“How about we order food delivery? I’ll get you that chocolate after I master the transformation technique. Deal?”

No proper clothes for going out was a hassle. After weighing options, delivery felt doable. Sure, this tiny body wasn’t exactly presentable—but just have the rider leave it at the door. Payment’s online anyway.

“…Fine. This queen won’t press you further. But remember: eat, then study. No rest until you’ve learned the transformation technique. You’re not human anymore—you won’t die from skipping sleep.”

The Fox Demon saw my plight and eased up… though her “study or starve” logic felt flimsy.

“Yeah yeah, whatever you say.” I rolled my eyes, hopped off the sofa, and crawled on all fours while shifting back toward human form.

Fur receded slowly. Body expanded gently. Limbs reshaped bit by bit into arms and legs. By the time I reached my phone, I was back in my little girl form.

“Phew—phone survived. Otherwise, I’d be starving.”

Earlier, I’d left my coat (with phone inside) in the living room, sparing it from the bedroom fire.

“What to order…? Meh. A rice bowl. This body probably can’t hold much anyway.”

I glanced down at my flat tummy—smaller than one of my old shoes. If the stomach was tinier too, force-feeding wouldn’t help.

“Order confirmed. Now just wait…”

The second I set the phone down, a chill shot up my spine. Cold dread crept onto my shoulders—like unseen eyes locked on me.

“Don’t speak! Something’s nearby—and it’s after *you*!”

Though bodiless and soul-fractured, the millennia-old Fox Demon sensed the presence instantly. She seized control, whipping my head toward the window. There—a shadow clung to the AC unit on the opposite building. Gone in a blink.

“Was that…?” I rubbed my eyes, doubting myself.

“I don’t know. Aura’s mixed—human and Fox Demon. Friend or foe? Unclear. But they’re strong. And right now… *above us*.”

“What?!” I jerked my gaze upward. Top-floor apartment meant…

*Buzz… buzz…*

A faint hum vibrated through the concrete ceiling. A hairline crack spiderwebbed from the chandelier. Chunks of plaster rained down. The fissure widened—roof collapsing.

“MOVE!”

Frozen, I stared up. The Fox Demon yanked my body into a backward roll into the bedroom. *CRASH!* The living room caved in.

And I… stood stunned in the dust cloud.

Bedroom burned this morning. Living room collapsed now. What the hell did I *do*?!

“You carry Lady Nine Tails’ aura—but you’re not *her*! You reek of a minor demon who stole her power. Speak! What happened to Lady Nine Tails?!”

A figure emerged from the smoke. Deep voice, graceful curves—clearly female. And swaying behind her silhouette: three tail-like appendages. A Three-Tail Fox Demon?

“I…”

“UPSTAIRS! ARE YOU INSANE?! Banging all afternoon, *and* at night?! Gas canister explode?! Breathe already! If you’re alive, SAY SOMETHING! Ugh, such a pain!”

The shout came through the open window—downstairs neighbor yelling. Lucky this old building had few residents below, or chaos would’ve erupted.

“…”

“…”

Silence hung between me and the shadow.

“Yell louder why don’t you?! Go complain to the property manager!”

I sprinted to the window, leaned out shouting, then slammed it shut.

Hmph. Mood already ruined—don’t poke the bear.

“Answer me, little demon! What did you do to Lady Nine Tails?!”

Impatient, the shadow stepped fully from the smoke. Three emerald flames ignited, circling her.

“You’re… a fox spirit!”

Sixteen or seventeen. Short cerulean hair. Tall, curvy frame—not Class Rep Hanhan’s level, but undeniably a beauty. Most striking: three swaying azure tails and fluffy fox ears. Yep. A fox spirit.

“You’re the *fox spirit*! This lady is a true Azure Hill Fox Demon—how dare a nameless runt like you use that term!”

The three azure lotus flames blazed. Heat surged, singeing my fur. I held my breath, throat tight against scalding air.

“A mere half-demon dares swagger before this queen? The Lotus Flame Technique… was *invented* by this queen.”

My lips curled in a cold smirk. Hands moved on their own. Crimson flames sparked at my fingertips, tracing a sigil midair.

Heat vanished instantly. Gasping, I glanced back—crimson lotus flames bloomed behind me. Not many.

Just… one, two, three… seventeen? Eighteen?

“Impossible! Our Six-Tails elder controls only eight! How can a single-tail like you—?!”

The fox spirit gaped, disbelief frozen on her face.

“You’re kinda awesome, Fox Demon—look how she’s shaking,” I whispered inwardly.

“Awesome? Bluffing. Manifesting lotuses drains spiritual energy. Your newborn single-tail power could barely sustain *one*. This queen just knows the technique—shaped hollow flames to scare her. Real fight? They’d pop like soap bubbles.”

*All just bubbles. Fleeting sparks.*

“…”

Speechless. I thought she’d be OP. Turns out… stage magic.

“Illusion? Then show me your real skill!”

The three azure lotuses detached, drifting slowly toward me.

Uh-oh. Bluff failed.

“No choice. Fight time. Watch closely—this queen’s giving you a live combat lesson.”

My stance shifted. Crimson lotuses surged past my shoulders, advancing.

Tension coiled—

*Ding-dong.*

“Hello? E-Tuan Food Delivery!”