“Because… Bai.”
A ringing buzz filled Bai’s ears, the light in her eyes fading away, replaced by despair and self-blame.
She shook her head frantically, whispering brokenly, “No, Bai just wanted to help, Bai only wanted to help them, Bai never meant to harm everyone, it’s not like that, not like this!”
“Yes, exactly that expression. That kind of despair is far more delicious than all the blood in the world.”
Her face flushed a deep crimson, her expression twisted with frenzied delight.
The collapsing girl before her was like a toy to satisfy her desires, cruelly tearing at the fragile threads of her sanity for her own amusement.
Sera licked her lips again, reaching out to grab Bai: “Now, let Sister show you some proper care.”
Bai, sinking deep into guilt, offered no resistance, only whispering to herself that she just wanted to help, just wanted to heal everyone in Bloodbreak, to assist Sister Aurelia.
Along the way, she kept reminding herself not to be a burden.
The knights were already struggling to deal with the Vampire Beasts; she couldn’t add another trouble with her arrival…
And now, because of her, Vera had been harmed like this, and Bloodbreak had to face a powerful Vampire Beast.
She could no longer hear anything.
Pale fingers reached toward Bai’s cheek, the cold touch sending a chill through her skin.
Sharp nails lightly scored a line, a streak of blood trailing down the tender flesh.
Bai still didn’t move, like a puppet at someone’s whim.
Sera wiped the blood from her finger, bringing it to her lips.
The next moment, her expression turned into one of exquisite ecstasy and madness, her crimson pupils filled with terrifying desire.
Delicious!
This is the supreme taste!
How could such exquisite blood exist in this world?!
She stared at the broken girl in shock, unable to believe that such a flavor could come from a human.
Then a savage grin spread across her face, her mouth almost tearing to her ear, her whole demeanor twisted and horrifying.
A thought flashed through her mind.
She would raise this delicious little one into a Blood Servant, so she could savor this maddening blood forever!
But before that, she had to taste it well.
She opened her mouth, revealing two fangs, her pupils gleaming with ferocity.
Just as she was about to bite down, a cold flash appeared, a sharp sword blade swinging toward Sera’s head.
Yet, she only stretched out one hand, firmly catching the blade.
She turned her head, her face darkening: “I hate being disturbed when I’m enjoying a meal, especially by a presumptuous human like you.”
“Sorry to ruin your mood, but our little hero doesn’t like you, a blood-stinking hag. Why don’t I keep you company?”
Skarn said, swinging his greatsword again.
Sera sneered, “Then don’t bore me.”
Blood swirled and rose in her hand, forming a dagger that deflected the greatsword.
“First, I’ll deal with you. Heh heh heh.”
She laughed, her body darting like a sharp arrow as she clashed repeatedly with Skarn.
“Cough! Cough cough!”
Vera, lying on the ground, finally showed signs of movement, coughing violently and spitting out a mouthful of foul blood.
Bai’s pupils regained a faint light, and she hurriedly asked, “Sister Vera! You’re awake! How do you feel now? Does the wound still hurt? Is there anywhere left untreated?”
Vera opened her eyes, the blood on her face blurring her vision so she could only make out Bai’s outline.
She struggled to sit up, wiping the blood from her face.
Only then did she see the battlefield around them, already a chaotic mess, while the little girl in front of her was streaming tears, her eyes red and swollen but holding back sobs.
She looked worriedly at Vera, trembling as she clenched her own hands.
Vera reached out and patted Bai’s head gently, offering comfort: “Don’t worry, this lady isn’t that easy to kill… Damn vampires, daring to ambush me. This lady will definitely… hss.”
She tried to stand, but found she had no strength in her body.
“Your injuries are too severe; you can’t keep moving.”
Bai said anxiously, helping Vera lie back down.
“Help me up, I can still fight!”
Vera gritted her teeth through the pain.
Bai’s vision flashed, recalling the stubborn knight named Oga who had already died in battle, who had said the same.
“No! Sister Vera can’t fight anymore! Bai won’t allow it!”
Bai said firmly, then without further explanation dragged Vera behind a tree to hide.
“Bai, what are you doing! This isn’t the time to joke around. Captain Skarn and the others are struggling in battle! I have to help!”
Vera shouted.
“I said, Sister Vera needs to rest now. If you go out now, it’s no different from suicide. Bai… Bai doesn’t want to lose Sister Vera.”
“You…”
Vera wanted to insist further but saw Bai suddenly stand, determination flashing in her eyes as she said, “Bai can go help. It was Bai who caused Sister Vera and everyone in Bloodbreak to be attacked. Bai can’t just stand by!”
“Huh? What a joke! If I let you go, why not let me… Hey! Bai!”
Before Vera could finish, Bai turned and ran back toward the battlefield.
Vera struggled to stand and stop her, but her body was still utterly weak.
She could only watch helplessly as Bai dashed into the fight.
***
“Roar!!!”
The Vampire Beast’s deafening roar echoed through the forest, the tearing of flesh and the warriors’ screams turning the battle into a blood-soaked massacre.
“Looks like your people are about to break. Is there any point in continuing to struggle?”
Sera laughed, lightly sidestepping Skarn’s sword swing.
She spun her body, thrusting her dagger at his heart from a tricky angle.
He swiftly withdrew his sword; his massive greatsword was wielded like a toy, a testament to his strength.
He replied, “My damn kids aren’t that easy to defeat. No need for you to worry. Rather than that, you should worry about yourself.”
Raising his greatsword again, he struck.
“Ah ha~ You’re threatening me? Such a scary little lady~ That’s not something a gentleman would do, you know.”
Sera covered her mouth, faking fear, while her other hand casually deflected the giant blade again.
“I only show gentlemanly manners to normal women. As for you, an old witch who’s lived hundreds or thousands of years, stop pretending to be innocent.”
Skarn grinned, mocking without hesitation.
Sera’s smile vanished.
Her expression instantly turned icy cold as she said sharply, “You’re really quite boring.”