Moon, Laika, And The Bloodsucking Princess

Translator: DC    Editor: PurpleUnisaurus, Monk Preston   Proofreader: PurpleUnisaurus    TLC: Yomigaeru, s.h.i.+mizuA, Lox

Chapter One: The Blood Sucking Princess and the Winged Dragon

Jump to: [] [Part 3] [Part 4]

Очи индиго - Indigo Eyes

First Lieutenant Liev Lepus was free-falling at two hundred kilometers per hour.

He jumped from an aircraft at an alt.i.tude of three thousand plus meters, with his belly down, he spread out his arms and legs and rode on the layer of air.

His goggles clung to his face.

The wind whipped around him as his body cut through the air. Cold air permeated through his padded jacket.

Below him were the open parachutes of the cosmonaut cadets which fell before him and the cream-colored flowers that bloomed along the vast plains.

He caught the sight of the Borik River flowing like a belt.

He slowly drew closer to mother earth.

"It"s about time…"

As he pulled the ripcord with his freezing fingers, his parachute released.

A canopy rushed outwards from the bag on his back, the silken umbrella expanded largely as it caught air, quickly and forcefully lifting his body.

"Fuu…"

While rocking in the air, Liev muttered to himself.

"This is cosmonaut Liev Lepus, I have returned from s.p.a.ce just now…!"

His voice didn"t reach anybody, as it dissolved into the air.

"──Just kidding…"

If his superior officer heard such a joke, he"d get scolded severely.

Liev"s face winced as he tightly grasped his parachute cord.

The grand evening sunset colored the desolate wetland red.

Liev and the other cosmonaut cadets who had finished training for parachute landing, got on the air force bus directly headed towards the s.p.a.ce development munic.i.p.al, "Laika 44". This city was an essential location to push forward the "Miechita Project", it was a recently established sector that underwent construction in March of 1960 of the Orthodox Calendar[1], where nine thousand authorized personnel who were involved in s.p.a.ce development lived.

However, "Laika 44" was not listed on any state-issued maps, and there were no registered inhabitants. Furthermore, it was named "Laika City" from a coal mining city located forty-four kilometers southwards; though, the two are completely unrelated.

This was a government-led camouflaged campaign to gather intelligence against the United Kingdom.

"Laika 44",[a closely administered region] where Liev lived, was an existence which itself was a state secret. The population was obligated to swear to confidentiality—it was strictly prohibited to speak of work content, residence, etc, outside of the city. If violated, then the secret police, the National Preservation Committee—a.k.a. the [Express Company] personnel would visit them early in the morning and have them dispatched to the mines.

Thus, even though a majority of the nation"s populace knew of the successful man-made satellite launch, they were not aware of the state of affairs of s.p.a.ce development.

"To deceive an enemy, first, you must deceive a friend."

This thorough secretiveness is a traditional means of the republic.

Munic.i.p.alities which were veiled in secrecy were troublesome to reach. To fly within the sphere of these regions were prohibited, and railroads did not pa.s.s through them, so, they could only be reached by automobile.

Departing from the main thoroughfare onto a side road which cut through a plain, there were signs which said "Future Dead End" and "Off-Limits Area" through certain checkpoints; when weaving through the coniferous forest, having completely lost sense of direction and time, finally, the outer wall encircling the city would come into sight.

Going along the exterior of the outer wall, there is only one entrance and exit which had guards with machine guns and military dogs guarding the steel gate to sniff the scents of suspicious characters.

Liev, who had stepped off of the bus, went through the gate after showing is ID and residence license.

"Oi, Liev!"

His supervisor, Lieutenant-General Viktor, with a drunken-red face hailed to him with a hoa.r.s.e voice. He was in a military uniform where the b.u.t.tons were bulging from his muscularity and had an extraordinary amount of medals as well as scars on his forehead that signified that he was a war hero with unyielding strength.

"What is it, comrade Lieutenant General?"

Liev straightened his back, preparing for a scolding—Lieutenant General Viktor furrowed his eyebrows intensely and glowered.

"Come to the Chief"s office at the training center. The Chief wants to speak to you as soon as possible."

"The C-Chief!?"

That name was unexpected; Liev was struck with an icy shock that traveled down his spine.  

The chief, Slava Korovin, was the genius who manufactured the "Parushni I Model" and the first design director. Like "Laika 44", his existence was a state secret, and he himself was an extremely key figure. The government was vigilant of the United Kingdom using a.s.sa.s.sinations, so Korovin was hidden from the world. When it was only absolutely necessary to make an announcement to the public, he was addressed as the "Chief Designer", and the results were confidential; the United Kingdom feared that "there is a sorcerer in the east".

If he were called by such a big shot, then it wasn"t for a trivial matter. There was a rumor that before long, the names of the twenty or so cadets would be whittled down even further, but had they started a cutback in advance??  

—And Liev had a bad feeling; Lieutenant General Viktor raised his voice.

"Head to the director"s office!"

"Y-yes!"

Lieutenant General Viktor smacked Liev"s shoulder, making him stagger.

Surrounding cadets unanimously called out to Liev.

"What"d you do this time?"

"Finally demoted even from being a spare huh…"

"Liev. Stay healthy."

"Hold up, hold up! Don"t drop me out of your own accord!"

Even though Liev brushed aside the grieving gazes, he was at a loss for an answer to "Why were you called?"

"… anyways, I"ll see you later."

Liev had been appointed as this year"s cosmonaut cadet of the spring; because of a certain incident in the summer, he was demoted to spare personnel. Unless a miracle occurred, he would no longer be able to be the "first cosmonaut in human history".

"Still, I hope I could fly someday. The important thing is not to be the first in history. It"s getting to soar into the cosmos."

And, although it was good that Liev stayed positive and didn"t get discouraged, the situation was intense.

The Training Center, located within the city"s development sector, was a rustic three-story concrete building; you couldn"t feel any sense of s.p.a.ce at all from its exterior.

Liev anxiously proceeded through a corridor with a celestial globe on display and found himself before the chief"s room. On each side of the oaken doors stood men[Transportation Agents] with long, black leather coats with National Preservation Committee badges that gleamed, observing Liev"s every movement.

"… Alright."

Liev tightened his tie, knocked on the door, and stated his name.

"Cadet Liev Lepus has come!"

The door slowly opened—cigar smoke streamed out.

"How discourteous!"

Liev eyed everyone who was expecting him inside; about two to three steps into the room, one of the men[Transportation Agent] shut the door firmly behind him. He gulped.

Next to Lieutenant General Viktor was a middle-aged man wearing a white coat with a thin physique—Mr. Mozhaysky, the head of biomedical research, was waiting. He had gleaming, black hair that had been combed down and a pointed handlebar mustache. He was a doctor that frequently experimented on flora and fauna and even achieved sending dogs into s.p.a.ce.

In the middle of the room, a man past his prime sat in a black leather armchair letting out purple smoke—Korovin. He had grey, swept back hair. He was br.i.m.m.i.n.g full of confidence and energy. A firm body that was unexpected for a civil officer and thick skin that covered his hand was a sign that he has endured harsh labor in the mines after he was imprisoned on false charges.

Korovin shot an intense glint, like that of a bear, at Liev as if he were his prey.

"It"s been half a year, my little winged-dragon(Zilant[2])."

"Yes, comrade Chief."

An unpleasant drop of sweat ran down the back of Liev"s neck. Although Korovin was the smallest in the room, he exuded a large aura.

"As you are aware, we have been manufacturing products to help fulfill the (Miechita) dream and quickly advance the development of the "Miechita Project". I am willing to do anything necessary to be successful at human s.p.a.ceflight, even if it means cutting those hamburger-eating a.s.sholes down to size!"

Korovin said imperiously. Just the other day, due to the first Mars probe launch ending in failure, he might have been urgently ordered to succeed by First Secretary Gergiev. Liev thought this to himself and silently listened to the story.

"The plan can be successful, however, there is one major issue. Man"s safety in the zero gravity of s.p.a.ce has not been verified. Isn"t that so, Dr. Mozhaysky?"

Dr. Mozhaysky twirled his mustache as he spoke.

"Numerous plants and animals have been apart of launch experiments; dogs that were launched also returned safely, although, there were a few abnormalities observed like nausea and vomiting. Via telemetry, we were able to obtain physical condition changes, however, it"s unreasonable to conclude that humans can be equally treated as the same."  

Korovin stubbed out his cigar and stood straight up.

"Under these circ.u.mstances, a decision was made by the central government. Following the launch of a manned s.p.a.ces.h.i.+p to s.p.a.ce, it will be announced globally through national broadcasting."

"Eh…?"

Liev couldn"t believe what he was hearing.

Up until now, the republic"s government held the notion of "There is no failure allowed when it comes to s.p.a.ce exploration", and, as a result, only cases of success have been announced. One previously failed mars exploration case was secretly dealt with behind closed doors without appearing at the table.

In other words, it was an unusual exception for disclosure during an experiment.

While Liev was lost in thought, Lieutenant General Viktor spoke.

"If the live broadcast is successful, it will be a blow to the United Kingdom in which they will be powerless to act against."

Korovin tightly balled and raised his fist.

"We seek a one hundred percent success rate! The should be no imperfection during the time of sojourning in s.p.a.ce, during the return, and after the return! But, however, no-one has ever been out into s.p.a.ce until now, so how can we verify that it is sufficiently safe?"

There were far too many uncertainties.

How would s.p.a.ce impact regions of the human brain and body?

Do humans undergo more functions besides vomiting like a dog from alt.i.tude?

Could one"s spirit withstand "seeing the earth"?

Would one behave abnormally when being faced with death adjoined by dread?

If you returned safely, would any serious prognostic symptoms come up?

There were various issues with no answers surging through the exploration site.

Korovin made a sour expression.

"If the crew members behaved strangely on the live broadcast and died, we would be blamed for their deaths from all over the globe. Even I am extremely reluctant."

Dr. Mozhaysky suddenly addressed Liev with a grand and overwhelming question.

"Mr. Liev. Would you think of using monkeys instead of dogs for these experiments?"

"Eh, Ah… Yes."

A monkey was definitely closer to a human being than a dog.

On the contrary, though, Dr. Mozhaysky discontentedly twiddled his mustache.

"It"s no good. Monkeys were placed aboard a model boarding cabin, then the switch and sensor which were installed were destroyed and torn out. In comparison to a dog, which is cute and obedient, they were crafty and cunning, full of vim and vigor, fond of unconventional thoughts. There was also the issue of being unable to communicate through language."

Korovin jested in an exaggerated tone.

"It"d be a different story if the monkeys were influenced by cosmic rays and suddenly evolved into humans! Look, comrades! The first birth of an alien in history!"

It was a dicey joke; everyone forced a misguiding smile and went "Haha…".

Though, Liev still did not know as to why he had been summoned, even after listening to the conversation.

The atmosphere didn"t feel like a cadet being notified of failing.

No way, is he going to secretly subst.i.tute me with a monkey?

The world would launch a false mannequin….

Did Korovin guess Liev"s inner thoughts? He suddenly turned his body towards Liev and looked straight at him.

"Comrade Liev Lepus."

"Sir…!"

Liev prepared himself

Korovin took a small pause, then spoke.

"Do you know of bloodsuckers(Nosferatu)?"

Toward the unexpected question, Liev blinked in disbelief.

"… I"m sorry, what now…?"

"The Bloodsuckers(Nosferatu)."

"… Ah, yes. The fabled extraordinary bloodsuckers… or the bloodsucking races which dwelled in remote regions of the country of Lilith[3]…"

"Yes. I"m speaking of the latter."

Lilith was a neighboring country west of the republic which had been invaded by an enemy encampment and was scorched; the nation collapsed during the Great War. A bloodsucker(Nosferatu) clan, which lived in the quiet recesses of the mountains, were prohibited from leaving the village by the government"s "Control Policy" due to its citizens which had a deeply ingrained idea that they had a "Cursed Seed".

It was this reason why most citizens had never seen bloodsuckers appear in photographs either; Liev was the same. He had heard talk that gave an image that the bloodsucking clans were grotesque monsters during his childhood; they gave the impression that they were "fierce monsters that sucked blood night after night".

However.

Liev c.o.c.ked his head, racking his brain.

Why did he start to talk about the bloodsuckers(Nosferatu)?

Being asked a question which was unrelated to s.p.a.ce caused Liev to grow even more confused.

"Listen carefully."

Korovin coughed, clearing his throat.

"From now on, you are going to keep what I"m about to inform you of confidential."

"Y-yes sir……!" Liev"s heart hammered.

Lieutenant General Victor and Dr. Mozhaysky completely turned their eyes to Liev.

And, to break the unpleasant silence, Korovin spoke in a low and severe tone.

"Prior to launching humans, higher-ups decided to do an experiment, the "Nosferatu Project", to send bloodsuckers(Nosferatu) into s.p.a.ce.

"…… Eh?"

✦✦✦

"The mission code is "N44." "

"… Y-yes…"

Liev blankly stared as Dr. Mozhaysky gave a lengthy explanation at a level which exceeded his ability to understand.

"Compared to monkeys, Nosferatu are much more… well, they are quite close, biologically speaking, to humans. Not only in physiological structure, but tests reveal that their blood has similar readings to that of the average human. They are a suitable replacement for these experiments. However, since they are not taxonomically in the same category as humans, even if they were launched into s.p.a.ce it wouldn"t be recognized as "a milestone for mankind"."

Lieutenant-General Viktor nodded his head deeply.

"The first for mankind ought to be from our motherland."

Dr. Mozhaysky tautly pulled on his mustache.

"The experiment will be ready for launch within two months. The contents of the experiment are similar to those of the dogs". Verification of the safety of the boarding cabin, the measure of the influence of cosmic rays and zero gravity, and investigating any abnormalities upon return."

Liev finally caught up and understood. Long story short, mankind was using the Nosferatu as subst.i.tutes.

No matter how you put it, Liev felt that it was inhumane, but he couldn"t comment on the decisions of the country.

Korovin turned and faced Liev.

"You will now be informed of your mission."

"Yes."

"I want you to monitor the subject until its launch, as well as overseeing it in its training… a manager, so to speak."

"Ehh, manager…?"

At the astounding proposal, Liev"s eyes blinked with excitement. Several questions came to mind, but his most primary concern was the reason as to why he was selected.

"Chief, may I speak…?"

"Permission granted."

"Why was I nominated…?"

"You don"t need to know. It has already been decided."

"Forgive me."

Liev felt remorseful for being excessive in pressing Korovin for his reasoning.

"To succeed in code "N44" is the same as accomplis.h.i.+ng the "Miechita Project"… a momentous step in realizing mankind"s dream. Will you take charge?"

Indecisively, Liev cast his gaze downwards. Keeping watch over test subjects was not a task given to cadets. He wondered if he was being given this duty out of pity for his job as a spare. Or, did all of the technical officials refuse to take over?

There was also the fear of Nosferatu in the rear of his mind preventing him from answering right away.

Liev, who was courageous, pa.s.sed with flying colors, and knew no fear, was the kind of person that wasn"t good with monsters or apparitions. During his childhood, he was scared by his parents countless times to a bed-wetting degree.

However-

Now, in his position as a spare, if he were to refuse, then he would be labeled as a disqualified cadet later on. On the contrary, if he were to be stripped of his qualifications as a pilot, then his path to s.p.a.ce would be cut off forever.  

He wanted to avoid that.

Liev lifted his gaze, catching Korovin"s gaze right in front of him.

"If you do not mind, it would be my pleasure to serve."

The corners of Korovin"s mouth rose with satisfaction.

"I am entrusting the launch to Lieutenant-General Victor and Dr. Mozhaysky. You are to follow their orders."  

"Acknowledged!"

Lieutenant-General Victor slapped Liev"s back in response.

"I will inform all of the cadets."

With the combination of being a spare and this Nosferatu situation, his position among the cadets seemed to be growing increasingly complicated. Liev broke out in a cold sweat internally.

"Now, Liev. I think that you already understand, but the test subject needs to be treated as an "object." Now is especially not a time to be conceited."

"Yes!"

Unease rose in Liev"s chest as he wondered if he would have to deal with those terrifying monsters in a manner like that.

"Well then, Liev, come with me."

Dr. Mozhaysky bowed to Korovin then briskly made his way to the door.

Liev bowed to Korovin and tried to exit the room, but was stopped, however, when Korovin called out, "One last thing."

"To be selected as a cosmonaut, the likelihood of you being chosen right now, as a spare, is currently zero."

"Yes…"

Though he already knew that, it was tough to be told so.

"—Yet, I have great expectations from you in the future."

"Eh…?"

Korovin made a suggestive smile.

"Go, my Zilant."

"Yes, Sir!"

Liev stood at attention again, then bowed for the second time. He grew excited at the possibility of being reinstated as a cadet.

✦✦✦

As the hue of the sky changed and the afternoon turned to dusk, Liev walked with Dr. Mozhaysky through the red-pine forest behind the training center. Eventually, Liev"s nose became accustomed to the choking fragrance given off, and finally arrived at a quaint, hospital-like building.

"This is the innermost facility for the experiment."

It was a separate biological research inst.i.tution from the animal development and experimentation facility. There were a lot of facilities in the city that the cadets were not allowed to enter—this was one of them.

Dr. Mozhaysky presented his identification card to the guard stationed at the entrance, which was surrounded by a steel fence.

Liev entered the building, nervously wondering about being experimented on himself.

In the hallway the walls were covered with linoleum, a grey pipe running along the ceiling like a fat serpent. The ventilation was poor and the air was dense. From somewhere far off, a dog"s barks could be heard.

Compared to the training center, this place had a gloomy atmosphere.

Feeling uncomfortable, Liev proceeded further into the interior, pa.s.sing through the section where the animals" cages were lined up, eventually reaching a large, hexagonal room.

Each and every wall had a series of Roman numerals from "I" to "V" over thick iron doors; in the center stood a small cubicle with a note which read "Guard Office" attached to it.

Witnessing such a bizarre sight, a s.h.i.+ver went down Liev"s spine.

"What exactly is this place…?"

"They are cells for human beings."

Replied Dr. Mozhaysky forthrightly.

"N-no way, you"re doing human experimentation…!?"

"No. These were made just in case the occasion ever came up, but they have never been used. The subject of this experiment is the first one ever to use one."

Though he"d suspected it, Liev shuddered at the thought of such a facility existing. Suddenly, a densely covered fuzzy object emerged from the guard office.

"Huh!?"

Is that perhaps an escaped beast, or maybe a Nosferatu?

Liev readied himself, but to his surprise, it was actually a human girl in a fur coat.

The girl, who was small and probably a head shorter than Liev, looked towards Dr. Mozhaysky with a bright expression.

"Sir!"

"Did anything unusual occur?"

"Sir, it has been peaceful!"

When the girl saw Liev, she immediately bowed.

"Pleased to meet you!"

"h.e.l.lo. Are you the doctor"s daughter?"

"Not at all!"

The girl opened her coat and thrusted forth her identification, showing Liev.

"I"m a researcher affiliated with the Air Force Medical Inst.i.tute!"

"F-forgive me!"

Liev hastily bowed his head to apologize.

Dr. Mozhaysky introduced the girl to Liev.

"Anja Simonyan. Field of study: Bloodsucker ecology. Only eighteen years old, but she is competent and excellent."

*Ahem* Anja puffed out her chest with pride.

"Well then, Liev. The test subject is in the "I" cell."

Liev went to stand before the room indicated by Dr. Mozhaysky, imagining some sort of monster beyond the thick door which separated them.

Crimson eyes like that of blood.

Great fangs in order to puncture necks.

In a dark tuxedo covered in blood.

Pale skin as if they were dead.

Liev felt chills on his neck.

On the other hand, Dr. Mozhaysky and Anja, who had already been aware, indifferently prepared a meeting.

"Please open the door."

"Yes sir."

Anja lightly knocked on the door, unlocked it, and grabbed and turned the handle without hesitation after a "Please enter," answered.

In a fl.u.s.tered manner, Liev quickly hid his neck with his collar in fear of being abruptly bitten.

As the door slowly opened, the metal gave off a creaking sound.

It was a dim and enclosed concrete room with bare walls. There were no windows, the only light source originated from a small electric light which hung from the ceiling, and in the back was installed a wash basin and toilet.

Alongside the wall, a girl with black hair sitting atop a coffin read a textbook on astrodynamics.

Anja pointed towards the girl.

"She"s the test subject."

"… Eh?"

She was so far off from what he had imagined, causing his jaw to go slack.

The girl clad in shadows stood up soundlessly, fixating her gaze onto Liev.

She seemed to be a little shorter than Liev, and had skin white like snow.

Her ears peeked through her hair, pointed like those of an elf.

She had long, almost willful eyelashes, and despondent crimson eyes.

Below her nose, from her mouth came a small tooth which peeked out not much different from that of a kitten.

The transparent azure jewel from her necklace shone in the lamplight.

"This girl"s a… Nosferatu?"

Liev dropped his guard slightly against her unexpected lovely and helpless appearance which looked the opposite of a person-attacking monster. She was a "Bloodsucking Princess" rather than a "Bloodsucker".

However, she wore a cold expression. Although she appeared exceedingly human, it was difficult to approach the incorporeal barrier that could be sensed.

"The subject"s name is Irina Luminesque."

Dr. Mozhaysky presented a brand new identification card before Liev"s eyes which had been captivated. The rank was "Air-Force First Lieutenant".

"Is this a valid rank?"

"No. I"m bestowing it upon the subject only because it is convenient for living in the city. It would be an inconvenience if it did not have identification."

He confirmed the contents of the identification.

Her residence did not pertain to a cell, but rather, to a communal cadet"s dormitory. Her age was listed as twenty-one years old.

Liev was still doubtful of whether the girl before him was younger than him, and in the first place, it was a forged identification. He realized that age might vary in meaning from a human to a Nosferatu.

As Liev thought of greeting Irina for the first time, he loosened his collar and took a step towards her.

"I am First Lieutenant Liev Lepus, and I have been appointed as your manager."

Concealing his fear of being bitten, he put on a smile and gestured to make a handshake.

However, Irina did not return the gesture, and continued to stare straight at Liev.

Liev nervously looked straightforward. Liev had no sisters, and after graduating from secondary school, he had lived in a military man-only environment and had had very little exposure to females around the same age as him. There were also women among the cadets and technical officers, but they weren"t very good conversationalists.

"U-Uhhh, well…"

Liev, who had been dodged and lost to Irina"s intense stare, withdrew his hand with a "Haha…". He didn"t blame Irina for not wanting to shake hands. She wouldn"t have a friendly att.i.tude when her freedom was restricted and she was forced into an experiment where death just a breath away.

"Liev, here."

Dr. Mozhaysky presented Liev with a doc.u.ment.

"When executing code "N44", there are four points you ought to keep in mind. Also, please read this out loud so that the subject can hear you."

"Understood."

While feeling reluctant to call the girl before him "Subject", he read out the contents of the doc.u.ment given to him as instructed.

"One: Carry out the scheduled training until the day of the subject"s flight."

Liev began to read aloud the clauses supplemented to him by Dr. Mozhaysky.

"I will inform you of each task that needs to be completed every day. Furthermore, the subject"s test results from the facility at Sungrad are equivalent or better than those of you cadets. Also, there were no incidents of any of the subject"s inspectors being bitten, so be at ease."

The dim electric lighting was reflected off of Irina, the light making a buzzing noise.

"Moving on."

Liev continued to review the doc.u.ment, speaking to Irina.

"Two: Pay attention to make sure that the inhabitants of the city do not become aware of the subject"s true ident.i.ty."

"Only a few people are aware of Nosferatu. Even with the national committee and technical officers combined, there are only about one hundred people. As far as anyone else is aware, she is just an "Air Force First Lieutenant." "

Liev broke off from the doc.u.ment. "Is there no problem with walking around the city?"

Naturally, Dr. Mozhaysky nodded.

"When raising a dog for an experiment, we have to take it for a walk and let it enjoy itself for its mental health. This is no different."

Liev was shocked by the doctor"s statement, and stole a sidelong glance at Irina. Yet, even though she was being compared to a dog, she wore a cold expression as if she were completely unrelated to the discussion.

While bearing a sense of discomfort, Liev continued to read aloud.

"Three: Monitor and prevent the subject from escaping. In the scenario where it attempts to escape… you are to execute the subject."

Execution was not just a threat. Liev bore a feeling of dread as Dr. Mozhaysky elaborated with a cold tone.

"This is a measure in order to prevent an information leak. In the situation that it escapes, you will be charged and imprisoned, Liev."

If she tried to escape, she was to be killed without question. Liev warned the girl, who was likely unaware of how callous the Republic was.

"Please do not do anything foolish. For argument"s sake, even if you were to escape from this city, the [Express Company] would pursue you until the ends of the earth."

Irina let out a short breath as if she were exasperated; her fleeting fang peeked out.

"I will not run away."

Hearing her voice for the first time, it was clear like pure water that soaked into his heart. Liev thought that not only was her appearance similar to a human, but her voice was too.

"Next, Liev."

Prompted by Dr. Mozhaysky, Liev read out the last item.

"Four: The manager will share a room next to the subject…hm?"

Whilst reading that, he quickly grew pale.

"E-excuse me. Am I supposed to live here?"

"That is correct. While you were gracefully parachuting through the air, the Express Company moved your luggage from the communal dormitories to the "II" room."

In the face of such an unexpected situation, Liev was at a loss for words.

"Isn"t that nice?. Going from a shared room in the communal dormitories to personal room with a toilet, that"s quite an upgrade."

"Eh, that"s…"

"Rest a.s.sured, your room will have a bed for human beings, not a coffin. By the way, the showering room is in the "V" room.

Dr. Mozhaysky took Liev"s hand forcefully without his consent, giving him a ring of keys.

"Haha…"

Liev had no choice but to laugh. If he refused Korovin"s proposal, then it would truly be farewell to "Laika 44".

"Well then, Liev. my role in this is over. I entrust the rest to Anja."

Not a second after saying that, Dr. Mozhaysky pivoted and walked away.

"Eh, the doctor"s… "done?" "

Looking over his shoulder, Dr. Mozhaysky replied to a fl.u.s.tered Liev.

"I have business involving the the main process of the "Miechita Project". I must continue experiments with launching flora and fauna. Pleasant dreams."

With that, Dr. Mozhaysky tautly strung his mustache and left like the wind.

Anja briskly made her way before Liev.

"Please rest a.s.sured. I am authorized by Dr. Mozhaysky!"

Although she looked young and uncertain, he had no choice but to rely on Anja.

"I"m in your care, Anja. I was just appointed and still don"t understand anything."

"My job is to check the readings of medical data collected. Since I normally stay within the laboratory, I"ll have you accompany her to training and through her daily life."

In other words, the two would work together. Liev scratched the back of his head, wondering if this would be alright.

"Well then, let"s proceed with the conversation! Irinyan—"

"Wait a minute."

Irina stopped Anja with a sharp voice.

"What is it?"

"What"s with that "Irinyan?" "

"I was being affectionate," replied Anja.

"There is no need for that."

She turned towards Liev since she had completely shut down Anja.

"Does Liev also wish to call me "Irinyan?""

You just turned her down, why are you asking me?

Liev stood perplexed as Irina stared at him.

"Uhm…"

Putting the whole "Irinyan" thing aside, he couldn"t call her "Subject" in the middle of town. He also couldn"t call her "First Lieutenant Luminesque" since that wasn"t how you addressed colleagues of the same rank.

Liev thought about it, preparing to refute Irina.

"I believe that in order to avoid drawing the suspicions of the other city inhabitants to your true ident.i.ty, you should be treated just as any other cadet. So, from now on, I"ll call you by your name, "Irina". You may call me "Liev"."

Irina silently gazed at Liev. Her eyes carried a scarlet sheen in the light. Her beauty was beyond human understanding, causing the hairs to stand on Liev"s neck. He had trouble breathing, and his body stiffened.

"ah…"

"Irina will do so."

With just a few words, the binding unraveled, and Liev could take a short breath—

"Originally, I would not have allowed a human to address me so casually, but I guess it cannot be helped."

"Uh…"

He was breathless again in the face of such an extremely oppressive att.i.tude.

However, she just had that sort of dominating personality. If she were to wear a gorgeous dress instead of a uniform, she would easily fit in with royalty or the aristocracy. It hadn"t necessarily been incorrect to think of her as a "princess" upon his first impression.

"I will call you Liev, is that fine?"

"Yeah. Irina."

Anja quickly interrupted.

"Nice to meet you, Irinyan!"

Irina, who up until now had displayed an unreadable mood and hard expression, left her mouth agape.

"… Y-you…?"

"Since I"m not a cadet, our relations.h.i.+p is irrelevant. Please call me Anja~♪"

Irina shrugged, losing the energy for a retort.

"Do whatever you would like…"

"As you wish~"

Anja nodded with a satisfactory look, before doing a complete 180 into a stern-looking researcher.

"Irinyan will receive standard training as with any other cadet, but since she is weak to sun exposure, it will be after sunset."

"Would she be alright if she got accidentally hit by a beam of sunlight?"

Liev knew of the traditional "turning to ashes" weakness.

"It appears that her skin will sting to a certain degree. Irinyan, you"re able to walk around outside during the day without a parasol, right?"

"That"s correct."

Irina confirmed the question, replying with a th.o.r.n.y voice riddled with displeasure. But Anja, who couldn"t read the mood, complemented herself with pride.

"The other thing is, she also weak to heat and she will give show symptoms similar to heat strokes and sunstrokes. In short, crew members run the risk of potentially experiencing high temperatures while moving through the atmosphere. Therefore, if Irinyan can bear it, then humans should be able to as well.

"I see…"

Although Liev understood, he couldn"t bear to say anything with the subject in front of him. Unlike a dog, Irina could understand anything said.

Irina snorted her nose in dissatisfaction immediately.

"Anja. My race also have some points that surpa.s.s humans. You should know of them if you are such a so-called expert, shouldn"t you?"

"Of course!"

Anja held up two fingers towards Liev.

"The Nosferatu have two unique characteristics. "Night Vision" in order to maintain vision in the dark, and "cold resistance" in order to dress lightly unperturbed in temperatures below freezing."

Anja also added on that in the environment of the northern part of the continent the number of daylight hours were shorter, and that winter was far longer.

"Liev. Now you understand, right?"

She said it in high and mighty tone while glancing proudly at him. Liev felt it as her declaration that Nosferatu were a being equivalent to or even greater than humans.

"Now, Liev. Please escort Irinyan to grab a meal. In the communal dorms" cafeteria. All of the cadets should have been gathered, so please go and introduce her."

""Meal" as in—"

Liev had imagined that since she was a Nosferatu Irina would drink blood, and he looked at her mouth. However, her mouth was closed, so he couldn"t see her fangs.

"What is it?"

"Nevermind…"

Liev turned away from Anja"s questioning gaze.

"Does that mean that I am not preparing meals?"

"Yes. The menu is the same as all of the other cadets. For data collection purposes, she must have the same eating habits as everyone else."

"Is that so?"

Irina stepped closer to Liev, who felt a wave of relief.

"You thought it was blood, right?"

"Ehhh!?"

He became fl.u.s.tered as she hit the nail right on the head.

"What the h.e.l.l do you think I am?!"

Though her voice was quiet, it was filled with anger towards Liev.

"W-what do you mean…?"

Irina grimaced, her fangs peeking out.

"You think I"m just like some inferior blood-sucking creature like a mosquito or tick?!"

"I don"t think that, I don"t think that!"

"You think that I am a monster that sucks blood, night after night, don"t you?!"

"You"re misunderstanding! But, when you put it like that, have you never once sucked blood?"

"Eh… well…"

Irina embarra.s.sedly hid her mouth with her hand. Liev hadn"t expected this reaction.

"No way, you haven"t?"

"… I did… a long time ago…"

When Irina"s muddled her words and hid her eyes, Anja elatedly raised her hand.

"Is it that? The ancient rite of pa.s.sage pa.s.sed down where you bite into the neck of a goat on your tenth birthday?"

Irina scowled at Anja, then spoke to Liev in an ashamed manner.

"It couldn"t be helped. I"ve only sucked fresh blood once. Not just me, but everyone else."

"Bloodsucker is just a name…?"

Anja interjected with a scholar-like expression.

"There"s a reason that they"re called that. Bloodsuckers have the potential to inoculate blood mucous membranes firsthand… for example, they could take it from under the tongue or stomach and then transform it into nutrition inside the body. Hey, Irinyan, were you not br.i.m.m.i.n.g with energy after drinking the goat"s blood?"

Irina nodded reluctantly.

"Indeed, that"s correct… but it is not because of some nonsensical grotesque reason like humans always think."

"Then, you don"t bite humans like the Bloodsuckers in folk tales?"

When Liev asked, Irina gave him a scornful look.

"Well, of course not. If I were to put human blood into my body, my blood would become corrupted."

As they couldn"t forgive being treated as monsters, there were also feelings of hostility and contempt towards humans. Liev, who had struck a sore topic, felt regret. There"s no doubt that it was humans who drove off Bloodsuckers to remote regions through war and conflict. As Liev had been intimidated by ghost stories of Nosferatu, she had probably been brought up with lullabies about the stories of human savagery.  

However, the advancement into s.p.a.ce was completely unrelated to past matters. Liev was worried about how she might interact during training.

The subject was a girl of a different race.

Her existence was as unknown and mysterious as outer s.p.a.ce.

Even though he had been thinking of various things, he hadn"t said anything.

He was just doing this job in order to fulfill his dream to go to s.p.a.ce.

—With a fresh resolve, Liev called out to Irina as brightly as he could.

"Well, I"m famished, we should go and eat as soon as possible."

"Alright."

Although Liev had readied himself for an objection, Irina was unexpectedly meek and accepted; she put on her earm.u.f.fs and regulatory hat that she had set aside along the coffin.

She concealed her pointed ears, appearing even more so as a human.

"Anja, are you coming with us?"

Anja shook her head towards Liev"s invitation.

"I have something else to do. Please return after you"re finished eating. Irinyan will probably be tired after moving from Sungrad. By the way Liev, you should start going to sleep at 9:00 in the morning and getting up at 17:00, meaning that you"ll be reversing your days and nights, so make sure to have a good rest and take care of yourself after eating. Now then, be careful and see you later!"

Anja cheerfully sent them off, leaving her behind at the cells.

✦✦✦

✦✦✦

Footnotes:
1. TL: The Orthodox Calendar was once primarily used by the Russians, mainly before the Bolshevik Revolution succeeded. Afterward, Lenin declared the usage of the Gregorian Calendar, the calendar in which most, if not all, western countries use today.
2. TL: The Zilant, in basic, is a symbol of Kazan, a region in eastern Russia, west of the Ural Mountains, and it"s a dragon-like creature. For more info: TL: Actually, we managed to find a map of eastern Europe in this story, and found that "Lilith" Referred to the Baltic region, specifically Estonia and Latvia, maybe even Lithuania.