"Huh, Little Dark, are you okay?"
Alimi noticed Wu Yan—on the verge of fading again—and panicked.
"Little Dark!"
Lilina saw Wu Yan looking even closer to collapse than before and grew worried too.
"However, since Scottia wasn’t originally registered for the tournament, Lilina receives all first-place rewards."
"Huh?"
Both Lilina and Alimi snapped their attention to the stage, drawn by the announcement.
*Gurgle...*
*I’m dying...*
"That’s wonderful, Lilina! With these rewards, you’ll become even stronger!"
"Mm..."
Lilina’s heart swelled with joy at the thought of her family’s expectant gazes, lost in memories of the past year.
Alimi lowered her head, disheartened by the widening gap between them.
*Gurgle!*
*Hey! Does no one care if I live or die?!*
*I did the most work!*
*I’m literally dying here—someone show me some concern (→_→).*
*Offering herself in marriage? No way. I’m an upright guy. I’d never force anyone... though if she volunteered, I might reluctantly accept (→_→)...*
*Even a few kisses would do...*
Poor Wu Yan was tragically ignored (✿✿ヽ(°▽°)ノ✿).
...
Second place?
Stephanie was stunned by Lilina’s achievement. Without Scottia’s intervention, Lilina might have taken first.
*So even an average High Mage could be beaten...*
*And this Dark Beast acts far too human. Hard to believe it’s the least intelligent Monster Beast...*
*Unless...*
*It knows how to channel mana!*
*If it’s truly that clever, I could test it...*
A sly smile curled Stephanie’s lips.
Wu Yan, still hoping for rewards, suddenly shivered.
*Isn’t it still summer...?*
"Rewards will be distributed shortly. Now, the dean will declare the Academy Tournament closed!"
Coline flashed to the center of the stage. Her long speech had students dozing off.
"The tournament is concluded!"
Thunderous applause erupted (-_-||)...
"Return to your classrooms in order. XXX, lead the way!"
"Yes!"
Lilina moved to follow her class but was called back by Stephanie.
"Lilina, come with me."
"Huh? Okay!"
She waved goodbye and trailed after Stephanie.
*Gurgle!*
*I’m not moving until I get my rewards!*
"By the way," Stephanie turned with feigned concern, "what’s wrong with your Contract Beast?"
"Teacher Stephanie, Little Dark isn’t injured, but he’s fading fast..." Lilina fretted over Wu Yan.
"He likely needs mana replenishment. I’ll assist him shortly."
"Thank you, Teacher Stephanie!"
*Gurgle...*
*Mana replenishment...*
Wu Yan recalled his nightmare day under Stephanie’s "training." He jolted back to life instantly.
*Gurgle.*
*Uh, I’m perfectly fine! No need for mana!*
"Eh? Little Dark?" Lilina blinked at her suddenly energetic beast.
Stephanie’s suspicions confirmed, she sashayed toward a Teleportation Magic Array, hips swaying.
In Stephanie’s office, seated across from Lilina, she began:
"Lilina, your Contract Beast behaves unnaturally human. Only higher-tier Monster Beasts show such traits. Dark Beasts are the least intelligent..."
Lilina too had wondered why Wu Yan never acted like an ordinary beast.
"And I suspect he already knows how to channel mana—he’s just hiding it."
"Really, Teacher Stephanie?"
*Gurgle!*
Wu Yan’s throat tightened. A cold dread slithered down his spine.
Stephanie’s gaze turned predatory. To Wu Yan, devilish horns seemed to sprout from her head.
*Gurgle...*
*N-no way!!*
