This was the first time she had seen a look of pleading on the face of the usually steadfast Hero.
“But if you don't do this, you’ll die, Kaila,” Sophie said blankly.
“I know,” Kaila replied.
Sophie stared blankly at Kaila.
Half of the girl's long golden hair was plastered to her cheek by sweat, while the other half danced wildly in the turbulent energy currents, her nun’s habit snapping in the wind. The Hero turned her head slightly, her eyes gazing firmly at Sophie, conveying her resolve.
Sophie did not understand.
Many seek survival, yet few seek death.
“Is it because you feel a human life is too short?” Sophie asked, bewildered. “I have many ways to give you a long life! I am a vampire! Whether it is the First Embrace or a ritual, whether you become a lich or a death knight—every method is in my head. I can help you break the shackles of a mortal lifespan!”
“If you don't want to take shortcuts, I also know how to craft various longevity and immortality potions. Even the most learned scholars among the elves possess less than a ten-thousandth of the knowledge I have. Our lives could be so long, enough to walk from one shore of time to the other...”
“I also have many ways to let you quickly gain immense power without relying on some cursed identity. I can roll many traits for you, boost your stats to incredible heights...”
Sophie no longer cared about hiding her knowledge.
The only thing she lacked was time. Reaching the peak of the world was merely a matter of time for her.
Even in this world, countless people paid unthinkable prices just for a sliver of longevity and peace.
“I enjoy the life I have now,” Kaila said softly. “I do not ask for more.”
“A long life, or absolute power... they have no meaning to me.”
She swung her sword once more, quelling the mana aftershocks in the distance.
Sophie firmly gripped Kaila’s shoulders. “But haven't you always wanted to truly defeat all the Witches and reach the truth behind the curse? If you go up there now, you can't win! It’s just throwing your life away! Didn't you promise me?”
Kaila did not yield to Sophie’s pull.
“I am doing exactly that right now,” Kaila replied. “And if I fail...”
“Then, I’ll leave the rest to you, Sophie.”
Kaila gave a stiff smile.
“If you're too lazy to do it, a new person from Destinos will take over when the Hero's identity becomes vacant. When that time comes, please fulfill our promise, Sophie. Bring them before the Witches and let them continue the journey. No matter what, someone... will reach the end.”
“But... don't you want to see a peaceful world with your own eyes?”
“Someone will witness it for me,” Kaila said.
She swung her sword again.
The scorching Holy Light shattered the aftershocks formed by countless golden threads and dark red moon blades.
“But I still want to be your companion for the rest of my life!” Sophie cried out, feeling wronged. “I don't even have the stats. If I go out there, I’ll just die instantly.”
“Sophie, you are very capable. I know that,” Kaila said. “And as long as you don't forget me, I will never truly leave you.”
Sophie: “...”
That was a lie.
Did she really think she could brush her off with words like that?
“But I don't want to part with you here.”
Sophie finally stopped using grand excuses. She sounded like a stubborn child about to lose their favorite toy.
“Because to me, you...”
She didn't get to finish the sentence.
A wild wind rushed into her throat.
Kaila turned around and looked at Sophie earnestly, emphasizing every word:
“Actually, I also... wanted to spend more time with you.”
“In the hot springs, by the campfire, standing on the clock tower, or watching you sleep at night... the time spent with you was very relaxing.”
“But.”
She turned her gaze toward Silvervein City, not far from the battlefield.
“I’m sorry.”
“In this place, there are still children crying.”
“In this place, there are still people who need help.”
“In this place, there are still people who need protection.”
“Therefore, I cannot turn a deaf ear to them and flee.”
Pure white Holy Light erupted from her body, soaring straight into the clouds. The sky, once murky and chaotic from the mana impacts, was swept clean by the light, revealing a clear, azure firmament.
“After all, I am the Hero,” Kaila said.
...
Sophie fell silent for a moment.
Kaila spoke again, her voice serious. “Sophie, if you head north now—”
“...Troublesome,” Sophie’s voice was very soft.
“Or go with the Servant to find Miss Hill. She will look after you,” Kaila continued.
“...It's super troublesome.”
“So, Sophie, you should—”
“I said, it's so troublesome!” Sophie interrupted impatiently.
“Eh?” Kaila blinked in surprise.
She noticed that the aura around Sophie had changed.
The Sophie who was always lazy, soft, and slow to act had vanished in that instant.
In her place was something slowly awakening from the depths of her soul.
“Who do you think I am?” Sophie said coolly, her crimson eyes as calm as still water. “They're nothing but insolent little sisters and disciples. Did you really think I’d turn tail and run?”
“You promised to go on a date with me tomorrow, and I’m not in the habit of breaking my word.” Sophie moved behind Kaila and leaned her weight against the girl's back. “Servant A, head to Silvervein City and have the city defense deploy a mana barrier. If it can hold for ten minutes, that will be enough.”
“Eh? How do you know my name?” Servant A tilted her head. “Anyway, are you two going to your deaths, or what?”
“We’ll win.”
Sophie said, tightening her arm around Kaila’s neck as if retaliating for her previous words. “As long as the Hero is willing to follow my lead.”
“Sophie...” Kaila was a bit at a loss.
“Trust me,” Sophie said. “Now, let’s head toward the battlefield.”
She slowly raised her head.
The pale red pupils of a low-tier vampire lost their youthfulness, the color deepening inch by inch into a deep-sea crimson. Small fangs grew slightly between her lips, glinting with a cold, silver light.
Death has always been the hardest thing to face.
But what was there to fear?
The system logs began to refresh frantically.
【You have spent 5 units of Blood Essence to upgrade your template. Current Template: Mid-tier Vampire. You have acquired the corresponding template skills. Upon resurrection, you will now only suffer a 5-day weakness effect.】
【You have spent 15 units of Blood Essence to upgrade your template. Current Template: Advanced Vampire. You have acquired the corresponding template skills. Upon resurrection, you will now only suffer a 1-day weakness effect.】
【You have spent 30 units of Blood Essence to upgrade your template. Current Template: Twelfth Generation Vampire. You have acquired the corresponding template skills. You will no longer suffer a weakness effect upon resurrection.】
Sophie had never wanted to upgrade her template; without the safety net of the weakness effect, she might have fallen into a situation worse than death.
Now, she had no choice.
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