Having learned the “truth” behind the world, Alpha began training her control over the Slime Bodysuit under Shino’s tutelage.
The suits, improved by both Shino and Cid, allowed for much smoother mana transmission—essentially making techniques faster and more efficient.
Alpha’s talent was extraordinary.
She mastered the bodysuit in a single day and attained full command over the Slime Sword by the second.
By the third day, her combat prowess had already surpassed that of Shino’s sister, Claire.
During this time, Cid continued to vanish for long stretches.
Shino knew exactly what he was up to: the guy was hunting for “artifacts” and treasure, all for the sake of his grand “Eminence in Shadow” aesthetic.
Alpha was gifted enough that she could have reached this level of strength on her own, but Shino’s instruction significantly accelerated the process.
“Alpha, you are already strong enough.
I’ve taught you all I can,” Shino told her.
“As for how to get even stronger…
that will depend on your own efforts from now on.” Shino realized that if he kept teaching her at this rate, Alpha’s strength would eventually eclipse his own—unless, of course, his own power continued to evolve.
In the following weeks, Alpha became like Cid—a ghost who appeared and disappeared without a trace.
With time on his hands, Shino decided to renovate their temporary base.
What was once a collection of dilapidated, abandoned shacks was transformed into something entirely new through Shino’s hard work.
It was now, for all intents and purposes, a standalone luxury villa.
With the help of magic, the construction was a breeze for him.
About half a month later, Alpha returned, bringing a white-haired elf with her.
The elf’s skin was severely decayed, with lumps of flesh writhing within the wounds and black veins pulsing across her entire body.
Alpha hadn’t yet learned the technique to treat Possession, so she left the task to Shino.
As usual, Cid was nowhere to be found.
Alpha mistakenly assumed Cid was off fighting evil in some unknown corner of the world.
In reality, he was just robbing bandits of their gold and antiques to boost his “cool factor.” “Lord Phantom…
may I ask what Lord Shadow has been busy with lately?” Alpha asked.
“I don’t know the specifics of his movements,” Shino replied truthfully.
“But I imagine it must be something very important.” Technically, Shino wasn’t lying.
Collecting “artifacts” was indeed very important to Shadow.
“I see…” Alpha’s respect for Cid deepened even further.
However, despite her respect for Cid, Alpha felt a closer bond with Shino.
Despite his immense power, Shino was approachable and kind; he personally taught her how to fight and master her mana.
“Lord Phantom, did you renovate this house yourself?” “Of course.
Renovating the place makes it more comfortable for you all to live in.” “You are too kind to us, Lord Phantom.
A simple shelter would have sufficed…
this is such a waste of your valuable time!” Alpha was overwhelmed by the gesture.
To her, Shino was a legendary figure capable of curing the “curse” of Possession, yet he was manually building a home for her.
It was almost unimaginable.
“Your well-being is important too,” Shino said simply.
“This isn’t some heartless organization that expects you to risk your lives without giving you a proper place to sleep.” Shino looked at the elf.
“Let’s call her Beta.
Leave her to me; I’m sure you have other matters to attend to.” Beta’s condition was slightly different from Alpha’s; only her surface skin was decaying, so the treatment was relatively quick, taking only four or five hours.
When Beta regained her human form, she looked at herself in disbelief.
“Thank you…
May I ask your name?” Beta asked, looking at the boy who was technically shorter than her but radiating an aura of gratitude.
“My name is Phantom.
The person who brought you here is Alpha.
Our organization is Shadow Garden, and we exist to oppose the Cult of Diabolos…” Shino explained the entire “lore” of the organization to her.
“So, are you willing to join Shadow Garden?” “I am!” Beta declared.
“You and Alpha saved me from hell and gave me a new life.
I will spend the rest of my days fighting for Shadow Garden with everything I have!” “Very well.
From this moment on, you must discard your former self.
Your name is now Beta.” Shino extended his hand.
Beta took it, and the mana-slime bodysuit manifested, covering her body.
Beta had sounded confident during the day, but when night fell and she lay alone in bed, she began to shake uncontrollably.
The memories of her past were still vivid—the way everyone looked at her with disgust as a “Demon Possessed,” and how even her own parents had turned their eyes on her with hostility, wishing she were dead.
Every time she closed her eyes, the trauma resurfaced.
“Beta?
Can’t sleep?” The door opened, and Shino stepped in.
“Lord Phantom…
I’m fine,” Beta whispered, not wanting to show her vulnerability.
“You’re trembling, and you say you’re fine?” Shino walked to her bedside.
“How about I tell you a bedtime story?” “A story?” “It’s called *Snow White*.” “Once upon a time, there was a princess named Snow White…” As Beta listened, she found herself drifting into the world of the story.
Without realizing it, she fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.
It was the first time she had slept without fear since her Possession began.
Once he was sure she was asleep, Shino quietly left the room.
He used his mana to cast a barrier around the house—a ward that only those wearing a slime suit could pass through.
Meanwhile, in the forest, Claire had waited a long time for her Master, but he never showed up.
Eventually, she decided to train on her own, repeating the exercises from the previous day.
Just as she was about to head home at her usual time, her “Master” finally appeared.
“Claire,” Shino said in his disguised voice.
“Your Master must leave for a very important mission.
From now on, the path to becoming stronger rests entirely on your own shoulders.” “Yes, Master!
I understand!
I will not let you down!” Claire vowed.