Blood 16: On the Road

At last, at last, I reached a place with people.

It had been so long.

So painful.

So exhausting.

Finally, I can catch my breath.

The journey here was truly treacherous.

Yes, walking endlessly through a forest with no path, cutting through a grassland where the grass reached higher than a person’s height, only to finally arrive at a proper road—then suddenly forced to increase pace drastically.

I truly feared I might die of overwork at this age.

If I hadn’t learned the skill known as Martial Magic, taught by Shiro, in the forest, I wouldn’t have made it this far.

Martial Magic—consumes MP to enhance physical ability.

Shiro forced me to learn it.

In the morning, she suddenly took my hand, then began manipulating my magic energy on her own, activating the skill.

"Maintain it. Keep it active."

When she released my hand, the magic combat technique began to deactivate immediately, so I hastily struggled to maintain it as instructed.

As a result, I acquired the skill for the magic combat technique.

Thanks to this, travel during the journey became somewhat easier.

Though, since the magic combat technique consumes MP, it cannot be used continuously, and while using it, my pace was restricted, so it didn’t feel particularly easier.

Still, being able to manipulate another person’s magic energy—how high must their magic manipulation skill level be?

At least I cannot control another’s magic, so their skill level is definitely higher than mine.

I doubt it, but… they haven’t maxed out their skill level, have they?

I really hope not.

In the grassland, tall grass grew thickly across the entire area, requiring me to push it aside with my hands to move forward.

Perhaps there was no more sensible route, but even within the forest, I had traversed paths without trails, deliberately advancing into areas untouched by people.

Parting the grass required considerable strength. At some point, the "Strength" skill had become innate.

Additionally, touching tough grass with bare hands resulted in numerous cuts. I repeatedly experienced HP auto-recovery.

As a result, I acquired the "Life" and "Sturdy" skills, and the level of HP auto-recovery increased.

Food remained consistently poisoned.

The potency of the poison increased daily.

The only relief was that the ingredients themselves were ordinary—extremely bitter, but not inedible.

After consuming the poisoned menu several times, I earned the title "Poor Eater."

Titles appeared to be granted by performing specific actions.

Skills granted for free, and many titles themselves possess unique effects, so it’s said to be harmless to acquire them.

But “Poor Eater” — the name sounds unpleasant.

The skill obtained from “Poor Eater” is Poison Resistance and Corrosion Resistance.

Poison Resistance was integrated into my existing Status Effect Resistance.

Shiro stated that Corrosion Resistance is the more important one.

Despite usually being silent, he spoke at length about the danger of Corrosion attributes this time.

Apparently, it is an attribute associated with death — attacks imbued with this property cause the body to disintegrate into dust.

Moreover, it is said to be dangerous even to the attacker if no resistance is present.

Because of its overwhelming power, Corrosion Resistance is difficult to raise, making the title “Poor Eater,” which grants it, particularly valuable.

Incidentally, the effect of the "Poor Eater" title appears to be reduced susceptibility to stomach upset.

Subtly effective.

Naturally, Melazofis, who has been consuming the same meals as me, also received the "Poor Eater" title.

Melazofis is performing the same actions as me, so his skills are progressing similarly.

However, unlike me as an infant, Melazofis, being an adult, seems to progress at a more gradual rate.

Melazofis consumes the red liquid passed to him by Shiro with each meal.

It is elf blood.

Shiro consumed it on the first day—nausea followed. Further intake causes discomfort.

In any case, unlike me, Melazofis requires regular blood consumption.

Any blood will suffice, it seems.

Ariel suggested that, should elf blood run out, Melazofis could hunt any monster and drink its blood instead.

Yet Melazofis still resisted drinking blood, consuming only small amounts, so depletion never occurred.

However, due to the minimal intake, Melazofis grew increasingly pale each day.

When I asked, they only replied "I am fine," but weakness was undeniable.

Still, I could not force them to drink blood.

As a vampire, I myself did not require blood consumption, having only ever drunk Melazofis's blood.

I had no desire to drink it.

My insistence would lack credibility.

If I had endured the same suffering, I might have the right to speak—but that would mean I too would have to consume blood.

I lacked that resolve.

Thus, arriving in the city before Melazofis collapsed completely was fortunate.

In addition, once we reached the road, I was made to run.

Only when no one is watching, of course.

The "Sprint" skill has been acquired.

The skill level for Magical Combat Technique has increased. Due to continuous use, the skill levels for Mana Perception and Mana Manipulation have also risen. New skills acquired: Mana, MP Consumption Reduction, and MP Recovery Speed.

By this point, I can clearly see Shiro's intent.

I believe Shiro is deliberately increasing my number of skills.

The purpose remains unclear. Perhaps to enhance self-defense capabilities?

If so, gratitude is warranted.

It is not, however. Given the hardships endured thus far, genuine gratitude is impossible.

For now, having endured a journey akin to hell, there is only one thing I wish to say.

Let me rest today.