"One more thing, Miss Xia Xin!" Sally suddenly spoke up again.

"What is it?"

"I've been wanting to ask this since earlier..." Sally pointed at the Beast of Calamity, squeezed to the side and curled into a tight ball, her voice tinged with worry. "Isn't it a dangerous enemy? Why is it..."

"Well, about that." Xia Xin stroked the Beast of Calamity's head gently as she spoke. "It was just a misunderstanding before—complicated, really. But now, it's my vassal. Consider it our partner."

"I... I see..." Sally nodded slowly.

If Miss Xia Xin said so, it must be fine.

But still... *gulp*... I'm so envious...

Being stroked like that looks so comfortable.

If only Miss Xia Xin could... Ah! No, no—I can't be selfish.

I should learn some magic first. Then I'd have a reason to ask for a little reward...

Mm! That's the plan!

But... not near Miss Xia Xin. Failing in front of her would be too embarrassing. And I'd disappoint her...

"Miss Xia Xin, I'll go outside." Sally gave a slight smile. "I shouldn't disturb others' rest."

"Alright, stay safe."

"Mm, I will."

Sally left, clutching her basic magic book to study alone.

...

"Mmm..."

Not long after Sally departed, Remiel slowly opened her eyes beside Xia Xin. She rubbed them sleepily, glancing around. "Where am I... uh, little Xia Xin? Did you... uh... rescue me?"

"Well... sort of." Xia Xin scratched her head.

Technically, the Beast of Calamity saved her—but as its "master," this answer worked fine.

"I see." Remiel grinned widely. "Thanks... uh... ouch, ouch... hiss. Taking a meteor head-on was a bit much."

"Need healing?" Xia Xin removed her earring as she spoke.

She wouldn't repeat that mistake.

Sally, so pure, had her personality twisted by the "Sorceress's Earring." This violent Holy Maiden? Xia Xin feared she'd raise her Crucifix, chain her up, and have her way with her exhausted self.

Crucifixes had endless uses—Heaven knew how many.

Xia Xin's mana had recovered to 10%. Fast enough to cast basic healing spells three or four times. Minor aches? No problem.

"Haha, who do you think I am?" Remiel laughed heartily. "As the Holy Maiden, healing's easy. Just a few broken ribs from the meteor—no big deal~"

Broken ribs were minor?

Xia Xin wondered if Remiel misunderstood "minor injury."

Still, she watched as Remiel softly chanted. Holy Light enveloped her body, flooding the room with brightness.

Great for lighting.

The glow faded. Remiel gave a thumbs-up, beaming. "This spell's near a Forbidden Spell—only Holy Maidens can use it. Heals any wound. Impressive, right?"

"Impressive. Truly." Xia Xin couldn't help praising.

Compared to her basic healing, Remiel's version tweaked elemental arrangements slightly. The effect multiplied hundreds of times—but cost more mana.

Hm?

Why did she know this?

It felt complex, yet one glance revealed its structure and power source.

Was she a genius who copied skills by sight?

Brief excitement faded. She knew the theory—but couldn't execute it.

Practice proved the steps deceptively hard. Only a faint Holy Light seeped into Xila's body.

Nowhere near Remiel's result.

Well, it wasn't her magic anyway.

A Calamity Witch using Holy Maiden spells? Ridiculous.

"Ah~ No pain, no fatigue—so nice." Remiel stretched lazily, then stood. But her body lurched forward before she took a step.

"Ah!"

Xia Xin grabbed her hand just in time. "Are you hurt? Any other injuries?"

"Oh dear..." Remiel rubbed her head, chuckling. "That spell drained my last mana. Still adjusting..."

"Why use such a draining spell?!"

"How else to show off my awesomeness!" Remiel patted her chest. "See? Perfectly fine—just weak!"

"What showing off!" Xia Xin was exasperated.

Did this Holy Maiden lack not just brains, but common sense too?

"No worries~ I have mana potions." Remiel smiled. "Stored in a compartment inside my Crucifix. One sip and—huh? Where's my Crucifix?"

Huh?! My Crucifix!

Oh—shattered taking the meteor hit.

Wait! Did everything inside shatter too?!

Remiel's eyes widened. She'd kept recovery potions, thousands of gold coins, magic scrolls, even pillows and blankets inside. All vaporized with the meteor?!

No—!!!

"Ugh..." Remiel covered her head. "I forgot to empty it... All my belongings! *gulp*... I'll buy replacements later. The Church can pay."

"But now..." Remiel assessed herself, then turned to Xia Xin. "Little Xia Xin, this is sudden... but can you replenish mana?"

Huh?

Re... replenish mana?

Xia Xin froze.

Is this "mana replenishment" of yours... legitimate?

...