Wretched creatures. Leon scowled to himself as memories flickered through his mind. It was another night of trying to take down the vampire coven that attacked his town from when he was a child. His parents were drained of their blood, the townspeople screaming in terror while he hid, unable to defend himself as he watched, paralyzed by fear. How he wished with every fiber of his being that he could've leaped into action to put an end to the chaos unfolding before him.

Gratefulness had washed over him when the vampires finally took their leave, their bloodlust temporarily sated. But it was only thanks to an older man who saved him after charging through the chaos, killing one of the fiends. His name was Marvin Branagh, a retired vampire hunter. Marvin took him in as he sought to make Leon his pupil, seeing the potential he could offer of turning his fear into strength and his helplessness into skill.

Under Marvin's guidance, Leon trained rigorously, partaking in lessons that encompassed not only combat techniques but survival tactics and a vast library of vampire lore. Marvin was unyielding, training Leon like an elite soldier to show no mercy to any vampire that he may encounter. Despite the grueling regimen, Leon saw Marvin as a father figure who genuinely cared for his well-being and growth. Years later, Leon made his first kill at 18. The experience was exhilarating yet horrifying, marking his transition from a defenseless boy into a dedicated hunter.

Graduating from the mentorship, Leon soon set off on his own journey. Traveling from different cities and secluded towns, making a name for himself by slaying the vampires who preyed upon the innocents. The praise he received from civilians was like balm to his soul, a reminder that he was making a difference in a world overwhelmed by darkness.

Taking a deep breath to anchor himself in the present, Leon ventured further into the dark woods. He focused intently on his surroundings, the chirps of distant cicadas, small scurrying creatures, and the hoots of owls breaking the still night air. The full moon cast its luminous glow down through the thick leaves of the trees above.

Suddenly, a sharp sound pierced through the stillness. Leon froze, instincts screaming that he was not alone. Steeling himself, he raised his magnum, fingers poised with precision over the trigger. He aimed his weapon at the ready, the faint click of it holding the silver bullets meant for the sinister beings lurking in the darkness.

Emerging from the shadows, a figure appeared from afar. His brows furrowed in concentration as he watched them move with an ethereal grace that was almost mesmerizing. Their eyes sparkled with an otherworldly glint under the moonlight as they made contact with each other. Leon's breath hitched, his heart thundering against his chest as he felt the magnetic pull towards them.

But they were a vampire.

The realization clawed at him, a jarring reminder of his mission, of the family he had lost to their kind. With a fierce resolve, he forced himself to breathe slowly, grounding himself as he summoned the memories of his past. Yet as their eyes locked, their features glowing beautifully in front of him, he hesitated for a just a moment.