Chapter 57 Layers And Blood Works

Lukas temporarily pushed those thoughts aside and turned to look at Serena. The beautiful Vampire girl with her silver hair and golden eyes–he remembered what the description was written clearly on the game:

Serena Weisse. Cold Beauty.

That was what the narrative had told him in the back of that VR Game, but as he glanced at her face–Lukas could see the inquisitive and curious look on her face. This was something that a 'cold beauty' would never make.

And yet she did.

Lukas remembered his first mistake and couldn't help but smile slightly and shook his head.

"I had actually hurt both Lily and Chaerin because of how I acted before. Where I actually believed that I was the only hu–er, person in the world and that everyone else was just people to be used or work with to get what I want."

Lukas originally believed everything was a game–he still had some trouble believing that he was in a completely different world and situation, but that was something that he had corrected now.

"And maybe… to some people, that's how things work. But I realized that everyone has layers–multiple layers that you have to peel back. Like a banana with a never-ending peel, or maybe just uh, an onion. And when I realized that, I figured out that I was being a dickhead."

"I… I see." Serena's gaze drifted off towards the city street lights. She looked at the quiet roads and imagined it filled with the residents of the city–except that they have all been in their homes after the anniversary incident.

"Yeah, I did a bit of growing." Lukas coughed.

"It also took me a while to understand why I had to care for the people here in the city." Serena admitted. "By your standards, I would also be a dickhead."

"H-hold on, I wouldn't exactly use–"

"I am a former dickhead like you." Serena smiled at last and gestured in a direction. "But we have changed and that's what matters, yes? Shall we head into Blood Works now?"

"O-of course."

Lukas had been initially messing around with Serena and had used his persona as someone who was with multiple people to his advantage when she wanted to see his birthmark earlier–but there was truly a small matter.

He genuinely liked her now.

And it wasn't just because of the looks or the tropes that Vampire Nightlife promised him. Which was a minor thing compared to him leaving for the wilderness tomorrow so he had to put a pause to all of these first and concentrated on getting his weapons first.

The first hurdle stood at the entrance–but it wasn't a problem because of who Lukas was with. And so he couldn't help but perk up a little when they arrived.

"Oh, hey… it's Gilbert, right?" Lukas greeted the man at the door.

"You know my name?" The guard at the entrance was a little bit shocked alongside Serena.

"Yeah. I couldn't forget that you did telekinesis–wish I had that cool of an ability. Also, Theodore told me your name so I remembered it." Lukas shrugged.

It also had to do with the fact that when he played games, he made sure to at least remember characters who could probably be useful or helpful in the future and so that was how it had worked.

You couldn't exactly just forget your nature and how you functioned–so maybe Lukas hadn't changed as much as he wanted to.

But it was still a start.

"A-also pardon my manners, but I give my greetings to the Overlord." Gilbert quickly bowed when he saw Serena standing behind Lukas. "What may I do to be of service to you today?"

"I would like to get some weapons for my… friend over here." Serena explained.

"Yes, I'll open the door right away. Would you like for me to call for Miss Cadis?"

"Huh, the owner of the place is here?" Lukas raised a brow.

"She lives here. Eccentric one…" Serena began but then bit down on her tongue. "Though–ah, everyone has their own reasons, Lukas. That was rude of me to say."

"Our boss is indeed a bit quirky." Gilbert explained with a chagrined expression. "But she just lives here because she wants to keep the relics safe."

"Haha, I see…" Lukas was glad that he never considered the option of stealing the Blood Arts Grimoire replica or he might have ended up facing another boss–although he had no clue on how strong this Cadis was, it was better safe than sorry.

Soon enough, both Lukas and Serena walked down the hallway of Blood Works. It was almost eerily empty except for the displayed weapons that left Lukas in shock and also a bit concerned.

"Most people do not work during the anniversary, and after the recent events–it makes sense why there's not much people around." Serena said, seemingly to have read his expression.

"I see." Lukas decided to change the subject, and at least shake off the creeps. "Do you have any particular weapon that you use, Serena? And do you think I could ask for a recommendation on what might suit me and the others?"

"You immediately assumed that I knew how to use weapons?" Serena lifted a brow.

"You're the Overlord–kinda seems like part of the trade."

Serena chuckled slightly. "Y-you are right… but I mostly have the title of Overlord as… well a title. People don't usually know this, however, while I do have the respect and adoration of my citizens–the power is far well distributed for me to actually need to learn how to fight. That's where the Hunter Association comes in, and as for city affairs, the City Council handles it."

"Why'd you tell me this?" Lukas raised a brow.

"You asked the question–why wouldn't I answer?" Serena copied his own reaction and shook her head. "Of course they all ask for my input and expect me to hone my powers, but I believe that I will only hold absolute control when there is truly a crisis in Lux. I'm grateful that there is none–"

Before Serena could continue speaking however, a figure suddenly appeared in the hallway entrance ahead of them.

"Aha!"