Vampires were, without question, an impressive race.
They possessed extraordinary agility that made them blur across battlefields, frightening regenerative abilities that could heal wounds in seconds, the power to shift into bats for reconnaissance and escape, superior physical strength that let them crush stone with their bare hands, and an exceptionally high affinity with dark and blood magic that most mages spent lifetimes trying to achieve.
On paper, they were almost perfect specimens of evolution. Of course, there were even more advantages beyond that lengthy list, but power never came without a price tag attached.
Bloodlust was the most obvious issue. Without a steady supply of blood, vampires would slowly lose control of their rational minds, slipping into madness and frenzy until they became nothing more than mindless predators.
Sunlight was also lethal in the extreme, turning even the strongest among them into ash if they were careless enough to step outside during the day. On top of that, there was the constant harassment from monster hunters, inquisitors, and churches that seemed to exist solely to make their lives miserable with silver weapons and holy water.
'Annoying.'
Werewolves, on the other hand, offered a different kind of strength.
They granted an extremely high constitution that could withstand tremendous amounts of punishment, tremendous physical power that exceeded even vampires in raw output, and explosive speed that made them deadly in close combat, along with the ability to shapeshift into something far more dangerous under the cover of night.
Their bodies were resilient enough to shrug off injuries that would kill normal humans. Their instincts were sharp enough to detect danger before it arrived. Their combat potential was undeniable in any direct confrontation.
However, like vampires, they came with glaring flaws.
Loss of control was always a risk, especially during transformations when the beast took over, and once every full moon, even the most disciplined werewolves would completely lose themselves no matter how strong their will was or how much training they had undergone.
And, naturally, monster hunters were just as eager to hunt them down for sport and profit.
'Also, both races share the same critical weakness.'
Klaus thought while rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Silver.
Just as demons were vulnerable to light magic, every race in existence carried some inherent flaw built into their biology. Power demanded balance, and balance demanded weakness.
'Such a pity.'
'This human could benefit greatly from the transformation.'
Klaus admitted to himself, his gaze drifting briefly toward Kaizen's exhausted form.
'But with a mind this fragile and a soul this pure and untainted, I do not believe he would survive the trials of rebirth.'
Klaus exhaled softly.
'What a shame.'
Klaus remained lost in thought for a long while, genuinely and seriously considering the possibility of turning this weak and fragile human into a higher race that could actually survive in this dangerous world.
The idea was tempting. Very tempting in ways that surprised even himself. However, logic eventually prevailed over sentiment, and he dismissed it for now.
He did not know this human well enough yet to make such a permanent decision, and more importantly, this was neither the right time nor the right situation to make such a drastic choice that could have unforeseen consequences.
'For now, it is better to observe him closely.' Klaus decided calmly. 'Learn how he thinks. Learn how he survives despite all odds.'
His gaze drifted briefly toward Kaizen.
'If he can aid me in my cause, then I shall make him my subordinate. After all, he does possess something unusual.'
Something strange. Something inconsistent with his supposed weakness.
Klaus turned away silently and looked toward the rune magic book lying on his desk, the same book that the human had somehow deciphered with disturbing ease despite having no formal training. That alone was enough to make him deeply suspicious.
Perhaps turning this human into his subordinate was the correct first step.
Perhaps through him, Klaus could finally understand the deeper secrets of this universe that eluded even the greatest scholars.
'And perhaps,' Klaus thought, his lips curving ever so slightly into something that might have been a smile, ;I could also learn "that" magic.'
The magic that rules above all others!
The magic that will grant him the ability to lead all of the race into a peaceful era!
For a brief moment, Klaus's crimson eye glowed ominously in the darkness.
Thankfully, he had already turned away, because if Kaizen had seen that glow, he would have lost consciousness on the spot from pure terror.
"Phew."
Kaizen let out a long, shaky sigh and wiped a thick layer of cold sweat from his forehead with his sleeve.
He was extremely relieved that the monster appeared to have lost interest in whatever murderous thoughts he was having and returned to his research, which Kaizen mentally categorized as "advanced techniques for making human soup."
That had been absolutely terrifying.
The Demon King Candidate was definitely plotting something. Kaizen could feel it in his bones and in his soul.
'I don't know what it is.'
He thought nervously while keeping one eye on Klaus.
'But I am absolutely sure he is planning to do something to me eventually.'
'I need to prepare for the worst and I ned to be vigilant for the next few days at least!'
Swallowing hard, Kaizen glanced at his trusty pan sticking out of his bag, the dirty handle peeking out like a promise of emotional support and violence.
He quickly looked back at Klaus to make sure he was still distracted by his book, then quietly bent down and pulled the bag closer without making any noise.
Without making a sound, he began rummaging through it.
'Where is it?'
His hand hit something solid and annoyingly flashy.
"Tch."
He pulled out the useless, overdesigned torch shaped like a katana and tossed it into a corner without mercy or ceremony.
Stupid thing. All flash, no substance whatsoever. Complete waste of effort and mountain climbing.
At least this whole nightmare had not been a total loss. He had earned some money, acquired the Rusty Pan of Doom, and picked up one more extremely valuable thing.
His fingers finally closed around it.
'This.'
Kaizen carefully pulled out a small white pebble from the depths of the bag.
The Sun Spirit Stone.
'I am definitely going to build a pendant with this stone.'
Kaizen decided firmly in his heart while staring at the small white pebble glowing faintly in his hand.
'I cannot take any risks anymore. Not with demons. Not with holy light requirements. Not with anything.'
He carefully slipped the stone back into his pocket and discreetly glanced toward the hulking back of the Demon King Candidate, only to immediately look away again before Klaus could sense his gaze and turn around.
Staring at demons for too long felt like a great way to get eaten or spiritually dissected for research purposes.
At the same time, without even turning around from his book, Klaus spoke in a casual tone that somehow still sounded vaguely aristocratic.
"That peculiar boy of questionable intelligence came to this chamber seeking your presence."