Chapter 168: New Ability

Although the Celestial Finch had reverted to its original form, Janna could still sense a magical energy from it that was several times stronger than before.

“That was Aph’s newly awakened combat form just now. If she maintains it continuously, it will keep consuming magical energy.”

“But as long as Aph hides her magical energy well, she can return to her original appearance.”

Simply put, the current “parrot form” was just a kind of external disguise that the Celestial Finch adopted.

Feeling once again the restrained yet still intense magical energy radiating from the Celestial Finch, Janna couldn’t help but shake her head.

“Aph, you should learn to better control the magical energy inside you. You’ll have to reach a point where I can’t detect it at all—that’s when it’s truly hidden.”

At that, Janna changed her tone slightly and asked the Celestial Finch with a hint of anticipation:

“Did you acquire any new abilities during this evolution?”

“Yes, Master——— but this place isn’t really suitable to demonstrate them.”

Upon hearing that, Janna immediately chanted a spell.

“By my will, I summon—Hundred-Eyed Specter.”

With a brilliant flash of silver light, the Hundred-Eyed Specter appeared in the center of the Contract Array.

“Silver Mirror, cast the Sealing Spell, let’s go spend some time in the Mirror Layer Domain.”

“Yes, Master～”

A ripple like flowing water gently spread across the mirror surface. As Janna stepped through it, she and the Celestial Finch were instantly transported into the Mirror Layer Domain.

“Aph, you may demonstrate here.”

Gazing at the vast gray-white world around her, the Celestial Finch instantly understood. With a flap of her wings and a clear, resonant cry, the “parrot form” was engulfed in a dazzling white light and transformed once again into her slender, beautiful combat form.

“Master, Aph has acquired two abilities this time: the first is [Mass Purification], the second is [Sacred Flame].”

“Sacred Flame? Is it an offensive type of witchcraft?”

“Yes, Master. But it only targets evildoers who possess evil magical energy.”

The “evil magical energy” the Celestial Finch referred to included things like the Undead, Shadow, and Curse attributes—dark-type magical energy.

“So you mean your [Sacred Flame] only has an offensive effect on dark-type creatures?”

“Yes, Master.”

“What about creatures with normal attributes?”

“It will only have a powerful purifying effect—”

Hearing this, Janna nodded.

“Then wouldn’t it be fine to demonstrate it back in the dormitory?”

“No, Master—Aph is worried it might burn those two potted plants in your room.”

Hearing that, Janna recalled that she did indeed have two dark-type magical plants in her dormitory.

“Can’t you just avoid attacking those two plants?”

“Aph still can’t control it——”

Got it.

In the end, it was still a matter of the Celestial Finch not yet mastering her magical energy control.

“Aph, now unleash your ability at full strength, targeting me.”

“As you command, Master.”

As a piercing light flashed from the emerald on the Celestial Finch’s forehead, a warm purifying light—like the morning sun—slowly descended upon Janna.

“So this is [Mass Purification]? It seems even more effective than the previous [Single Purification]———”

Naturally, now that the Celestial Finch had evolved, her [Single Purification] would also far surpass its former effect.

“Hmm, not bad. Now use [Sacred Flame].”

As Janna gave her second command, a radiant golden flame burst forth from the Celestial Finch’s beak.

Wrapped in the [Sacred Flame], Janna only felt a bit warm and nothing else.

However, the immense energy of sacred light embedded within the flame caught Janna’s attention again and again.

“This purifying power could even burn down the altars of the Darksun Church——”

After experiencing the effects of [Sacred Flame], Janna waved her hand to signal the Celestial Finch to stop.

Understanding the gesture, the Celestial Finch flapped her wings and returned to her “parrot form,” landing affectionately on Janna’s shoulder.

“When we get back, you must master your internal magical energy as soon as possible. Otherwise, when real combat starts, don’t go around burning allies with your [Sacred Flame].”

After all, White Coral Academy was a comprehensive school, and apprentices with dark-affinity talents like Bell Moonshadow were not rare.

If the Celestial Finch couldn’t distinguish between friend and foe in a group battle and accidentally burned a teammate, Janna really wouldn’t be able to explain herself.

“Yes, Master. If the holy one knew that Aph successfully evolved, he would surely help Aph master her magical energy.”

That lower-ranking angel again?

At that, Janna couldn’t help but ask the Celestial Finch:

“Does the holy one you keep mentioning know that you signed a contract with me?”

“Of course he knows. The holy one has always been aware of Aph’s contract with Master.”

“Then why didn’t you dare mention him in front of me before?”

“Ah—that’s because the holy one forbade Aph from speaking—”

“And now?”

Seeing the Celestial Finch stammer awkwardly, Janna didn’t have the heart to tease her further.

She gently rubbed the soft feathers on the Celestial Finch’s head.

As a silver light flashed, the girl and the bird passed through the mirror once more, returning from the Mirror Layer Domain.

“All right, just tell me when you feel ready to talk about it.”

“Master——”

In the Celestial Finch’s small eyes, like black grapes, guilt and remorse were plainly visible.

Seeing this, Janna concealed the smile in her tone and continued looking at the Celestial Finch with a sly grin, slowly saying:

“If you want me not to be angry, then before we meet again, you’d better train your magical energy control properly—or else, I might hold a grudge.”

“Ah, Aph will never let Master down!”

“That’s good.”

After confirming that the Celestial Finch had no further issues, Janna dismissed the power of the contract, returning both the Celestial Finch and the Hundred-Eyed Specter to the Spirit Realm.

“After all that, it’s about time to change and go eat.”

Just as Janna was about to get up and change clothes, a sudden wave of intense dizziness surged from the depths of her soul without any warning.

Realizing what it meant, Janna couldn’t help but feel delighted.

Almost forcing herself upright, Janna knelt back down and sat cross-legged on the bed.

“After all this waiting, the payment is finally coming———”

Hoo—in——hoo—out—her eyes slowly closed.

Amid the tide-like wave of dizziness, Janna braced herself, focused her attention, and forced herself into a state of shallow meditation.

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