Chapter Sixty-Two: Dividing the Spoils

Under the watchful eyes of the three sisters, Feiren and the Pumpkin King engaged in a "cordial and friendly" exchange, after which Feiren returned the lantern to the Pumpkin King. Not only that, but Feiren also took out some energy chips from the stash he had previously collected and placed them back into the Pumpkin King's hands. Witnessing this, Eluca and the others were already wide-eyed with astonishment, but what truly defied their comprehension was that, upon retrieving his lantern and accepting the energy chips from Feiren, the previously furious Pumpkin King transformed entirely. He reached out in a friendly manner, patting Feiren on the shoulder and speaking to him with evident warmth. Though they could not understand the familiar’s language, the way his crescent-shaped eyes crinkled in delight made it clear that he now regarded Feiren as a close friend.

How could this be possible?

Staring at the scene before them, Eluca and her sisters were at a complete loss. Moments ago, the two sides had been locked in deadly combat, yet now, in the blink of an eye, they were on such good terms? And this pumpkin-headed fellow, why are you so pleased? The items the commander just gave you were the very ones he took from you earlier!

As they watched the Pumpkin King and Feiren with arms around each other’s shoulders, the former even holding up his own lantern to light Feiren’s way, the sisters felt their entire worldview, moral compass, and sense of value crumbling to pieces.

(Isn’t it strange?)

At that moment, Derin’s voice sounded in their minds. The black cat slipped past them in silence, turned its head, and winked at them. Hearing Derin’s question, Eluca was visibly embarrassed but forced herself to nod.

“Yes, Miss Derin… To be honest, I simply can’t imagine…”

(It’s because you’re still using human logic to understand familiars. But familiars are not human.)

As she spoke, the black cat walked ahead, prompting the sisters to hurry after her.

(Do you remember what the master told you about how to deal with familiars?)

“Uh…”

The trio paused, and from the rear, Kurona poked out her little head, answering somewhat uncertainly.

“I remember the commander said… Beat them until they submit?”

(That’s right. Familiars possess infinite lives—you must remember this. For them, death isn’t truly a concept. The familiars we destroyed before will revive soon, exactly as they were. For familiars, might makes right. Simple slaughter means nothing, and they won’t fear death—though, of course, that doesn’t mean most familiars enjoy suicide attacks; even if they revive, being destroyed is still painful.)

“But… what does that have to do with what the commander just did?”

Thanks to Eluca’s sense of priorities, she swallowed back the word “robbery” that had been at the tip of her tongue.

(It’s simple. Relationships of subordination among familiars must also be expressed, just as humans have countless ways to show loyalty to their rulers. Familiars use similar methods. What the master just did was precisely such a process. If the other party chooses to submit, it will offer you something. Familiars are highly independent and value their possessions; unless you’re close with one or, as the master did, force its submission, you’ll never get anything from a familiar.)

“Then why did the commander give the items back?”

Eluca felt her mind was a hopeless muddle, unable to grasp the logic.

(Once a familiar gives something away, it’s no longer theirs. Anything given to them by others is a gift. In its eyes, the master gave it a present, showing goodwill, and so it’s naturally delighted.)

“I still don’t understand…”

Eluca pressed a hand to her forehead and shook her head. She could understand every word Derin said, but strung together, it all made no sense.

“You don’t have to understand.”

At that moment, Feiren’s voice drifted over. The three looked up to find him standing beside them, watching with his usual gentle smile.

“Humans think as humans do; familiars have their own way. It’s enough to know this—you don’t need to understand why they act as they do. Unless you, too, are immortal like a familiar, then perhaps it would be a worthwhile study. Otherwise, you’re simply wasting your time and life.”

Kurona still seemed confused, but Chris and Eluca nodded in agreement. Indeed, they were not familiars, did not possess undying bodies, and only had one life. Trying to fathom a familiar’s thinking or habits was idle and pointless—there were far more important matters to attend to.

“Commander, what’s the situation?” Eluca asked, glancing curiously to where the Pumpkin King had been, only to find it gone without a trace. She wondered how Feiren had communicated with it and what the outcome had been. Feiren simply smiled in response.

“I discovered something interesting—you’ll find out soon enough.”

“Something interesting?”

Eluca blinked in surprise, but Feiren seemed disinclined to elaborate. He merely glanced at her, then changed the subject with a smile.

“But before that, let’s take stock of our spoils. After all, dividing the loot after taking down a boss is a must. Don’t worry— as your commander, I’d never cheat you out of your gear.”

The three sisters immediately brightened. They had all seen how many treasures Feiren had acquired from the Pumpkin King—not least among them, those energy chips, which would make anyone envious. All three—Eluca, Chris, and Kurona—were ability users eager to strengthen themselves. In their daily lives, chances to improve were rare; absorbing energy chips was the best option.

Feiren’s distribution was straightforward. The Pumpkin King had given him nearly thirty energy chips, five of which Feiren later returned. This left him with twenty-five. He gave five each to Eluca and Chris, ten to Kurona, and kept the remaining five for himself. His reasoning was equally direct.

“Kurona’s ability is the foundation for ending battles swiftly, so I want you to focus on improving it for emergencies.”

Eluca and Chris had no objections. They both knew how useful Kurona’s “psychic sensing” could be. If she could enhance it, all the better. Kurona herself was delighted; being the youngest and weakest among the sisters, she felt immense pressure if she couldn’t contribute. The smooth division of energy chips was only natural—Feiren’s word was law as commander. Even if he’d kept everything for himself, the sisters wouldn’t have complained. Receiving any at all was an unexpected windfall.

As for the second piece of loot…

“Uh… Commander, we really have no use for this.”

Eluca was first to abstain, eyeing the small, fluffy, and adorable teddy bear before them. Though not large, it was a significant armful, and she had no interest in such plush toys. Chris nodded silently in agreement; she cared little for them either.

Feiren, however, had a different opinion.

“That’s where you’re too young… Remember, nothing a familiar possesses is ever ordinary. I suggest you take a closer look before deciding.”

At his words, the sisters widened their eyes, staring at the teddy bear. When the information about it appeared before them, all three gasped in astonishment.

“What in the world is this?”