There are countless firsts in everyone's life: the first steps, the first words, the first time holding hands, the first romance, the first embrace, the first kiss, and the first time doing... that thing you know.

Lin Luo had experienced countless firsts, though he hadn't yet managed the first time doing that thing. What he never anticipated, however, was experiencing the act of eating a jade pendant—what a ridiculous and vexing situation. To make matters worse, the pendant genuinely had to be swallowed for it to work. Did that woman from Gui Qu Lai Xi really think he was so desperate he’d eat anything?

“You actually ate it? I was only joking!” The moment Lin Luo swallowed the jade pendant, not only he but also Xie Ye Shokuhou and Lei were left utterly stunned, completely incapable of maintaining their composure. Shokuhou, worried it might have been her fault, immediately stammered in panic, fearing the pendant was a bomb that would lead to him exploding into oblivion.

“It has nothing to do with you; it was just an accident. However…” Although he was in a state of fusion, it was only between the Book of Contracts and the jade pendant, not directly connected to him personally. Thus, after a brief moment of shock, Lin Luo shook his head, looking at Shokuhou Misaki’s pretty face etched with surprise, and sighed internally, feeling rather speechless. “However, you were actually right; this thing really does need to be eaten like chocolate.”

“Huh?” Shokuhou’s eyes widened instantly. After a three-second freeze, she instinctively pointed at Lin Luo’s stomach, utterly astonished. “That pendant was actually meant to be eaten?”

Lin Luo nodded helplessly.

“That’s so strange. I was just joking, and I actually guessed right. Do I have the ability to predict the future?” Seeing this, Shokuhou rested her chin in her hand, muttering to herself, lost in solitary thought.

“Um… how did it taste?” Lei gently tugged at Lin Luo’s sleeve, asking with great curiosity.

How was he supposed to explain that, Lei? That wasn't something meant for consumption.

Lin Luo found the question from Lei quite exasperating, but thinking back, it did have a faint taste. He stroked his chin, considered it for a moment, and replied, “Mmm, a little sour, a little sweet, and with a hint of bitterness—a hard-to-describe flavor, almost like…”

“The taste of first love,” Shokuhou suddenly interjected from the side.

“Come on, the taste you’re describing and the taste I’m describing are two entirely different things, okay?” Lin Luo couldn't help but roll his eyes at her. Just as he was about to say more, the Book of Contracts transmitted a cold notification: “Fusion complete. The Book of Contracts has opened a new function. Host, please check.”

A new function?

Lin Luo was slightly startled and quickly opened the Book of Contracts in his sea of consciousness. He saw two new items added to his status panel, and his expression immediately changed. “This is…”

“What’s wrong? Did you get an upset stomach? Or did something go wrong?” Seeing Lin Luo’s expression shift, Shokuhou asked again.

“Can you stop cursing me?” Lin Luo shot her a look, feeling a bit gloomy. Since arriving in this world, the Queen had suddenly become a bit strange, almost like an adolescent girl going through… what was that phase again? Never mind, it certainly wasn't a flattering term.

Looking at the curious and surprised gazes of the three before him, Lin Luo explained, “There was indeed an accident, but not in the way you’re thinking. To be precise, it’s an extremely favorable accident for us. At least…” Saying this, he pointed toward Mikoto and Rin lying on the ground, “…at least it solves the issues concerning these two.”

“What do you mean?” Mugiho immediately asked upon hearing this.

“Hmph,” Lin Luo gave a mysterious smile and extended his hand. “Book of Contracts, materialize.”

Instantly, a book flashing with streams of light, black and white in color, appeared in his hand.

“Why did you take that thing out?” Mugiho looked at Lin Luo in confusion.

Lin Luo explained with a smile, “Weren’t we just wondering what to do about Mikoto and Rin? Now that the Book of Contracts has fused with that jade pendant, we have an excellent solution.”

“Is it eating them too?” Shokuhou casually asked, playing with her wind-tousled hair.

Lin Luo nearly spat blood; that suggestion was quite wicked. As expected, adolescent girls were difficult to handle, but at this moment, he really wanted to say: Queen, are you a prophet?

Although Shokuhou’s words were certainly troubling, Lin Luo had to admit that what she had just said wasn't far from what he was about to do.

“Watch closely.” Lin Luo levitated the Book of Contracts above Mikoto and Rin. “Fourth Dimension—Open!”

As his voice fell, the group watched as a ray of multicolored light descended from within the Book of Contracts and instantly enveloped the sleeping Mikoto and Rin, drawing them inside.

“This…” Even Mugiho and the others, accustomed to all sorts of incredible events, were completely dumbfounded by this sight.

“The people are gone,” Lei tilted her head, her mind full of question marks.

“What’s going on? Where did they go?” Shokuhou asked Lin Luo after recovering from her initial shock.

“Hmph, hmph,” Lin Luo just smiled without answering. Then, under his mental command, the Book of Contracts transformed back into a beam of light and shot into his brow. Only then did he speak, “After fusing with the jade pendant, the Book of Contracts gained two new functions. This is one of them, named the Fourth Dimension.”

“The Fourth Dimension? What is that?”

Lin Luo replied, “I’m not entirely clear on the underlying principles, as I’ve only just encountered it. But I imagine it’s a dimension of illusion. However, I do know its methods of use and its purpose.”

“So what is it used for?”

“The Fourth Dimension primarily has two uses. First, for example, if someone is near death, someone even my Sacred Healing Art cannot cure—if you send them into the Fourth Dimension, they will be fully recovered after some time. Like Mikoto and Rin, I understand their current condition perfectly and cannot heal them, but if they enter that Fourth Dimension, they will recover soon… Hmm, the prompt I just received says Rin will awaken in three days, and Mikoto in seven. You can think of it as an all-purpose healing center, perhaps.”

“I see. That is indeed quite useful,” Mugiho nodded.

“You mentioned two functions. What is the second one?” Shokuhou pressed for details.

“The second function also involves putting people into the Fourth Dimension, though the purpose is slightly different. For instance, if you are being ambushed and are losing the fight, facing mortal danger at any moment, I can forcibly draw you in by opening the Fourth Dimension. This way, you can escape the threat to your life. Of course, for both the first and second functions, only hosts who have signed the Heart Contract with me can enter the Fourth Dimension.”

“Isn’t that cheating? If that’s the case, doesn’t that mean we won’t face any danger?” Hearing this, Shokuhou frowned. These two functions were incredibly powerful, potentially giving them an invincible advantage in the God War.

After all, understanding the theory, as long as life signs remained, regardless of the damage sustained, entry into the Fourth Dimension meant complete recovery after a period. This meant no one ever had to worry about dying. And if danger approached, they could be forcibly pulled in—didn't that mean they needed fear no enemy?

In Shokuhou’s view, this ability upset the balance. Of course, she couldn't say something overwhelmingly advantageous to their side was bad, but… she didn't believe the majestic God War would allow such a fundamental imbalance.

However, Lin Luo shook his head. “That’s not entirely true. The Fourth Dimension isn't omnipotent. If the distance is too great or they are out of my sight, I can’t draw them in. Moreover, the most crucial point is that sometimes, to truly elevate one's strength, one must confront death directly to break through. Although the existence of the Fourth Dimension saves you from much danger, it equally deprives you of opportunities for growth.”

Hearing Lin Luo explain this, everyone finally understood.

Crisis and opportunity coexist; this is an eternal truth. Death is a threat, but simultaneously a driving force. Take Touzaka Rin, for instance; if Lin Luo had been beside her last time with the Fourth Dimension available, she likely would never have comprehended her Innate Territory.

Now, even though she endured the pain of battle, her strength had undergone a qualitative leap. Just having the Innate Territory allowed her to face most enemies head-on—this was a form of metamorphosis. If one only lived in comfort, they would be like flowers in a greenhouse, never capable of growing.

While the appearance of the Fourth Dimension provided them greater life security, it also imposed certain limitations. The advantages and disadvantages balanced each other out.

Of course, despite the various pros and cons, for Lin Luo, having such a life-saving measure was quite excellent. Even if it meant sacrificing some growth opportunities, he wished for the girls to have greater life security.

Then, he added, “Oh, and one more thing: time inside the Fourth Dimension is different from external time. Time within it does not flow according to the outside world.”

Shokuhou asked, “What does that mean?”

Lin Luo replied with a smile, “Simply put: if I send you into the Fourth Dimension, and you emerge ten years later, you will look exactly as you did when you entered.”

Shokuhou frowned in displeasure. “I don’t want to stay in a space like that for ten years; it would be suffocatingly boring.”

“You absolutely won’t be bored, because the moment you enter, you’ll be forcibly put to sleep. Even if you slept for a hundred years, for you, it would feel like only a short night’s rest.”

“Ah…” Shokuhou froze for a moment, then nodded. “I see. That’s actually not so bad. Just a good long sleep isn’t unbearable.”

“What about the other function? You said there were two.”

“The other one concerns you directly…” Lin Luo pointed at Lei and Shokuhou. “Contract Simplification.”

“Contract Simplification?”

Lin Luo nodded. “Previously, if I wanted to sign a Heart Contract with you, besides mutual agreement, we first needed to achieve a certain degree of compatibility—it was quite a troublesome process. But now, after fusing with that jade pendant, the contract can be signed with just mutual acknowledgment.”

What he called compatibility was essentially affinity level, just phrased differently—for reasons you should understand.

“Hmm… so it’s like getting the license plate before buying the car… haha.” Mugiho rested her chin, laughing enigmatically.

Lin Luo coughed, pretending not to hear, and continued, “Of course, while this signing method is more convenient, it also has drawbacks. For example, previously, when our compatibility reached a certain level, I could use your abilities even without a signed contract, and signing granted a unique innate skill. But now, until our compatibility reaches one hundred percent, even with a signed contract, I cannot use your abilities, nor can I gain your innate skills.”

“A loss for a gain,” Shokuhou expressed understanding.

Lin Luo nodded. This function was similar to the Fourth Dimension: the signing process became simpler, but it forfeited some capabilities. Overall, however, the benefits outweighed the costs.

“Alright, I’ve covered everything about that jade pendant. Now for the main event…” Saying this, Lin Luo looked forward, his expression serious. “Lei, Shokuhou, let’s sign the contracts now.”

“Uh, so suddenly?” Upon hearing this, Shokuhou suddenly became coy, her face flushing slightly. “Well, actually, I’m not mentally prepared yet…”

Prepared for what? You’ve been 'preparing' for eight months and still aren’t ready? Lin Luo was so frustrated he almost spat blood. Seeing her shyly blushing face, he knew the Queen had probably switched personalities again, becoming the submissive type.

He sighed and explained, “It’s not like before. In the past, we didn’t have many enemies, so signing the contract could wait, but now we might face an assault from seven Walkers—a situation of extreme danger that constantly threatens your lives. Furthermore, those without a signed Heart Contract cannot enter the Fourth Dimension.”

“This…” Although Lin Luo’s reasoning was sound, Shokuhou was still reluctant. If she signed the contract now, wouldn't her previous plans be ruined? Wouldn't her fanservice from last time have been wasted?

Compared to Shokuhou’s posturing, Lei was much more straightforward. She nodded. “No problem, I trust Lin Luo.”

Tears welled up in Lin Luo’s eyes as he patted her shoulder with deep relief. “Lei, you are so considerate, unlike some people.”

“Hey, who are you calling some people?” Shokuhou instantly reverted to her aggressive mode, knitting her brows to question him.

Lin Luo spread his hands and smiled. “No one in particular. You shouldn't assume it refers to you, I was just referring to a certain contrary submissive.”

“Hmph,” Shokuhou snorted angrily and turned her head away.

Lin Luo decided not to deal with her for the moment and turned back to Lei. “Then let’s contract now, Lei. Oh, about the method of contracting…”

“I know that,” Lei nodded before Lin Luo could finish.

Lin Luo was stunned. “Huh? How do you know?”

“I learned it along with the information about the God War,” Lei explained.

“Ah?” Lin Luo felt caught off guard. While he knew Lei and the others had slightly more information than him, he hadn't expected them to know the contract method as well. Does this mean the other hosts probably know too?

Wait a minute—if that’s the case, don’t all the hosts know that I’m a chest-fondling maniac… No, no, that I treat them like chest-fondling maniacs?

Thinking of this, Lin Luo felt a bit distressed… Ah, forget it, this isn't the time to think about that.

Calming down, Lin Luo extended his hand. “Lei, I’m starting now, okay?”

“Mhm… please be gentle; it’s my first time,” Lei said weakly, blushing.

Lei, you are playing a very dangerous game with that suggestive remark…

Lin Luo suddenly felt a surge of blood rush upwards. He pulled his hand back, sighed, “Alright, even though it’s not my first time, signing a Heart Contract doesn't hurt.”

“Oh.”

So, Lin Luo extended his hand once more, but halfway there, he pulled it back immediately and said without turning around, “Say, you two behind me, could you please turn around? Having you stare at me puts a lot of pressure on me.”

Mugiho and Shokuhou were intently watching Lin Luo and Lei—or rather, their hands and chests...

“Why?” Shokuhou asked, perplexed. “I’ve never seen what signing a Heart Contract looks like before. Watching won’t kill anyone.”

Lin Luo turned his head to glare at her. “When I contract with you later, you’ll naturally see it.”

“I… I haven’t agreed to contract with you yet.”

“Fine. Then Mugiho, you don’t also want to see, do you?”

“Yes, I’m a little interested too.”

“You two… you really have perverse tastes.”

Lin Luo was frustrated, but truthfully, he couldn't stop them from watching. In this vast, open plain, there wasn’t a single place to hide and do something naughty. After hesitating briefly, he decided not to bother controlling them anymore. With lightning speed, as if stealing something without realizing they were stealing, he swiftly pressed his hand onto Lei’s chest.

Before he could even savor the warm, soft sensation, a cold notification sound extinguished all the enchantment.

“Book of Contracts Host Lin Luo, Azure Heart Host Leifly * Mezelance. Affinity below 90. Signing an informal Heart Contract. Under this contract, Contract Status cannot be used, and the Contracted’s innate skill cannot be obtained. All statuses will resume when Affinity reaches 100… Sign?”

“Yes,” Lin Luo said without hesitation.

His consciousness instantly blurred, then cleared just as quickly. What met his gaze was no longer the boundless grassland, but… the sky.

The azure sky held drifting white clouds. The two of them stood atop the cloud layer, a gentle breeze caressing their faces, bringing a slight coolness and refreshment… This was the inner world of the Azure Heart Host.

Afterward, a blue mark appeared on the Book of Contracts.

“Heart Contract signing complete. Current Host status unchanged. Current Contracted status changed: Mental Dialogue connection limited to four people, Heart Seal unlocked to the second level, Azure Heart Affinity reached 100… Relationship changed to Sharing Life and Death, Mental Power can be shared, Life Chain can be shared…”

Thus, the contract was completed.

Although Lin Luo gained no direct benefit, Lei received the same result as a formal contract, which served as some consolation.

After the Heart Contract was signed, Lei suddenly slumped over. Lin Luo quickly caught her and saw her looking very drowsy.

In the Moon World, she had exerted the power of at least ten uses of the East Wind Ring, severely draining her strength. Then, rushing to this world without any rest, signing the contract wouldn't instantly restore her to full health; fatigue was natural.

“Lei, do you want to enter the Fourth Dimension to rest?” Lin Luo asked her softly.

“Mhm,” Lei nodded gently.

So, Lin Luo materialized the Book of Contracts once more and placed Lei into the Fourth Dimension. He then turned around and looked at Shokuhou Misaki with a "displeased" expression, letting out a cold laugh. “You two watched quite satisfyingly, didn’t you? Now it’s your turn, Shokuhou.”

“Alright, alright, you win,” Lin Luo expected to have to threaten her for a while, but to his surprise, Shokuhou walked over quite readily. She then stood tall, patted her full bosom, and said, “Go ahead.”

Lin Luo’s mouth twitched; the pressure was immense.

But since she had offered, he had no reason to hesitate any longer… Thus, the chest-fondling maniac started up again.

“Book of Contracts Host Lin Luo, Mental Heart Host Shokuhou Misaki. Affinity below 90. Signing an informal Heart Contract. Under this contract, Contract Status cannot be used, and the Contracted’s innate skill cannot be obtained. All statuses will resume when Affinity reaches 100… Sign?”

“Yes.” This contract for Shokuhou was slightly regrettable because she originally didn't require 90 points of affinity, but due to the jade pendant’s influence, everyone was treated equally; anything below 90 was considered an informal contract.

And the inner world of the Mental Heart Host was different again. It was an irregular shadow space, with scattered points of light flickering, and the surrounding environment constantly shifting, making it unpredictable.

The moment the contract completed, a swath of mesmerizing color was added to the Book of Contracts.

“Heart Contract signing complete. Current Host status unchanged. Current Contracted status changed: Mental Dialogue connection limited to five people, Heart Seal unlocked to the second level, Mental Heart Affinity reached 100… Relationship changed to Sharing Life and Death, Mental Power can be shared, Life Chain can be shared…”

With this, the contracts for both Lei and Shokuhou were completed. The issues with Rin and Mikoto were resolved, leaving no lingering worries.

"So next up... Little ABER, the choice is yours," Lin Luo declared with a flourish, tossing the Command Seal in his hand as if it were a Poké Ball. Instantly, a figure no larger than a human palm materialized in the air.

"Little ABER, the perimeter watch is on you." Facing Little ABER, who pouted with clear indignation, Lin Luo countered with a single sentence: "The strongest one knows how to coax her until she's perfectly content, sending her dutifully up into the sky to work."

Then, Lin Luo waved his hand grandly. "Right, time to find the other Hosts."

Hmm, time to go find some girls.

P.S. Okay, I admit it, I’m clickbaiting with the title. A