“Hey, kid, why’re you hiding in this dump? This stench is murder on a fox’s nose!”

The Fox Demon grumbled in my mind, forcing my hand to pinch my nose—but even that couldn’t block the restroom’s thick, foul air.

“I didn’t want to either,” I sighed, slumping onto the toilet seat. “But this felt safest. Those two probably can’t get in here, right?” The moment the dismissal bell rang, I zipped straight from class to this restroom. Something felt off about the classroom’s aura. I couldn’t name it, but I had a sinking feeling: staying longer would bring trouble.

So yeah, this boys’ restroom was my last warm sanctuary—stench aside.

“You seem really scared of Class Rep Hanhan,” the Fox Demon mused. “Didn’t you handle her already? What’s to fear? She’s just an untrained human. How could she beat you, a one-tailed fox demon?”

She’d been dormant during my clash with Class Rep Hanhan, so she had no idea how terrifying Hanhan truly was.

“You don’t get it,” I said, voice trembling. “Even ten tails wouldn’t save you from that woman. She’s *that* scary.” Just remembering it sent a chill down my spine. I prayed the blood curse on her was gone—I never wanted a repeat of *that*.

“Oh? Then this queen’s rather curious about her strength.”

“Wait—has the blood curse lifted?”

“Blood curses need spiritual energy to hold. Drain her dry, and it vanishes on its own.”

“Good. Then it’s gone.” I let out a long sigh of relief. That day, I *had* drained her—stopped only when nothing was left.

“Time to head back.” I checked my watch. Less than two minutes till class—just enough to reach the classroom. With teachers around, *that* fox wouldn’t dare cause trouble.

“Hide your tail well. Don’t let it slip out.”

“Got it.” I patted my tailbone, confirmed nothing was poking out, and stepped from the stall. But after two steps—

“Lady Nine Tails! Why were you in the restroom so long? Tummy trouble? I’ve got digestive tablets—want two bottles?”

Xiao Qing popped out from the side, startling me so badly my tail nearly sprouted again.

“What are you *doing*?! I said it’s impossible between us! When will you give up?!”

“Don’t be mad, Lady Nine Tails~” Xiao Qing’s eyes shone with earnest sincerity. “Xiao Qing’s here to protect you! Your inherited Nine Tails power is too precious—countless great demons want to devour you. School’s the closest place to stay near you.”

“Really? You’ve given up on… dual cultivation?”

If she truly meant protection, that wasn’t bad. My identity *was* special. Too many coveted the Nine Tails within me. A guardian before I matured made sense.

“Of course~ Xiao Qing accepts it! Being a half-demon isn’t so bad!”

“I’ll trust you once. But clear warning: no dual cultivation thoughts. I won’t tolerate it.”

“Yes, yes! Your word is law, Lady Nine Tails!” She nodded like a pecking chick.

But as I opened my mouth—

…A figure flitted past the corner behind her. Uniform looked like Class Rep Hanhan’s.

“What was that…?”

“Lady Nine Tails, my back itches. Can you check?” Xiao Qing frowned, reaching behind. Couldn’t quite reach—or maybe she wanted me to—so she turned.

“Uh…”

My throat went dry. I swallowed hard and stepped back.

Four sharp, gleaming knives were stuck squarely on her pristine uniform. Blades trembled faintly with a soft hum, as if just embedded.

“What’s wrong, Lady Nine Tails?”

“N-nothing.”

How was she not in pain?! Four knives stabbed straight in! Anyone seeing this would think *I* did it.

“Relax,” the Fox Demon murmured in my mind. “Ordinary blades without Taoist or demonic energy can’t harm demons. Still… slipping them into a three-tailed fox demon unnoticed? Skilled.”

I finally dared to pull the knives. No blood—just neat holes in the fabric. Seriously impressive.

“Ah… Lady Nine Tails, what are you doing?”

“Don’t look! Don’t turn!”

Ignoring her breathy protest, I tossed the knife aside before she noticed.

“So… am I invincible now? Knives, bullets—nothing works?” I thought.

“Correct. But you’ll still *feel* pain. As for her? Thick-skinned. Calls this a tickle.”

“You call *this* a tickle?” I rolled my eyes. Maybe trusting this fox was a mistake.

“Whatever. Just finish it.”

After scanning the area, I yanked the last three knives out at once—

*Snap.*

Wait… teenage girls wear bras. Straps hold them. One knife had nicked the back strap, another the shoulder strap—mostly cut, just a thread left. My rush snapped the rest clean off.

Clueless, I stayed focused on the knives.

“KYAAAAAAAH—!”

Xiao Qing shrieked, arms flying to cover her chest as she crouched down.

“Huh? What’s wrong?”