Chapter 254: The Purpose of the Act
Shortly after Adele and Wofoo formed their hunter alliance, the dreaded gray fog descended upon the Secret Realm. Adele had heard about this phenomenon from Sharon. The Blood Trial’s Secret Realm had no conventional day or night, perpetually illuminated by an unseen light source. However, periods of thick, dark gray fog were known to occur, engulfing the entire realm. During these times, hiding was the best strategy. According to the elders who had participated in previous trials, the gray fog brought with it monstrous creatures, driven by a primal instinct to kill, devoid of reason or malice. Their origins and purpose were unknown, perhaps guardians of the realm, or perhaps protectors of some hidden treasure. Regardless, the message was clear: the gray fog was dangerous.
Adele and Wofoo, sensing the change in the atmosphere, quickly found refuge in a dark cave, its entrance hidden behind a curtain of overgrown vegetation.
“I’m a little worried about skeleton archers and zombies spawning in here,” Adele quipped, a reference lost on Wofoo. Cultural barriers, indeed.
As a transmigrator, Adele could have chosen an easier path, a life of leisure built on her knowledge from her previous world. But she had embraced this new reality, this new Adele, and with it, the challenges and dangers that came with it.
They entered the cave, Adele using a small flame, conjured with magic learned from Celeste, to illuminate their path. The cave was surprisingly clean, just a layer of dust and dried leaves easily dispelled with a gust of wind created by Adele’s rudimentary magic. And to their delight, they discovered several clusters of crimson crystals growing on the cave walls: Blood Essence.
Adele noticed Wofoo’s reaction, the girl’s breath catching in her throat, her eyes gleaming with a desperate longing. But then, with a visible effort, Wofoo broke off a palm-sized crystal and offered it to Adele.
“Here, Adele,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “This is the most precious treasure in the Secret Realm... It has an almost magical effect on enhancing bloodlines. No vampire can resist it.” It was clear that Wofoo included herself among those who craved its power. “You’re a Sequence Five,” she continued. “You need it more than I do.”
Wofoo, despite her werewolf heritage, was still a relatively high-ranking vampire, likely a Sequence Two. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be qualified to attend Cromwell Academy, let alone participate in the Blood Trial. But those past memories, the memories of discrimination and humiliation... Wofoo didn’t want to dwell on them.
Adele, looking at the Blood Essence, then at Wofoo and the cave wall behind her, had an idea. The deeper they went, the larger the cave became. Perhaps there was more Blood Essence further inside. After a moment’s consideration, she accepted the offering, her smile genuine. It wasn’t the Blood Essence itself that she valued, but the sentiment behind it, Wofoo’s willingness to prioritize Adele’s needs above her own. She wouldn’t let Wofoo’s kindness go to waste.
“Thank you, Wofoo,” Adele said, her voice warm and sincere.
To Wofoo’s surprise, she felt a sense of relief after giving away the Blood Essence, the turmoil in her heart calming. She was glad she hadn’t let greed cloud her judgment, hadn’t jeopardized her newfound friendship with Adele. After all, what was a mere treasure compared to the connection she had longed for, the kindred spirit she had finally found?
“It’s okay, I’ve already absorbed some Blood Essence,” Wofoo said, encouraging Adele to try it. “It feels amazing, Adele, you should try it~”