Posts from Sakuramoria Auto-translated

In the event that something terrible happens and the month ends prematurely, I will place the script on 2 skill points in the training complex (Intelligence) and 1 skill point in the book for experience (after already leveling up Intelligence). But until they are spent, just in case the characters survive until the next week.

- Hello, - Futaba glanced around the office from behind the door, which was open just wide enough for her head. - Yes, I agree. But I have a question that's been bothering me. I think you're the only one who can answer it.
She walked through the doorway.
- If you have the time.

— I am always happy to help a student. Ask me anything.

Telekia One of many countries bordering Refetia and vying with it for control of the northern continent. Like Lunir, they rely not on numerical superiority, but on the strength of individual combat units – the vampires and the creatures they have tamed, which inhabit this land. Among them are such unusual creatures as cyclops, mammoths, werewolves, and other creations of Rishi, just like them.  Physiology In terms of their external characteristics, vampires are not much different from other people of the north, but like many other creations of the goddess of chaos, they have long, pointed ears. Other distinguishing features include crimson eyes, marble skin, and sharp fangs compared to humans (see example below), which they use to anesthetize the bite site for subsequent feeding on the victim's blood. Depending on the intensity of the bloodletting, this can result in the victim losing consciousness completely.  Other features include a nocturnal lifestyle and intolerance to sunlight – although it does not incinerate them, it noticeably weakens them and causes a strong feeling of discomfort and irritation.  They have no libido and no need for normal food. They do not get sick or age, but they need the blood of others to maintain normal life. Otherwise, their bodies first weaken, then lose some functions, and eventually fall into a deep sleep, losing all their presentability.  Transformation Vampires have the ability to turn other people into vampires, but if there is not a sufficient level of trust between the vampire and the person, or if the person does not have a sufficient level of will or intelligence, they may become not a vampire but a ghoul – a creature in a near-human form, which retains only animal instincts. Society People and vampires in Telekia coexist quite well, if one can say so about livestock and their owners. The vampires protect the people of Telekia from dangers and hardships, take care of their health, and do not interfere in their daily lives except for the times when they collect the blood tax.  Factional Struggle The current rules in Telekia state that unauthorized transformation into a vampire is punishable by the highest penalty and that the number of "shepherds" should not exceed a certain number in the human flock, but many militant vampires, usually from younger clans, believe that it is necessary to replenish their ranks with cannon fodder for a more effective fight against Refetia. In addition, the ruling faction of Telekia condemns drinking human blood directly from the source, considering it a degeneration of the high principles and aesthetics of Telekia, with which many young vampires also disagree.

Closing the door behind her, she quietly recounts.
- I overheard a conversation in town. The storyteller had a strange experience with an acquaintance. She said that she had a very unusual nightmare, as if some demon had grabbed her or something... - she retells the dream to the professor, in the third person and without going into too much detail, so as not to seem suspicious. - ...it seemed like just a dream. What else could an одинокая woman dream about? But she says that in the morning, she found some kind of stigma on her body. Not an illness, but as if some kind of symbol or mark. And then she started acting very strangely, and then she just disappeared, and no one ever saw her again.
Futaba scratched her head and shrugged.
- It sounds like a tall tale or drunken rambling, but it was told so confidently, as if there was no doubt that it all happened. That's why I've been thinking about it ever since - is it even possible? Could it be some kind of curse or magic? You seem to know about these kinds of things.

Libido is completely absent, as is the need for normal food.

“But what was so strange about her behavior? And I’d like to see this ‘symbol’ you mentioned.” Titus spreads his hands. “I think the storyteller simply has a very vivid imagination. It’s better not to pay attention to such stories, or you’ll ruin your nerves and won’t be in the mood for jokes.”

- I think someone mentioned a pentagram... - Futaba pretends to remember. - Yes, that's right. And her behavior... well, she couldn't sit still, constantly looking around. As if she was dreading something.

I think the storyteller just has a very vivid imagination. It's better not to pay attention to such stories, or you'll ruin your nervous system and won't be in the mood for jokes.

- Thank you for your concern, but she's strong, - Futaba shook her head. - But still, let's assume it's true - just as a thought experiment. Have you ever heard of anything like this? Or anything even remotely similar?

“The symptoms you described sound more like depression, paranoia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, which isn’t really my area of expertise. Pentagrams come in different forms, and magical ones even more so: you won’t understand what functions and mechanisms they conceal until you see them. ” Altino waved his hand dismissively. “She probably bit her tongue in her sleep and imagined all sorts of things.”

/Either he doesn't understand hints at all, or I don't like his reaction./

- Yes, perhaps. It would be strange to believe in magic in the fortieth century, when science and medicine can provide a rational explanation for everything,” Futaba turned halfway towards the door. “Oh, and… now that I’m here… what did I miss in my answer to the last quiz on the regions of Lafrenia? I thought I answered quite well.

P – priorities.

— Oh, that’s a bit of an unexpected topic change, but let me think… Do you happen to still have your work? No? That’s a shame. If I remember correctly, I gave you the maximum score for the first and most important question of the test, but close to the minimum for the last few, because they lacked a detailed explanation of your position on the questions asked. In other words, I rated your understanding of the geopolitical situation on the continent as excellent, but you were unable to demonstrate knowledge of the culture and interethnic relations of the continent.

- I see. Okay, no more questions. Thank you, goodbye.
Futaba leaves the teacher's office and goes to the roof, where she spends a long time in gloomy contemplation, smoking one cigarette after another.
She sincerely hoped that the additional question managed to distract him and divert his attention from his own fatal slip-up – in her story, she never mentioned that the mark appeared on her tongue.
Taking her katana out of its scabbard, Futaba examines its polished blade for a long time and tests the edge with her finger. The director, what a piece of work, and now she's also an elf – it seemed that the number of natural enemies whose blood her weapon craved was increasing every month.
Looking at her somber reflection in the blade, she felt not her age, but all sixty years old, and wondered if everyone else in this world had a life that was just as hopeless and sticky as a bottomless swamp?
After a while, having finished her reflections, she headed to their class teacher.

—How about we go check out the shooting range? —Cassia asks, addressing the others. —Although, of course, you can always practice shooting at the Academy, but here the atmosphere is different, and maybe there will be some prizes.
—Shea and I are going to the bathhouse, —Chloe announces, —we're not exactly sharpshooters.

—Prizes are great! I'm with you, Cass! 😇 —Nira volunteered.