Book 5: Chapter 178: Experiment

Book 5: Chapter 178: Experiment

“What should I do...?”

Erica’s voice trembled as she held three Holy Dragon’s Hearts in her hands.

Even if she discarded the Holy Dragon’s Hearts now, the bounty had already been issued. As long as Erica remained in the competition, the bounty wouldn’t vanish for one hour.

Although Erica could use offensive magic, those who advanced to the second round were all formidable opponents. Those, like Erica, who had managed to progress with unconventional skills were rare.

Hence, Erica had abandoned the intention to retaliate and was now contemplating whether surrendering might lead to less suffering.

“Found you.”

A rush of air heralded the arrival of a petite figure descending from the sky.

Before the newcomer could speak, Erica swiftly set down the Holy Dragon’s Hearts, clutched her head, and sought refuge in a corner. The series of actions were executed seamlessly, as though rehearsed countless times.

“I surrender! Take all the Holy Dragon’s Hearts. Please don’t harm me; I fear pain!”

Lilith tilted her head in confusion and asked, “Is this a trap?”

“It’s not a trap! It’s not! I’m merely a healer with limited offensive capabilities. I found these Holy Dragon’s Hearts in the lake.”

To demonstrate her harmlessness, Erica clutched her head even tighter.

Lilith stared at Erica, who appeared on the verge of curling up into a ball. Concluding she needn’t fear any traps, Lilith strode over confidently and picked up the Holy Dragon’s Hearts from the ground.

Seconds passed without incident.

“I guess this isn’t really a trap, after all.”

Lilith observed the girl as she weighed the Holy Dragon’s Hearts in her hand. She seemed ordinary in terms of strength and aura.

Erica watched as Lilith retrieved the Holy Dragon’s Hearts, then said smugly, “See? I told you I didn’t lie to you, did I? My grandma always told me that liars will have to swallow a hundred needles.”

“Hm, you’re quite an adorable one.”

Lilith suddenly approached and lifted her chin. After scrutinizing her face for a while, she sighed. “Don’t tell me you managed to advance to the second round by solely relying on your adorable face?”

“A-Adorable...? Who are you calling adorable!”

“Here, this is for you.”

Handing Erica the Holy Dragon’s Heart, Lilith revealed not only the three that Erica previously possessed but two additional ones—one belonging to Lilith herself and the other left behind by Princess Estelle, who had been eliminated earlier.

Since Raymond was not a participant, he didn’t possess a Holy Dragon’s Heart.

“W-W-Why... are... you giving these to me?” Erica’s hands trembled as she held the three Holy Dragon’s Hearts, let alone five. Her voice quivered as she spoke.

“Don’t worry. I’ll only be eliminated if I lose all my Holy Dragon’s Hearts for over an hour.”

It’s not you that I’m worried about!—That was what Erica was tempted to say.

After allowing Erica to collect the Holy Dragon’s Hearts, Lilith gazed up at the sky and said, “Well, what’s going to happen next?”

A few minutes later, a golden light emanated from Erica’s body, shooting skyward once more. Fifteen minutes later, an icy female voice appeared in everyone’s ears once again.

“Second bounty of day one: Erica. Holy Dragon’s Heart acquired: five.”

“I knew it. The location will be reported every fifteen minutes during the bounty period, along with the updated number of Holy Dragon’s Hearts held by the target,” Lilith murmured, gazing at the sky.

“Does this... change anything?” Erica asked timidly.

“Not for now,” Lilith replied.

More like this might intimidate the already timid participants into believing Erica was a formidable opponent.

“How about... this then?”

Lilith instructed Erica to place four Holy Dragon’s Hearts on the ground while keeping one for herself.

Fifteen minutes later...

“Third bounty of day one: Erica. Holy Dragon’s Heart acquired: five.”

“Looks like that didn’t work,” Lilith mumbled to herself.

Lilith took back her two Holy Dragon’s Hearts from Erica and allowed her to keep three.