Licoris (1)
The current perception of vampires in Korea was not so bad compared to the past.
It was because the various policies that had begun since Heinz started his full-fledged rule were finally bearing fruit.
Thanks to their influence, which was as if they had seized control of the entire underworld, the streets at night had become safer, and the frequency of terror attacks by villains that used to erupt constantly had markedly decreased.
Since it was to a degree that could be clearly felt, the citizens were well aware of who was responsible for this peace.
‘Besides, the Blood Alliance didn't just do vigilante activities.’
Various measures selected to naturally assimilate into society.
One of them was providing sufficient money to those in urgent need of funds in exchange for blood sucking.
It was a lifeline cast down to those driven to the brink, while at the same time digging directly into the daily lives of citizens.
‘Of course, if you have blood sucked through vampire feeding, your stamina will be weakened for a while, so it's not a method that can be used often.’
Still, it was a far better choice than falling into the abyss of life while using high-interest private loans.
The fact that the procedure was done in a hospital-like atmosphere rather than a gloomy back room to build a clean image and trust also greatly helped reduce aversion.
"Being able to step out into the light like this is all thanks to the Lord. If it weren't for the Lord, we'd still be hiding and watching the Guardians' and the Awakened Management Bureau's moods."
The existence of ‘Phantom,’ who had conquered the European underworld single-handedly and risen to the ranks of the undisputed strongest, was enough to act as a brake on those who tried to check the Blood Alliance.
On top of that, the bribery offensive through Howard Industries and the active relief efforts during the Seoul terror incident, which played a major role in restoring order...
‘After going that far, public perception of us couldn't help but change.’
Unlike the past, when they were treated as flagrant offenders and caught on sight, it wasn't so strange that a tendency had emerged to first watch them as if they were reformed criminals.
Of course, it couldn't be helped that they were always watching like hawks to sanction them immediately if they pulled any tricks.
‘On the other hand, overseas perception...’
Perhaps it was to be expected, but because they hadn't seen direct benefits, it was still not very good.
To the point that they even raised conspiracy theories, claiming that the Blood Alliance's actions in Korea were undoubtedly hiding some ulterior motive.
That was a fact one could know just by recalling the foreign press that had come out after Phantom's trip to Europe.
Most of them were titles based on a negative tone.
Of course, there weren't no commentaries looking at it from a neutral perspective, but by ratio, those pouring out scathing criticism were far more numerous.
The agenda to debut good-looking vampires in the Korean entertainment industry, which had less of a negative image, and foster a sense of intimacy had started from there.
‘It certainly isn't a bad idea.’
If vampires, who had until now been regarded only as objects of fear, appeared on TV dancing and singing, and appeared on variety shows appealing that they were ‘just slightly different humans,’ wouldn't it help improve their image?
And that perception would naturally seep throughout the world via the internet and other media.
There would be no shortage of obstacles to overcome in that process, but even if they failed midway, it was a plan with nothing particularly to lose.
‘...But is the Blood Alliance really okay like this?’
For an underworld organization to stretch its legs into global magic tool trade and even the entertainment industry.
Never had there been such a sprawling expansion.
"Yes, I've delegated full authority on that matter to you, so do as you wish. So, how is the work progressing?"
Anyway, since he had permitted it, he intended to watch how it progressed until the end.
Perhaps he could even use this to absorb vampires from other countries.
"This is a big challenge for us too. After all, buttoning the first button properly is the most important thing."
Even if it was better than other countries, that was only relative.
Since there were still quite a few people with negative perceptions, it was important to aim for mass appeal with a strong impact from the very beginning if possible.
"And above all else—when you talk about mass appeal, isn't it a girl group?!"
Jin Soran shouted confidently, her eyes wide and gleaming with passion.
Fighting spirit overflowed from her entire body filled with conviction.
"Hmm, a girl group."
Heinz nodded, stroking his chin.
Of course, it was an assertion packed with the personal opinions of a former idol trainee, but it was certainly somewhat persuasive.
"Right now, we've selected members through a strict screening process, gone through harsh training, and even finished the final recording. I'm sure the Lord will be satisfied too."
Jin Soran spoke proudly, her shoulders spread wide.
It was said that she had personally checked various factors meticulously in selecting the members.
She had strictly examined the appearances, talent, eloquence, singing ability, and sense of volunteers who wanted to step into the light and receive attention, selecting a total of five members.
"Mental fortitude was also important. After all, in the early days, they would inevitably receive a lot of hate, and the probability of failure was not low."
Distinctive and charming appearances were the absolute basics.
Steel-like stamina using regenerative abilities, dance execution close to acrobatics that transcended human limits, and even explosive vocal capacity that would shred vocal cords in real time.
Jin Soran snorted, proudly declaring that an unprecedented, ultimate idol would be born.
"Hoo? Since you're speaking so highly of it, I'm looking forward to it."
There were some Awakened who had entered the entertainment industry, but vampires were a species inherently specialized in bewitching others.
If such beings set their minds to displaying their talent, who could possibly stand against them?
Even while he was admiring the thought, her words continued.
"We still have covers and music video production and promotions left, so there's a lot to do, but if we mobilize the full power of the Blood Alliance, it won't take too long. Oh! Would you like to meet our kids directly? They should all be practicing in the practice room around now."
Jin Soran looked more full of life than ever.
At that sight, Heinz made a strange expression.
She had always been energetic, but he had never seen her so excited before.
Without realizing it, he let out a remark.
"Don't you have any thoughts of debuting yourself? I heard interest in you had grown since the Howard Industries showcase after all."
"Huh? Me?"
At those words, she blinked her eyes several times.
Then, as if she had never thought about it, she rolled her eyes here and there and put on an awkward smile.
"...Hmm, I'm not particularly inclined to. Maybe if it were in the past, but I'm satisfied with my current life now."
Jin Soran spoke nonchalantly, shrugging her shoulders.
Indeed, there wasn't even a hint of lingering attachment in her attitude.
"Besides, I already have a lot of work, so if I had to juggle idol activities on top of that... I might really die from overwork?"
She pouted and grumbled, but of course, she was just saying that.
Rest didn't mean much to her, who had risen to Level 8 after continuously receiving ‘Refined Blood Essence’ from Heinz, a True Blood vampire.
Of course, it was inevitable that her working hours would decrease if she had to juggle another job.
"I do internet broadcasts occasionally even now. I think that level is just right for me."
Jin Soran smiled slyly, adding that above all, it would be meaningful to see the idols she had raised with her own hands standing at the top.
‘Well, if that's what she thinks.’
It wasn't something Heinz would regret either.
If the deputy leader he had painstakingly raised became unable to perform her duties properly due to idol life, he would be troubled too.
"Yes, then let's go see the members first. Come to think of it, have you decided on the group name already?"
"Ah! There just so happened to be something that fit perfectly."
Jin Soran, taking the lead to guide him to the agency building where the practice room was, tapped on her smartphone as she exited the office.
And she brought up a picture of a bright red flower on the screen and held it out to him.
A red flower with a strange impression: wrinkled petals curling back at the end of a long stem, with long stamens stretching upward.
"Licoris! Doesn't it sound good?"
***
Licoris (Lycoris).
It was a name taken from the scientific name of seoksan (Lycoris radiata), the flower also called kkotmureut and pyeonhwa.
The red spider lily was famous for having negative images like ‘sad memories’ and ‘death,’ but it was also a flower that held positive meanings such as ‘passion’ and ‘reincarnation.’
‘...It's similar to our current position, isn't it? Having a negative image embedded in us, and struggling desperately to wash it away and be reborn anew.’
Nahui swallowed hard, having been selected as a member of that Licoris after breaking through fierce competition.
She had just finished showcasing her dance and song together with the members.
Before Jin Soran, who had suddenly burst into the practice room... and Heinz, the great Lord and sovereign of all vampires, who had followed her in!
‘Ah, I feel like I'm going to suffocate. Did I do it properly? His expression doesn't look good at all. ...Did I make a mistake! What is it? What doesn't he like?’
While the five female vampires including her were stiffly frozen.
Heinz, watching them with his arms crossed, gave Jin Soran a slight nod with a stiff face.
Then without a word, he turned and strode out of the practice room.
Leaving only them still frozen stiff!
‘Uwaaah! That's totally an "out" no matter how you look at it!’
All kinds of thoughts swirled in Nahui's mind as she squeezed her eyes shut.
This wasn't the first time she had seen Heinz.
No, thinking about it, as a low-ranking vampire, she had faced him surprisingly often.
Not long ago, she had worked as an office assistant at Heterosis's office, and going back much further, she was the moderate vampire who had faced him right after Jin Soran.
Based on her experience, that reaction definitely meant something was displeasing.
‘Ugh, I practiced really hard so I wouldn't be a burden to Unni.’
The other members were the same, but she too had immersed herself in practice without sleeping properly.
Because she didn't want to hear that perhaps Jin Soran had picked her due to connections.
Of course, there wouldn't be a fool who would badmouth the organization's number two without fear, but the very fact that such a perception could arise was unpleasant.
So she had wanted to proudly prove that she was chosen for her skills, not connections, but...
"Haa."
"Huu."
Along with her sigh, several breaths burst out simultaneously.
They were her colleagues who had been standing in a row, frozen stiff.
It seemed they were all thinking similar things.
They exchanged glances and smiled bitterly.
Intuiting that their upcoming debut would not be so easy.
***
Before watching the members' demonstration in the practice room, he had roughly heard the explanation from Jin Soran.
She had said it was a song they had paid a lot of money for to a famous composer who had produced several hit songs.
Moreover, the members' talents were all outstanding.
The rough and dynamic choreography that made one wonder if it was really possible live, and the superhuman lung capacity and beautiful tone were enough to make one instantly understand why Jin Soran had chosen them.
However, if there was one problem...
"...I don't like it."
It was far from enough to satisfy Harris, who had been sprawled in the shade of a tree as usual after a brief excursion.
‘The song and the singer's voice are completely playing separately, aren't they? A song that kills all the charm and individuality of the person singing and tries to shine alone by going berserk. That isn't a person singing a song; it's the song using the person as an instrument.’
The song itself was passable, but with his keen senses, he could immediately tell that the song had not been made with consideration for those five voices.
Rather than fitting the song to the people, the people were forcing themselves to fit an already-made song, which is why it turned out like that.
No emotion or philosophy could be contained in such a song.
‘They plan to debut with that?’
With such a song that reeks of mass-produced K-pop, rather than fully unleashing the charm the singers possess?
It was behavior utterly unacceptable for an elf, one who pursued perfect harmony not only with song and the self, but with the surrounding environment as well.
This was a matter of his pride.
“Harris! As expected, you’re here again toda—eep!”
Just then, Shapiron, who had been approaching with light, graceful steps while carrying a basket of snacks, opened her eyes wide as if she had seen something she should not have.
Then, covering her mouth with one hand, she let out a groan-like murmur.
“Ha... Harris has his eyes wide open...?”
Not half-closed in that languid, sleepy way as usual, but opened wide as if glaring at something.
His gaze was so intense that one could almost see the illusion of flames blazing within his star-shaped pupils.
Gulp—
She swallowed without realizing it.
Then, with her face slightly flushed, she kept stealing glances at him, engraving the sight deep into her mind.
After all, seeing him so full of passion was an exceedingly rare spectacle!
“Miss Shapiron.”
“Y-yes?!”
After remaining that way for a while, Harris sprang up from his seat.
Then, aiming a powerful gaze at her as she flustered at being called so suddenly, he opened his mouth in a grave tone.
“There’s something I need to do urgently. Could you help me for a moment?”
“...Yees.”
Taking along Shapiron, who answered in a dazed voice, he strode off with long steps.
Thinking of everything he had to do from here on, there was no time to delay.
‘It’s not as if this is someone else’s work. It’s the first debut song coming from under my command. I can’t let it be released in that state.’
Even with the current song, it might achieve satisfactory results within Korea.
Not only was Korea the home ground where the Blood Alliance had firmly taken root, but the song itself had been selected from the start as one that would sell in Korea.
But he could not be satisfied with merely that much.
‘No, I absolutely can’t be satisfied with that.’
He had already confirmed the singers’ abilities.
As expected, Jin Soran had a good eye; they possessed excellent potential.
So much so that, as long as they met a song that suited them, their charms could bloom fully at any time.
‘If I’m going to do it, I should do it properly. At this rate, when would I ever swallow up the Korean market and move overseas?’
There was no need to distinguish between the Korean market and the overseas market when targeting them.
A good song would shine anytime, anywhere.
If he could present a song that not only overturned all of their negative perceptions, but also drew out one hundred percent of their potential—
A song so overwhelmingly charming that they would not even be able to voice an objection.
‘If there isn’t one, I just have to make it.’
Harris’s rarely passionate pupils sparkled like starlight.
And so, after gathering all the friends he had ties with, including Shapiron, and throwing himself into the work, the moment he completed a song he could be satisfied with...
Was when a little over a day had passed by Auterica’s time.