Chapter 41: First Hunt
"So, what do you wish to talk about?" Aldritch was calm as he spoke.
"Ah, yes… well, I didn't know you had monsters under your ranks who are capable of speaking human language." She said sheepishly, or so it sounded.
"Even I can't explain how exactly that is possible." Aldritch answered sincerely. "Their ability to speak human language I mean." He clarified.
"Anyway, I doubt that's what you want to discuss." He added.
"Uh, you're right. You offered me power, and I accepted your offer because of my own ambitions, but maybe I didn't think everything through. Even though I now, have this power, I still don't know what your goals are. Please, if I may ask, what are your goals and what exactly am I going to assist with? What am I now a part of exactly?" Ingrid asked. Unrest sipped into her tone slightly as she spoke.
Aldritch listened to her carefully, thinking about what the best answer he could give her was, while also going through his own head. This was something he hadn't thought of much before, at least not deeply.
He was certain of the fact that he wanted to live a life of freedom where he had and controlled great power, getting everything he could ask for, but then, that was something that could happen in many ways.
Seeing as Aldritch remained silent without response, Ingrid grew nervous, fearing that she may have said something that shouldn't have been said or asked a foolish question. Her sudden change in behaviour stemmed from the little stories Lina shared with her concerning Aldritch… well, their travels with him at least.
To say the least, it was filled with lots of bodies and spilled blood, something she would never have even guessed.
She was going to say something, but her words remained in her heart as Aldritch finally spoke.
"Hmm… That's a very good question. For me, well, let's just say, I want it all."
"All?" She asked apprehensively.
"… well, yeah. But most importantly, the most important thing is power, then, other things follow…" Aldritch said, with a smirk.
Ingrid, looking at him say this skipped a bit, somehow, she felt as though he was looking at her inner self, but it wasn't creepy and didn't make her scared.
"I understand why you may feel apprehensive, but I'd advice that you get accustomed to it. Even though you are all my family, you are all also my weapons and also my closest subordinates, those I can trust with my most important tasks, and trust to handle my back.
I'm sure you understand what I mean." Aldritch said, his tone more solemn as he said the last sentence, different from his more carefree one just a moment ago.
"Yes, I do."
[Ingrid's loyalty has increased – 75]
'Oh?' Aldritch wasn't expecting this. After all, it seemed like Ingrid was sound and intelligent, and she looked like someone who would be good at playing psychological games.
Aldritch, seeing that she got the gist of it stood up from his chair and faced the window. Now that something as simple as the words he said before without any particular intent worked so well, what would then happen if he tried?
"You know, Ingrid, I didn't just choose you randomly. Sure, I was going to just get some quick information from you, but after listening to your story and learning of your predicament, should I say, something opened in me, and at that very spot, I made you that offer."
'So he really did control me to say things… but even then…'
"You could have easily killed me, or turn me into your slave… but you didn't."
"Right." Aldritch said, giving some time for silence as nothing was said between both of them.
[Ingrid's loyalty has increased – 77]
"Hmm, the night is young, and so are you…" Aldritch said as he turned to look at her. It was a bit weird since he was younger than her. "…well, at least in being a vampire, you are. I'll teach you a few things about being a vampire tonight, come on." He said.
Aldritch walked towards the door while Ingrid followed behind. They could use the window, but then again, Ingrid wasn't used to jumping from heights, at least he was sure so.
"Ok, you know this place better, so you lead the way. Take us somewhere quieter with less people moving about, but not completely vacant that we won't find anyone at all." Aldritch said.
It was reasonable, after all Aldritch didn't know his way around yet. Ingrid led the way as they strode off into the mildly busy streets.
After minutes of walking, both of them got reached their destination, or so Aldritch was led to know.
They were currently in a part of the capital that seemed run down, though not so much. The ground that was well maintained despite it being dirt with some places having gravel was now replaced with even more coarse and unlevelled floors. Apart from that, Aldritch could pick up a certain stench in the air that smelled foul almost.
"Are these the slums?" He asked.
"Yes. I figured if I was going to learn how to feed on humans, a place that doesn't get much attention would be best."
'I see…' "It's perfect."
Seeing as these were the slums, even if someone was to die, the soldiers wouldn't pay much attention unless it becomes a serious and reoccurring issue.
They made their way through the slums which spanned out across a larger section than Aldritch thought, and it seemed they were yet to even step foot in the worst parts.
After a few minutes of scouting, they stumbled upon a lonely lady standing by herself at the entrance into an alley. From how she was dressed and her demeanor, both Aldritch and Ingrid confirmed that she was a prostitute. To say the least, she was a perfect target. 'Her body probably carries a lot of infections, but we're immune to such diseases, it should be ok.' Aldritch thought to himself.
"Alright, that's your target. Be discrete and go around, sneak up behind her, cover her mouth and drag her into the valley. I wouldn't recommend you bite her, just make a cut on her body and feed until the blood stops, make more cuts if needed, then leave her." He gave instructions of exactly how she was to go about it while they observed from a distance.
"But wouldn't she know everything and report it to the soldiers or local authorities later on?"
"Don't worry about that, I'll make sure that doesn't happen."