July 3rd—Phaga's first day cooking at Victoria Housekeeping.
A full spread of dishes was laid out on the table, their aroma drifting far and wide.
Already starving, Ellen had come downstairs all on her own, drawn by the smell before anyone even called her. She tried to keep up a dignified composure.
But the potato-braised chicken Phaga placed in front of her smelled far too good. Ellen's self-control crumbled, her mind went blank, and her eyes locked straight onto the dish.
Before she knew it, a salty taste touched her tongue, followed by the soft, springy texture of chicken skin.
One bite, and the rich sauce exploded in her mouth. She almost couldn't bear to swallow.
"Ellen, Phaga hasn't sat down yet. No sneaking food!"
Rina floated over carrying another dish and couldn't help scolding when she caught Ellen in the act.
Sneaking food? Me?
Ellen glanced down and froze—somehow, she already had chopsticks in hand, a piece of chicken halfway to her mouth!
Damn it, why don't I remember doing this?!
It's this chicken's fault!
It tempted me!
Without thinking, Ellen picked up another piece.
Mmm~ Delicious!
"Ellen!"
Rina was still smiling, but her face had darkened noticeably, carrying a crushing pressure.
The carefree Ellen froze instantly, as if shocked by electricity. Her heart skipped a beat, goosebumps broke out all over her skin, and she looked up at Rina with pitiful eyes, not daring to move.
"The last dish is ready!"
Just then, Phaga brought over the final plate—a simple stir-fry of shredded potatoes with green peppers.
He pulled out a chair, sat down, tugged down his sleeves, and called out, "Let's eat!"
Only then did Rina extend a hand beneath the table, casually flicking her finger.
A jolt of electricity zapped Ellen's thigh. Relieved as if granted amnesty, she immediately shut her mouth and began eating quietly.
But obedience wasn't exactly Ellen's style.
And besides, they say fish only have a seven-second memory. As a shark, wasn't it natural for her not to learn her lesson?
Hmm, this is too good. If I eat just a little faster, Rina probably won't notice... right?
Ellen picked up her pace slightly. Rina didn't react, so she pushed it further.
A little faster...
A little faster...
It's all Phaga's fault—for making a table full of such irresistible food!
So this is the kind of strength he has—even as a vampire who can't stand sunlight...
Too scary!
...
After dinner, Rina stopped Phaga from doing the dishes and told him to tutor Ellen instead. She herself turned back to the kitchen.
Two hours later, in Ellen's room—
"Do you still have questions about hybrid orbitals... hmm?"
Phaga was tutoring Ellen in chemistry when he suddenly heard a knock at the door behind him. He turned to look.
The door creaked open, a skirt hem appearing first.
Phaga immediately knew it was Rina.
She floated inside with a smile. "You two, I just heard—you'll be going back to school in four days."
"What?!"
Ellen turned her head, looking like the world had ended.
Chemistry was already enough of a headache. Did she really have to be learning sp³ hybrid orbitals at this stage?
"Hmm, this ruins our schedule."
Rina shook her head slightly, her smile tinged with disappointment. "I thought you'd at least have a month before classes resumed. That would have given us plenty of time to properly train Phaga in the housekeeping skills he needs."
"Uh... well..."
Phaga quietly raised his hand, his voice tentative. "Actually, if it's just protection missions or Hollow expeditions, I think I'd manage even without training."
Tutoring Ellen was also giving him insight into the range of Victoria Housekeeping's commissions. Truth be told, it was quite broad—but Phaga still believed it was within his capabilities.
"No, training is necessary!"
Rina floated over and placed her hands on both Ellen and Phaga's shoulders, her tone earnest. "Training is also how we assess your abilities."
"Victoria Housekeeping must devote its all to every commission, with fulfilling the client's wishes as our first priority. But sending members on assignments beyond their strength would be utterly irresponsible!"
She lowered her head, gently brushing Phaga's shoulder, and smiled warmly.
"We need to understand your true strength. More than completing commissions, I want to add one condition above all—make sure you come back safely."
"Alright."
Phaga twirled his fingers, then picked up the umbrella leaning against Ellen's bed.
"Good! Follow me."
Rina gave a knowing smile, cheerfully leading the way. "Ellen, bring your weapon too."
"Eh? Wait, why do I have to—"
Before she could finish, Rina had already disappeared.
Ellen sighed helplessly and reached into the corner of her room.
When she pulled her hand back, a massive jet-black pair of scissors rested on her shoulder.
With [Roaming Hunt] activated, Ellen swiftly caught up with Phaga and Rina.
...
Victoria Housekeeping Headquarters.
The basement!
Rina switched on the lights and the exhaust fan.
Bright white light illuminated the entire space, while the fans hummed, circulating fresh air.
Phaga glanced around curiously, wandering toward the center of the room. "This place is huge!"
He had always known Victoria Housekeeping had resources—just a few members could afford an entire detached building.
But he hadn't expected them to be this extravagant, with a basement the size of three tennis courts.
"This is our training room. We usually practice here."
Ellen's voice was quiet as she stepped to the opposite side of the room, facing Phaga.
"Rina, are we starting now?"
One hand on her hip, Ellen swung the oversized scissors—taller than herself—onto her shoulder and tilted her head toward Rina.
"Yes, we'll begin now! Three... two..."
Rina smiled faintly, while the two Bangboo at her side floated in circles, whispering.
"One!"
Whoosh!
Boom!
At Rina's signal, Ellen launched forward, [Roaming Hunt] active, the floor groaning under the force of her step.
Phaga narrowed his eyes. His dark pupils instantly flared crimson. In his vision, Ellen's outer form vanished.
All he could see was the heat signature labeled[Ellen's Shell], racing across the cold floor!
Clang!
Phaga drew his blade. Just before Ellen's giant scissors came down, his blade struck against them.
Blade met scissors—and the blade won out, pressing the giant weapon firmly into the ground.
But Ellen never relied on the scissors alone!
When she felt them pinned, she spun her body around the handles, twisting as she dragged herself forward.
Her torso drove her hips, and her long tail lashed out with violent force.
Phaga caught it from the corner of his eye—the tail was closing in fast, frost forming intricate patterns across its surface.
Thud!
At the last instant, Phaga leaned back sharply. His left hand flared with dark crimson [Nether Flames], and he threw a punch that deflected Ellen's tail.
"Tsk!"
Ellen clicked her tongue. Her aggressive strike had gained her nothing.
Seeing Phaga ease the pressure on her scissors, she quickly pulled back.
She glanced at her tail—Phaga's punch had only been hasty. The [Nether Flames] weren't yet beyond her control.
A layer of ice spread over them, snuffing out the flames.
Ellen retreated further. Activating [Roaming Hunt], she circled Phaga at high speed, looking for an opening.
From that brief clash, she had already realized something.
Her speed wasn't enough to keep her movements hidden from Phaga.
Even when she tried to mask her tail behind the scissor attack, he could still see right through it.
Then...
Ellen's eyes narrowed. A plan was already forming in her mind.