A Beekeeper in a Magical World

"Field inspection in the Black Forest is done. Today, I'm heading back to Modu to bid you farewell," Clark dressed just as meticulously as when they first met, his hair impeccably styled.

One could tell he tried to mimic his previous self, including his manner of speech and habits. However, things were different now. After transforming into a vampire hybrid, he appeared gaunt and exhausted, as though recovering from a severe illness. Despite attempting to maintain a cheerful demeanor, his voice betrayed a noticeable lack of vitality.

Recalling his once vigorous and spirited self, it was truly lamentable.

"Speaking of which, we could be considered friends now, right? After all, we've braved risks together."

"That depends on how you portray me in your adventure guide."

"Hey hey, about that, you can look forward to it. But speaking of which, I'm not sure if the authorship is mine."

"Are you really planning to return like this?"

"Of course not, walking the streets as a vampire hybrid is too conspicuous. I've made some preparations."

With that, he pulled a simple wooden mask from his robe and put it on, speaking in a muffled voice, "Now, it's not visible."

"..." Even more suspicious.

And wasn't this mask obtained from the Green-haired Apes?

Hua Mi remembered seeing a few green-haired apes wearing masks at the Unicorn's place. Clearly mismatched with human faces, they looked eerie when worn.

Removing the mask, Clark revealed a wan smile. "Enough kidding around, I understand what you mean. But don't worry, I aspire for freedom and won't do anything foolish. I have a plan."

Actually, he misunderstood.

Hua Mi wasn't referring to that.

Regarding the adventurers' guild in Modu, Hua Mi was entirely clueless and couldn't offer any advice.

"I meant, you look terrible now, like you could faint at any moment."

"No choice."

Clark wryly took out a water flask from his storage, shaking it, producing a gurgling sound inside. "For me, the blood of these beasts is like vegetarian food, no, even worse. It barely sustains me."

"Forget about that. I noticed you have new products on your shelf. Can you introduce them to me? I'll jot it down."

"Benevolence Honey, its effects are..."

Hua Mi briefly explained its benefits as Clark took notes, expressing his astonishment.

"You're a genius, incredibly creative, much better than those academically inclined alchemists... Wait a minute, do I smell something?"

Clark suddenly sniffed the air, then closed his eyes. When he reopened them, they had turned into vertical pupils, fixed on a box at the bottom of the shelf.

Hua Mi pulled out the box.

Inside were a dozen bottles of blood honey.

Hua Mi intended to wait until the Thunder Lotus Beehive produced honey before dealing with it together. Perhaps they could catch a green-haired ape for experimentation. Or better yet, hand it over to Hilia as another research topic.

Seeing the color of this honey, Clark seemed startled, as if his DNA had been triggered.

"What is this?"

"Blood honey."

"Blood honey? Could it be what I'm thinking?"

Clark looked at him puzzledly. "What is it made of?"

"It's definitely not made from human blood."

"Can I see it?"

"Sure."

Hua Mi handed him a bottle.

Clark first observed it in his hand before unscrewing the lid.

An intense bloody smell instantly filled the air.

Clark couldn't help but swallow, looking up at him with a moved expression. "Could it be... This is specially crafted for me by you?"

"..."

You're overthinking.

The appearance of this thing was purely accidental.

"In that case, I must try it no matter what."

Clark tilted his head back, ready to pour it into his mouth.

Hua Mi hastily stopped his impulsive action. "Wait, although this smells like blood, we don't know its actual effects when consumed. I haven't experimented with it yet."

"Then let me conduct this experiment." Clark grinned at him, "Don't worry, while a vampire hybrid isn't immortal, it's not easy to kill either. My Observer ability and hybrid instincts tell me this can be consumed."

Without heeding Hua Mi's advice, he poured about a fifth of the bottle into his mouth.

Clark swallowed the honey, raised an eyebrow, astonished. "This tastes like concentrated blood, much better than the taste of animal blood. And..."

He paused, seeming to sense something.

After a moment, he took a deep breath. "I've never felt better!"

He raised a hand, fingers curling into claws, sharp black nails extending visibly.

Crimson vertical pupils emitted a chilling light.

At this moment, he was no longer the weak and listless figure.

His demeanor had completely changed.

As if breaking free from restraints, he became a true top-tier predator.

"Amazing!" Clark exclaimed excitedly, "This is like a tailored potion for me! You truly are... I'll say it again, you're a genius!"

"..."

Clark asked, "How much for a bottle of this?"

"It's a gift," Hua Mi replied.

No one else would want this thing anyway, might as well offer it as a token of goodwill.

"No, I can't just take your things for free." Clark said earnestly, "More importantly, I haven't used up the funds I applied for this trip. Not spending all this money feels uncomfortable."

"Then one gold coin."

"I think it's worth at least two gold coins."

Clark placed a small pouch on the shelf, then filled his spatial equipment with bottles of blood honey. "There are 18 coins inside, so I can take 9 bottles."

After he filled 9 bottles, Hua Mi handed him an extra one.

"This one's a farewell gift."

"I won't be polite then."

...

"Meeting you has been the greatest gain of this journey. We will meet again."

"Yeah, have a safe journey."

After seeing Clark off, Hua Mi returned to his usual routine.

Several new queens of different bee species had matured over these days.

Hua Mi attempted to crossbreed them with the Bloodsucker Bees separately.

The outcome? None of them succeeded.

It was impossible to conduct hybrid experiments.

Like the Reconnaissance Bees, another lone star.

But thinking about it, it made sense. Born from the power of a curse, their style differed from other bee species. It would be strange if they could reproduce.

That day, the second batch of Thunder Lotus Flower Honey was finally brewed.

Setting aside the Forest Swift Bees, Hua Mi first went to see the Bloodsucker Bees.

Approaching them, even before opening the container, he smelled the blood. He had guessed the result.

Upon opening, it was exactly as he expected—a blood-drenched scene.

However, unexpectedly, there were by-products after opening the box.