Shizuku really wished she had all this common knowledge, especially when it came to her new race. She led Mei to a seat and sat down in the chair next to her. “These rankings, what are they for exactly?”

“Vampires are the only race to have a ranking system, and this ranking system is kind of an evolutionary trait. Those with higher rankings are much more powerful than those with a lower one.” Nora began.

“For instance, all Vampires start off as pawns. Pawns can not rank up until they have killed four knights to become a knight. This is the same for each ranking after as well. The rankings go as so.

“Pawn, Knight, Rook, Bishop, Queen, and lastly King. Each rank opens a new ability for the vampire as well. These I am not sure of, so I can’t give you any information on them. But I know as a King, you can change others into Vampires. There is even said to be a higher rank beyond King, but this is just a myth. But just know that a fight between a pawn and a knight is like trying to fight a dungeon boss. This was also why the church shunned them after using them. Vampires are the second strongest race in this world. Only the dragon race is able to beat them. But no one has seen them since they disappeared over two hundred years ago.” Shizuku learned a lot from this short explanation. One, she was a very powerful race who seemed to like to play chess. Two…. She was able to level up her powers by killing other vampires of a higher rank. And three dragons were all-powerful. 

“I need to befriend some dragons….” Shizuku muttered. 

Shizuku’s words were quiet, but Nora still heard them and giggled. “If you can befriend a dragon, then you would never need to worry. But do remember to level up as much as you can before trying to fight a knight. Shizuku, you need to be strong enough to survive such a fight. Hone your skills. Learn everything you can and use it to your advantage. Only by truly growing strong enough as a pawn can you take on the task of fighting a Knight.” 

“I will keep these words in my heart. I do not plan to try to jump ranks anytime soon. I know next to nothing about this world. Plus. If I were to do such a thing now, not only would I die, but so would my lovely Mei here.” Mei once more showed signs of emotion for a split second. Mei still could not figure out why her new Master kept saying such words. Her entire being was disgusting. There was nothing good about her. Mei knew this because of all the men who had looked at her and showed such disgust. They would pick someone else over her every time.   

Nora looked at Mei, who just sat there without any emotion, and sighed. She knew this girl must not have a good story. Luckily, she was taken in by Shizuku, or she would probably end up as unused goods and killed off as many slaves who wouldn’t sell meet their end.

“Now then. Let’s get her some clothes, shall we? Do you know which class she is?” Nora asked curiously.

Shizuku tilted her head and shook it. “No idea. The slave trader never mentioned it.”

“Just her slave mark. It will open her status screen for you.” Nora explained. 

Shizuku did as she was told, and a status menu popped up in front of them.

[Name]: Mei
[Level]: 1
[Race]: ???? Fox
[Class]: Brawler

[Gift]: Appraisal

[Health]: 70/70
[Mana]: 40/40

[Attack Power]: 70
[Magic Power]: 40

[Strength]: 7
[Vitality]: 7
[Agility]: 7
[Intellect]: 4
[Mind]: 4

[Skills]
{Quickened Steps} {Body Strengthening} {????} {????}

“Hmmm… It seems she never got a chance to level up. And the question marks are probably due to her curse.” Nora furrowed her brow. “What’s strange is the question marks in the race name. Well…. Anyway, we now know she is a brawler who normally wears light armor. I got a good set, along with some spiked gloves. They will only cost you ten silver. Is there anything else you need?”

“Yeah, some day-to-day clothes as well as some toiletries,” Shizuku replied. Nora smiled and told her to go pick out the clothes before getting the armor ready.

After trying everything on, Mei was now wearing a pair of shorts and a shirt not much different from what Shizuku was wearing. However, Mei’s clothing was made for beastkins with tails.

“Thanks a lot, Nora.” Shizuku bowed her head in thanks. Mei did the same, although stiffly. She was just following Shizuku’s example.

“Anytime. Don’t forget to stop by next week. I will need your help in trying a few things on.” Nora’s eyes shinned with a glint. She loved how cute Shizuku was. She made such a good muse!

“I will!” Shizuku smiled, took Mei’s hand, and walked out of the shop. She decided to treat Mei to something good, so she walked down to the food stalls. “Mei, is there anything you like?”

“….” Silence.

Shizuku sighed when she got no response. She pulled Mei to a meat stall and called out to the stall owner. “Can I get your biggest meat stick?”

“Sure can!” The older man gave Shizuku a smile before tossing a thick piece of meat onto a stick and placing it on a grill. “I thought Vampires couldn’t eat, though?”

“Ah. It’s for my Lovely Mei.” Shizuku replied. The man looked at Mei and raised an eyebrow, but as a business owner, he did not say a word. He could tell the girl was cute, but the black mark made her look ugly. Shizuku caught the man’s change in expression and frowned slightly. She did not like people who looked at a bodily defect and frowned upon it. But she did not say anything; instead, she tightened her grip on Mei’s hand, which caused Mei to feel slightly strange.