"Little Dark, let's go. Huh? What happened to you?"
Lilina looked at Wu Yan with a hint of confusion. He'd tied himself into a bow and was dangling from the bed's crossbar.
Tied up again?
Impossible. Do I look like someone who trips over the same rock twice?
I'm doing a self-invented exercise to train brain coordination across all areas.
Even as a Tentacle Monster, I'm working this hard. What excuse do you have not to study?
Wu Yan swiftly untied the knot. With a swing of his tentacles, he leaped into Lilina's arms.
"Little Dark, let's go!"
Holding Wu Yan, Lilina stepped into her brand-new life.
Wu Yan's arrival shattered her peaceful routine. Ahead lay a world reborn—brimming with opportunities and challenges.
"Lilina!"
A timid voice called from behind. Lilina turned to see the cat-eared loli—Alimi.
Huh, the harem's second member arrived too. Such luck today—I'll enjoy the bliss of multiple companions...
"Alimi, morning!"
"L-Lilina, were you okay yesterday?"
Alimi asked with concern. Lilina suddenly remembered her excitement had made her forget to reassure Alimi. She apologized repeatedly.
"Ah, sorry! I was so happy I forgot to tell you—I joined the Student Council!"
"No need to apologize, Lilina. You... joined the Student Council?"
Alimi repeated in disbelief. To her, the Student Council was unreachable. Her best friend making it there stunned her.
"Yeah! And I'm directly the president's secretary!"
"Ah? Well... congrats, Lilina!"
Alimi's expression dimmed. She felt she was losing her closest friend.
Lilina slapped Alimi's back. The cat-eared girl yelped, her chest bouncing wildly. Wu Yan stared, dumbfounded.
"What are you thinking? As a friend, you should be happy for me. Even in the Student Council, I'm still me—the Lilina you first met!"
"L-Lilina..."
Alimi gazed at her with tears. Lilina smiled warmly back. Bathed in dawn light, they formed a breathtaking scene—except for...
Seriously, I'm such a third wheel. Your closeness is stressing me out!
Hmm, but if they get along, harem peace is guaranteed. Maybe even...
Wu Yan wiped imaginary drool.
"Little Dark, you were amazing yesterday!"
Alimi reached out to pat his head. A man's head shouldn't be touched lightly—but when a timid, cat-eared cutie does it? Who'd refuse?
Wu Yan naturally soaked up her gentle strokes.
"Yeah, thanks to Little Dark. No idea how he stopped Rabi's Contract Beast. I'd have lost otherwise."
Lilina recalled yesterday's danger. She didn't know how Wu Yan halted the mandrake snake, but gratitude filled her heart.
She gently stroked Wu Yan's back too.
Heaven, oh heaven! Wu Yan couldn't believe his double luck. So girls really do love Tentacle Monsters. How awful!
He squinted in comfort while mumbling it was wrong—zero conviction.
Wait—this is a magic academy, right? These girls are magical girls.
Where there are magical girls, Tentacle Monsters like us relieve their stress!
Wu Yan suddenly recalled that line. Epiphany struck.
Oh, I get it now! This is the truth. Never expected to end up here.
Escaping's impossible anyway (never tried). I'll just endure silently.
Wu Yan resolved with grim determination.
"Huh, Lilina—does Little Dark seem pained?"
"Yeah... Maybe he dislikes petting. Let's stop doing this."
"Mm, okay!"
They halted their hands.
Huh? Why stop? I wasn't done enjoying!
The Tentacle Monster swung his tentacles, confused.
If Wu Yan knew his overacting cost him this perk forever, he'd...
Orz. Sorry. No showing off next time. Please keep petting me...
"Let's go, Alimi! Class is starting!"
"Eh? We're late! Hurry or we'll miss it!"
"FYI—this is Teacher Stephanie's class."
"Ahhh! Being late is disastrous!"
Laughing, they sprinted toward the classroom. Only Wu Yan wondered why the perks vanished.
What exactly happened...
