"The benefits of the mana-satiated state are immense! Not only does it drastically boost your final mana reserves and mental strength, but it can even enhance your magical aptitude!"

"Even aptitude can be improved?"

Lilina was stunned numb. She never imagined the aptitude used to judge a person could be enhanced.

"You must have communicated with your Contract Beast, right? It provided the mana for you!"

"Eh, I’m not sure. I can communicate with Little Dark somewhat, and it uses mana, but I don’t know how to transfer it."

Lilina explained helplessly. She’d learned so many spells—why couldn’t she transfer mana?

Transfer mana?

Wu Yan recalled yesterday’s intimate scene.

Gulp.

Doing that would make him a pervert. Better pretend he knew nothing!

"I see. When you were advancing, your body needed massive mana. The contract relayed the message to your Contract Beast, so it knew to supply you."

"So that’s how it is..."

Lilina suddenly understood.

"But Dark Beasts purifying mana? Truly astonishing. If used well, it could ease Mages’ advancement paths..."

Stephanie’s gaze turned fervent as she looked at Wu Yan.

Wu Yan saw that look and knew trouble was coming. No—trouble for him.

Time to find shelter.

Wu Yan leaped off the table. Two tentacles wrapped around Lilina’s waist, clinging tightly.

Save me!

Gulp.

"Oh, right, Teacher Stephanie. What big commotion did I cause yesterday?"

Lilina suddenly remembered Stephanie’s words and asked curiously.

Stephanie said irritably, "You and your Contract Beast drained all mana within a one-mile radius yesterday. Many meditations were likely interrupted."

"Huh?"

Lilina hadn’t expected such a scene. She lowered her head, embarrassed.

Stephanie shook her head. "Luckily, few seniors are here. Otherwise, this couldn’t be covered up."

"Thank you, Teacher Stephanie..." Lilina sincerely thanked her.

Stephanie waved it off. "Your mana-satiated state will be sensed by others like you. But don’t worry—here, better aptitude means more academy attention."

"Yes!"

"Also, after your advancement, your Contract Beast should know mana transfer now. Communicate quickly—it’ll help in the academy tournament!"

"Yes, Teacher Stephanie!"

Lilina looked at Wu Yan, determined to master communication before the tournament. Top hundred would earn academy notice.

Top fifty or thirty? She didn’t dare dream. Groups spanned three grades, mostly Intermediate Mages. But geniuses like Scottia and Alimi reached High Mage. Scottia stayed calm under Stephanie’s pressure; Alimi couldn’t—showing their gap...

"Just do your best. Prove the Commoner Class doubters wrong. Top hundred, and I’ll reward you too!"

Stephanie’s words held anger. Lilina sensed her troubled past.

"Yes, Teacher Stephanie! I won’t let you down!"

Lilina fought for more than Stephanie. Every disdainful gaze after learning she was from the Commoner Class pierced her heart. She’d prove birth didn’t define aptitude.

Half a month left. I can do it!

Lilina silently steeled herself. Stephanie saw her resolve and smiled.

"Good. Keep it up. Oh—the mana-satiated state has another benefit. I won’t spoil it. Today’s meditation will surprise you!"

"Thank you, Teacher Stephanie!" Lilina thanked repeatedly.

Just then...

Knock knock knock!

"Alimi?"

Lilina couldn’t imagine anyone else visiting.

"Open up. It’s Scottia!"

A calm, indifferent voice came from outside.

Wu Yan froze.

One domineering woman wasn’t enough—now a queen-type arrived.

He glanced at Lilina’s frail frame. Better hide.

Wu Yan slid off her, dove under the bed, and concealed himself.

Unseen by him, Scottia had watched everything. Puzzled, she thought:

Is this really a Dark Beast?

"President?"