Yesterday, sleeping back-to-back with Senior Sister like that—could it really boost her strength?

I pretended to sleep, peeking through the blanket as she rose early. Her porcelain-smooth back curved into a slender waist. She tiptoed slightly, pulling up the black stockings包裹 around her full, rounded hips until they reached her waist. Then she began donning her armor.

Watching her like a devoted wife seeing her beloved off to battle, I swelled with quiet pride at her poised, elegant figure—yet dread coiled in my chest for the fight ahead.

*Senior Sister… even if you can’t win, please don’t get hurt…*

At 10 a.m., countless timing crystals—floating midair or embedded in the Undercity Colosseum’s architecture—glowed with warm gold light.

The arena shimmered under pale blue and golden specks. Even by day, the crystals’ glow couldn’t match the surface world’s brightness. Yet the deafening roars echoing through the vast cavern shook the very dome overhead, as if it might shatter and rain down.

Rose petals drifted from the ceiling like crimson snow, dotting the sandy floor.

Sulia strode in, radiant in scarlet metal armor. Her chest swelled proudly above a bare, flat stomach; her long legs gleamed beneath golden hair whipping wildly. In her hand, an elegant longsword gleamed—its hilt inlaid with roses and thorns.

Across the arena, Feyn Senior approached with effortless grace. Her black armor revealed a bare waist, but her legs were sheathed in black stockings.

For some reason, both Feyn Senior and I adored black stockings. Yet wearing them felt utterly different for each of us.

"Senior Sister! Do your best! And Sulia—stay safe too!" I clasped my hands to my chest like a pious maiden praying. But no god would answer this Demon Princess’s wish.

"Hmm, well then—" Loyning lifted a magical amplifier to speak.

I snatched it from her. "Let me."

"Eh?"

Cradling the amplifier, I stepped forward, took a deep breath, and addressed the sea of Fiendish Monsters: "At midnight tonight, I turn sixteen. Our world is dark, silent, cold. But this is *home*. If adventurers raid the Undercity for riches and glory—to write their legends—what is *our* purpose?"

The roaring colosseum fell silent. Simple-minded Fiendish Monsters blinked their vicious eyes up at their petite princess, confusion and awe freezing them mid-cheer.

I gripped the amplifier tighter. "Must we forever be the fallen villains in their epics? The stepping stones to *their* heroism? They bask in sunlight, hoarding resources, yet invade *our* home for greed and sport! Under my rule, that ends. Purpose? We’ll find it while defending ourselves. Defending *home*. The Undercity has no laws. No gods. Only me—your soon-to-be-adult Princess!"

"**ROOOAR—!!!**"

The arena erupted. Fiendish Monsters wept openly, dropping to their knees, chanting *"Long live the Princess!"*

"Feyn Senior! Sulia! Promise me—no matter what, don’t hurt each other! You’ll both stand with me to protect this place!"

From opposite ends of the arena, Sulia and Feyn locked eyes with me.

"Begin," I declared.

Silence hung for a heartbeat.

***HUM!*** Crimson light pillars flared. Sulia layered enhancement spells over herself. A Vampire Swordswoman’s true power lay not just in martial prowess, but in magic and innate abilities no ordinary warrior could fathom.

That’s why Vampire Swordswomen maxed out at Level 8—a racial limit. Yet an 8th-level one could slaughter 9th-level human warriors.

Golden light shimmered around Feyn Senior as she cast Paladin wards. But her spells were only Level 5. Seeing that gap, my stomach clenched—Feyn Senior was in grave danger.

"I heard you master both Light and Dark," Sulia called, golden hair whipping like flames. Her eyes burned with primal fury. "Using Paladin magic against me? Wise. Holy damage *does* double against me. But—" Her voice turned icy. "*Your base power is pathetic.*"

***WHOOSH!***

Sulia exploded forward, appearing beside Feyn in an instant. Feyn yanked a shield from her Spatial Ring just in time.

"*Hahahaha!* Is *this* your strategy?" Sulia’s height and reach gave her leverage. She spun mid-air, boot slamming down with brutal force. Her crimson blade ripped through the air with a sonic *crack*, crashing onto Feyn’s shield.

Golden wards flared across the shield—then shattered. Feyn flew backward, tumbling across the sand before staggering upright.

Sulia’s single strike had shattered every protective spell on her.

Gasping, Feyn raised her shield again. But Sulia was already there. A crimson boot kicked downward—

***CRUNCH!***

The unenchanted shield exploded into fragments. Feyn crashed to the ground, rolling from the impact.

I gulped, my heart hammering. *Sulia’s terrifying! Senior Sister can’t match her!*

Feyn pushed herself up on one knee, gripping a crystal orb. Her black stockings were torn, revealing patches of pale skin.

Sulia strode toward her, sneering. "Arrogant human. *This* is your strength? You’re not even fit to lick my boots."