Chapter 71: The Infected Demon Hunter x The Little Witch (II)

Chapter 71: The Infected Demon Hunter x The Little Witch (II)

Qin Si hadn't truly awakened, merely responding instinctively to the presence drawing near.

His strength was overwhelmingly dominant; without employing magic, Lu Nian couldn't budge even a fraction.

However, she harbored no desire to resist. This position allowed her to nestle even closer to him, her cheek perfectly resting against his chest. Clad only in a thin garment for sleep, his meticulously defined collarbone was partially exposed, radiating a tangible warmth.

She could also perceive his scent - subtle and crisp, reminiscent of a snow-cedar.

She was utterly smitten.

Her witch's blood was boiling with unrestrained desires, tempted to use the potion they were supposed to craft at graduation prematurely. She contemplated whisking him away to the forest, claiming him entirely for herself without further ado.

But the time was not yet ripe.

Must restrain oneself.

She is the kind who saves her favorite dish for the last bite.

Feeling no resistance or malice from the other party, the young man didn't apply further force. They remained in this position, and Lu Nian even intentionally snuggled closer into his embrace.

The next morning, when Qin Si woke up, this was the scene he witnessed.

The young girl lay in the crook of his arm, sound asleep. The winter sun rose late, casting a misty gray light outdoors, making her face appear exceptionally pure and delicate. Her long eyelashes conveyed a touch of innocence.

His arm felt a bit stiff. He silently looked down to find that he had held her tightly in his embrace.

...He had absolutely no memory of how things had escalated to this point.

He had never been this intimate with someone of the opposite sex before.

The young man attempted to gently remove her without making a sound, but coincidentally, the girl opened her eyes at this very moment.

Qin Si, "..."

"Last night, I came to ask you for some firewood, but you didn't wake up," Lu Nian rubbed her eyes and mumbled softly, "It was you who pulled me up here."

She pointed at her slender arm, looking somewhat aggrieved, "You pulled really hard, it hurt."

He couldn't be certain he wouldn't do something like this; during training at school, to cope with potential attacks in dreams, his body might reflexively respond even while asleep.

Nothing more outrageous should have occurred, considering it as targeting practice, perhaps.

The young man averted his gaze, pretending to be indifferent, his voice deep, "Get down."

Lu Nian hopped off the bed, her movements graceful.

After spending the night this way, she felt rather good.

Although she hadn't experienced the surge in magical power and the sense of relaxation described by her teacher, she indeed felt very comfortable.

She thought that perhaps a greater level of intimacy was needed.

The next day, a blizzard swept in again, severing all connections between the town and the outside world, trapping everyone indoors.

Lu Nian took it upon herself to prepare the meals, volunteering eagerly to cook for him as a way to repay his hospitality.

The food tasted surprisingly good.

The girl is quite talkative, seemingly inexperienced with the outside world, and finds this town quite novel, bombarding him with a plethora of questions every day.

He was originally a man of few words, but perhaps because of the events of that night, he felt slightly unsettled and found himself responding to each of her inquiries.

She isn't as annoying as he had initially presumed, he thought.

Once the heavy snow melts away, he would escort her back home.

Thinking about her background, a hint of irritation surged across the young man's typically stoic face.

He generally disliked intervening in others' affairs, and with his own health issues unresolved, taking her back to her fiancé's home was already the epitome of benevolence and righteousness.

According to his moral compass, personal emotions always take a backseat to practical values; whether or not he likes someone is immaterial.

But upon deeper reflection, her reluctance to marry that man possibly represented a predicament distinctly different from the missions he had undertaken before.

Complex emotions like these were seldom experienced by Qin Si.

Feeling a burning sensation on the back of his hand, the corners of his lips twitched into a semblance of self-mockery. Considering his current dire circumstances, what leisure time did he have to meddle in others' matters?

The sentinel birds near the outskirts of the town emitted sharp cries.

"What is that noise?" Lu Nian leaned by the window, peering curiously outside.

It had been like this for the past few days. It seemed she had rarely ventured outside before; she had questions about everything and even found the fire-burning stove quite fascinating.

His response was concise, "Magic wolves have entered the vicinity."

Every winter, besides vampires, large magical beasts like magic wolves and bears frequently attacked the town.

Lu Nian understood.

As a witch living deep within the forest, she usually maintained a non-interfering relationship with these wild creatures. Given this, their hunting incursions into the town seemed an expected occurrence.

"Are you going out to guard?" Lu Nian asked.

He shook his head, "I am on leave."

However, he did not elaborate on the reasons for his leave.

His physical condition was deteriorating rapidly. This morning, he had developed a fever, and his temperature was still rising, signaling the initial stage of some mutation.

The young man retreated to the inner room. These past few days, he had been wearing gloves even indoors.

Pulling off his gloves revealed that the previously pale back of his hand now bore wounds gradually darkening to a profound and unclear shade of red.

The cries of the birds grew increasingly shrill, accompanied by heavy pounding at his door.

"Captain," the visitor was a blonde young man, dripping with sweat even in the depths of winter, his demeanor fraught with panic, "We can't hold them off any longer."

The situation was grim, with an unprecedented number of beasts swarming in this time.

The flaxen-haired young girl sat quietly in the living room, her large eyes fixed on him, displaying a seemingly curious demeanor. Reo, in a state of frenzied urgency, only managed a fleeting glance at her, not yet pondering why there was an additional young girl in the house at this hour.

The young man had already grabbed his sword bag and changed into his battle attire. Despite his persistent discomfort, the current circumstances left no room for further hesitation.

Outside, the wind howled fiercely amidst the relentless snowstorm.

"Stay here and do not move, regardless of any sounds you hear," he instructed Lu Nian, "Do not go anywhere."

Lu Nian complied gracefully, nodding in an obedient manner.

Once they had disappeared, she invoked her magic.

Standing atop the town's highest tower, the girl's billowing gossamer gown resounded fiercely in the wind, her figure disappearing in the darkness, with her seaweed-like long hair swirling in the gusts.

Under the distant moonlight, amidst waves of approaching beasts, her eyes clearly identified a figure in the crowd, radiating a faint moonlit glow, executing every move with agile precision. No matter where, he seemed to stand out conspicuously.

She was utterly entranced, unable to shift her gaze even slightly.

Witches have a penchant for hoarding treasures.

Fortunately, those beasts did not inflict any harm upon him.

After Qin Si slashed away the claw of the last oncoming magic bear, he could no longer recall how many times he had repeated this action, his sword showing signs of becoming notched.

The air was thick with the smell of blood, a scent he had long grown accustomed to, but now, he found himself experiencing an odd sensation of hunger. The young man's long lashes quivered, and without uttering a word, he flicked away the blood stains on his sword.

"Thank goodness you arrived," Sha Ka panted heavily, wiping the blood from his face, radiating a joy that only comes from narrowly escaping death.

"The Lord Mayor wishes to host a feast for us," Leo conveyed the message, "A small meal tonight, and a grander banquet once the snow ceases."

Being young, his voice lifted with excitement, sharing the affinity most young men have for wine,

gourmet food,

women, and lively festivities.

"I am heading home," Qin Si sheathed his sword.

His inherent aloof nature didn't surprise his colleagues.

Leo suddenly recalled the scene he had witnessed, and with a teasing wink asked, "Found yourself a lady?"

After all, at their age, aside from him, many women in town were eager to share their beds. Everyone was young, and given the liberal mores of the time, indulging in a fleeting romance was not frowned upon; nobody minded.

Of course, except for this colleague of his who seemed to maintain an impeccable chastity.

Qin Si did not respond.

His current condition was dire. Following the fierce battle, he remained in a feverish state, persevering until now solely through sheer willpower.

He quickened his pace, only allowing himself to breathe a sigh of relief upon seeing the lights still on at his home.

Fortunately, this area had been spared from the attack.

As he opened the door, the girl rushed towards him like a whirlwind, "Are you alright?"

Blood stains marred the youth's fair complexion, and a strong metallic scent clung to him, the dark uniform he wore bearing deeper shades at the cuffs and hems. He peeled off his blood-soaked outer garment, his voice carrying a muted assurance, "It's over now."

At least for the next two days, a semblance of safety should be attainable.

The girl's gaze remained fixated on him, intense and unwavering. He pursed his lips, averting his eyes, "...I need to take a shower."

"Oh." Lu Nian supported her cheek with a hand, seemingly snapping back to reality only then, responding in a languid tone.

Isn't he allowing her to watch?

Nonetheless, she certainly had her means; mastering the art of invisibility spells was her forte.

After the youth finished his shower, he grabbed a dry towel, casually dabbing at his hair,

The girl's cheeks were tinged with a soft blush, her eyes exceptionally bright, a certain indefinable alteration from the usual; she watched him tidy up and suddenly exclaimed, "Your hair is really beautiful."

Rather, every aspect of him was strikingly beautiful.

His movements momentarily stiffened.

In his younger days, his distinct hair color, different from everyone else, served as a testament to his illegitimate birth, once a source of relentless shame that sparked numerous fights, of which he lost count.

He did not directly respond to her compliment, standing up with a stern tone, "Have you eaten?"

"Oh right, I saved some dinner for you," Lu Nian seemed to suddenly remember, "Let's eat together, I'll go heat it up."

Prepared with the assistance of culinary magic, the taste was, of course, top-notch.

However, she pondered thoughtfully; considering the current progression, was he beginning to lose the ability to differentiate the flavors of normal food?

But at a glance, the youth seemed no different from his usual self.

His eating manners were pleasing to the eye, with a pace neither too fast nor slow, and a just right appetite.

After dinner, Lu Nian tidied up the utensils slightly.

A sudden surge of pride and satisfaction filled her, as if she was experiencing the kind of life described by teachers — wasn't this how human couples lived?

Even though neither of them might be considered normal.

Unexpectedly, before she could savor this moment of happiness further, the youth, having stored away his armor, entered the living room from the back room and said to her, "Tomorrow, I will take you to stay at Leo's house."

During dinner, he found himself barely able to taste the food anymore.

At this rate, he estimated that within a week, he might completely lose his sanity and undergo a transformation.

He was prepared. Once the transformation was confirmed, he would end his life rather than become a senseless vampire.

Having dealt with these demonic beings for so long, he lost track of the countless ones that perished by his hand; differing immensely from them, he harbored a deep loathing for these creatures, choosing death over joining their ranks and becoming a bloodthirsty monster.

"Why?" Lu Nian asked.

"..." He didn't know where her endless questions were coming from and he couldn't possibly answer each one of them now. This was, presently, the most appropriate arrangement he could make for her.

If he were to die, Leo would presumably honor the agreement to escort her home, ensuring her safety from potential attacks along the journey.

The little girl’s voice was tinged with a whine, “But, I don't know this Leo.”

"If he is willing, that's sufficient," the youth managed to muster a final response, putting forth great effort.

The door had already been closed. He hadn't expected tonight's battle to accelerate the rate of his mutation so significantly, draining him of all his strength.

Managing to finish the dinner she prepared without revealing any signs of his deteriorating condition was already him pushing his limits.

Leo had a day off the following day.

Having received a message from a messenger bird, he rushed over early in the morning.

Qin Si opened the door for him; the youth looked pale, with faint bruises under his eyes, startling Leo, "What happened? I remember you weren't injured."

"Didn't sleep well," he responded curtly, "Caught a cold, running a slight fever."

"I remember you having a strong constitution," Leo remarked, "I never saw you catch a cold back when we were in school."

Following him inside, Leo suddenly halted in his tracks.

A young girl with flaxen hair sat atop a heap of straw in the living room, her eyes rimmed red, emanating a pronounced air of vulnerability.

"Take her with you, let her stay at your place temporarily."

"She lives in Yalan City. When the time comes, arrange for someone to take her back," Leo heard his usually stoic colleague speak more words than usual, "Ensure her safety during the journey."

Considering it a minor task and being presented with such a beautiful girl, Leo let out a long whistle and extended his hand towards her, "Come."

"I don't want to leave," Lu Nian turned her face away.

Leo, "…"

Slowly, he retracted his hand, turning his gaze towards Qin Si.

The youth was testing his patience, "He has more rooms at his place."

A better environment, and considerably safer.

Lu Nian countered, "But, you also have quite a few here."

The girl's almond eyes were remarkably clear, as if untouched by the world's filth. He unexpectedly recalled the image of her, docile and curled up in his arms that night.

The curse mark on the back of his hand felt particularly scorching,

If only...

But there are no "ifs."

His irritation grew inexplicably, "I remember, you said you would only stay for one night."

"But I helped you with laundry, cooked meals, did so many things," Lu Nian argued, "Didn't you agree to let me work off the rent?"

Qin Si, "..."

He couldn't recall ever making such a request to her.

Listening to their back-and-forth, which was now almost a quarrel, Leo started to develop a headache.

He was bewildered, unable to discern the exact nature of their bizarre relationship at this point.

"Liar," accused Lu Nian.

"You already shared a bed with me," she sniffled, "After being with a man, I can't go back home and marry someone else, my family would kill me."

Qin Si, "..." He stood frozen in place.

Leo, "???"

Chapter 72: The Infected Demon Hunter x Little Witch (III)

Suddenly, the situation took a bizarre turn.

What was more absurd was that Qin Si didn't even refute her. If someone else had joked with him like this, wouldn't they have been struck down by now?

Could it be true? Now, even Leo's gaze towards him seemed a bit odd.

Although such events were not uncommon, it would indeed be heartless to send her away immediately the next day if they had just been intimate. Leo himself had had his fair share of romantic dalliances, but at least the beginnings and endings were consensual, without any instances of heartlessly abandoning someone afterward.

Leo's gaze towards the young girl now contained a hint of pity.

"Don't spout nonsense," the youth gritted his teeth.

"Where am I lying? You held me down, you're too strong, I couldn't break free," Lu Nian said in a aggrieved tone, "You saw it the next morning, didn't you..."

Was she about to provide a play-by-play account here?

Leo pricked up his ears ready to continue listening, until the youth's icy glare swept over him, finally realizing, he shouted, "Stop, stop, stop!"

He feared enjoying the story only to end up being attacked by Qin Si afterward.

Qin Si felt a headache brewing at his temples, he tightly pursed his lips, grabbed her and said, "You must leave."

He felt that he was at his limit; if he didn't send her away now, the consequences would be unthinkable.

"You're hurting me," Lu Nian cried out.

Her arm was slender, easily encircled by his long fingers. Realizing something was amiss, he momentarily hesitated. Lu Nian broke free from his grip and rolled up her sleeve, revealing distinct red marks on her creamy skin.

He suddenly realized that he was struggling to control his strength.

He had already reached the second stage of mutation. The strength and speed of the blood race were naturally different from that of humans - he was becoming stronger but losing control over his limbs.

The young man's face turned pale.

Noticing that something was amiss, Leo could only ask, "Buddy, what should we do now?"

If they continued to delay, it would grow late, and there were no guarantees of what might happen then.

"As previously discussed," his voice was somewhat hoarse, "you take her back."

The door was shut, leaving him and the young girl separated on the outside.

Leo scratched his temple, shrugged, and said to Lu Nian, "Young lady, it seems you'll have to come with me. He has never gone back on his word, it's highly unlikely he'll change his mind now."

Lu Nian was staring intently at the closed door, lost in her thoughts.

Leo was getting a headache and was about to try persuading her again when she surprisingly nodded in agreement, "Thank you for your assistance."

Leo sighed in relief; he called a car to take her back to his place.

As the two walked down the open street, a long-tailed bird with pitch-black feathers suddenly flew out from a house behind them. It circled a few times before silently following them.

"What is that?" Lu Nian noticed and asked Leo.

Leo also noticed it, "A messenger bird, commonly used within our team for communication. Each of us owns one."

"However, that fellow rarely uses his," Leo murmured, "but I remember that bird has been with him since school."

The bird had a rather haughty disposition, much like its owner, avoiding everyone and rarely showing itself. Yet, this time, it chose to follow them.

Leo hailed from the once noble Shedir family. Although their fortunes had dwindled compared to the burgeoning new noble families, they managed to maintain a semblance of nobility.

He had two older sisters and one older brother, but none were particularly talented. Only Leo was chosen to join the imperial knight's corps, making his family extremely proud. Now, seeing him bring home a strange girl, questions were inevitable.

"She's a colleague's sister," Leo recited the explanation he had prepared earlier.

It was a story Qin Si had instructed him to use.

He reluctantly admitted that, despite Qin Si's icy demeanor, he was quite meticulous and considerate. He might even turn out to be a man who dotes on his wife in the future.

After dinner, Leo took Lu Nian to see her temporary room. During their walk, their conversation naturally gravitated towards a certain individual.

"He never had any particular hobbies growing up," Leo shrugged, "Just a martial arts fanatic, always lost in his own thoughts."

"However, he is exceptionally skilled with the sword," Leo remarked, "He excelled in magic classes too, but his temper left much to be desired, making it hard for him to make friends. Did you know? On his first day at school, he beat up a senior who was three grades above us..."

Leo narrated the story with vivid detail.

Lu Nian listened with rapt interest.

On one hand, she wished to know more about that man.

On the other hand, having grown up in the Witch's Forest since birth, venturing outside was a fresh and novel experience for her, with stories and happenings she had never encountered before.

Leo's family situation was indeed comfortable, offering her a spacious and bright room to stay in, furnished with a fireplace and clean, soft bedding.

Lu Nian climbed onto the bed languidly.

Outside, the sky had darkened and it seemed a blizzard was brewing, the wind howling ominously.

She pulled the blanket up to her chin, only to find that she missed the cool ambiance of the living room and the haystack she had grown accustomed to.

Well then.

Truth be told, what she missed the most was the night she spent with him.

Could this be the legendary power of love?

Or was she a masochist at heart?

Lu Nian found herself bored to death; as a witch, she didn't need much sleep. She was naturally powerful among her peers, only lagging in mastering many spells due to her lack of focus during lessons.

She didn't really want to leave, but she couldn't bear to upset him either.

The luckless young witch was somewhat melancholy.

She was filled with regret for not paying attention in class, fearing how he would react if he didn't like her.

However, no matter how she looked at it, she couldn't bear to give up.

Was resorting to love potions the only solution?

But she realized that she still wanted to converse with him, not wanting to turn him into a mere puppet who would just agree with everything she said.

The witch found herself in a dilemma, letting out a deep sigh as she realized that the outside world indeed harbored many troubling matters.

Having arranged everything, Qin Si locked his front door and removed his upper garment.

Under the soft moonlight, his originally jade-like skin now bore spreading, dark-red patterns that entwined and snaked across his flesh.

Starting from the initial mark on the back of his right hand, it trailed up his nape, across his collarbone, extending to his back, presenting a rather bewitching sight.

The route of infection was unlike others who had been bitten and infected by vampires. However, he could confirm that he was now undergoing a secondary infection, undeniably cursed by that vampire.

If he wanted to survive, he could have returned to the imperial capital to seek help from the church.

Now with the city sealed off due to heavy snow, reaching the capital was impossible within the necessary timeframe. Moreover, he had no desire to be treated as a research specimen, nor did he want more people witnessing his struggle post-infection.

Just as he finished dressing, a piercing alarm echoed throughout the city once again.

A gust flew in through the window, the sharp claws scraping against the wooden frame created a piercing sound.

He reacted swiftly, dressing hurriedly and seizing the sword that lay on the table.

The sky was aglow with a sinister hue, an eerie reflection of the flesh-eating birds' luminescent red feathers that dyed the night an ominous, flame-like red.

"Something's gone terribly wrong, around the crossroads street."

"The epicentre is the Xedir estate?"

"The devastation is widespread in that area, alas, the flesh-eating birds have come this time. The knights have already moved out, but this damned weather, when will it end?"

Upon hearing that name, the young man's pupils contracted momentarily.

He couldn't abandon her there alone.

In the event of a city attack, Leo would undoubtedly prioritize his duties, unable to stay by her side to protect her constantly.

The flesh-eating birds were cruel creatures that typically resided in forests, feeding primarily on the corpses of adventurers and travelers. It was rare to see them in towns, and it was likely hunger that drove them towards humans, a delicacy, particularly young girls.

Without further hesitation, he closed the door, picked up his sword, and rushed towards the Leo residence.

Snow continued to fall outside as screams echoed from within the estate.

Lu Nian hid in the shadows, watching as a giant bird grabbed a young maid by the shoulder. The maid screamed before fainting from fright. Silently, Lu Nian cast a fire spell, and within seconds, the bird's wings ignited, releasing a shrill cry.

The bird plummeted to the ground, its hefty body crushing the stables, giving rise to an orchestra of screams.

"It seems I might have overdone it..." Lu Nian muttered, nursing a headache.

Having not paid attention in class, her mastery was limited to fire spells. A subtler ice spell might have been more suitable, drawing less attention and possibly ensuring a gentler landing.

Lu Nian was somewhat vexed herself, unsure how to handle the current situation.

Naturally, she wasn't afraid of these birds. In fact, they should technically be on the same side, both preying on humans.

Yet, for some inexplicable reason, she found herself moved by a sudden surge of compassion.

Since leaving the forest, she had experienced a streak of bad luck. Despite the time that had passed, there had been little progress, only encounters with familiar faces from the forest.

Although the knight's brigade arrived promptly, the expansive attack zone and the frequent recent battles causing significant manpower loss, coupled with the city lockdown preventing reinforcements, left them struggling to cope.

Leo had already rushed out to assist, and amidst the chaos, no one paid any heed to the unfamiliar young girl.

Lu Nian walked through the estate, surveying the surroundings. The sky was alight with flames, and the sound of sharp cries, explosions, a tang of blood, and women's screams intertwined, yet her expression remained unchanged.

Suddenly, she was lifted by a slender hand, the man's handsome profile barely visible in the darkness, his expression exceedingly grim. "Why did you come out?"

Lu Nian was extremely taken aback.

She was also immensely surprised and delighted.

She had assumed that he would never return, after all, he had personally cast her out. Moreover, considering the state he was in, shouldn't he have been waiting patiently at home to undergo the transformation?

Her eyes twinkled brightly, "You actually came to find me."

He clearly did not anticipate her reaction, quickly receding back into the shadows to conceal his expression.

The girl's voice brimmed with an uncontainable joy, "I initially thought that you had abandoned me."

Her way of expressing happiness was simple; she lunged at him, hugging his waist tightly. Her petite, soft body smelled fresh and carried the sweet scent distinct to young girls.

This complete reliance and unrestrained closeness...

Made him freeze instantly.

Surprisingly, she wasn't pushed away. Only when the shrill cries of the birds echoed again did he stiffly pick her up, shielding her behind him.

"Stand behind me and don't move," his voice was slightly hoarse, tinged with a faint pant due to his hurried journey.

Witches lack parents; they are born deep in the forests. As they grow, they are educated by teachers before individually departing the forest. This was her first experience of being protected by someone.

If she were the target of his drawn sword, her head might have been severed before she could even react, she mused.

The surrounding predatory birds were numerous. Although not difficult to deal with, the nocturnal shield masked the pervasive smell of blood - a blend of beast and human blood.

He couldn't detect the scent of blood now, but the heat from the blood and the physical exertion accelerated his transformation.

Under the faint moonlight, the young man's sword became stained with blood, as he forcibly suppressed his panting.

His appearance had begun to subtly alter, his black pupils taking a deeper red hue and even the shape of his pupils and earlobes had changed slightly. Though minute, these changes altered his entire demeanor.

If before he emanated a pristine, cold aura like that of mountain snow, now it carried a hint of enchanting charm.

Lu Nian witnessed it all and couldn't help but grow more excited, wondering what he would look like once the transformation was complete.

When that time comes, he will surely taste even more delicious.

"You go back first," the young man's voice held an uncontrollable pant.

He felt extreme discomfort. The scent of blood flooded his nostrils, inducing a nauseating urge that he struggled to suppress. His vision blurred and though he considered injuring himself to stay alert, he refrained, remembering the person he was protecting behind him.

He had studied magic courses in school, but over the years he had grown more reliant on his swordsmanship, rarely utilizing magic.

The burning sensation in his body intensified, yet, he managed to successfully curb the urge to drink blood, momentarily halting the aberration.

His sight gradually cleared, and with a hoarse, hushed voice, he finally extended a hand to her, "Let's go."

Lu Nian paused, as a witch, she could naturally discern that he had placed a sealing spell on himself. But at this stage of the second-order infection, wouldn't this be exceedingly painful?

Her moral compass was straightforward - seeking him out and desiring closeness was driven by the anticipation of joy and happiness.

She couldn't fathom why someone would act in such a manner.

When the battle finally concluded in the late hours of the night, the manor was ablaze with lights. Various groups began cleaning up the aftermath as Qin Si and Leo briefly explained the situation.

"I want to go back with you."

After the battle, she wished to return home with him. It seemed like she had firmly attached herself to him, following wherever he went. With her palm-sized innocent face, she looked pitiful, resembling a stray dog fearful of abandonment.

He didn't utter a word, but neither did he outright reject her again, his gaze harboring complex emotions.

It seemed like he had made some kind of resolution.

The young man set down his sword, removing his gloves to slowly reveal the blood-red mark, stating, "I have been infected."

"I will soon lose my sanity completely," his eyes were calm, and his tone betrayed no emotion, "Once I fully turn, if you get bitten by me, you will be infected too."

Surprisingly, she showed no significant reaction.

The anticipated reactions of disgust, fear, and resistance... none surfaced.

"It's okay," Lu Nian blinked, "becoming a vampire doesn't seem so bad."

Eternal youth, increased speed and strength, and no death — it seemed far better than being a human.

If it were her choice, she would definitely prefer being a vampire over a human.

Strictly speaking, she was also a creature of the forest. Although she faced fewer restrictions and didn't have a strong predatory or antagonistic relationship with humans like vampires did, there wasn't any fundamental difference. Hence, she might not grasp the pure human perspective.

However, regarding her true identity, she decided to keep it a secret for the time being.

He speculated, could it be because she is a young lady from a noble family, sheltered too well to have witnessed bloodshed and death, which led to her current attitude?

"I'd rather die," the young man said, his long lashes cast downward, his voice a faint whisper.

"Why?" Lu Nian propped her cheek with her hand, sitting beside the hearth, "Death is so final, whereas becoming a vampire allows you to live for a very, very long time."

In the young man's dark pupils, the flickering flames were reflected, "They are irrationally violent, responsible for the death of many of our companions."

Such deep-seated hatred, then.

But, it seemed that she also belonged to the category of creatures he despised.

She pursed her lips and shrank back slightly, suddenly feeling a bit wronged; she had never harmed anyone.

It was her first time venturing out with intentions to harm him, yet there had been no progress at all. Just earlier at the manor, she had even saved a little maid.

"Then I'll send you back tomorrow," he said, going to the window to glance at the snowscape outside.

There were no extra security forces now that could send her back except for him.

Tomorrow, once the snow ceases and begins to melt, allowing for accessibility in and out of the house, he plans to personally escort her home. He has prepared himself - upon seeing her safely home, his mutation would probably have advanced to the third stage, after which he does not intend to return.

It seems, before the complete transformation, he still has the ability to restrain himself using sealing magic.

This grants him a few more days to spend with her.

Lu Nian was notably excited to once again accompany him home.

After he had finished bathing and arranging his weaponry, he saw the young girl squatting in the living room, seemingly engrossed in studying something.

Next to... the clothes he had just taken off.

Examining his trousers?

The tips of the young man's ears turned a silent shade of red. Hastily, he grabbed the pile of clothes, intending to move them to another spot.

"What is this?" Lu Nian stood up, following him with a question.

It turned out she wasn't looking at his trousers, but rather the small knife that had been fastened at his waist.

The sheath was wrapped in a layer of leather, displaying no elaborate craftsmanship. However, once drawn, the blade was as sharp as snow, emanating a cold luminescence under the moonlight.

"A dagger made of mithril," he said, "It has some effects on vampires."

It was the first weapon he received after being chosen to attend the Imperial Academy, a prize from a freshman competition.

Now, almost a decade has passed.

He didn't mind explaining things to her occasionally.

Driven by curiosity, Lu Nian was fascinated, unable to resist reaching out to touch the snowy gleam of the blade.

He hadn't anticipated her move, and her delicate, fair skin was sliced open almost instantly, creating a deep wound from which large beads of blood rolled out, the scent of fresh blood swiftly permeating the air.

The knife was swiftly taken away.

Lu Nian hadn't expected his fury to reach such heights over this incident.

"If you wish to harm yourself, just say so," his voice resonated with a deep anger, "I can grant you a swift end."

Lu Nian felt somewhat guilty yet also somewhat wronged, "I didn't do it on purpose, you are being really mean."

His Adam's apple bobbed, eyes lowered, jawline taut, finding himself unable to articulate his frustration and embarrassment regarding his own reaction to her.

Silently, he bandaged her finger with care.

"So, I'm sleeping in the living room?" Lu Nian asked, ready to continue sleeping on the pile of hay.

Unexpectedly, she felt a sudden lightness as he lifted her horizontally into his arms.

Peeking out with a little head, her previous disappointment vanished, "Am I sleeping with you?"

She was somewhat roughly thrown onto the bed, and subsequently, the blanket was pulled over her.

However, he turned and left, stating coldly, "I will stand guard tonight. I fear there might be wild beasts again. We'll leave early in the morning."

Lu Nian, "..."

She lay back on the bed, engulfed in sorrowful thoughts.

She truly felt like a failure.

Lu Nian reminisced about the past accomplishments of witches like her; if she had been a successful witch, he would have succumbed to her charms by now.

Men enchanted by witches were usually tamed and completely obedient, unlike her current predicament. Not only was she kept at arm's length, but he also denied her any forms of affection, keeping her at bay and showcasing a perpetual stern demeanor.

Lu Nian drifted into a confused sleep.

In the middle of the night, the door swung open, casting the tall silhouette of the young man onto the ground.

The girl was sleeping peacefully, her hand, now forming a scab over the wound on the back of it, was resting outside the blanket, no longer emitting that intense, tempting scent.

His slender fingers tightened, unable to bear that moment where he harbored unforgivable thoughts.

Qin Si's gaze was complicated as he silently observed the girl's sleeping face for a long while.

If only she had appeared earlier in his life.

But... there were no ifs.

He closed his eyes in agony.

By the end of the third phase of the infection, he would lose all human rationality completely. Before that happens, he needed to ensure her safe return home, and then meet his own end.