*Zzzzzz~*
"How warm..."
"Hmm?" I turned to my side where "Yue" sat with a blanket wrapped around her. We were sitting around a camp fire while grilling some rabbit and bear meat.
As expected of the vampire princess, she's drop dead gorgeous, if she were compared to models in my world, she would definitely be a solid 10/10 though judging from the memories I inherited from "Hajime", his world and Tortus has higher amount of attractive people on average. I wonder why, maybe because it's a world based on anime or was it the reverse?
"Wow..."
I smiled a little seeing "Yue" staring intently at the grilling meat and was practically drooling like those seen in animes when characters sees delicious meat. Maybe this world has some goofy aspects like the animes, most likely the case since it's bound to have different laws from my world.
"Ahem, let me formally introduce myself." I coughed softly which startled her. "I'm Cain, nice to meet you. And you are? Actually, how about telling me about yourself first. How did you get trapped there?"
Let me hear you story personally and maybe I can find if there's some differences between what I know.
....
"Um..."
Cain, so that's his name. I finally knew his name, the name of my savior. In the old tongue dating back to the age of mythology, that name means "True Blood". I think it's a very fitting name for him with his dazzling crimson mana. Cain was also the name of the progenitor of all vampires if the records are to be believed.
No, don't get distracted, he asked you a question – me. Should I tell her my old name? No...I should forget my past and live in the present.
"I...was once known as the strongest of the vampire race..."
I told him my story, like how I awakened my regeneration and ability to manipulate mana at 12. And when I was 17 years old, I was already the strongest magic caster and the queen.
"However, due to my strength, I was betrayed by those I trusted...I was attacked by none other than my uncle, I only survived because of my regeneration. I passed out after the initial attack and when I woke up, I already found myself in this place."
What Will he think? Will he fear the immortal vampire now that he know my story? I could simply lie if I wanted to but I deemed that to be an insult to my savior even if he will come to fear me after.
However, contrary to my expectations, he didn't bat an eye to my story. No, it would be more appropriate to say that he wasn't affected not that he disregarded it completely. He then smiled with glee akin to a child that was curious of something.
Ahhh, I can't take anymore of this, please calm down – my heart!
"So what's your name?"
"I...I don't have one. Please give me a name, Cain."
I want to completely forget of the past. I want to leave it all behind. Abandoning my name was the first step. But I wonder if I was burdening him by asking for a name. He already saved me but here I am wishing for more. Am I too greedy? But...I really want him to give me a new name.
"Hmm..."
He appears to be in deep thought. I waited in anticipation on what he will say next. And I didn't have to wait for long as he opened his mouth to reply.
"... Elizabeth or Liz for short. The name symbolizes faithfulness and commitment. I think it suits you."
"Th-thank you, Cain."
Ahhh, I think I need some healing. My heart can't keep up with this. Stop beating so fast, my heart or my regeneration can't keep up with it. Luckily, my face remained frozen due to the long time I spent expressionless. If it wasn't for that, my mouth would have formed a wide grin.
Just then, the ground shook and I heard footsteps rapidly approaching. I turned around to see what it was and then saw a group of monsters rushing towards us, probably around 10 by basic estimate.
"Ho? This is the first time I see this. Didn't think they could form a group to swarm."
I turn around to see Cain grinning widely in response to seeing the monster swarm. I then saw him spreading his arms wide and his crimson mana went wild. I blinked once and then saw the monsters already impaled in spikes with blood dripping.
"Am I becoming Vlad the Impaler in this place?"
He muttered before chuckling to himself. I felt shivers run down my body. I think I finally knows why I survived to this day. I've finally found the answer to my question. Why have I suffered for so long in despair.
I'm sure of it now, it's to meet him in this abyss. I can't tell that outlouf though, it sounds cliche. Instead, I'll just scream it in my mind as loud as I can: This meeting was destiny–!
....
After hearing her, I found out nothing too different from what I know. I guess that's for the best for now. The future is bound to change since I am here.
"Oh, it's finally done."
I sat down and grabbed one skewer before handing it to Liz.
"Here"
"Thank you"
I also grabbed one for me and we started eating. I'm not finally alone in this hellhole. With Liz with me, clearing this labyrinth will be smoother.
As for why I changed her name. Well...it's not like I didn't like Yue as name. It's just that I am different from "Hajime", I am not him. Giving the same name as what Hajime would have given would be quite disrespectful of me, hard to explain in words but that's what I felt. Like, it wouldn't have the same weight as the name didn't come from me, instead from "Hajime".
Anyway, I shouldn't dwell in too much with complicated thoughts, I'm not a smart guy and I prefer chilling when I can. Besides, it's better to enjoy myself despite being in this situation.
....
A week later, Liz and I progressed through the floors quite fast. During the past week, I made her clothes using transmutation and also taught her ways in manipulating mana. It's not that she doesn't handle mana well, it's just crude in my view.
I taught her the most efficient mana circulation path by analyzing her internal structure. And I taught her my magic combat style too. She's now my companion so I better make her stronger since I can.
You'd think it's kinda stupid to recklessly teach my trump cards to others but to survive in this labyrinth, being alone probably won't cut it.
Despite my skills being powerful, I doubt I can really clear this place alone. There's just many variables to take into account. Even eating monster meat doesn't give as much stats anymore like it used to.
Now here we are again, grilling some meat and also cooking soup. I created some cooking stuff and stored them in my spatial storage. When Liz saw my storage, she was quite surprised but didn't asked further questions.
"...So your goal after leaving this labyrinth is to go home?"
"Yes, I was brought here by chance due to that summoning ritual they did. But no matter what happens, my only goal is to go back home."
Transported into another world might be the dream of many but I was content with my life back home. Not to mention, I have my parents as well, who would take care of them later if I wasn't there.
"I see..." I saw sadness in her eyes. "Lucky for you, as for me, I...don't have a home to return to."
I saw her downcast. No surprise there.
"Why don't you come with me then." I don't know why I blurted that out but maybe it's because I can't stand seeing her downcast.
"Eh...?"
She seems surprised by what I said.
"I mean, coming back to my world. What do you think?"
Although I say this, I'm not quite sure of it myself if I can even bring back someone with me or if I can even go back altogether. Its hard not to think that way despite being hopeful since I don't have an idea of how far my home universe is from here.
"Okay!"
"Guess that settles it then." I smiled and starts to serve our meal. Well, that's one thing out of the way now. For now, we should enjoy the warm meal we have.