In the early morning, a thick mist still clung to the forest. A dark wind swept in from afar, finally slowing to stop beside a tree. Revealed within that dark wind was a tall figure, though one that currently looked rather frail.

"Damn that madwoman! I only killed a few frogs—was it necessary for her to chase me all night, driving me from Kyoto all the way to Nara?!" This man was the sorcerer who, on the orders of the white-haired youth the previous night, had lured Mikoto away from the Kansai Jujutsu Association headquarters.

It was he who had cast the spell on the train that turned the food into frogs. Because Mikoto was the only one present who hadn't detested the magic at the time, and because he knew she adored frogs, he had taken advantage of a moment when others weren't watching, secretly infiltrating her room. Before her very eyes, he had brutally slaughtered dozens of frogs in the most gruesome manner possible.

His plan had been successful and flawless. Upon witnessing the horrifying sight of the dead amphibians, her rage meter instantly broke the limit, causing her to lose all reason and be lured out.

The plan should have ended perfectly there. All he needed was to stall for about half an hour, and the other party should have succeeded by then. At that point, he naturally wouldn't need to bother with that woman anymore. The problem was that his plan was too perfect, too successful; it had completely sent Mikoto into a berserk frenzy.

When he realized something was terribly wrong, two hours had already passed, and she was still relentlessly on his tail.

He hadn't wanted to fight Mikoto, but being chased down like this was no solution. So, he made a small move, intending to make her retreat in the face of difficulty. However, while his strength was not negligible, defeating a rampaging Railgun was an impossible feat.

They fought for half an hour, and finally, he was defeated by the narrowest margin. With no other choice, he used translocation magic to escape again. But in terms of speed, an elementalized Mikoto was in no way inferior to him, and she caught up in an instant.

For the time that followed, they fought and paused, fought and paused—one chasing, one fleeing. The original strategy of him drawing the enemy away had completely devolved into a desperate fight for survival.

It was only when he finally grasped that he had committed an irreversible act that he realized, without knowing when, he had been driven from Kyoto all the way to Nara, and she showed absolutely no sign of abandoning the pursuit. This nearly drove him insane!

He simply couldn't fathom it: he had only killed a few frogs; did it really warrant this level of speed? Why, oh why! What made it even more tragic was that those frogs were merely magical constructs he had created—in other words, they were his own magical energy... How could this be so ridiculous? This was beyond ridiculous!

Bili-pala!

Hearing that familiar sound again, the sorcerer's heart seized. He looked up to see a streak of brilliant lightning hurtling down from the distant sky, accompanied by a resounding thunderclap.

"Damn it! You’re still here! I—" The sorcerer's face changed drastically, and he couldn't help but curse loudly before using translocation magic to flee for his life. He swore that if he survived this time, he would never kill another frog again!

Those who kill frogs are not to be trifled with!

...

Kansai Jujutsu Association Headquarters.

Lin Luo realized this was an excellent opportunity. Firstly, both Mikoto-chan and Ivasu-chan were not around. Secondly, having played the hero and rescued the beauty in a moment of peril, his favorability rating had spiked dramatically. Thirdly, although he had returned to his home turf, Eiin Konoe wasn't quite cutting it; as a father, he couldn't provide his daughter with a sense of security. Coupled with the current atmosphere where formidable enemies surrounded them, this was undeniably the perfect moment to pursue Kinomoto.

So, that morning, while everyone else was distracted, Lin Luo secretly asked Kinomoto out. He had to admit, the people at the Kansai Jujutsu Association had exquisite taste in locations. Even building the headquarters was nestled among rolling hills, boasting beautiful scenery—perfect for romance.

Moreover, to avoid interruptions, Lin Luo had specifically recalled it [presumably his familiar/guardian], ensuring a truly private moment for just the two of them. The atmosphere, time, and location were all absolutely perfect.

"Teacher, why did you ask me out so early?" Kinomoto seemed to be in an excellent mood today, smiling frequently. However, being asked out so suddenly by Lin Luo left her somewhat puzzled.

Lin Luo felt that immediately declaring, "I like you, let's form a contract," would be too abrupt. So, after some thought, he said, "Kinomoto, do you know why those people want to capture you?"

"Mhm," Kinomoto nodded. She was quite aware of the situation. After all, she wasn't truly foolish. The events of the past few days had given her enough self-awareness, and she replied decisively, "It seems to be because I possess immense magical power within me, comparable to that of a Thousand-Spell Master."

"That's right, that's the reason. Because of this, those people are targeting you. After all, if they could properly utilize your magic, it would be like possessing a Thousand-Spell Master." While Lin Luo didn't know if Fate and the others mobilizing their entire force had other reasons for capturing Kinomoto, her infinite magical potential alone was enough to make anyone greedy.

"No way, how could I possibly compare to a Thousand-Spell Master?" Kinomoto laughed lightly.

"That's true. Strong magic doesn't equate to strong ability. The original you certainly couldn't compare to a Thousand-Spell Master, but..." Lin Luo paused, his tone turning serious, "the current you is different. Now, you have the absolute potential to surpass a Thousand-Spell Master."

"Why?" Kinomoto couldn't help but be startled.

"Because you have been chosen." Lin Luo felt he had the potential to become a veritable charlatan just by saying that sentence.

"Huh? What do you mean? Chosen by whom?" Kinomoto’s mind was filled with questions, yet she was also intensely curious. She adored supernatural phenomena. While magicians were already quite supernatural, in her eyes, someone like Lin Luo—who could summon such adorable little dolls and was mysterious in his own right—was even more supernatural. Hearing words like 'chosen' from him made her pay close attention.

"Well, how should I explain it..." Lin Luo hesitated, but concluding that this topic was difficult to articulate, he finally placed his hand gently on Kinomoto's forehead and smiled, "Let me let you feel it properly."

Kinomoto was immediately full of doubt but didn't resist, allowing Lin Luo’s hand to rest on her head. In less than a few seconds, she suddenly felt strange things entering her mind—unimaginable concepts she'd never encountered even in comics or novels.

"This is..." This sensation left Kinomoto utterly astonished. After Lin Luo removed his hand, she quickly pressed him, "Teacher, what exactly is going on?"

"This is the evidence that you have been chosen," Lin Luo explained.

"So that's why Teacher is protecting me?" Kinomoto's expression took on a touch of melancholy.

Lin Luo smiled, then took the young girl's hands, "While that is one reason, even without it, if Kinomoto were in danger, Teacher would protect you regardless."

Kinomoto blushed slightly, but without any real shyness, she asked openly, "Why?"

"Because I like Kinomoto, of course," Lin Luo said naturally, then gently pulled her body closer, gazing at her, and murmured softly, "So, Teacher hopes Kinomoto will be with me. Are you willing?"

"Ah, this..." Even the most naturally straightforward girl, Kinomoto was still a maiden in her prime. Such a direct impact instantly flushed her small face hot. She stammered, seemingly unsure how to answer.

"Kinomoto, are you unwilling?" Seeing her hesitation, Lin Luo couldn't help but ask.

"It's not that I'm unwilling..." Kinomoto murmured. In reality, her favorability towards Lin Luo was already exceptionally high. If Lin Luo possessed a Favorability Query System, he would discover that Kinomoto ranked easily among the top five of all his contractors. While this seemed almost ridiculously high, a careful thought revealed it was perfectly logical.

Firstly, although Lin Luo might be somewhat inadequate as an educator in some areas, he was extremely popular among the students in San [presumably the school/group]. He wasn't overly strict like other teachers and showed genuine care for his students, naturally fostering immense goodwill.

This goodwill was further bolstered by the incident at the amusement district. But the most crucial factor was his appearance at Kinomoto's most critical moment. Which young girl wasn't romantic, and which one didn't long for a Prince Charming to appear and aid her in times of distress? Lin Luo had perfectly embodied that role at this precise juncture. Combined with the existing favorability, for a girl of marriageable age, this was enough to elevate to adoration.

Now, even without that jade pendant, Lin Luo could actually form a contract with Kinomoto.

However, although Kinomoto was willing, she had other reservations. Finally, under Lin Luo's gaze, she slowly said, "But if I leave here with Teacher, then I'll never see Setsuna again, or my classmates from San..."

"I see, that's the issue," Lin Luo realized suddenly and laughed, "There's absolutely no need to worry about that. We will have chances to return to this world later, and if Setsuna is willing, we can even take her with us, you know."

"Really?!" Kinomoto's face lit up with delighted surprise.

"Of course. When have I ever lied to you?" Lin Luo stated confidently.

"Plenty of times. Back in Mahora, Teacher clearly said we'd have field trips for Social Studies, but we never went out once," Kinomoto complained.

"Uh..." Lin Luo was momentarily speechless, laughing awkwardly, "Those were minor things. Come on, don't remember them so clearly." Indeed, this girl was quite deeply manipulative.

"Then, I shall begin now." Finally, after Lin Luo guaranteed there would be opportunities to bring her back, and possibly take Setsuna too, Kinomoto finally nodded in agreement to sign the crimson pact.

The moment his hand pressed against her chest, the young girl's body trembled slightly, and she instinctively closed her eyes.

"Contract Book Master Lin Luo, Host of the Heart of Flowing Water, Kinomoto Konoe. Favorability rating achieved 90. Formal Heart Contract established. Under this contract, Contracted State cannot be utilized; Contractor Talent is granted. Upon reaching 100 Favorability, all states may be restored... Do you wish to proceed?"

Hearing the Contract Book's prompt again, Lin Luo paused in surprise. He hadn't expected a Formal Contract; this was the first time since [contracting] Shirai Kuroko. It seemed Kinomoto's favorability towards him was extraordinarily high, perhaps only rivaled by Mikoto, Rin, Suigintou, and Lei.

But come to think of it, a favorability rating of 90 allowed a Formal Contract, so why didn't Suigintou? Her favorability towards him was certainly no less than 90. That previous signing must have been somewhat abnormal.

Lin Luo found the matter strange, but now wasn't the time to dwell on such things. He answered decisively, "Yes."

The next instant, Lin Luo saw himself and Kinomoto instantly transported into the midst of a vast ocean. Rushing currents covered the earth, nourishing all things—this was Kinomoto’s Heart of the World: (Zesui/Flowing Water), benefiting all creation without striving for fame or profit, embodying supreme goodness like water.

"Heart Contract established. Current Master obtains Contractor Talent—State of Still Water. Current Contractor Status changed: Heart Seal released to the second level. Congruence of the Heart of Flowing Water achieved 100%... Relationship modified to Sharing Life and Death, Mental Energy can be shared, Life Chain can be shared..."

Thus, the contract was complete.

"Is this... done?" After Lin Luo removed his hand, Kinomoto couldn't help but ask.

"Yes, with this, there shouldn't be any—Ah!?" Lin Luo's smile vanished as his expression shifted violently. He saw Kinomoto's entire body suddenly convulsing, as if suffering intense agony.

"What's wrong?" Lin Luo quickly held her tight. The moment he made contact, he understood the situation. "Bad! Her magical energy is about to overflow!"

The nearly infinite magical energy within Kinomoto had been violently awakened by the contract, like a volatile volcano on the verge of eruption. He tried using healing spells on her, but it was entirely useless; this wasn't an injury, and the magical energy was an intrinsic part of Kinomoto.

"It... it hurts so much, Teacher, I... what should I do?" Kinomoto said through gritted teeth, struggling in pain.

"Release the magical energy!" Lin Luo shouted loudly.

"But... how do I release it? I... I don't know how... Ah!" Sweat beaded on the young girl's face.

"This..." Lin Luo was stumped. Getting someone who doesn't know magic to release their energy was incredibly difficult, unless there was some catalyst... But where could he find a catalyst? Lin Luo felt frantic; with such colossal amounts of energy, in her ordinary body, even a slight delay could result in her exploding from within!

"Magic, release magic, a catalyst to release the magic... Wait!"

Suddenly, Lin Luo thought of an excellent method. However, this method was impossible for Kinomoto to execute alone since she possessed no magical knowledge. The only viable option was for another sorcerer to guide the energy out of her.

"That's it!" Lin Luo roared, gently lifting the young girl and pressing his lips against hers without hesitation.

In the Nasuverse, there was a method of magical replenishment involving the exchange of bodily fluids. If the bodily fluid of one sorcerer was ingested by another, it could increase the latter's magical reserves. Lin Luo was employing a similar technique now.

While drawing in the sweet moisture from her lips, he simultaneously guided her overflowing magical energy out. Through the exchange of saliva, Kinomoto's magical power was released. Moreover, this method of replenishment differed from Yin-Harvesting Yang-Supplementation; it wasn't one-sided. Lin Luo could increase