"Ugh!"
Irina’s eyes snapped open. She stared blankly at the ceiling above.
*What happened?*
But for some reason…
*This feels incredible.*
After muttering to herself, Irina turned her head toward the foot of her bed.
There, she saw Xueluo collapsed on the floor, looking utterly drained—as if every drop of vitality had been wrung from her.
"Big sister! What’s wrong?!"
Irina leapt out of bed, shouting. She lifted Xueluo, whose pallor was alarming even for a vampire. Xueluo only mumbled weakly:
"Don’t… ever do that again, Irina…"
"Huh?"
"I feel like I’ve lost all the energy I’ll ever have for the rest of my life."
"Huh?"
Before Irina could make sense of her words, the door creaked open.
"All done?" Rosalia peeked through the gap, grinning mischievously. Spotting Xueluo immobilized on the floor, she quickly covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.
*That woman.*
Guya’s voice whispered in Xueluo’s mind, sharp with disapproval.
*She knew this would happen. That’s why she called you over the moment Irina showed signs of waking.*
*Sly and cunning.*
Lying in her sister’s arms, Xueluo grumbled under her breath.
Once Xueluo regained some strength, she and Rosalia explained everything to Irina—how she’d become a vampire, their current situation. To Xueluo’s relief, Irina accepted it swiftly.
*Thank goodness. Explaining would’ve been such a hassle.*
As Xueluo finally relaxed, Rosalia clapped her hands lightly. "I’ll take care of Irina for now. Grandpa asked me to tell you—he’s arranged a practical test for you. Head into the deep forest outside."
*That old bastard.*
Xueluo turned slowly and left Irina’s room, biting back the complaint.
*You already know this, Contractor,* Guya’s voice chimed in her head. *Your sister will likely need… relief like this often now. When symptoms flare up, well—you’ll just have to make a sacrifice.*
"Is this damn mana replenishment or what?"
*Call it that if you like. But seriously—you’re a girl now. Watch your language. All that swearing.*
"None of your business."
Scowling, Xueluo shoved the door ahead open and stepped out of Zerich’s academy.
"And it’s not like I asked for this flat-chested body! Seriously—gender swaps are supposed to try things you lack, right? Not only did you skip the ‘standard equipment,’ you took away what I originally had!"
*Strangely, I’ve grown numb to your chest-mocking remarks.*
"Heh heh heh~"
Purring like a cat, Xueluo pushed aside branches and strode deeper into the woods.
"Survival of the fittest, huh? Uwahahaha~"
Mid-celebration, a sharp jolt ripped through Xueluo’s mind.
*Contractor. Something… unnatural lurks in this forest.*
…
*Another one of Zerich’s schemes?*
Xueluo crouched low, peering cautiously ahead.
Then she froze.
White-robed Hymn Guild mages—Hymn Blood Hunters—scoured the forest, examining the ground as if hunting traces of a crime. Their robes glared under the dim light.
*Contractor. Get away from them. Those are Hymn Blood Hunters.*
Guya’s warning clicked instantly.
Hymn Blood Hunters—elite vampire hunters within the Hymn Guild. Their gear was useless against humans but a nightmare for vampires: robes woven with silver threads and silk, Soulblades forged from pure UV light—all engineered for one purpose: maximum vampire annihilation.
*Why are they here…?*
Xueluo turned to slip away—
"In a hurry to leave?"
"Ugh!"
She stumbled back. Standing before her, hands clasped behind his back, was a familiar figure.
Edward smiled.
"Long time no see, Miss Xueluo. Though I must say—I can’t seem to find your hamburger stand anymore."
"It’s a cart, Lord Edward."
Xueluo’s voice dripped with distaste at his unnaturally delicate, almost feminine tone.
"My cart’s journey spans the stars and seas."
"How inspiring. But not the answer I seek…"
Edward’s hand shot out.
Thud!
He slammed Xueluo against a tree trunk, his whisper icy.
"One of my hunters was sliced in half here. Along with a pile of mercenaries and apprentices…"
He tilted his head up, eyes locking onto hers.
"I’m investigating. Do you know what happened here, Miss Xueluo?"
