Second Layer of the Spirit Realm, beneath Mesijie Street.
Torches crackled on the walls of the damp passage. Mirror walked in and calmly tossed a bloodstained bundle in front of Tyrael. Glass containers clinked sharply as it hit the ground.
"I brought what you wanted."
A corner of the bundle fell open, exposing its contents.
Inside, one translucent glass container after another could be dimly seen, all filled with crimson blood. Each bore a label and a name.
Tyrael's scarred face twisted into a smile, and the chains binding him clanged as he moved.
"So soon? Mirror, it seems I misjudged you before. I thought you would always hold fast to the last limits of your humanity, but now I see you can be cruel enough, too. Or perhaps someone who can endure pain far beyond human limits simply doesn't care about life and death."
Mirror's expression remained calm, utterly unaffected by his words.
"One hundred and fifteen bottles in total. All the blood essence was taken directly from the heart, according to your requirements. With this living blood, we should at least be able to match the human portion of my master's vessel. I've also brought the equipment you need to produce biomass."
She had seen Tyrael's memories.
In fact, although the Lord of Crimson had strictly forbidden him from researching any more flesh vessels over the past decade or so, he had still left various pieces of flesh-purification equipment in many hidden corners of Clockwork City.
She had spent half a day locating the properties registered under his name in Clockwork City and collecting all the vessels and instruments needed for this research.
"You've done well."
A pleased yet cruel smile appeared on Tyrael's rotting face.
"This blood is enough for three to five rounds of trial and