Chapter 78: The Blood Massacre

The blood-red curved blade collided with my sharp claws, and the force of the impact drove me back two steps.

“Impressive. I hadn’t expected to find such a formidable opponent among humans. Very good, truly excellent,” I said, my eyes shining with excitement.

“It is a great honor to receive praise from Your Highness Liliana,” replied the old man in crimson robes, as he swung his sanguine scimitar at me once more without hesitation.

The sound of blade striking claw echoed repeatedly, forcing the blood hunters who surrounded us to retreat step by step, widening the circle. This battle was beyond their ability to intervene.

Between the gathered throng, the two figures clashed ever faster, until only shadows could be seen colliding, the screech of metal grating relentlessly at the ears of every blood hunter present.

“Your Highness Liliana, I admit your strength is extraordinary. If it were a duel, I would surely lose. Yet now, our numbers give us the advantage—and besides, another S-ranked blood hunter stands ready. You have no chance of victory. Surrender, and I swear on my life and the honor of the blood hunters to guarantee your safety,” the old man in crimson robes rambled on even as the battle raged.

“Your promises are meaningless to me! To you, perhaps honor is sacred—but to me, nothing you offer could ever move me.” My claws slashed relentlessly as I spoke. “If you wish to stop me, you’ll need more than words or empty pledges!”

“You are stubborn indeed,” the crimson-robed elder shook his head in resignation. “Your Highness Liliana, one day you will regret your arrogance.”

“Hmph. Enough talk. On the battlefield, life and death are decided by strength.” I replied coldly, and quickened my pace so much that the blood hunters could barely follow my movements with their eyes. At last, a muffled grunt sounded from the old man—a blossom of blood burst from his left shoulder.

“Blood Reaper!” cried the old man in white robes, who had been watching the battle anxiously from the sidelines.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me,” Blood Reaper gasped, pushing me back with his crimson blade to put some distance between us.

“So, will you let him join in? With only you, you’re no match for me.” I smiled as I watched blood drip from Blood Reaper’s wounded shoulder.

“Heh, I’ll hold my own. I, Blood Reaper, have never relied on numbers to bully the weak in battle.” Blood Reaper spoke with pride.

“Is that so? Human, I find myself growing fond of you. I hope you manage to return home alive.” Smiling, I charged at Blood Reaper with blinding speed.

Faced with my attack, Blood Reaper closed his eyes. Clever—when his eyes began to deceive him, he trusted his instincts instead. I couldn’t help but admire his courage; not everyone can shut their eyes against attacks that exceed their vision, for humans tend to believe what they see more than what they feel.

The sound of claw striking blade echoed again as Blood Reaper blocked my assault. I retreated, then lunged at him even faster. My body became a series of afterimages, assaulting him again and again at increasing speed. Relying on his senses, Blood Reaper blocked my claws each time.

“Hahaha! This is exhilarating. I never expected a human could rival me. You truly delight me.” Having my swift strike blocked again, I appeared nearby and laughed heartily.

“To give Your Highness Liliana such satisfaction is my greatest honor.” Sweat dripped from Blood Reaper’s face—such intense combat had drained much of his strength and stamina, and he was now exhausted.

“You are the first human I don’t find repulsive. Therefore, I have decided to spare your life—consider it my great mercy.” I smiled at Blood Reaper and then turned my gaze to the blood hunters surrounding me. “But not all of you will be so fortunate. If you came to kill me, you must be prepared to die.” My icy words and chilling gaze made every blood hunter shudder.

Fear spread through the ranks, yet not a single blood hunter faltered or retreated. Their resolve was evident in their actions.

If I were a friend or an observer, I might have admired them. But alas, I am not. To me, they are enemies, and I feel no sympathy for them. Without hesitation, my claws slashed toward their throats.

Blood Reaper’s eyes widened as he cried out anxiously, “Beware! She’s coming for you—get out of the way!”

But his warning was of no use. To keep me from escaping, the blood hunters stood tightly packed in layers, leaving no gaps between them. When danger struck, there was no time to disperse, nor did they seem intent on doing so. My claws tore through the throats of three or four blood hunters—life that had been vibrant a moment before was now silenced in an instant.

Blood Reaper, dragging his weary body, tried to intercept me. But even at his peak, he could not match my speed—let alone now, after such a grueling battle.

One after another, blood hunters died quietly by my hand. In a short time, nearly thirty of them had perished.

“Silent One, what are you doing? Stop her!” Blood Reaper shouted anxiously at the white-robed elder, who watched without lifting a finger. The blood hunters gathered here were the elite of their guild—nearly half of their top fighters had been mobilized for this plan. Yet Blood Reaper could only watch helplessly as the guild’s finest fell powerless before me. His heart bled.

“It’s not yet my time to act. I know what I’m doing,” the white-robed elder replied through gritted teeth. Watching the guild’s painstakingly cultivated elites die before his eyes felt like being cut with a knife, but for the plan, for humanity’s future, some sacrifices were necessary, and their deaths would be worthwhile.

“Silent One, what are you thinking?” Blood Reaper cried out in anguish at the elder’s response.

“Heh, so soon? Internal strife already? Humans truly are a despicable race,” I sneered as I continued my slaughter. After the chaos, the blood hunters began to organize an effective counterattack. My assaults were no longer as successful as before; whenever I targeted one, those nearby would interfere, so fewer lives were lost—most merely wounded.

“Hold on! Dawn is near. Just a little longer and victory will be ours!” the white-robed elder shouted, his jaw clenched. “If we last until dawn, our plan will succeed. Humanity’s future rests in our hands.” With that, he who had watched so long without moving finally joined the fray.

So that’s their plan—to use sunlight to kill me. Humans remain as vile as ever. Yet, facing two S-ranked blood hunters, my situation became more troublesome. The white-robed elder could just barely keep up with my speed; though he couldn’t attack me directly, he slowed me down. Blood Reaper intervened at crucial moments to block my path. With both of them pressing me, and the surrounding blood hunters intercepting with reckless abandon, I could not break free nor escape.

Dawn drew near. Once the sun rose, I would likely die here. The thought brought a bitter smile to my lips—not for my own peril, but for the sacrifices these people made, which would ultimately be futile.

Perhaps among the blood clan, my strength was not the greatest, but when it came to escape, none could surpass me. Even the Shadow Fiend, famed for stealth, could not match my talent for flight, for my gift was the manipulation of space. Though not yet at will, a simple spatial shift would let me escape this predicament.

Just as I prepared to use my spatial ability and leave, a voice sounded from nearby: “How dare you attack Her Highness Liliana! Despicable humans, prepare to face death!”