**Chapter 78: Tina's Subplot Concludes, Main Story Begins**
After considerable effort, Su Yu and the temple priests finally managed to gather 106 drops—over 10 vials—of **[Tina's Blood]**. Due to the game's unique mechanics, each "drop" here equaled roughly 1 ml, making their collection total only about 106 ml. This amount was far less than the blood Tina had lost during her battles, the rest irretrievably spilled in combat.
"But that's good enough," Su Yu thought, looking at Tina with an eager glint. "There's still so much of the main storyline to come! And Tina's a warrior—she's bound to fight more battles. I won't have to worry about gathering blood for her in the future!"
"What...what's with that look?" Tina's eyes widened, unnerved by Su Yu's expression.
"It's nothing, Tina." Su Yu smiled, walking over to pat her shoulder. "So, now that you've defeated Li Er, what's next for you?"
"I'm going to speak with the Legion Commander. She must let me bring Anna into the Knights!" Tina declared, clenching her fists in determination.
"Alright, I'll go with you," Su Yu agreed.
As they left the Grand Arena, the ninth phase of **[The Love Between the Horses]** quest wrapped up, and the tenth phase began. However, this next chapter would prove to be far more solemn, carrying with it the weight of duty and sacrifice.
Standing at the entrance of the arena, Gracie, leader of the Unicorn Knights, waited for them, her face serious. "Tina," she said, "after careful consideration, I cannot allow you to join the Unicorn Knights with an ordinary horse."
"But I defeated Li Er!" Tina protested, her voice cracking.
"This isn't about the fight; it's about the discipline and honor of the Unicorn Knights," Gracie explained firmly. "Allowing an ordinary horse would impact the strength of our whole formation."
"But..." Tina struggled, trying to find a way to reason with her.
Their argument continued, but finally, Gracie revealed her trump card: "The rebels have advanced to the capital of Plantagenet. The empire's future could very well depend on the Unicorn Knights, and I believe you are the one to lead us to that victory. Tina, for the empire's sake and your own, will you abandon this ordinary horse?"
In the face of such hard truth, Tina fell silent. Reluctantly, she conceded, forced to bid Tima goodbye.
---
At the gate of the Warriors' Guild, under the witness of guild supervisor Quinn, Tina placed Tima's reins into Su Yu's hands.
"Nemesis, please take care of her. Treat her well," Tina said, her voice heavy with sadness.
Tima, sensing the farewell, lowered her head despondently.
"Don't worry; I'll take good care of her," Su Yu promised.
A game notification appeared, right on cue.
**Ding! Congratulations! You've completed the hidden quest: [The Love Between the Horses]. Rewards: EXP x2000, [Best Horse in the Village] x1.**
The quest had been an invaluable source of experience, helping Su Yu make significant strides toward his next level. The most meaningful rewards, however, were the golden **[Village's Good Sword]** and the ten vials of **[Tina's Blood]**. And now, after all the twists and turns, Tima had returned to his side—stronger and sturdier, her spirit fortified by the blood of magical beasts.
"Then, I'm off. Farewell, for now!" Tina said, blinking back tears as she began walking down North Street alone.
"Wait!" Su Yu called out.
"What is it?" She turned back.
"Not here. Let's discuss this at your place," Su Yu suggested.
He needed to complete the initial step of the main quest, which required him to visit Tina's home on Songguo Street, Oran City.
"My house?" Tina hesitated, then a faint blush spread across her cheeks, as if she'd misinterpreted his intentions. Nevertheless, she took his hand warmly. "Alright, nemesis, come on—I'll show you my home!"
Su Yu was momentarily taken aback, realizing she'd gotten the wrong idea. Yet he didn't clarify, allowing Tina to lead him toward her home on Songguo Street.
---
As they departed, Quinn, who had been watching the whole scene, crossed her arms and sighed. "Ah, young people these days! They're so...bold."
A sudden thought crossed her mind: "Maybe I should join them?"
Surprised at herself, Quinn quickly shook her head and retreated into the Warriors' Guild, blushing deeply.
---
At last, they arrived at 213 Pine Cone Street—Tina's residence in Oran City. The two-story white villa, with a garden filled with colorful blooms, was charming and peaceful. Tina had worked hard to buy this home, using her savings along with a generous 200,000 psionic coins loan from her father.
"Let me show you around, Nemesis!" Tina opened the door, turning back to Su Yu with an eager smile.
"Alright," he replied, noticing her lingering blush. Just as they entered, however, her expression shifted—now serious and resolved.
"Listen, nemesis," she began. "Since coming to Oran City, I've worked hard but reached only level 10. There's still a long way to go before I'm truly powerful."
"There's a gang of Hydras hiding in the Zangar Swamp to the west. Their blood could make me stronger, but I need your help to exterminate them. Will you fight with me?"
**Ding! Your main quest has been updated! [Holy Maiden of Oran City (2/100)].**
**Quest Objective:** Aid Tina in defeating the Hydra Tribe in Zangar Swamp:
- Defeat [Swamp Hydra] x30
- Defeat [Cave Hydra] x30
- Defeat [Bitter Tide Hydra (Elite)] x5
- Defeat [Swamp Hydra Leader] x1
**Reward:** 1000 EXP, [Traveler's Ring (Rare)].
Su Yu sighed, realizing Tina's abrupt shift in attitude signaled a shift toward the main storyline. Their chance for a more personal connection would have to wait. But his focus here was his growth, not romantic pursuits—so he let the moment pass.
"Alright, Tina. Let's go take down some Hydras!" he said, drawing his staff from his bag.
---
*(End of Chapter)*