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Chapter 58: I Really Like Sharon~

Adele was still focused on trying to increase her magic refinement level from a pathetic 0.5 to a slightly less pathetic 1, completely oblivious to the silent war brewing outside the training grounds.

Hermione’s expression was unreadable, her aura growing colder, more menacing, with each passing moment.

Dorothy, on the other hand, maintained her usual cheerful facade, her smile as sweet as poison, her eyes gleaming with a hidden amusement that sent shivers down your spine.

Both of them were Sequence One vampires, both renowned for their power, their strength. And yet, there had never been a true confrontation between them, a decisive battle that would settle the question of who was stronger.

Dorothy only did what amused her, and Hermione lacked the competitive drive to challenge her. They had sparred once, during the year-end ranking assessment, but it had been a halfhearted affair, neither of them truly pushing the other to their limits. The instructors had initially declared it a draw, but the academy’s higher-ups had intervened, forcing them to choose a winner.

Hermione, who didn’t care for titles or rankings, and who considered Dorothy a friend, had conceded defeat.

But now… now Hermione had something, someone, worth fighting for.

She wouldn’t back down so easily this time.

“I’m not someone you can manipulate at will, Dorothy,” she said, her voice calm, her gaze meeting Dorothy’s without a hint of fear or subservience.

The temperature plummeted, a chill wind whipping through the air, frost forming on the leaves and petals of the nearby flowers.

Hermione wasn’t playing games.

Dorothy’s eyes, narrowed to slits, their crimson color deepening, finally opened fully, their gaze locking onto Hermione.

Hermione was taller, her silver-blue hair and sharp features giving her an aura of cold, aloof elegance. But even her imposing presence couldn’t overshadow Dorothy.

Dorothy simply smiled, her carefree demeanor unwavering, her smile as disarming as ever. She effortlessly neutralized Hermione’s aura, the icy chill unable to penetrate her defenses.

As a Familiar vampire, Dorothy was protected by her familiar, Azathoth. The specifics of their bond were unknown, but it was clearly powerful enough to shield her from Hermione’s magic.

And then, with a mere thought, Dorothy turned the tables, unleashing a wave of oppressive energy that washed over Hermione, sending shivers down her spine.

It felt like an abyss had opened up before her, a bottomless chasm filled with an ancient, unknowable presence. Something was watching her from the darkness, its gaze cold and calculating.

Even Hermione, the Ice Queen, felt a chill creep into her heart.

“You’re not serious, are you, Hermione~?” Dorothy asked, her voice light, almost teasing.

She was still willing to forgive Hermione, to let this go. All Hermione had to do was back down, to concede. An apology wasn’t necessary. That would be too humiliating. Just a simple retraction of her earlier statement, and Dorothy would forget this ever happened.

After all, they were friends.

Hermione was one of Dorothy’s few friends, even if her importance had diminished somewhat in light of Adele’s arrival. But Dorothy’s chaotic, impulsive nature needed someone like Hermione, someone stable, someone reliable, to keep her grounded.

If Dorothy lost everyone she cared about… well, the consequences were unimaginable.

Azathoth might just decide to destroy the world.

But despite the pressure, the fear that was gnawing at her, Hermione stood her ground, her gaze fixed on Adele’s distant figure.

Adele, a lowly Sequence Five… and yet, she gave Hermione strength, a reason to fight, a purpose she had never known before.

It sounded… ridiculous, didn’t it?

A wry smile curved Hermione’s lips, a smile that surprisingly suited her face. She just didn’t smile very often. She was always so cold, so distant.

Even Adele had only seen her smile a handful of times.

As for Dorothy… well, she was mesmerized by that smile, a flicker of jealousy igniting within her.

Why had Hermione never smiled like that when they were together? Why was it only for Adele?

*It’s not fair…*

*Why am I always left out?*

*Aren’t we friends?*

*We are friends!*

Dorothy’s eyes darkened, the crimson color deepening, as if blood were about to spill from their depths.

She took a step forward, her hand shooting out to grab Hermione’s collar.

Ice instantly encased her hand, frost spreading up her arm, threatening to engulf her entire body.

But Dorothy didn’t flinch. She was like a doll, impervious to pain.

*If only it were that simple…*

“I won’t ask again, Hermione,” she said, her voice low, dangerous.

“Answer me…!”

Hermione took a deep breath, her gaze meeting Dorothy’s. She had underestimated Dorothy’s power. All those practice sessions, those simulations… they hadn’t prepared her for this, for the sheer intensity of Dorothy’s aura, the raw power that radiated from her.

But even if she was facing a brick wall, she would keep hitting it until it crumbled.

“I won’t say it again either, Dorothy,” she said, her voice firm, unwavering. “I won’t let go. My feelings for Adele are real!”

“She’s not your toy!”

“And she’s not mine!”

“I’m not afraid of you. And I won’t leave her.”

“I challenge you to a duel. Three days from now, at the ranking tournament.”

The ranking tournament, held every Monday, was a chance for the upperclassmen to test their skills against each other, to earn points for their respective classes, and to climb the ranks within the academy.

“If I win, you’ll leave Adele alone.”

“And if you lose?” Dorothy asked, a smile curving her lips. It was a silent smile, but somehow… it seemed tinged with sadness.

Hermione’s eyes, cold and blue as glacial ice, narrowed.

“I won’t lose.”

“Unless I’m dead.”

………………

When Adele’s class ended, both Hermione and Dorothy were gone. Sequence Ones, when deciding the fate of their prey, had an unspoken agreement to avoid each other.

But Adele… well, she was no longer mere “prey” to them.

She wandered over to a nearby flower bed, her gaze drawn to a frost-covered flower. She picked it up, her brow furrowing in thought.

*Did it freeze because it was dying, or did it die because it froze?*

She gently brushed the frost away, revealing the delicate petals beneath. The ice melted in her hand, the water dripping through her fingers.

Adele shivered. She wasn’t particularly strong, her human heritage making her susceptible to the cold.

She carefully buried the flower in the soft earth, hoping that it would bloom again in the spring, or perhaps nourish the other flowers.

With a sigh, she stood up, dusting off her hands.

She was about to head back to her dorm when a timid voice called out to her.

“…Adele? Are you done with class?”

The voice sounded familiar, but Adele couldn’t quite place it. There was a hesitancy, an awkwardness to the way the question was phrased, as if the speaker were nervous, unsure of themselves.

*Maybe she’s just shy… A bit of a social recluse…*

And then, it hit her.

Of course! She recognized the voice now.

Her mind raced, piecing together the clues, identifying the speaker.

She turned, her face brightening with a smile.

“Sharon!?”

*Wait, no. Too enthusiastic. That’ll scare her.*

She quickly toned down her expression, forcing herself to appear calm, collected.

But that didn’t change the fact that Sharon was her next target.

Sharon, hearing her name, her voice, froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. Was that… was that really for her? Was Adele actually happy to see her?

*Maybe I’m just imagining things…*

*Adele has no reason to be nice to me… To someone like me…*

Doubt gnawed at her, her heart sinking. Her pale gold eyes, framed by her silvery-gray bangs, flickered with a mixture of hope and despair.

“…Y-Yes, it’s me. I was just… passing by.”

There was no “just passing by.” Sharon was Dorothy’s loyal follower, her shadow. She had witnessed the confrontation between Dorothy and Hermione, the way they had both fought for Adele’s attention, their jealousy a palpable force.

Despair had washed over her.

But at least… she still had her dreams. In her dreams, no one could take Adele away from her. Not even Hermione. Not even Princess Dorothy.

This was one of the few things that gave her courage, a flicker of confidence in a world that constantly reminded her of her own insignificance.

After Dorothy had left, Sharon had lingered, waiting for Adele’s class to end. She had imagined countless scenarios, countless ways to approach her.

But she wasn’t good at pretending. Her affection for Adele, her admiration, was always evident, no matter how hard she tried to hide it.

She was gentle with Adele, treating her like a goddess, someone to be worshipped, not touched.

She had only tasted Adele’s blood once, a single drop from a cut on her finger. Pathetic, compared to the other Sequence Ones.

But Sharon didn’t feel sorry for herself. The original Adele might have hated Dorothy, hated Hermione, hated those twins… but she had never truly shown any animosity towards Sharon.

Sharon had always cherished that fact, clinging to it as if it were a lifeline, a sign that she was somehow closer to Adele’s heart than the others.

But the truth was… she was just a little less hated.

“What a coincidence! I just finished class too.” Adele smiled, her voice warm and inviting, as she approached Sharon.

She wouldn’t call Sharon out on her clumsy acting. In fact, she found it rather endearing.

It even sparked a mischievous urge within her, a desire to… well, to tease her a little.

Sharon’s timid demeanor, her lack of confidence, her nervous fidgeting… it was like she was begging to be bullied.

Adele wanted to see her cry, to hear her whimper and plead, to break her down until she was completely dependent on her, her every thought and emotion colored by Adele’s presence.

*No… Stop it, Adele.*

*You can’t do that to her.*

*Be nice. Be gentle.*

Freud had proposed that the human psyche was composed of three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. The id was the primal, instinctual part of the mind, driven by base desires and impulses. The ego was the conscious, rational part of the mind, trying to mediate between the id and the external world. And the superego was the moral compass, the internalized values and ideals that guided our behavior.

Right now, Adele was caught between her id and her ego, her desire to tease and torment clashing with her rational mind, her sense of… well, basic human decency.

And surprisingly… it seemed like her superego was winning.

*Weird.*

*Better read that again…*

To distract herself from her less-than-noble thoughts, Adele bit down on her tongue, hard.

“Are you… are you alright, Adele?” Sharon asked, her voice laced with concern as she heard Adele gasp in pain.

Adele looked at her, her heart melting at the genuine worry she saw in her eyes. Even her long, silvery-gray bangs, which almost covered her eyes, couldn’t hide her concern.

“…I’m fine. Just bit my tongue,” Adele said, her cheeks flushing. It sounded stupid, but it was the truth.

“I guess I was just… excited to see you, Sharon.”

“You… You wanted to see me?” Sharon stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

“You’re… happy to see me?”

It felt like fireworks were exploding in her brain, a dazzling display of light and color that left her breathless, her heart pounding so hard it almost hurt.

But the pain was a welcome reminder that this wasn’t a dream. This was real.

Adele, sensing Sharon’s hesitation, took a step closer.

Sharon, overwhelmed, instinctively took a step back.

*No! What am I doing?*

If Adele pulled away now, if she misinterpreted Sharon’s reaction, Sharon would never forgive herself. She would hate herself for being so cowardly, so incapable of holding onto the one person who brought her joy.

But Adele, thankfully, didn’t seem to notice. She simply took another step closer, closing the distance between them until their bodies were almost touching, their breaths mingling.

Sharon’s hair brushed against Adele’s cheek, sending shivers down her spine.

Adele reached out, her hand taking Sharon’s in a gentle, reassuring grip.

*Just like in my dreams…*

“Why wouldn’t I be happy?” Adele asked, her voice soft, her thumb gently caressing Sharon’s palm, as if trying to share her warmth with her.

“You’re different, Sharon. You’re always so kind to me. You never force me to do anything I don’t want to do.”

“And you came here to see me, didn’t you?”

“I know~”

“You’re a good girl, Sharon.”

“I… I really like you.”

Chapter 57: I Don’t Want to Share Her Anymore

Different Sequences meant different classes, and naturally, different training grounds for their Magic Training lessons. So Adele had to part ways with Celeste earlier than she would have liked.

Celeste was clearly reluctant to leave, but due to the nature of their relationship, she didn’t beg or plead. She was more like a lovesick admirer, her gaze lingering on Adele long after she had turned away, a mixture of longing and adoration in her eyes.

As for Linlang… well, she was probably thrilled to finally have Adele all to herself.

Only when Adele and Linlang had disappeared from sight did Celeste finally tear her gaze away, rejoining her own group of classmates.

Her actions, of course, did not go unnoticed. The whispers started immediately, a chorus of mocking laughter and disdain.

“Who was she with just now?”

“That lowly Sequence Five, again.”

“She’s really pushing her luck, isn’t she?”

“Birds of a feather flock together, I guess~”

But Celeste ignored them, their words washing over her like water off a duck’s back. She knew what was truly important to her now.

The lesson hadn’t officially started yet, but the students were allowed to practice within the designated training area, which was protected by a magic barrier. Several Elemental vampires were already showing off, boasting about how much their elemental refinement levels had increased.

In the center of the training ground, a battered target hung precariously from a metal frame. It looked like it was about to fall apart, and yet, no one had managed to destroy it. Stone pillars conjured from earth magic, ice arrows, wind blades… they had all failed to shatter the target completely.

The closest anyone had come was a Sequence Two vampire whose elemental refinement level was rumored to have reached level 7. Her wind blade had left a deep gash in the target, far more impressive than the superficial scratches the others had managed to inflict. It had been her most powerful attack, and she had been met with a chorus of cheers and applause.

The teacher, who was in charge of the Sequence Two Magic Training class, had been observing from a distance, her hopes rising as she witnessed the wind blade attack. Could this be it? Could she finally have a true prodigy in her class?

But the target had remained intact, and her hopes had been dashed.

*Seriously? That’s it?*

If she had to give an assessment, she would say that the wind-wielding vampire’s power was… superficial. She had focused on form over substance, on style over power. Her technique was flashy, but her foundation was weak.

As for her elemental refinement level… well, there was a good chance she had exaggerated her progress.

Just as the teacher was about to give up and start the lesson early, a wave of intense heat washed over the training ground. Even she felt a surge of pressure, a palpable shift in the air.

Her eyes widened as she spotted the source of the heat: a golden-haired girl, the one everyone else avoided like the plague, standing in the center of the training ground, her gaze fixed on the distant target.

Her hair, a cascade of golden sunlight, whipped around her face, her movements radiating a confidence, a power that was undeniable. The scar on her cheek, pulsing with a faint blue light, only added to her allure, a touch of danger that made her even more captivating.

A bow and arrow, forged from fire and imbued with the essence of flames, materialized before her, the flames swirling and dancing with a life of their own, a testament to her mastery of fire magic.

She nocked an arrow, her gaze unwavering, her focus absolute.

And then, with a soft *whoosh*, the flaming arrow shot towards the target, its trajectory perfect, its speed breathtaking.

Bullseye!

But the arrow didn’t stop there. It exploded upon impact, the force of the blast shattering the target into a million pieces, the fragments raining down like confetti.

The other Sequence Two vampires stared, speechless, their jaws slack with disbelief.

Silence descended upon the training ground.

Even those who had been mocking and belittling Celeste just moments ago were now rendered speechless.

The teacher, her eyes shining with approval, clapped her hands enthusiastically.

The other students, though reluctant, followed suit, their applause hesitant and uneven.

“If I’m not mistaken,” the teacher said, her voice laced with admiration, “your elemental refinement level has reached level 7, hasn’t it?”

Celeste nodded silently, confirming her suspicions.

Her classmates groaned, a chorus of envious sighs and frustrated whispers.

They were all Sequence Twos, some of them even more arrogant and privileged than Celeste. They had looked down on her, mocked her, dismissed her as a pathetic weakling.

And now, she had proven them all wrong.

Most of them were stuck at level 5, a few having reached level 6. The wind-wielding vampire had only recently reached level 7, and her power, achieved through shortcuts and trickery, was unstable, unreliable.

Celeste, on the other hand… her power was real, her talent undeniable.

The teacher’s next words were like a slap in the face, a harsh reminder of their own mediocrity.

“A true prodigy,” she declared, her voice filled with pride. “You’re leagues ahead of the others.”

“Tell me, what’s your name?”

Celeste blinked, confused. She had simply destroyed a battered old target. What was the big deal?

She didn’t know that the target had been specially designed by the teacher, its durability far beyond the capabilities of a typical first-year Sequence Two vampire. The teacher had allowed them to practice on it, to leave their marks, to give them a false sense of accomplishment.

But shattering the target… that was a whole other level of difficulty.

Celeste’s talent, combined with her hard work and determination, had given her the power to rival even the most gifted Sequence Ones. At least, that’s what the teacher believed.

As long as she didn’t encounter those truly monstrous beings, those outliers who even among Sequence Ones were considered freaks of nature… like Dorothy, or Hermione…

“Celeste,” she said, her voice soft but steady.

“A lovely name. I’m Sheena, your instructor.”

“Thank you… Teacher Sheena.”

“Tell me, how did you manage to shatter the target?”

Sheena, a vampire herself, leaned in close, her curiosity piqued. She caught a whiff of a delicate blood fragrance, and her eyes widened as she noticed the bandage on Celeste’s neck, strategically placed to conceal a bite mark.

*Who could it be?* she wondered. *Who could this proud, talented girl have given herself to so willingly?*

In vampire society, offering your blood to another vampire had a special significance. It was a sign of trust, of submission, of… love.

Celeste hesitated, unsure how to answer the teacher’s question. She couldn’t tell her the truth, could she? That she had been able to summon that level of power because… well, because she had imagined the target as Tang Linlang and Hermione?

………………

Meanwhile, on another training ground, a much less impressive one, Tang Linlang, who was still clinging to Adele’s side, suddenly sneezed.

“Achoo!”

She rubbed her nose, her brow furrowing in confusion. *What was that? Am I getting sick?*

“Linlang?” Adele asked, her voice laced with concern. She offered Linlang a tissue.

Linlang accepted the tissue, her cheeks flushing. Suddenly, even if she was getting sick, it didn’t seem so bad.

“It’s getting colder now, especially with winter approaching. You should wear a jacket, Linlang.”

“Yes, I will. You too, Adele… Take care of yourself.”

“I… I’ll take care of you too.”

For Linlang, who was naturally shy and introverted, even uttering those simple words of concern was a challenge. She stumbled over her words, her cheeks burning with a blush that made her even more adorable, even more irresistible.

Adele smiled, her heart melting. She couldn’t resist nuzzling her cheek against Linlang’s, their bodies brushing against each other.

“Cuddle time~”

“Ahn…!” Linlang froze, her entire body turning pink, as if she were about to explode.

Poor Linlang was putty in Adele’s hands.

“It’s just a way for friends to show their affection~” Adele said, her voice innocent, her explanation blatantly false.

“I-Is that so?” Linlang’s gaze darted around, her cheeks still burning. She nodded slowly, her voice barely a whisper.

“I… I see.”

“Cuddle time with Adele!”

Gathering her courage, she wrapped her arms around Adele, standing on her tiptoes to reach her cheek, nuzzling against her soft skin.

*So soft, so warm…*

Adele, caught off guard by Linlang’s sudden boldness, giggled.

“That tickles!”

*She’s so easy to tease…*

*She’s practically begging me to take advantage of her innocence.*

“What are you two doing?”

A stern voice startled them, and they quickly separated, their cheeks flushing even redder, as if they had been caught making out behind the bleachers.

Thankfully, the teacher, a strict but fair woman, didn’t press the issue. She simply glared at them, making sure they had gotten the message, and then moved on, her gaze sweeping over the other students.

Adele and Linlang exchanged a relieved glance. They had dodged a bullet.

Linlang’s heart was racing. Adele had seemed just as worried about being caught as she was. Did that mean… did that mean that Adele also saw their relationship as something… more than just friendship?

The thought sent a thrill through her, a wave of giddy excitement.

But Adele, oblivious to Linlang’s inner turmoil, was already focused on the upcoming lesson.

The bell rang, signaling the start of class.

Adele might not have been the most magically gifted student, but she was determined to make the most of this class. She followed the teacher’s instructions, focusing on sensing her own magic, manipulating it, shaping it in her mind.

She had heard that human scientists were studying magic, trying to understand its properties, to find a way to control it, even to replicate it. If they succeeded… well, it would be like creating modern-day “hextech.”

But there was also a theory that magic originated from a higher dimension, and that the human mind was the only thing capable of accessing and utilizing it.

Adele shivered, a sudden realization hitting her. If that was true… then where did she come from? Wasn’t her original world that “higher dimension?”

It didn’t make sense. She was a transmigrator, a being from a higher plane of existence. So why… why was she still so weak?

*What’s wrong with me?*

Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice the figure standing outside the training grounds, her gaze fixed on Adele.

It was a girl with long, silver-blue hair, her features elegant, her demeanor regal. She had stopped walking, her eyes drawn to Adele, her entire world seemingly shrinking until only Adele remained, her image painted in vibrant colors against a backdrop of gray.

Her blue eyes, usually cold and distant, softened slightly, a flicker of warmth melting the ice that had encased them for so long.

She watched, amused, as Adele struggled to control her meager magic, her movements clumsy, her efforts endearing. It was like watching a child playing with sticks, pretending they were a knight’s sword.

But the true knight, the one wielding the real sword, the one with the power to conquer armies… well, she was the one watching from the sidelines.

If it hadn’t been for the unexpected arrival of a certain someone, Hermione might have spent the entire class simply watching Adele, lost in her own little world, her heart filled with a contentment she hadn’t felt in a very long time.

But the sky had darkened, storm clouds gathering, a tempest brewing.

“Hermione?”

“Fancy meeting you here~”

“Ah, I understand now.”

“You’re thirsty… Aren’t you~?”

Dorothy, her pink pigtails bouncing with every step, her smile as sweet as poison, approached Hermione from behind, her voice laced with a playful mockery. She moved with an effortless grace, as if she owned the place, as if this entire academy were her personal playground.

Her tone, however, shifted abruptly, the playful lilt replaced with a seriousness that was unsettling, almost unnatural.

“Seriousness”… it was a word that didn’t quite fit Dorothy, the carefree vampire princess who lived for her games, her whims.

“But I’m afraid I have to decline your request, Hermione,” she said, her voice soft, almost a whisper.

“Lately… I’ve been feeling a bit…”

—“Possessive.”

Chapter 56: Stealing the Family Register for Adele!

No one knew how Tang Linlang had managed to rescue Adele from that tide of bloodthirsty corpses. She came from the Tang family, a lineage of vampire hunters, and their only renowned skill was assassination. But assassination, when exposed to the light of day, was like a sword without an edge, its effectiveness greatly diminished.

The novel only described Adele, on the verge of losing consciousness, witnessing Linlang arriving on a roaring motorcycle, splitting the waves of blood and flesh. Then, a wave of fluorescent green light erupted, countering the crimson tide of corpses.

After that, Adele remembered nothing.

She didn’t know what that green light represented, nor if Linlang possessed hidden powers she was unaware of. The only thing she knew for sure was that Linlang had saved her life.

*She really is… a dependable girl.*

But Adele didn’t want Linlang to get involved in her final showdown with Dorothy. Maybe it was out of respect for the original story’s destiny. Or maybe… it was simply because she didn’t want her only friend in this world to die.

So, Adele had left without a word, embarking on her final, fateful journey alone.

That was one of the events that had led to the novel’s climax, the eve of the final battle.

Recalling those memories, Adele felt a surge of gratitude and affection for the girl standing before her.

She carefully wiped the sweat from Linlang’s forehead, her fingers gently caressing her cheek.

Linlang, overwhelmed by this sudden display of affection, blushed and averted her gaze. But then, Adele’s words sparked a glimmer of hope in her eyes.

“Thank you for everything, Linlang.”

Whether it was for the Linlang of the future or the Linlang standing before her, Adele knew that she had endured unimaginable hardships to become the strong, capable woman she was destined to be.

Adele wasn’t omniscient. She only had glimpses of the future, fragments of information related to the original Adele’s story. She had no idea what Linlang had gone through, what sacrifices she had made, what choices she had faced.

But she was deeply touched by her unwavering loyalty.

*Thank you… Linlang. Thank you for everything.*

Adele’s throat tightened, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. Just imagining the pain Linlang must have endured…

But Linlang would never tell her. She wouldn’t want to worry her.

Knowing this, Adele couldn’t bring herself to pry, to reveal her knowledge of the future.

So, she swallowed her tears, her emotions, and pulled Linlang into a tight embrace.

To anyone watching, it might have seemed like an odd display of affection, two girls hugging in the middle of the hallway. Of course, it was also a rather pleasing sight.

But Adele didn’t care what anyone thought. She just wanted Linlang to know that she wasn’t alone in this.

The hug lingered, neither girl wanting to let go. Adele had a weakness for soft, cuddly girls, and Linlang… well, she was enjoying the feeling of Adele’s arms around her, the warmth of her body pressed against hers, the sweet scent of her hair.

It was Linlang who finally broke the embrace, gently patting Adele’s back.

Adele reluctantly pulled away, her cheeks flushed, and then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, she looped her arm through Linlang’s.

“Come on, Linlang,” she said, her voice cheerful.

But Linlang didn’t move. Her gaze, narrowed slightly, was fixed on a point in the distance, a mixture of suspicion and hostility in her eyes.

Adele, confused, followed her gaze.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Standing in the shadows, where the sunlight dappled the floor in a mosaic of light and darkness, was a girl Adele couldn’t mistake.

She was wearing her school uniform, the skirt perfectly pleated, the stockings Adele had carefully chosen for her that morning, the ones with the black lace trim at the thighs, on full display. Her waist was impossibly small, her chest full and alluring, her figure a masterpiece of curves and angles. Even with her collar buttoned up to her chin, she exuded an undeniable sensuality.

Her neck was long and graceful, her face delicate and beautiful, marred only by a healing scar that somehow only added to her allure, a touch of imperfection that made her even more captivating.

But what truly drew the eye was her hair, a cascade of golden strands that flowed down her back like molten sunshine, catching the light with every movement.

Celeste. Her gaze was fixed on Adele, her expression unreadable.

She had witnessed everything. Adele throwing herself into Linlang’s arms, the way they had clung to each other, their embrace lingering long after it should have ended.

Linlang might have been petite, but Adele was even smaller, more delicate, like a precious porcelain doll. She seemed to fit perfectly against anyone she stood next to, always the more vulnerable, the more adorable one.

Watching them, Celeste felt a pang of jealousy, a possessive ache in her chest. But did she even have the right to feel that way?

Her thoughts were a tangled mess, her emotions a whirlwind of confusion and longing.

She needed a command. An order. Something to distract her from the turmoil within.

Adele, finally noticing Celeste’s presence, blinked, her cheeks flushing as she realized how their embrace must have looked.

She offered Celeste a tentative smile, hoping to reassure her.

Celeste, relieved, returned the smile, her heart easing slightly. She walked towards them, her usual arrogance replaced with a quiet uncertainty.

Linlang’s gaze, sharp as a knife, followed Celeste’s every move. She instinctively stepped in front of Adele, shielding her with her own body.

Adele, secretly pleased by Linlang’s protectiveness, leaned in close, her voice soft and reassuring.

“It’s okay, Linlang,” she whispered. “Not all vampires are bad.”

“Her name is Celeste.”

“She’s really nice, and her family is super rich. She takes me out to fancy restaurants all the time.”

She blushed, hoping to downplay the significance of their relationship.

Linlang, however, felt a surge of unease. She knew exactly what Celeste was doing: using her wealth and influence to worm her way into Adele’s life, hoping to exploit her vulnerability, her poverty.

She had seen it happen countless times before, innocent students lured into a life of luxury, their morals compromised, their values eroded by the allure of money and material possessions. They lost their…

Why did she know this? Because she had imagined it. If she had the means, she would have showered Adele with gifts, with everything she could possibly desire…

*Ahem. Forget it. That’s not important.*

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch, Adele,” she said, her voice laced with concern. “Maybe I shouldn’t say this, but Celeste… she might be…”

“I know what you’re worried about, Linlang,” Adele interrupted, her grip tightening on Linlang’s sleeve. “But I’m not stupid. I can handle myself.”

“Besides, Celeste is not who you think she is. You should try getting to know her.”

Adele truly hoped they could all get along. Celeste had finally reached them, so she quickly shot Celeste a warning glance, hoping to encourage her to be nice to Linlang.

But Celeste, misunderstanding Adele’s intentions, shook her head, her voice firm.

“No.”

“I don’t want to have anything to do with her.”

Their gazes locked, sparks flying.

Adele’s eye twitched.

*Linlang is one thing, but Celeste, what are you doing?*

*Ugh!*

Heaving a sigh, hoping to prevent a full-blown argument, Adele grabbed both of their arms and dragged them forward.

“Come on, Magic Training is about to start!”

“You’re both my friends. At least try to be civil in front of me, okay?”

Her voice was a mixture of exasperation and pleading.

“…Fine,” Celeste mumbled, her usual arrogance replaced with a grudging acceptance.

*I’ll deal with you later, you disobedient mutt…*

Linlang, after a moment of hesitation, nodded.

“I’ll try.”

“Oh, by the way, Adele,” she added, her voice taking on a slightly hesitant tone. “My family’s house is about to be demolished.”

“Actually, I could…”

*I could give you a better life.*

*I could give you everything you’ve ever wanted.*

“Wait, what? Demolished?” Adele’s eyes widened, her attention instantly shifting to Linlang.

*This is amazing!*

It was the classic rags-to-riches story, the dream of every young person struggling to make ends meet.

Adele’s eyes practically turned into dollar signs. She leaned in close, her excitement palpable.

She truly lived up to her reputation for being “honest.” Honest in her greed, adorable in her eagerness.

Linlang, overwhelmed by Adele’s sudden enthusiasm, her senses reeling from the sweet scent that clung to Adele’s skin, blushed furiously.

Of course, she didn’t think Adele was a gold-digger. Adele was just… happy for her. That’s all.

Adele had seen the dilapidated state of Linlang’s house when she had walked her home the other day. She had tried to be polite, saying it had a “rustic charm,” but Linlang had known better. It was falling apart, a crumbling relic of a bygone era.

It was hard to believe that in this modern age, someone could still live in a house that didn’t even have hot running water. And in the heart of the city, no less.

So, it was only natural that Adele would be excited for her, knowing that she was about to receive a life-changing windfall.

*She’s still the same Adele…*

*Kind, innocent, adorable…*

*The most beautiful girl in the world.*

“Yes, it’s really happening,” Linlang confirmed, her voice soft.

The truth was, for years, the decision to demolish the house had been entirely up to her father. But he had been stubborn, clinging to the past, to the traditions of their ancestors, refusing to sell, even when government officials, some of them incredibly powerful, had come knocking, offering him a fortune.

But he had already broken tradition once, for her sake. What was one more transgression?

Besides, he knew how much she yearned for a better life, for the comforts of modern living.

When Linlang had successfully formed a bond with the Gu Realm, becoming its host, she had essentially walked through the gates of hell and emerged victorious. Her father, his heart filled with relief and pride, had finally made a decision.

He had told her that he was going to demolish the entire Tang family estate, everything except for the ancestral shrine, and sell the land to developers.

Linlang had been speechless, tears streaming down her face as she hugged her father, her heart overflowing with gratitude and love.

Tang Wuying had been speechless as well. It had been so long since he had held his daughter like this, felt her warmth, her love.

In that moment, he had realized how foolish he had been, clinging to the past, denying her a better life.

With the money from the sale, the Tang family would finally be able to live comfortably. And with Linlang’s newfound power, who knew? Perhaps she could even restore the Tang family to its former glory.

The moment Tang Wuying had made his decision, a new billionaire had been born.

To put it in perspective, imagine the Tang family estate being located in the heart of Shanghai, in one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city.

The Celeste family’s wealth was mostly tied to their holdings in the West. And Celeste, as a student, had limited access to her family’s resources.

But Linlang… she was about to become the ultimate “demolition generation” billionaire.

And now, she could finally say those words to Adele with absolute confidence:

—“I’ll take care of you.”

If she could add a time limit to that promise, Linlang would have chosen: forever.

Celeste, meanwhile, felt a pang of jealousy. She could sense the shift in Adele’s attention, the way her eyes lit up, the way her body leaned in closer to Linlang.

Even Linlang had to fan herself discreetly, her cheeks burning with a blush she couldn’t control. She had never experienced this side of Adele before, this unrestrained enthusiasm, this… closeness.

Adele was peppering her with questions, her breath tickling Linlang’s cheek, her excitement contagious.

Linlang, lost in the throes of her own innocent crush, didn’t even think twice about answering every single one of Adele’s questions, her heart soaring with each touch, each shared laugh. She felt like she would tell Adele anything, even her bank account password if she asked.

No, she would even sneak back home and steal her family’s bank cards, their savings books, even their family register, and give them all to Adele!

*Wait… Why would I steal the family register?*

Chapter 55: Even If the World Turns Against You, I’ll Be By Your Side

For a fleeting moment, Adele felt a jolt of fear, an inexplicable sense of dread that sent shivers down her spine. Her body stiffened, as if paralyzed by some unseen force, and her instincts screamed at her to run, to get as far away from Tang Linlang as possible.

And then, just as suddenly, the feeling vanished.

Linlang was back to normal, her expression innocent, her demeanor sweet and unassuming.

*…Was it just my imagination?*

If there was one difference, one thing that stood out, it was that Linlang seemed to have lost a lot of weight overnight. Her face was pale, as if she had been ill.

But despite her frail appearance, her eyes shone with a newfound determination, a resilience that reminded Adele of a bamboo stalk, bending but never breaking. Her spirit, it seemed, was stronger than ever.

The teacher glanced at Linlang, nodded curtly, and gestured for her to take her seat.

“Thank you, teacher,” Linlang murmured, her voice soft but steady.

She placed her bag in her desk, retrieved her textbook, and opened it to the correct page. Her movements were fluid, practiced, her demeanor calm and collected. The other vampires in the class ignored her, as they always did.

As a human surrounded by vampires, being isolated was actually the safest option. She didn’t try to force her way into their circles, and they, in turn, pretended she didn’t exist. It was a fragile truce, but it kept her safe.

Class had started, so Adele couldn’t stare at Linlang, no matter how curious she was. She forced herself to focus on her textbook, trying to keep up with the lesson.

Time seemed to fly by, and before she knew it, the bell was ringing, signaling the end of class. The teacher, without a word, gathered his belongings and left the room.

The classroom erupted in a cacophony of chatter and laughter.

Adele stretched, her neck aching from hours of sitting hunched over her desk. She couldn’t wait for the first-year practical classes to start. Those classes involved leaving the school, traveling to other cities, even other countries, to complete missions. They were mandatory, and they could last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, or even months.

It was basically like an internship, except it happened every year, for every grade level. Adele would have to complete four of these practical assignments before she could graduate and be assigned a permanent position within the vampire hierarchy.

It seemed that no matter what world you lived in, getting a decent job was always a struggle.

These practical assignments were also a chance for the elite vampire students to prove their worth. The human government had established these academies for a reason: to train vampires to be their weapons, their tools of war against the other supernatural races.

Don’t think for a second that humans were being altruistic. They weren’t training their former enemies out of the goodness of their hearts. They were doing it to control them, to ensure their loyalty.

Vampires who couldn’t prove their worth were denied any semblance of power or freedom. Their vampire status became a burden, a curse that trapped them in a life of servitude.

And those who dared to rebel against this system, this alliance between the human government and the Vampire True Ancestor… well, they were dealt with swiftly and ruthlessly.

When it came to playing the long game, humans were masters of manipulation. After all, they hadn’t conquered this planet by being nice.

Besides the practical classes, Cromwell Academy was also renowned for its “Magic Training” course. Actual mages served as instructors, teaching students how to refine their magical abilities, to increase their power and control.

This was where the true journey into the world of magic began.

According to the schedule, Adele’s first Magic Training class was today. She was determined to increase her pathetic 0.5 magic refinement level to… well, 1.

That’s right. Adele was going to be a 1! A big, strong 1!

But then, reality set in. Even if she managed to reach level 1, she would still be leagues behind Celeste, let alone Hermione and those other monsters.

Celeste, for some inexplicable reason, had managed to increase her elemental refinement level overnight, jumping from level 6 to level 7. She was sure to impress everyone in class today.

As for Hermione… well, she was stuck at level 8, a testament to her exceptional talent.

It was worth noting that elemental magic was essentially just magic with a specific elemental affinity. Celeste’s magic, for example, had an affinity for fire, while Hermione’s magic resonated with ice. Of course, there was also regular, non-elemental magic, the kind that Adele possessed.

Besides the magic refinement level, there was also the matter of magic quality. And Adele’s magic quality… well, it was Sequence Five, the lowest of the low.

The original Adele had always felt inferior during Magic Training classes, acutely aware of her own weakness, the vast gulf that separated her from the other vampires. And as a half-blood, she couldn’t even find solace in the company of her fellow humans. Her identity was fractured, her sense of belonging shattered.

But the current Adele was different. She viewed Magic Training as an extended gym class, a chance to stretch her metaphorical muscles, to explore the limits of her abilities.

She was actually looking forward to it.

And she hadn’t forgotten about Tang Linlang.

Gathering her belongings, Adele quietly made her way over to Linlang’s desk.

“Boo~” she whispered, her breath tickling Linlang’s ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

Linlang’s earlobe turned pink, and her eyes widened in surprise.

But had she truly been caught off guard? The slight smile that had been playing on her lips moments before Adele’s arrival suggested otherwise.

“A-Adele…” she stammered, her cheeks flushing.

“Heehee, did I scare you?” Adele asked, her voice playful as she squeezed Linlang’s shoulder, her body leaning against Linlang’s.

Linlang’s breath hitched, a jolt of electricity coursing through her.

“…A little,” she admitted.

“Here, let me pat your head. It’s an apology gift~” Adele chuckled, her hand gently ruffling Linlang’s hair.

Linlang leaned into the touch, her heart soaring.

“Come on, let’s go to the Magic Training grounds. We’ll be in trouble if we’re late.”

Linlang nodded, quickly gathering her things and standing up.

Adele, without hesitation, looped her arm through Linlang’s, their bodies brushing against each other. They looked like any other pair of close friends, their easy camaraderie a source of envy for those watching them.

But to the other vampires in the class, they were just two losers, the bottom of the barrel, clinging to each other for comfort.

They might not dare to openly challenge Adele anymore, not after what had happened to that Sequence Three vampire, but they could still express their disdain, their contempt, with their icy glares. It was a small victory, a way to assert their superiority, even if it was all in their heads.

As for Linlang… well, if she hadn’t been so close to Adele, she would have been an even bigger target.

Adele was used to it. Their scorn, their judgment… it meant nothing to her. She was the protagonist, after all. Why should she care what those insignificant extras thought?

Of course, one could argue that Adele’s attitude was a form of “mental victory” as well. But then again, as the chosen one, she wasn’t just winning mentally. She was winning at life.

So why waste her time and energy on those jealous, insignificant vampires?

Adele squeezed Linlang’s arm, a genuine smile gracing her lips. She liked how delicate Linlang was, how she seemed to fit perfectly against her side. And her scent… Had she changed perfumes? It was subtle, yet intoxicating.

They exited the classroom, heading towards the Magic Training grounds.

Adele might have been truly indifferent to the other vampires’ opinions, but Linlang… she couldn’t stand the way they looked at Adele, the disdain in their eyes, the casual cruelty in their whispers.

Her gaze, cold and sharp as a viper’s, landed on one of the vampires, a girl who had been particularly vocal in her mockery of Adele.

The girl froze, her breath catching in her throat, her blood turning to ice. It was as if a predator had locked its sights on her, its presence a palpable threat.

Her friend, sensing her distress, grabbed her arm, steadying her.

“What’s wrong?”

“N-Nothing…”

She didn’t dare look back. She just wanted to get away from Linlang, from that unsettling gaze that seemed to pierce through her very soul.

Linlang, with a chilling smile, watched them flee, her eyes gleaming with a predatory light.

From her sleeve, a thin, black worm, its body segmented and covered in a smooth, chitinous armor, dropped to the floor, its dozens of legs twitching as it emitted a low, guttural hiss that was inaudible to both humans and vampires.

Then, it vanished into the shadows.

It scuttled towards the fleeing vampire, its antennae twitching, its many legs carrying it swiftly and silently towards its prey.

“Ouch…!”

“What’s wrong?”

“N-Nothing. It felt like something bit me. Can you check?”

“I don’t see anything. Maybe it was static?”

“Yeah, maybe. It’s pretty dry today.”

The vampire girl shrugged it off, her friend’s words reassuring her. They continued on their way, their conversation resuming as if nothing had happened.

Linlang watched them go, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. Now, she could focus all her attention on Adele, on the beautiful, innocent girl by her side.

The worm she had released wasn’t particularly dangerous. It was just… hungry. It would feed on the vampire girl’s magic, slowly draining her power, corrupting her magic circuits.

By the time the weekly assessment arrived, the day when the academy ranked its students based on their abilities, that vampire girl would be weak, her performance pathetic, a disappointment to both her and her family.

Linlang glanced at Adele, her heart clenching. She was so pure, so kind… To think that someone like her, someone who resorted to such underhanded tactics, could stand by Adele’s side… It felt like a sacrilege.

But then again, the most beautiful, delicate flowers were always surrounded by thorns, protected by creatures that would gladly poison anyone who dared to touch them.

For Adele, Linlang was willing to be those thorns, those venomous creatures.

………………

“Linlang?”

“Ah… Yes?”

“What’s wrong? You’ve been so quiet.” Adele smiled, her concern evident in her voice. But then, her smile faded as she noticed the beads of sweat forming on Linlang’s forehead, the faint tremor in her hands.

“Linlang… Are you feeling alright?”

“Do you need to go to the infirmary? The school nurse is really nice, even if she’s not… very experienced.”

Linlang’s gaze met Adele’s, her heart melting at the genuine concern she saw in her friend’s eyes. It was a concern that was reserved only for her, a warmth that she had never experienced before.

*…It’s just for me…*

“I’m fine,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “Really, I’m fine.”

She repeated herself, a sure sign of her nervousness.

Of course, she wasn’t fine.

Ever since last night, ever since she had received her family’s forbidden inheritance, she had been in constant agony. Her body was no longer her own.

Thousands upon thousands of gu worms, each with its own unique abilities, now resided within her magic circuits, hidden from ordinary sight. They existed in a separate dimension, a pocket reality woven into her very being.

That was how she had been able to summon that magic-devouring worm earlier. It was similar to the way Familiar vampires, like Dorothy, formed pacts with powerful otherworldly entities, drawing on their strength, even summoning them into this world.

Linlang wasn’t that powerful yet. She was still too weak to control the “Gu Realm,” the dimension where the gu worms resided. In fact, she had become a vessel for them, a host, a… gu worm herself.

Her spirit was constantly battling for survival within the Gu Realm, fighting to maintain her sanity, her identity. Only by becoming the sole ruler of that realm, the Gu Queen, could she achieve true power and peace.

That was why she was in constant pain, her body and mind stretched to their limits.

This was the secret the Tang family had guarded for centuries, their last resort, their ultimate weapon: the Gu Realm.

Linlang had wanted to gain power quickly, but learning her family’s secret assassination techniques would take too long. This… this was her only option.

Her father hadn’t believed she could handle it, but after a night of intense communion with the Gu Realm, she had succeeded. The Gu Realm had accepted her as its host, its vessel.

Now, it was a race against time. Would the Gu Realm consume her, draining her body and soul until nothing remained? Or would she conquer it, becoming its queen?

………………

“You don’t look fine, Linlang.”

Adele stopped walking, forcing Linlang to stop as well.

Linlang’s heart ached as she met Adele’s concerned gaze. She hated lying to her, hated keeping secrets, but she knew that Adele wouldn’t approve of what she had done. Adele wanted her to live a normal life, a safe life.

But Linlang had chosen a different path, a path that might very well lead to her destruction.

Adele frowned, her brow furrowing in confusion. What had happened to Linlang overnight? Her eyes held a depth, a maturity that hadn’t been there before.

*Was it because of me?*

Despite her physical exhaustion, Linlang’s spirit seemed to burn brighter than ever.

Suddenly, Adele’s mind flashed forward, to a scene from Linlang’s future, a future where she had transformed into a strong, capable woman, her long, black hair flowing behind her as she rode a powerful motorcycle through a storm, its headlights cutting through the rain like swords, her path illuminated by the blood of her enemies.

She had come to save Adele, her loyalty unwavering, her resolve unshakeable.

She didn’t care if the world turned against her, if she had to face insurmountable odds. Her back was always covered, because Adele was there, her unwavering support, her anchor in the storm.

—“I promised I’d be by your side, Adele.”

—“And I always keep my promises.”

Chapter 54: Adele’s First Blood-Drinking

The next morning, Adele woke with a groan, her head pounding, her body stiff and sore. She rubbed her temples, trying to massage away the lingering fog in her brain.

“Ugh…”

Why do I feel so terrible?

She should be feeling refreshed, revitalized. She finally had the big, beautiful house she had always dreamed of. But then, her gaze fell on the arm wrapped tightly around her waist, the sleeping face of the girl beside her, and her cheeks flushed crimson.

Celeste… That silly dog!

I told her to be my pillow… Not to use me as hers!

Adele raised her fist, ready to deliver a swift punishment to Celeste’s… well, anywhere would do at this point.

But as her fist descended, it softened, transforming into a gentle caress. Her fingers brushed against Celeste’s cheek, smoothing back a stray strand of golden hair.

Celeste was like sunshine. At least, that’s how she used to be. Now… she was Adele’s captive sun, a source of warmth and comfort that shone only for her. She would burn down the world for Adele, wouldn’t she?

Adele’s eyelashes fluttered, a strange mixture of emotions swirling within her. She shook her head, trying to dispel the unsettling thoughts that had taken root in her mind.

I’m overthinking things…

She hadn’t slept well last night. And while Celeste’s clinginess was partly to blame, Adele suspected there was something more…

She had had a nightmare. But for the life of her, she couldn’t remember what it was about. She only knew that it had been something… unsettling. Something that had filled her with a sense of dread.

Maybe it was a dream about those other girls tying me up with fluffy ropes and keeping me locked in a cage…

Ahem. Stop it, Adele. Get your mind out of the gutter.

Morning had arrived, beautiful yet fleeting.

Celeste, roused by her master’s stirring, reluctantly opened her eyes and sat up in bed.

Adele, true to form, delivered a swift kick to Celeste’s backside. It was a playful gesture, more adorable than forceful.

She still couldn’t quite understand Celeste’s reaction to being kicked. That look of pure joy… It was baffling.

“Well? Are you just going to sit there? Go make me breakfast, you clumsy oaf!”

“Yes… Right away, my dear master~”

“Hmph.”

Adele couldn’t help but smile at Celeste’s enthusiastic response. “Master”… She liked the sound of that.

“And Celeste?”

“Yes, Master?”

“Next time, make sure you have a proper maid outfit ready. Here, at home.”

“Home?” Celeste echoed, her brow furrowing in confusion. It wasn’t the “maid outfit” part that had caught her attention. It was the word “home.”

Adele blinked, not quite understanding why Celeste seemed so surprised.

“Yes, home… Here, in this house.”

Celeste’s expression faltered slightly, a flicker of disappointment clouding her eyes. She had been so excited, so happy…

But she was just a pet, a plaything. Talking about “home” and “belonging”… it was presumptuous, to say the least.

“Yes, Master. I’ll prepare a maid outfit,” she said, forcing a smile.

As Celeste turned to leave, Adele spoke again, her voice soft, almost a murmur, but loud enough for Celeste, with her enhanced hearing, to catch every word.

“This house… It’s our home now.”

Celeste’s eyes lit up, her smile as radiant as the morning sun. She practically skipped towards the kitchen, eager to prepare a delicious, nutritious breakfast for her beloved master.

Adele, with a contented sigh, burrowed back into the warm blankets, inhaling the lingering scent of sunshine and sunflowers that clung to Celeste’s side of the bed.

Ah, sleeping in is the best~

Twenty minutes later, roused by Celeste’s gentle prodding, Adele reluctantly dragged herself out of bed.

After a quick wash-up, she made her way to the dining room, where a delicious breakfast awaited her: a sandwich, a fried egg, a glass of fresh milk, and… a blood bag. A Sequence Two blood bag, to be precise.

Adele eyed the blood bag with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. This was the first time she had seen one since her arrival in this world.

Different grades of blood were packaged in different colored bags, the material opaque, a milky white that allowed the color of the blood to faintly show through. Most of them were a deep, crimson red, pure and unadulterated. To a human, they might have looked like ordinary blood bags, the kind you’d find in a hospital. But to a vampire, they held an almost hypnotic allure.

The color seemed to deepen, to shimmer with a hidden magic, like a rare, exotic flower blooming before her very eyes.

Adele’s gaze lingered on the blood bag, her throat tightening, a primal thirst awakening within her.

As a low-ranking vampire, a half-blood, her “blood thirst” wasn’t particularly strong. Unlike higher-ranking vampires, who were driven by a constant, insatiable hunger, she could go for extended periods without feeding.

But that didn’t mean she didn’t crave it.

For a moment, the rest of her breakfast faded into the background, her attention solely focused on the blood bag.

Sensing her master’s desire, Celeste picked up the bag and offered it to her.

Adele licked her lips, her fangs, usually hidden behind her gums, extending slightly. They were cute little fangs, not particularly sharp or menacing, more adorable than intimidating.

Normally, she would have snatched the bag and drained it in an instant, but this time… she hesitated.

She looked up at Celeste, her gaze lingering on her emerald eyes, her porcelain skin, the delicate curve of her neck…

“But don’t I have a better source of blood right here?” she asked, her voice taking on a playful lilt.

A servant, a familiar, a pet… it was their duty to satisfy their master’s every whim, wasn’t it?

Celeste understood instantly. A flicker of panic crossed her face. This was… a first for her.

But she wouldn’t disobey her master.

Setting the blood bag aside, she knelt before Adele, brushing her golden hair over her shoulder to expose the delicate skin of her neck.

Adele smiled, her fangs glinting in the morning light. And then, without hesitation, she leaned in and bit down.

Just as a human infant instinctively seeks its mother’s milk, a vampire instinctively knows how to find a suitable vein, their fangs guided by an ancient, primal instinct.

Vampire fangs had tiny holes, perfectly designed for drawing blood. And after a feeding, they secreted a special fluid that accelerated the clotting process, stopping the bleeding.

However, with the advent of modern technology and the widespread availability of blood bags, many younger vampires had forgotten how to properly feed, how to control the flow of blood.

Adele, it seemed, was one of them.

Because after she had had her fill, she clumsily licked at the wound on Celeste’s neck, her attempts at stopping the bleeding doing more harm than good. It was adorable, in a clueless sort of way.

Unfortunately for Celeste, Adele’s efforts only seemed to make the bleeding worse, her body responding to her master’s touch in the most inconvenient of ways.

“S-Suck… Master…” she gasped, her voice trembling. She had to teach her clumsy, adorable master how to do this properly.

After a few fumbling attempts, Adele finally figured it out, taking a few extra sips for good measure.

Celeste, weakened by the loss of blood, her face pale and drawn, leaned against Adele, her heart soaring. Just being this close to her master, feeling her touch… it was worth any amount of pain, any amount of blood.

If Adele had heard her thoughts, she would have scolded her, telling her never to say such foolish things. Celeste had a long life ahead of her. A long life spent by Adele’s side.

As her walking blood bank.

As her pet.

As her familiar.

And as… well, that remained to be seen.

But Celeste needed to understand one thing: her life wasn’t hers to give away. Not without Adele’s permission.

Adele’s gentle caresses ended with a soft kiss to Celeste’s cheek, the warmth lingering long after she had pulled away.

And then came the ultimate reward: Adele, in an attempt to make amends for her earlier overindulgence, personally fed Celeste her breakfast.

It was a moment of pure bliss for Celeste, a memory she would cherish forever.

But their breakfast idyll couldn’t last forever. Soon, it was time to get ready for school.

They packed their bags and took the elevator down to the basement parking garage. Celeste drove, with Adele, of course, riding shotgun.

Adele stared out the window, watching the city awaken, her thoughts a jumbled mess.

To avoid attracting unwanted attention, and to prevent Hermione from targeting Celeste again, Adele asked Celeste to stop the car a short distance from the school. She would walk the rest of the way.

Celeste understood. She was too weak, too insignificant to challenge Dorothy and her faction. She couldn’t even openly stand by Adele’s side without risking her wrath.

She bit her lip, her cheeks flushing with shame and anger.

I’ll change this… I swear it.

No matter how long it takes, no matter the cost.

As for Adele… well, she didn’t want Hermione to get jealous and make Celeste’s life even more miserable.

Why can’t they just sit down and talk things out? Like, who gets to sleep with me on Mondays, who gets Tuesdays… Heehee~

But she only dared to entertain such thoughts in the privacy of her own mind. Even then, it felt… wrong.

The image of Hermione, her icy demeanor replaced with a shy blush, asking to spend the night… It was too strange, too out of character.

Shaking her head, Adele pushed those thoughts aside and headed towards the school, blending in with the crowd of students.

Reaching her classroom was a surprisingly uneventful experience. After what had happened to that Sequence Three vampire, no one dared to mess with her.

Dorothy, meanwhile, had earned the nickname “The Protective Princess.”

It seemed that in everyone’s eyes, Adele was still just the Princess’s blood bag…

But Adele didn’t mind. She lived by a simple code: “Don’t mess with me, and I won’t call my girlfriend.” And right now, no one was messing with her. It was… peaceful.

Except for one thing: Tang Linlang was missing. She hadn’t shown up for morning classes.

As Adele was starting to worry, a flurry of footsteps echoed through the hallway, arriving just as the bell rang.

Adele turned, her face brightening with relief.

Linlang!

She scanned Linlang’s face, her worries easing as she saw that the other girl seemed unharmed.

But then, their eyes met, and Adele felt a strange, unsettling sensation wash over her. Linlang was smiling, but there was something… different about her. Something that made Adele’s blood run cold.

It was as if every vampire instinct in her body was screaming at her to run.

Chapter 53: Let Me Serve My Master to Sleep

Before she knew it, bedtime had arrived. Adele wasn’t used to staying up late, sleepiness hitting her right on schedule. Back in her old life, she could easily pull all-nighters, staying up until four or five in the morning without breaking a sweat. But now, her body had other ideas.

Besides, she had that wretched school to attend tomorrow.

“Ahhn~” Adele yawned, her pink lips parting in a soft, adorable stretch, her arms reaching out like a sleepy kitten.

Celeste, kneeling obediently on the floor, instinctively arched her back and hunched her shoulders, a wave of pleasure washing over her. Her lips curved into a soft smile, her entire body tingling at the sound of her master’s voice.

Adele was, without a doubt, the most adorable creature in the entire world, as far as Celeste was concerned. She wanted to wrap her up in a hug, to shield her from the world with her own body, like a dragon guarding its hoard. To keep her safe in a dark cave, hidden away from prying eyes…

Sensing Celeste’s rather intense emotional response, Adele frowned and nudged her with her foot, a gentle tap against Celeste’s… well, let’s just say it was a very strategic tap.

A ripple of pleasure spread through Celeste’s body, visible even to the naked eye.

Adele blinked, a flush creeping up her cheeks. This woman’s figure is ridiculous…

Not an ounce of fat on her, but not skinny either. Just… perfectly curvy, voluptuous in all the right places.

Adele was both envious and proud of herself for having tamed such a magnificent creature. To think that in the original story, Celeste’s only purpose was to temporarily remove Hermione, one of the more powerful antagonists, from the picture, so that the other antagonists could have their turn at tormenting the protagonist… What a waste.

That’s right. In the original story, Celeste was nothing more than a plot device, a tool used to prevent Hermione and Adele’s relationship from progressing too quickly. The author had orchestrated a brutal fight between them, leaving Hermione severely injured and sidelined for a good chunk of the story.

By the time Hermione had recovered and returned, Adele would have undergone several “evolutions,” her trust in vampires shattered beyond repair.

Hermione, with her low emotional intelligence and her stubborn pride, hadn’t been willing to compromise even when Adele was weak and vulnerable. Now that Adele was stronger, there was even less reason for her to bend to Hermione’s will.

Their reunion, much like their previous interactions, would be a clash of ice and fire, a relationship destined to end in heartbreak.

Knowing this, Adele was determined to prevent history from repeating itself.

No one touches my dog!

Snapping out of her thoughts, Adele decided to play the role of the indignant master.

“Bad dog! What are you thinking about? I’m going to bed.”

Celeste, despite being kicked, didn’t take offense. She simply smiled, her expression a mixture of adoration and eagerness to please. Through the magic crest, Adele could sense her willingness, her utter devotion. There was even a hint of… excitement, a thrill at being scolded.

Adele blushed and turned away, trying to hide her own amusement. Maybe… she actually enjoys this?

But she couldn’t help but mentally scold Celeste, calling her a “silly dog” and a “stupid mutt.”

“Yes, my master,” Celeste chirped, practically vibrating with excitement. If she had a tail, it would be wagging furiously.

She was allowed to stand in Adele’s presence, the only restriction being the collar around her neck. Adele wasn’t cruel enough to force her to crawl around on her knees all the time.

More often than not, Celeste chose to kneel, a gesture of submission and devotion.

So, as she rose to her feet and followed Adele towards the bedroom, her heart pounding with anticipation, the leash dangling loosely from Adele’s hand, she couldn’t help but steal a glance at the master bedroom.

If only… If only I could go in there…

A wave of sweetness washed over her, so intense it almost hurt.

But her hopes were dashed by Adele’s next words, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.

“Does a dog like you think it deserves to sleep in its master’s bed?” Adele asked, her voice cold, her tone dismissive. She didn’t even bother turning around.

Her words pierced Celeste’s heart, shattering her dreams, leaving her feeling small and insignificant.

But there was no disgust in Adele’s voice, no genuine malice. It was just… a statement of fact, a simple truth as far as Adele was concerned.

A dog, a dirty, smelly creature that belonged on the cold, hard floor… how could it possibly dream of sharing its master’s warm, comfortable bed?

Celeste swayed on her feet, her vision blurring with unshed tears. But she bit her lip, forcing herself to remain composed. She wouldn’t upset her master with her weakness.

“Yes… my master,” she choked out, her voice thick with unshed tears.

And she knew, in that moment, that she had lost… lost her chance to take that next step, to forge a deeper connection with the girl she loved.

Suddenly, the leash tightened, pulling her forward with a force that nearly sent her tumbling. It was as if Adele had taken a couple of steps back, drawing her closer.

“Silly dog, let’s go,” Adele said, her voice softening.

“You’re only good enough to be my pillow, to keep me warm at night. Got it?”

“Honestly… you’re such a dummy.”

She called her a dummy, but her tone… it was the kind of exasperated fondness one might use for a clueless lover.

Adele sighed internally. Thanks to the magic crest, she could clearly sense the wave of sorrow that had washed over Celeste.

Honestly, she’s such a goofball. Couldn’t she at least wait until I finished speaking?

Does she need me to spoon-feed her, to kiss her on the lips, to strip naked before she… Nope! Not happening!

Don’t get any ideas, silly dog!

If Celeste’s previous emotions had been a mixture of suppressed desire, bitterness, and sadness, then her current state could only be described as pure, unadulterated joy.

It was the happiest she had been in days. So happy, in fact, that she forgot how to speak.

And in that moment of overwhelming bliss, her instinctive response to her master’s words… was a soft, almost embarrassed:

“Woof!”

Adele burst out laughing, unable to contain her amusement. It took her a moment to compose herself, and even then, she couldn’t quite erase the smile from her lips. “Hmph,” she huffed, pretending to be annoyed.

She tugged gently on the leash, pulling Celeste into the bedroom.

The connection between them, though faint, was undeniable, almost intoxicating. Celeste couldn’t help but wonder if Adele could hear her heart pounding in her chest.

If so, that would be incredibly embarrassing.

But Adele had other things on her mind. She was exhausted. And tomorrow was going to be a busy day. She needed to rest, to recharge, to prepare herself for the inevitable drama that awaited her at school. Those other girls… they wouldn’t be as easy to tame as Celeste.

Adele’s eyes, usually bright and playful, narrowed slightly, her thoughts hidden behind a veil of calculated indifference. Her fingers instinctively reached for the buttons of her shirt, ready for bed.

Turning her back to Celeste, she slowly unbuttoned her shirt, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of her smooth, porcelain shoulders. She shrugged it off, the fabric pooling at her feet, leaving her in a simple camisole that did little to hide the graceful curves of her body. Except for the bandage wrapped around her arm, her back was flawless, a canvas of pure, unblemished white.

Celeste, standing behind her, watched, mesmerized, her cheeks burning with a blush that rivaled the color of a ripe cherry.

Suddenly, something soft and silky landed on her face, covering her eyes. She inhaled deeply, recognizing the delicate tea fragrance that clung to Adele’s clothes. It was Adele’s shirt, tossed carelessly in her direction.

Celeste’s hands trembled as she removed the shirt from her face, her heart pounding in her chest.

Then came another item, and another, each one landing perfectly on her upturned face: a pleated skirt, a pair of leggings, delicate white stockings…

Being treated like a human clothes rack… Celeste wasn’t offended in the slightest. She felt honored, privileged even.

Adele, now clad only in her undergarments, shivered slightly, acutely aware of the coolness of the air, and the intensity of Celeste’s gaze on her back. She bit her lip, a playful smile curving her lips. She was getting used to this.

Being this irresistible is such a burden…

Not wanting to give Celeste any more opportunities to ogle her, Adele quickly slipped under the covers, burrowing into the cool, crisp sheets. She shivered again, curling up into a ball.

It was strange. She hated the cold, and yet… that night, when she had clung to Hermione’s icy body, she had slept soundly.

What’s wrong with me?

Her cheeks flushed, and she gritted her teeth, her voice taking on a slightly sharper edge as she called out to Celeste.

“Well? Are you going to stand there all night? Do you want me to freeze to death?”

“From now on, you’ll warm up the bed before I get in. Understood?”

Before Celeste could even respond, Adele heard the rustle of fabric as Celeste hastily shed her own clothes, tossing them carelessly on the floor. Of course, she had the decency to keep her undergarments on.

Actions spoke louder than words, after all.

Celeste’s devotion to Adele was truly remarkable. And her body… well, she was definitely hot, both literally and figuratively.

Like a panther, sleek and powerful, she slipped under the covers, her heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.

Adele, with a playful grin, pulled her close, wrapping her arms around Celeste’s waist.

Celeste stiffened momentarily, before melting into the embrace, her body molding perfectly against Adele’s.

If Celeste was a loyal golden retriever, then Adele was a mischievous kitten, all claws and playful bites.

She nuzzled against Celeste, murmuring her name, her teeth gently nipping at Celeste’s shoulder, as if venting some unknown frustration. It was like watching two felines play-fighting, except Celeste was a sensual panther, and Adele… well, she was still just a kitten.

But even a kitten could make Celeste’s eyes soften, her gaze turning as gentle as a pool of water rippling in the breeze.

“M-Master… Ahn!”

“Did you just whimper?”

“N-No…” Celeste blushed, her voice barely a whisper. It didn’t hurt. In fact, it felt… surprisingly pleasant.

Adele chuckled, emboldened by Celeste’s reaction. She continued her playful assault, her nips and bites growing bolder, her laughter echoing through the room.

The lights flickered off, plunging the room into darkness.

Exhausted from their play-fighting, Adele nestled against Celeste, her head resting on Celeste’s arm, her breathing slowing as she drifted off to sleep.

Ironically, it was Celeste, the one who had endured Adele’s relentless “affection,” who appeared the most relaxed. Her breathing was even, her gaze soft as she watched Adele sleep, her features bathed in the soft moonlight.

It was hard to believe that this peaceful, angelic creature was the same mischievous little devil who had been tormenting her just moments ago.

Is this… another side of my master?

Celeste didn’t know. All she knew was that she was filled with an overwhelming sense of joy, a sense of contentment that came from being this close to the girl she loved.

Thinking Adele was asleep, Celeste allowed herself to indulge in a bit of shameless staring. Her gaze traced the delicate lines of Adele’s face, her long, dark eyelashes, the cute button nose that seemed to glow in the moonlight, the soft, pink lips that hid surprisingly sharp teeth.

Just looking at her filled Celeste with a sense of euphoria, like a kite soaring high in the sky, its string held firmly in Adele’s hand.

It was Adele who made her feel this way, who held her heart captive.

Lost in her admiration, Celeste didn’t notice Adele stirring in her arms.

“Celeste…”

Adele’s voice, soft and slurred with sleep, startled Celeste, her body stiffening as if she had been caught stealing a cookie from the jar.

But Adele’s eyes remained closed, her breathing even. It was just a dream, a sleepy mumble.

Relieved, Celeste relaxed, straining to hear the rest of Adele’s words.

“Celeste…” Adele repeated, her voice taking on a more urgent tone, her breathing growing shallow and erratic. There was a hint of fear in her voice, a possessiveness that sent shivers down Celeste’s spine.

Celeste’s heart ached. “I’m here, Master,” she whispered, her voice soothing, reassuring. “I’m here.”

Adele’s breathing calmed, and she nuzzled closer, her cheek rubbing against Celeste’s chest.

“Good dog~”

“…”

“Be good… Celeste… My Celeste~”

Her words, soft and sweet, were like a gentle spring rain, washing over Celeste’s soul.

But then, Adele’s tone changed, her voice laced with a sudden urgency, a sadness that stripped away her usual playful dominance, replacing it with a vulnerability that made Celeste’s heart ache.

She clung to Celeste, her grip tightening, her voice pleading.

“Don’t… Don’t go looking for revenge.”

“Silly… Don’t go after Hermione…”