Chapter 99: Escape!

I panted heavily, sweat streaming down my cheeks, my mind racing to formulate a plan.
To Nanaru, my every move must’ve seemed amusing.

In her eyes, I was nothing but a lamb awaiting slaughter—any struggle was just the futile thrashing of a dying animal.
With a flick of her hand, she could pin me down, helpless.

“Hehe… still want to struggle? Save your strength, little one. Look at your frail body—life must’ve been tough, huh? But don’t worry. Once you’re Countess Nanaru’s pet, I’ll give you everything you desire… All you need to do is let me take a tiny bite each day…”

Nanaru’s hand gently caressed my cheek, her face wearing a wicked, seductive smile as she spoke softly.
If I were a powerless, pitiful human girl, becoming her pet might’ve seemed like a decent deal.

Just offer a bit of blood daily to my master for a life of comfort and security.
I could bide my time, train in secret, and escape when I grew stronger—

But I can’t do that!
Not with my pride, my Phoenix bloodline, or the two egg babies in my backpack… I can’t allow it!

Once I’m caged, it’s over!
Especially with a blood clan that draws power from blood… If Nanaru feeds on me long-term, there’s only one outcome.

She’d use my blood as a foundation, growing exponentially stronger.
The stronger I become, the more powerful she’d get from my blood, potentially rising to become a new Blood Queen… or even a Blood Phoenix.

Then, I’d truly be doomed forever!
So, even if it means faking my death to end her obsession, I absolutely cannot let her take me!

I resolved firmly in my heart, readying my plan—
…It’s a gamble, but I have to try.
With my current state and means!

“Phew…”
Nanaru exhaled softly, her head inching closer to my neck, her bloodlust barely contained as she prepared to sink her fangs in.

As she leaned close enough, seemingly letting her guard down, I snapped my eyes wide open!
“…Please, let me go.”

A soft, cute, helpless voice escaped my lips, and in that moment, my eyes shifted to a mesmerizing purple—
Charm Gaze… activate!

“…!”
In an instant, Nanaru’s crimson eyes locked with mine at close range, and as my words landed, she froze, dazed.

…Did it… work!?
I stared at Nanaru, who’d been about to bite my neck but now stood motionless, blinking as I thought to myself.

But then, I noticed her eye twitching slightly—she was fighting to break free from my “mental control.”
“Dmn it, I knew it wouldn’t be that easy!”

I gritted my teeth, gently pushing her away to avoid accidentally snapping her out of the charm.
With a bit of space, I struggled to my feet, and… I didn’t attack.
Instead, I pulled out the magic crystal I’d prepared long ago.

Channeling my dwindling mental energy into it, I activated the crystal.
In an instant, its intricate magical runes glowed brightly!

Without hesitation, I tossed the crystal onto the open ground.
Countless rocks erupted from the earth, swirling and assembling together.

In moments, a stone giant nearly five meters tall stood before me!
Under my mental command, the giant bent slightly, placing its hands on the ground.
I clenched my teeth and leapt onto its palm without hesitation.

Then… the stone giant, following my orders, cradled me in its hands and thundered off in one direction!
Right now, there was only one thing to do—escape*!