Chapter 96: A Mother’s Sacrifice

“You merely wish to uncover the origin of my power and the faction backing me, don’t you? A trade, you say? If I were to reveal everything, would you truly spare me?”

The Black-haired girl maintained her defensive posture, her words laced with palpable distrust towards Nikola. She reasoned that if she fought to the death, the Legion might continue her mother’s treatment for a time.

However, if she divulged all her secrets only to be slain, the Legion would undoubtedly abandon her mother’s care.

Even a single extra day for her mother in this world was worth any sacrifice.

“Heh, little one.”

In response to the Black-haired girl’s profound distrust, Nikola offered only a chilling smile, her crimson eyes slowly drifting shut.

“What exactly has the power behind you promised, that you would guard their secrets with such fervor?”

“Do you even realize… from where this power you wield was truly stolen?!”

The very next instant, Nikola’s eyes snapped open, her pupils transforming into the same vivid scarlet that marked the Black-haired girl’s own.

A sharp gasp escaped the Black-haired girl’s lips.

The Black-haired girl felt a sudden, searing pain erupt from her wounds the moment Nikola’s eyes opened. Looking down, she was horrified to see her blood, like crimson threads, slowly seeping from her injuries and drifting inexorably towards Nikola.

“What… what is this?”

The Black-haired girl was utterly stunned by the unfolding spectacle. As a test subject, she had been thoroughly educated on Vampires, understanding their superior physical prowess, innate magical talent, exclusive Blood Magic, shapeshifting, and regenerative abilities.

Yet, Blood Magic was universally known to manipulate one’s own vital fluid, never another’s. How could Nikola possibly be achieving this?

‘Where was this power stolen from… could it be?’ A realization struck the Black-haired girl, a possibility that chillingly explained everything. The Legion’s experiments, those designed to transform humans into Bloodkin, were being conducted using Nikola’s very own power.

“Are you suggesting… our power was stolen from *your* body?”

“Precisely. Why else would I risk letting you flee, all for the sake of extracting information from you?”

Nikola’s eyes reverted to their natural crimson hue, and with that change, the scarlet threads that had linked the Black-haired girl to her in the air snapped, dissolving into nothingness.

“You seem privy to more secrets than any of your predecessors. So, let us forge a pact. Rest assured, I understand your distrust. We can formalize this with a Blood Pact, a sacred covenant exclusive to the Bloodkin.”

“Furthermore, aligning with me would undoubtedly prove far more advantageous than remaining loyal to those who manipulate you. Even if you withhold all information now, I will inevitably reclaim my full power, and those individuals will, without question, face their annihilation.”

“Why did you choose to become Bloodkin? Was it a yearning for immense power? Or perhaps the allure of immortality? If those are your desires, the strength I can bestow upon you far surpasses anything your current masters could offer. Consider it carefully, won’t you?”

Nikola extended this offer with genuine sincerity, not to deceive the Black-haired girl, but because she truly sought a loyal subordinate.

Though the Black-haired girl had merely pilfered a fraction of her Primal Power, a part of Nikola’s own bloodline still coursed through her veins, even if it was stolen.

If she could bring the Black-haired girl into her fold, Nikola would no longer have to fear Liliana weakening her re-accumulated power. By simply forging a Blood Pact with her, Nikola could entrust her strength to the Black-haired girl for safekeeping.

Given their shared bloodline, this exchange of power would inflict no harm upon the Black-haired girl’s body; indeed, it presented no disadvantage to her.

Nikola’s skirmish with the Black-haired girl had led her to a conclusion: this girl was not as fanatical as the Fallen Nun or Rachel had been. Perhaps she was someone open to negotiation.

Ultimately, Nikola aimed to sway her. If, after this generous offer, the Black-haired girl still refused, then Nikola would have no alternative but to eliminate her.

“…”

The Black-haired girl appeared to weigh the veracity of Nikola’s words. After a moment of contemplation, she finally spoke.

“…I do not yearn for immense power, nor do I crave immortality. My sole desire is for my mother to survive.”

She maintained her vigilance towards Nikola. What did it matter if she had stolen Nikola’s power? What did it matter if Nikola was a true Bloodkin? The Legion could provide her mother with treatment, but could Nikola?

The Black-haired girl did not wish for her mother to become a Ghoul or a Vampire. She desired her mother to live as a human being in this world. Could Nikola, a Bloodkin herself, truly comprehend such a wish?

If Nikola could neither guarantee nor comprehend this, then any promise of power, no matter how immense, would be utterly meaningless to the Black-haired girl.

“Oh?”

Nikola’s eyebrow arched slightly. Her assessment had been correct. The Black-haired girl’s conduct in battle clearly showed a lack of enthusiasm for combat, and even a minimal craving for blood. This suggested she hadn’t embraced vampirism out of sheer desire.

Now, with the mention of her mother, Nikola surmised that the Black-haired girl likely harbored a profound secret or hardship.

“Your mother? Is the organization behind you holding her over your head as leverage?”

“No, that’s not it at all.”

The Black-haired girl shook her head, offering an explanation.

“I willingly became a Vampire. My mother suffers from a peculiar illness, and they guaranteed to provide her with the finest treatment available if I participated in their experiment.”

“I see.”

Nikola’s understanding dawned instantly. Given this revelation, the organization backing the Black-haired girl was likely not a malevolent cult; such groups rarely employed such ‘gentle’ tactics.

Nevertheless, upon learning the true reason for the Black-haired girl’s unwavering loyalty to her organization, Nikola swiftly grasped that her mother was, without a doubt, her most vulnerable point.

“Heh, do you genuinely believe the organization you serve would continue to provide treatment for your mother after your demise?”

“Of course not.”

The Black-haired girl’s response was unequivocally firm. She understood that this world revolved solely around self-interest. The Legion continued her mother’s treatment only because she was a successful test subject, a valuable asset.

If she died, her worth would vanish, and with it, any reason for them to continue caring for her mother.

However, Nikola’s desire to reclaim her power inherently meant opposing the Legion. Should she sign a pact with Nikola, she would inevitably become a spy, bound by Nikola’s control.

If Nikola proved incapable or unwilling to treat her mother, then even if the Legion fell or her cover was blown, her heartfelt wish would remain tragically unfulfilled.

“But if I were to agree to your terms, would you truly provide treatment for my mother?”

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