Reborn as the Vampire Prince at Server Start, I am Invincible

Chapter 76 : Malfeasance

Malfeasance"Let me think... Break their limbs, then throw them onto the street and make it look like an unfortunate traffic accident. How about that?"

Aesther gently exhaled a wisp of smoke, squinting, and spoke in a tone as soft as a lover's whisper.

"Is this how you people from other worlds usually solve your grudges?"

After a moment of silence, Cecilia sighed and continued, "Forget it. Let me deal with those people myself. I already have enough trouble and don't want to attract the police."

Although Aesther said that with a joking expression, Cecilia knew that just a slight nod from her would have meant Dragon Abyss's subordinates were doomed and probably wouldn't have escaped today.

Earthly laws couldn't restrain people from another world.

Moreover, aesther was obviously the ruthless, cold-blooded type. The list of people who had died at her hands could probably go on for days and nights and still not be finished.

Digging up other people's information was wrong, but it definitely wasn't a capital crime.

At least as of now, Cecilia hadn't yet found it in herself to kill.

"It's good that you've come to this realization. That's worth a reward from me."

Seemingly pleased with Cecilia's answer, aesther nodded slightly, then spoke frankly: "Actually, the main reason I came this time is that I have something I want to give you."

"What is it? Can I have a look first before deciding if I want it?"

Cecilia answered cautiously—last time, the VR headset had already gotten her into enough trouble.

"Don't worry. It's absolutely a good thing that'll only benefit you and not harm you. Think of it as a little self-defense gadget."

Aesther's thin lips curved into a teasing smile as she continued, "Trust me, you'll definitely need it someday in the not-so-distant future."

"I still think it's better to check out the goods first."

Cecilia remained vigilant, not believing a word Aesther said.

"... Alright, so much for wanting to surprise you after all the trouble I went through."

Seeing Cecilia so cautious, aesther could only shrug helplessly. With a mage's flourish, she produced a small black object and placed it on the table in front of Cecilia.

It was a small black folding knife. When closed, the handle was about seven or eight centimeters long, forming a perfect semi-arc. Its surface seemed to have been dulled, absorbing all light. Just a glance at it gave one the illusion that even the soul might be sucked in.

"Never used a knife like this, right? Try it out. You used to use these all the time,"

Aesther encouraged gently.

Cecilia held her breath and carefully picked up the knife from the table. Her palm was instantly chilled. The handle felt somewhat like rusted iron, but it did not stain her hand. Its friction and weight were perfect, and the curve fit her grip as if it had been molded from her own palm—obviously tailor-made for her.

"Meticulously crafted by the Black Knight Legion's Armory—there's only one like it in the world. Total length: 16 centimeters. Blade length: 7.2 centimeters. Blade thickness: 0.32 centimeters. Weight: 89 grams. Forged from cold-forged steel and surface-dulled with corrosive dragon venom, making it lighter and tougher. Now, you can give it a name."

Aesther explained calmly from the side.

"Side effects?"

Cecilia asked, flicking her wrist lightly.

With a crisp mechanical click, a pitch-black blade flicked out and locked into place. Only the razor-thin blade shone coldly under sunlight through the window—chilling and harsh.

"Other than making killing easier, there are no side effects."

Aesther offered a reserved smile before continuing, "You should carry this knife with you from now on. I've tested it—so long as your reactions are quick enough, you can cut through a handgun bullet within twenty meters. As long as you don't alarm the military, you'll be invincible in this world."

Cut a handgun bullet within twenty meters? Easier said than done...

Cecilia silently rolled her eyes.

If she had that kind of terrifying reaction speed in the game, she might have a chance. But in reality, her physical ability wasn't much stronger than the average girl's.

She might not even be able to beat Gu Yanxi.

"So? Have you thought of a name yet?"

Aesther prompted again. Maybe it was an otherworldly custom, but she seemed very eager for Cecilia to name the knife.

Cecilia had always been bad at naming things—she couldn't even pick her own username. After thinking for a long time, she finally looked at Aesther and softly asked, "Did this knife have a name before?"

"It did. The factory called it 'The Straw'. I can kind of see what they were getting at—to drink the enemy's blood, I guess. But that's not elegant at all—just stupid."

Aesther sighed, clearly regretting it. "If I could, I'd love to name it 'Malfeasance.'"

If she couldn't get the hint from that, Cecilia might as well start over.

"I understand. Then I'll call it Malfeasance," she sighed helplessly at last.

Aesther left as silently as she had come. The spacious living room was once again left with only Cecilia.

There was no ashtray on the coffee table, nor the scent of tobacco in the air.

Were it not for the solid weight of the folding knife in her hand, Cecilia would have doubted whether their conversation had actually taken place—or if it was only a daydream.

After a moment's hesitation, Cecilia put down the knife and, imitating Aesther's earlier movement, opened the drawer under the coffee table.

Sure enough, inside were unopened cigarettes, a lighter, and a glass ashtray.

Gu Yanxi would never smoke, so these things could only belong to Yao Qian.

Closing the drawer, Cecilia picked up the black folding knife on the table once again to examine it closely.

It had to be said: Aesther was really good at gift giving. The more Cecilia looked at this knife named "Malfeasance," the more she genuinely liked it.

Unable to resist, she spun the knife a few times in her right hand, reversed her grip, and thrust it toward the air in front of her—she could even hear the blade slicing through the air.

What a fast knife!

Trying out all sorts of poses, just as Cecilia was getting used to her new weapon, she suddenly heard two soft footsteps coming from outside the door.

A few seconds later, the sound of a key sliding into the lock entered Cecilia's ears clearly.

Gu Yanxi and the landlord had arrived?!

Cecilia was caught off guard, her heart pounding wildly.

Gu Yanxi wouldn't be a problem, but if the landlord saw her like this, she'd probably be taken for a terrorist on the spot.

With no time to think, Cecilia quickly folded up Malfeasance and stuffed it into the cotton pocket of her white dress.

Just as she finished, the door quietly swung open.