"Hey, hey, hey! Has anyone ever told you your naming sense is terrible?"
The Treasure-Eating Mink protested furiously.
"Objection overruled."
Jiang Yan said flatly, placing the little creature on his shoulder.
"From now on, you'll stay here for a while."
The Treasure-Eating Mink gave a short snort, then obediently lay down around Jiang Yan's neck, keeping quiet.
Alright.
The troublesome mink was dealt with!
Now it was time for something truly delightful—
Treasure Chest Time!
Jiang Yan looked at the ornate treasure chest in front of him and rubbed his hands together in excitement.
What kind of ability would this one bring him?
His anticipation was through the roof.
He undid the latch and carefully lifted the lid.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for opening an Ornate Treasure Chest!]
[Drawing reward for Host...]
[Congratulations! You have obtained: "Vector Manipulation" from A Certain Magical Index!]
[Warning! This ability requires an extremely high level of mental computation! Adjusting parameters for Host...]
[Vector Manipulation (Beginner Edition): Allows control over the direction of energy. With mere skin contact, the user can freely manipulate the direction of kinetic, thermal, electrical, and all other forms of energy, reflecting all physical attacks. All of this can be done by thought alone—no calculations required.]
[Vector Manipulation (Beginner Edition) is now integrating into the Host's body...]
As the system's notification echoed repeatedly in his mind, Jiang Yan's eyes grew brighter and brighter.
You know what this is called?
This—
This is called invincibility!
As expected of an Ornate Treasure Chest—
So strong!
Jiang Yan clenched his fist, and faint arrow symbols appeared all over it, pointing in the direction of his punch.
Then, with a thought, he redirected the arrows downward.
Boom!
A perfect fist imprint appeared in the ground.
So strong!
After just a moment of testing, Jiang Yan already had a good grasp of the ability.
"Little White, didn't you say you're fast?"
Jiang Yan suddenly spoke to the Treasure-Eating Mink around his neck.
"Hmph, of course!"
Little White replied proudly.
"Then run. As fast as you can. If you can outrun me, I'll lift your restriction. How about that?"
Jiang Yan said casually.
"Huh? You serious?"
Little White straightened up in shock, his tone full of disbelief.
This was like free meat falling from the sky!
"You can try."
Jiang Yan smiled.
"Then... let's go!"
Little White shouted, darting away at incredible speed.
Jiang Yan just watched quietly.
Then he stepped forward.
With that single step, his whole body blurred—disappearing like a streak of light.
"Heh, when it comes to running away, your Grandpa Mink's never lost to anyone!"
Little White sprinted, the scenery flashing past him.
"Oh? Really?"
A calm voice came from above.
Little White jerked his head up, his beady eyes widening in shock.
There was Jiang Yan—floating in midair, flying alongside him at the exact same speed.
"Convinced yet?"
Jiang Yan asked with a faint smile.
The Treasure-Eating Mink froze in place, dumbfounded.
Jiang Yan stopped midair, hovering effortlessly.
"I—I'm convinced..."
Little White mumbled, his tone full of grievance.
First, this kid had forcibly left a mark on him, and now he was even faster than him!
There was no competing anymore.
At that moment, Little White finally surrendered completely.
"Behave yourself and stick with me. From now on, whenever I open a treasure chest, you'll get a share."
Jiang Yan grabbed him and put him back around his neck.
"Really?!"
Little White's eyes lit up.
"Why would I lie to you?"
Jiang Yan said helplessly.
"Then... can I have that treasure chest you just opened?"
Little White asked cautiously.
"Huh? That one's already opened. What would you want it for?"
Jiang Yan asked, puzzled.
"Of course I still want it! I just need to absorb the lingering spiritual energy from the chest. Why do you think I'm called a Treasure-Eating Mink?"
Little White said with exasperation.
"Ohhh, I see..."
Jiang Yan's lips curved into a grin.
Looks like this mink was quite compatible with him after all.
Not only could it help him find treasure chests, but it only needed to absorb the leftover energy—
while he got the actual system rewards.
They wouldn't get in each other's way at all!
Perfect!
"In that case, it's all yours."
Jiang Yan said generously with a wave.
The opened chest was worthless to him anyway.
"Thanks, bro!"
Little White said excitedly.
For the first time, the mouthy little creature called him "brother," showing his complete submission to the silver-haired youth.
"Alright then, let's head back."
Jiang Yan tapped his foot lightly against the ground—
and soared back toward the way they came.
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