"Found the target."

In the dark, deep forest, Ariel crouched low like a leopard, using the dense shrubbery to conceal herself.

She restrained her breath, her sharp gaze fixed on the distance.

Beneath a large tree ahead, a massive tiger-shaped magical beast covered in jet-black markings lay half-buried within a tree hollow, the other half exposed under starlight. Its huge head rested on crossed forepaws, occasionally emitting thunderous snores, seemingly asleep.

"Roughly equivalent to an early-stage third-tier ordinary-level magical beast. In this region, it should be at the top of the food chain. Not only its core, but its claws and fur are probably worth quite a sum."

Her teacher's voice came softly in Ariel's ear.

"What do you think? Can you handle it?"

"Seems a bit tricky, to be honest."

Ariel carefully studied the magical beast in front of her and instinctively narrowed her eyes.

The classification of magical beasts was fairly vague because they didn't have cultivation levels like humans. Thus, they were categorized into ordinary levels akin to first, second, and third-tier stages, sovereign levels similar to fourth-tier warlords, and ruler levels comparable to fifth-tier dominators.

Above all magical beasts stood the extremely rare and terrifying disaster-level creatures—the "Sources of Destruction." Currently, there were only four known in existence across the continent.

During the assault of the Moon of Silence on Belland's Shadow, one such entity emerged—ocean demon Leviathan, a disaster-level creature.

Back then, even suppressing Leviathan briefly required several members of The Crowned to work together. And despite the battle concluding with the moon's projection plummeting to its demise, Leviathan managed to retreat unharmed and remains unaccounted for, likely stirring chaos elsewhere.

This alone is an indication: when fighting at the same tier, magical beasts hold an overwhelmingly dominant position against humans.

"Still manageable, though."

Ariel shrugged and muttered to herself:

"As long as it's not a sovereign-level beast, it poses no real threat to me."

"Then go for a swift victory."

"Understood."

Ariel responded softly. The power she had been accumulating finally unleashed like a bowstring, propelling her lean figure through the shrubbery at lightning speed.

Her hiding was not for the sake of an ambush.

This magical beast was highly vigilant. Even while asleep, it had tucked the seemingly vulnerable majority of its body into the tree hollow.

No openings.

Thus, Ariel needed to muster strength for a frontal assault, then…

One decisive blow!

In an instant.

A fierce wind stormed through the forest, countless evergreen leaves cascading from branches, forming a chaotic downpour.

The downpour was then torn apart violently, as Ariel emerged from it, wielding a massive sword wrapped in bandages—towering over her slender frame. With the magnitude of an avalanche, she struck downward ferociously.

"Roar!"

The magical beast awoke with a start, rising to its feet. Its icy tiger-like eyes glared at Ariel with an inexplicable rage for daring to intrude.

It let out a deafening roar, the steel-like fur covering its body bristling upright. Beneath the savage exterior, dragon-like muscles bulged and pulsated. Its limbs bent slightly, cracking the ground. The black markings on its body lit up with brilliant, eerie radiance.

Magic power merged with the foul wind, forming a force capable of ripping anything apart.

But in the next moment…

The fury in the beast's eyes turned to fear.

From the sword in Ariel's hand, the bandages—etched faintly with runes—loosened, revealing a blade bathed in jet-black.

The beast saw a flicker of firelight.

Blazes so scorching they burned intolerably.

Following Ariel’s swing was a blazing tail of fire, illuminating the woodlands as if it were daylight.

This wasn’t an avalanche. This was… a meteor crashing!

The forest air whimpered under pressure and tearing force. Though technically a dull blade, at this moment it displayed sharpness rivaling sacred weapons.

Air was cleaved.

Magic was cleaved.

Markings were cleaved.

Fur was cleaved…

Then came flesh, bone, entrails…

Everything… was cleaved apart.

When Ariel let out a faint breath and nonchalantly flicked her massive sword, the magical beast behind her—ferocious moments ago—now lay neatly split into two halves.

Blood fell like rain, nurturing the soil.

Fresh off her triumphant stance, Ariel shook her head in exasperation, droplets of blood flying from her hair:

"Ugh, gross."

"Save your showing-off here. It's not like there's anyone else here watching."

"Hmph, my style is my attitude! You wouldn’t understand."

Ariel bent her arms at her waist in defiance:

"You have no idea—this kind of place is prime for triggering heroic rescues in the wilderness. What if there’s a maiden waiting to be swept off her feet? Of course I have to be stylish?"

"...Why don’t you focus on winning over your childhood sweetheart first?" Her mentor teased.

"Hey, that’s already in the bag."

Full of confidence, Ariel muttered a few words before pulling out a smaller knife from her waist, meticulous as she began harvesting parts from the beast’s carcass.

She worked with precision. Claws, teeth, fur, core—nothing was neglected. If it weren’t for the fact magical beast meat was contaminated with impurities and unfit for consumption, she probably would have tried to carry the entire corpse away.

That way, she wouldn’t have to keep eating black bread.

What a pity…

"But hard times will soon be over."

Ariel pinched the sacred core, raising it under the starlight for closer inspection, the corners of her mouth curling into an excited smile:

"Never imagined, after finding a highly valuable, pure core by sheer luck last night, tonight’s yield would outdo even that!"

"All added together, it should reach a hefty two hundred thousand Emil."

"With this, I’ll buy supplies in Elrielze—materials for crafting magic scrolls. Once sold, that two hundred thousand will double in no time!"

"Then it’ll be four hundred thousand!"

"When Lea sees that, she’ll be utterly amazed!"

Giddy with satisfaction, Ariel stored away the harvested materials securely before glancing up at the dazzling starry sky.

"The southern night sky really is far prettier than Belland’s…"

She murmured in admiration, suddenly struck by an idea that lit up her eyes:

"Oh! When we have the time, I’ll invite Lea to stargaze together!"

"Every girl loves romantic starlight—that’ll be a killer idea for boosting her affection!"

Lost momentarily in her daydream of the two growing closer under the magnificent sidereal expanse, Ariel felt her whole body tingling. Unbidden, the fatigue from hours of battling seemed to melt away. Her drained energy surged back suddenly.

"Shall we go on?"

"Of course. There's still some time before sunrise. Let’s earn what we can."

"Suit yourself."

Her mentor didn’t stop her, knowing such hands-on combat through the night was immensely beneficial for Ariel’s growth.

"Though… it’s a shame there aren’t any particularly valuable beasts around here."

As Ariel advanced further into the trees, she lamented while idly scratching the back of her head:

"Collecting little by little like this is really slow work."

"Don’t let your guard down. The more valuable the beast, the greater the danger."

"Yeah, yeah, got it. Just venting my frustration."

Ariel pouted, "Besides, that silly Pink Bear promised—the region has no…"

Her sentence cut off suddenly.

As did her steps.

The forest, besides the rustling of leaves under cold night breezes, abruptly fell still.

An unfamiliar tension blanketed the surroundings.

"Ariel." Her mentor’s voice carried a note of warning.

"I know."

Ariel fixed her gaze forward, reaching back to grip the sword handle tightly.

"I see it."

In the clearing ahead.

On a large stone, illuminated faintly by starlight.

Sat, silently… a fox.

Its form dainty, its appearance plain.

Were it not for its peculiar markings, it would look every bit a normal, unremarkable fox.

But…

"Magical beast."

Her mentor’s voice resonated with gravity:

"Sovereign-level."

Ariel stood on high alert.

"But… that quirky Pink Bear swore there wouldn’t be anything this powerful here. Was it a lie?"

"No, I suspect it has something to do with the pure core you extracted from a weaker beast last night."

"So that means…"

"Most likely a parent seeking vengeance for its offspring."

Ariel’s mentor sighed:

"The purity of a magical beast’s core doesn’t just depend on its strength—it’s also influenced by its lineage."

"No wonder…"

Spotting the fox’s eyes now brimming with unmistakable, murderous hatred, Ariel clicked her tongue, "Does this count as good luck or bad luck?"

"Depends on your decision."

Her mentor asked: "What’s the plan—escape?"

"Escape…"

Ariel squinted slightly.

Certainly, retreating would be the smartest option. With Pink Bear around, making it back to camp meant a mere sovereign-level beast couldn’t possibly pose a threat anymore.

And yet…

For reasons unknown, at this moment, her mind flashed to that exasperating face she hated so much.

Though she loathed admitting it, that guy seemed like the kind to stubbornly fight tooth and nail no matter the odds. What choice would he make in this situation?

"Master."

"Hm?"

"What are my odds?"

"Forty percent."

The reply hesitated slightly.

"Based on pure, theoretical calculations."

"Pure theory… huh?"

Staring at the dangerous beast with rising tension, Ariel’s lips curved into a mocking smile—one that hadn’t surfaced in a long while. Her signature rebellious grin re-emerged.

"You just mentioned: pricier beasts mean tougher challenges. Doesn’t the inverse hold true too?"

"It does."

"Then there’s no room for doubt."

Raising her sword blazing with celestial fire, Ariel aimed it toward the beast and grinned wickedly:

"Just wait, Lea—this surprise will be doubled!"

---

"Eh? I… I fell asleep?"

The horizon showed faint hints of dawn.

Lea blinked awake from slumber, her mind dazed for a split second before panic overtook her.

She remembered vividly: last night, wasn’t she invited by Moen for stargazing?

Which meant…

Slowly, Lea turned her head.

Amid the softly swaying grasses under subtle breezes, the faint scent of greenery permeated the air, leaving her feeling slightly intoxicated…

In the very center of the view, the blond-haired man rested one hand on his stomach, the other behind his head. His eyes were lightly closed, his expression serene, as though he were lost in a beautiful dream. A faint, captivating smile unconsciously curved his lips.

"No, is it… not a dream?"

Lea's face flushed slightly. She glanced at Moen, who had unknowingly drawn quite close to her. Suddenly, she hugged her knees, paying no mind to the grass stains on her freshly changed clothes, and rolled several times away for more distance between them.

A bit farther away now, with her back turned to Moen, her emotions gradually began to settle down.

But her cheeks still burned with heat.

"This is… it's so strange. Why did I agree to his kind of invitation?"

Back then, she clearly wanted to refuse.

Yet somehow, inexplicably, she ended up coming stargazing with him.

"Could I have fallen under some sort of strange magic?"

"But I have the Goddess's divine light protecting me. Most negative-effect spells shouldn't affect me."

"Ariel's sleeping spell doesn’t even work on me."

"Ugh… this is so weird."

Under the faint glimmer of a few dim stars, the pure-hearted girl curled up, lost in one of the rare moments of confusion in her life.