As I was fixing dinner for myself, I accidentally nicked my finger while cutting peppers and drew blood. However, I felt the oddest compulsion to suck on the wound - and when I did, I felt moderately better. It didn't close the wound, but it gave me an idea to attempt an experiment. I took some unrolled cigarettes and put a drop of blood in them before rolling. Wrapping the tobacco nice and tight, the words came out of my mouth without me even thinking. Some arcane gibberish, but it clearly had an effect. Lighting one and smoking it, I could feel the scars in my right arm mending - and after a minute or so, they were completely gone.

Clearly, my blood now possesses some degree of mana, and I intend to utilize it - although I estimate I can create only one every couple of weeks before it begins to tax me. Still, it is a useful ability to keep in mind, one that will ensure my longevity in the Contracts.

I have begun practicing my swordsmanship. I have refined it over the past few months, but I am now spending every free moment on it. I can tell I'm improving. I've not noticed any supernatural manifestations, so it's possible my reward for the last bout was an improved focus. If so, I have put it to good use. I am now able to hit specific targets on my quarry with greater ease, as well as preserve my momentum through attacks. My combat prowess has improved greatly, though it is limited to thrusting blades as it is all I have on hand to practice with. I was already confident in my confrontational skills, but now I feel as if I could take on the world, if need be. Hopefully, need not be.

I have also been getting into watching YouTube. It has all sorts of videos on fencing and other fighting styles that I have benefited from greatly. Not that my technique needs any work, but it is good to prepare to fight other types of combatants.