Ethan’s POV

The stark contrast left me momentarily disoriented. Neon lights flashed and pulsed rhythmically reminiscent of the lively party places from my previous life, illuminating a bustling street that seemed entirely out of place in the otherwise Gothic city.

The air was charged with energy filled with a chaotic yet strangely harmonious blend of modernity and Gothic elegance.

It was a sight unlike any I had encountered before. Tall, ornate buildings were adorned with glowing neon signs advertising everything from taverns to fighting arenas. The flashing lights reflected off cobblestone streets while lively music and the chatter of countless people filled the air.

The atmosphere was festive and intoxicating. Virelle had paused beside me allowing me a moment to take in the vibrant scene before us. Her expression betrayed a hint of amusement as though she had anticipated my reaction.

“This,” she began, gesturing to the lively district before us, “is the entertainment district of Scarlet Hollow City. It offers everything one might desire—pubs, bars, taverns, brothels, and more. However, two major establishments here are particularly famous across the city for their unique features and exceptional services. You will experience one of them shortly.”

She pointed toward a large, well-lit circular building in the distance, its grandeur standing out even amid the splendour of the district.

“The first is the Grave Dancer’s Arena. It’s a place where vampires and members of other races indulge their bloodlust and thrill-seeking desires. Duels, monster hunts, and continuous betting fights are held here daily. It’s a haven for combat enthusiasts and gore lovers.

Nobles, powerful individuals, and wealthy merchant clans often participate in the betting and organizing of events. Keep in mind that this is just one branch of the Grave Dancer’s Arena and they have establishments in all the major cities of the Blood Veil Continent.”

Her hand shifted slightly to another direction, drawing my attention to a structure radiating an air of mystique and elegance. “The second is the Blood Chalice Tavern. This is a unique establishment, found only in the three great blood cities. It’s a dream destination for vampires. You’ll understand why once we’re inside and that’s where we’re heading today.”

Her words piqued my interest. I nodded and realized that understanding these establishments would help me blend in better and reinforce my disguise.

We continued through the vibrant streets, weaving through the lively crowd. As we walked, I began to hear the tinkling laughter of women their melodic voices mingling with the hum of the district.

When I glanced up, I saw an opulent establishment, its grand entrance flanked by two massive bull men with horns and their muscular frames radiated an aura of menace.

They were clearly not to be trifled with. The flow of people in and out of the building was steady. Some men who were cloaked and cautious appeared nervous as if they feared being recognized. Others strutted confidently their swagger betraying their familiarity with the place.

The building itself was unmistakably a brothel and a massive one at that. There were scantily clad women of various races who lingered at the entrance, their laughter and chatter carrying over the noise of the street.

Vampires with crimson eyes, demonesses with horns or scaled cheeks and feline women with swishing tails and sharp eyes all cast seductive glances at the men entering and leaving. One vampire woman in particular caught my gaze.

As soon as our eyes met, she squealed in surprise and started whispering frantically to the others around her. Her companions looked at her with mild irritation until they followed her gaze and spotted me. One by one, their eyes widened in astonishment and then the chaos began.

Screams erupted from the group as they clamoured excitedly, their reactions reminding me of the crazed fans I had seen in my previous life.

“Young man, who are you? You look worn out. Come up here and I’ll comfort you!” a feline woman called out, her voice louder than the others.

“That’s unfair!” another snapped. “Why should he go with you? With his looks, only I am fit to comfort him!”

Their cacophony soon attracted attention from the crowd. Men on the street turned toward me with open jealousy while women giggled and whispered among themselves.

Although I was flattered by the attention, I felt embarrassment creeping in. Determined to avoid further commotion, I quickened my pace leaving the clamouring women behind.

“Don’t go, young lord!” one of them shouted after me.

“I’ll give you heaven!” another cried.

“Please come back, hero!” their voices faded into the distance as Virelle and I moved away.

I sighed with relief though a grim realization took hold in my mind. My appearance was going to be a recurring problem.

If I continued attracting this much attention someone was bound to investigate further potentially uncovering inconsistencies in my identity. The thought of being exposed sent a chill down my spine. I needed to learn a disguise technique.

Without one, I risked jeopardizing my goals and leaving myself vulnerable in this unfamiliar land as master would not be present always to guard my back.

I wasn’t a child or a naïve young man easily swayed by flattery or narcissism. My priorities were clear and I couldn’t afford to lose sight of them.

“You certainly attract a lot of attention, Young Master Ethan,” Virelle remarked suddenly, her voice laced with thinly veiled amusement.

I glanced at her, surprised by the subtle shift in her demeanour. Since our first meeting, she had been stoic and formal but now there was a faint smile tugging at her lips as though she were suppressing laughter.

I sighed dramatically. “Being good-looking comes with a lot of problems,” I said in a forlorn tone. “I really need to take care of myself more lest I get kidnapped by those women.”

Her mouth twitched at my exaggerated response but I maintained a straight face pretending to be serious. Despite her best efforts, a small chuckle escaped her and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. She was beginning to loosen up, a sign that our rapport was improving.

Without another word, we resumed our journey through the district the vibrant lights and lively atmosphere fading into the background as we approached our destination.

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