This world isn't just for humans. Quite the opposite—countless non-human races thrive here.

Ferocious magical beasts, boisterous ale-loving dwarves, proud elegant elves and fairies.

Or the cruel, bloodthirsty Monsters stalking the shadows.

Humans hold an absolute advantage only in numbers.

Still, as the world's dominant force, most races keep good relations with them.

Dwarves, for instance, have nearly fully integrated into human society—now inseparable.

Even beautiful elves and graceful fairies, though rare, aren't particularly shocking anymore.

In contrast, only one race is truly irreconcilable with humans...

Monsters!

These beings from unknown lands, lurking in the continent's shadows, constantly yearn to tear this world apart and feast on human flesh and blood!

To them, humans are mere food and playthings.

Throughout history, Monster-caused disasters have been countless!

Though the Holy Demon Gate was destroyed a millennium ago—blocking new Monsters from descending—many still remain here.

Spotting ordinary Monsters is simple: their inhuman bodies or the inexplicable fear they naturally instill.

But high-level Monsters can mimic perfect human forms. When they suppress their aura, they're extremely hard to distinguish.

Some even naturally resemble humans. Among them, vampires stand out most!

As the highest-tier Monsters, they don't feed crudely like lower ones. Like elegant dancers, they silently drag you into hell.

Death by them brings no pain—only immense pleasure...

The easiest way to identify vampires? Their dragon-like slit pupils during hunting or combat!

Take the girl right before you.

"Do you grasp your situation?" Yuri asked, watching Zuo Yuan's face pale. "Then, boy, how will you choose?"

Come on. Fear is the best seasoning.

Only prey steeped in fear and despair tastes truly delicious.

But...

Unexpectedly, after initial shock, the youth before her gradually calmed down.

He sighed resignedly. "That may be true, but you're really cute! If all Monsters were as adorable as you, miss, humanity might've lost the Third Holy War."

Yuri: "..."

So the war deciding humanity's survival was lost by Monsters just because they weren't cute?

What was this? "Cute equals justice"?

Her retort choked in her throat. Yuri's face flushed slightly.

She knew her current form lacked intimidation—undeniably pleasing to some.

But was she really that unimpressive?

The second clash ended again with Yuri speechless.

This youth, beneath his serious exterior, might just be a pervert.

Yuri's gaze at him grew increasingly strange.

Feeling uneasy, Zuo Yuan rubbed his nose and looked away. "Miss, please don't stare. You're my type, but that's no reason for me to surrender."

"...Pervert?"

"No, no. I just like lolis. I'm not a pervert." He flashed a perfect smile.

Wasn't that exactly what a pervert was?

The porcelain cup in her hand nearly shattered. Yuri suppressed her anger, feeling a trace of helplessness.

She'd inherited her predecessor's power—why did she keep losing to this guy?

Was it the sealed strength, muting her aura and weakening her intimidation?

Damn bastard.

Yuri shot Zuo Yuan an icy glare, snorted, and turned away without a word.

This guy was too weak to feed on now.

Once he was "fattened up," she'd personally teach him how to behave!

Zuo Yuan watched Yuri and Maria's retreating backs until the door slammed shut. Only then did he look away.

His frivolous smile vanished completely.

Quiet now, the youth looked far more serious.

"I finally bluffed through that. Monsters? This should still be the Lost Woods... meaning a barrier?"

His gaze slowly grew grave.

A forest-dwelling vampire had saved him on death's brink. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Joking aside—he'd regained his life. But history proved humans in vampires' hands never fared well.

Either drained to dried corpses or kept as blood banks, only to be torn apart when bored!

To Monsters, humans differed little from livestock to humans.

Different races, different worldviews.

What terrified humans might be utterly mundane to them.

"But... since when are Monsters this cute?"

Remembering the girl's puffed-up cheeks from anger, Zuo Yuan chuckled lightly.

Being caught by such a vampire might not be so bad? The thought popped into his head.

Teasing her had already become addictive.

The seemingly unserious but deeply scheming youth curled a slow smile.

How to escape this predicament?

Sensing his weak body, he doubted he could even leave bed.

Facing a vampire and a visibly strong servant like Maria—escape was impossible.

So...

Become her so-called "slave" or "toy"?

"Tch. What a dilemma..."