A Predator’s Interrupted Feast

“This is the fourth one,” Liu Yu murmured under the star-studded night sky.

The effects of devouring the Bloodkin were more profound than she had anticipated. After absorbing a substantial amount of Black Blood, not only had Shadow been replenished and become exceptionally vibrant, but even her usually muddled mind felt as though it had been thoroughly cleansed, leaving it remarkably clear and lucid.

If she had to describe the sensation, it was akin to a child’s mind being rapidly elevated to that of a young adult. Though still the same person, the vast differences in perspective and experience had led to a stark divergence in personality.

‘So why have I been acting so childishly lately…?’

With this newfound clarity came an endless torrent of shame and embarrassment. Recalling her actions over the past few days, she nearly curled her toes enough to dig a three-bedroom apartment into the ground.

“No, no, no! I absolutely refuse to admit that simpering, naive, childish woman who loves to hand out favors is me… This must be Shadow’s doing, manipulating me!”

True growth, it seemed, was a constant denial of one’s past self. After righteously absolving herself and shifting the blame to the innocent Shadow, Liu Yu finally calmed the tumultuous emotions in her chest and began to contemplate her current predicament:

‘Forget the whole “brain-dead” issue for now; I’ll probably revert to my old self after a few more fights anyway. The real concern is something else. Up until now, consuming Bloodkin—no, any act of devouring the Black-blooded—has strengthened both me and Shadow. What does that imply…?’

Connecting the clues, the answer became glaringly obvious.

‘I am Black-blooded… In other words, Vanguard is also Black-blooded? A Black-blooded hunting the Black-blooded, tsk… What a shared origin between enemies.’

Liu Yu let out a scoff. The hero of humanity was, in fact, one of the monsters—a truly pathetic and ironic truth.

If such a terrifying truth were ever to spread, it would undoubtedly ignite massive turmoil throughout human society, potentially even challenging the very legitimacy of The Association’s existence.

‘Indeed, there are no perfect humans in this world. The more outwardly noble one appears, the more inner ugliness they might harbor. Wouldn’t you agree, Miss Black-blooded, you who are the epitome of evil?’

Liu Yu, who now considered herself far more mature, clearly held no affection for the lofty hero. Even with the inexplicable, intimate connection they shared, she couldn’t help but hurl relentless taunts.

[…]

Yet, no matter how much Liu Yu’s sarcasm dripped, Vanguard offered not a single word in response. The self-talking girl immediately felt a pang of awkwardness, wondering if she was simply overthinking things.

“I know you’re watching. Stop hiding, let’s have a proper conversation… you b*tch.”

Still, there was no reply.

After a moment of silence, Liu Yu grumbled as she took a spherical object from Shadow, then hurled it towards another distant star.

As expected, it missed.

Shadow could enhance her physical attributes, but only those. When precise operations were required, it would actually hinder Shadow’s abilities.

The more she used her brain, the lower her combat effectiveness—such was Liu Yu’s current awkward predicament. After much deliberation, she concluded that the best approach was to provide a general direction and let Shadow fill in the rest.

‘But wouldn’t that just make me seem dull!’

“What is this place?!”

“Let me out, now!”

“Lord Titan, I know I was wrong, please let me go!”

A cacophony of voices drew Liu Yu’s attention. A large group of people had suddenly appeared in the desolate universe. Judging by their attire and language, they seemed to be residents of an outer realm… No, these were all Bloodkin.

Their unmistakable aura revealed their true identity: they were all Bloodkin, placed here by Titan.

‘But why were they released?’

‘What is the enemy’s objective?’

“You… you… you’re Vanguard?”

Startled by the gasp from the crowd, Liu Yu suddenly remembered that Shadow, in its demonic sword form, couldn’t conceal her appearance.

She instinctively wanted to find a corner to hide, but then a thought struck her: these individuals were merely on the brink of death. If they saw her, so be it. Soon enough, they would all be reunited within her stomach.

And besides… she could use this to her advantage.

Although she didn’t know the unknown enemy’s true purpose, since they had delivered the “food” right to her doorstep, she would graciously accept.

With a flicker of thought, Liu Yu made her decision. She lowered her head slightly, adjusting her emotions while concealed in the shadows. When she finally looked up, a reassuring smile had settled upon her face.

“Is everyone alright? Come quickly, gather around me! I’m here to rescue you!”

Her voice was calm and collected, like a gentle breeze sweeping through their hearts, soothing their anxiety and apprehension.

“…Vanguard is here to save us?!”

“Is this real? I must be dreaming.”

“But why is her hair dark gray…?”

“It must be a disguise…”

The Bloodkin whispered incessantly, discussing their options, yet no one dared to step forward and investigate. After all, the “hero” of The Association was simply too dangerous for their kind.

‘Why aren’t they coming closer?’

‘If they don’t come to me, I’ll go to them.’

Watching her “food” hesitate, and inhaling the wafting aromas, Liu Yu was so ravenous she almost wanted to use [Sight Beyond] to slice them all up.

‘Just a bunch of small fry, just a bunch of small fry.’

[Sight Beyond] would damage her own eyes, and using it on such a group of small fry would be a complete waste. Calming the agitation in her heart, Liu Yu spoke again, “I know who all of you are.”

The girl’s words were startling, immediately throwing the crowd into disarray. They argued amongst themselves until a timid voice finally posed the question, “Are you here to kill us?”

Silence fell upon the group, who waited anxiously for the hero’s reply.

“Of course not.”

Placing a hand over her chest, the girl declared with unwavering conviction, “No matter what you’ve become, as long as you still consider yourselves human, you are under my protection.”

Her dignified posture resembled a snow lotus blooming atop a mountain peak, pure and beautiful. Merely gazing at her could soothe the heart’s anxieties, compelling one to believe in her.

“I… I believe her.”

“Miss Hero, please, take me out of here. I don’t want to stay any longer.”

“Save me…”

Listening to the Bloodkin’s rising chorus of acceptance, Liu Yu’s lips curved into an irrepressible smile. To ensure they embarked on their journey peacefully, the girl enthusiastically directed them:

“Everyone, gather around me! Yes, that’s right, just form a circle around me. I’ll break through this space in a moment to take you out. Don’t panic when you see any strange phenomena; they’re perfectly normal… *Hoo-hoo-hoo*.”

She could barely contain herself. Saliva streamed uncontrollably from her mouth. What an exquisite feast, what a rare delicacy!

Power accumulated on the demonic sword.

Shadow flowed beneath her feet.

With just a command from Liu Yu, they would swarm forward and devour the surrounding Bloodkin entirely.

“Everyone, get ready! I’m taking you out of here (I’m about to feast!)… Huh… where did everyone go???”

A distorted spatial gate suddenly opened beneath her feet. Before Liu Yu could even process what it was, the Bloodkin vanished without a trace, leaving only the stunned, gray-haired girl standing there.

“Wait, don’t run!”

She quickly ordered Shadow to cease its resistance to the space, and Liu Yu frantically gave chase.

[Bait plan successful, mission accomplished…]