After hastily finishing breakfast, Lu Ren walked toward the teaching building together with Xu Wenxing.
“Ren-ge, how about we go out to eat after class? Since we have a holiday after class, we might as well enjoy a good meal together,” Xu Wenxing suggested, sipping his soybean milk.
“Sure, where should we eat?” Lu Ren asked.
“The chicken hot pot right outside the school gate. We can just order a medium portion for the two of us,” Xu Wenxing took another two sips of his soybean milk.
“Chicken hot pot, huh…” Lu Ren pondered for a few seconds before nodding. “Alright, chicken hot pot it is. Their flavor is pretty decent anyway.”
“Since you don’t mind, Ren-ge, it’s settled then.”
After finishing the last mouthful of soybean milk, Xu Wenxing casually tossed the paper cup into the trash bin and followed Lu Ren up the big staircase of the teaching building.
Leading the way, Lu Ren pulled out his phone and glanced at the time to check.
It was exactly 7:50, with ten minutes left before class started.
By the time they reached the classroom door, the professor in charge of these two professional courses should be arriving.
If nothing unexpected happened, Lu Ren would focus on getting through these two sessions packed with professional theories and knowledge, then drag his weary body out with Xu Wenxing to eat lunch outside the school gate.
Afterward, he could return to the dormitory for a nice nap, wake up naturally, play some games, study a bit, order delivery for dinner, and enjoy a peaceful holiday all to himself.
“…Ren-ge, why aren’t you moving?” Xu Wenxing noticed Lu Ren suddenly standing still and asked curiously, “Lost in thought?”
But life always had its surprises.
The moment Lu Ren reached the second floor of the teaching building via the stairs, the key in his pocket suddenly began to heat up, growing from warm to scalding against his leg in just a few seconds.
“Lu Ren! Emergency! A highly dangerous Shadow Beast has appeared! We need to move out immediately!”
At the same time, Pandora’s voice came through the heating sensor beside his ear, alerting him to the current situation.
“Ren-ge? Why are you just standing there? Class is about to start, let’s go. After class, we can still go eat chicken hot pot.”
Unaware of the situation, Xu Wenxing waved his hand in front of Lu Ren, beckoning him forward to attend class together.
“Ah… uh…”
Lu Ren gave a faint response, nodded slightly, and followed Xu Wenxing forward.
But the closer he got to the classroom, the heavier his unease grew.
Arriving at the corridor of the floor, only a few dozen steps from the classroom door, Lu Ren’s body felt as if burdened by a thousand pounds, unable to convince himself to take another step forward.
“What’s wrong, Ren-ge?” Xu Wenxing looked at Lu Ren in confusion.
“Nothing…” Lu Ren forced calm and smiled at Xu Wenxing, “I’m just going to the restroom. I’ll be back quickly.”
“Oh, okay then. I’ll wait,” Xu Wenxing replied, glancing at his phone. “There are still seven minutes left, so no rush.”
Lu Ren nodded and then practically ran into a bathroom stall, pulling out his Dormitory Key from his pants pocket.
At that moment, the Red Star Pendant glowed brightly, and the rabbit-shaped external sensor flickered, pointing toward the source of the abnormal magical energy for Blazing Flame.
But Lu Ren remained silent, quietly staring at his Magical Outfit and the sensor in operation, lost in thought.
“Lu Ren? Why did you suddenly stop moving?” Pandora’s curious voice sounded again from the sensor. “The Shadow Beast is currently in A City’s western district. Aren’t you going to eliminate it?”
A City’s western district…
That was Old Town, one of the most densely populated areas of A City.
Many of the major violent incidents in A City happened because monsters appeared in Old Town.
Sapphire and Meteor don’t seem to have the ability to sense monsters, so it would probably take them a while to reach Old Town.
So, I…
“…I still have class today, Pandora.”
Lu Ren breathed heavily, feeling a sharp pain in his head, biting his teeth to relieve the ache as he answered Pandora’s question.
“Oh, I remember now. You’re still a student and have class today,” Pandora suddenly realized and replied, “Then go after class. That Shadow Beast is pretty strong; it should still be around when you finish. Or you don’t have to go at all. Let the other Magic Girls handle it. You can take a break today.”
“…You don’t blame me?”
Lu Ren gripped his heating Magical Outfit, confused about where he found the courage to ask that question.
“Hm? Why would I blame you?”
“You’re a student, and what you learn in class is for your own benefit. It only does good for you, no harm.”
“But becoming a Magic Girl and hunting Shadow Beasts, what real benefit do you get from it? Nothing. Except for the Purification Shards that boost your strength after transformation, you get no material reward, and you even risk your life fighting the Shadow Beasts.”
“So, I won’t blame you. After all, you’re human too. You have your own considerations.”
Pandora answered Lu Ren’s question with genuine confusion, speaking cheerfully about her perspective.
No coercion, no moral pressure, no sarcasm.
Only the rational thoughts and analysis of a magical fairy.
But it was this answer that made Lu Ren’s heart ache even more.
Pandora was right; saving others was none of his concern.
Even if he rushed to Old Town and saved everyone, what would it matter?
Aside from a few words of thanks, he wouldn’t gain any material reward.
He was still a student and should prioritize his studies.
For now, it was best to quietly use the restroom, wash his face, then go eat chicken hot pot with Xu Wenxing, and after that, go eliminate the Shadow Beast.
The first eight times he transformed, luck was on his side. The monsters never interfered with class time, so he could study hard and still transform into a Magic Girl to hunt Shadow Beasts and uphold justice.
Now that there was a schedule conflict, he had to be rational, make the right choice, and follow it from now on.
“…Hah.”
Lu Ren suddenly let out a scornful laugh.
Even he didn’t know if the laugh was at himself or his own thoughts.
But after that laugh, he clenched his teeth like a fierce wolf, tightly grasping the Red Star Pendant in his hand.
His untrimmed nails dug deep into his palm, sending sharp waves of pain.
Enough with the jokes!
When did I ever become a Magic Girl for material gain?!
From the day I chose to accept this Forbidden Power, I never considered any material satisfaction!
At this moment, Blazing Flame had made her choice.
“Pandora.” Lu Ren whispered the name softly toward the sensor, “Can you come with me to the Old Town in the western district?”
“Eh? Lu Ren, you…” Pandora’s voice sounded surprised.
“Is that okay?” Lu Ren asked quietly again.
“…Yes! Of course!” Pandora replied enthusiastically, “I’ll accompany you to Old Town in the west! Let’s eliminate this damned Shadow Beast together!”
“Alright, then let’s get ready.”
Lu Ren closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
In his heart, he silently apologized to Xu Wenxing and the professor before turning around, opening the stall door, and stepping out of the restroom.
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