Chapter 33: Completely Molded to Teacher Big Dream’s Shape

“Good work. The map checks out, no issues. Job reward is five large silver coins. Monster materials sold for twenty gold coins. Total: thirty-point-five gold coins. Please take it.”

Miao Miao Niya handed over a heavy coin pouch.

“Wow, what a haul!”

Even seasoned Stone Fang rarely saw such cash.

Her eyes widened.

Mapping paid little.

The real money was Meng Linna’s crystal.

Miao Miao Niya grinned, eyeing Meng Linna.

“Looks like you latched onto a big shot, Little Meng.”

“No way! We’re the ones riding her coattails!”

Stone Fang countered.

“Teacher Big Dream prepped perfectly, knew the monster’s details, commanded like a pro, and her strength is solid. Even without us, she’d rake in cash!”

Miao Miao Niya waved off Stone Fang’s teammate defense.

“Alright, I get how great your Teacher Big Dream is. Stop selling her to me, or I’ll steal her!”

Stone Fang rolled up her sleeves.

“Try it, and I’ll deck you!”

“Haha!”

Miao Miao Niya laughed, not taking it seriously.

***

Back at the dorm by eight.

To celebrate their first job’s big payout, they ate out.

“Stone Fang and Kelly are such good people.”

Meng Linna set her gear on the table and started brewing potions.

Tiring, but it was for money.

“Ten gold coins today. Money’s coming fast. But today’s haul was a fluke. The crystal was the big earner. No way we get that every time…”

Brewing, she planned ahead.

Even without rare drops, today’s materials and potion sales meant she’d hit a hundred gold coins in a month.

Cure her vampirism, stay in Yanan a bit, save up, then buy rural land and live like a noble.

In her past life as a regional bishop, she followed strict rules.

No enjoyment.

This life wasn’t much better.

Barely any good days, and now she’d pissed off Na Naya, who had a system.

Oh, right, Na Naya.

If she could earn Na Naya’s forgiveness, great.

If not, she’d go incognito as a rich landlord.

For now, she’d try for forgiveness.

Though that seemed tough.

***

“Good work. Job reward: five large silver coins. Materials sold for three gold coins. Total: five gold coins!”

Taking the pouch from Miao Miao Niya, Stone Fang looked disappointed.

“It’s more than usual, but after yesterday’s jackpot, five gold coins don’t excite me.”

“Adventuring’s like that. One day you’re rich, the next you’re broke.”

“Not that you’re broke. If crystals dropped easily, they wouldn’t be so pricey.”

Despite the comfort, Stone Fang sighed.

“My appetite’s molded to Teacher Big Dream’s shape! Don’t say it like that!”

Meng Linna wiped her sweat.

“Contentment brings joy. Don’t let past glory make you anxious. Know your strength and move forward step by step.”

“Not bad, Teacher Big Dream! Unique insight!”

“Enough already.”

Meng Linna swatted Miao Miao Niya’s sarcastic paw.

“Can I borrow the guild’s training room? I learned new spells and want to test them.”

“For Little Meng? Sure.”

Miao Miao Niya agreed too quickly.

Meng Linna got suspicious.

“Really?”

“Yep.”

“The room’s not broken?”

Facing such a cooperative Miao Miao Niya, Meng Linna was wary.

She hadn’t paid yet.

“It’s fine.”

Miao Miao Niya kept her steady smile.

Seeing Meng Linna’s hesitation, Stone Fang stepped in.

“Let’s go check it out. As teammates, we need to know each other’s skills.”

“Whatever.”

Miao Miao Niya gave up talking and started making milk tea.

***

“Phew—”

As Meng Linna opened the training room door, a red flame exploded nearby, nearly hitting her.

“…”

Na Naya retracted her Flame Giant Whip, staring silently.

Uncomfortable under that gaze, Meng Linna defended herself.

“I got permission from Miao Miao Niya to use the room!”

“Whatever.”

Na Naya stepped aside, heading deeper.

“Do as you like.”

Stone Fang and Kelly entered, having seen it all.

Impulsive Stone Fang spoke up.

“Teacher Big Dream, who was that? She almost hit you and didn’t even apologize!”

“Uh.”

Meng Linna scratched her head, seeing no need to hide.

“She’s Na Naya, a saintess candidate. We were in the same monastery. We had some past… issues. So we’re not on good terms.”

She glossed over the bullying.

Saying it would make them hate her, right?

“I see.”

Stone Fang sensed Meng Linna didn’t want to dwell.

“Forget the past. Since you’re at odds, ignore her. Let’s train.”

Ignore her?

Meng Linna hesitated, then said softly.

“Okay.”