[Contractor?]

After hearing Guya’s voice in her mind, Xueluo just took a deep, heavy breath.

"Don’t talk to me for now, Guya. Just… not now."

Xueluo lay lazily on a park bench by the street, looking like a total dork.

Across the street, Irina browsed all sorts of random stuff. The overcast weather seemed to energize her, making her unusually lively.

After finishing lessons at Zerich’s, Xueluo and Irina left his house and headed to Lincoln City’s shopping district. They needed supplies for the exam in Omaha.

Zerich had given them a small stipend. Preparations were extensive.

But while Irina shopped happily, Xueluo lay on the bench like an old man, utterly exhausted.

Truth be told, she couldn’t move a muscle.

That old bastard…

For some reason, Xueluo slowly recalled her class at Zerich’s earlier.

Using math to draw magic circles…

Easy to say.

After a few hours of lessons, she felt she never wanted to see that old man again.

Right now, her brain felt like it was about to explode. It was as if all her future brain cells had died off. She felt extremely uncomfortable—and most importantly, incredibly tired.

[I suggest you take a look, Contractor.]

Guya ignored Xueluo’s thoughts and continued.

[Your sister might be buying some weird, inexplicable things.]

"Ah… let her handle it."

After all, she’d saved money her whole life to spend it here.

Once she became a Mage, she could take quests, and money would pour in.

[Well, if you don’t care, I don’t care.]

Guya let out a slight yawn.

[I’m going to sleep. I’m barely holding back my sleepiness. Daytime matters are yours. We’ll talk when I wake up.]

"Ah, go ahead…"

Feeling Guya’s presence fade, Xueluo slightly opened her mouth and breathed.

She’d slightly overused her magic…

Zerich’s training intensity was high…

She was tired.

As she thought this, Xueluo’s eyes drooped. Just as she was about to collapse, Irina rushed over and grabbed her hand.

"Big sister, come quickly! I found a great shop!"

"Ah… ah, okay… okay…"

Weakly, Xueluo let Irina pull her along.

But as they walked, her eyes inexplicably closed.

---

Though she only napped briefly, when Xueluo reopened her eyes,

she suddenly realized a truth.

As they say, one’s sense of decency can vanish in an instant without a trace.

Xueluo had always thought she’d lost all hers, but now she realized she still had some left as a human.

And now, that last line of defense was being tested.

Before her were rows of women’s clothing, some purely for cuteness.

Clearly, this was a women’s boutique. A Lolita-style shop.

Obviously, Irina wouldn’t buy men’s clothes for her. So Xueluo faced a problem.

She’d have to wear things she’d never encountered—things that would absolutely test her mental endurance.

Even as a girl, Xueluo had never worn proper underwear. Her clothes were hand-me-downs from her sister. When broke, she didn’t bother with styles; it was acceptable.

But these things…

She actually took advantage of my nap…

Glaring resentfully at Irina, Xueluo shouted in her mind,

Guya! Why didn’t you wake me up!

Then she remembered.

Guya was asleep.

"Big sister should get new clothes too."

Irina smiled and pulled Xueluo forward.

"Anyway, Teacher Zerich gave us plenty of money. Let’s buy clothes first."

No! I refuse!

Shouting inwardly, Xueluo was dragged to a counter.

Soon, clerks were drawn by the cash register’s sound. Seeing their uniforms, Xueluo panicked like facing a high-level monster, trying to run—but Irina held her back.

"Wow! Such a cute girl! Your friend?"

Irina just smiled. "No, my older sister."

The clerks surrounded Xueluo like she was a rare animal. One grabbed her face.

"Wow! So adorable! How old are you? You look younger than your sister!"

Xueluo didn’t answer. The clerk didn’t wait, pulling her inside.

"It’s a waste for such a cute girl to dress like this. For your sister’s sake today, let’s dress you up properly."

Feeling extremely disgusted, Xueluo tried to bolt for the exit—but Irina held her tight. With clerks blocking the door, escape was impossible.

Staring at the satisfied Irina, Xueluo hissed in a murderous voice.

"You’ll pay for this!"

The fitting room curtain was drawn.

Irina followed her in, showing a perverted grin.

"Still shy! Big sister is so cute!"

Wails erupted from the fitting room. Soon, a clerk fetched new clothes. Each item passed inside escalated the screams.

"Ahhh! Pink! Pink! No pink!"