The Best of his Kind

...though not quite human, he's the son of dracula.

• Portfolio
• Development
• Exhibit

Once upon a time,

A boy was born in the shadowed hills of 1450s Romania, his childhood cloaked in the kind of normalcy most would envy. His days were filled with love from his parents, Lisa and Mathias, who provided not only a stable home but an exceptional education. They gave him a life where curiosity was nurtured, where questions weren’t silenced but answered.Though some answers came at a cost he couldn’t yet understand.To a young child, his life seemed idyllic. But beneath the surface of what felt like normalcy, an unsettling truth lay waiting.Eiser didn’t age like the other children in his village. He grew in strange spurts, fast and slow at once, his body and mind maturing with a velocity that bewildered him. By the time he noticed the widening gap between himself and his peers, the questions began to spill out.“Father, why am I stronger and faster than them?”“Mother, why do Father’s generals look at me with such fear?”“Do I... do I have to drink blood, too?”The answers his parents gave were measured but honest.Mathias, the powerful King of the Vampires and Ruler of the Undead, would speak of legacy and strength, his tone always tinged with pride.Lisa, a brilliant scientist and doctor with unwavering compassion, would remind him of his humanity, the light he carried despite his darker inheritance.“You are both of us,” they told Eiser, time and time again. “You are the best of our kind — of our worlds."

Eiser wasn’t so sure.As he grew older, the world around him began to reveal its sharp edges. Among humans, his strength made him an object of fear and awe. Among vampires, his humanity marked him as an outsider. In both worlds, he was celebrated and despised in equal measure.He became adept at navigating these dualities, but the question gnawed at him…Can a half-breed ever truly belong?The answer, it seemed, lay in purpose.Eiser dedicated himself to mastering the gifts passed down by his parents.From Mathias, he inherited the power of a warrior and the precision of an alchemist.From Lisa, he gained not only her intellect but also her unyielding empathy.Together, these traits forged him into something unique — not a mere product of two worlds but a bridge between them.Centuries of existence taught him that his role wasn’t simply to survive but to safeguard.As a dhampir, he was destined to be a guardian of harmony, the tenuous thread binding humans and vampires.It was a responsibility he carried with both pride and burden, a mission that defined him even as it isolated him.Eiser’s journey was never about choosing a side. It was about carving a space where both could coexist, where neither light nor shadow ruled, but balance prevailed.In the end, that balance was Eiser himself, a living testament to the possibility of harmony in a fractured world.

• Arrow Right

Human..

Headcanons

1. Eiser has involved himself in different wars and battles across history. The first one was a standoff against his own father, Mathias, in an effort to stop the war he started. After which, he thought it was his relationship with Mathias that’s beyond repair more than the scar he’d gained from it.

Eiser was also a soldier during the Joseon era and the Japanese surrender.2. San is a nickname given to him by his mother. It means mountain in Korean. To honor her memory forever, Eiser legally changed his first name from Adrian to San. He's also quite close to his mother before she died.3. Eiser enjoyed studying while growing up in his father’s library. Mathias taught him alchemy, philosophy, physics, and other hard maths. While his mother was his teacher in biology, chemistry, and humanities.4. Mathias taught Eiser everything he knows about dark magic. He's also undergone combat training with Mathias where he's especially taught to fight with and without his vampiric abilities. This is the very reason why he's known to be half as strong as his father.5. After his mother passed, Eiser was roughly in his early 20s. And he was mostly raised by their family’s most loyal butler whom they call “Mr. Kim.” Eiser never treated him as a servant. Despite the elder's formalities, Eiser thought of Mr. Kim as his own blood. He became attached to him ever since Mathias left to travel the world in grief, leaving Eiser alone with Mr. Kim and their other servants in the castle.6. Eiser’s relationship with his father, Mathias is currently awkward, tensed, and turbulent.7. Eiser’s weapons of choice when hunting are either of his customized anti-vampire pistols. They’re impossible for humans to use or even carry due to their weight. The morning star whip was entrusted to him by a close friend who was a famous vampire hunter which he rarely uses nowadays.8. Eiser only hunt vampires who disrupt the equilibrium between the human and the vampire (or supernatural) world.9. Due to his mutation, he is resistant to sunlight. His mother's holy bloodline enable him to handle blessed weapons but he's not always invincible to certain baptized objects.10. As a dhampir, his knowledge tells him that he’s incapable of turning a human into a vampire. Though Mr. Kim has implied that it may be possible due to his ancient bloodline, for being a direct descendant of Dracula.11. After enough mental training, he can survive without human blood for a full six to eight months. As much as possible, he will only drink animal blood to quench his “thirst.”12. While he’s avoidant about drinking from humans, human blood is still highly beneficial to him. It makes him more invincible and speeds up his healing process.

• Arrow Right

Reminders & Disclaimers

Not the real Choi San nor are we affiliated with KQ Ent. For roleplay purposes only. This is an OC heavily inspired by the Netflix series and video game Castlevania with a dash of the anime Hellsing. Media used aren't mine unless otherwise stated. This is a side-muse therefore, replies will be slow and interactions on the timeline will be tended to with more speed and ease. Plotting is very much welcome and more details about Eiser will be revealed as our muses interact and develop together. Persona ic ≠ ooc. Mun is 25+. Timezone is GMT +8, follows KST.

• Twitter

Portfolio

Photographer for hire. Based in Seoul. Contact to schedule.

ctto: cho giseok (@chogiseok), bang kyuhyeong (@q_you), song siyoung (@siyoung.song)

• Arrow Right

The Afterlight Collective 📷

also known as Afterlight Studios or simply Afterlight.Located in Yongsan-gu, nearby Han River.The Afterlight Collective is comprised of experienced photographers Eiser, Aki, and Rome. They cater to a diverse clientele and make niche concepts come to life.Current members and staff of the studio:
• Hana, part-time admin
• Fee, intern

Plot Developments

One only plays a losing game against time when their fate is inescapable. For immortals, it can be damnation or paradise on earth.
Which one will it be?

Details of the Coronation

What: Eiser's ascension to the throne as the new vampire king
When: March 2, 2026, sunset
Where: The Cronqvist Estate, Transylvania, Romania
Dress code: Black tie, cocktail, and any attire that may represent your realm and kingdom

Division of the Court

The Old Blood
↪ Pure, ancient vampires who believe humans must remain cattle. They stand rigid, unmoved.The Middle Houses
↪ Pragmatists. They value stability over ideology. They wait to see if this new king will maintain order.The Progressive Faction
↪ Younger vampires, diplomats, merchants.They believe coexistence ensures survival.The Supernatural Allies
↪ Demons, witches, faes, wielders, elves, deities, demigods, etc.The Human Delegation
↪ They are the symbols of inevitability. The representatives may include very few humans who are in the know such as vampire hunters, high-ranking government officials, cultural ambassadors, chaebols, powerful corporate magnates, etc.

Events

I. The Rite of Recognition↪ The Rite of Recognition is comprised of two rituals. The first ritual is the Trial of Blood. A major vampire house offers a representative who tests the king. The new vampire king’s strengths are confirmed through a duel of survival and dominance.The second is the Acknowledgment of Bloodline. The response of Dracula's blood to him will determine if he is fit or unfit to rule. Will his human half reject Dracula's power?II. The Procession of Vampire Houses↪ Each noble house will approach to...• Offer a relic of their lineage (a ring, chalice, ancestral blade).
• Pledge fealty through an oath spoken in Old Tongue.
• Contribute a ceremonial drop of blood into a crystal vessel.III. The Crown of Two Worlds↪ The crown will be placed upon the new vampire king's head at the exact minute the moon turns red.Two highly respectable figures shall place the crown on his head; The eldest vampire matriarch in existence and a human ally of great influence.IV. The Oath of Reign↪ The new king will deliver a speech on the future of the vampire civilization and what other supernatural realms can expect under this new rule.V. The Party↪ Music, socialization, blood (ethically sourced), and..? You tell us. The night is long. Fill it with new beginnings, as the blood moon commands.

• dm to plot

of Bitterness & Resentments

PROLOGUE

"The King of the Undead has become weak.""Isn’t he just…adapting?""I hate to admit that the order has absolutely gone to ruin at this point.""I gave his progressive leadership the benefit of the doubt.""We’re living with the irreversible consequences, and it is utter filth.""Our lineage has been debauched by this so-called harmony with humans.""This state of impurity is disgusting.""It is also our fault for standing by…for doing nothing.""There’s barely a distinction between humans and vampires nowadays.""Predator and prey - the gap has grown too narrow for my liking.""Oh, to return to the time when it was just us vampires and our human livestock..""This modern empire is laughable.""It’s a comedy, a depressing one to watch. Our power was never supposed to be questioned.""This loyalty to Dracula has ultimately brought me nowhere.""We must restore our supremacy.""..If we must take matters into our own hands.""Where do we begin?""By weeding out the weakest ones first, the most rotten of apples.""..The Saimoris in Osaka?""And then?""We eradicate the root - or should I say, the head, of this problematic reign.""Dracula Tepes.""One dhampir at a time…his son, the prince, would be our trophy."

• READ CHAPTER 1 HERE

of Omens & Possibilities

CHAPTER 2

One week ago, it was reported by the head of the Saimori family that his daughter’s life was threatened.After this happened Mathias urgently called Eiser into their home’s grand library for a private conversation.As soon as Eiser heard this incident, he felt his eyebrows knit together in thought - a natural reaction when confusion struck him first before shock.In this day and age.. Really? He started to feel uneasy.As he began to wonder, several vampire houses based in Japan floated in his mind, creating clouds of associated ideas. He attempted to sort them out; which one of them had something against the Saimoris?Who had the biggest motive for this level of terrorism?
Is this a classic death threat?
Could this be a brewing rebellion against Dracula’s current reign?
Or something bigger… A start of another civil war?He knew hypothesizing will go in vain for now but felt it necessary.Questions, so much possibilities brought them about and he can only shut his eyes for an instance of clarity. In this second of dim, wisdom earned from years as a soldier glowed;Wars are layered.Dormant feelings of resentment, injustice, hostility, or a combination of all could erupt anytime the way a volcano would. Wars can be unreasonable just like that, too. So, they can start in any form but they all end in the same way; in ashes and blood.He was quiet because he felt a little embarrassed for instantly thinking of the worst. Who wouldn’t? When he’s seen it all…While Mathias stood by his desk, Eiser nibbled on the corner of his bottom lip and briefly looked away at anything and nothing.Eiser processed all the information Mathias had relayed to him from a phone conversation with Satsuki’s father. Then he started to ask follow up questions the way a detective would.The hunter in him naturally needed to hear more information to narrow down suspects.Eiser thought, sometimes vampires can be as predictable as humans. They also expose themselves through their unique patterns and behaviors .“What did they look like?”
“What did they do to her?”
“Is she hurt?”The danger looked identical to her.
She wasn’t physically hurt but she was left mentally distressed.
They threatened her life by saying her days are numbered.
They promised to come back for her, her father shared.Okay, classic death threat, he thought.The intrigue he felt peaked through the roof. What’s their motive? It’s widely known that the Saimori family is an honorable and dignified one. It would be hearsay to catch wind of them ruffling anyone’s feathers.They’re harmonious. So graceful that they blended so well with humans. Could this be a reason for hatred?Trivial. Unreasonable.Whoever thought of this attack was evidently not fond of the Saimoris for a reason. It’s safe to assume this vampire has a mindset in stark contrast from him and Mathias.The mental chart of suspects he had earlier morphed into an enormous web of connections. Eiser knew well enough that this is not the time to feel overwhelmed. It’s the best opportunity to deduce.“Father, anyone’s capable of betrayal and intimidation.” Eiser states, his conviction echoing through the hall of archives and special machineries, “But isn’t it correct that only pure blood vampires who’s practiced alchemy have that ability to conjure such level of illusions?”It was a fact Mathias couldn’t ignore.“They could be a shapeshifter, too if they had managed to clone themselves into her.” Eiser added.This vampire sounded so similar to them. Ancient, as they were labeled - of noble blood, one of the firsts to walk the earth.Aside from their royal lineage, they’re commonly known to be haughty and proud characters. They’re more likely to hold onto conservative and purist principles.With that, Eiser’s mind thought about the descendants of Cho. She was one of Mathias’s notable Japanese generals. From there, they traced down the pure blood vampires related to her, or of similar caliber who have found residence in Japan.Out of everyone he enumerated, Mathias and Eiser pondered who among them are still alive?Eiser sought to know that first in the coming days. When he’s all the way in Seoul he knew he had to pull his trusted strings overseas.Before their conversation on the matter of investigation drew to a close, Eiser called out calmly to his father, “Wait..,” Hesitation was obvious in his expression, as if saying his hunch out loud was as perilous as casting a curse to the ears that will befall it.“Even I dislike the idea of this but.. If there’s this kind of movement in Japan, then what are the odds of it being present in Seoul, too?”

• READ CHAPTER 3 HERE

of Joy & Terror

CHAPTER 4: Part 1

“Kim, prepare the operation room NOW. Get Kiyeon and tell him to get ready for surgery.”“Young master? Why-““Your King is down. Gather all our own in ranks. Block all compound entries except the main gate.”After the consecutive commands, Eiser stepped harder on the gas. The engine of his Porsche roared as he zipped through the highways of Seoul. Frantic, he tiptoed the line between breaking the law and sticking to the maximum speed limit.He knows he has to stay calm but he can’t help looking over his shoulder to check on Mathias in the backseat. He cursed under his breath, the sight of him made his stomach turn. Mathias is looking terrible with every minute that passes.

Earlier...

Eiser was in higher spirits. He was thrilled to introduce his girlfriend, Sani, to a new group of friends. The night was charged with excitement as they all anticipated to watch Jinwoo perform in his concert. Everyone was excited; for live music, for new friendships to form. But after a couple of songs, Eiser began to feel something in his chest. Despite the amplification of the band’s sound system combined with the cheers of the crowd surrounding him, the whisper in his mind still managed to echo louder than anything else.I need your help, son.Eiser felt paralyzed at the word “son.”It meant two things.First, his bond with Mathias has been unconsciously rekindled. Their telepathic connection is invincible again, enough to reach farther distances. This affirmation came with the same joy he felt as a little boy who clapped at the machineries and engineering his father introduced him to.Second, it meant that one of the worst days he’s imagined became a reality today. The impossible has happened. Mathias was attacked and Eiser is most certain his life was on the line.How does one feel happiness and terror at once? Eiser’s mind instantly went into an overdrive.He hurriedly left the concert hall in full panic and drove away from the metro. He honked at cars and sped through lanes, yet the palpitation of his heart still beat his pace.The horror that greeted him at the warehouse was more than a wreckage. It was a macabre scene. The ground and the walls were sprayed red with blood, all from the bleeding of dismembered and contorted bodies laying around and dangling lifeless from the ceiling. The air smelled of rust and of something that was burning.Where are you?Eiser’s mind tried to send him signals, hoping for the frequency to spark with Mathias’s flickering consciousness as he desperately searched for him.Then there he was, lying on the ground, actually unable to stand on his two feet. He was a mighty tower that crumbled. Eiser teleported to his side and dropped to his knees.“Father, I’m here. Can you hear me?” Eiser swallowed hard, panting. Eiser scanned the length of his body then, his eyes grew in alarm. “No, no…” His breath hitched in his throat upon realizing how dire the situation was. Mathias was shot multiple times with silver bullets. Suddenly, every second counted. He also noted that these bullets were one of a kind.Eiser’s eyes glowed amber. Urgency took over him. His incisors grew sharp and he used them to bite on his own wrist. He cut through his own flesh deep enough to draw blood. He squeezed his fingers around his skin, almost wringing it to apply enough pressure, turning the droplets of blood into a gentle gush between Mathias’s pale lips. “Drink. You have to remain conscious. Please…”As he pleaded, boiling rage started to wash over him. Yet all he can do is grit his teeth - for now. “This is going to hurt, stay with me.” After the brief transfusion, he used a fraction of this wrath to hoist Mathias up with all his strength. Eiser managed to bring him to his car and back to their home.

Midnight, March 30th...

The science of medicine is not going to be enough. Mathias is no longer human after all. Eiser’s mind raced to think of the best remedies possible regardless if they were out of his reach. He’s determined to try every supplementary cure out there. How does one reverse the toxins of a silver bullet? Or at least stop it from spreading? He doubted their supplies are still filled nor potent enough.As soon as he was able to bring Mathias back to their home, he instructed Kiyeon to stabilize him and for Mr. Kim to run an analysis on the silver bullets that shot Mathias.He may be overreacting but Eiser soon wondered what’s the closest thing to a miracle they can get their hands on? He felt restless while his worries pulled his mind to worst case scenarios. And then it occurred to him…Magic. White magic. Which place can they get healing magic from?Eiser went to the closest witch he can get in contact with. Mojo, a friend and an ally.While Kiyeon is performing surgery on Mathias, Eiser left the compound again. He drove to Mojo’s place and rang her doorbell multiple times. Come on, answer.Mojo let out a loud gasp when she opened the door. Eiser forgot how much of a mess he probably looked like. Sweat beaded the outlines of his face, strands of hair fell out of its styling, but it was the bloodstains all over his shirt and the messily wrapped gauze around his wrist that had her speechless in place. It looked like he had just walked out of a war.“You need to come with me. It’s an emergency” Eiser says to the surprised witch, “I’ll explain in the car.”

Bloody Politics

CHAPTER 4: Part 2 (fin)

The next day...

Jo Jongsu flew in from America once he’s heard of what happened to Mathias. He’s also an ancient vampire, a member of Dracula’s war council who remained faithful to his role as one of Dracula’s first appointed generals. He’s constantly proud and prideful of his title over the course of changing times.“So it’s come to this..” Jongsu says, his calmness emulating the same regal confidence he’s always possessed centuries ago. He sat at the center of the grand library’s long table, clearly indicating his superiority on the matter at hand. He’s closer to Mathias in age after all, naturally making him more experienced than Eiser when it comes to battle strategies.Eiser sat on the other end with Hana in his left, Rome in his right. He’d called on them earlier in the day as the idea of a scheme unfolded in his mind. Despite the impulse and anger he felt, he’s never one to act without caution or guidance.When Jongsu spoke, Eiser’s jaw tightened. Despite his cleaner appearance today, it was evident he hasn’t gotten a wink of sleep based on the weariness forming under his eyes. “What should we do…” Eiser asked, his sharpened stare shifting straight to the general.“Your highness, I believe you will not stand for this.” Though he said that plainly, Eiser felt his sympathy. He also eyed the friends Eiser brought with him. He noted the roles of a demon and a vampire hunter in the events that will follow. Jongsu let the vampire prince know he’s caught up on what he’s planning.“This is the gravest act of treason, General Jo. You realize that, too, don’t you? Their behavior is far from delinquent. They tried to kill their own King.” Eiser stated as a matter of factly, his fingers balling up into a tight fist. “The longer we stay motionless, the more their beliefs about this reign will be affirmed. I want to launch an attack.”For the first time since his arrival, Jongsu’s lips formed a smile. He realized the conviction encoded around Eiser’s words. So he’s grown up like this, he thought. “Then let me direct your carnage, your highness.”Eiser nodded, signaling him to continue. “Based on everything you and Kim have told me so far, we are outnumbered. You and I both know numbers can be easily reduced. To make that happen, we reduce them by harping on their strengths.”Jongsu looked at Hana, then at Rome.“My prince-““Let me kill them. Give Han to me.”

There is no betrayal without trust,
no rebellion without some forgotten harmony.When these paradoxical forces collide,
they don’t cancel each other out—they combust.One feeds the fire of the other, always in the worst way.Each spark fueled by belief,
each side convinced that passion is justice.…Synonymous to delivering justice by any means.But at which point does the end justify the means?

The night of retaliation...

Before Eiser, Hana, and Rome got off the vehicle that transported them to the abandoned mansion, he made a last minute request - or rather, a slight change to the plan.“I’m not planning to kill all of them.” Rome looked at him inquisitively. Despite the lack of words that followed, he heard the loudness of his question from the way his eyes slightly narrowed.So Eiser continued, “Rome, soften them up. Leave a few of them breathing, but too broken to stand against us.” Then Eiser looked at Hana, “Once I’m done with Han and his other purist friend, help Rome round up the weakened ones. I want to tell them something.”

Eiser’s POV...

Once Rome was able to clear a path for Eiser, he sprinted and leapt, transforming into a majestic white wolf mid-air. He became thrice the size of any adult canine.He pounced on vampires who were in his way and crushed their necks between his long, sharp teeth. Eiser ragged not just one, but an entire pack of vampires. He mauled them, tearing their heads and limbs apart until they looked mangled.He flung each one to the side like a chewed up toy he was tired of playing with. He was fast as well, dodging arrows and knives aimed at him in a nimble grace whenever it came in proximity. The best they had done was leave long cuts and scratches through his fur.When Eiser reached the second floor of the abandoned mansion, more vampire guards on stand by were already anticipating him.Pairs of red eyes glowed and shot daggers towards him. Their hisses and growls became an ominous chorus in the air, enabling Eiser to identify at least five voices for him to silence.At this point, Eiser shape shifted back to his human form and approached them with Jackal and Kasuru in both of his hands. He raised the armor piercing pistols simultaneously and aimed at his closest targets.Eiser attacked first, firing the guns alternately to their hearts, their necks, and in the middle of their eyes. Clear headshots were made on top of more. The divine, explosive shells scattered within their bodies, slowly eroding them of strength as the shards burnt through their organs.One by one, they gave in to decline from the snapping of their own bones, letting out agonized wails as they watched each other become Eiser’s source of vitality. Before life completely left them, the last thing they saw was the Great Vampire Prince making gulps of blood from every neck he’d just broken.Finally, Eiser met Han. Traitor, he thought.Han, the antagonistic brain to this terrorism. The ancient vampire who motivated and encouraged the attack against Mathias - against his Father. As expected, he was in the company of a loyal companion who looked ready to fight in his stead. Icy stares were exchanged.“Welcome, our beloved Vampire Prince, first of his kind.” Han greeted him, mockery laced in his tone and smile. “Have you decided to finally join our cause?”Eiser’s reddened lips only curled up in a smirk, letting out a scoff. The veins over his neck pulsed as Han continued to speak,“Considering how you annihilated my men along the way, it looks it’s not the case..” Han frowned, his insincerity provoking Eiser.“Since you already took your violence this far, why don’t we see it through? Eliminate me.”Han smiled wickedly, “Gladly. If it weren’t for you, Dracula wouldn’t turn out the way he is today.”Vexed, nothing and no one can dispel Eiser’s blackened mood now. His eyes became devoid of human emotion as he scowled at Han.The room they stood in exploded into chaos.Glass shards rained like shrapnel as they hurled each other across the room. The air filled with the guttural sound of flesh meeting bone; fists hammering jaws, knees smashing ribs. Furniture splintered into flying daggers as bodies crashed through tables and walls.Two ancient vampires and a dhampir were locked in a blur of raw violence. Every movement was brutal and exact.Han’s right-hand man tackled Eiser to the ground, snarling as he wrapped his arm tight around his throat. Eiser’s lungs began to burn, darkness creeping at the edges of his vision. But instead of panic, there was only rage.With a clenched fist, Eiser summoned hellfire directly from his palm. The scorching flame seared through his flesh, igniting his attacker in an instant burst. The man didn’t scream long. His skin melted before sound could fully form. He collapsed into a heap of ash made of his own powdered bones.But Han was already on top of him, fangs bared, claws ripping through Eiser’s jacket and flesh. They rolled across the blood-soaked floor, a tangle of claws and fury.Then—Eiser vanished.He teleported behind him and Han turned a second too late.Kasuru’s cursed rounds fragmented on impact, sending molten shrapnel spiraling through his brain like a swarm of hungry wasps. This subjected him to a slow, cruel death meant to paralyze him as his body began to convulse.As soon as Eiser was certain Han was done for, he wrapped a blessed whip around his throat and dragged him all the way up to the roof top.Rounded up by Hana and Rome, Han’s followers were bound on their knees in front of the abandoned mansion. They raised their heads in frozen horror as Eiser showed them their leader’s twitching, half-dead form.Eiser then removed the glove that covered the fingers of his right hand. Without hesitation, Eiser drove his bare hand into Han’s chest, cracking his ribs. He tore Han’s still-beating heart from its cage and took a long, deliberate drink. His face became smeared with gore, eyes locked on every last one of them while biting down on it.Then, with a grunt, he seized Han’s hair and yanked.Flesh tore. Vertebrae cracked. Eiser held Han’s severed head high, dripping with blood and victory.“Look closely,” he growled, his voice low and commanding, “Tell everyone what happened here. You defy Dracula’s reign again, and this is what awaits you.”The silence that followed was absolute. It was recognition. The unforgiving sadism was a reminder of the ancient family’s power.

Two months later...

EPILOGUE

“Young master, how are you feeling?”
“Stronger, hungrier..”“…You know what they say; the bigger the animal has grown, the more you have to feed it.”Kim, the Cronqvist family’s most loyal butler, frowned. He disliked hearing Eiser compare himself to an animal, to a mindless beast that he made himself sound.Kim watched Eiser grow up right before his eyes for centuries. On some days, the boy felt like he was his own son. The prince has always been as sweet and tender as Lisa had left him. He could easily protest he’s far from a monster against those who dared.“On some nights, I see who they were.” Eiser’s lips formed a tight line. As if divulging the dead's secrets and stories will still be consequential. They were never mine to tell, he thought. “Their memories..”Kim understood his burden from those words alone. Eiser bore not only the strength of the elder vampires he’d consumed — but also their identity. Their lamentations, ambitions, and joys have flashed before his eyes in transcendent dreams, so visceral and raw.How could he not feel like he’s walked a day in their lives? He ate their hearts after all.In his new power, they’ve become a part of Eiser now.

Click for the INVITATION to the ceremony

Chapter 2 : Duty

NIGHTS BEFORE..

"I wish I could hear what you have to say about all this.." Eiser's voice was soft, his words pensive. He's speaking to a solo portrait of her mother. It was a painting of her smiling serenely, and the shape of her eyes made him feel as if he was looking at a mirror. He couldn't help but miss the effortless warmth of her presence, which always made her a constant representation of safety to him. Like how a lighthouse is to a lost boat.The glow from the hallway lights illuminated her features that made her beauty so unforgettable to his father. Eiser knows that Mathias would go to war once more just so he could hear her voice again in this lifetime. At times like these, he's able to sympathize with his father's violence.He longed for her in this moment. He ached to hear words of reassurance. Eiser wondered, 'Would she think me foolish for pursuing the crown? Knowing the dangers that come with it…’ Any words of wisdom from her would have soothed his troubled mind right now."Mother, you knew the day would eventually come, didn't you?" He smiled back at her wistfully. "Your son is not running away anymore."Silence."Excuse me, your highness," Kim, their most loyal butler, cleared his throat. "Dinner is ready."
Eiser walked to where he was standing. "Let's join the family." He beckoned towards the great dining hall, with Kim following right behind him.As his last day as the head of the family, Mathias Cronqvist took his usual seat at the center of the long dining table. To his right was Eiser, and to his left was Eiser's cousin, Jisung. Beside Eiser was Kiyeon who surprisingly was able to join everyone in Romania, knowing his demanding shifts at the hospital.As everyone was about to finish their delicious meal, Mathias gingerly dabbed his lips with the napkin and called everyone's attention with a few words."Son." He started in his deep voice, looking at him, "On the day of your coronation which is tomorrow…”Eiser was anticipating another reminder about formalities, laws, or anything that may have to do with one of the vampire houses attending the ceremony. After all, conversations about those subjects were the only ones that filled his days for the past few weeks and drained his concentration. He was relaxed, almost looking placid as he swallowed the last of his rare steak and started sipping from his goblet of wine."You shall be meeting your betrothed."Everyone at the table turned their heads towards Mathias and froze, stopping midway at what they were about to do next. The men exchanged looks across the table and Kiyeon's jaw was hanging in the air. He dropped his fork onto his plate with a loud ‘clang!’ like his motor skills were suddenly disabled.Eiser began to cough as his pinot noir failed to go down his throat, "Sorry, what...?""Oh, my gods.." Jisung exclaimed in perfect American English as a cheshire smile tugged the corners of his lips. He promptly fished out his smartphone and began typing away on its screen with excitement, giggling to himself.Mathias continued plainly, "Your future wife. You will be meeting her and her parents. I am not sure about her sisters, but she will be there.”Eiser was stunned. Speechless. All he could think of was, 'As if having an appointment with death wasn't hectic enough.'

CORONATION DAY: THE RITE OF BLOOD

Eiser made his entrance first. He walked towards the center of the arena, where an oval-shaped podium was erected from the ground. He waited for his challenger in the middle of it. Everyone, including him, anticipated the face and identity of this mystery soldier he's about to duel to the death. As soon as he heard a collective reaction, Eiser turned his attention to the entrance of the station adjacent to him. And there he was. A tall, lean figure with a labored build emerged from the shadows. He's seen him before. In his memory, he wore the armor of his father's guards to appear uniform with them. But this time, he wore the colors of his noble house and a prideful smile on his face as he approached. Then the curve on his lips turned into a smirk, with the sharpness in his eyes conveying malevolence.Today either he or Sanho dies. Whose blood will color this floor crimson?Eiser's grip tightened around the hilt of his sword. They seized each other from head to toe. From his gaze, Eiser could feel his intent to kill. It made him feel like a smaller creature under a microscope. He knew Sanho couldn't wait to slaughter him through torture, to end him before he could even begin by plucking off his arms and legs one by one with his pureblood strength. This demeaning aura felt all too familiar. The way he taunted Eiser without doing so much was perceived as the discrimination he'd experienced for ages. Eiser sought to be the first dhampir to wipe his smile off his smug face."Your highness first?" Sanho arched a brow, provoking Eiser to make the first attack with a cocky smile. Suddenly, the air between them was charged with animosity. Eiser bared his teeth, and so they clashed. Every echoing strike of their swords added a pulsating pressure, straining the floodgates of pugnacity until they burst open.Their duel happened in a blur. It was a display of impressive speed, skill, and strength one would have only witnessed on battlefields. Eiser found himself challenged in every sense. He felt his mortality through shortness of breaths after Sanho would knock the air out of his lungs.By the time the tides changed, they were both spent and bloodied, with tears and bruises on their bodies catching up to regenerate with one another. Eiser, filled with adrenaline, had tackled Sanho to trap and pin him to the ground after an intense grapple. And finally, by using his telekinesis, his fallen sword flew right back into his hold and brought down the blade to Sanho's face."No! Please, no!" Bea cried from afar. She sobbed, wailing behind two guards who stopped her from approaching the podium further. Eiser heard the desperation in her voice. She was begging him not to drive his sword down her sire's throat. He held his breath as he realized that the murder of this soldier beneath him was stopped by the objection of his lover.Love.Eiser gritted his teeth and looked into Sanho's eyes, "Yield. Drop your sword.""Fuck you." Sanho spat, with anger burning in his crimson pair. "Just kill me now.""You and I know Bea will die from the inside out if I kill you. What do you think is going to happen to her when you're gone?"'Listen to me, asshole. Just cave.' Eiser quietly urged the latter, but only in his mind. He knows his challenger doesn't trust him. Sanho doesn't trust him to create a world where Bea will be protected, loved, and fed the way he'd served her all these years. In that moment, Eiser interpreted his mistrust as either selfishness or devotion.The audience then began to murmur. Whispers were exchanged among the courts as this unsettling situation began to unfold. Even the elders were on the edge of their seats.After the longest seconds of this battle, Sanho dropped his sword. The results became clear. Even though Eiser won, he remained faithful to his instincts by demonstrating mercy instead of greed. He could have beheaded Sanho in front of everyone—right before Bea's eyes...but he didn't.But what was the cost of Eiser's restraint? Did everyone just witness the birth of a fragile era? Or was his mercy a silent testament to the enduring grace of the human heart?

CORONATION DAY: THE OATH OF REIGN

After the crowning and investiture, the oath of reign is expected to be delivered. With the obsidian crown on his head, Eiser walked across the stage and took his place on the podium. He felt like a walking target. He knew anything he says today could be the equivalent of a bullet that may end him before he even begins. Everyone among the audience was thinking the same thing as they fixated their gaze on him: What are his plans? How will he rule over his subjects loyal to him? Everyone certainly guessed that he will be different from his father. They are only now about to find out exactly how different Eiser will be.❝ How timely it is to deliver this speech when a new dawn is upon us literally and figuratively.I stand before you as your new king and tell you now that my rule will not be defined by fear. Vampires have always been blessed by the Lord of Darkness with great power. And I've always questioned, must we continue down that path? Is darkness our only destiny? Or can we rise above it, and choose more of ourselves?Strong, hostile, fearsome, and beautiful—that's how vampires have always been known. I grew up learning that this is the only way to belong with the other half of my kind. However, the human in me has eventually realized that vampires are not that different from humans.We play gods, but gods also get lonely. We are the kind of gods that get cast out more often than worshipped. Vampires get hurt as well, and that hurt can become many things when unrecognized. It can be war, vengeance, and torture, and in the process of all those, we're willing to lose more of our kind. Who is left to rule over when all is lost and dead?So despite our immortality, time and nature will continue to humble us. We have to recognize that vampires must adapt. Vampires must cooperate in the spirit of survival. We must harp on our strength that separates us from beasts to prove that vampires can also be civilized. Our veil of secrecy will be lifted gradually, and soon, retreating into the shadows will no longer be a necessity, only an option. My goal is for vampires to be perceived as creatures with the strength and capacity to regulate themselves, rather than blood-hungry monsters, and to be respected as such.The road to reform will be a long journey. It will certainly not be an easy one because of the changes that are yet to come. Adjustments will have to be made and accepted. Everything that has been left unorganized and unaddressed in the last reign shall be given attention to. And I promise you that you will be aided in these changes through structure, policies, science, and magic.Blood, in every form, is important to everyone present in this room. It is sustenance, an offering, a weapon. It is many things, and its other meanings are not for me to impose. However, this new vampiric age will recognize blood as more than just a sign of violence. Blood will also be a symbol for unity. We will not just take and take blood for indulgence and mindless consumption, but we shall preserve more than blood itself. We will protect lives—both vampire and human. In light of that, one of my initiatives will be an ethical, regulated blood accord.And with the help and grace of our allies, I will see to it that my reign will be a progressive reform towards evolution. Thank you. ❞The words 'change' and 'reform' are not always received well—especially by vampires who have lived by the same rules and traditions for centuries. As Eiser expected, some had clapped for him and celebrated the inspiration he'd shared. Some still felt wary and distrustful, as centuries of fear cannot be simply erased with a single speech. While some made their protest and dissatisfaction known by quietly leaving the hall and refusing to bow, preceded by scowls and words of disbelief.

CORONATION DAY: MEETING HIS FUTURE

After the rituals, Eiser was supposed to feel triumphant and celebratory. Wasn’t he supposed to be on cloud nine? He’s now wearing the highest proof of authority on his head, the crown. Everywhere he passed, creatures from present realms bowed their heads to him. And yet all he could feel was weariness. Right now, it’s taking everything in him to perform; to smile, to raise his glass, and cheer among his closest friends.He’s exhausted.And when Mathias called for him, Eiser had to take a deep breath. “Excuse me,” He tells Seum, Aki, and the rest. Meanwhile, Jisung squinted his eyes and darted him a knowing look as he parted from the group. Him and Eiser know exactly why Mathias is calling for him, to a more quieter, private space at that.Eiser managed to stay relaxed while his mind mentally prepared for a sprint as his guards escorted him to one of the drawing rooms in the estate. One more agenda today, he thought, and I’m done.When he entered, he saw a couple about Mathias’ age (or older even) and a younger woman in between them standing at the center of the room. They all turned to him as soon as he strode inside. Mathias stood up from where he’s seated and greeted him, “Finally, our king…” His father smiled with pride.“…Who’s my son first, Eiser Cronqvist.” He added. As if on cue, the couple and the woman gracefully bowed their heads first before speaking. “Your grace. It is our honor to finally meet you formally.”“Oh, the pleasure is mine.” His lips spread in a thin, warm smile that reached his eyes and made his dimples visible.After he responded, he felt the pair of the unknown woman in the middle of them land on him. In response, Eiser met her gaze. And it was at that moment he looked at his future right in the eyes for the first time.So this is her, he thought. She must be their daughter, the chosen betrothed his father talked about two nights ago.Eiser thought she was pretty—small face, big eyes, full lips. Her beauty was undeniable and also one he’s never seen before. Eiser thought she’s an unfamiliar face, and that maybe Seum or Jisung are more in the know about her or her family’s house. From her presence alone, he noted that she possessed an enchanting allure that only made her more magnetic the longer you spent time with her—or just by looking at her.But a certain curiosity began to gnaw away at the back of his mind..So, why her? Why do they think she’s the perfect fit to be my queen? What is it about her?“My name is Serena. Congratulations on a successful coronation day.” She smiled with her perfect set of pearly whites this time. Her clear, bright eyes gleamed beneath the warmth of the chandelier, and her smile.. there was something about it that he couldn’t quite put his finger on.Then her next words put a baffled look on his face, “How was your trip to Mexico?”“Sorry, how did you..” Eiser replied, with an inconspicuous suspicion setting in from the way he looked at her. Only a few people knew he’d gone to Mexico for a brief holiday.At her slip up, Serena’s mother gave her a quiet scolding as her eyes bore into her daughter’s facade. The latter’s last-ditch effort to save herself only made her mother sigh, “Oh, I overheard someone mention you were in Mexico—great place. Love the avocados.”“Yeah, they were..the avocados.” Eiser says, a tiny quizzical smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he nodded in feigned agreement.Right then and there, he knew there was something else to her, and he was about to look into the mystery lying beneath her beautiful image. Eiser took a mental note to ask Jisung questions later.

Time Still

A Photographic Exhibition

📍 Gallery 1, 2nd floor, Photography Seoul Museum of Art. August 17, 2025.

Time Still is an exhibit of growth. To Eiser, stories from different universes can be realized in a standstill. Time stops as soon as his lenses are aimed at a scene or a subject. He believes in the scientific theory that time and space are relative. Between time and space is a butterfly effect that may change the course of our lives forever, for better or for worse. These captured moments are as rare as time. While we can no longer go back in time in a simple rotation of a clock's hand, our memories will always remain in the pictures taken anyway. Pictures give us the same feelings we had the first time it touched our hearts.Photographed by Choi San, mononymously known as Eiser, the gallery showcases his journey behind the lens since 2019. The pictures are from his archives that consist of different themes. Gallery 1 demonstrates his agility in capturing architectural details, the freedom of the streets, and the wonders of local communities from different parts of the world.

"I've made many mistakes as a photographer." Eiser says, "Maybe they're subjective, maybe not.. but they determined the changes in directions and decisions that shaped my brand today. Though if one looks closely, then they can also see the core that has remained in my visual narratives."

EVERY PART OF A WHOLE

"I was always more drawn to the details that make up the whole. As you can see, my past pictures of buildings are either taken from the inside or close ups. I think buildings, houses, and halls can be better understood this way. Their purpose. Why were they built that way in the first place? How do they serve a community?"

THE WORLD OUTSIDE YOURS

"When we’re walking in the street, we’re often focused on ourselves. We’re on autopilot by our own agendas. How do I get from point a to point b? What are we going to do when we get there? As you can see, I captured elements of our surroundings that often go unnoticed amid the busy-ness of it all."

BEYOND MY PAIN AND COMFORT

"When I was putting together the final pictures that will be displayed for this exhibit, I realized that I started capturing more people as I grew older. So in my travels, I’m generally fascinated by everything.. new place, new food, new language. But I think what makes these travels truly magical to me are the people. These strangers made me see how trivial and silly my problems are.. when there’s a whole other world beyond them."

A Celebration fit for a King

ROMANIA, JULY 9TH, 2026

Tonight, Eiser commemorated his birthday in advance for the first time as the newly crowned vampire king. This formal celebration was exclusive to the royal court, held in Romania at the seat of his father's beginnings. Members of the vampire council, heads of noble vampire houses, leaders of supernatural allies, hunters, and the human delegation were invited. Certainly, not everyone was present. Eiser already expected their absence. He figured it was either for personal or political reasons. Immense comprehension has thickened his skin against trivial hearsay by releasing anything beyond his control.This evening, he only had one request; No one is allowed to bring up the topic of anything business- or diplomacy-related. This was especially emphasized towards the vampire council, who also acted as the cabinet. For the past three months, he's worked night and day with them combing through old laws to be revised and new ones to be proposed and implemented. Undoing a few centuries' worth of traditions felt similar to rolling a giant boulder up a steep hill. Alas, this is the cost of revolution. In this case, it wouldn't be worth it if it was easy.In the process, Eiser realized he's failing more than helping them. He felt as clueless as a foreigner. From all of that, he's had more than enough as his mental state reached a point of insecurity. To compensate for his shortcomings, he locked himself up in his study almost every day to review. He forgot about sleep and the consumption of blood (ironically.) He read about history again by perusing through the books he missed from Mathias' archives. He learned from both the failures and successes of past vampire houses and generals. He refreshed his old knowledge in vampire anthropology, took notes of future strategies, and even welcomed social theories that were radical and extreme concerning the cohabitation of humans and vampires. Some made him feel hopeful, while some beat his spirits down. This turned into a habit where every time he attempted to fall asleep, he would dream about the old texts.More than happiness, worry gnawed at Eiser from the inside out when the evening of his birthday celebration came. The voice of anxiety was too loud, overpowering the royal staff's genuine excitement around him. Today and during the days prior, faking his smile and laughter have never felt more taxing. Every time he did, the muscles on his face would feel a little sore from the slightest curve of his lips. He swore his performance could crumble anytime. The private moments he got to himself were a reprieve ("bathroom breaks" became his new excuse), and he might just pay to buy himself another second longer before bearing the weight of everyone's scrutiny again.Nonetheless, this advance celebration came to a pleasant end—lighter than he'd expected. Eiser thought a couple of things made this night easier for him; the string quartet's symphony, the alcohol, the satiating blood bar, the domineering aura of his father, and the fact that the evening is all about him—meaning, even the slightest disrespect will be unforgivable because come midnight, it's officially his birthday. Conversations about art, family members, a little bit of pop culture (due to human influence), and the latest happenings in different realms were the subjects among various circles. From each one, no one missed to ask about his upcoming marital union with Serena. Despite the lack of formal invitations, it seems a ton are already in the know about it. Oh, how the grapevine works, Eiser thought."Your majesty, how do you feel about your upcoming wedding? I apologize for getting ahead of myself, of course we are still looking forward to the engagement party!" A wife of one of the vampire generals says candidly. Her posse's eyes narrowed at Eiser. They anticipated his response as they hold onto the presumption that his engagement to Serena is nothing but a marriage of convenience. What more is there to it? It's a classic royal move.Eiser smiled wide enough for his dimples to poke through his cheeks, its warmth disarming everyone. "I'm happy to see how excited you are about it, Mrs. Cho." He says, pausing, "I'm the most thrilled about our union. I will be taking on a beautiful and intelligent woman as my wife. I'm honored." At that, Eiser felt the stare of Serena's father land on the back of his head.

A Celebration for Everyone

EISER'S BIRTHDAY | BUSAN, JULY 10TH, FRIDAY

𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪
The tri-deck yacht will cruise past the glass skyscrapers of Marine City, round the peninsula of Dongbaekseom Island, edge along Haeundae Beach, open up into the deep ocean toward the Oryukdo Islets, and finally anchor in the waters of Gwangalli for the fireworks display.𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗘-𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬𝟭:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 – 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲
Guests arrive at the Suyeongman Bay Yachting Center. They will receive a red carpet welcome and a glass of champagne on the aft deck as the crew reviews the day's itinerary.𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 – 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗮𝗲𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱
𝗠𝗶𝗽𝗼
The super yacht heads east. It will cruise past Dongbaek Island and track the entire length of Haeundae Beach from the water. It will anchor briefly near the rocky cliffs of Mipo and Cheongsapo.𝟰:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 – 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗿𝘆𝘂𝗸𝗱𝗼 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘀
The yacht will head southwest toward the open sea for a more adventurous and majestic vibe. The Oryukdo Islets are a cluster of 5-6 dramatic, jagged rock islands that mark the entrance to Busan Harbor.𝟲:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠 – 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗚𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶
The yacht will cruise back into the sheltered waters of Suyeong Bay and anchor just off the shore of Gwangalli Beach, positioning the yacht directly parallel to the massive Gwangan Bridge (Diamond Bridge). Everyone will be able to watch the sun drop behind the mountain ridges of Busan in the midst of cocktail hour.𝟴:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 – 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀
As night falls, the skyscrapers of Marine City and the entire Gwangan Bridge ignite with hundreds of shifting LED lights. Multi-course dinner on deck will be served surrounded by the neon-lit water. Afterwards, everyone will be watching a synchronized fireworks display from the stern of the yacht then dance the night away while the djs play and mix!𝟭𝟬:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠 – 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁
The yacht slowly makes its way back to the Suyeongman Bay Yachting Center. Down for an after party? 😉 Reply to the tweet to let Eiser know.𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗞:
1. Mini movie theater (outdoor, 2nd level view deck)
2. Karaoke room (inside the yacht)
3. Game/sports area (inside the yacht: ps5, foosball, retro gaming, billiards table, darts)
4. Hot tub jacuzzi (3rd level view deck)
5. Jetskis
6. Swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the open sea
7. DJ booth (1st level view deck: Peggy Gou, DJ HYO aka SNSD's Hyoyeon, and NO1 aka ATEEZ's Hongjoong will be mixing)𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗘:
1. A free-flowing open bar with professional mixologists
2. All day canapés, unlimited caviar, charcuterie boards, artisanal cheese platters, gourmet finger sandwiches, and dessert skewers
3. Plated, multi-course sit down dinner before the fireworks show
4. Snorkeling and scuba diving equipment
5. Beach chairs for sunbathing
6. Life vests
7. Paddle boards and floaties
8. Towels and bathrobes
9. Emergency kits
10. Bedrooms for anyone who wants to nap/rest
11. Transportation from the port back to hotels