Chapter 113: Moonlit Castle

Chapter 113: Moonlit Castle

There wasnt much that could make Sofia visibly sweat anymore, but the vampires trade offer had been enough. She had gone on to explain more, a status trade was an actual function of the system, allowing two parties to simultaneously share their full unedited status screen. The full description of skills and such were hidden but the names and other information werent. Not only that, but the system would prevent both participants from sharing what they learned to others afterwards.

If she's really 14 and level 199 I'm sure her own status is plenty unusual too...Can I even do that sharing thing with the Scribe Only mode?

*Ding*

That should mean yes, I assume. Thanks for the confirmation.

Seeing Sofia hesitant to accept the young vampire walked around and explained her thinking.

You need a trustworthy ally and source of information, and Im dying to know more about the legendary Saint who escaped the church. The name, the blood, the wings, the undead skeletons! Nothing is what it should be, its like youre not even Scriptures Saintess at all! She was quite excited, and noticing that about herself, she stopped her bantering, Sorry, Im the one acting out of turn now Then, what do you say? I have plenty of secrets too! And like this we could trust each other, she finished her speech, extending a hand up toward Sofia who was almost twice her height.

If she cant tell anyone else about it Thats actually very interesting I could learn more about the kind of skills and stats I can expect from an Oracle. And if she trusts me I might be able to make her tell me more.

I dont even mind showing my weird class that much, but I do worry a bit about the blessing and the mark Well, she already knows the name so it wont be too much of a surprise to her either.

If that also gains me more support from the Vampires, and potentially their god

Alright, lets trade. But shouldnt we go somewhere else first?

Ah! Where was my head, of course! The vampire girl snapped. Sofias vision instantly changed to the inside of a cold moonlit room, seemingly inside a large stone building And the anchor bracelet activated, draining twenty thousand mana points from Sofia and sending her back, alone, to the mountainside.

Oh. Thats unfortunate Well at least the bracelet works really well.

She took the opportunity to recall Pareth and store him in the ring. A few seconds later, Astelia reappeared near Sofia. Observing her from head to toe, her eyes stopping on the pink bracelet.

My apologies, I should have warned you first, the vampire said, looking back down, Please tell me if youre ready.

Its fine, dont worry about it, let me take it off. Alright we can go when you want."

The girl nodded and snapped again.

That means she had at least sixty thousand mana to spare And here I thought I was somewhat special with my stats, and were at the same filter!

The scenery changed to the same room. Sofia could get a better look at it this time, it was clearly some kind of entrance, judging from the coat hangers and foot drawers lining the stone walls. The rooms ceiling featured a large glass dome, channeling the moonlight's shine onto the polished ground. And unlike a regular entrance room, it only had one door. Either it leads outside or this is a room built for teleportation. Either way, this was quite the show of wealth already. Does she need so many different shoes? Thats at least forty pairs

The vampire girl was busy taking off her shoes and putting on woolen slippers, she looked up at Sofia, Welcome to my castle! You can keep your shoes on if you want, don't worry.

Sofia nodded, she moved closer to a fogged up window and wiped the condensation with her glove. The sea? From the window, she could look down at the massive castle from what looked to be its very highest tower, and far below, the sea extended to the horizon. How huge is this castle exactly? This is larger than a city!

Sofia observed as her host sipped on the silver water and reclined in her chair, closing her eyes for a second. Dubious, Sofia took a sip too. She couldnt help but do the exact same.

It actually tastes like a good nap?! Im sorry I said anything I want more But first.

Are we starting with the exchange?

That is fine with me, the girl answered, taking her glass to her lips again.

Which reminds me, if youre fourteen, what was that about people not teaching their young properly last time we met? Sofia asked, curious. Astelia, who had been drinking while holding her glass in both hands, was startled by this remark, she coughed a few times, almost choking.

Dont- This never happened! she answered shyly, looking at the bare wall to her right.

Sure, sure Does not ever lie, uhuh. Actually, I may have a few questions first, if thats fine with you.

As long as its not

No, of course, rather its about my own name. At that, the vampire regained her composure, Yes, well. My reasoning about that, from the start, was that no one would be crazy enough to name themselves that unless it was true. I have no idea how someone thats clearly a human would end up Anyway, it should be fine as long as I dont read it out loud. I believe That is really your name, right?

It is. My whole status is rather unusual, as you could imagine Are you not taking risks by looking at it? I dont want anything of the sort to happen.

Honestly youre probably better informed than I am on that matter, Sofia. But Ive read the names before so At the very least my God hasnt warned against it.

Do you interact with your God often? Im very interested in Oracles, for reasons

I understand, I would want to be rid of my pursuers too, your bracelet is a good choice, and so was seeking me. I can tell you a lot. But youll have to tell me just as much about yourself!

Thats fine with me. Though if the topic is what you know, I will not be able to say a whole lot.

There is plenty more I want to know! Can you summon the skeleton rat again?

The vampire looked, fascinated, at Sofia summoning the skeletal rat from her book. Thats such a pretty skill! What a nice little guy, come here little rat! she cupped her hands for the skeleton to climb in.

So Im not the only one who likes to pet them. I feel ever so slightly less weird now. Ah! Sorry I got distracted, Astelia exclaimed as she let the rat back on the table, So, about my God, shes a rather distant one. Only ever warns me when Im in danger, so not that often, her only real demand is that I work toward clearing this dungeon. And that is all there is to it, for me. The experience of each Oracle will be very different depending on the God. She paused for a bit then switched subjects, Actually lets do the exchange now, that will help open the conversation both ways, we have all the time we want here anyway.

Lets do it then, how does it work?

We need to shake hands while thinking that we wish to exchange status, thats all.

She extended her tiny and fragile looking right hand. Her hand was quite hot, much more than a regular humans. The fireplaces long orange flames reflected in her vivid red eyes.

[Secure sharing contract initiated]