Chapter 1311: The Selection and the Human Head

Aera continued staring at the pale red egg, unable to take her eyes away from it.

The shopkeeper noticed her interest and immediately pointed toward a small display beside the egg. "If you like this one, you should take a closer look at what the Bloodfeeding Pixie actually looks like."

With a small gesture, the shopkeeper showed their display. It was the image of the creature after it hatched.

The Bloodfeeding Pixie was surprisingly small, barely larger than Aera’s hand. It had pale skin, long silver hair, and a pair of bright ruby-red eyes. Two tiny crimson horns curved from its forehead, while a pair of translucent wings extended from its back. It wore a small crimson dress that matched the color of its eyes, giving it an appearance that was more cute than frightening.

Aera’s eyes immediately lit up.

"It’s... really cute."

Asad also looked at the image... Considering that the creature survived by consuming blood, he had expected something far more intimidating. Instead, the little pixie looked almost harmless.

"I like it too," Asad said.

Aera turned toward him in surprise. "Really?"

Asad nodded. "It’s small, its abilities are useful, and it doesn’t seem to require much food. The blood requirement doesn’t sound too troublesome either."

He glanced at her before adding, "But you’re the one who will be taking care of it. If you don’t like it, we can keep looking."

Aera didn’t immediately answer.

She continued staring at the illusion, but her mind had already begun imagining what it would be like to have the little creature with her.

She could picture the pixie sitting on her shoulder while she walked around the shelter. She imagined waking up and finding it sleeping beside her, or watching it flutter around the room while she prepared for another mission. The more she thought about it, the more difficult it became to let go of the idea.

"I think..." Aera hesitated before smiling. "I really like it."

The shopkeeper immediately smiled. "I thought you would."

Aera then remembered the most important part of the description.

"But I still have some questions."

"Of course."

Aera pointed toward the egg. "It only eats blood, right?"

"Yes."

"What kind of blood?"

"Fresh blood from a living, intelligent creature is the safest choice. However, it isn’t particularly picky once it has established a Blood Contract with its owner."

Aera looked relieved, but she continued asking.

"It says that it’s ten milliliters every day... Is that really possible?"

"Yes... Only ten.. Compared to most blood-feeding creatures, the Bloodfeeding Pixie has a very low consumption rate."

Aera nodded thoughtfully.

"What happens if I don’t give it blood for a day?"

"It won’t immediately die, but its condition will deteriorate. It may become weak, and its abilities will be affected. If it goes without blood for too long, it could eventually become dangerous."

"I see."

Aera glanced at the egg again.

"The first blood it receives after hatching will establish its Blood Contract... and whoever provides that blood will be recognized as its primary owner... Interesting."

Aera immediately understood.

"Then I’ll give it mine."

She had already decided.

Asad watched her for a moment before smiling.

"If you’re worried about getting blood for it later, you can always ask Shane."

Aera looked at him. "Shane?"

"If you want to give it higher-quality blood, that is."

Asad shrugged casually. "You won’t need much. If Shane has some rare blood available, I’m sure he can spare a small amount."

Aera hesitated.

"Would he really give it to me?"

"Of course."

"But rare blood must be expensive."

Asad gave her a strange look.

"You’re talking about Shane."

Aera blinked.

Asad continued, "He’s probably the richest person in the entire shelter network right now. If you ask him for a small amount of blood to feed a pet, I doubt he’ll even consider it a problem."

Aera still looked uncertain.

"I don’t want to keep asking him for things."

"You don’t have to ask for anything excessive. Besides, I’m sure Shane would rather have you use proper food for your pet since, in the end, you’re part of his shelter. The stronger your pet becomes, the better for the shelter."

Aera thought about it for a moment before finally nodding.

"Maybe..."

The shopkeeper had been quietly listening to their conversation, and her smile gradually became more obvious.

Since Asad was the one who would actually be paying for it, that made the rest of the conversation much easier.

After a final discussion about the Bloodfeeding Pixie’s growth, temperament, and upkeep, Aera finally made her decision.

"We’ll take this one."

The shopkeeper’s smile widened.

"Excellent choice."

Asad immediately paid for the egg without trying to negotiate.

Aera glanced at him. "You didn’t even ask for a discount."

"It’s within reason. It’s only 275 Spirit Stones..."

Aera couldn’t help but laugh.

The transaction was completed shortly afterward, and the Bloodfeeding Pixie Egg officially became hers.

Aera carefully held it in both hands as they left the shop. She couldn’t hide the smile on her face.

"I have a pet now..."

Asad glanced at her.

"You haven’t even hatched it yet."

"I know."

Aera looked down at the egg affectionately.

"But it’s still mine..."

Asad shook his head with a faint smile.

They decided to hatch the egg somewhere quiet and safe, and there was no shortage of suitable places inside Blood Talon Shelter...

Eventually, they arrived at a peaceful courtyard where a young World Tree had been planted in this shelter...

The tree was only around two meters tall, with a thin trunk and several branches covered in green leaves. It was nothing compared to the enormous World Tree that existed elsewhere, but it was still a genuine branch of the World Tree that had been cultivated into a living tree.

Because of its value, the shelter had surrounded the area with heavy protection.

Several Warden Units patrolled nearby, while surveillance devices continuously monitored the courtyard. Nobody was allowed to approach the tree without permission.

Aera looked around with curiosity.

"It’s beautiful..."

Asad’s mouth opened, as if he was about to say something, then closed again.

Aera glanced at him in confusion, only to notice a human head floating silently in front of them.

She was shocked at first, but she realized that it was most likely one of Asad’s scout ghosts, its translucent face flickering faintly as it hovered in the air.

Judging from its expression, it seemed to have something important to report.