Lilina hurriedly opened the door.

Scottia walked in slowly, immediately noticing Stephanie’s displeased gaze.

Out of courtesy, Scottia stepped forward. “Teacher Stephanie.”

“Hmph!” Stephanie grunted in reply.

Unfazed, Scottia turned to Lilina. Her expression flickered slightly.

“Magic saturation state? You’ve advanced?”

Scottia struggled to stay calm. Her voice came faster than usual as she questioned Lilina.

“Yes. Teacher Stephanie said the same thing.”

Lilina wondered how Scottia had noticed. Even Stephanie had needed to probe first.

Stephanie explained, “Lilina, this is what I meant—those in magic saturation state can sense each other.”

“Teacher Stephanie, if that’s true, then Scottia must also be…”

“She’s absolutely in magic saturation state. The Lesser Family has lasted over a century. Supporting one or two geniuses to achieve it in the early stages isn’t difficult.”

Scottia seemed not to catch Stephanie’s sarcasm. She quickly composed herself.

“The early stages?” Lilina caught the phrase that bothered her.

“Yes. I can only reach magic saturation state for the first four advancements. The magic required beyond that is immense—only older families can manage it!”

Before Stephanie could speak, Scottia answered.

“Four stages? Nonsense. Your family’s entire resources could push you to the fifth stage, couldn’t they, heir of the Lesser Family?”

Scottia turned, locking eyes with Stephanie. Her gaze held no retreat. “I could do it, but I’d never harm my family’s interests.”

“Hey, please stop arguing…”

Lilina felt pressured mediating between two people far stronger than her.

Luckily, Stephanie’s hostility was only toward the Lesser Family. Her sarcasm targeted Scottia as the heir, not personally.

Seeing no advantage, Stephanie turned away. Arms crossed, she swayed her curvy figure and left.

“Lilina, I have work. I’ll go first!”

“Take care, Teacher Stephanie!”

Stephanie waved a hand behind her and vanished at the door.

Scottia looked back at Lilina. “Your magic saturation state—it’s because of your Contract Beast, right?”

“I’m not sure. During the advancement, I focused entirely inward. I didn’t notice anything outside. But that must be it.”

Lilina answered honestly.

“Little Dark? Huh, where’s Little Dark? He was just here!”

Lilina realized Wu Yan was no longer on her. She called twice.

“Strange. Little Dark should hear me!”

“Use your contract array to sense him.”

“Oh, right! Since Little Dark’s always with me, I forgot I could do that.”

Lilina scratched her head sheepishly and activated the contract array within her.

*Can’t see me, can’t see me!*

Wu Yan huddled in a corner, facing the wall, trying to convince himself.

“Little Dark, what are you doing here?”

Sensing him under the bed, Lilina reached down and pulled Wu Yan out.

*Why can you find me even under the bed?!*

*Gurgle!*

Scottia’s scrutinizing stare gave Wu Yan goosebumps.

He pictured himself strapped to a table. Scottia’s fervent eyes loomed over him. Her right hand held unknown potions; her left, crystals. She’d stuff them into his mouth.

*No way!*

Wu Yan shivered uncontrollably.

Lilina tilted her head. “Little Dark seems scared of you.”

Scottia opened her mouth to speak, but—

*Knock knock knock!*

“Lilina, it’s Alimi. I came to check on you.”

“Alimi! Wait, I’ll open it!”

Hearing her friend’s voice, Lilina brightened. She dashed to the door.

“Lilina, why weren’t you in class yester—ah! P-President!”

Alimi had meant to ask about her friend. Spotting Scottia behind Lilina, she flustered.

Scottia shook her head, swallowing her words. “Skip Student Council duties today. Be on time tomorrow.”

“Yes! Eh?” Lilina agreed, but Scottia was already gone.

“Phew. The President’s aura is so intense. Lilina, are you okay? Why skip class yesterday?”

“Alimi, yesterday I…”

Wu Yan sighed in relief.

*Finally gone. As expected, my cat-eared girl is the cutest.*

Alimi’s cat ears twitched as she spoke. Wu Yan desperately wanted to touch them.

*Whimper…*

Then he really did reach out and touch them.