Chapter 44 : Human Town

Human Town

With a trial mindset, Serea tried to use Building Unlock on the altar, but the prompt still said that the "Blood Well" could not be constructed.

As expected, in order to transform the altar in front of her into a Blood Well, the magic crystal had to be replaced; otherwise, the powerful magic of the Blood Well could not be stored.

"So, where can I get a Tier 3 magic crystal?"

"Um... We found this one in a magical ore vein deep in the Corrupted Jungle, so there should be Tier 3 magic crystals there. But if we want to dig for it... With our limited abilities, we're not sure if we can find the right magic crystal."

"Not sure... Is there any other way?"

"This..."

Lola couldn't think of a good solution for a while, and just as she was feeling troubled, a woman's voice suddenly came from behind Serea.

"Such crystals can be found at auction houses and trade associations in human towns."

Turning around, Serea found Celia had appeared behind them at some unknown time.

"In human towns?"

"Yes. If you encounter trouble with this, I can go to a human town and bring back the magic crystal for you."

Celia still wore her usual poker face, and hearing her offer to help, Serea did not refuse.

"Alright, I'll trouble you to go purchase it in town. As for gold coins, I left behind plenty before; it should be enough."

Serea spoke generously, and it was times like this that her foresight showed. The gold and treasures gained from the caravan had made all her money-related problems disappear.

But before Serea could enjoy this sense of satisfaction for long, a new issue arose.

"But Miss Celia, do you know what kind of magic crystal to buy?"

"Tier 3."

Hearing this, Lola shook her head.

"Tier 3 magic crystals come in many attributes, and within each attribute, there are many types. Does Miss Celia know which one to buy?"

"No, I don't."

Celia replied bluntly, and Serea nearly choked on her words.

"You say that with such confidence even without knowing?"

Serea couldn't help but grumble, and Celia glanced at her and replied, "Just tell me the specific type, and that'll be enough."

Upon hearing this, Lola shook her head again.

"No, when it comes to building a Blood Well, we have no experience, so there's no absolute right type of magic crystal. We can only choose the most suitable one to try out, and it's hard to describe that with words alone."

"So, that means only you can pick the right magic crystal, but if an elf like you appears in town, it'll easily attract the attention of those people from before, right?"

Lola hesitated at this, but considering that it was for the Blood Well's construction, she made up her mind. For the rise of the Blood Elves, what was a little risk?

"Elves and humans aren't too different in appearance. With some disguise, it should be fine."

"Emm... So there really is no other way?"

"This is the safest method for now, there really isn't another."

"I see..."

Hearing this, Serea fell into deep thought, touching her chin.

Heading to the human world was the last thing Serea wanted to do at the moment, because there she might encounter someone with investigative abilities like Celia, and if Lola's true identity was exposed and humans followed the trail, Serea herself might be discovered.

Yet, if she wanted to build the Blood Well, she had no choice but to go to human settlements for the magic crystal. Such a contradictory decision left Serea troubled.

But if she wanted to rise quickly, the power of the vampires and blood elves must be obtained swiftly, so Serea's final decision was:

"Alright, I'll go with you. Celia will come as well. If it's just a few of us, there shouldn't be any major issues."

Hearing Serea also wanted to come, Lola wanted to refuse.

"Your Majesty, there's no need to trouble you with this. Vina and I can do it."

"But if you two go alone, it will be dangerous. It's still safer to act together. I'll have the Skeleton Warriors wait in the woods outside town—this is the safest way."

Serea really didn't feel at ease sending just Lola and Vina, because compared to herself as a human, Lola and the others as elves would be more easily recognized.

"This..."

"That's settled then. When the time comes, I'll bring Little Black along. If anyone discovers us, we'll just deal with them under the cover of night."

That was what Serea said, leaving Lola and Vina a little speechless.

How should they put it... Sometimes, their queen was still kind of naive...

"Then, Your Majesty, I'll go prepare now."

"Wait a moment. Do any of you know where the nearest human town is?"

"Yes, the Yeaton Domain in the Ailera Empire is the closest. We can go to its fortress city—Jones City. If we set out now, we'll arrive by nightfall."

"We have to travel for a whole day? That far?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, that's already the closest human town."

"Alright..."

Helplessly, in order to build the Blood Well, they had to go to Yeaton City.

Though traveling for a day was troublesome, as long as they could get the magic crystal, it would be worth it.

"There's no problem setting off now, right?"

"No problem, but we'll need to prepare some rations and other supplies."

"Alright, you go ahead. And I'll also draw some cards—cough—prepare some things myself."

Serea nearly slipped up, but luckily caught herself in time.

"Yes, Your Majesty. We'll inform you when we're ready."

"Mm."

The two withdrew, and after glancing at the unfinished Blood Well, Serea returned to her bedroom. Celia said nothing, simply turning and leaving to make her own preparations.

Back in her bedroom, Serea sat on her bed, impatient as she entered her conscious space.

"Hello, system! I'm here to draw cards again!"

Serea sounded excited, but the system responded in a cold, emotionless voice.

System: Host may convert materials into Dark Power, then inject Dark Power into the Dark Main Altar.

That cold voice dampened Serea's spirits somewhat.

"That indifferent, huh?"

After a quick quip, she looked at the crystals and gems floating at the four great altars.

"Never mind—no point arguing with you. To ensure this mission goes smoothly, I have to quickly boost Little Black's strength."

That was what Serea said. As for why she was boosting Little Black's power...

Because Little Black was by far Serea's strongest undead minion. Anything Serea couldn't handle herself had to be delegated, and increasing Little Black's strength was... well, the most cost-effective choice.

Anyway, Serea had already decided to draw all the experience gems (Tier 1). Though this kind of draw was a bit of a rip-off, it could rapidly boost Little Black's level. Once Little Black was strong, she'd have a greater sense of security.

This idea had occurred to her after seeing Little Black lose to Aluka last time. If Aluka had been an enemy...

It would have been a bitter fight!

So, to be safe, Little Black must be strengthened immediately!

(To be continued...)

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=