Although they both looked human I knew Better than to assume someone's race off of looks alone. Although faint they both gave off an aura of dominance.

“Thank you for aiding our siblings. My name is Juliana, and this is my sister Meagan. I'm honestly sorry to say, we have no money to repay you for your deeds. All we can give you is our gratitude”

Of the two women she was the shorter one, waves of raven dark hair ending with loose curls crowned her head.

Her eyes although glowed a honey brown, the black of her eyes gave nothing away. Such rich dark skin, it's hard to say if I've ever seen anyone with such an even tone.

She couldn't be more than 16 or 17 years old, standing at about 5’8” just a bit shorter than my previous self.

Her sister Meagan on the other hand had brunette hair with hints of gold and yellow, her skin was a soft caramel color. Her age seemed not far off from her sisters but she looked close to 6’ tall.

Looking at the kids there had to be close to two dozen of them maybe more and they're referring to each other as siblings. Some of the children have wings, and scales, while others are absent of unique characteristics.

Juliana followed my gaze, with a light nod like she knew what I was thinking and continued on.

“Although all of us are not related by blood, many of us have similar circumstances of not having any parents.

We've stuck together through hard times and help each other survive.”

Oh.. that's close to what I had already been thinking.

“there's no need to explain, and I didn't help looking to receive a reward.

If you're truly grateful I would appreciate some help finding a place I can sell [Horned Rabbits] to and an inn with decent food that's not to pricy.

I'm willing to give you and your family one for the help.”

Meagan looked shocked at my retort but quickly hid her expression again within moments.

Juliana on the other hand didn't even flinch at my statement.

“Mmm I don't think that will be a problem at all. Although the area isn't the best it meets all your requirements.”

“Thank you I don't mind the area it's only temporary until I find something more stable.”

*****

Walking at a moderate pace and it still took more than an hour to enter the east district. Eventually Meagan and the kids all disappeared into one alley or another taking the still recovering children with them.

Before Bert, the boy who stepped forth to give aid by using his healing magick, disappeared into the alley with the others, he gave me a strong look as if memorizing my face.

All that was left was me and Juliana as we silently walked further into the city. The entire way she would nod as if in deep thought. The first stop was to show me the location of the inn, a three minute walk further down lead to a butcher that would buy the rabbit meat.

“Oh great this is really helpful I appreciate you taking the time out to guide me.”

I made a grasping motion with my hand and out of thin air the bunnies corpse appeared.

“Here is my promise to you, please keep in mind it hasn't been bled yet. But it's freshly caught today!”

Juliana took hold of the 20+lbs rabbit being sure to tightly holding it close to her body. It was honestly a bit comedic seeing such tiny arms holding the large rabbit.

This time I definitely seen a smile and a bit of what seemed like a twinkle in her eyes. leaving behind only a few words of thanks she disappeared like a mirage into the crowd of people.

“hmm what an interesting group of kids..”

Putting the incident out of my head I walked into the butcher's shop. A bell above the door rang out sending notice that a patrons arrived.

The first thing I noticed was the deep smell of blood, unlike in my previous life it didn't smell very metallic but instead had an alluring sweet edge to it.

"This body truly craves blood on a fundamental level. I'm a living being with a beating heart so it's not like I need the blood to sustain my life, its just a nagging craving that can't be satiated. It doesn't help that on top of being half vampire I also have blood fiend leopard in me.

With high mind and wisdom stats I'm able to curb my bestial instincts, it was just my lack of foresight that didn't take into consideration how deep this rabbit hole goes.

Thankfully I don't seem to be having any adverse reactions from the demon blood, and the human blood if there's any at all doesn't seem aggressive either.

This world doesn't feel augmented or synthetic, this body feels 100% natural and mine.

When I drew up my character outline I wanted strength and versatility, I'm not sure if this bloodlust is going to be a hindrance though. Staying well fed is a must!

Since most mage class don't tend to focus to much on strength having a racial advantage was how I thought to overcome my obvious weakness.

It will be much more useful in the beginning stages while I'm still training to learn more powerful skills and spells.

Hehehe and hey who doesn't want the strength to lift cars effortlessly?"

Hearing a few grunts and footsteps drew me out of my thoughts.

From behind the counter coming through a door about three men wide and two men tall, a husky bear beastman squeezed through the frame.

No shorter than 6’5” with an aura stained in blood the pressure coming off of him was like standing under a mountain you couldn't see the top of.

Reaching the counter and giving the shop a quick look he shrugged and moved to head towards the back again.

Not wanting to miss this chance I shouted out!

“hey mister! Down here!”

With a pause the bear beastman turned back towards the entrance, finally looking down he spotted me. With a chuckle he moved back to the counter.

“I'm sorry kid, all the blood blocks up my nose. How can I help you today?”

Oh? What a light hearted guy, completely different from his presences!

“yes I'm sorry to barge in so suddenly..”

I waved my hand and a single [Horned Rabbit] appeared.

The butcher raised his eyebrows and started looking the corps over, he gave the fur a sniff, rubbed the horn then looked back at me.

“mm you have an interesting kill here. As long as there's no poison in this I'll give you 1 silver and 50 coppers for it. Deal?”

I'm not actually sure if that's a good price but I just need something to get me through tonight.

Thinking it over I pulled out 2 more for a total of 3 rabbits.

“If you buy these at the same price we definitely Have a deal!”

He seemed surprised that I had more tucked away but with a smile he gave a node, tossed me a small coin pouch, and turned with the rabbits in his hand.

As I was turning to make my exit as well he said a last remark.

“I'm Nolan, if you have anymore game with such quality in the future come see me first hehehe”

And with that perverted laugh he disappeared into the back.

*****

Retracing our steps I was making my way back towards the inn Juliana picked out for me, along the way I took note of the few other shops that I might need to visit in the future.

When I spotted my inn I continued on past it without blinking. While walking the crowed I could feel a few gazes watching me as I stumbled along like a country bumpkin.

After a few turns I found a deserted alley with a dead end.

“Alright come out!?”

Slowly filing into the passage one by one 7 men with bulging muscles blocked the only exit. Entering the alley last, the seventh man slowly walked his way to the front of the group.

“hahaha smart kid, this is much better than having to drag you out of your bed in the middle of the night.

You've offended someone you shouldn't have. Our client was clear on their instructions so after beating you to near death we'll be taking one of your arms as payment for your offense.

The question is do you want to keep the right? Or should we leave you with the left? Hahaha get'em boys!”

With the snap of his greasy fat fingers the six other men launched themselves at me willingly.

I gave a mocking laugh. I figured my actions early would cause a snowball affect but who would have guessed that shiny bling bling bastard already sent someone to 'take care of me'

“Haha what luck I can try out a few of my spells and skills, Thank you for delivering yourselves to me.”

Before my words ended they all ran into an invisible wall.

“what the hell is this!?”

One of the thugs shouted. They all started to punch and kick the barrier wall in an attempt to break free.

The leader of the group clearly frustrated tried to walk out of the alley only to find that side was sealed off too.

I waved my hand and a black fog veiled the inside of the alley from the street. Although the sounds could still be heard no one would be able to see a thing.

“Boy you best not do anything reckless! Do you know who we have backing us in this city? If you keep offending priest Nottingham you're sure to regret it!”

I threw my head back laughing as I approached the outside of the barrier.

“right now this is simply an isolation barrier, it keeps you in but also keeps me out. But I've been wondering how many magick's I can use in tandem.

This will also be great to test the local strength in this city, hahaha I wonder if you are of quality or are you all just pawns. Let's find out shall we?

Hehehe this is a great learning opportunity for me uncle. Isn't it the older generation's job to educate the young?”

Placing my hand on the barrier I poured 100 MP into reinforcing it, I want to be sure I can focus solely on the experiment.

With a smirk I used my [Enchant] skill on the barrier and infused the spell [Leech Life] from the [Necro Arcana] system. Being careful not to be forceful I could feel the spell formations overlapping each other.

*Ding*

[Minor Arcana lvl has increased to lvl 2]

[Necro Arcana lvl has increased to lvl 2]

“Hahaha it worked!! Doesn't this mean my options for spells have increased exponentially??

Oh this is grand! But I'm not finished yet!”