“Can you feel it, little kitty? I’ve really squeezed every last drop of potential out of you~”

Ophelia’s lips curled into a smile as she watched Nefu—flushed, dazed, yet gritting her teeth to hold up the magic shield. *This is exactly what I wanted to see.* Nefu might seem steadier now, but just a little pressure…

Ophelia gently clenched her fist. *Crack!* The shield Nefu had struggled so hard to raise shattered completely.

Almost instantly, Nefu arched backward sharply. Her chest heaved visibly, movement pronounced enough to be distracting. Her small hands drifted involuntarily downward. Overwhelmed by the intense stimulation, her legs buckled. She sank to her knees, panting heavily.

Between them, another magic shield flickered into existence—proof she’d been forced to summon more magic.

*Good. Just as I knew—my little cutie has real potential.*

Ophelia smiled faintly and flicked her finger. The shield, a testament to Nefu’s endurance, shattered again.

This time, the shock was immense. Nefu collapsed onto the ground, her whole body trembling uncontrollably. After a long moment, she barely managed to summon another shield—gossamer-thin.

Again and again, the shield formed and shattered. Nefu felt trapped in a nightmare. Drool traced her lips as she knelt, instinctively weaving a shield as thin as a cicada’s wing the moment magic flickered back.

*She’s reached her limit.* Ophelia lifted Nefu to a tree. Noticing the damp fabric, she chuckled softly. Heat gathered at her fingertips, drying the moisture. Then, with practiced ease, she stripped Nefu’s soaked clothes and—just as expected—pulled a dry set from her storage ring.

Now, only waiting remained for her little cutie to wake.

Nefu had zero desire to wake. *City dwellers are terrifying. One misstep, and you fall straight into their traps. If I’d known, I’d have stayed in the forest as a monster.*

In the dark void of her mind, she was utterly miserable. Even here, a light touch to her lower abdomen sent waves of dizzying sensation through her—far worse than in her physical body.

No physical form meant no release. A small mercy—at least her mind stayed clear.

But soon, that mercy turned cruel. The brush of fingers, the whisper of fabric—everything became a trigger. The coiled tension neared its breaking point. This soul-deep, addictive torment gnawed at every nerve.

“Guh… ngh…”

Nefu sat slumped, too unsteady to stand. Her stockinged feet arched tightly, highlighting the curve of her instep. Her long legs pressed together desperately. One hand pressed her lower abdomen; the other rested over her pelvic area. Struggle etched her face.

*If I surrender to this… revenge is over. I’ll be Ophelia’s slave forever.*

Just then—a soft blue glow. She blinked. A diamond-shaped crystal hovered before her, radiating calming magic.

*Is this… the result of my training?* She sensed it was condensed magic. But as she focused closer, dizziness struck. Her mindscape twisted violently.

*Returning to reality?! Nooo!*

Consciousness rushed back. Tingling numbness spread through her limbs. Warmth radiated nearby—undeniably real.

She didn’t open her eyes. Instead, an eye manifested on her neck, hidden by her hair.

The training had strengthened her. The contract’s suppression had weakened. Near Ophelia, she could now perform simple partial transformations.

Across the campfire, Ophelia rummaged through her pack.

“Ah, found it.” She pulled out a small milk bottle and called, “Blackfang.”

“Our little cutie’s still asleep. This was for her, but since she’s not up… you drink it.” She glanced at the “sleeping” Nefu and spoke softly, careful not to wake her.

Blackfang let out two eager howls and buried his snout in the bottle, lapping happily.

A sudden pang of jealousy flared in Nefu’s chest. *I hate him. I want to erase him right now.*

But unease cooled her rage. Watching Blackfang finish the milk, jealousy faded—replaced by cold dread.

*Something’s wrong.*

Ophelia stood, rubbed her stomach, and muttered, “Hungry. Let’s hunt some owl-bear meat for barbecue. Come on, Blackfang.”

*No! Blackfang, come back!* Nefu silently commanded.

Ophelia cast a protective spell on Nefu and walked into the woods. Blackfang, hoping for more treats, followed without a glance back.

Only after they vanished did Nefu sit up. Anxiety drowned all lingering discomfort. She wanted to move—but the barrier held her fast. Trapped, she waited by the fire.

Rustling came from the trees behind her. She turned—

A warm arm pulled her close.

“Little cutie, I’m back! Miss me? Brought owl-bear meat for barbecue later.” Ophelia beamed, meat strips in hand, cradling Nefu.

“Master, please let go—I can’t breathe!”

Smothered against Ophelia’s chest, Nefu’s face flushed crimson. She stumbled back two steps, gasping deeply.

Once steady, she peered behind Ophelia. “Master… did you see Blackfang? Didn’t you take him hunting?”

“I did. He was following me the whole time.” Ophelia glanced back, brow furrowing slightly.

“How strange… Why hasn’t Blackfang come back yet?”