CHapter 1 | Prelude to Red
Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v6dp2N3e8U&list=PL25dhRb6KWWp0zQ0Xl20uERHM5P7Vp0d5&index=3
YouTube Title: Fiesta De Guerra by Shiro Sagisu
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The seductive melody of distant music caressed Eve's ears, intertwining with the hushed murmurs that filled the air. The flickering candlelight cast a sensual glow, illuminating the scene as the bed groaned beneath their passionate movements. Echoing through the room were the intoxicating sounds of pleasure, escaping in the form of soft, sultry moans.
The bed emitted a seductive squeak as Eve sensuously entwined her lips and legs with the three enchanting maidens sprawled upon the enormous bed. Their moans of ecstasy echoed through the room, a symphony of desire as their supple flesh and tantalizing tongues entangled, igniting a scorching inferno within their very beings. It was a blaze of pleasure that consumed them, leaving nothing but smoldering embers of passion in its wake.
Yes... Harder! Gasped a luscious maiden, her delicate fingers tightly gripping the bed's sensuous linens, as Eve skillfully delved her fingers deep into the maiden's quivering core, igniting a passionate inferno that consumed them both. With each tantalizing touch, Eve's lips caressed the maiden's tender bud, coaxing it to blossom with desire, until the flames of ecstasy consumed her, bursting forth in a symphony of pleasure.
As the seductive vixen quivered with unbridled pleasure, the two ravishing individuals assertively guided Eve towards the plush confines of the bed, their eyes brimming with wicked desire. With a mischievous grin, one of them whispered sensually, "It's our turn to indulge in the forbidden pleasures now."
The luscious maidens sensually pressed their lips against Eve's supple form, adoringly caressing every inch of her exquisite body. Their worshipful journey commenced at her delicate neck, where their mouths danced with fervent desire. Slowly, their tantalizing kisses trailed downwards, exploring the curves of her enticing chest, tracing the contours of her alluring stomach, until finally reaching the very essence of her being, her most intimate core. They eagerly alternate "pleasuring" Eve, sending waves of electrifying pleasure coursing through her every fiber, eliciting gasps of ecstasy from her trembling lips.
The hours slipped away, a tantalizing dance of desire, as the three seductive maidens lavished themselves and their enchanting Eve with tender caresses. Their bodies intertwined, a symphony of pleasure that ignited their senses, leaving them consumed by a fiery passion that knew no bounds. Moans of ecstasy filled the air, mingling with the intoxicating scent of arousal, as the maidens and Eve surrendered to the relentless waves of pleasure crashing over them. Their bodies, glistening with sweat, burned with an insatiable hunger that only grew with each passing moment. Orgasmic bliss washed over them, a crescendo of pleasure that left them trembling in its wake. Their bodies, spent and sated, succumbed to the sweet embrace of slumber, their limbs entwined in a sensuous tangle of limbs and desires. As the night unfolded, the three maidens, like ethereal beings, draped themselves around Eve's supple form, their bodies acting as a protective shield against the world. In this intimate embrace, they found solace and tranquility, drifting into a peaceful rest, their dreams intertwined with the lingering echoes of their passionate escapades.
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.
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As the first rays of dawn painted the sky with hues of gold and pink, a symphony of sounds filled the air. The rhythmic clip clops of horses' hooves echoed through the cobblestone streets, intermingling with the lively chatter of townsmen going about their early morning tasks. The distant tolling of bells added a melodic touch to the bustling scene. Eve, stirred from her slumber, slowly opened her eyes to greet the new day. Her gaze fell upon the three maidens who lay beside her, still lost in the embrace of sleep.
With a graceful movement, Eve rose from the bed, her every step measured and deliberate. Her gaze fixed upon a nearby rack, where her treasured possessions found their sanctuary. Clad in her supple leather armor, Eve found herself in the company of a slumbering maiden who, upon awakening, uttered in a hushed tone, "Pray tell, fair Eve, how doth thou fare after our nocturnal endeavors?" With great effort, she struggled to rise from her supine position, her delicate frame hovering precariously at the edge of the bed.
Eve's laughter reverberates through the air, a melodic sound that dances on the wind. With a twinkle in her eyes, she offers a response, her voice laced with a hint of amusement. "Ah, my dear...it's training" she says
She donned her black hooded cloak, its fabric billowing around her as she fastened it securely. Adorning the lower left corner of the cloak were the unmistakable symbols of a letter "V" crossed by two swords, a testament to her allegiance. Her leather armor clung to her form, providing both protection and agility. With her Blades at the ready, she stood prepared for whatever lay ahead.
The young maiden, her voice barely a whisper, uttered the name "Venator" with a hint of uncertainty.
Eve's gaze gently shifts towards her, a subtle smile gracing her lips, as she gracefully exits the room.
With a determined stride, she exited the room, her mind consumed by the weight of her impending mission. The building, once a sanctuary of familiarity, now seemed distant and insignificant in the face of the task that lay ahead. Her purpose, her duty, demanded her attention, propelling her towards the next crucial step. Guided by an unwavering resolve, she found herself standing before the entrance of a weapons store. Its weathered sign swung gently in the breeze, a silent invitation to those in need of its deadly wares. Stepping inside, the air grew heavy with the scent of gunpowder and metal, a potent reminder of the power that awaited her touch. Her gaze swept across the meticulously arranged shelves, each one adorned with an array of firearms, each possessing its own unique story. Yet, her eyes were drawn to a pair of flintlock handguns, their polished barrels gleaming under the dim light. These were the tools she sought, the instruments that would aid her in her perilous journey. With a steady hand, she reached out, her fingers brushing against the cold steel. The weight of the weapons settled With a graceful motion, she delicately nestled the object into the awaiting embrace of her holster sash. This meticulously crafted accessory, adorned over her chest, served as a sanctuary for her most prized possessions. Each vacant slot, like a silent sentinel, eagerly awaited the arrival of a new companion. And now, this particular item had found its rightful place among the esteemed company, completing the ensemble with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
With a subtle inclination of her head, Eve acknowledged the storekeeper, her gaze lingering for a moment before she gracefully parted with the necessary payment. Stepping out into the outskirts of the town, she found herself drawn towards the periphery, where the bustling streets gave way to a quieter, more secluded path. There, she embarked on a clandestine journey, her steps measured and deliberate, as if guided by an unseen force. As she traversed the winding road, Eve's demeanor betrayed a sense of anticipation, her eyes scanning the horizon with a mixture of hope and trepidation. It was evident that she awaited something... or perhaps someone. Her movements were shrouded in an air of mystery, her purpose veiled beneath a facade of nonchalance. Only the keenest observer would have discerned the subtle signs of her hidden agenda. With each passing moment, the tension in the air grew palpable, as if the very fabric of the surroundings held its breath in anticipation. Eve's presence, though seemingly
As she stood there, the gentle rustle of the wind whispered through the trees, caressing her ears. Suddenly, a faint sound reached her, growing louder with each passing moment. Clip clops, rhythmic and purposeful, resonated in the air, drawing her attention to the distant horizon. There, emerging like a mirage, was an ornate carriage, its grandeur unmistakable even from afar. It glided along the road, steadily making its way towards the humble town, as if carrying secrets and stories yet to be unveiled. In an instant, the tranquility of the surroundings shattered as a resounding bang pierced through the air. Eve's senses were immediately heightened, her heart pounding in her chest. The sound, unmistakably that of a rifle, echoed ominously, sending shivers down her spine. Simultaneously, a chorus of terrified screams erupted from the carriage, their piercing cries carrying on the wind. Panic ensued as a group of shadowy figures emerged from the concealed bushes lining the road. Like phantoms materializing from the depths of the night, they surged forward with an air of malevolence, their intentions veiled in darkness.
"And here I thought, I'll be fiddling sticks on the ground while waiting…" said Eve with a smile that danced upon her lips, she wasted no moment, hastening her steps towards the awaiting carriage.
Eve's keen eyes surveyed the scene before her, taking in the sight of the twenty-one bandits who stood together, their laughter echoing through the air. Amidst their raucous mirth, one of the miscreants emerged from their midst, dragging forth a woman of unmistakable nobility. With a swift and decisive motion, Eve deftly discharged one of her flintlocks into the air, the resounding blast echoing through the air. The sound reverberated, capturing the attention of the tightly-knit group, causing them to halt in their tracks and swiftly assemble into a formidable formation. Their eyes glinted with a mixture of curiosity and hostility, their bodies poised for an imminent assault, as they focused their collective gaze upon Eve, who stood resolute in the face of impending danger.
With a graceful motion, Eve deftly holsters the now empty flintlock, its purpose fulfilled for the time being. Her fingers then curl around the hilt of one of her trusty blades, a weapon she affectionately named "Monday". The glint of steel catches the light as she prepares herself for what lies ahead, her resolve unwavering. In the realm of weaponry, there existed a remarkable shortsword, delicate in its construction yet formidable in its purpose. Crafted with utmost precision, it possessed a slender and lightweight frame, designed to be wielded with grace and finesse. However, what truly set this blade apart from its counterparts was the cunning addition of a hooked end, a subtle yet ingenious feature that bestowed upon its wielder an unparalleled advantage. With this cleverly incorporated hook, the possessor of the shortsword could execute their maneuvers with unparalleled dexterity, enabling them to effortlessly disarm their adversaries.
In a daring display of agility and cunning, she leapt gracefully into the air, her lithe form defying gravity for a fleeting moment. With a swift and practiced motion, she released a smoke bomb, its ethereal tendrils unfurling like a mysterious shroud, enveloping the immediate vicinity in a dense fog. As the billowing mist obscured their vision, the bandits found themselves disoriented and gripped by a sudden sense of panic, their carefully laid plans unraveling in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Eve, with a cunning glint in her eyes, seized upon this opportune moment, swiftly and decisively severing the bandits' lives with a single, fatal stroke. Simultaneously, as tendrils of smoke curled and billowed, a group of nefarious bandits materialized from the haze, their sudden appearance shattering the cohesion of the protagonist's formation, compelling them to scatter in disarray.
The head of the unit bellowed, his voice echoing across the battlefield. The soldiers, weary and battle-worn, quickly gathered around him, their "This is no ordinary adversary!" cried out the figure who appeared to be the formidable leader of the notorious bandit gang, his words abruptly cut short as a fatal bullet from Eve's final flintlock pistol found its mark, piercing his skull with deadly precision.
Eve's laughter echoes as she exclaims, her voice dripping with amusement, "Ah, what a bold declaration to reveal oneself as the prime target, a true display of idiocy!"
With a fierce determination in his eyes, the bandit charged towards her, fueled by a mix of anger and desperation. His voice trembled with a venomous rage as he spat out the words, "Y-You fucking bitch!" However, before he could even finish his sentence, a swift and deadly strike cut through the air, finding its mark with chilling precision. The blade sliced through the bandit's head, ending his tirade abruptly and leaving a trail of crimson in its wake.
With unwavering determination, Eve propelled herself forward, a force to be reckoned with. Her sights were set on the remaining bandits, her sole objective to eradicate them from existence. As she closed in on her targets, a colossal bandit emerged from the chaos, wielding a menacing combat axe. With lightning reflexes, Eve gracefully evaded the lethal arc of the weapon, her movements as fluid as a dancer's.
The air was thick with anticipation as the words escaped her lips, dripping with a hint of mischief. A sly smile played upon her face, revealing a glimmer of secrets yet with a sense of relaxation, Eve uttered, "At last, a worthy adversary," her fingers lightly caressing the hilt of her blade as she gracefully advanced towards the towering bandit.
With a menacing glare, the bandit lunged towards Eve, his battle axe raised high above his head. With a thunderous roar, he brought it crashing down with bone-shattering force, causing the very ground beneath them to tremble ever so slightly. Eve, a master of agility, swiftly evaded to the side, her lithe form gracefully evading his attack. With a deft flick of her wrist, she skillfully utilized the hook on her sword, expertly tripping him. The force of the unexpected maneuver sent him sprawling, his body crashing onto the unforgiving floor, his face meeting the ground with a resounding thud.
Eve's lips curl into a mischievous smile as she lets out a low, throaty chuckle, her eyes gleaming with a daring glint. With a swift motion, she raises her hands and claps them together, the sound echoing through the air, a challenge hanging in the atmosphere. Her voice, dripping with confidence, cuts through the tension as she taunts the bandit, her words laced with a mix of amusement and defiance, "Come on...come on...big boy."
With a fierce determination, the bandit lunged at Eve, his movements akin to a raging bull provoked by a matador's taunts. Eve, a figure of unwavering determination, remained motionless, biding her time with calculated patience. She awaited the opportune moment, like a predator stalking its prey, to unleash her cunning plan. With a swift and precise movement, she flung a handful of dirt directly into the bandit's face, temporarily blinding him. Seizing the advantage, she swiftly maneuvered her sword, causing the bandit to stumble and fall once more, his fate sealed by her strategic prowess. With lightning reflexes, she launches a devastating kick, propelling an explosive bomb directly into the bandit's face. Swiftly, she retreats in reverse, putting distance between herself and the imminent detonation. In a cataclysmic burst, the bomb erupts, obliterating the bandit and sending fragments of his body careening in all directions, painting the area with a gruesome display of carnage.
"Ugh," Eve muttered, her voice laced with disdain, as she deftly maneuvered her way over the treacherous puddles of blood. With each step, she could feel the sticky residue clinging to the soles of her boots, a grim reminder of the gruesome scene that unfolded before her. Determined to assess the condition of the noble, she made her way back to the awaiting carriage, her mind bracing for the sight that awaited her. With a swift and determined motion, she grasps the handle of the carriage door, her fingers tightening around the cool metal. As the door swings open, a scene of trepidation unfolds before her eyes. The noble woman, her delicate frame quivering with fear, gazes upon her with wide, terror-stricken eyes.
With a confident air, Eve declared, "The deed is already done, mademoiselle," her voice laced with determination. Without hesitation, she stepped forward, her gaze fixed ahead, and gracefully made her way into the awaiting carriage.
Eve, with a voice filled with conviction, proceeded to elaborate on the fate of the bandits who dared to assail the noble woman. She revealed that these nefarious individuals had been swiftly dealt with, their existence forever erased from the fabric of this world. As a result of this unexpected turn of events, the noblewoman's trembling ceased, and she found herself compelled to express her gratitude to Eve with utmost sincerity. Eve, with her enigmatic allure, harbored a very specific concept of what she considered to be a "reward."
"A thanks is great and all madam, but I would be very happy if you would give me the good old gold…it's tough out here y'know?" said Eve while smiling towards the noble
With a graceful bow, the noblewoman extended her apologies to Eve, her voice laced with regret. "I am deeply sorry, dear, for I find myself bereft of any gold in my possession," she confessed, her eyes filled with genuine remorse. However, to make amends, she presented Eve with a small piece of paper, delicately folded and adorned with an intricate seal. "Instead, I offer you this humble token," she continued, her voice tinged with a hint of excitement. "It is a coupon, dear, granting you access to the renowned 'Red-Light' district of Jofran's bustling main city." With a swift and deft movement, Eve's hand darted forward, snatching the paper from its resting place. She skillfully concealed it within the depths of her pocket, a secret treasure hidden from prying eyes. A soft utterance of "Much obliged" escaped her lips, a polite acknowledgement of the favor bestowed upon her. Her smile, radiant and beguiling, graced her countenance as she turned her gaze towards the noble figures before her, a subtle hint of mystery lingering in her eyes.
Eve's gaze drifted towards the window, her eyes drawn to the somber scene that unfolded before her. A sense of foreboding gripped her heart as she beheld the lifeless figure of the coachman, his body slumped over the reins. Yet, amidst this tragic tableau, a glimmer of hope emerged. The horses, steadfast and resilient, stood unharmed, their powerful frames pulsating with life. A peculiar contrast, indeed, for death had claimed one, while sparing the others. And so it came to pass that Eve, with unwavering determination, insisted upon undertaking the arduous task of escorting the noble to the illustrious city. The noble, recognizing the sincerity and earnestness in Eve's eyes, graciously acquiesced to her proposition, fully aware of the potential dangers that lay ahead.
As the noblewoman's carriage came to a halt, she gracefully stepped down onto the cobblestone street, her eyes fixed on the grand town hall that stood before her. With a gentle smile, she turned towards Eve, the one who had accompanied her, and expressed her gratitude for the safe passage.
Eve, with a determined air, relinquished the confines of the carriage, leaving it behind on the desolate side of the road. Her steps carried her towards a hushed enclave nestled within the heart of the town, where a multitude of impoverished souls could be glimpsed at every twist and turn. As Eve ventured further into the labyrinthine slum area, the cacophony of voices that had filled the main plaza gradually faded into mere whispers and murmurs, until finally, she found herself standing before a dilapidated wooden house that seemed to have been forsaken by time itself.
With a gentle yet firm tap, she rapped her knuckles against the aged wooden door. The sound reverberated through the stillness of the air, echoing her presence in the quiet surroundings. As if in response to her arrival, a voice emerged from behind the door, its tone laced with curiosity and caution. "Password?" it inquired, its words hanging in the air like a delicate thread waiting to be unraveled.
"I fucking forgot, it's Eve, open the door before I kick it down" said Eve
As the door swung open, its rusty hinges emitting a mournful creak, Eve found herself face to face with a formidable figure. Clad in a suit of gleaming full-plated armor, the warrior stood as a sentinel, his imposing presence filling the room. A low, guttural groan escaped his lips, as if burdened by the weight of his duty. Undeterred, Eve stepped forward and towards another room.
With a subtle click resonating through the air, the vigilant guard deftly tapped a seemingly arbitrary section of the wall. In that precise moment, a concealed stairway materialized before their eyes, descending into the depths below. Eve quickly descended the stairway till she arrived at one of the slayer guild's hideouts.
Within the dimly lit hideout, a diverse array of individuals could be observed, each with their own unique appearance. Among them stood formidable warriors, their bodies encased in impenetrable armor, exuding an aura of strength and determination. Cloaked figures, reminiscent of the infamous assassin Eve, moved stealthily through the shadows, their presence shrouded in mystery. Meanwhile, a group of scholarly individuals meticulously sorted through stacks of documents, their scholarly pursuits evident in their focused expressions. The hideout buzzed with activity, as these disparate characters coexisted, united by a common purpose.
With a determined stride, she ventured down the dimly lit corridor of the hideout. The air was heavy with anticipation, each step echoing softly against the worn floorboards. As she reached the end of the corridor, she pushed open the heavy door, revealing a room teeming with concealed figures. The atmosphere was thick with secrecy, as each individual went about their own clandestine affairs, oblivious to her presence. In the dimly lit chamber, a group of assassins huddled together, their faces obscured by shadows. The air was thick with anticipation, as each member meticulously honed their deadly blades, the metallic rasp of steel against stone echoing through the room. Their hands moved with practiced precision, the glint of sharpened edges catching the faint flicker of candlelight. Meanwhile, across the chamber, another cluster of assassins gathered around a weathered wooden board. It stood as a silent sentinel, adorned with a tapestry of parchment, each sheet bearing the weight of a potential contract. With eyes keen and minds focused, they scanned the board, searching for any opportunity to ply their lethal trade. In this clandestine world, where darkness and danger intertwined, these skilled individuals prepared themselves for the deadly dance that awaited them. Their lives were bound by a code, a code that dictated their every move, their every action.
Eve gracefully glided into the next room, her curiosity piqued by the presence of an enigmatic figure. The individual sat upon a chair, their posture exuding an air of anticipation. A mountain of papers, meticulously arranged, formed a towering edifice before them, hinting at the weighty matters that occupied their thoughts.
"Gramps, I'm back…I've successfully eliminated the bandit leader along the outskirts" said Eve as she sat down at one of the chairs
With a swift and deliberate motion, the mysterious figure gracefully glides a vibrant crimson sheet of paper across the table, closing the distance between them and the enigmatic Eve.
The crimson contract lay before them, its vibrant hue demanding attention. Its pages, like scarlet flames, whispered promises of power and consequence. Eve's voice barely escaped her lips, a mere murmur that hinted at the shock etched across her face. With her hands, she reached for the contract, her eyes scanning its contents with a mix of disbelief and apprehension.
Eve's voice barely rose above a whisper as she mumbled, her eyes scanning the words on the contract. "King... Gurivan... of the Extist kingdom..." The weight of the revelation hung heavy in the air, as if the very existence of the words held unimaginable power. But Eve was not one to be easily swayed. With a determined glint in her eyes, she continued, her voice steady and resolute. "You mean...?"
With a voice dripping with ominous anticipation, the individual declared, "The king killer shall unleash their deadly strike once more, for the fourth time... Are you prepared, Eve?"
Eve's laughter reverberates through the air, a boisterous sound that signals her anticipation for the thrilling events about to unfold. "Finally," she exclaims with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "an opportunity for some excitement."The protagonist's eyes narrowed as they locked onto their interlocutor. With a voice as cold as steel, they inquired, "So how much's the reward?"