
He was baffled by his hunger since he'd already consumed five liters of blood. Furthermore, the strange notifications described the blood as an energy source. 'Maybe the energy type is different from the type I would need for sustenance.' He pondered.
'If I am alive, and all 3 memories inside my head are true then I must be in a new world.'
The analytical side of his brain compelled him to make sense of the situation quickly. He tapped his chin in contemplation as he processed the knowledge coming from Henri's recollections, then organized the most important points in his head.
The realm Alfred had ventured into teemed with creatures of myth, arcane sorcery, and the enigmatic Vesperans. A wry grin crept upon Alfred's face as he contemplated the sheer fantastical nature of this place. He soon uncovered a sobering truth—the denizens of this realm had been locked in an interminable struggle spanning three millennia, an unending battle with no discernible victor.
Henri had limited knowledge of the world, however, he had a general understanding of its grandeur and mysteries. Despite his lack of exposure, tales from travelers and whispers among the villagers painted vivid images of distant lands in his mind. He often found himself gazing at the horizon, yearning to explore beyond the boundaries of his familiar surroundings.
The deceased man lived at the farthest edges of Shadowed Peaks Territory slums, a domain affiliated with one of the fifteen eminent clans inhabiting the continent of Elysium. Elysium lay nestled amidst Aetheria and Celestia, a realm adorned with verdant jungles and shrouded mountains veiled in mist.
Uncertainty shrouded his understanding of the total number of clans scattered across this expansive landmass.
It was common knowledge that dangerous creatures lurked around the outskirts of the slums, and anyone who ventured out unprotected would be swallowed up before they could take a single step.
The clans bore the responsibility of safeguarding their continent against invaders and shielding its populace from the indigenous creatures. Engaging in missions to diminish the presence of monsters, they garnered admiration as heroes among the common folk.
Alfred gleaned his vampiric nature from the details recounted to the public in Henri's memories of Vesperans. Although it wasn't extensive, the information provided was sufficient for him to form a conclusion.
Humans possessed inherent frailty, lacking swift healing abilities and the capacity for limb regeneration. Yet, they harnessed magic to fortify their physiques and enhance their standard of living. While Henri never personally observed it, he encountered numerous tales of elite mages achieving flight.
Rumors circulated that at advanced levels, magic wielders wielded power potent enough to lay cities to waste and change entire landscapes.
Vesperans on the other hand, possessed remarkable strength and incredible speed. Despite their inability to wield magic, they possessed a distinct energy that bestowed upon them abilities akin to magic. Their vitality and vigor stemmed from the life force found within the blood of living beings.
How did Alfred discover he was a Vesperan? Initially, he consumed 5 liters of blood, a quantity that could prove fatal to any ordinary human. Additionally, he managed to survive infancy despite enduring the challenges of being raised among dogs.
Growing up, the boy was deprived of basic resources and endured too many physical assaults; no human could have survived such an upbringing without succumbing to death.
The most reliable method to determine Alfred's Vesperan lineage was through genetic examination. Rigorous testing procedures were enforced at the borders to safeguard citizens. Alfred would need to take on extreme danger to acquire one of these testing devices and uncover the truth.
There were no Human-Vesperan cohabitation settlements in Elysium, although many Vesperans were living among the humans in secret. There was a strict human policy against such things. Therefore Alfred ruled that taking such a risk was unnecessary, as it could lead to him being discovered
Vesperans and humans seemed identical at first glance, with the only apparent contrast being slightly longer canines and sharper eyes among Vesperans. Nevertheless, this discrepancy was so subtle that it was challenging to detect without close scrutiny.
'If I'm truly Vesperan, I shouldn't be feeling this level of hunger. Didn't I just feed? I think it's safe to assume for them blood is a form of sustenance. Furthermore, how did I end up in a human settlement? What am I?'
[Analyzing Genetic Composition of DNA.]
At the thought of Alfred wanting to know about his species, a window popped up.
[35% Human, 65% Unidentified Genetic Makeup.]
'Unidentified?'
Alfred's recollection of fantasy novels sparked thoughts of Dhampires, hybrids of humans and vampires. A faint smile crept onto his lips, thinking 'This situation could either spell trouble or perhaps offer me an opportunity. If I'm alive, maybe I can find a way back.'
'Wait, what's the name of this boy?' A realization struck: the boy was nameless. 'How peculiar,' he mused—it seems he hasn't been bestowed with a name yet, given the absence of anyone to give him one.
Alfred cackled with sadistic delight as he declared his new identity to himself. 'It doesn't matter what your name was before! Now that we share the same body, your name shall be Alfred!'
He mentally focused on himself to understand more about his situation and additional data materialized before Alfred in a computer-like display, reminding him of the oddity.
[Unidentified Genetic Makeup With Unknown Origin.]
'This must be Vesperan DNA' He deduced.
[New Genetic Makeup Saved]
[35% Human, 65% Vesperan.]
Things were slowly starting to make sense. 'Maybe this body harbors an embedded computer chip or a similar device. Further investigation is warranted, considering the likelihood of this world achieving such technological advancements being low. Only time will tell.'
The young man drifted into a contemplative state, reflecting on his capabilities.
'As far as I can discern, sunlight poses no significant threat to me, and I'm not as delicate as a human child. Moreover, there's the potential to possess magical abilities. I presume that if I search diligently, I'll encounter others Vesperan like myself. In addition I've acquired system like abilities that can help with identification. Overall, I feel well equipped to start researching this world so I can find a way back.'
Alfred surveyed his surroundings, snapping out of his deep contemplation. A rumble echoed from his stomach, accompanied by a hollow feeling in his gut, as if it were caving in.
'I should stop all this needless thinking,' he mused. 'All will likely unravel in due course. But for now, let me attend to this hunger.'
The youngster walked out of the small cottage onto the street. It was made of sun-dried brick and brown prairie grass, a material that looked like hardened mud. Mudbirds circled overhead, diving occasionally to catch insects.
He couldn't help but notice that the birds and insects were larger than they usually were, almost as if they had been given steroids. They resembled creatures he was used to on Earth, just exaggerated versions of them.
All the homes were crudely built from mud, straw, and manure. They all appeared like small huts, except for one simple home covered in vines like an abandoned shed.
The ground was a sea of garbage, the unholy offspring of neglect and decay. Feces from countless creatures mixed with putrid sewage water, formed a vile slush that clung to everything it touched. The air was thick with the acrid stench of rotting filth, assaulting his nostrils and making him retch uncontrollably.
'Urgh, how could people live like this? This is sick!'
Alfred trekked past a few huts before coming upon an open road, which he then followed to the market whilst guided by the relevant memories. As he reached the entrance of the market, he noticed people rushing between stalls that displayed a variety of merchandise.
The market was a mecca of low-quality items, with most stalls hawking appliances and clothing that wouldn't last more than a few washes or uses. He pushed his way to the center of the market, ignoring everything except for his gnawing hunger pangs. The smells of roasting meat and bubbling stews became stronger as he got closer to the food stalls, wiping away any other scent in his nostrils.
Approaching the initial food stand, Alfred spotted a robust figure vending hot meat buns. Aware of the steep cost of meat, he could only speculate on the ingredients. Ignorance proved comforting in this instance.
Glancing around discreetly, Alfred strategized potential escape routes and methods of diversion. With no funds to spare, hunger encouraged him to confront risk for a solution. He noticed an increase in his cognitive processing as he surveyed the angles of the stalls and walls.
Despite his already high IQ, he sensed a surge in mental capacity, enhancing his seasoned problem-solving skills.
Alfred sprang into action with decisive speed. Employing careful calculation, he orchestrated a distraction by simulating a stumble near the bustling food stall. Seizing the opportune moment when the burly vendor's attention wavered, Alfred acted swiftly.
In one fluid motion, he snatched two handfuls of piping hot meat buns and bolted away, his heart racing with exhilaration. Concealing the pilfered goods beneath his arm, Alfred seamlessly navigated the crowded marketplace, blending into the throng as he maneuvered through the labyrinthine alleyways.
However, his victory proved fleeting as the vendor swiftly detected the theft, promptly raising the alarm. The air filled with cries of "Thief!" as the vendor's booming voice echoed through the deserted alleyway, commanding his companion, Feng, to pursue Alfred.
Heart pounding, Alfred sprinted through the maze-like streets, his pursuers hot on his trail.
Despite his nimbleness and cunning, the relentless pursuit intensified with each passing moment, heightening the tension of the chase.