At the same time the Kirin completed its new body, Theo had almost finished digesting the mana rush.
’Incredible,’ he thought, concentrating. ’There’s so much mana!’
His core used to be just over five percent of the way to the Gold Core stage.
But now, with all the mana rushing in, it had already shot up to a third of the way there.
And... it wasn’t even done yet!
More and more golden specks continued appearing across its surface, steadily increasing his core’s strength.
The pain coursing through his body had long become unbearable.
Yet, the smile on his face only widened.
’Don’t waste it,’ he thought, gritting his teeth. ’Every bit counts!’
As seconds ticked by, his core gradually climbed to the halfway mark.
Suddenly, the stream of emerald mana began slowing down.
Theo’s expression immediately became serious.
’It’s ending!’
He didn’t hesitate, guiding every last strand toward his core.
Finally, the dazzling white and green light surrounding his heart slowly faded.
Theo remained completely motionless, taking a couple of deep breaths.
Only after confirming that not a single strand of mana remained did he let out a long sigh.
’Just over fifty percent...’
He slowly opened his eyes, unable to suppress the excitement in them.
That single contract had saved him several months of cultivation.
Just then, a strangely familiar yet youthful voice echoed through his mind.
’’The contract has been completed.’’
Theo’s eyes snapped open immediately.
Standing only a few yards away, the newly forged Kirin quietly returned his gaze.
Compared to the massive being from before, this one was barely larger than a horse.
Even so, there wasn’t the slightest doubt in Theo’s mind.
’It’s really him,’ he thought.
He couldn’t help but smile.
’’So... it really worked.’’
The Kirin gave a small nod.
’’It did.’’
The youthful voice echoed through Theo’s mind once more.
Although it had become noticeably younger, the calmness and dignity within it hadn’t changed in the slightest.
"I look forward to our journey together... contractor."
Theo let out a soft chuckle.
’’So do I.’’
Whoosh!
Before either of them could say another word, the grasslands suddenly began trembling.
The large white summoning circle appeared beneath Theo’s feet once again.
"The summoning dimension is rejecting us," the Kirin said calmly. ’’I will see you in your world, contractor.’’
Theo nodded once.
The world gradually began to blur around him.
In only a few moments, everything began to fade into a pure white space.
A familiar twisting sensation immediately washed over his body.
’’Ugh!’’
Once again, it felt like his body was being folded like a clean towel.
Thud!
Theo’s feet touched solid ground.
Slowly opening his eyes, the familiar estate room came back into view.
’’Theo!’’
A few yards away, Elise immediately stood up from her chair.
She quickly walked over, her eyes rapidly scanning his body.
’’Hey,’’ Theo greeted, a wide smile on his face. ’’I’m back.’’
Seeing that he was unharmed, Elise finally let out a long sigh of relief.
’’You’re finally back,’’ she said lightly.
Theo tilted his head slightly.
’’Finally?’’ he repeated. ’’I wasn’t gone for that long...’’
Elise crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing as they landed on him.
For a moment, she just stared at him.
’’Theo... do you have any idea how long you were gone?’’
Theo frowned, a hint of worry seeping in because of her tone.
’’An hour?’’ he said, half-confident.
Elise slowly shook her head.
’’Twenty hours,’’ she said. ’’You’ve been gone for twenty entire hours.’’
Theo’s smile instantly froze.
’’What now?’’
For a moment, he just stood there.
’That’s impossible,’ he thought. ’I’m certain I was only there for an hour at most.’
Just then, Elise let out another sigh.
She pressed a hand against her forehead as she turned around.
’’I was beginning to think something had gone wrong,’’ she said, regret filling her voice. ’’I must’ve been out of my mind to send you somewhere just based on some book.’’
Theo immediately shook his head.
’’No, it’s alright,’’ he said, smiling. ’’Everything worked out well in the end, right?’’
Elise remained silent for a few seconds.
Then, she finally let out a helpless laugh.
’’I suppose it did,’’ she said, carefully looking him up and down once more.
Only after confirming for a second time that he truly hadn’t suffered any injuries did the last trace of worry leave her face.
A small smile slowly appeared.
’’So...’’ she said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and hope. ’’Did you manage to contract the Galehorn Unicorn?’’
Theo’s grin widened immediately.
’’I thought you’d never ask.’’
Without another word, he raised his hand.
Closing his eyes for a moment, he channeled mana toward the circle on his heart.
Whoosh!
A summoning circle unfolded beside him, shining bright emerald light throughout the room.
Elise’s eyes widened.
A graceful figure slowly stepped out of the light.
Its emerald scales reflected the room’s lights, while a thin cloud drifted beneath its four hooves.
The creature’s calm emerald eyes quietly settled on Elise.
’’Mhm,’’ a voice echoed out. ’’What a unique plane this is.’’
Elise’s mouth slowly fell open, but no words came out.
She blinked a few times, then turned to Theo.
’’This...’’ she said, her voice strange. ’’Where is the Galehorn Unicorn?’’
Theo scratched the back of his head.
’’Well, that’s a bit complicated.’’
Before he could explain any further, the little Kirin let out a quiet snort.
Whoosh!
Bright emerald light suddenly enveloped its body.
Its long, slender frame rapidly shrank.
The emerald scales gradually disappeared beneath snow-white fur, while the elegant antlers merged into a single emerald horn.
Large feathered wings unfolded from its sides as its serpentine Kirin body transformed into that of a graceful unicorn.
Within only a few seconds, a Galehorn Unicorn no larger than a dog stood where the Kirin had been.
It calmly walked over to Theo before sitting down beside his feet.
"I will remain in this form for the time being," its youthful voice echoed through Theo’s mind. "It’s the least costly way for me to remain here."
Theo glanced at it with raised eyebrows.
He slowly nodded.
’’That makes sense.’’
Only then did he look back at Elise.
She stood completely frozen, utterly confused and conflicted.