Chapter 120: New and Improved

Chapter 120: New and Improved

January 16th, 2090

Hikaris POV

I opened my eyes, basking in that refreshing feeling that one gets after a good nights sleep. The room was dark, yet strangely enough that didnt hinder my vision in the slightest. Huh, thats new. I got out of bed, feeling much lighter on my feet than usual. Did I lose weight? I also dont remember being this top-heavy, not that Im complaining. And since Im asking questions, am I taller? I silently stalked into the bathroom of the apartment, trying my best not to wake anyone else who was sleeping. I then glanced into the mirror and

AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! my scream of surprise set off the dogs nearby and caused everyone else in the apartment to run over to the bathroom. Minato, Kira, and Vera all stood at the doorway in various stages of undress. I locked onto Minato, who I instinctively knew was responsible for whatever the hell was going on. You. Explain. Pronto. I gave him my fiercest glare (which now comes in a RED VERSION APPARENTLY) as I waited for his explanation.

After your heroic stand against Pandemonium, you were cursed with an overpowered blood magic. You fell into a near-death coma for a month before I managed to develop a ritual to cure you after acquiring the necessary items in the other world. Vampires are the only creatures that are immune to blood magic, but I figured you didnt want to become an Undead. Thus, I had you contract vampirism and used an Elixir of Life to counteract the Undeath that comes along with it. Long story short, youre a Dhampir. Minato said all in one breath, as if giving it piecemeal would have been far worse.

Maybe it would have been worse hearing it piecemeal, but either way I was pissed. So youre telling me that I now have to drink blood regularly, avoid daylight, and fear holy objects? I said with a quiet fury that is infinitely scarier than shouting. I know that he had no choice, but the shock of waking up as a DIFFERENT SPECIES has made me somewhat irrational at the moment. Minato shook his head at my question. If you were a vampire, then yes, but youre not a vampire. A Dhampir is stronger, heals faster, has better night vision and senses, lives far longer, and does not need to consume blood to survive. Otherwise, they are the same as a living human.

Irene was forced onto the defensive as I swung Dynamo around with impunity. A grin came onto my face as the fight became drawn out. It is only to my advantage the longer a fight goes on, since Dynamo stores more and more energy as a result. A circuit board like pattern appeared on Irenes bat, indicating that she was forced to Optimize it to keep up with me. I immediately disengaged, not wanting to find out exactly what she perfected. I readied Dynamo for a grand finale, while Irene braced herself for what she knew was coming.

Light em up, Dynamo! I cried out as I swung my blade, releasing a large beam of magic that tore up the ground as it went for Irene. Youve gotten better Doll-face, but dont get cocky! Irene bellowed as she stood firm in front of my attack. I heard her say Optimize: Magic Reflection. before swinging her bat, diverting the path of the beam away from her as she struck it. It then was immediately dispersed by Minato before it could leave the ring. Okay! Im declaring the match over. Well done, both of you. Minato said as he came over to us.

He then patted both of us on the head. I took it in stride, although it was amusing to see Irene blushing. Amongst the gossip and news that Kira and Vera were catching me up on was the fact that Irene has officially confessed to Minato. It was about time. Their first date should be in a few days. Looks like the harem is going to be growing again.

How are you feeling? Minato asked me. Great! Im not tired or sore at all! I replied cheerfully. It still feels rather strange, becoming a different species all of a sudden, but I think I can get used to all the perks that come along with it. Okay, I think thats enough for today then. Lets go Hikari, I need to make you an illusion artifact, we have to go pick up all the school work youve missed, and I have to go and undo all the cover-ups Ive done to hide your absence. Minato said as he held out his hand. Irene and I both touched it, feeling that familiar pulling sensation of teleporting.

A thought suddenly struck me as we reappeared in the apartment. Has anyone told Reiji yet? I asked Minato. No. He didnt even know about your condition. He has enough issues to overcome, I didnt want to add to his worries. An evil grin appeared on my face at his words. So, are you telling me we have an opportunity to completely blow his mind? Minato paused at my words for a moment, then he had an evil grin just as fearsome as mine despite lacking elongated canines. Poor Reiji, he wont know what hit him. Its going to be so much fun!

While giggling over imagining Reijis reaction, I remembered what Susan said before I passed out. Minato, I just remembered something I should tell you! What? I heard the succubus mention a name right before I blacked out. Name? Yeah, it was Hayashi. Does that mean anything to you? As soon as I said the name Hayashi, I noticed Minato stiffen. Something wrong? I asked. Minato shook his head as he replied Not yet. Something is clearly wrong, but I decided to let it go for now. Even if he is currently emitting an intense bloodlust.