Marcus' visit served as a reminder to Ron of his initial assessment.

This town still teemed with danger. Despite the absence of overt crime or violence on the surface, and everyone abiding by Elizabeth's rules, the knights and nobles were above these regulations.

The outward tranquility was fragile. Innocent Town was no different from any other in the Blood Plain; they were all mere food repositories in the eyes of the vampires. And this place was likely even worse. Its peaceful facade surely concealed some larger - scale conspiracy.

Realistically, there was a possibility that Elizabeth was genuinely kind - hearted, or perhaps the secret hidden here was harmless to the townspeople. However, the old knight's final expression strengthened Ron's conviction that some impending peril was drawing closer to the town.

A faint rustle came from the ground before him.

Helen opened her eyes, bleary - eyed, clutching the quilt as she looked at Ron sitting on the bed.

"Ah!" She quickly forced herself up, shaking her head to shake off the drowsiness. "Mr. Ron, I'm sorry..."

Ron asked, slightly puzzled, "Why are you apologizing?"

Helen was taken aback by the question, realizing she couldn't come up with a reason.

"Maybe it's just a habit," she said, a bit dazed. Then, her face resumed its usual somewhat ingratiating expression. "Mr. Ron, haven't you slept yet?"

He shook his head.

"I'm thinking.

This situation won't do."

If he intended to oppose the nobles, the most pressing task now was to amass his strength. Although he could find blood containing blood energy, even after obtaining it, he couldn't directly confront the vampires. Moreover, killing Jonas or that vampire would likely attract the forces backing them.

The most pressing issue was that as a "human," he couldn't obtain valuable information through normal means in this world.

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Securing blood was his top - priority objective. In the process, he didn't necessarily have to kill Jonas. If he could find a way to make Jonas think that losing some blood was reasonable, he might avoid potential risks.

You stay here these few days. No need to go out and gather information.

He would handle it himself.

The transformation surgery had imparted to him not only basic weapon - handling skills but also simple reconnaissance and counter - reconnaissance techniques. Tracking was a risky endeavor. Once exposed, it would bring him a great deal of trouble, which was why he had never considered trailing Jonas.

However, Marcus had revealed some of his power in front of him, and Ron's strength far surpassed that of this blood servant. According to the information Helen had gathered, currently, only Jonas was a vampire in the town, and this vampire usually stayed in the mayor's cottage.

These vampires were threats he could avoid. Considering the disparity between Marcus and himself, tracking the old knight seemed a natural choice.

Helen was somewhat surprised.

"Mr. Ron, are you planning to go out?"

Ron nodded.

"Do you have any experience with a sword?"

Helen looked embarrassed.

"I've never even held a sword before."

Ron nodded slightly. He didn't suggest she learn swordsmanship. Even disregarding talent, even if she could master the use of this weapon in a short time and become proficient... she would still pose no threat to a knight of Biological Energy Level Ⅰ.

Ron spread his palm. The bright psychic energy, like liquid, flowed between his fingers. The clear, liquid - like energy emitted a dazzling glow.

Helen stared blankly at the brilliant "magic" changing in Ron's palm.

Not quite right yet.

But he was getting closer to mastering "I Am the Sun."

Helen, you've probably guessed that I came to the Blood Plain with a purpose, he said to the girl bluntly.

Helen immediately stood up straight, looking solemnly at the man in front of her.

So, it's finally here?

She had been waiting for this day for a long time. Although she had been working for Ron, she had no clue about his true identity, the reason for his presence here, or what he intended to do.

Ron said, "What I'm doing here is a significant matter that will impact the entire Blood Plain. Before you found me, I was in a rather tough situation. While I could protect myself, it was difficult to easily accomplish what I set out to do."

He was lying, undoubtedly.

Ron couldn't tell Helen about the system in his body and that he needed Jonas' blood to progress to the next stage. But what he said wasn't baseless either; it was a story Helen could come to terms with in the future.

He continued, "So, I need to build up my strength first and figure out what resources I can utilize in this environment. Here, I'm not an invincible powerhouse. Many vampires could kill me.

And you, to me, aren't a particularly invaluable mortal."

Helen's expression visibly fell.

Yes, this was the expression she deliberately showed, the emotion she wanted Ron to perceive. But at this moment, she found it hard to tell if the look on her face was genuine or feigned.

However, the situation has changed. I really need your help. In this plain, your best - case scenario is to become a blood servant of the nobles, a lowly creature they view as no more than an insect.

What I can offer you is a long life, power even greater than that of the blood nobles, and the right to not bow and scrape to these monsters.

Helen's eyes gradually regained their light.

Ron said, "In return, you must contribute your abilities, play a crucial role in what I'm about to do, and take on great risks. You might incur the hostility and wrath of some blood nobles, and death could come at any moment.

If you refuse now, you can return to your old life and live in this seemingly peaceful town. With a bit of luck, you might live out the rest of your life safely..."

He noticed.

Helen's expression grew more resolute with each word he spoke, and her eyes reflected a blazing fire, the fanatical ambition to seize control of her own destiny.

She said, in the most sincere and formal tone, "Lord Ron, I'm not foolish. I know I'll always be a humble commoner in the face of the blood nobles. From the moment I was born, this is a gap I can't bridge.

And I also desire the things you mentioned. I know that as a mortal, if I miss this opportunity, I'll never escape my fate.

Death is but a trifling price."

Ron showed an understanding look.

"Then..."

Helen nimbly knelt down on one knee.

I pledge my loyalty to you, unto death.