The Spirit Clan was indeed an extremely noble race. However, it vanished without a trace during the Era of Elves. In the Human Era, the Spirit Clan became a legendary race—rarer than Elves. No, no one had ever seen one.

Now, CrimsonLotus claimed to be Spirit Clan. Alan would be a fool to believe her. He’d never heard Spirit Clan resembled Beastmen. Even the authoritative Encyclopedia of Magical Elements lacked descriptions of their appearance. After all, they disappeared in the Era of Elves.

To learn what the Spirit Clan looked like, one must consult records in an Elven sanctuary. The Elves’ ancient heritage meant their libraries held such knowledge.

Hearing Alan’s scoff, CrimsonLotus knew he doubted her. She didn’t mind; it was normal. Human heritage paled beside other races. Mistaking Spirit Clan for Beastmen was natural.

“I don’t care if you’re Spirit Clan or Beastmen,” Alan said. “Return Emma unharmed. I’ll pretend today never happened. Otherwise, I won’t hesitate to stain my hands with your blood. Trust me—you don’t want to see my insane side.”

“Humans, your tastes are peculiar,” CrimsonLotus replied. “Rejecting human beauties for lowly Beastmen? I can’t even describe you.”

Alan wasted no more words. Light magic gathered in his left hand; ice formed in his right. Action would pry open CrimsonLotus’s mouth better than talk.

“I advise against touching me,” CrimsonLotus warned. “If I’m harmed, your Little Wolf Girl suffers too. My death means hers. My injury means hers. Think I’m lying? Throw that magic. I won’t dodge.”

Seeing the glow in Alan’s hands, CrimsonLotus strode forward on her long legs. She stood before him, chest half-exposed. She and Emma were symbiotes—bound by fate, inseparable.

Alan’s eyebrow twitched. The magic in his hands faded. “What do you mean?”

CrimsonLotus’s expression seemed genuine. Alan hesitated. Hurting her might injure Emma. Wasn’t that like hurting Emma himself?

“Symbiote—heard of it?” CrimsonLotus’s slender hand traced Alan’s smooth chest. A hint of eerie light flickered in her crimson eyes. Such a robust physique didn’t suit a mage.

Slap!

Alan slapped her hand away, glaring. “Explain clearly!”

“Has human intelligence devolved to ape-like roaring?”

Alan ignored the jab. He cared about Emma. He knew “symbiote” meant sharing a body. But Emma—the adorably silly wolf girl? Damn it. It was like split personality.

“Fine, fine. Your glare scared me,” CrimsonLotus giggled. “Emma and I share one body with two souls: me, CrimsonLotus, and the Little Wolf Girl, Emma.”

Alan frowned. “You claimed to be Spirit Clan earlier. Why reside in Emma, a wolf Beastman?”

CrimsonLotus smiled faintly. Her fair hand touched Alan’s face. “Humans distrust so easily. Yes, I’m Spirit Clan; Emma’s Beastman. We shouldn’t share a body—but we do. I can’t explain why. But I’m not the usurper.”

“What? You mean Emma stole your rightful body?”

CrimsonLotus nodded lightly. “Essentially. This body was meant for me. Something went wrong. Now we share it.”

“One body? You and Emma look nothing alike. Different souls, different forms. I struggle to believe you,” Alan said. The dark gleam in his eyes faded. He rubbed his silver bangs. What was this—buy one, get one free?

Emma was his fiancée. Sharing a body with CrimsonLotus? If they married, would she vanish during intimate moments?

Shaking off the thought, Alan turned toward the sofa. As he moved, CrimsonLotus’s hand brushed his waist unnoticed. His bath towel slid to the floor with a swoosh.

Alan froze. Blushing, he bent to grab the towel and wrapped it quickly.

“Tsk tsk. Fifteen years old, and the fledgling’s already a full-grown eagle. Impressive.” Eerie light glowed in CrimsonLotus’s eyes. Her gaze lingered below Alan’s waist, even after he covered himself.

Alan suppressed his shyness, glaring. “Are all Spirit Clan women this shamelessly bold?”

“Spirit Clan?” CrimsonLotus laughed. “Blind, human? See these beast ears and my tail? I’m Beastman. What’s wrong with boldness?”

CrimsonLotus denied being Spirit Clan. The bold CrimsonLotus was Beastman, not Spirit Clan.

Alan was dumbfounded. *Such a shameless creature*, he thought. *Stunningly beautiful, yet so brazen*.

“Giggle. Human—Alan, right? You’re interesting. I approve. Call me by my name from now on.”

“I’d rather not see you,” Alan snapped, clutching the towel on the sofa. “Stay hidden. I prefer Emma—the silly-cute Little Wolf Girl.”

“You’re not cute at all, little man,” CrimsonLotus purred. “My skills are unmatched—far better than hers. Want a taste?”

Alan’s hair stood on end. “No! Don’t come closer! I’ll call for help if you do!”