Gulp—
As a trace of sweet blood slowly slid into Kurose Akira's stomach, it felt as if a fire had been ignited inside his body, triggering a violent surge. He could clearly sense his body temperature skyrocketing, and within his veins, some mysterious power seemed to be roaming restlessly.
At that moment, a message abruptly flashed into his field of vision:
[You have obtained the blood of a Vampire Progenitor: Blood originating from a Vampire Progenitor is gradually infusing into your body. It will be stored as a powerful reserve of strength, ready to be invoked at any time (limited to one use).]
"Power… from a Vampire Progenitor?"
Akira stared at the floating prompt, a trace of surprise appearing on his face.
He couldn't help but wonder—what kind of amplification would this power actually grant him?
But since this opportunity could only be used once, it clearly wasn't something he could afford to waste lightly.
"Shouldn't that be enough by now?"
Just as Akira was about to release Canlutis, she clung tightly to him instead.
Her voice was soft, seductive, almost pleading.
"Young man… don't stop. Keep going, alright? My blood can give you endless power."
"Wait—"
"Come on~ don't be shy~ human boy~ enjoy my blood to your heart's content~"
Gulp gulp gulp~
[Vampire Progenitor's Power: +1]
Half an hour later, Akira was sitting on the ground, panting heavily.
He had nearly choked on Canlutis's blood. The last time he'd felt anything like this was when he'd been in Beiyarela's arms, tasting her—
The good news was that the Vampire Progenitor's stored power had gained an additional usage.
"This feeling is just wonderful~ having my blood violently drained, my body mercilessly ravaged… ah~"
Canlutis was kneeling on the ground now, her hands gently caressing her snow-white neck. Clear bite marks were visible there, faint traces of blood still seeping out.
Despite the chaotic and feral state of the scene, Canlutia could only sit there, unable to suppress the fury boiling inside her.
She couldn't bear what had just happened—
Yet she had been forced to watch helplessly as Akira drank Canlutis's blood from start to finish, powerless to stop it.
My blood…
Waaah…
"Then I'll be taking my leave."
After regaining his composure, Akira prepared to stand up and go.
"Wait~"
Canlutis suddenly rose and hugged him tightly from behind, whispering softly into his ear.
"Are you sure?" Akira asked, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
Canlutis nodded lightly and smiled.
"Canlutia has only one weakness. Works every time~"
"Alright. I'll remember that."
Akira replied with a smile, then vanished from the soul domain created by the Vampire Progenitor.
When he returned to the guild, it was already deep into the night.
Even so, Lucia and Ivsha were still waiting patiently inside the guild, guarding his body until his consciousness returned.
"Mr. Akira… you're finally awake."
Ivsha stepped forward, her beautiful eyes filled with unmistakable concern.
"Don't worry. I'm fine."
Akira smiled as he stood up and stretched his body.
Ivsha curved her lips into a knowing smile and whispered softly,
"We know, Mr. Akira~"
Akira froze for a moment upon hearing that. His brows slowly knit together as realization dawned.
Then he saw Ivsha gently place her hand upon his holy light.
The radiant glow was blazing fiercely now, illuminating her cheek like polished crystal.
"Ahem…"
Akira cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
But the holy light stubbornly refused to cooperate, continuing to shine brilliantly.
This left Akira puzzled.
Was it because he had drunk the blood of a Vampire Progenitor that his holy light had grown several times stronger?
Or was it because he'd been bitten by one?
Just then, Lucia's voice cut through his thoughts.
Her cool gaze swept toward Akira as she asked,
"Did you gain anything?"
"Yes."
Akira nodded.
"The Medusa Queen has indeed returned to the Magic Continent. She's currently in the Land of Silence."
"The Land of Silence…?"
Lucia repeated the name, falling into brief contemplation. Complex emotions flickered within her golden-red eyes, as though she were recalling something long buried.
Akira continued,
"Also, the information from the blood suggests that the Goddess of Love deceived the Medusa Queen, which led to her suffering severe injuries."
As soon as he finished speaking, Marei Rhine's voice echoed inside Akira's mind, brimming with schadenfreude:
"Hahaha! So even the Medusa Queen ends up like this!"
"..."
Akira stared speechlessly at Marei Rhine's petrified statue in the hall.
Even turned to stone, she's still this restless?
"But nearly a thousand years have passed since the Medusa Queen was rumored to have returned to the Magic Continent," Lucia said thoughtfully, frowning.
"No matter how severe her injuries were, she should've recovered by now."
"A thousand years already?"
Akira frowned slightly.
Could it be that the Medusa Queen had already died in the Land of Silence?
But if he wanted the truth, there was only one way—
He'd have to go there himself.
Of course, that would only be possible once his strength was sufficient.
Akira coughed lightly and shifted the topic.
"Alright. There's still one important matter we need to deal with."
"What is it?"
Everyone turned toward him, confused.
Akira rubbed the tip of his nose and replied,
"That drop of the Goddess of Love's blood is currently fused within my body. I need to guide it out. Any ideas?"
He could clearly feel the divine blood flowing inside him. To preserve its divinity, it had to be separated as soon as possible.
"That's easy."
Ivsha approached Akira with a confident smile, her eyes glinting with allure.
"I can help you with that, Mr. Akira… I'll blow it out~"
"?"
Akira frowned instantly.
A succubus's solution—still as crude and straightforward as ever.
"The blood of a god is sacred beyond measure. How can it be handled so carelessly?"
Lucia immediately rebuked coldly.
"It must be separated bit by bit from the blood using magic to ensure its divine nature remains intact."
Ivsha was unfazed. She smiled and countered,
"Your Holiness, succubi naturally have our own methods for solving such issues. We aren't humans—we have our own advantages."
Lucia replied calmly,
"Ivsha, I may not fully understand the advantages of succubi, but I have far more experience handling divine artifacts than you do."
"So please—leave this to someone more qualified. Is that acceptable?"
Facing the dispute between the two women, Akira simply said lightly,
"Stop arguing. We'll do it together."
"?"