As the system message vanished, a pair of earrings materialized in Xia Xin’s hands.

Unlike the previous gloves, checking these earrings instantly revealed their full details—including their effects.

One glance left Xia Xin stunned.

【Earrings of the Sorceress】

【Type: Accessory】

【Exclusive equipment of the Calamity Witch. Crafted from rare materials with unique techniques, it holds incredible power and is a one-of-a-kind, non-renewable item.】

【Special Effect: While equipped, all attacks and skills inflict a strong special effect on female targets and boost skill damage by 100% against male targets.】

【Note: Cannot be destroyed, discarded, given away, or traded.】

Such an absurd piece of gear!

Why split effects by gender? That’s discrimination. Effects should focus on fairness, not double standards.

Xia Xin was thrilled.

This effect was ridiculously strong—a full 100% damage boost against males meant doubling her power!

As for the special effect on females… she didn’t know what it was. No test subjects around, so she’d ignore it for now.

Hmm, this accessory had zero flaws. Truly perfect.

Xia Xin put on the earrings, scanned the room, found a mirror, and admired her reflection. Yep, no wonder she was the Calamity Witch—even gazing at herself made her heart flutter.

Had taking in two Blood Clan retainers sharpened her vampiric traits? Her little fangs seemed longer.

Damn it, don’t grow in useless spots! Other parts should grow too!

Frustrated, she squeezed her chest. Logically, rubbing should help, right?

After a few seconds, she gave up. Even if it grew, it’d be from one to two—not zero to one.

Honestly, only her beautiful legs brought comfort in this cool-but-warm body. Even through white stockings and gloves, the sensation was lovely.

Ah… such stroking instantly calmed her flustered heart.

Of course, Xia Xin was proper. With three loli girls and a beastkin nearby, she couldn’t reward herself for mastering basic magic—not here.

“Ugh… my head hurts…”

A weak voice cut through. Xia Xin froze, turned, and saw Sally—the most “ordinary” of them—awake first.

Simultaneously, text flashed before her eyes.

【Exclusive Quest for Calamity Witch Triggered】

【Quest: Hero’s Fall (Before you stands a girl altered by alchemical potions, awakening hidden power within. She now has the potential and destiny to become a future Hero. Before that, use every means to win her over. Raise her affection above 50 points and turn this young Hero into your loyal plaything.)】

【Reward: Sorceress’s Robe x1】

System, seriously?

Xia Xin didn’t get it. Why so many “win over characters” quests? Did it think she could actually do them?

As the Calamity Witch, every girl worldwide started with negative affection toward her. Hitting 50 points? Nearly impossible!

Worse, she had zero clue how.

Don’t be fooled—she’d played more yuri eroge than she’d read books, but inside, she was pure-hearted.

Really.

She’d never even confessed or hit on anyone. Back in her world, she’d been close to roommates but never touched them physically. Yeah, super pure.

Bluntly: all desire, no guts.

Asking her to actively win someone over? No way. Too hard!

“Miss Xia Xin…” Sally clutched her head, staring. “What happened? Where are we…? Ah, everyone’s here—could it be—”

“You idiot!” Xia Xin tapped her forehead, scolding with a mix of anger and amusement. “That was boiling alchemical liquid! Jumping in like that—you’re throwing your life away!”

Her tone was sharp, but inside, she was deeply moved.

Sally had risked everything for someone she’d just met. Such an angelically pure girl… Xia Xin would never defile her. Even if she ever dared something improper with her retainers, she’d spare Sally.

Overwhelmed, Xia Xin hugged her tightly. Pure love—like a sister or mother’s embrace!

“Eh! M-Miss Xia Xin!” Sally blushed, panicking. “W-What’s wrong? Are you sick? Did I mess up…? Ugh… it hurts…”

“What’s wrong?! Are you okay? Residue from the liquid…? Tch, I knew it!”

Purplish-black patterns spread on Sally’s arm—just like before. The earlier half-baked healing hadn’t worked.

But now was different!

Mastering all basic magic had transformed Xia Xin.

Hehe! Time for a proper cure.

“Sally, lie down.” Xia Xin eased her flat, extended a hand, and chanted softly.

Holy light descended. Sacred power flowed into Sally. The patterns faded fast; her breathing steadied.

“Mmm… thank you, Miss Xia Xin.” Sally smiled faintly.

But Xia Xin sensed something off—an unnatural flush on Sally’s cheeks, as if—

“Miss Xia Xin…” Sally hugged her, whispering in her ear, “Has anyone ever told you you’re really cute?”

Huh?

Something felt… wrong.