Vampire Reincarnation

Something keeps tugging at me, telling me not to lose myself, telling me too keep forward. God… it's you, isn't it?

Kai bit down on the food as he walked through the organisation, marvelling at its sheer size. He did his best not to compare it to a mall, but it was a mall from any and all aspects. Large stores, although without any big windows, separated into sections with food at every floor and a layout that would force someone to walk around the entire area before leaving. It was even more evil than actual malls he'd been to. Although I've only been to one… There's still a lot of improvement here. Not to mention there aren't any perfume or makeup stores, he's losing half the clientele!

Although Kai wasn't a businessman, nor a scientist, he had the memories of one, and both of their experiences watching commercials on TV.

However Vlad wasn't present and he didn't want to bother finding him. I'll propose some changes if I see him again. Kai decided and hurried on toward the medicinal section. Looking at the map, he noted a few places of interest, such as several so called pharmacies, which Kai had never seenbefore. There were also potion shops, or alchemical stores, which Kai was curious to step into. Besides those, the medicinal section was fairly empty, and lacked actual medicine.

Kai didn't care for that at first, but then thought about the common man, about people like Julie who couldn't afford medicine and had to beg to get a useless cream. She told me she wanted to get a health potion for her mother, but the only thing she could probably afford was a heavily dilluted version. Fucking hell… He clenched his fist and immediately called upon Rodney's memories, searching for anything medicine related. It seems he knew a few, but he wasn't really interested in the healing aspect of science. But the little he has should be enough to help a few people. I can also alter the recipees from the books Aina gave me and mix them…

Having made up his mind, he rushed to the medicinal section, and arrived after a few minutes. A strong smell of dried plants, magical concoctions and a mysterious scent invaded Kai's nostrils as soon as he stepped through the door. The place was quiet, despite the croweded path, and there were only whispers. Raising an eyebrow, Kai walked in and saw a sign that made him chuckle.

«Be quiet, you'll scare the plants.»

Of course he didn't consider that to be too far fetched, as there were some magical plants that reacted negatively to the presence of people. However it was the sign itself that amused him. Regardless, he made his way toward the first medicinal store and entered quietly, the place even missing a bell to signal his presence.

There were dried herbs, roots, leaves and other plants displayed on shelves, with various prices that made Kai frown. Alongside them were also live, potted plants that moved about as much as a plan normally does.

To his right was a clerk - a middle aged man with a bald spot and twirly moustache - that looked at him with a curious eyebrow. Kai made his way toward him and said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm looking to buy plants rich in mana, fresh preferably."

The clerk nodded and took out a long list that showcased all of the plants, along with their description and price. Kai quickly scanned all of them and picked out three, which he knew had the most mana based on Aina's teachings. "I want as many as you have." The man nodded, though skeptical and brought out a few boxes, each filled to the brim with the plants Kai requested.

"That'll be 2 gold coins." He whispered, placing the boxes on the table. Kai felt reluctant to pull out the platinum card, but decided that it was beter to save money. Besides, from what he gathered, the business didn't lose any money besides the time it took to fill out paperwork.

He stored the boxes within his ring after paying the man, who frowned but dared not curse too much, at least not out loud. Kai left happy on the other hand, content to get so many high quality plants for so cheap. Looking around, he realised that Onyx went by himself again, not following him into the store. He shook his head, but knew that he wouldn't cause any trouble as long as nobody provoked him. At least, I hope… Yeah he's better than that, right?

Kai thought about all the other times Onyx caused trouble, but decided that he would deal with any consequence later. I need to gather as much mana plants as possible for now so I can improve my core. With that thought in mind, he went to every plant shop and bought as many of the highest tier of mana plants available. However Kai couldn't help but frown after seeing that most of them were considered to be low tier in the grand scheme of things, and was afraid that they wouldn't be enough. Although he gathered a large quantity, he knew that the higher rank his core was, the hungrier it got.

After what felt like hours, Kai had bought plants from every plant store, and began heading toward the alchemical shops. Whilst he had little contact with the potions, he was curious to find out more about them.

As he stepped inside one of them, the image that welcomed him was vastly different from the rest. The smells from the outside were separated from the ones inside, which were far more pleasant and inviting. The shelves were stocked to the brim with potions of all colors and sizes, making guy think he was in some sort of alternative world where things were actually kept proper. Similar to the other stores, the clerk didn't seet too far from the entrance.

However unlike the others, which were old men or women with trembling hands and little flesh to their bones, this clerk was a young man with short black hair and hazel eyes. He wore a soft smile on his face and greeted Kai with a nod.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Unlike the medicinal plant stores, where Kai had an inkling of an idea as to what he was looking for, potions were far too foreign a concept to him.

He walked through the shelves, marvelling at what the world's science could accomplish with the aid of magic. The scientist inside of him wanted to know more about them, but wasn't sure if asking would be appropriate. Kai stopped in front of a purple potion, the viscous looking liquid grabbing his attention.

«Advanced Mana Potion Grade A»

«3 Gold Coins/Bottle>

Holy shit that's expensive. Kai exclaimed inwardly, stepping away from it and moving on to an orange potion with the same viscousity.

«Advanced Health Potion Grade A»

«3 Gold Coins/Bottle»

Another one that's three gold coins.. but it's so small, what the hell? How are regular people supposed to afford those? What about the smaller potions? His head shifted toward the left, where smaller bottles filled with red, watery liquid were placed.

«Lesser Health Potions Grade B»

«50 Silver Coins/Bottle»

Fifty silver coins seems reasonable at least… for a rich person. What does the grade even mean? Kai kept walking around, seeing all different kinds of mana and health potions of different colors and densities. However due to the low amount of variety, the shop was similarly small, and he soon found himself standing in front of the clerk.

"How may I help you?" He asked in a soft spoken, gentle voice. Kai's immediate reaction was to jerk back, surprised by the man's voice and politeness.

After a moment of thought, Kai pulled out his platinum card and decided to buy a few out of curiosity. "I'll buy three Advanced Health Potions and three Advanced Health Potions."

"Of course sir," the man said, without even glancing at the card. "and what grade should they be?"

"Grade?" Kai asked, expecting the man to reply with a detailed explanation as to what it means, however all he got was a nod and an expectant look. He cleared his throat and said awkwardly. "Could you explain to me what grades are?"

"Oh! My apologies." The man smiled, his cheeks reddening slightly. "Grades class how many times a potion has been distilled. A Grade A potion has only been distilled once, whilst a Grade B potion has only been distilled twice. The grades range from A to F, and it determines price, efectiveness and quality."

Ah, so that's how it is… "But why distill such high grade potions in the first place?"

"Well," the man began. "Most people cannot handle such potion potency, so we distill them to make them able to be consumed. If someone who couldn't handle a Grade A or Grade B potion were to drink either of them, their mana veins would explode in the worst case, and in the best case they'd need a few months of recovery." He almost said all of that in a single breath with an unchanged expression all thorughout.

Kai shivered upon hearing that, the moment he took so many pills it felt like his veins were about to explode flashing briefly in his mind. "I see, that makes sense. Then… do you have any undistilled potions?"

"Here? Goddess no, those are only meant for the elite in the capital. No one outside of the noble families can handle drinking them."

"Isn't that a bit… extreme?"

"Oh no, I've seen it with my own eyes. I used to live in the capital, you see, I wanted to be an adventurer. I gave someone a Grade B potion, thinking they could handle it…" The man cringed as he recounted the story, seemingly to put some sort of scare into Kai. "Next thing I know he had to be hospitalised for a month, and that was lucky. After that incident I decided that the adventurer life wasn't for me and decided to live a slow life here."

Live a slow life… hah… Kai sighed and shook his head. "Thank you for telling me. Then just bring me what I requested."

"Of course sir." He said, leaving the counter and bringing the six potions Kai requested. "Here you go."

"Thank," Kai nodded, paying the man after showcasing his platinum card, though the man didn't seem as bothered as the rest about doing the necessary paperwork. Does he have experience with reduction cards then? That was the only logical conclusion Kai could up with, as the potions were much more expensive than the plants.

"Have a good day sir." The clerk said and waved with a smile, watching Kai leave.

Once again outside, Kai had to decide where he wanted to go. I already have everything I want, so there's nothing else left for me to buy. I just need to meet up with Vlad and collect the mask, then leave and start training!

As he walked toward the entrance, Kai tried to call for Onyx, but he didn't dare whistle and break the rules of the place.

Boy, where are you? He called out through their connection, but the only reply he got was the image of a large hall filled with meat stores. How did you get there? Come back, I'll buy you more food when we leave alright?

Kai wasn't sure if Onyx agreed, but he trusted that he would follow his orders even if he would rather try to grab some free food. As expected, Onyx waited for him outside of the medicine hall, his ears droopy and tail wagging slowly. Kai rolled his eyes while smiling softly and took out a few pieces of grilled meat he had bought earlier and threw them right into the Obborik's mouth. "You're quite a glutton, aren't you?"

Onyx didn't reply, but the motion of licking his snout spoke wonders. Kai gave him a few pats on the head and beckoned him to follow, making their way toward the main entrance, intending to head toward Vlad's office.

The way there took more time than he expected, given that he paid little attention to the path while being led by Vlad. After about fifteen minutes, he made it to the entrance and walked toward the office.

Knock Knock

"Who is it?" Vlad's voice boomed from the other side.

"Uh, it's me." Kai replied, realising he had never given him a name. "The kid?"

"Ah, enter."

Kai turned the knob, causing a lock to click as the door opened. He and Onyx stepped in, allowing the door to close by itself.

"Are ya finished with your business, then?" Vlad asked, lifting his gaze from a stack of papers.

"Yes sir. I just need to pick up the mask now."

"Alright then," Vlad said, preparing to get up, however he stopped mid-way after hearing Kai's next sentence.

"I may have some suggestion for you, if you don't mind."