Ichikishimahime could sense that the aura coming from Karn had become far more alluring to her. Hundreds of years ago, when she gained the ability to take human form, she had stopped feeling hungry, but smelling Karn's aura today reminded her of the instinctive urge to feed that she had not felt in so long.
If she could have beaten Karn, Ichikishimahime certainly would not have begged so humbly. She would have gone straight up, captured him, and slowly savored him.
But while pleading for Karn's blood, Ichikishimahime vaguely sensed that this contracted partner of hers had become much stronger again. Absorbing natural energy inherently enhanced sensory abilities, and the senses of unusual beings like them were even stronger.
Precisely because of that, Ichikishimahime could only plead in a low voice.
After receiving a small cup of blood, she went off to enjoy it as though she had received a priceless treasure. Before long, however, Ichikishimahime returned and looked at Karn with yearning eyes. This time, Karn ignored her completely. If she pestered him again, he would use magic to bind her off to the side.
Ichikishimahime's personality truly embodied that of a snake perfectly: give her an inch, and she would take a mile. He could not show her the slightest kindness in everyday dealings.
After being warned, Ichikishimahime no longer dared disturb him.
With the little-girl snake no longer bothering him, Karn waited there for Orochimaru. Ryūchi Cave was rich in natural energy, making it a good place to train. Thanks to his Phoenix genes, he could convert the natural energy he absorbed into an increase in his own magic.
And now that all the magic in Karn's body had transformed into a magic vortex, his maximum capacity had multiplied many times over again. He had been absorbing