"Huh? I think I just flipped some weird switch..."

Wait, I didn’t mean to! It was totally involuntary...

*(Suspect Wu Yan, you’re under arrest for molesting a timid little loli. Come with us!)*

"Little Dark, what are you doing? You’ve been very naughty today."

Lilina’s voice tightened with irritation. Then she remembered—she was a Junior Mage now. Her Contract Beast space had already opened inside her.

"Little Dark, you’re staying in there to reflect on your behavior!"

*Space? What space?*

Wu Yan’s vision went black. Next thing he knew, he was trapped in a pure white cube—barely one meter wide in every direction.

*Holy crap, is this a black room?*

No—*white* room!

*Why am I even noticing this right now?!*

"Gurgle!"

*Let me out! I’m sorry, Officer!*

"Alimi, are you alright? I apologize for Little Dark!"

"I-I’m fine, Lilina. You’ve become a Junior Mage?" Alimi stared in surprise as Lilina tucked Wu Yan away.

"Mhm! Just yesterday!"

"Oh..." Alimi’s gaze dropped slightly.

"You’re already a Junior Mage, while I’m still just a Mage Apprentice..."

"Don’t worry, Alimi. We’re still friends, right? And when you’re ready to advance, I’ll have Little Dark supply you with magic!"

"Little Dark? Lilina, please let him out. I’m really okay..."

After a pause, Lilina released Wu Yan.

*Thank god. So the saying’s true—bad deeds land you in jail. Ancient wisdom never lies.*

"Gurgle!"

"Little Dark, if you pull another prank, I’ll lock you in there for a whole day!"

"Gurgle!"

*Yes, ma’am! Whatever you say!*

Wu Yan surrendered instantly.

*Just gotta be sneakier next time. No getting caught!*

"Gurgle!"

"Little Dark, are you hurt?" Alimi stroked his head, soothing his wounded pride.

"Gurgle!"

*Ah... healing complete.*

"Lilina, don’t be so hard on him. He’ll get spoiled if you’re too strict!"

"It’s fine. He probably didn’t mean it. Please don’t scold him anymore..." Alimi’s quiet defense made Wu Yan’s heart swell.

*Where else would you find a girl who gets groped but still defends you?!*

*That’s it—I hereby crown you my main wife!*

"Alright. Oh! Little Dark, you *do* know how to channel magic now, right?"

*One ear rub got me locked in the White Cell. Channeling magic? That’s a life sentence!*

*Time to play dumb!*

"Gurgle!"

*Channel magic? What’s that? This clueless blob has no idea—*

"That’s strange... Little Dark always supplied my magic during my advancement!" Lilina frowned at his blank stare.

"Don’t rush it, Lilina. Just keep communicating. You’ll figure it out!" Alimi encouraged.

"Thanks! Once he learns, I’ll have him help you during *your* advancement."

"Won’t that trouble you...?" Alimi hesitated.

"Nonsense! We’re friends, aren’t we?"

Alimi lifted her head, beaming. "Yes! Best friends!"

*Wait, hold up!*

*‘No trouble’? Easy for you to say—you’re not the one doing the work!*

And it wasn’t just about trouble...

Wu Yan recalled yesterday’s excruciating pain. Even with huge benefits—and helping a cat-eared loli he adored—he still hesitated.

He didn’t crave overwhelming power. Small daily progress, quiet warmth... that was enough.

He never wanted to endure *that* price again. Just a peaceful life.

But...

Something felt off about this calm.

The Tentacle God called this a "punishment"—turning him into a monster. Yet it dumped him in another world to build a harem?

A harem felt more like... *compensation*.

And this tentacle body held terrifying potential. Magic proved that.

*There’s more to this.*

Wu Yan reached his conclusion.

Sure, he was a shut-in. But he’d earned his title as a seasoned driver through smarts and dedication.

*(After all, driving’s a technical skill!)*

To protect himself—and the girls around him—he’d have to grow stronger.

*Bring on the pain!*

"Gurgle!"

Wu Yan’s soul screamed into the void.