Since becoming a teacher, the Great Demon King's life had been wonderfully comfortable and meticulously planned.

Mornings were for imparting life lessons (twisted ones) to his obedient disciple. Afternoons meant hands-on, close-contact teaching (read: harassment) of his lovely apprentice.

Whenever he felt like it, he'd pick an outfit from his stash of hundreds of "training uniforms" and have his docile disciple change into it.

Every time he saw that shy-yet-pretending-to-be-strong expression, Ink Ash felt indescribable joy and satisfaction.

Three times a day, his disciple prepared sweet, delicious meals on time. After evening lessons, she'd proactively check on him, massaging his legs and offering comfort.

No wonder those old guys loved taking many disciples. If I'd known it'd be this comfy, I'd have taken more—muttered the Great Demon King in his sleep.

Clearly, he'd forgotten his original ambitions. Now, he was fully immersed in his disciple cultivation plan.

Without surprises, this leisurely life would've continued.

But after over a week of freeloading on food and lodging, the Great Demon King realized a grave problem—his money was almost gone.

Hmm, indeed serious.

He counted the remaining copper coins in his storage ring. Just enough for today's meals.

"Eh? Meal money's running low... This is troublesome!"

Rubbing his chin in distress, Ink Ash—who had zero money sense—sank into thought. "Weird? I looted plenty! How'd it vanish so fast?"

Lily had saved every coin her master gave her, but two mouths were too much to feed.

Biting her lip lightly, she tentatively said, "Master... if needed, I can work part-time like before..."

"No way! I just got your hands soft again. As your master, I forbid it!"

Tenderly holding her slightly rough hands from labor, Ink Ash coldly refused.

Tears welled in Lily's eyes. Feeling his deep care, the helpless girl choked out, "But... it's my fault. You teach me free and pay for everything... I'm sorry!"

"Silly girl, money's just stuff. It can't match our bond. Look up—no crying."

Smiling, Ink Ash gently patted her head—a habit now.

Sniffling, Lily suppressed her sobs. "Yes."

"Alright, smile."

He pinched her tense cheeks, pulling them outward playfully.

Forcing a smile uglier than tears, she tilted her head. "Then the money problem?"

"Income's tricky... I've looted all nearby bandits dry. They won't regroup soon... Ah! Got it!"

Recalling the hills where he first arrived, Ink Ash declared confidently: "Book knowledge is shallow. Only real combat tests true training. Lily, my disciple—do you have the courage for your first life-or-death trial?"

"What... do you mean?" Lily asked, confused.

*Snap!* The Great Demon King flashed pearly whites, deadpanning: "Simply put, from today, we're heading to the wilds for live combat training... the deadly kind~!"

"Eh?!!!"

Hearing this sudden decision, the unprepared girl gasped.

At noon, she ate her lunch gravely—possibly her last meal.

After packing simply, she silently glanced at her childhood home. The anxious girl then stepped onto her path to defy fate.

Before this tragic symphony began, note this: today's outfit was a low-cut, backless dress with long ears—a bunny girl costume, white stockings included~!

The Forest Sea Hills lay five hundred miles south of town.

Fierce wild beasts dominated; higher-level magical beasts were rare.

Hunters and soldiers used it as a training ground.

Notably, it bred the nationally famed rare low-level beast—the Long-Legged Rabbit.

Its meat was said to be delicious and healing. But its speed outmatched peers, and the remote location deterred hunters.

Well, whether you noticed or not... our Great Demon King seemed to have set his sights on these cute rabbits.

Casually surveying the ordinary hills, listening to faint roars, Ink Ash said lightly: "Environment's average, danger's average—but perfect for a greenhorn like you."

"B-but... Master... that..." Lily stammered, pointing ahead, pale-faced.

Unfazed, he patted her shoulder. Ink Ash—pondering tonight's roast—grumbled, "Relax. It hasn't even started, and you're this scared?"

"No! Why are there dozens of snarling, fur-raised beasts ahead? Like enraged predators!"

Pitifully staring at tigers, bears, and pythons, Lily—clutching her Wooden Sword—barely held back tears. "Why...?"

Slightly apologetic, Ink Ash hid his thick malice. "Oh... sorry. My aura probably scared them..."

"Ugh... I trust you, Master, but this feels super unreliable!" Lily shivered, watching the angrier beasts.

Smiling, he swept his gaze over the blocking "food." His eyes turned icy as he waved casually. "Calm down. Honestly, some of you aren't even tasty..."

Instantly, screams erupted. Under Lily's stunned gaze, all beasts fled with tails tucked.