Grimoire x Reverse ~Reincarnated Demon Romance Tale~ Chapter 6

Vampire Lady:

The vampire girl Flare Reel (フレアリール) was in complete confusion and fear as if someone who was living in their homeland was suddenly flown to this foreign dungeon.

As for why she was in this dark dungeon, it was probably due to the fact that this dungeon incorporates unique monsters by summoning them from various random locations. These summons were not originally included in the dungeon, and the purpose for its existence is to be certain that at least one of the unique monsters is thrown in. In the dungeon was implanted a special code that the unique monster was to be as follows: “Vampire.” Thus she was called without any understanding, and had the hards.h.i.+p of being hunted in this dungeon on her left and right. Although the monsters are not collected from the demonic races, it cannot be helped because it is a dungeon that is artificially made by human hands.

Besides not knowing why she was called to another dungeon, there was a second reason the vampire girl was fearful. That is, two men are chasing her. Vampire Hunters.

“H…Help me ee…!!” (Flare Reel)

She is one of the vampire’s top races. A demon.  But, she is much too young. So, even though a vampire has superhuman strength, she was fl.u.s.tered. This was convenient for the Vampire Hunters, but a nightmare for her.

Until a while ago, she was living with her vampire parents in peace, surrounded by woods in a beautiful location facing the lake. Each day was spent without any inconvenience. Nevertheless, she had found herself in darkness among the smell of soil. She had been hunted and cornered by armed men with bloodshot eyes. Though she had called her mother and father’s names many times, they had not appeared to meet her. (TL: I feel like I’m reading a script for a doc.u.mentary, “…and the bat will not survive this winter.”)

‘A bad dream, this must be a dream.’ Though she thought this, the pain she felt when she fell is definitely reality. Since she was young, she still didn’t understand.

“a’right!!” (Hunter Bruce)

“Hiu~!?” (Flare Reel)

Something like an anchor had pierced her ankle. She cried out, not wanting to believe the blood splattering everywhere was hers.

“AAAAaAh!!” (Flare Reel)

In an instant, red filled her mind from the harsh pain. The impact gave the illusion of falling into lava, and she fearfully collapsed on the rugged ground.

But, she is a vampire.

From an early age she has been powerful, and will not die so easily. With a sound like burning flesh, her wounds are healed. It is a defensive response trait originating from her tribe. The Vampire Hunters who know this continue to attack.

“No, N…N-No!!” (Flare Reel) (TL: all of her following “no’s” are the girlish “Iya~!”)

The long straight black hair that had always been praised by her parents had already lost its sheen. Time and time again she tumbled after being hit and fell on the now muddy ground, before trying to get up and run away again. Her powerless wings flapped desperately but could only fly at a human’s running speed. She was a mess and did not even know where she was going anymore. She shouted for help, but her words would not reach anyone’s ears.

“Enough, will ya just give up!!” (Hunter Bruce)

“Uahaaahaaa!!” (Hunter Kernel)

One of the men seemed to be a magician. He was releasing fist-sized icicle arrows at her. Without understanding how to withdraw and avoid them, Flare Reel felt severe pain as the ice stuck to her hands and feet and mad her tumble.

“This %#&% brat.” (Hunter Bruce)

“A vampire wholly determined to escape is troublesome.” (Hunter Kernel)

Though she had chosen to flee from fear, her face had turned bright red from her tears as she suffered the pain from her wounds. Though the arrows of ice melted quickly, it filled the wounds so she could only endure the pain while moving.

“Aim at the wings!” (Hunter Kernel)

The man pointed his blade at her supple bat wings. She is desperately moving, her legs trying to run away from the site.

“Papa…help me!!” (Flare Reel)

Of course her crying would never reach him. On the contrary, her voice was increasingly making her throat hoa.r.s.er. Flare Reel was desperate. For a long time she had been running headed towards wherever she thought would be good, thinking of what was at stake. Though she would rather be rescued, as the situation began to crush and wear down her spirit.

After all, she was no younger than 10. Although a vampire, she is not at the age that can live without the protection of parents. And being young, she does not know to curse her sudden harsh fate.

“It’s weakened, so don’t get sloppy in the capture okay?” (Hunter)

“It’s about time, don’t you think?” (Hunter)

The men’s conversation touched her ears. Capture.

“N…o…!” (Flare Reel)

“Ice Lance!” (Hunter Kernel)

The Ice Lance is long and sharp. Like a giant needle it flew through the cave of earth faster than the vampire girl. Then a dull sound, like something tearing.

“Ah…ka…!?” (Flare Reel)

“Alright, nice!” (Hunter)

The spear of ice brilliantly pierced a single wing as it stabbed through her arm. Even heavier than before, Flare Reel’s body crashed to the ground. Although she was still ahead of those two madmen, the unimaginable happened and a decent future did not appear. Of course because it is not decent to be pa.s.sive. Still desperate, in an attempt to stand up to get away she noticed.

“Ah.” (Flare Reel)

In front, there was no path. It was a dead end.

“Whew! It stopped in a great position, no?” (Hunter Kernel)

“It’s still a brat, but demand still exists for her. Gufufufu.” (Hunter Bruce)

The two men joke as they approach slowly through the darkness to capture her. One of the vampire hunters took out a chain. The magic felt familiar. It was probably something that would seal the consciousness of the captured person.

“No…!!” (Flare Reel)

Since she still remained stuck by the ice in her wing, she dripped blood every time she twisted her body. The pain was tremendous, but more than that her senses were dominated by her fear.

‘I don’t want this – Help!

The floating images of her family’s faces began to disappear on after another. Don’t – Anyone, please help me. Why has this happened? Why, why?’

“Well, let’s do it.” (Hunter Kernel)

The chain swung in a mad dance as if it were alive, and jumped to its target, Flare Reel. Once she was caught in that thing, escape would be impossible.

Her trembling legs wouldn’t work, nor could her wings move at all. Frozen in a spell of fear, Flare Reel cried out.

“Nooooooo!” (Flare Reel)

The chain was cast.

The Vampire Hunter’s thoughts:

So far it had been a struggle. Dabbling in terrible crimes and gaining money through illegal work. However, even though this vampire was young, they could finally lead a decent life. Return their debt. Also being daily overworked by the Demon King’s army will end.

So.

So,

So why did this pop in!?! Legendary Monster!!

In a gust of wind it had appeared between the vampire and the hunters, a monster clad in an abnormal pressure…a demon. Fueled by the fluttering blue Kinagais.h.i.+. Two twisted sharp horns. Casually long black hair. Its aura was heavier than any demon the vampire hunters had ever come across until now, and was painful to bear.

“That…!!”

In a single blow from the huge axe carried on its back, it destroyed the Demon Breaker (TL: or “Exorcism”) chain.

Although it was greater than the sense of anger at it being inactive, a general impatience came over his body, wanting to run away quickly as there would only be one chance to act. (高かったのに、たった一度のチャンスだったのに、それが無為にされたという怒りよりも、早くここから逃げなくてはという焦燥が全身を駆け巡る。)

“O, oi…What now?” (Hunter Bruce)

“Sh-should we escape?” (Hunter Kernel)

The Vampire Hunters glanced at each other and made eye-contact. In the meantime, the legendary monster in front of him stood quietly in place.

“…Who?” (Flare Reel)

*Potsuri* (sfx for a drip of water, which then rings out)

The voice that leaked out was young and hoa.r.s.e. The sound resounded in the cave of soil, but the demon showed no reaction.

It stood between them, and the hunter quivered. ‘No way,’ he thought. ‘This demon couldn’t be a legendary monster, as it wouldn’t cover this young vampire.’

The demon moved. Shouldering the huge axe like it was completely normal. However, with every move it only became increasingly intimidating. Dread, continually fueled by fear.

“…Who? I wonder.” (Demon)

“Huh…?” (Hunter)

It spoke; ‘Who? I wonder.’

The Vampire Hunter thought it over. ‘What is it? Isn’t it a demon? A demon of the Oni tribe. That much is obvious. Even though it looks like an Oni, what would ask such a question?’

“No way…” (Hunter Kernel)

More than the spoken words, the demon’s golden eyes pierced into the Vampire Hunter.

“…tsu! Oooooh, Give us back our money!” (Hunter Bruce)

“Fool, don’t!!” (Hunter Kernel)

No longer able to withstand the fear, his partner rushed forward, brandis.h.i.+ng his saber. Thinking about it, he did not have to. His partner pounced on the demon with the saber in one hand, as the broad axe was slowly slammed into the ground.

In a climactic instant the soil swelled from the crack like a surging tsunami.

“Wow!?”

The ground raised angry waves in a straight line.

His partner was easily killed, and the other Vampire Hunter barely survived, avoiding it at the last minute on the path. ‘What was that!? It merely swung the axe gently. Is this a legendary monster? I don’t believe it, but I wonder…’

“Legendary Demon…Oni Shuten…!?” (Hunter Kernel)

“What?” (Demon)

The suspicious looking demon glared at the Vampire Hunter.

“…!!” (Hunter Kernel)

‘He had sometimes heard of it. Sealed hundreds of years ago, that legend of a demon, the strongest Oni. No way, it was alive?

“Tsu!!”

I can’t do this. I won’t survive before such a guy.’

“R-run away!!” (Hunter Kernel)

The Vampire Hunter abruptly turned around and tried to flee, but it never occurred to him it would not pursue.