“What's wrong with her?” Tina quickly grew alert.
Seeing that her identity had been exposed, there was no point in continuing to hide it. She put down her food and calmly looked at the other girl. But on second thought, Velrose was very likely Sathya's most loyal ally now, so she asked:
“Did Sathya send you?”
Velrose giggled behind her hand. “I wanted to come tell Senior on my own. Besides, this isn't a bad thing for Sathya, is it?”
“Language is merely a tool of deception for magical beasts. Magical beasts almost unconditionally ally with other magical beasts—at least, that's how it's been for every one I've met.”
“Indeed, magical beasts share a lot of common ground. We're only huddling together for warmth.”
Tina shook her head.
This girl had simply come to chat with her; she didn't harbor any ill intent.
Besides, even though she hadn't told Sathya, she was ultimately acting in the interest of her own kind.
Unconditionally, huh...
Tina picked up her spoon and began to sip her soy milk. It was unsweetened; she didn't really like sweet things.
“The state of her magic core is terrible. She could die at any moment. That's also why I came here.”
As expected, magical beasts could sense the strength of each other's magic cores.
All of these conjectures aligned perfectly with what the Flame Magical Beast had said.
Tina's eyes lit up. “Can I ask you to help her? I know it's a lot to ask, but we can make a deal.”
“I will do my best. After all, I still have to thank you, Senior. If not for you, I wouldn't have known how wonderful revenge feels. Thank you.” Velrose placed a hand against her cheek and smiled sweetly. “But is all of this your conspiracy?”
Velrose glanced at the students outside the cafeteria. They were all discussing the magical beast and Sathya.
“Mhm.” Tina simply gave a slight nod. “Just leave Babarol to me.”
“It's truly unexpected. Such a cute girl is actually the mastermind behind everything. No wonder the humans are being wrapped around your finger. Also, I suggest you stop playing with Sathya's feelings.”
“...” Tina remained silent.
“You like her, but you don't want to admit it, do you?”
Tina's ears buzzed with the surrounding noise.
“I have to do this.”
“I don't know your purpose, nor do I have the right to comment on your relationship, but if you keep this up, you'll die.” Velrose grew solemn. “If you keep provoking her, she will definitely snap. She's much stronger than I am.”
“Mhm. Thanks for the warning.”
To be honest, Tina actually wished Sathya would snap.
If Sathya drank her blood like last time—and hopefully a lot of it—it would replenish the integrity of her magic core.
Of course, this wasn't a long-term solution. Blood was merely a form of nourishment, and she couldn't fix it all in one go.
“Oh right, today is Senior's birthday, isn't it? Happy birthday, Senior~”
“Thank you.”
After finishing her breakfast, Tina went back to check on the area near the dormitory.
Sathya should be awake by now.
The crowd of onlookers had thinned out a bit, but it was still a chaotic mess. A few people seemed desperate to see Sathya and were even planning to barge straight into the dormitory. Several students had opened their windows to shout curses down at them, and both sides were arguing heatedly.
Amidst the chaos, the elderly dormitory manager rushed out and roared, “Get—the—hell—out—of—here!”
Only then did the students reluctantly take a few steps back.
About five minutes later, Sathya appeared.
With her beautiful silver hair and a cool, elegant expression that betrayed a hint of hesitation behind a forced smile, she instantly became the center of attention. She seemed to radiate a certain aura that made everyone instinctively want to draw close to her and admire her.
Surrounded by the crowd, she paid them absolutely no mind. Her expression remained unchanged, as if the world she saw had no room for these pests.
【Magic Core Integrity: Analysis Failed】
【Sathya's Obsession: 350】
“Analysis failed? System, you aren't malfunctioning, are you?” Tina muttered to herself.
【Host, please do not worry. Sathya's condition has basically stabilized. Please do not expose your affection. If she finds out, she will no longer keep that string taut and push through~】
“You sound pretty proud of yourself.”
Tina was left speechless. She continued to observe Sathya, knowing this didn't rule out some special circumstances.
She had imagined Velrose telling on her, and she had imagined Sathya already learning the truth.
So no matter what, she had to see her at the birthday party.
For the rest of the day, Tina began to tail Sathya.
Little Ya left the dormitory and made a trip to the President's office. It was unclear what the two talked about.
When she walked out, a faint smile graced her face.
Afterward, she went to a general store to buy some trinkets needed for the birthday party. Along the way, she ran into a few holy sisters, and after exchanging some brief pleasantries, they parted ways.
Noon arrived.
Sathya and Velrose had lunch together. Afterward, she led Velrose to the dormitory's activity area to help her get familiar with the environment.
In the afternoon, Sathya returned to her dormitory... The room that was originally a double room was still preserved. She went back to change into a Lolita dress—white with black lace, making her look like a cute little cake.
Tina stared, completely entranced, and almost exposed herself. Fortunately, the curious female students around blocked Sathya's view, allowing Tina to slip away.
Returning to her own room, she changed into a refreshing white dress.
The outfit was light and airy, making her look like a young girl going on a summer outing.
It had been bought during the first half of the year at a market near the convent, alongside Sathya's Lolita dress.
Back then, they had very little money and had to be extremely careful when buying clothes. Thus, this outfit was practically the only decent thing she had to wear. Aside from it, she only had her school uniform.
She tied a beautiful cyan bow in her hair. The girl in the mirror looked full of vitality, even if her expression still seemed a bit cold... but it didn't matter.
Around six-thirty, there was a knock on the door.
Knock, knock, knock—
Tina opened the door, and the person standing before her was indeed Sathya.
“Happy birthday, Sister Tina~”
“Thank you.”
Tina replied, but it was just a hollow response, devoid of any emotion.
Yet Sathya had the exact opposite attitude. She stepped forward and asked, “Do you want a birthday present? I've already prepared it~”
“Right now?” Tina didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
“Of course. I was worried you might feel too self-conscious at the party, so now is perfect.”
With that, Sathya slipped the gift into her hands.
It was an exquisite little box wrapped in gold ribbon and wrapping paper, looking quite expensive.
“Sister Tina, you used to always tell me to save money. But now, I have plenty of scholarship money to buy things for you. Think of it as payback for all the years you've taken care of me~”
Sathya seemed to be in a very good mood.
Originally, Tina's mood had been quite decent as well...
Although she acted resistant, this was actually the first time Sathya had ever given her a gift.
They had made a promise when they were children.
Because they were so close, they agreed not to give each other gifts on their birthdays. As long as they were safe and sound, that was the best gift they could offer each other. Tina had instilled these values in Sathya from a young age, though, truth be told, this so-called promise was merely a way to save money.
The saved money was barely enough to cover magic materials, items, exam registration fees, and travel expenses to the Holy Academy. How ironic.
But Tina's mood quickly took a sharp turn for the worse.
【Sathya's Obsession: 350】
【Magic Core Integrity: Analysis Failed. Warning, Analysis Failed...】
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