"Hmm, looking at it this way, having this little kitten as Miss March's sparring partner is simply perfect." Yanqing, having recovered from his shock at the Phantylia Kitten's power, cast an admiring glance at Lumina.
As expected of Lady Lumina! Even her pet possesses such formidable power!
"Well, it's certainly going to be tough on March 7th," Yunli said, gradually regaining her composure. She crossed her arms and nodded in agreement.
Though it seemed utterly unbelievable, the truth was undeniable, playing out right before their eyes. Despite her reluctance to admit it, Yunli had to acknowledge that this little kitten was more qualified than both she and Yanqing to serve as March 7th's sparring partner.
The problem was...
Judging by the kitten's performance in battle, March 7th might have to endure several times the usual training pressure while sparring with it.
Still, since Lumina had proposed this arrangement, and given their close relationship, there would surely be no problems.
With no problems remaining, everything else would be good.
If March 7th could endure this period, not only would she easily outperform the IPC employee named Scott, but she could likely secure a top position in the Wardance Ceremony as well.
"Huh?" March 7th's small face froze upon hearing Yunli's words. Her eyes widened, and a hint of confusion gradually surfaced between her brows. "Why would it be hard on me?"
March 7th glanced at the Phantylia Kitten cradled in Sister Lumina's arms, then back at Master Yunli and Master Yanqing, her confusion deepening.
"Don't worry, March," Lumina said, setting the Phantylia Kitten down and offering a reassuring smile. "With the pendant I gave you, you'll definitely be able to endure it."
March 7th: ?
A massive question mark floated above March 7th's head.
"Don't overthink it. This is a good thing." Seeing March 7th's clueless expression, Yunli simply offered a cryptic remark before shifting her gaze back to the Little Kitten.
"By the way, Lumina, what's the Little Kitten's name?"
Since they'd decided to make this cat March 7th's sparring partner, they couldn't keep calling it "Little Kitten"—it was rather impolite.
"Let's call her Little Phan," Lumina suggested, glancing at the Phantylia Kitten before smiling.
Phantylia Kitten: ...
"Phan..." Hearing the name, the expressions on Stelle and March 7th's faces immediately soured.
But Stelle's expression quickly returned to normal. For some reason, she suddenly walked up to the Phantylia Kitten, crouched down, and reached out to pick it up.
"Meow, meow! (Damn insect, what do you think you're doing?!)"
The moment Stelle lifted it, the Phantylia Kitten began to struggle wildly, flailing its claws in mid-air. A faint flicker of murderous intent sparked in its eyes, and an invisible energy began to coalesce within its heart.
"..."
"Meow~"
But just as quickly, sensing the intense gaze fixed upon it and the icy chill radiating from behind, the Phantylia Kitten instantly dispersed the energy it had gathered. With a meek meow, it signaled its utmost obedience, projecting an image of perfect docility and irresistible cuteness...
"Heh." Stelle remained silent, gazing at the Phantylia Kitten for a moment. Then, a dragon king's smile curled her lips.
After a brief pause, Stelle set the Phantylia Kitten down, stood up, and placed her hands on her hips, looking down at it with mock condescension. "Yo, Little Phan, long time no see! What's with this pathetic display?"
Everyone else: ...
Upon hearing Stelle's words, nearly everyone present fell silent.
"Um... has she always been like this?" Yunli, who wasn't very familiar with Stelle, wore a baffled expression.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Just ignore her; these occasional outbursts are perfectly normal," March 7th explained after a moment of awkward silence.
She added with a helpful warning: "By the way, if she goes too long without acting crazy..."
"Then remember, it's not because she's cured. It means she's brewing something big and interesting!"
"I see..." Yunli nodded lightly, offering no further comment.
"Meow~" Hearing March 7th's explanation, the Phantylia Kitten on the lawn let out a small sigh of relief.
The Phantylia Kitten had initially feared that Stelle had deduced its true identity based on the Phan in its name.
Just a random fit of madness, then? Scared me half to death...
So, implanting a Stellaron into someone's body can deteriorate their spirit, causing these kinds of erratic outbursts...
"Alright, enough with the nonsense. Let's get today's training started."
When Lumina first saw Stelle's sudden movements, she thought Stelle had guessed the Phantylia Kitten's identity.
Just another fit of madness? That's quite typical of her...
Lumina shook her head, dismissing the thought. To prevent the Phantylia Kitten's true nature from being exposed, she stepped forward and declared, "Mhm! Sister Lumina's right! Let's hurry and start today's training!"
Hearing this, March 7th's spirit instantly surged, her face brimming with anticipation as she gazed at her Junior Masters, Yunli and Yanqing.