Qin Jun wouldn't snatch food from a little girl. He simply watched Nora from the side, waiting to see what she'd do after her meal.

Just then, he sensed a trace of unease. He scanned the area—several figures were watching them from the shadows. Though Qin Jun and Nora stood out, those gazes weren't ordinary. They reeked of murderous intent, like a predator eyeing prey.

Qin Jun wondered: Had he and Nora offended these people? They'd been a bit flashy, but not enough to warrant this.

Then he understood. A portly young master strolled down the street. The watchers shifted their attention to him, then led him to a hidden corner.

One subordinate reported, "Young Master, we've been monitoring that woman. No anomalies."

The portly young master chuckled, his jowls jiggling. "Good, good. Keep watching. But don't disturb her meal. Anyone who does—I'll make them regret it. Understood?"

He barked the order fiercely.

The subordinates knelt. "Understood, sir."

"Go back to your posts," he waved dismissively. "Don't lose her. Fail me, and you won't exist anymore."

Sweat dripped down their spines as they retreated, resuming their watch on Nora.

After they left, the portly young master patted his belly, gazing skyward. He daydreamed about marrying Nora soon.

"Hmm, excellent," he murmured, then ambled away.

Qin Jun, observing everything from the restaurant, thought: *Perverts exist everywhere.*

He didn't consider himself one—though he'd fawned over pretty girls while acting cold and aloof toward men. Was that really how a level-999 powerhouse behaved?

Qin Jun would never admit it. He'd argue: How is this the same? A scholar stealing isn't theft—it's "borrowing." A strong protector "accidentally" touching a girl isn't perversion—it's flirting. Only losers call it perversion.

Knowing the situation, Qin Jun didn't act yet. They were just watching, not attacking. He'd wait for them to strike first. Then Nora would grow even more attached to him.

Still, he doubted they needed his help. These were level-30 warriors—trivial for Nora. Anyone could reach level 30 in a decade. It meant little: just extra strength and basic moves.

Nora might flatten them all with one horizontal slash before Qin Jun even moved.

This town? Qin Jun sensed again. The strongest here was level 50—no match for Nora. Especially with the weapon he'd given her. She'd crush them instantly.

*Ugh*, Qin Jun thought. *I should've sent her straight to a big city. More experts mean more conflicts. More chances for me to save her. After repeated rescues, I'll turn human at the perfect moment. Her heart will be mine.*

At least, that was his current plan. Who knew if he'd change his mind?

After eating, Nora stored the steamed buns in her storage space.

Watching them vanish, she grinned. "This'll last days!"

She patted Qin Jun's head. "Let's go. This town's too small, few earning chances. Come to the big city—people there won't fear you."

Nora actually wanted to contract with Qin Jun. This silly bear kept following her, clearly fond of her. Without a contract, he might be treated as a Monstrous Beast later.

If he could turn human, it'd be fine. But seeing the goofy bear beside her, she dismissed the idea. Impossible. He was strong, but level 80? Look at him—did he seem like a level-80 Monstrous Beast? Plus, he was a pervert. His biggest flaw.

Qin Jun didn't know her thoughts. He just found her stare odd. He wiped his bear face with a paw, thinking something was stuck there.

Nora saw his silly act and confirmed her belief: *Just a dumb bear.*

Nora walked ahead; Qin Jun followed. The sight was bizarre. But townsfolk sighed in relief as they left. This was a small place—no high-level visitors, only tiny level-10 Monstrous Beasts. A giant bear like Qin Jun? Unheard of. His presence had terrified them.

As they walked, Qin Jun tracked their pursuers. They blended into crowds, staying just out of sight. Only careful observation revealed them.

He watched Nora stroll carefree ahead. Had she noticed? A girl in this cruel world must stay alert. Especially a beautiful one like her.

But Qin Jun saw no sign. Earlier, she'd said, "I'm tired. Carry me again," and hopped onto his back without asking. He didn't mind.

Outside town, some watchers slipped away—likely reporting to the portly young master. Time for his "heroic rescue." He aimed to save the beauty and win her heart.

After another mile, Qin Jun sensed the young master approaching. Surprisingly fast. He checked his level: 49. *Underestimated him. Never judge by looks.*

As the city lord's son, he wasn't a useless rich kid. Though perversion often started with them.

From hiding, the young master hissed: "Move out."

"Don't truly harm her," he added in a whisper.

Suddenly, a dozen burly men surrounded Nora and Qin Jun on the quiet roadside. All level-30 fighters.

Nora instantly gripped her Colossal Sword, radiating authority.

The subordinates tensed. This wasn't as simple as the young master thought—or as they'd assumed. They'd expected a weird girl with a bear. Just a kid. Level 30 at best. A genius? Impossible. Geniuses were rare; none lived here.

Everyone thought that.

Nora didn't care. She was ready to fight. Not a genius, but no ordinary girl either. At level 50+, she could look down on most.

Of course, exceptions like Lengyan existed.

The subordinates worried, but disobeying meant death. They might as well gamble.

One yelled: "This tree's mine! This road's mine! Pay the toll to pass!"

Qin Jun was surprised. *That robber line sounds familiar.*

Nora raised her Colossal Sword. Since they called themselves robbers, no mercy. She swung—the gale-force wind knocked them all down. A second swing aimed at a man's head. She stopped short. She wouldn't take lives.

But damage was done. His hair split cleanly down the middle, bald in between. Hilarious.

Nora sheathed her sword, looking down. "I spare you this once. Cross me again, and I won't be lenient."

Her aura was commanding, heroic.

This was how the strong treated the weak—just like that sinister man with Nora. A world of survival of the fittest.

Then her tone shifted. She couldn't keep the tough act.

Grinning, she told them: "Lucky I taught you first. If my bear here acted? You'd be eaten. He's way stronger than me, right?"

She patted Qin Jun's head.

Everyone gaped as the girl led the bear away. Then a roar echoed behind them: "Stop! You can't leave!"

Of course—it was the portly young master.