[Magic Knight...]

Feeling the pressure on her throat steadily intensify, Xueluo heard Guya whisper softly in her mind.

[A low-ranking knight of the Hymn Guild? Level three is elite enough.]

As Guya spoke, Sisilio raised his Soulblade ahead.

Seeing the blade aimed at her, Xueluo shouted, "We’ll discuss this later!"

Boom!

With a violent crash, Xueluo kicked Sisilio hard in the chest. Staggering from the sudden strike, he stumbled back several steps.

The instant she landed, Xueluo’s hand flew to the sword hilt at her waist.

Then—

Hum!

A vivid red blade erupted from Xueluo’s hilt. Both the attacking grunts and Sisilio froze, faces etched with shock.

Soulblades were exclusive to Hymn Guild insiders. Ordinary folk—even most mages—rarely got one.

Yet this unschooled girl already wielded one?

"Fall back!" Sisilio commanded, stepping forward with his sword raised. "I’ll handle her. Kill the other woman."

He thrust both hands forward.

Boom!

A shockwave of raw magic slammed into Xueluo, hurling her backward into the forest.

[A direct magical blast!] Guya yelled in her mind as Xueluo smashed through trees. [Watch out, Contractor! Enemies are—]

But the moment Xueluo steadied herself, small spheres clattered at her feet.

"This—"

Hiss!

Yellowish mist sprayed before she could react.

"Cough! Cough! Cough!"

[Garlic mist! Contractor!]

I can smell it! Xueluo groaned inwardly. Her nostrils burned as if peeling; her eyes stung shut, tears streaming.

Not lethal—but agony made her want to claw her eyeballs out.

"Seems—"

Hum!

Magic vibrations cut through the mist.

[Defend overhead, Contractor!]

Boom!

Xueluo swung her blade up, blocking Sisilio’s strike. Before she could think, his kick sent her skidding back.

"Lord Edward mentioned," Sisilio said, twirling his Elder Sword as Xueluo coughed violently, "you might be a Vampire... or Vampire-tied."

That overbearing boss again... Xueluo grumbled silently but slowly rose.

"Flattered the Hymn Guild cares so much."

"Perhaps. But I’m not pleased." Sisilio raised his Soulblade, gripping it overhead with both hands.

[The human third combat stance, Contractor.]

"Lord Edward said we do our duty," Sisilio continued. "But no Half Vampire or Vampire has ever wielded magic."

Xueluo frowned.

"I believe both hold immense capture value."