The lizard-shaped monster shot straight past Nefu and lunged directly at Ophelia!

The bizarre scene froze them both. With a casual flick of overwhelming magic, Ophelia crushed the creature into pulp. She shot Nefu a puzzled look.

“How strange. Why didn’t it attack you?”

Cold sweat beaded on Nefu’s brow. She knew exactly why—the lizard hadn’t attacked her because, deep down, it still saw her as kin.

To it, Ophelia alone was the true prey.

Nervously scratching her cheek with a tiny finger, Nefu lowered her head. After a brief pause, she declared firmly,

“Maybe it thought you, Master, were tastier?”

“Huh? Then it’s definitely sick—ignoring a tender-skinned little maid like you to come after me?”

“Uh…”

Nefu fell silent. Instead, she fully activated her monster senses. Any approaching beast would instantly receive her silent command: *Attack me.*

With a single slap, Ophelia reduced the wolf-shaped monster to dust. Wariness tightened her lovely features.

“Wait, little Nefu.”

“Yes, Master?”

Nefu halted. *What now? I didn’t slip up again… Why does she look so on edge?*

“Little Nefu, don’t you find it odd? Every monster targets you now. Not one comes for me. Could a stronger beast be pulling the strings?”

Frowning, Ophelia wove her magic into a fine net and sent it rippling outward—but detected no trace of a high-tier presence.

How strange… Unseen by Ophelia, Nefu’s face had gone pale.

“Little Nefu, you okay? The deeper we go, the more these monsters seem… fond of you.”

“Mm… maybe.”

“Huh? You look awful. Scared? Don’t worry—every newbie feels this way. As your master, I’ll protect you.”

Ophelia smiled, patting her chest reassuringly—unaware *she* was the source of Nefu’s terror.

*Forget it…* Nefu stopped manipulating the low-tier monsters. She simply willed them away, careful not to overdo or underdo it.

The rest of the path stayed eerily clear of monsters—deepening Ophelia’s suspicion.

Anyone would wonder: fierce attackers vanishing overnight? There *had* to be a scheme.

Ophelia maxed out her magical senses to shield her little companion… yet sensed *nothing*.

Unheard of.

Still, their destination neared. Ahead lay the troll tribe’s lair. She refused to believe it stood empty.

Sure enough—magic extended toward the camp revealed several trolls patrolling the perimeter.

Nefu’s brow furrowed. She ceased emitting high-tier pressure. Trolls abandoning their tribe? Too strange. But why bring her here?

Soon, she learned.

Just outside the tribe’s edge, Ophelia stopped and waved her over.

“Stay right here, little one. Don’t wander. I’ll be back soon.”

“Master… where are you going?”

Surprised by Nefu’s unusual question, Ophelia smiled openly.

“To complete the troll-culling quest, of course.”

Labyrinth monsters spawned periodically, requiring clearance. But the quest was secondary—she had another purpose here.

Seated on the designated tree stump, Nefu finally grasped Ophelia’s true terror.

*She’s not human…*

From behind, Nefu watched clearly: Ophelia’s form shimmered. Heat coalesced in her palms, warping the air around her.

First, the ceiling’s glowing ore dimmed. Then the entire “sky” of the twenty-first floor bled crimson.

A massive fireball wreathed in rolling black flames hung above the tribe. No roars came from the usually noisy trolls—fear had stolen their voices.

*A soft whimper…*

Nefu turned. Blackfang crouched at her feet, curled tight, trembling uncontrollably.

Even the wolf had been drained by that aura.

“Don’t worry. We’re safe.”

Nefu stroked Blackfang’s head. When she looked up again—the fireball had already fallen.

No deafening blast. Only the sharp *crackle* of flames consuming all.

*My revenge path is long indeed…*

Swinging her pale little legs on the stump, Nefu wore a troubled frown.

“And who put that frown on our little cutie’s face~?”

A honeyed voice came from behind. Nefu spun around—pupils shrinking. Ophelia stood there, dragging a towering troll with all four limbs shattered.

The troll king. Thanks to super regeneration, fresh flesh buds sprouted from the breaks—only to be seared instantly by black flames.

Nefu met the captive’s gaze. Even bound, it growled lowly at Ophelia.

Silently mourning her fellow monster, Nefu looked up.

“Master… this is…?”

“A tool to master your innate magic. Practice on it.”

Nefu fell quiet. Not from cruelty—trolls were vicious; they’d slaughter you unprovoked.

Her silence hid a fear: *Should I reveal my magic? Ophelia knows Seri is gone… What if she recognizes this as Seri’s innate magic? Will I burn to ash like him?*

“Come now, little one. Don’t dawdle. Aim. Miss… and there’s punishment~”

After binding the troll king to a massive tree, Ophelia smiled.

“Yes… Master.”

No turning back. Nefu raised her hand. Mysterious magical circuits swirled around her arm.

“Fire.”

At her clear command, a thick stream of flame shot straight—toward Ophelia…