Chapter 2: He who kills

Seeing the lifeless eyes in front of him. A satisfactory feeling seeped through his heart. Everyone thought he lived amongst humans as a walking vampire. But they know nothing about him. He is a human. Just a mere human taking the job of a Grim Reaper.

It is hilarious how they blame the bloody vampires for things that he did. Will he be hunted for the misunderstanding? Well... Who knows. Not like he cares anyway.

"Your payment." A pouch filled with gold coins was thrown at him.

"Working for you is my pleasure, My Lord."

"I am impressed with your abilities. You can work as a knight in the empire with your skills. I can recommend you to the Crown Prince if you want."

And then what? Getting involved in the politics of the throne? He refused to be a pawn of those scum.

"I appreciate your concern towards me, My Lord. However, I am more comfortable living my life like this."

The man in his mid 50's stares at the young man standing in front of him. He will be wasting his talent living the way he wants it to be.

"Atlas. How long are you going to make a living like this?"

Atlas put his right hand on his waist. Standing eye to eye with his 'customer'. He knows that the aristocrat is treating him like his own son. But he doesn't need that kind of relationship. He lived alone and that is enough.

"Until I die."

The firm reply he received caused the old man to sigh in disappointment.

"So, until you have a next target for me to kill. We are done for today right?"

Atlas pull up his hoodie when he received a nod. Giving a slight bow before he disappeared in thin air as a bright light flashed through the ring he wore.

The man who was left in that dark place scratched his head at Atlas's behavior.

"What a crazy guy."

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Immersed in his reading. His eyes move along the words written on the noticeboard. Checking for any quest that he can do to make money.

"Atlas!" He flinched at the shouting scream. Pulling his hoodie more to cover his face.

Without waiting he moves away from the source of the voice.

"Hey, buddy! Wait!"

Instead, he just does the opposite. The crowd near the fountain area, indirectly helps him to escape. It is wishful thinking since the one who chases after him can get hold of him a few minutes later.

He groaned in annoyance. He got caught.

"Terry, I'm busy."

"I just want to ask back for the teleportation ring that you borrow. You are not using it any more right?"

"I plan to use it in the future as well."

"Oh... That won't do, my friend. I have work too."

Atlas stands still in the same spot, staring at his friend. Ineffective. He won't budge as he did before. Because if his wife found out the ring is missing. He is as good as dead.

"It won't work. My wife is scarier than you," he admits.

Atlas rolled his eyes. Understanding Terry's concern. He finally gives back the ring.

"So, tell me where did your wife get the teleportation ring from?"

It is a genuine question though deep down Terry has a slight intention of not answering it. But he knows what Atlas does, he knows why he needs it and he knows that the magical instrument in his possession is quite useful for that guy.

"It is an item that only vampires owned," he replied despite being a little bit hesitant.

"So I need to go to their territory?" Terry's eyeballs almost popped out from its socket.

"Are you insane? It is a forbidden area."

"Aaa... Indeed. But who cares anyway?"

It's true. Since the war between them at the border never ends anyway. Fighting over the throne. That's why he hates those bloody royals who send their citizens to war just to ease their hunger for power.

"Of course, there is a way for you to go there by legal means. But still..."

Yes. Entering legally does not mean that they are safe to be there. Not once or twice. He has heard a lot of disappearance issues of humans who go there.

Until that very moment, the vampire still holds the same position as the most powerful creatures. Sitting on the top of the hierarchy.

"Is there any other way to get the ring?"

Terry shrugs his shoulder. "I don't know. Black market maybe?"

It is the very least favorable location. Since most of the people there know him. It's a bit troublesome. High chance he will be dragged into an unnecessary fight. Way too troublesome.

"I will try to find other methods then."

"By another method you mean..."

"Make a contract with a vampire."

Terry looks at his friends like he has grown another head. Not sure whether that guy is joking or being serious at that moment.

"Your job... Is killing."

"Indeed."

"Which vampire who sane enough to make a contract with you to kill people? It's their job to do that. It can even be their hobby."