No one knew how much time had passed when Laegira suddenly interrupted Daov’s lecture.

  “All right, Daov—surely you’re not planning to finish the entire book here, are you? You still have matters awaiting your return. Those people will be in an uproar if you delay much longer. Glenn has a neighbor well-versed in magical studies; he can consult that person for the basics. Your time, my friend, is far too valuable to be spent entirely on this.”

  Daov smacked his forehead lightly, first thanking Laegira before turning to Glenn. “I must take my leave. When you’ve mastered this book, come to the Abyssal Valley of Demons to find me. You’ll sense my presence there—my magic abode lies nearby. I’ll teach you new things then. If I’m away, it means I’ve gone to the capital; I should return within a day or two.”

  With that, he turned and opened the wooden door standing on the grassy lawn.

  His wife, Maika, approached Glenn, taking out a finely crafted wand and handing it to him. “I’m only a fourth-tier mage, so this is all I can offer. It should aid you in your spellcasting.”

  “Thank you, Madam Maika.”

  Accepting the wand, Glenn couldn’t help recalling how ridiculous he must have looked casting spells as a werewolf, wielding a wand no thicker than a toothpick. He nearly laughed but restrained himself just in time.

  Seeing him accept her gift, Maika smiled, then joined her husband as they stepped through the door and vanished.

  Putting the wand away, Glenn glanced around—the guests had all departed, leaving only himself, Tia, and the couple known as the Black Crow.

  Tia had fallen asleep atop a table, one hand clutching a box filled with sweets.

  Laegira, too, lay resting nearby, her eyes closed, her breathing calm.

  Glenn was taken aback. Moments ago, Lady Laegira had been speaking animatedly with Daov—how had she drifted off so suddenly?

  He walked to the Black Crow’s side. The man lowered his voice. “My wife is exhausted, but she’s happy.”

  Glenn smiled faintly and whispered back, “Please give her my farewell.”

  The Black Crow nodded.

  Glenn moved to Tia’s side and gently nudged her. The little maid only smacked her lips in her sleep, showing no sign of waking.

  He carefully lifted the box from her grasp, then hoisted her onto his back. With a parting wave to the Black Crow, he opened the door and left.

  As the door closed behind him, the blue sky, white clouds, and grassy field all twisted out of sight, dissolving back into the dim interior of the Black Crow’s home. Darkness reclaimed the space.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  Laegira lay peacefully upon her bed; the Black Crow stood quietly beside her.

  Leaving their home, Glenn felt a rare sense of joy. This journey had been more than worthwhile—he had met so many strange yet fascinating people, and even begun to learn magic.

  It was all thanks to the Black Crow and his wife. Glenn would never forget such kindness. One day, he vowed, he would repay them.

  The young maid slept soundly on his back, not stirring once during the journey home.

  After placing her on her bed, Glenn glanced up at the sky, uncertain of the time.

  He retrieved the pocket watch taken from the wolf chieftain and froze.

  “Nine o’clock already?!”

  It hadn’t felt so late.

  That noble youth was still in Dood Town—he wondered how things were going.

  Without delay, he harnessed the deer-drawn carriage and rode for the neighboring town.

  Fortunately, the boy was safe, though still without new recruits. His eyes, however, held a wary glimmer when they met Glenn’s.

  Luther had already left work, leaving only Lavier behind, staring blankly into space.

  Glenn didn’t linger. After asking a few questions about the day’s events, he brought the young noble back home.

  In the pigpen, he noticed Nighthowl had grown significantly larger. Intrigued, Glenn stepped closer.

  Sensing his master’s presence, the great hound straightened its back, sitting as rigidly as a soldier awaiting inspection.

  Glenn circled the dog several times, confirming that it wasn’t merely fatter—but stronger. Excitement gleamed in his eyes.

  “Didn’t expect you to grow stronger after devouring those creatures,” he murmured in astonishment.

  Then, an idea struck him. Drawing a claw across his wrist, he let his blood flow freely, extending it toward Nighthowl. “Try my blood. See if it has any effect.”

  Gottaya, passing by, gave him a bewildered look.

  Nighthowl sniffed the blood, then turned its head away—not out of fear, but disdain.

  Seeing that, Glenn kicked him lightly. “When did you become too proud to take my blood?”

  Under his glare, the hound reluctantly licked the wound.

  Yet, to Glenn’s disappointment, nothing happened.

  Maybe the amount wasn’t enough? he wondered—until Nighthowl suddenly convulsed and began vomiting violently, as though trying to empty its very stomach.

  Glenn: “…”

  When the fit finally ended, the hound collapsed limply, unwilling to move.

  “Your blood’s poisonous?” Gottaya ventured.

  “Perhaps,” Glenn muttered, brushing it off. He waved for her to eat and rest.

  Back inside, he had no appetite for cooking. He told the others to fill up on the leftover birthday pastries and retreated to his room.

  Lighting the oil lamp, he eagerly opened the book Daov had given him.

  Though much remained obscure, he now had questions—and with questions, he could seek answers.

  The sounds downstairs gradually faded; Lavier and Gottaya had likely gone to sleep.

  But Glenn read on, wholly absorbed. Only when the lamp began to dim did he pause, refill it with oil, and continue.

  For the first time since arriving in this world, he stayed up through the night.

  Outside, a dark figure prowled the streets, its shadow pausing before the lone house still lit, growling in low, cryptic tones…

  Knock, knock, knock.

  The sound drew Glenn’s eyes from the page. Checking his pocket watch, he saw it was already eight in the morning.

  He rose and opened the door. Tia stood there, bowing politely. “Good morning, Mr. Glenn. Young Master Lavier is waiting for you to take him to work in Dood Town. Lady asked me to fetch you.”

  Scratching his head, Glenn started to agree—then paused, an idea forming.

  “Tia, tell him to drive the carriage himself. He’s seen me do it often enough; he should manage fine.”

  “Um…” Tia hesitated, unsure her young master was capable of it.

  But Glenn pressed a small pouch of copper coins into her hand. “Go on. He’ll be fine. This is for his meal.”

  The maid nodded reluctantly and went to deliver the message.

  To her surprise, Lavier wasn’t angry in the slightest. Instead, his eyes lit up with excitement.

  “I understand! I’ll head out right away!” he said eagerly, grabbing his coat and hurrying out the door.