Chapter 358: Alice's Determination
[Blood Extraction Complete!]
[A resounding success in extracting 50% dragon purity from the Flying Lizard Blood!]
[Flawless preservation of the remaining blood achieved!]
As the notifications materialized before him, an air of anticipation filled the room. The once vibrant red outline surrounding the cauldron's verdant blood froze swiftly, the liquid transforming into a crystalline substance akin to the girth of a ring finger—a mesmerizing display of hard-ice blood.
Simultaneously, a strange yet alluring fragrance wafted from the frozen green blood, permeating every nook and cranny of the room, eventually reaching the discerning senses of Felix and Desmond. The scent, a bewitching blend of floral undertones mingled with fresh and exotic notes, bewilder the mind while offering an irresistible allure.
Desmond's amazement was palpable as he beheld the spectacle before him. The hard-ice green blood resembled an unrefined miniature crystal, casting a radiant red glow that played with the light, its captivating fragrance lingering in the air.
The ethereal aroma, an amalgamation of floral fragrances and a myriad of other scents, stirred the senses, enveloping the room in a bewildering yet strangely pleasing olfactory dance.
Simultaneously, the crimson radiance began assuming the form of a translucent Flying Lizard silhouette, its wings mirroring those of its corporeal counterpart, soaring gracefully around the frozen blood. Desmond felt as though he were witnessing an augmented reality projection, a spectacle that fascinated and enthralled his senses.
With each rhythmic flap of the crystalline wings, a cascade of iridescent green glitter descended upon his palm, a spectacle that neither posed harm nor triggered any warning from the ever-watchful system.
The more Desmond immersed himself in this spectacle, the greater his amazement swelled, attributed not only to his own creation but also to the wonders orchestrated by the system. However, in the next instant, his expression shifted, a complex array of emotions flickering across his countenance as he glanced at the faint red shadow and the frozen blood.
"Inquire, System. Initiate a virtual experiment to assess the compatibility of this blood with the human body," Desmond commanded silently, his voice resolute.
[Commencing the task...]
[Utilizing prior knowledge and Host's energy as the primary variable]
[Attempting to acquire and blend the blood with Host's own]
Desmond's body, true to its mysterious nature, sprang into motion autonomously. One hand, gingerly cradling the frozen blood, reverently returned it to the cauldron while the other deftly transferred the remaining preserved blood into a separate vessel.
Simultaneously, a stream of energy emanated from his being, caressing the Flying Lizard blood, and in an unexpected turn, Desmond sensed the energy's reciprocal influence, gently coaxing his own blood to join the arcane union.
In the realm of Desmond's vision, a faint projection materialized—a spectral screen illustrating the intricate process of blood assimilation.
A solemn expression etched across his face, Desmond focused intently on the unfolding spectacle, his consciousness divided between the mesmerizing mingling of blood and the cauldron's contents.
The virtual screen depicted the harmonious fusion of his own blood with the frozen green essence. However, as the union solidified, an intense clash erupted within the merged blood, akin to a furious battle between sentient tendrils—a relentless dance of punches and sword-like thrusts.
Yet, the verdant blood soon adapted, molding itself into a colossal figure of a Flying Lizard. The gargantuan manifestation unleashed a wide maw, as if poised to consume every last droplet of Desmond's blood in one voracious gulp.
...
Meanwhile, in the vicinity of Desmond's opulent mansion, a cluster of dwellings emerged, their structures predominantly crafted from pure, untreated wood, blending seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment.
Two of these abodes took the form of wooden longhouses, their purpose veering more towards storage than habitation, devoid of any discernible openings that would facilitate ventilation. Nestled closest to the tranquil lake, they occupied a significant expanse of land.
Not far from these storage structures, a diminutive yet quaint residence stood in humble contrast. With its modest proportions, it served as a dwelling for a solitary individual, adorned with a solitary window and crowned by a chimney, signaling the presence of a hearth within.
Yet, positioned strategically between the concealed entrance and Desmond's grand mansion stood the small house—a sentinel's abode, entrusted to Felix's care in ensuring the safety and vigilance of the premises.
Adjacent to Felix's residence, a mansion of slightly smaller proportions compared to Desmond's caught the eye. Its courtyard revealed a row of weapon racks, an unequivocal sign that it housed Felix's loyal subordinates.
In the opposite direction, another mansion beckoned attention. Crafted from superior materials—cement and exquisite dark wood—this structure surpassed the others in opulence. It stood on equal footing with Desmond's mansion and served as the dwelling for the female residents of this haven.
Within the confines of the girls' mansion, the architecture mirrored their previous abode in the capital city of the North Kingdom. It boasted two floors, complete with rooms designated for the maids' use.
On the first floor, a gathering of maids caught the eye. Annie leaned casually against the wall, her sharp gaze fixed upon Shelty, who found herself under the scrutiny of both Annie and Laura.
"Are you alright, Shelty?" Laura inquired, her eyes brimming with genuine concern. Her gaze inadvertently wandered to Shelty's body, where tattered garments unveiled glimpses of her smooth, porcelain skin.
"U-mm, I'm fine, thank you, Laura. Just a bit exhausted," Shelty replied, her cheeks flushing with a rosy hue. She instinctively crossed her arms over her chest, seeking solace in the shield of her own embrace, feeling ill at ease under the penetrating gaze.
Before Laura could pose further questions, Annie swiftly covered Laura's mouth with her hand, her nonchalant expression fixated on Shelty.
"Rest. And haven't you heard what she said?" Annie spoke in a casual tone after glancing at Shelty's condition, her gaze shifting momentarily from Shelty to Laura before reprimanding her.
In the hierarchy that dictated their status, Shelty found herself subordinate to both Annie and Laura. As per her memories, she was merely a newly recruited maid, acquired by her master through an auction. She possessed no authority to contest their orders or question their commands.
Shelty nodded obediently, acknowledging Annie's words, and made her way toward the room indicated by her senior. However, as she paused for a moment, an unexpected occurrence unfolded. The ambient natural energy began to converge around her form, transforming into a shimmering green light that miraculously repaired her torn attire, restoring it to its original state.
Taken aback by this revelation, Shelty harbored a desire to seek her seniors' opinions and guidance. Yet, she recollected Annie's earlier command and hastened her steps, returning to the assigned room without providing any explanation.
Annie and Laura, their conversation abruptly halted, gazed in astonishment at Shelty, enveloped by an inexplicable aura of vibrant green energy. Moments later, Shelty continued her progress, nonchalantly entering the room without offering any elucidation.
This turn of events drew solemn expressions from Annie and Laura, their narrowed eyes fixated upon Shelty's room. They exchanged a meaningful glance before dispersing to fulfill their respective duties.
Her power...
We must inform the young master of this.
Through magical messages, both Annie and Laura communicated their revelation, acutely aware of the presence of their young mistress on the second floor.
Simultaneously, on the second floor, Alice bore witness to their exchange, a faint, joyous smile gracing her countenance. Unbeknownst to Shelty, who stood below the stairs, oblivious to the unfolding events, her silver tresses cascading and melding with the streams of silver light seeping through the gaps in the wooden ceiling.
Alice's gaze fixed upon the ceiling, her initial contentment giving way to melancholy, as her emerald eyes wandered to the scenery outside.
"Mother, Father, I miss you dearly."
As tears welled up in the corners of her eyes, Alice tenderly placed her hands upon her chest, seeking solace in the imagined warmth of her parents' embrace. The harsh realities she had faced during her three years at the academy had imparted upon her the cold and cruel nature of the world.
Were it not for the presence of Felix's daughter, she might have succumbed to nightly tears, yearning for her family's comforting presence.
After a brief interlude, Alice opened her emerald eyes, her gaze transitioning from one of vulnerability and despair to one of determination, tinged with a hint of redness.
"I cannot rely on my brother indefinitely. I, too, must grow stronger," she declared, clenching her hands as white natural energy converged, coalescing into a faint cloud-like mist.
The chilling sensation emanating from the mist caused her body to tremble, yet her lips continued to recite the incantation, resolute in enduring the pain required to master the spell.
Alice had long been hailed as a prodigy during her time at the academy. Under her mother's tutelage, she had already attained mastery over the ice element and devised three unique spells of her own, derived from her innate proficiency in controlling the elements.
However, even with her accomplishments, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of lightheartedness when comparing herself to her brother, who possessed the capability to vanquish entire beasts without ever setting foot in the academy. As his elder sister, a sense of pride stirred within her, compelling her to carve her own path.
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