Lilina cried until evening, finally falling asleep from exhaustion. This blow had hit her too hard.

Her strength had always been propped up by a goal. Now that it was out of reach, the facade of her toughness crumbled away. All that remained was a young girl’s raw vulnerability.

Wu Yan grew restless from listening to her sobs all day. He couldn’t understand their words, but he knew her tears were tied to him.

He glanced around the simple, tidy room. No trinkets a girl her age should have. Her clothes were washed so often they’d faded. Wu Yan guessed her finances were tight.

To make a girl cry right after arriving—what a bad omen!

Wu Yan sighed, gazing at her tear-streaked face.

First, I need to learn this world’s language and writing. Otherwise, I won’t know what happened, let alone fix my mistake.

For now, I’ll keep training my body coordination!

Wu Yan used his two tentacles to tie a bow. Walking seemed fine now.

The next day.

Lilina woke up and rubbed her eyes.

“Ah! Oh no, I’m late for class! I skipped my part-time job last night too—wah, I’ll get fired!”

Wailing, she hurriedly tidied up and washed.

Wu Yan was woken by the noise. He stretched, and the busy Lilina spotted him. Remembering today’s Contract Beast class, she quickly grabbed him along.

Don’t carry me like a stuffed toy every time!

Wu Yan was fed up with being handled like a plush doll.

“Contract Beasts are—”

“Reporting in, teacher. I—I’m late.”

Lilina ran into the classroom as the lesson had already started.

Now, Wu Yan wasn’t carelessly grabbed anymore. He was cradled against Lilina’s chest.

What, you think I’m excited? I felt nothing. Literally nothing.

The teacher had fiery red hair, wine-red eyes, and luscious lips. Her curvaceous figure swayed with every step, radiating allure.

She slammed her book shut and walked up to Lilina, eyeing her sternly.

“What’s your name?”

“L-Lilina, Teacher Stephanie!”

Stephanie brushed her hair back and said flatly, “Do you know what time it is?”

“Teacher, it’s my fault. I’ll accept the punishment.”

“Hmm. Come see me after class. For now, take your seat.”

“Yes, thank you, teacher.”

Lilina bowed to Stephanie and hurried to her seat.

“Hey, isn’t that Lilina who summoned a Dark Beast yesterday?”

“Yeah, that’s her. See the Dark Beast she’s holding? Her Contract Beast.”

“Seriously? After shaming the academy like that, she still hasn’t left?”

“I heard her family’s struggling to pay for her schooling. She’ll never pass the year-end assessment. Instead of helping them, she’s clinging on here—what a filial daughter!”

“Yeah, yeah. Let’s stay away. What if someone mistakes us for her friends?”

Lilina heard the disdain and mockery but forced herself to stay calm.

“Quiet! Anyone who doesn’t want to listen can leave!”

The classroom fell silent. Lilina breathed a sigh of relief.

Hearing no noise, Stephanie nodded in satisfaction.

“Now, back to the topic... Contract Beasts—those Monster Beasts you summoned yesterday. The moment they appear, a tight bond forms. If one dies, the other suffers severe injury.”

“So, unless under special circumstances, each Mage has only one Contract Beast for life. We live and fight together. They cover our weaknesses during spellcasting, even providing close combat support. With an extra ally, we stand a better chance against same-tier Monster Beasts.”

“But each Contract Beast has its own mind. To achieve perfect coordination, you must build a good relationship. Treat them as friends. Only then can you achieve near-perfect teamwork.”

“Now, spend the rest of class communicating with your Contract Beasts. Win their friendship as soon as possible...”

As soon as Stephanie finished, students eagerly spoke gentle words to their Contract Beasts.

Lilina placed Wu Yan on the desk. “Even though you’re not even a low-tier Monster Beast, since I summoned you, let’s be good friends. My name is Lilina. I’ll call you Little Dark! Do you like that name, Little Dark?”

During the lecture, Wu Yan—completely lost and bored—started appreciating the girls of this world.

Hmm, this one’s too short—seventy points. This one’s too plump—seventy points. Oh? This one’s nice, but her chest is too small—eighty points...

No wonder girls here, raised healthily, are all quite lovely. Not a single eyesore.

Just as Wu Yan was enjoying the view, Lilina placed him on the desk and started babbling words he couldn’t understand.

Wu Yan thought, “Even if you keep talking, I won’t understand a word. Stop wasting time!”

“Oh, Lilina, chatting with your Contract Beast? But can it even understand you? Heh!”