Shinji Matou at Your Service

"Alright, alright, don't get upset. I'm just talking about possibilities, not saying it's already achieved."

Having spent almost two years living with Arcueid, Shinji had long since gotten used to handling the sulky princess.

"Besides, we can't achieve it without your help."

"Me?"

Arcueid immediately forgot her displeasure.

"Yes, you."

"How can I help?"

"By providing samples, namely your blood."

"No way!"

Arcueid shook her head without even thinking.

"Why not? The blood of the True Ancestors is what causes the birth of the Dead Apostles. Analyzing the source is the most efficient and potentially successful method."

"I don't want to give my blood to other people."

A very Arcueid-like response indeed.

Shinji patiently persuaded, "My princess, now is not the time to be difficult. If the research succeeds, it will provide another way to deal with Dead Apostles, which benefits you as well."

"That does seem to be the case."

Arcueid thought for a moment and nodded.

"But my blood represents my power. Even a tiny bit can turn a human into a powerful vampire."

"Miss Sion hasn't drunk blood for three years. I believe she can be trusted."

Shinji gently looked at Sion, who raised her hand, both moved and solemn.

"I can swear in any way possible. I can also sign a binding contract or document."

"But I still don't want to..."

"Then, how about adding my guarantee?"

Touko interjected, "I'll be responsible for managing your blood."

"You..."

Arcueid's pupils instantly turned golden.

"You don't need my blood... because you are already fixed."

This fixation didn't refer to her seemingly young appearance. There are many magecraft that slow aging, and in some sense, the quest for immortality is even considered a driving force for magical progress. But Touko had long transcended this field.

She was completely fixed.

"Alright, I agree, but only one drop."

"That's enough. I'll get the container."

As Touko spoke, she was about to head to the nearby lab. Arcueid was mistaken; Touko wouldn't ingest the blood of the True Ancestors, but that didn't mean she didn't need it. She was very interested in the existence of the True Ancestors themselves. Understanding their blood could further enhance her doll-making techniques, which was why she was willing to vouch for Sion.

"No need."

Shinji waved her off.

"Ordinary containers can't preserve True Ancestor blood. Arcueid, make one using the materials from the Chain of Earth."

"Alright."

Arcueid said as she used her nail to cut her skin, letting out a drop of bright red liquid.

The moment the blood left her skin, Arcueid's body instantly healed. At the same time, silver metal rapidly formed around the blood, converging into a thumb-sized sealed container that enclosed the blood.

"I'm going to sleep now. Don't bother me again, or I'll get angry."

With a flash of silver light, the container holding the True Ancestor's blood fell into Touko's hand. Arcueid then pulled the blanket over her head and fell silent.

As Sion looked at the container in Touko's hand, wanting to say something, Shinji spoke first.

"Miss Sion, this is the best outcome. Touko's understanding of the human body is unparalleled. If she can't cure you, then you'll have to rely on magic. Moreover, Japan has weak influence from both the Mage's Association and the Holy Church. For someone in your position, there's no safer place."

"I understand. What do I need to give in return?"

Talking to someone as intelligent as Sion was the easiest. Just give a hint, and she would understand.

"You should discuss that with Touko. If you need the protection of the Tohno family, talk to Shiki and Miss Akiha."

"What about you?"

"I don't need anything. Originally, I was interested in Atlas's research on spirit particles and the Eltnam family's Etherlite, but someone has already paid me, and they paid too much. I don't like owing favors, so I'm collecting it from you."

"Paid you? Could it be—"

"Yes, it's your late ancestor, Zepia. He left an inheritance."

Hearing Shinji say this, Sion showed clear signs of inner conflict.

"What—don't want it? Haha, that would make things easier for me. Honestly, I'm a bit uneasy about handing this inheritance over to you. You're too much like Zepia: equally outstanding, equally granted Atlasia—"

"Stop it!"

"—equally stubborn, even your ways of living are the same."

"I said stop it..."

The usually calm Sion suddenly became agitated.

"Don't compare me to him. At least I'm not—"

"Not what? Not a vampire? Is dragging that body around really suitable?"

"I haven't—"

"Haven't what? Haven't you drunk blood? I'm not talking about appearances but the essence. Sion Eltnam Atlasia, have you ever wondered why Zepia annihilated the entire extermination squad three years ago but spared you?"

Shinji's question made Sion shiver. She instinctively responded, "Because I am Eltnam."

"Is that it? Is that the whole truth? It's one thing for others to say that, but you, with your high-speed cognitive abilities, capable of deriving conclusions from information, can't come up with any other explanation? Or is it that your instincts are resisting this conclusion? Because once you accept it, the existence known as Sion Eltnam Atlasia would collapse?"

"Enough, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Sion grew increasingly agitated, almost hysterical.

"Zepia spared you because you are essentially the same. You are both of the same kind."

Sinji's words hit Sion like a thunderbolt, rendering her mind blank and halting her thoughts.

"We—of the same kind? No, that's impossible. We are not—"

"Think about it, Miss Sion. How different is your way of existing from Zepia's? Have you ever considered how many minds you've invaded since you were born? Just because others can't see it doesn't mean I can't—your Etherlite that spans the entire city, connected to your hand."

"This, this is—"

"You've never thought about it, right? Because you consider it natural. You've long been accustomed to taking—taking others' information. If taking information is acceptable, why isn't taking blood? Isn't that contradictory? To be blunt, wouldn't becoming a Dead Apostle be more convenient for an alchemist in pursuit of truth? You should be able to feel your increase in power."

The contradictions buried in her heart for the past three years were finally exposed. Sion's face turned pale, and her legs gave out, causing her to collapse to the ground.