“Huh?”

Nefu froze. Ophelia was stunned too. For so long, *she’d* always been the one snatching whatever she wanted. No one had ever dared steal from *her*. Just how bold was this guy?

Seeing Ophelia’s face cloud over instantly, Nefu’s heart sank. She really didn’t want another punishment.

She glanced down at Blackfang beside her—smugly holding a giant shrimp in his mouth. A twitch flickered at her eye. *That dumb dog!* she cursed inwardly, urgently ordering him to give it back.

But she knew… returning it now wouldn’t fix anything. Ophelia would rage. That dumb dog’s life was hanging by a thread.

To her shock, Blackfang didn’t spit it out. He winked at Nefu. His wolfish expression seemed to say: *“You’re scared of *her*? She’s just a human.”*

Huh?! Underestimating her?! Nefu’s lip twitched. No wonder—he’d seen all her spineless moments around Ophelia. Now he barely listened.

“Blackfang! Spit it out *now*!”

She commanded again, desperate to salvage things. But he just tilted his head back—*gulp*—and let the shrimp slide straight down his throat.

Nefu’s temper flared. Fine, Ophelia bullied her daily. But *who was this dog* to overstep like that?

No mercy. Though both were magical beasts, if Blackfang ever bared fangs at her… she’d strike without hesitation.

“Master, I’m sorry. It’s my fault.”

Nefu bowed her head obediently, then lifted her face—cheeks flushed with indignation—as she glared at the still-provoking Blackfang.

“My control is lacking. Please punish Blackfang too… let him witness your power.”

She hoped Ophelia would do the dirty work—to make him *see* why she kowtowed. But Ophelia simply shook her head with a soft smile.

“No can do~”

“Huh?”

“You’re *his* master. Only you may discipline him.”

She leaned close, slender fingers tilting Nefu’s chin up. “But~ *I’m* your master. And *I* can punish *you*~”

*Got it,* Nefu thought flatly. So Blackfang offended this petty girl repeatedly and stayed safe… all because *she* took the fall. To Ophelia, he was just an excuse to bully her.

A cold glint flashed in Nefu’s eyes. She studied Blackfang. *Do I even need a disobedient beast? Should I… eliminate him?*

*Plop.* A retching sound cut her thoughts.

Blackfang gagged violently, white foam dripping from his muzzle.

Nefu glanced at Ophelia—her face was dark, terrifying.

*So her cooking really is awful.* Blackfang… wasn’t totally useless.

Nefu gave a mental nod. *Spare him… for now.* But she’d teach this beast a lesson later. If Ophelia wouldn’t control him, *she* must.

(Unseen by Nefu, a sliver of icy cold had flickered deep in Ophelia’s eyes when she looked at Blackfang.)

Ophelia took a slow breath, forcing a smile onto her sour face.

“Off to rest, little one. We’re heading to the labyrinth tomorrow.”

“Hm?”

Before Nefu could react, Ophelia vanished into her room.

*She’s taking me out again?* Confused—but getting out was good news.

Inside her room, the pajama-clad, breathtakingly lovely girl rubbed her stiff cheeks.

“Did I look awful just now? All because of that smelly dog…”

She walked to her desk, picked up a tiny vial of purple potion. A blush bloomed on her cheeks.

*This is for my little kitty tomorrow… Need to refine it a bit more…*

Next morning, Ophelia set out with Nefu. Notably, Blackfang wasn’t trailing behind—he strutted proudly *ahead* of them.

Nefu felt the sky collapse. *That damn dog!* He’d get her killed!

Ophelia ignored him completely, as if he didn’t exist.

They reached Floor 25 effortlessly. No troll-like humanoids here—only the Bear-Owl: a monstrous fusion of bear and eagle-owl.

But Ophelia led them to an open clearing, not the lair.

“Little Nefu~ Today’s goal: boost your magic reserves. Drink this.” She held out the purple potion.

Suspicious but helpless, Nefu prayed Blackfang would snatch it. She turned—only to find the lazy dog sprawled on the grass, snoring.

No choice. She steeled herself and drank.

Ophelia nodded. “This potion continuously drains your magic. Took me ages to brew. Now—resist me with all you’ve got~”

*Snap.* A giant magic hand lunged from midair.

“Mmph…”

Nefu’s barrier drained magic terrifyingly fast. Five minutes felt impossible.

Right at the five-minute mark, the barrier flickered. Teeth gritted, magic nearly gone—

*Shatter.*

A tingling surge flooded her lower abdomen. She clamped her legs tight.

*What…?* Breathing hitched. Her hand drifted downward. *This feeling… only happens during… those times?*

Legs crossed inward, body trembling. The sensation swelled—

Suddenly! Nefu’s chin jerked up. A shaky whimper escaped her parted lips. Eyes glazed. Body convulsed.

The volcano… erupted…

And deep within—a quiet surge of magic regenerated. Just enough to hold on a little longer.