Amid the luxurious atmosphere of Terrakula's grand ball, Steve stood quietly in the corner, holding his elegant glass, his sharp eyes scanning everything — but his mind was elsewhere. He had received a secret order the night before, and now had to carry out a special mission during the ball. The real challenge all these years had been staying under Terrakula's watchful gaze without raising suspicion.
Steve (whispering to himself):
"It's time to begin."
With calm steps, he walked away from the refreshments table and slipped into the crowd. Ken watched him leave the hall, and Steve's eyes never stopped their precise scanning of every corner. He was waiting for the right moment to move. Quietly, he headed toward one of the side corridors where several secret rooms were hidden within the palace. He knew one of those rooms contained classified documents about Terrakula and much of vampire history—information the organization he worked for would pay dearly to obtain.
He stopped in front of an ornate door bearing a mysterious symbol. After glancing around quickly, he pulled out a small key he had received from Terrakula once he'd become someone important in the palace. He unlocked the door silently, slipped inside, and closed it behind him. The room was dark, lit only by a faint golden glow from wall lamps. In the center stood a luxurious wooden desk covered with papers and ancient scrolls.
Steve went straight to the desk and began searching through the documents, hoping to find anything Terrakula might be hiding. As he flipped through the files, his eyes landed on an old map of the palace—but what caught his attention even more was the network of secret tunnels marked on it.
Steve:
"Underground tunnels beneath the palace…? Interesting."
But there was no time to dwell. He finally found part of what he was looking for—an old file bearing a mysterious seal. He opened it quickly, and his eyes widened as he read its contents.
Steve:
"This… this can't be…"
The file contained records of victims who had disappeared inside Terrakula's palace, along with names of influential individuals who had been manipulated over the decades. Steve always suspected Terrakula was deceitful, but the names he was seeing were beyond shocking.
Page after page… photo after photo… until he stopped at one particular picture. Steve's eyes went wide—his heart skipped a beat. It was Akira's photo, wearing the same clothes Steve last saw him in—meaning the photo was very recent. Below it, there was a short note:
"Under surveillance — execution scheduled soon"
Steve (whispering):
"This doesn't look good…"
But before he could fully process that, another photo slid out beneath Akira's.
It was his own.
The image was from the night before—him standing by the window, holding that folded note. In the corner of the photo was something truly terrifying: a red stamp with one word:
"Next Target."
A chill ran down his spine, but he remained calm. That calm didn't last long. He flipped to the next photo—and found Nyoro's.
Steve (gasping softly):
"What?!"
At the end of the file were three recently captured images of Akio, Ken, and Ann—taken just the night before when they'd escorted Akira to the palace.
Steve's hand trembled as he stared at the scattered photos. Cold overtook his body, as if the very air around him had grown heavier. He had believed all along that he was watching Terrakula — but now he realized the horrifying truth:
Terrakula had been watching him.
Every step. Every whisper. Every glance…
He thought he was hidden perfectly. But now he saw perfectly clear photos of himself taken in places where he believed he was alone.
He flipped the photo again and stared at the red stamp that sealed his fate:
"Next Target."
Two words — enough to freeze his blood.
His breath quickened before he noticed.
Steve (trembling):
"No way… Are the past two years all going to waste…?"
But there was no time for regret.
Before he could move—a soft yet chilling voice cut through his thoughts:
"Did you enjoy your little discoveries, Steve?"
His entire body froze. That sweet, mocking voice came from right behind him.
He didn't need to turn around. He already knew who it was.
He swallowed slowly and forced himself to turn. There she was — Terrakula, in her flowing black dress, glowing crimson eyes, and that soft smile… the smile of someone who knew she had already won.
Terrakula (tilting her head slightly):
"I knew you'd come here tonight… so I made sure to leave you something… fun to find before you die."
Steve (trying to remain composed despite the pounding in his chest):
"So… you knew this whole time?"
Terrakula laughed softly, as if the question was charming.
Terrakula (stepping closer):
"My dear Steve… I've known everything — ever since the moment I saw you pretending to be a homeless boy on the street."
Steve's eyes widened in shock, but he forced himself to stay steady.
Terrakula (grinning):
"You played your role beautifully, I'll admit that. A desperate, lost child looking for a chance at survival… pledging loyalty to me to secure a spot in this palace."
She slowly lifted a finger and placed it against his chest. It wasn't just a touch—it felt as though she was feeling his heartbeat… or controlling it.
Terrakula (whispering):
"But I know everything about everyone, Steve. You can't fool me."
Cold sweat trickled down his forehead. Yet he didn't let himself show weakness. He knew that showing fear to a vampire like her was a death sentence faster than any blade.
Steve (quietly):
"So… what now? You're going to kill me?"
Terrakula gave a small smile—one dripping with dark delight.
Terrakula (eyes narrowing):
"Oh no… don't be so impatient, Steve. Killing you immediately would be far too boring."
She reached toward the desk and picked up one of the photos — his photo.
Terrakula (in a chillingly calm voice):
"Didn't you like how you looked? This photo was taken at exactly 1:00 AM, when you received that message from your organization."
Steve remained frozen, saying nothing, but the tension in his eyes betrayed him. Terrakula tossed the photo onto the papers, then gave him a terrifying look.
Terrakula (cold, deadly):
"You already know what I do to traitors… don't you?"
She rummaged through the papers again, then lifted three images and looked at Steve with a sly smile.
Terrakula:
"You're not the only possible traitor in this palace, Steve… Do you know who might be next?"
She lifted another photo and held it up — the three images were of Akio, Ken, and Ann.
Terrakula (holding the photos in front of Steve's face, her eyes glowing):
"These little ones… Do you think they'll be luckier than you?"
Steve didn't answer, but his fist tightened unconsciously. His eyes flicked to the pictures of the three, then back to Terrakula, who was enjoying every bit of fear she saw in him. Then, suddenly… she laughed. A low chuckle at first, which escalated into a sinister, loud laugh that filled the room like a thunderclap.
Terrakula (circling Steve, speaking with deadly glee):
"What a delightful scene… This vampire palace hasn't seen a bloody party like this in a long time. But tonight?"
She stopped, facing him, a wild grin on her face.
Terrakula (whispering darkly):
"I'll make it unforgettable… A night where the blood of everyone spills across this hall! Akira, Steve, Nyoro, Ken, Ann, Akio… you'll all become pieces in my little game. And I'll enjoy watching who survives… and who becomes just a delicious meal."
Steve tried to back away, but Terrakula kept talking—saying things he never imagined hearing.
Terrakula (with a twisted smile):
"Now then… let's begin the party, my dear Steve."
She raised her hand slowly and waved her fingers in front of his face… and suddenly, Steve felt something foreign crawl into his body.
Her power.
It was invading him, invisible chains wrapping around his mind, squeezing his thoughts, erasing his will.
Steve (in his mind, silently screaming):
"What's… happening to me?!"
He tried to move. Tried to speak. But he couldn't. His body no longer obeyed him. His mind was trapped in her grasp, like a puppet on unseen strings.
Terrakula (sweetly, with terrifying control):
"Don't worry, my dear Steve… You don't need to speak, or think… just listen to me, and let me guide you."
She raised her hand further — and with a flick of her fingers… Steve's body began to move on its own.
He couldn't resist. He couldn't even stop his own feet as they carried him toward the door, like a soulless puppet.
Terrakula (smiling as she watched him):
"Look at you… so obedient now. Who would've thought a 'dangerous spy' like you would become such a loyal servant? You walk when I say, breathe when I allow it, and stay silent when I demand it."
Steve tried to fight back — to speak — and Terrakula allowed just a whisper.
Steve (strained, hoarse):
"W…why? Why are you doing this? What's your real goal?"
Terrakula paused, then smiled slowly, like she'd been expecting the question all along. She stepped around him.
Terrakula (mysteriously):
"Why?"
She gave a soft laugh, then moved until she was right in front of him.
Terrakula (in a low, haunting voice):
"Tell me, Steve… how does it feel to realize that the world is just a stage… and you are nothing but a piece in a script written long ago?"
Steve:
"Huh…?"
Terrakula (with a faint smile):
"Some people try to escape their roles, others fight to change their endings…"
She stepped away from him slightly, and with a small gesture of her hand, Steve felt his body being pulled outward — his mind still reeling from the cryptic words she had left him with.
Terrakula (whispering in his ear before pushing him out):
"And now… go back to the party like the good boy you've become. Don't worry… I'll make sure tonight is your best… and your last."
Then, with a soft touch on his shoulder, Steve felt a strange force dragging him out — it was as if the very air itself was moving him. When he returned to the grand hall, there was no sign of the battle he had just experienced. The music was still playing, the guests still laughing — but Steve couldn't even show fear, because Terrakula hadn't allowed it.
He walked through the crowd with a face like stone, his eyes hollow, as if his soul had left his body. His movements were calm and steady, but unnaturally cold — like a puppet walking in a straight line.
Then, through the bustling guests, he came face to face with three familiar figures — Ken, Akio, and Ann, who were standing by the drinks table chatting. When they noticed Steve approaching, Ken stopped mid-conversation and stared at him for a moment.
Ken:
"So, you're back."
Steve paused at the sound of Ken's voice. He didn't react at first, then looked at Ken with lifeless blue eyes and answered.
Steve:
"Yes."
His reply was short and completely emotionless, which made Ken narrow his eyes slightly. He didn't know Steve well, but it didn't take long to realize something had changed. Meanwhile, Akio blinked a few times at Steve and leaned toward Ann.
Akio (whispering):
"Who's that?"
Ann (also whispering, shrugging):
"I don't know… but he looks super gloomy."
Akio (frowning):
"He looks like a ghost…"
Steve didn't react to their comments at all. He simply turned his head and continued walking to a corner of the hall. Ken watched him until he disappeared into the crowd, then let out a soft sigh and lit his cigarette.
Ken (quietly, to himself):
"Something's wrong…"
He took a puff, and Ann noticed his silence, tilting her head.
Ann:
"Ken-san, is something bothering you?"
Ken (calmly, looking away):
"Maybe… I think we need to finish the mission soon…"
Meanwhile, in that same corner of the hall, Steve stood nearly motionless, staring at the guests in front of him. Inside his head, he was desperately trying to regain control of his body — but he was completely bound.
Steve (thinking, frustrated):
"Damn it… I can't even move my fingers… That damn Terrakula… what did she do to me?"
Before he could think further, someone approached — Nyoro, looking at him with a mocking grin.
Nyoro (cheerfully):
"Hey? Why so gloomy? Did a girl reject you?"
Steve didn't reply, just looked at him coldly. Nyoro stepped closer and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Nyoro (teasing, but slightly curious):
"I get the feeling something's off with you. How about we shake things up and start some chaos?"
Steve remained eerily silent, which made Nyoro raise an eyebrow slowly, starting to sense something unusual.
Nyoro (lowering his voice, staring into Steve's eyes):
"Hmm… what's going on with you exactly?"
But before he could press further, both of them sensed a strange shift in the air… and suddenly, Terrakula's voice echoed throughout the hall.
Terrakula (soft, but deadly):
"Well, ladies and gentlemen… I believe it's time we begin the fun part of the evening."
Akio (naively, nudging Ken):
"I think she's about to bring out the biggest cake at the party!"
Ken (eyes sharp, watching Terrakula):
"Idiot. Brace yourself… I don't think this party will stay a party much longer."
Ann said nothing, but her hand instinctively moved toward the small dagger hidden in her belt. A chill ran through her spine. Then… all the lights went out.
The hall was engulfed in total darkness. A sudden metallic clang echoed — metal striking metal — resonating through the entire space!
Moments later, dim lights flickered on, and everyone looked upward. A massive hatch was opening in the ceiling. Each second brought eerie groans from enormous chains, as if they were carrying something immensely heavy… and then — a huge iron cage descended from the opening.
When it reached the center of the hall, it stopped, swinging slowly. Inside the cage… was one person.
Akio (eyes wide in shock):
"What?! Akira?!"
Akira was sitting inside, head slumped forward, his body limp, his hands bound by heavy iron cuffs.
Ann (shocked):
"Is… is he okay?!"
Before anyone could move or speak, Terrakula approached the cage and placed her hand on the iron bars, smiling with twisted glee.
Terrakula (soft but laced with cruelty):
"Dear guests… I present to you the first act of tonight's festivities…"
She paused — then lifted her head and stared directly at Ken, Akio, and Ann.
Terrakula:
"The first feast of the night!"
Ken (narrowing his eyes):
"Damn it…"
Terrakula (raising her hand):
"Open the cage."
All eyes were on the cage as one of the palace attendants slowly opened it. Akira still sat inside, unmoving.
Ann (tense whisper):
"What is she planning?!"
Terrakula didn't care. She was savoring every second. Her smile widened. She stepped forward, placed her hand on the open cage edge, then addressed the audience.
Terrakula (with enchanting cruelty):
"My esteemed nobles… before we begin our feast, allow me to introduce our special guest of the evening."
As everyone stared at the cage, Steve and Nyoro stood among the crowd. When they saw who was inside… both froze.
Nyoro (stunned):
"N-no way… Akira?! He vanished yesterday… and he was here the whole time?!"
Steve, on the other hand, didn't look shocked — but his blue eyes widened slightly.
Steve (in his mind):
"I… I didn't expect Terrakula to be this cunning!"
Terrakula then pointed at Akira.
Terrakula:
"Perhaps you think he's just another human… another worthless fighter. But the truth… is far more interesting."
A heavy silence fell. Eyes were locked on the cage.
Terrakula (eyes glowing with bloodlust):
"This boy is not fully human… he is a hybrid werewolf!"
Akio and Ann (together, in total shock):
"W-What?!"
Terrakula stepped closer, grabbed a chain tied around Akira's neck, and yanked him up violently to his feet. The crowd gasped as they noticed the sharp ears, the tail — and the faint, feral aura even in his weakened state.
Terrakula (speaking with feverish excitement):
"He's not just any werewolf… but one with incredibly rare blood! Blood that has never been mixed with humans before!"
Whispers filled the room. Nobles exchanged stunned looks. Some smiled with sinister delight.
Ken (watching silently, eyes narrowing):
"Rare blood… hybrid?"
But the most shocked was Akio, who couldn't believe what he was hearing.
Akio (pointing at Akira, stunned):
"W-Wait! I thought your kind were well-known in Darkova?! Why didn't you tell me anything?!"
Akira (weakly, with a sarcastic chuckle):
"H-heh… Sorry… I didn't find… the right moment to tell you… We only just met, right?"
Ann (whispering, clearly shaken):
"If Terrakula is interested in his blood… that means she's planning something horrific."
Terrakula (sweetly, but with hidden malice):
"And so, ladies and gentlemen… tonight shall be no ordinary party. And I haven't even brought out the rest of the prey yet!"
Suddenly, she sank her fangs into Akira's neck.
He gasped softly in pain. She drank a little of his blood, then pulled away, licking her lips.
Terrakula (savoring it):
"Delicious."
Akio's eyes widened — a heavy silence took over his mind… before a surge of pure rage ignited inside him!
Akio (voice trembling with fury):
"Y-You… WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!!"
His blood boiled, his fists trembled — and suddenly, sparks of electricity burst around his body!
Ken (noticing the energy):
"Looks like the idiot's losing it…"
Akio stared at Akira, writhing in pain, blood trickling from his neck, his face growing paler.
Akio (burning with rage, shouting):
"TERRAAAKUUUULLLLAAA!!!"
Just one moment… and a massive bolt of lightning exploded in the center of the hall!
BOOM!!!
A massive electric wave surged from Akio's body. Nearby guests were knocked to the floor. Food trays and glasses shattered completely! With furious steps, Akio charged straight at Terrakula, lightning surging in his fists — and everyone in his path panicked from the electric pressure surging across the room.
Akio (raging):
"I'LL MAKE YOU REGRET THIS!!"
As his electrified fist neared her face — Terrakula vanished. In the blink of an eye.
Akio (shocked, striking empty air):
"What?!"
His fist crashed into the floor with force, causing a massive electrical explosion that shook the entire hall! The ground cracked, some furniture was destroyed — but Terrakula was nowhere to be seen.
Then suddenly… a soft voice emerged right behind Akio, dangerously close to his ear.
Terrakula (whispering mockingly and seductively):
"Oh my, such a violent boy… but is that all you've got?"
She didn't even give him a chance to strike again. In the blink of an eye, she raised her hand and slapped his chest with incredible speed!
BOOM!!
Akio was thrown violently to the ground, sliding across the hall, smashing through tables, trays, and glassware in his path! Guests screamed — some jumped back, while others simply watched the spectacle, entertained.
Ann (screaming in fear, eyes wide):
"A-Akio!!"
Ken (narrowing his eyes, voice unusually tense):
"Terrakula's… much faster than I expected."
Akira (eyes widening as he watched):
"What the hell… what is that idiot doing?!"
Akio was struggling to stand, wobbling on his feet before collapsing again. His body crashed into another table, shattering plates and spilling drinks and food everywhere — but he didn't care. He was simply trying to catch his breath.
Ann (grabbing Ken's arm, crying out in worry):
"K-Ken-san, we have to do something! Akio can't handle her alone!"
But Ken didn't move right away. He was observing with cold eyes — though inside, he wasn't as calm as he looked. He felt… uneasy. Something was deeply wrong.
Terrakula, meanwhile, remained where she was, watching Akio fall again — and then she laughed.
Terrakula (placing a hand over her lips as she giggled softly):
"This is delightful… I can't believe you fell that easily!"
Akio (gripping the floor, panting hard):
"D-Don't… underestimate me!"
But before he could even get up fully, Terrakula vanished again.
Ken (shouting sharply):
"Akio — MOVE NOW!"
But it was too late… Terrakula appeared right behind Akio and kicked him hard in the side of his ribs!
BOOOM!!!
Akio was sent flying again — this time crashing into a wall, cracking the stone, then falling to the ground coughing violently!
Ann (panicked, running forward instinctively):
"Akiooo!!"
But Ken grabbed her arm, stopping her, his expression more tense than usual.
Ken (with tense calm):
"Don't rush in… this isn't a fight we can recklessly interfere with."
Ann (shocked):
"But… Akio will die!"
Ken:
"But he hasn't given up yet…"
Akira (shouting as he tried to pull himself forward, chains tugging him back):
"Akio! Stop, you idiot!! Don't fight her!!"
But he couldn't move. The chains clinked tighter… and Akira felt pain shooting from his neck through his whole body.
Akira (furious, trying to use his strength, but failing):
"Damn it!! Let me… MOVE…!!"
Despite all the blows, Akio was still trying to rise, panting heavily — and the sparks of electricity began building around his body again.
Akio (wiping blood from his mouth with his sleeve, his eyes blazing with fury):
"You damn witch… I'll never forgive you for what you did to Akira!!"
But Terrakula wasn't even angry — she was enjoying it, watching him like he was part of a thrilling performance.
Terrakula (playfully):
"Wooow… you're more fun than I expected. But I wonder… how long can you really last?"
To be continued…