Lunatic Entertainment. The name of the company the Blood Alliance established for this project. Although there were various requirements for establishing an entertainment company, it wasn't difficult for the Blood Alliance, with its power and resources.
Thanks to the unlimited funding, Lunatic Entertainment quickly became established. They were given an entire building with a cafe as their office, and talented individuals from the industry were scouted with hefty salaries.
"Hey, Park, did you hear? The 3rd Team Leader who quit recently moved to a new entertainment company…"
"Really? I was wondering why he quit when he was practically guaranteed an executive position. He went to a startup? Did they offer him the CEO position?"
"But that startup is no ordinary startup. They have astronomical funding, as if a major corporation is backing them. They're offering incredible salaries, not just to the 3rd Team Leader, but to all their employees."
"Even if the pay is good, to go to such an uncertain place…"
The news naturally attracted attention in the industry. Countless entertainment companies appeared and disappeared every year, but it was rare to see one aggressively expanding with such lavish spending. And Jin Sohan, the second-in-command of the Blood Alliance and the mastermind behind this project, wasn't just spending money.
'The future of our entire vampire race depends on this. I have Lord Heinz's approval; there's no reason to hesitate.'
She offered healing abilities and potions, rare and expensive mystical items, to those with sick family members, and used her power and connections to help those with grievances seek revenge. To ensure the loyalty of those involved and their dedication to this project.
Lycoris, an unprecedented idol group composed entirely of vampires, was the fruit of those efforts.
With all preparations complete and their debut just around the corner,
The preemptive press release, as expected, created a buzz.
-What? Idols? Who? Vampires?
-lol, no way. Not falling for it.
└No, it's real. Why would this be fake??
-Vampires are demons, aren't they? And they're openly debuting as idols?? This country is going crazy.
└I know, right. It's the end of the world. What are the Guardians and the government doing? Why aren't they arresting them?
As expected, the reactions weren't entirely positive. Although the image of vampires had improved somewhat, the deeply rooted prejudice against them was still strong, especially regarding the highly public position of entertainers. Complaints on online communities, harsh criticism and insults directed at those involved, were common. Fortunately, their efforts weren't completely in vain.
-Wow…; But they're all so gorgeous. I'm watching the MV teaser on repeat. I can't stop…
└I finally snapped out of it after blankly staring. Is this what it's like to be bewitched by a fox?
└Fox X Vampire O
└Not just their visuals, but the synergy with the song is amazing. The teaser music is short, but I'm hooked. I want to hear the full version.
-But think about it, is it really that bad for us? We don't interact with celebrities directly. Whether they're vampires or whatever, as long as they're good to look at, isn't it fine?
└True lol
Of course, there was some, very slight, manipulation of public opinion involved, but
It was true that not everyone was negative.
"Hee, like… like this one, too…"
Lee Na-hee, Lycoris's lead vocalist and adorable maknae, giggled as she scrolled through her smartphone, lying on the sofa in their dorm. Although there were more negative comments than positive ones, she simply reported them without much reaction.
'Well, I'm used to being criticized for being a vampire.'
The members of Lycoris were carefully selected talents. Mental fortitude was a significant factor in their evaluation, so she had the mental strength to handle this, despite her young age.
"Na-hee! Are you searching for us again? The company told us not to look at those!"
"Ah!"
Her smartphone was snatched from her hand along with a reprimanding voice. She reached for her phone, then gave up and slumped back on the sofa. As a level 4 vampire, unable to even sense her approach, there was no way she could get her phone back if the other person was determined to keep it.
Yoon Seol, Lycoris's main dancer, sexy leader, and a level 6 vampire, sighed, holding the confiscated phone.
'Constantly seeing these negative comments won't do any good. It might seem fine now, but such stimulating memories accumulate deep within the mind.'
And they would explode when one's mind was weakened. Yoon Seol, who knew this from experience, looked at the young maknae with concern. Like most newly debuting idols, the members of Lycoris weren't that old. Yoon Seol, the oldest, was only twenty-two. Na-hee, the youngest, was still in middle school, so their average age was late teens.
But there was a catch with 'age'…
'Three of us are returnees, so we have more experience than our registered age, but Na-hee is really just a child.'
Their age was based on their Earth age, not their actual experienced age. Another high school member, who became a vampire on Earth, was so diligent that she obediently avoided online comments as instructed by the company, but Na-hee, the youngest, couldn't resist her curiosity, which worried her.
'Should I just confiscate her phone… but it's a bit unfair to just target Na-hee… Ah! This is a good idea.'
A good idea suddenly came to Yoon Seol. She looked at the girl on the sofa and spoke slowly.
"If you keep doing this, I'll tell Director Ha. That you're not following company policy."
"Eek! Director Ha?"
"Yes, it's better to leave this phone with Director Ha. You can ask him for it when you need it."
Na-hee's face was filled with apprehension. It was understandable. Director Ha wasn't an ordinary person.
"Unnie! That's a bit…"
'Director Ha', who recently joined the Lycoris team. No one knew his real name. He was just Director Ha. Even the CEO of Lunatic Entertainment probably didn't know. He held a unique position. Unlike the other employees, who were busy day and night preparing for their debut, he didn't do anything. He just ate constantly and observed leisurely. But that only made him seem more special.
'Even for a parachute appointment, there's no way someone like that is an ordinary manager.'
A watchdog sent from above, or a high-ranking superhuman guarding against danger. That's what the employees of Lunatic Entertainment, including Lycoris, thought of Director Ha. Naturally, no one could treat him casually… …Also, his appearance and aura were intimidating.
"I'll let it slide this time. But if you do it again, I'll really do as I said."
"…Okay."
Na-hee nodded obediently at Yoon Seol's threat. She didn't want to get on the bad side of that scary man just to satisfy her curiosity. Yoon Seol smiled wryly as she watched Na-hee pout, getting her phone back. She was still a child, after all.
'For them to assign someone like that to us… it means they expect trouble when we debut.'
Although the members of Lycoris were stronger thanks to Lord Heinz's grace,
She sighed, remembering Director Ha, whose level was beyond her ability to gauge, even after reaching level 6. She hoped there wouldn't be any major incidents.
Time passed,
And the day of Lycoris's debut finally arrived.
"Hmm, it's finally beginning."
Harley, his hair slicked back, a masculine face, large sunglasses, and a tight-fitting black suit, slowly stroked his chin. He looked around the stage, moments before the debut showcase. Thanks to his efforts in stirring up the media, the crowd showed the public's interest in Lycoris.
'It's only natural.'
They were the world's first vampire idol group! Even those concerned about the danger couldn't resist their fatal allure. And entertainment reporters wouldn't miss such a buzzworthy story.
'Of course, not everyone here is a fan.'
Harley closed his eyes and enveloped the surroundings with his senses. All his senses, except sight, heightened.
'As expected. There are quite a few who aren't happy about this.'
He chuckled softly, sitting calmly in the VIP seats amidst the bustling crowd. But he didn't move. The vampires of the Blood Alliance, thoroughly prepared for this day, were discreetly and swiftly eliminating those acting suspiciously.
'They can't fall for such petty tricks, as the rulers of Korea's night.'
A middle-aged man loitering around the building with a bag containing a homemade bomb, a woman trying to sneak in using a press pass, a randomly selected audience member, a staff member hired for stage setup, even a venue employee. Those plotting something or being unknowingly used were apprehended.
'Are vampires that hated?'
Harley clicked his tongue, frowning. They weren't powerful, easily subdued before they could even act. It meant they were acting on their own, not under the direction of a powerful organization. To disrupt this momentous occasion.
'…Is it because of this?'
Hesperon, navigating the sea of information with 「Mechanical Eye: Calicas」, found something useful. A secret online community discovered while going through the internet history of those apprehended.
-Eternal death to the monsters who suck human blood.
-It seems it's time for me to meet my daughter. Thank you all. I'll take as many of these parasites with me as I can.
└Good luck.
└I'll be following soon.
A community of victims who lost family or friends to vampires. Those whose hearts were closed, viewing the Blood Alliance's actions with cynicism.
'…This is…'
The Blood Alliance's moderate stance was a recent change, implemented after Heinz took over. Until just a year ago, when the hardliners held sway, the vampires of the Blood Alliance were terrifying demons. What good would it do to tell the victims that they were different now?
'…There's nothing I can do about this right now.'
There was no way to reconcile with those consumed by hatred. Fortunately, their struggles were insignificant. It didn't matter how many Awakened were in that group. The Blood Alliance ruled Korea's night. Ordinary people couldn't disrupt an event they were so invested in.
'I'm here in case of Cheonbuhoe intervention.'
The showcase proceeded smoothly. Finally, it was time for the debut song.
"It's finally starting."
This was the most important part of the event. The moment to reveal 'Lycoris' to the public.
~♪
A beautiful melody filled the venue. A song composed by Harris, the High Elf from the Elven Kingdom, and his friends, who even played the instruments themselves. The ultimate 'harmony' within the music resonated deep within the hearts of the listeners.
"Hmm, this is…"
"Even the pre-released teaser was impressive, but…"
Their emotions were swept away by the beautiful melody, so sweet it made them question how it was recorded, a truly heavenly performance. Their consciousness focused on the stage. And the moment the enchanting, fatal vocals joined the stormy melody,
"…"
"…"
The reporters' fingers, busily typing, stopped. Those live-streaming on social media froze, their eyes glued to the stage. Those who had been watching with folded arms, filled with prejudice, relaxed. Was this what the sirens' song, luring sailors to their deaths, was like? The synergy of the elves' harmonious music and the vampires' enchanting voices was enough to captivate the Earthlings, who had no resistance to such mystical music.
And at the same time,
Lycoris's debut song, 'Amaryllis', was released online.
The response was explosive, as expected. Even those who had been skeptical were speechless. All indicators soared. Thanks to their popularity, Lycoris…
"Look, it's Lycoris! Amazing. They're even prettier in person."
"Shh! Idiot, shut up! Even the smallest one can tear you apart with her bare hands!"
"Gasp!"
They were at a broadcasting station, filming for a music show.
"…I won't."
Lee Na-hee, the smallest member, muttered, pouting at the fearful gazes. They thought they were whispering, but everyone heard them. The Lycoris members smiled awkwardly at the clear fear in their voices, as if they were looking at wild beasts out of their cages.
"Kuahaha! This is interesting! I'm at a broadcasting station! Oh? What's that? It looks interesting!"
Of course, Director Ha, always full of energy, didn't care.