The next day, walking through the Dungeon, Nefu seemed distracted—so much so she nearly tripped over a low-hanging branch.

"Miss Nefu, watch your step!" Amy called out from behind. Today’s team held only the two of them: Nefu on frontline offense, Amy handling finishing blows and prepping items, potions.

"I’m fine." Nefu shook her head slightly, thoughts still tangled in Ophelia’s whispered words from last night.

*Flashback: over ten hours earlier.*

"I just thought of a brilliant idea," Ophelia murmured beside Nefu’s ear, voice like a devil’s whisper. "How about I give you a chance to make me stop~?" A strange thrill flickered, but Nefu disliked it. Without hesitation, she gave a reluctant nod.

"Good." Ophelia released her grip on Nefu’s neck, leaned down to press a light kiss to her cheek—then her right hand tightened sharply below.

"N-no…" Gasping, Nefu only wished Ophelia would state her terms so she could agree and end this.

"Little Nefu," Ophelia nibbled her ear, breath warm against skin, "tomorrow, the Adventurers Guild hosts the Extermination Tournament. Your task? Bring me prey that satisfies me. Sound fair?"

"Y-yes! I understand!" Flustered and desperate to escape, Nefu agreed without thinking.

*Now? How foolish.* What even was this tournament? She’d never heard of it. Didn’t know the rules. How could she win? *Maybe ask at the Adventurers Guild later.*

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice Amy trailing behind, hesitating to speak.

After a while, Amy stepped forward. "Miss Nefu, did you know the Extermination Tournament’s starting soon?"

She expected silence—but the moment she finished, Nefu snapped her head around, voice sharp: "Explain it. Now."

Annoyed but remembering Nefu was her golden goose, Amy raised a finger. "Simple: the Adventurers Guild holds it regularly to cull monsters. Slain monsters can be offered to the tournament’s special guest… maybe earn rewards."

*Special guest? So Ophelia’s the guest.* Nefu paused. "How does one win first place?"

"First place?" Amy blinked, then grinned. "Hunt strong monsters. Third-tier adventurers like us can only hunt Floors 21–30. We’ve got a shot!"

"What’s the strongest monster there?"

"Minotaur on Floor 30. Past that, forest turns to labyrinth—those beasts are nasty." Amy froze, eyes wide. "Miss Nefu… you’re not planning to hunt the Minotaur?! That bull-headed horror isn’t like anything we’ve faced!"

Nefu ignored her, walking on. *To satisfy Ophelia… the Minotaur is the only option.* With her strength, it should be fine.

*Squelch.*

She stopped, turned.

"Miss Nefu! You’ve changed your mind about the Minotaur?" Amy forced a smile.

Nefu’s reply chilled her. "What was our commission?"

"…Hunt fifty slimes."

"Take it. Mission complete." Nefu scooped the squelching slime, jerked her chin toward Amy, and strode away.

Amy followed with a grimace sadder than tears. *How do I stop her from going to Floor 30?*

Back at the Adventurers Guild, after submitting materials, Amy tossed a coin purse to Nefu. "Here. Full reward—just us two, so we get more."

Nefu stared at the pouch silently, then turned to leave.

"Won’t you reconsider? The Minotaur’s beyond us!"

Nefu didn’t pause. Not even a flicker.

*This woman…* Amy crushed the purse, resentment flashing. *Just a mage—acting so high and mighty.*

"Amy, tricking your clueless partner again?" Nearby adventurers chuckled.

Amy’s lip twitched. She smirked. "Jealous? She’s the fool. I just taught her a lesson." She waved the purse. *This should’ve been partly hers!*

"Then treat us to drinks!"

"Gladly! With the little maid’s money."

As smug laughter swelled, a cold voice whispered:

"Careful~ Earn the coin, but live to spend it?"

"Who’s there?!" Amy spun around, heart pounding.

"Hearing things again, Amy?" teased a companion.

"…Guess so." *Exhaustion. Just need a drink.* She stood, walked out—unaware a slender figure in gray rose quietly behind her.

…

"Little Nefu~ I’m back!" Ophelia breezed through the door, radiant.

"Master…" Nefu bowed slightly. As she turned to leave, Ophelia pulled her onto her lap.

"Ran into something amusing today. Want to hear?" Reluctant but wary of angering her, Nefu nodded.

"Oh, nothing much. Just a little fool… tricked by a scammer."

*Huh?* Nefu frowned, confused.

"Never mind." Ophelia cupped Nefu’s face, gaze burning. "My dear… I’ll be joining tomorrow’s Extermination Tournament too. Doesn’t that sound fun?"