Itogami Island, a unique artificial island in this world, was essentially a "Demon Special Zone" with an independent political system.
The purpose of this zone was to protect Demon-kind who had been driven nearly to extinction by natural disasters and wars with humans, giving them public recognition and sanctuary.
The island had a population of about 560,000, with a large percentage being demons.
One of the four artificial islands that made up Itogami Island, the Western Island, was a city that never slept. Filled with restaurants and commercial facilities, many businesses operated into the early morning.
Most demons preferred the night, so this district, populated by them, catered well to their needs. In a way, this dazzling nightscape was a symbol of peaceful coexistence between humans and demons.
But in truth, no matter what, light and dark always coexist.
Even the brightest world has stains, and even the darkest has glimmers of light.
"Hehe… What a cute little girl. Want to hang out with us?"
"Yeah yeah… Looks like a newcomer?"
"We just got paid. We're rich tonight!"
At some point, Remilia had been surrounded by a group of men.
Holding her forehead, her face showed pure exasperation.
She'd heard the nightlife here was exciting, so she had asked Ren to bring her and Flandre along.
Since vampires were naturally nocturnal, she had planned to make up for the morning's missed fun at night. Who would've guessed…
The moment Ren stepped away with Flandre, she got approached.
"Isn't that witch from the security team? Scumbags like this should get their legs broken and thrown in a cell!"
She muttered under her breath, instantly riling up the group.
They didn't catch all of what she said, but the latter half was clear enough to piss them off.
Remilia turned her head coldly. Her crimson eyes startled them for a moment.
Before they could react, a burst of magical power from her body sent them flying.
"This brat… she's a vampire?"
Getting up, their faces twisted in rage. The nature of demons began to surface—blood-red eyes, sharp fangs.
Remilia's expression didn't change. Her gaze was cool and analytical.
She hadn't interacted much with this world's demons before. Most of what she knew came from secondhand explanation.
"Those guys are vampires, right? That means they've got those summoned beasts?"
These summoned beasts, said to be called forth through massive rituals from another world, were magical constructs of immense power. Essentially, familiars tamed in the blood of vampires.
Remilia was familiar with familiars—but beasts living in blood? Now that was interesting.
"A proud vampire with immense physical strength… turned into a summoner? Did vampires these days misplace all their skill points?"
She couldn't help but mutter sarcastically.
Before she could say more, the vampires started yelling.
Remilia rubbed her ears. Names like "Blue Wolf" and "Blazing Hoof" likely belonged to their beasts.
Soon after, something spewed out—possibly blood?
What she sensed was a surge of terrifying magic, momentarily out of control, but quickly stabilized and formed into solid shapes.
A blue wolf. A fiery horse. A pitch-black tiger...
The magic morphed into these forms, filled with savage hunger.
"So these are the so-called summoned beasts?"
This was her first time seeing such creatures. Remilia's curiosity was piqued.
They really were fascinating. If she could command beasts like these, she might increase her power significantly.
She was already strong in close combat—able to suppress even Toyohime of the Moon. And with her blood, she also knew plenty of magic. Don't forget, her household had the Patchouli, and a massive underground library. It would be strange if she hadn't learned anything.
Really, her only flaw was being too short and physically underdeveloped.
(Well… that didn't count…)
"Need help?"
A sudden voice entered Remilia's ears, though the vampires didn't hear it.
She wasn't worried. Smiling faintly, she replied:
"These weak vampires are just good for a little warm-up."
The contempt in her words enraged them instantly.
"Kill her!" With that roar, their beasts charged at her in distorted forms.
As they rushed in, the very air rippled from their magical pressure.
Remilia didn't move. She merely raised her right hand.
Seeing this, the vampires scoffed.
These beasts were dense, conscious magical constructs—practically pure magic. To stop a released beast, you'd need even stronger magic.
Exactly—even stronger magic.
Boom!
A crimson radiance appeared in Remilia's hand. With one sweeping strike, it slashed through the beasts.
In an instant, their magical forms were shattered.
The severed beasts howled in pain, writhing and destabilizing before vanishing completely.
"No way! She destroyed our beasts just like that?!"
"This can't be real!"
"You've gotta be kidding…"
Seeing that these vampires had no combat ability once their beasts were gone, Remilia lost all interest.
"These are supposed to be vampires?"
She vanished into the darkness.
On the other side, through the shadows, Ren and Flandre appeared.
Flandre held a lollipop, eyes gleaming with mischief. Seeing this, Remilia wrinkled her nose.
"You want one?"
"Tch. I'm an adult. Why would I like candy—"
"Oh, then I'll just give all of these to Flandre!"
"Yay! If big sis doesn't want them, they're all mine!"
"W-Wait! If you bought them for me, then they're mine!"
And thus Remilia demonstrated the true meaning of "tsundere."
Seeing the bags in Ren's hands, she raised an eyebrow.
"What did you buy?"
"None of your business. I've got plans for it."
"Oh…"
If he wouldn't say, she didn't care.
After Remilia left, the vampires who had stayed behind began to panic and tried to flee—only to hear a voice.
"Who gave you permission to leave? You dare release beasts here…"
The tiny figure appeared in their vision.
All at once, the vampires turned pale and collapsed in terror.
—Natsuki Minamiya!
Among the demons, she was known as a demon killer—someone this group absolutely did not dare provoke.
With a cold snort, Natsuki looked at the collapsed group on the ground and said nothing more. She simply cast a casual glance toward the direction Remilia had left.
She had seen them summoning their familiars just moments ago. Originally, she had intended to stop them, but upon seeing Remilia step in, she hesitated. She decided to observe Remilia's strength and only intervene afterward to arrest them.
After all, Remilia had previously been restrained by her chains and couldn't fight properly. It was only reasonable to try and understand her full capabilities. However—
"As expected, if the little sister is this hard to handle, the big sister won't be any easier."
Muttering to herself, Natsuki began to ponder.
Should she find an opportunity to capture Remilia and make her a tool?
She did seem like someone easy to coax…