"Neh neh~ What a haul~"

Though the Saintly Purity Ring ultimately fell into the mysterious black-clad figure’s hands, the moment the auctioneer placed the other won items into hers, her displeasure vanished instantly.

Crimson moonlight—stained like blood for reasons unknown—pooled silently atop the auction house roof. It blurred the lights, tangled the colors, and draped everything in quiet unease. Above the night fountain, fireflies drifted like fallen stars, casting crystal-clear reflections in the faintly rose-tinted water.

I smoothed wind-tousled strands from my face, curiosity flickering as I studied the Stardevouring Staff in my grip. Within its crystal orb, thick liquid light swirled slowly, glinting with an eerie glow.

"Little Yiyi~"

She hadn’t noticed my focus on the staff at all. In one motion, she seized my wrist, then ruffled my hair.

"Neh neh~ A hairpin boosting spirit power by 45%, a ring for short-range teleportation, and shoes cutting stamina drain by 39%~ Little Yiyi, put them all on now~"

Before I could reply, she yanked me toward a bench near the fountain.

I understood girlish enthusiasm—but her grip? *Was* this a girl’s strength?

Sharp pain shot through my wrist. I let out a soft groan.

She heard it. Hesitated half a second. Then tugged me onward—but gentler now. The pain faded.

She clicked her tongue, shrugging with a pout. "Ugh, Little Yiyi’s so frail. How can a Contract Beast be this weak? We’re starting stamina training day after tomorrow." Shoving the pile of accessories into my lap on the bench, she turned away. "Here. Put them on yourself. It’s not like I *won’t* help you… It’s just… my Contract Beast should manage this much, hmpf! Hurry up, Yiyi!"

*What’s gotten into her now…?*

I stared at the glittering trinkets—magic tools or not, wearing them felt mortifying.

But the Contract surged before I could resist. My hands moved on their own, fastening each piece. Worse, the bond twisted my shame into a traitorous warmth: *Master bought these for me… They’re so lovely…*

As I hesitated over the pastel-pink hairpin, a deafening *BOOM* shattered the night. A thousand meters away, a fireball erupted. Screams ripped through the air.

My gaze snapped toward the sound. There—just outside the auction house, beneath the trees—the black-clad woman examined her new ring. Or she had. Now, the entire tree beside her was splintered ash, flames licking the ground. Her coat flapped wildly in the chaotic wind.

But she wasn’t alone.

Five or six men had her encircled.

Their target? No guess needed—the Saintly Purity Ring.