Chapter 33: Blood Zombie

I’m not exactly strapped for cash right now, so leaving wouldn’t be too hard—but that’s at least a month away.

I’ve got Gu Xuanyun’s commission, so no matter what, I need to finish and deliver it first. Otherwise, I’d face a hefty penalty.

…The penalty alone would be the death of me.

I thought for a moment, then shook my head.

Even if I want to leave, I need to complete Gu Xuanyun’s potion for this month first.

“When will Gu Xuanyun be back?”

I pondered, then asked the supervisor.

“Hm… Mr. Xuanyun’s visits to the auction house are irregular—sometimes a week, sometimes a month.”

“…Got it. After finishing this order, I’m considering leaving Black Obsidian City. If he comes by, please tell him I’ll have the potion ready in three weeks. I’d like to deliver early and leave. Of course, I can keep making potions for him once I settle in a new city.”

“I understand. I’ll pass that on when Mr. Xuanyun visits.”

“Good.”

I nodded, then headed home, dressed plainly as usual.

Learning that other races might have infiltrated the city made me hyper-vigilant on the way back, constantly scanning the streets for anything suspicious.

But no matter how paranoid I was, nothing seemed off… Then again, no other race would be dumb enough to attack in broad daylight, right?

Other races… If I recall, around Black Obsidian City, it’s likely vampires or dark elves?

…Tch, I should get out of here ASAP. Vampires and dark elves are both bloodthirsty maniacs.

Vampires occasionally hold blood feasts with humans as “food,” while dark elves, worshippers of a slaughter god, kill to please their deity.

Neither group means anything good for humans.

I don’t want to be targeted by vampires or dark elves… The best plan is to leave.

“Sigh… It’s so hard to just live a quiet life.”

I took a deep breath, feeling helpless.

But as I neared home, I sensed something.

Someone had broken into my house.

To protect myself and the egg babies, I’d set mental energy traps at every entry point.

Just now, one was triggered—the last time was ages ago when those six mercenaries tried to break in. Now, the intruder was already inside.

“What kind of reckless thief is this!?”

Stunned, I narrowed my eyes, pulling the light shield and a dagger from my storage bracelet.

Hmph, I’m fully equipped now. Some thief dares break into my home? They’re in for a lesson!

Fierce determination in my eyes, I prepared to teach this intruder a harsh lesson.

I grabbed my keys, swiftly unlocked the door, and assumed a combat stance!

But the next moment, a black figure lunged at me!

“Wah!?”

Startled, I instinctively swung my left-hand shield at their face!

Smack—

“Argh!”

The shield hit their face, and a strange, beastly cry rang out.

“…Something’s off!”

In an instant, I knew this wasn’t normal. Who makes a feral sound like that when hit!?

My mind raced as the shield fell to the ground, revealing the figure.

…It was a man.

More precisely, a blood zombie!!!

A middle-aged man, face twisted, eyes blood-red, jagged fangs protruding, covered in dark red blood on his face and clothes.

This wasn’t human or vampire—it was an incompletely turned, mindless blood zombie! Not even a blood slave, just a rabid dog!

“Why’s a blood zombie in my house!?”

Stunned, I froze, but the creature lunged at me again!