"So... I've turned into a vampire?" Catherine lay on a bed in the warship's infirmary, eyeing the blood transfusion needle in her wrist suspiciously.
"Well... that's just a vivid analogy. Your body was undergoing a transformation just now, so it was consuming a great deal of blood and energy. The only way to replenish them quickly enough to maintain normal bodily functions was through transfusions and nutrient injections.
"But from what I've observed, things inside you have stabilized now. Your body temperature is lower than normal, though, and it looks like you'll need three or four times as much food as an ordinary person for a while.
"Still, blessings and misfortunes go hand in hand. Compared with what you've gained, those are only minor drawbacks."
"Gained?" Catherine looked herself over in confusion.
She had indeed noticed something. Although her body temperature had dropped considerably, she felt alert, and her mind was unusually clear. Each beat of her heart also seemed more powerful, almost making her feel as though she were listening to a pounding drum.
"Of course! Never underestimate a Cosmic Wonder!
"Thanks to that vial of serum, your blood is now filled with a miraculous substance that can continuously strengthen your body.
"This strengthening process works from the inside out and is very slow. You might not feel it yet, but your physical capabilities are steadily improving. You've also acquired some very interesting abilities... for example..."
As Nie Yun spoke, he suddenly flicked his arm. Catherine saw only a flash of silver, followed by a slight sting in her forearm.
Startled, she looked down and saw a long, thin cut on her forearm. Blood was slowly seeping out.
A moment later, Catherine's eyes slowly widened. Before her very eyes, the blood flowing from her wound shimmered with an eerie