As the days turned into weeks, a full month had passed since Zara arrived in the Vampire Realm.
Unable to leave, she had reluctantly accepted Lilith's offer to stay in her manor.
In that time, Zara trained relentlessly. Every single day, she pushed herself—her sword swings growing sharper, her body becoming leaner and stronger. Her once-fragile human physique had transformed into something powerful, honed by sweat and sheer determination. She even mastered basic aura control, her presence no longer timid but sharp and focused.
Meanwhile, Lilith continued her habit of watching silently from the upper balcony, her silver eyes studying every movement with growing curiosity—and something more.
She's changing… fast.Interesting.
Today, like every other, the sound of steel slicing through air echoed in the courtyard.
Swishhh... Swishhh...
Zara moved fluidly, her large sword sweeping through the air in wide arcs. Her body was slick with sweat, and a faint shimmer of crimson aura danced along her skin.
This time, however, Lilith wasn't watching from afar.
Footsteps approached.
Zara paused, wiping her brow, and turned to see Lilith walking toward her across the training ground.
She offered a soft smile.
"Hey, Lilith. Do you need something?"
Lilith stopped a few feet away, her expression unreadable.
"Zara," she said slowly, "do you want to spar with me?"
Zara's eyes widened, and she immediately waved her hands.
"N-No thanks! I don't want to be turned into a pancake today."
Lilith chuckled, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes.
"Relax. I'll only use physical strength. No aura, no powers. Just a fair fight… as equals."
Zara hesitated for a moment… then gave a reluctant nod.
"…Fine. But don't go easy on me."
Lilith's lips curved into a sly smile."No promises."
They stepped back, taking their positions on the open training field.
Zara gripped her massive sword with both hands. Her black robe, lined with crimson, fluttered slightly in the breeze. Her stance was steady, eyes focused—her aura calm yet intense.
Across from her stood Lilith, holding her sword with a single hand, posture relaxed. Her outfit was unassuming: fitted pants and a crisp, cuffed shirt that made her look more like a noble scholar than a warrior. But the gleam in her silver eyes told another story.
For a brief moment, silence hung in the air.
Then—Swish!
Zara dashed forward, her blade slicing downward with practiced strength.
Lilith raised her sword with one hand, parrying the strike with ease. Sparks flew.
Their swords clashed again, metal ringing through the courtyard.
Zara gritted her teeth and swung again—stronger this time.
The clash of steel echoed through the courtyard, sharp and unrelenting.
Zara's breath came in steady bursts as she launched another powerful slash, her crimson-lined robe billowing behind her like wings of fire.
But Lilith's eyes—oh, her eyes—were glowing with something more than amusement now.
Excitement.Thrill.Hunger for challenge.
As Zara's blade swept toward her once more, Lilith's expression shifted. Her usual smirk deepened, and for the first time in the match, she gripped her sword with both hands.
Clang!
The force of the clash rang through the air, and in a flash of movement, Lilith spun behind Zara, the cold edge of her blade gently pressed against the girl's neck.
Zara froze.
A heartbeat passed.
Then she gave a crooked, playful smile and raised her hands in surrender.
"Well… you're really strong, Lilith."
Lilith's smile softened, her sword lowering.
"You're not bad either. You just need more time… and more training."
Zara's eyes lit up with determination. She clenched her fist in the air and declared, "Then I'll train even harder!"
With that, she turned and walked off, wiping sweat from her brow, her steps full of renewed energy.
Lilith stood still for a moment, watching her go.
Then she looked down at her hands.
They were trembling.
She made me use both hands…
As she walked slowly down the hall toward her office, Lilith continued staring at her trembling fingers, lips curling into a crazed grin.
"Hahaha… she's strong. So strong…"
Her voice echoed down the empty corridor as she tilted her head back, a glint of wild excitement in her eyes.
"She's interesting."
With one hand on her chin and a gleam in her eyes, Lilith gazed up at the ceiling.
Finally… something worth my time.