Hero Stories: A Secret Mission

Even if you're from the same race, there are bound to be differences between individuals.

My extraordinary physical abilities proved that I was superior to others. Different.

As such, I was privy to joining the special forces division known as Halloon's Spear, whose mission prerogative was to execute all those in opposition to the Shadow Elves.

Even among its members, my name was always at the center of attention...

As an outstanding figure even among the Shadow Elves, who are known to be superior to Humans.

I held no personal grudges or hatred against the Vampires, nor did I feel particularly obligated to catch them.

All I needed was the constant affirmation that I was better than and more useful compared to others.

Elvira, where have you been? I was going to ask you to join me for lunch.

Captain wanted to see me.

Just you? Again?

Of course. Because I'm different.

...So, what did he call you for?

...He's looking for you.

I'll tell you later.

Whenever I could tell that I was receiving special treatment compared to others, I felt more elated than when I completed a mission.

A few days ago, I found something very interesting.

Something interesting?

This is...the brooch of the intelligence unit.

It appears your acquaintances have dared to set foot into Sangerat.

Perhaps they're looking for the talented hound of Skuggiheim.

...

No matter. I'll gladly hunt them if they're so desperate to die.

But I'd rather not waste my time on such worthless trash.

Of course. We cannot afford to waste your time on such a trivial matter, Lord Kane. I'll go in your stead.

After all, I know them better than anyone else.

They must be up to something...

The brooch he showed me earlier is the one awarded to those in charge of collecting information and stakeouts.

...Which means they're not special forces.

...

Her injuries are severe! Hurry!

Ack...! Ughhh...

...My wounds are long healed. What I'm feeling now isn't real.

Now, I need to get myself together...

V-Vampire!

...Yes, yes. It's nice to meet you, too.

Argh!

*coughing*

Finally we can have a private conversation, just the two of us.

Y-You...

Now, let's have a civil talk, shall we? I've got many questions for you, dear.

Where are the rats who sneaked into Sangerat hiding? I'm not talking about you flies.

...Soldiers of the great Halloon's Spear.

Hunt Kane and his underlings...in the Crimson Forest Cave of Sangerat.

Shoot them dead, on sight... Make sure none make it out alive.

...That is your mission as a member of the special forces, who carry the pride and honor of the Shadow Elves.

Hahaha! Pride and honor?

Thanks for your boring speech. How kind of you to share details I never even asked for.

So, what do you think? You just met a Vampire that you've been so eager to get rid of.

...I-I'm scared and terrified. Please don't kill me...

Scared and terrified...

Urk...

I'll take that as a compliment.

Why does he want to see me? If it's something related to a mission, he could have just told our captain directly.

Could it be something I need to do...without our captain knowing?

...Maybe he's started to recognize my talent...

You're here.

...Lord Brieg.

I've heard a lot about you, Elvira of Halloon's Spear.

I heard you've been doing excellent job in the special forces. I appreciate your hard work.

I only did what I had to do.

...He wouldn't have come all this way just to give me a light compliment.

The sovran has issued you an order.

You must not disclose this mission to anyone, not even to your comrades and family. Can you handle that?

What do I need to do?

I never gave you permission to ask questions.

...Forgive me, Lord Brieg.

It seems you're not getting it, so let me be clear. You don't have a choice.

The sovran has personally chosen you for the task.

I was never given an option. I simply had to do what I was told.

It was evident they recognized my talent, so there was no need to ask for any further details on what the task entailed.

As you wish.

...

So, what do you think? You just met a Vampire that you've been so eager to get rid of.

...I-I'm scared and terrified. Please don't kill me...

What poor taste. I mean, that's all she could think of?

This appearance does come at quite a cost. I have to admit, it's a little disheartening to hear that.

Well, not that it matters anyway.

...

At least try something new. Shadowing me from behind is getting old.

...That was quite a rough attack. Having a bad day, huh?

Oh, it was just you, brat? I was going to offer some advice if it was a handsome man.

It shouldn't have been easy following me with those short little legs of yours. Why were you following me around?

Lord Kane sent me.

I see, you're using him as an excuse.

...He couldn't trust me and even had to send the little brat to keep an eye on me?

Whatever you want to believe, it's up to you. But I must obey Lord Kane's orders.

Watching you isn't exactly enjoyable, nor did I ask for the task.

All of this could have been avoided if you had simply earned Lord Kane's trust.

Now that I've been exposed, just think of me as an assistant. We'll have to travel together anyway.

Apparently, you became a Vampire when you were too little, and it seems no one ever taught you to watch your mouth.

I don't need your help, you arrogant brat.

That would be for Lord Kane to decide.

...

...

Every single word oozing out of your mouth makes me want to punch you. What an extraordinary talent you have.

Well, good luck then. I'll move slowly as I'm sure your tiny legs will have a hard time catching up.

...

Now that we're here alone, it reminds me of the day when you asked me to come to the villa.

Where's this coming from all of a sudden?

Back then, you told me there's something you needed to take care of alone.

Alright, I tagged along like you asked. But what business do we have here anyway?

There are personal matters I wish to take care of.

Hmm, this place is crawling with Humans. Thought you might need backup, is that it?

No. I will deal with them myself. I only wanted someone to witness what I have become.

...Have it your way then. Besides, it's not like this requires the both of us. Just don't take too long. I hate waiting.

Asking for my help on a personal matter and getting rid of an employee by yourself were both far from Lord Kane's commands.

...So are you going to report to him and request for my punishment?

Hmm, not really. There's nothing I stand to benefit from in doing so.

Without you, I'll have to take care of so much work all by myself and I'm sure Lord Kane wouldn't want that either.

So I'm thinking... What if we make another pact, just between you and me?

...

Just as how you wanted to take care of your personal matter on your own, this is a matter I wish to handle as well.

So stay out of my way and just quietly follow me around, as you're told.

What a complicated way to ask me to turn a blind eye.

Oh, stop it. You're not so honorable either.

Well, I don't particularly feel like I owe you anything for that.

Is this how you repay a kindness?

Fine. I'll do as you say, just this once.

Make sure you don't fail, though. I won't take any of the blame for not providing assistance.

It seems you're not getting it, so let me be clear. You don't have a choice.

The sovran has personally chosen you for the task.

As you wish.

Was it because of the arrogance I felt for the ability I possess, no, the ability I once believed I had?

Or was it because of my greed to prove myself by succeeding in the special mission?

Catch the Beast of Anguish.

Rather than being a challenge with an unknown result, it felt more like an opportunity.

*panting*

I don't think we can keep this up anymore, Elvira! We should stop!

Maybe you can't. We're not the same.

Don't be ridiculous.

Elvira!

I can't miss it. I'll take it on with my own strength.

*panting*

Where did it go...? I'm sure...

...!?

KRAAHH!

...! Ack...!

Before I knew it, something hit me and knocked the wind out of my body. The moment I found myself soaring through the air...

Arrghh!

Although I grew up in a fairly cold region, I've never experienced coldness quite like this.

Biting winds cutting through the entire body.

*weeping*

The wounds I received from the Beast of Anguish were more severe than I thought.

I believed my body would heal within days, or at least within months, but my fate seemed to be sealed without any hope for recovery.

...What does the captain say?

Why do you ask? His words never carried much meaning to you.

...

You don't need my help, do you? You've always handled things on your own.

It seemed she was ridiculing me for the way I treated her in the past.

I suggest we kick her out.

...

Her wounds are not fully healed yet. If we kick her out now, she's going to die.

She must learn that there are consequences for disobeying orders. This all happened because she attacked the Beast of Anguish at her own discretion!

...

She ignored our captain. No, she ignored all of us. As always.

But, don't you feel pity for her? She seems to be feeling down lately, and I've never seen her like that before.

Hahaha, you're right. The other day, she asked for help while trying to do something on her own.

Our division won't be able to avoid punishment this time, since all of this occurred without proper reports.

Why do we have to go easy on Elvira after what she's done to all of us?

She's been like that for months now. Even with magic, she can't be healed any further.

What's the use of keeping her in the Vampire Slayers when she can barely walk?

It's time to make a decision, Captain.

What are you going to do? She's only wasting our resources.

...

My body was shattered to the point of no recovery, and I had to endure all the blame and contempt on my own.

THUNK...

Yes, you're right. I won't be able to do anything anymore.

So, I...

...I'll do what I can for the last time.

Whoa, it's huge! Did you all see that?

Easy. This isn't your first time seeing the moon.

Come on, we've been busy staking out here, so it's been a while since we saw something like that.

For a place where Vampires live, it feels quite romantic.

Romantic, huh? Did you guys think we spent every day stuck inside coffins?

Come on, think outside the box. I'm willing to listen to anything creative.

...V-Vampire!

There's a Vampire!

Hmm, I had no idea there were so many of you. From above, I only saw the two of you.

Honestly, I'm deeply impressed by your warm reception.

Urk!

No!

Did anyone tell you this? The younger they are, the fresher their blood smells.

Seeing how you brought someone so young, I'm sure things are not going too well on your side, huh?

...She caught the arrow?! How did she manage to catch it when she's holding a hostage?

This arrow looks familiar.

Captain!

You...

A poisoned arrow, this is new. You're really desperate to catch me, huh?

I thought it was just a rumor... But you really betrayed us and became a Vampire...? *scoffing*

What a surprise. I never would have imagined that an arrogant individual like yourself would beg for salvation, to the point of considering becoming such a filthy, evil creature.

Did honor and pride mean nothing to you?

But, don't you feel pity for her? She seems to be feeling down lately, and I've never seen her like that before.

Hahaha, you're right. The other day, she asked for help while trying to do something on her own.

...That's a tad hurtful. Vampires do feel emotions too, you know.

...

Well, shall I live up to your expectations? Hearing you say all that really makes me want to show you what it means to be filthy and evil.

Ack!

Enough!

Consider it a reunion gift from me.

Ack...

Here, take it.

I've never been so excited to meet my old comrades from Halloon's Spear, but it's turning out to be no fun.

Nng...*gasping*

El...vira...

How does it feel to be trampled on by a filthy, evil creature, Captain?

How could you...betray us? We used to hunt Vampires together...

Oh, come on! What are you, a parrot?! Is that all you've got to say?

Don't say that. If anything, you're the one who decided to abandon the talented hound of Skuggiheim.

Let me tell you something. With your skills as they are, you'll never be able to catch a Vampire.

Ack... AHHH!

You won't die right away. Although, the more you struggle to survive, the sooner you'll die.

Argh... Ahh! My leg...!

Meanwhile, you're going to bitterly regret and be envious of the being you hate so deeply.

If they had found me a little later, if I had moved a little faster...maybe I wouldn't have been caught.

Right before I lost consciousness, they caught me.

...I was going to disappear just like everyone wanted, but apparently I can't even seem to do that.

Then what am I supposed to do...?! Do you want me to rot here in agony until I die?!

Or maybe I wanted to be found.

Elvira.

I entrusted you with an important task, and you failed. Apparently, that wasn't enough for you, considering this is the choice you made. I'm quite disappointed, you were once the core of Halloon's Spear.

...That is exactly why I wanted to disappear, Your Majesty. I even lost all chances to redeem myself for my mistake.

With this body, there's nothing I can do.

I wanted to do well. I wanted to prove myself to everyone.

Lord Brieg is looking for you.

The sovran has personally chosen you for the task.

...

Maybe this is for the better. If I'm not allowed to take my own life, then...

Elvira.

...Yes, Your Majesty.

Not only did you disappoint your colleagues and myself, but you also allowed those who are jealous of you to decry you, demoralizing all of Skuggiheim.

This is it. No more pain, no more anguish...

...So you...

...

I thought a bunch of flies would show up, how disappointing. Are you confident enough to confront me by yourself? Or did you simply underestimate me?

Completely shattering someone who desperately coveted something passionately brings me great joy.

Ack... Ugh...

I can't breathe. My consciousness is fading...

Repeat what you just said.

...Make me...a Vampire...

Bwahahaha!

Ugh...!

Judging by how you showed up in that state, I figured you had a goal in mind.

You were once the talented hound of Skuggiheim, and now you want to become a Vampire?

I'll give you the honor of listening to your last words.

I don't mind dying here... I've already died once already.

You've seen me... Ack... And you know that the way I am, could barely be called living...

The noble Shadow Elf now seeks to become the very existence she once despised most.

...You're my last hope. No matter how I appear or what I have to do, I just want to survive...and destroy everything.

...

...!

A vivid sensation courses through my body, as if all the blood cells in my body are screaming in pain.

Soon, the mind-numbing pain turns into a wave of pleasure...

THUNK...

Forget your past. And when you awaken...

You will be born anew under my command.

You must be going somewhere far?

Perceptive, for a brat.

Since you always give me a hard time about the number of trips I take, I'm going out to get some blood for Lord Kane.

Now that he's going to awaken anytime soon, are you starting to feel restless, worried that he might reprimand you for your laziness?

Hey, I'm not lazy! And if anything, we should be measuring the amount of blood rather than the number of trips themselves!

You always bring back so little. I bring back more blood at once than you do in two trips combined.

I wouldn't know, I never checked. I was too caught up with the thought that Lord Kane is going to return, so I ignored all the trivial details.

You little..!

Ha, never mind. Just keep an eye on his coffin.

Okay, I was only half-joking, but for some reason she took it seriously.

Any Shadow Elf who was a former member of Halloon's Spear is buried here when they die in the middle of a mission.

It's considered a distinction for those who have given their lives for the honor of the Shadow Elves and peace within Erasia.

Being buried here used to be one of my aspirations as well...

A distinguished captain of Halloon's Spear -Osis- For honor.

A distinguished member of Halloon's Spear -Lien- For honor.

They all died in vain. They didn't experience even half of what I had to suffer.

You were lucky to meet your end at the hands of your old comrade, rather than a stranger.

In remembrance of our past, I won't tell anyone that you screamed and begged for your life.

What a surprise. I never would have imagined that an arrogant individual like yourself would beg for salvation, to the point of considering becoming such a filthy, evil creature.

Did honor and pride mean nothing to you?

It's quite the opposite, actually. You're not the only one with noble and pure thoughts.

We all live and die for honor.

...The only difference is, to whom it belongs to.