Still sore and aching all over…

After Naji’s thorough healing, Torina’s discomfort eased slightly—but she still felt utterly drained.

This had to be what it felt like in her past life after pulling dozens of insane overtime hours… that hollow, emptied-out exhaustion. Was this the plight of a corporate drone? Ugh. And she still had to team up with Annawiel to take on the boss tonight…

Torina slumped onto a bench in the inn’s outdoor pavilion. After what felt like ages, the fatigue finally lessened just enough for her to remember something important.

“Come to think of it… where’s Mylora…?”

She’d spent days trying to get closer to her. If she didn’t show up today, would Mylora grow suspicious? Yeah… she really needed to see her.

Speak of the devil.

The moment she stepped out of the pavilion, she bumped right into Mylora.

“Ah… Mylora-chan!”

Torina forced a bright greeting, struggling to keep her tired eyes open and flash a cheerful smile.

“…Oh. Good afternoon.”

Mylora gave only a stiff nod.

Her expression was rigid, her voice flat. She kept her distance—physically and deliberately.

(??)

A flicker of confusion crossed Torina’s mind.

Something felt off.

Was that… *coldness* and *distance* in Mylora’s eyes? But just yesterday, after days of warming up, Torina felt her guard had nearly vanished. Why was it back? Like her affection meter had been reset to zero.

“Mylora-chan? You seem upset. Something bothering you?”

“……No.”

Mylora’s gaze darted away—not from guilt, but simmering anger. Resentment practically radiated from her.

She was furious. *Absolutely* furious.

Why?

Torina’s foggy, exhaustion-addled brain finally pieced it together.

“Ah! Could it be… period cramps? Should I call Naji for a pain-relief blessing?”

“What are you even saying!? Y-you shameless bastard!!”

Mylora’s face flushed crimson, puffing up like an angry kitten—though her flustered scowl only made her look adorably cute. Without another word, she spun around and strode off, not even glancing back.

Torina stood bewildered.

How could her attitude shift so suddenly? Just like a stray cat…

Her fatigue-blunted mind still hadn’t caught up.

---

---

[Scan results: Diweier has entered a weakened state—likely from last night’s clash. She’s committed to playing her role fully.]

“Sly one…”

After “accidentally” overhearing the “truth” last night, Mylora’s goodwill toward Torina had plummeted to zero.

It wasn’t just anger—sadness coiled deep inside.

She’d already forgiven Torina’s past arrogance. Had even begun, subconsciously, to see her as a friend… or something more. But the “truth” the system revealed crushed that fragile warmth.

Now she couldn’t bear to face Torina. Couldn’t even think of her. Dwelling on it only made her feel pitiful.

[Trust no one. Trust only me. Every choice I make maximizes your gain. I am your absolute, sole friend.]

Since last night, the system repeated this—again and again. Sweet, reliable words seeping through cracks in her heart, sinking deep into her soul.

[Tactics are set. You need one companion: someone with strong damage output. Just follow my lead.]

“Hmm… but who?”

[Someone you can trust. Someone with no reason to harm you.]

“You mean… ah!”

Wenren Jixue, of course.

Also from a commoner background. Always kind. Had even said, “Come to me if you need help.” And her strength was formidable.

But Mylora hesitated.

“Just the two of us against the Lord… Even knowing his weakness, it’s dangerous. I don’t want to drag an innocent into harm.”

[To become the Sovereign Phoenix, you must be ruthless. Clinging to sentiment won’t forge greatness.]

“But… Ji Xue might be the only one genuinely kind to me…”

[How do you know it’s genuine? Haven’t you learned your lesson?]

“But…”

[Fine. If you insist on protecting her, roles shift. You draw aggro. She strikes the weak point. Risk falls on you.]

“No problem. Ji Xue’s DPS is stronger anyway. She can handle the ambush.”

[Then she lands the final blow. Killer claims first loot. The key may be lost.]

“I’ll give her everything else! I only need the key!”

[Decision accepted. I’ll guide you mid-battle for self-preservation.]

Minutes later, Mylora found Wenren Jixue practicing swordsmanship outside town. Under the system’s direction, she carefully explained the mission.

“So… we scout the secret passage to the boss room? Just us two?”

“Intel says too many adventurers risk a full wipe. The captain ordered a small recon team—and entrusted *me* to choose my companion.”

Lying to Ji Xue twisted Mylora’s stomach. Silently, she apologized again and again, vowing to keep her safe and surrender all loot except the key.

Kind-hearted Ji Xue believed her instantly.

“I see! The captain trusting you with this… she truly values you! Of course I’ll help!”

She agreed without hesitation.

Having overheard the captain and vice-captain’s midnight plan, Mylora and Ji Xue had to move first.

“Meet at the thirteenth entrance of Amana Forest at dusk. And… please don’t tell anyone.”

“Mm!”

…

…

…

Dusk fell.

Fully armed and armored, Mylora and Ji Xue arrived at Entrance Thirteen—a secluded path few adventurers used, perfect for staying unseen.

“Let’s go, Ji Xue. I’m counting on you.”

“Mm! I want to help too!”