Chapter 96: The Bloodsucking Bees
"Is this a vampire derivative?"
Fangs and dilated pupils...
All classic signs of a vampire derivative.
However, according to the books, Hua Mi remembered that only the true vampire core could transform in this manner.
Derivatives, even those affiliated with vampires, couldn't transmit the curse in this fashion.
Simply put, their rank was too low, not up to par.
But why would he...?
At that moment, a ghostly figure, mounted on a warhorse and clad in armor, drifted over, wielding a long spear, looking rather imposing.
"I am Elvin Duncan, leader of the Ashen Knights, honored to meet you all here."
The knight performed a gallant gesture.
The leader of the Dragon Slayer Regiment.
Respect surged.
"I stayed here out of concern that malicious forces might exploit the lingering dragon aura in this place. Unexpectedly, I was suppressed by the forces of evil this time. It's truly embarrassing."
The knight shook his head. "Had it not been for your assistance, the consequences would have been unimaginable. Please accept my utmost respect."
Hua Mi humbly replied, "We only defeated a fragmented dragon spirit. But you all, you're the true dragon slayers."
Upon hearing this, the knight couldn't help but proudly puff his chest. "The Ashen Knights are the elite of our race. On the battlefield, we are unstoppable. Bearing this name, we cannot retreat. If the evil dragon has a physical form, it can be destroyed!"
*Cough* A bout of coughing interrupted their mutual admiration. David Clark, pale and weak, raised a hand. "I apologize for interrupting your conversation, but can someone help me? I believe I can be saved, thank you."
"..."
"This situation is quite peculiar. Normally, those bitten by a vampire derivative don't get cursed; they simply die," the knight circled him. "In his case, what could be the reason? It's rather puzzling."
Maybe it didn't need complex consideration; perhaps, it was simply due to his bad luck. Just like the slim probability of being killed by a cat—it's low but not impossible. Similarly, the chance of turning into a derivative after being bitten was low but not zero. He just happened to catch it.
Or perhaps, it was because he used his so-called ace in the hole to survive the derivative's attack.
The book mentioned that victims rarely survived the attack, hence there were no transformations. He tenaciously survived and, luckily, became the first derivative transformed by a vampire derivative.
Maybe the industry would name this phenomenon after him.
Clark in the midst of transformation appeared incredibly weak and in pain, emitting wisps of white vapor. Yet, he managed a faint smile, his lips barely stretching, "Better than dying outright, isn't it? ...But could you cover the light? Feels like I'm being roasted by flames."
Vampires and derivatives were nocturnal creatures; daylight harmed them. Even on overcast days, the intensity could make them uncomfortable, especially during transformation.
Hilia immediately produced a blanket, covering him. Then, both fell into silence.
In the graveyard's setting, one couldn't help but feel the urge for a moment of silence.
"Thank you." Clark's weak voice came from under the blanket.
After Carter retrieved Col, the trio bid farewell to Hua Mi for the time being. Their priority was to bring back the two bodies to complete the mission. Such an event would likely stir a commotion in Blackstone Town.
There were still some unanswered questions about this incident—when and how Teresa died and why Little Ford ventured into the Black Forest. These required inquiries with the families involved after their return to town.
However, these were all matters for later.
After discussing with Clark, Hua Mi used a magical box to transport him to a place—the ruins of Black Castle.
Perhaps, the unicorn knew how to handle him. Although the book stated that the transformation of a derivative was irreversible, maybe, during this transformation phase, the mystical unicorn had a way to reverse the process.
Stepping into the unicorn's domain, Hua Mi immediately felt a serene atmosphere, calming down after the recent battle. A faint white light enveloped him.
Then, he and the swarm of bees disappeared into thin air.
In the next moment, he landed outside the familiar courtyard. Chattering sounds emanated from the wall, green monkeys gossiping.
The unicorn regarded him impassively, its broken horn seeming slightly longer than the last time they met.
"Just a partial recovery. Looks like what the book said was true; unicorns aren't easily injured, but when they are, their recovery is slow. Moreover, their horns are even more special; regrowth is difficult, and recovery is slower."
Wonder if the Thunder Lily Bee Honey will work for it?
Bees and their honey were like nonexistent bugs in this world.
Given their nature, maybe they could bypass certain limitations to achieve their goals.
Hua Mi cleared his throat, "Thank you for seeing me. I've come this time—"
"Vampire." Before he could finish, a majestic voice suddenly broke the silence, interrupting him.
"You carry the scent of a vampire. What has happened?"
Hua Mi was taken aback.
This unicorn could talk!
And quite fluently.
So, why didn't it speak earlier?
Was it trying to act cool?
How could there be such...
Oh.
Hua Mi suddenly realized that he might not be in a position to say that.
When he first interacted with Hillar and the others, he stayed silent, pretending to be a pro. He only spoke after becoming familiar with their nature.
Moreover, the unicorn probably didn't speak earlier to act cool—it was already a pro.
Probably just too lazy to speak.
After all, there was Little Orange using telepathy as a translator at that time.
But it wasn't the time to dwell on that now.
Hua Mi released Clark from the magical box.
The latter was already incoherent, lying motionless on the ground.
Faint red lines streaked his pale skin.
Hua Mi summarized the events that had occurred in the graveyard, especially the speculation about vampires passing contracts externally. This information was crucial for the unicorn to monitor, preventing a recurrence.
"Is there any way to save him in his current state?" Hua Mi asked after narrating the graveyard incident.
The unicorn, silent for a moment, resonated through the air. "Leave him here."
Hua Mi brightened. "Do you have a way?"
The unicorn didn't respond further.
Hua Mi vanished on the spot.
...
The quest to find the tree nymph was postponed for now.
Exhausted, Hua Mi just wanted to go home and sleep.
Upon returning, several Pseudo-Flower Spirits surrounded him, eager for a story.
"Next time, I promise. Right now, I need rest."
The little ones dispersed disappointedly.
But before resting, he had to examine the newly acquired bee species.
He had already thought of a name on the way home.
They would be called "Bloodsucking Bees."
Releasing a mutated individual, its size akin to a Blaze Bee, but entirely crimson, with blood-like veins on its wings, looked eerie.
Its special ability matched its peculiar appearance.
It could release a unique magical field, absorbing life energy from targets within range!
Moreover, it could transfer the absorbed life energy to
the hive, allowing the bees to evolve faster.
Perhaps, the absorption range could expand, and the bees could eventually evolve into a new subspecies.
Hua Mi was excited about the potential this bee species held.
With the thought of unlimited potential blooming before him, he finally drifted into slumber.
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