Though magic could be learned in this world, some were born wielding it—Gifted Ones. Their magical circuits and roots were etched deep into their souls, forming innate magic.
No doubt Ceri was one of them. Nefu had targeted her precisely for her innate fire magic.
Ophelia’s Slave Contract couldn’t suppress innate magic. Another card to play against her.
Back home, Nefu propped her legs on the sofa, surveying the room with cold eyes holding a hint of excitement.
This place held her recent misfortunes. She’d burn it all to the ground.
Others would’ve called it an empty threat. After such harsh punishment, only a fool would dare provoke Ophelia again. Yet…
A tiny flame sparked from Nefu’s fingertip. A cold smirk. She pointed toward Ophelia’s room. The flame wobbled unsteadily, then shot forward—igniting bedsheets and quilts in an instant.
Amid the blaze, Nefu wore a smug, satisfied smile. Burning the house wasn’t her goal… just a convenient bonus.
Soon, roaring flames consumed the entire house. A neighbor spotted it and summoned a water-mage to douse the fire.
When the flames died, the house stood half-ruined. Nefu had already slipped away. Watching the near-rubble, she curled her lips into a silent, mocking sneer.
“Miss, are you unharmed? When will your master return?” A law enforcement officer asked, concern in his voice.
“I’m fine, but my master—”
“I’m back.”
Ophelia’s voice cut through the crowd. *Already back?* Nefu wasn’t surprised—Ophelia’s magical doll had burned too. She’d surely sensed it.
“You are… Lady Ophelia? May I ask—”
Nefu’s eyebrow twitched slightly. *This woman really loves cutting people off.*
“No need. I’ll handle it.”
Ophelia shot Nefu a glance, face unreadable. She waved the patrol team away and walked alone to the room’s center.
Nefu frowned. *What’s she doing? Nothing’s left inside… unless something precious remained?*
A cold dread sank in her chest. Something felt wrong. As a beastkin, she trusted her instincts. She stepped back—
—but Ophelia beckoned her closer.
“Master, I truly regret what happened. If you intend to—"
Nefu’s voice died. Not interrupted this time. She clamped her mouth shut herself.
Ophelia had pulled an ancient parchment scroll from her ring. Nefu didn’t know its purpose, but her instincts screamed: immense power was sealed within.
“This dropped after I defeated the floor boss on Level 60. Honestly, it’s been useless—gathering dust. But now… seems usable.”
Ophelia murmured, ignoring whether Nefu listened.
“This—"
*Rip—*
Before Nefu could speak, Ophelia tore the scroll. The parchment shattered—and magic activated.
The ruins glowed in an eerie blue light. Harmless, yet deeply unsettling on the skin.
Then—miracle. Charred walls gleamed pristine. Fallen bricks and tiles floated back into place.
Nefu’s eyes widened. *A time-reversal array!* No wonder Ophelia hadn’t used it sooner—range was too limited.
Furniture restored. Everything returned to how it looked moments before Nefu lit the flame.
*Sigh.* All that fire… for nothing.
Arson over. Ophelia back. Nefu’s turn.
She drew a breath—
—and Ophelia pinned her to the sofa.
“Has my little kitty been mischievous again? You set the fire, didn’t you? What a mess.”
Ophelia smiled, voice playful. But Nefu shivered. *She’s furious.*
Fear prickled, but Nefu forced it down.
“Master… it wasn’t intentional! I just awakened my innate magic… couldn’t control it…" She lowered her head pitifully, extending a finger. A tiny flame flickered on its tip. “See…?"
“You awakened innate magic?”
To Nefu’s surprise, Ophelia showed no excitement. She circled slowly, examining Nefu like a rare artifact.
*She never expected me to awaken at all.*
Unease coiled in Nefu’s gut. *Did she see through me?*
Ophelia stopped, pinched her chin. “If that’s true… then it’s not your fault.”
*Good. She bought it.* Nefu sighed inwardly. *Far more gullible than I thought.*
“Nefu. Fetch mana potions from the cabinet.”
*Mana potions?* Nefu froze. *For restoring mana… Is she out of power?*
Her head snapped up. *This… could be my chance.*
But no reckless moves. Not without certainty.
Her gaze dropped to Blackfang at her feet. *Let him test the waters first.*
Eyes sharpening, she sent a silent command:
*The woman before you—bite her with all your strength…*
