First, I headed to the nearby seafood market and bought several turtle shells. Back home, I ground them into powder with an awl. After packing it up, I went to that familiar deserted alley.

This spot was an abandoned construction site. Originally planned as a commercial center, the developer fled midway after trouble struck. Left unattended for over two years, no one ever came here on purpose. But a shortcut through it saved me walking time from school to home, so I passed by often.

I checked that no one was around. Following the alchemy book’s instructions, I drew a magic circle and infused it with mana. A faint white glow appeared—activated but energy-starved. So the Tuke Beast really was a turtle; the array worked. I breathed a long sigh of relief. Next, I prepared for the journey.

When I left home, I’d just worn a plain school uniform. But with my looks, countless guys kept sneaking amazed glances. No helping it—this was a looks-obsessed era. Even sloppy clothes got called "chic dishevelment." Yet I was heading to another world. This face might attract troublesome admirers. Big hassle.

So, clever me bought a full disguise set from a street stall: a pure white plastic mask, long sleeves and pants, leather gloves, and black canvas shoes. I also grabbed fake jewelry and jade—dirt cheap on Earth. In a low-tech other world, they might sell well and fix my money problems.

I returned to Xu Wanrou’s place. The security guard knew me now and greeted me politely. In the living room, I raced to read books on the other world’s geography and language. Better avoid big trouble after arrival.

Humans and Demonkin were locked in constant war there. But villages and cities far from battle zones stayed safe. I wasn’t some hardcore guy grinding levels to defy heaven. Safety first, always.

Around 8 PM, Xu Wanrou came back from evening self-study, tired. I’d already packed essentials into my spatial ring. Waiting in the living room in my ladylike dress and slippers, I said, "Sister Wanrou, um... the Sect Leader’s staying in this city awhile. My father fears I’ll be discovered. He told me to leave immediately."

"Eh? You’re leaving?"

"Mm-hmm. No choice. Thanks for taking care of me, Sister."

Disappointed but resigned, she handed me a bag. "Tongtong, not sure if you ate. My favorite cake flavor—have some?"

I took it and nibbled small bites. Heading to a new world soon; better be full.

Xu Wanrou watched me, chin propped on her hand, eyes full of reluctance. "Tongtong, we haven’t known each other long... but I feel something special about you. You’re just not like other girls."

My heart sank. I feigned nonchalance. "How so?"

"Hmm... many ways? Your tone and actions are boyish—maybe raised as a boy? But that’s not it. Boyish girls aren’t rare. I sense a unique aura from you. I can’t explain... I just want to be closer..." Her voice faded to a whisper.

I was confused. To her, I was a girl. She didn’t seem lesbian—no reason to love the same sex. Her words felt like a confession, yet different. Hiding delicate feelings I couldn’t grasp.

After dinner, Xu Wanrou walked me to the compound gate. Reluctant to part, she held my hand, chattering: "Be careful alone out there. Watch out for men, blah blah." Naggy, but no one except my parents had ever cared this much.

Emotion swelled. My eyes reddened. I almost didn’t want to leave—wishing to keep living with her, eating together in the cafeteria, discussing homework during self-study, massaging her chest at night.

But my mind stayed clear. I couldn’t hide from Mom forever or skip school. I had to solve this disguise problem fast.

"Sister Wanrou, thanks for the advice. But I must rush to the train station now."

"Oh! Right, I talked too much." She stepped back, disappointed, and waved. "Stay safe! Message me anytime!"

"Mm-hmm!" I waved back and vanished into the night.

In the deserted alley, I placed mana crystals from my spatial ring at the array’s corners. Channeling all my mana, white light gathered like threads toward the center, forming a gate of light. After confirming no one was near, I strode through.

[End of Volume 1]