Hearing Jiang Yu's question, Zheng Qing was suddenly a little dazed.
Before he knew it, more than two years had passed since the first Black Gemstone Cat had left.
Two years ago, in the Sea of Clouds World, Mister had extracted the first Black Gemstone Cat's "soul" and sacrificed it to the Forbidden Spellbook, allowing Zheng Qing to safely wield the power of a Forbidden Curse despite his low rank.
That way, he would not end up like he had during his first year, nearly bursting apart from curse power after using a Forbidden Curse without authorization.
But as an ordinary avatar, the Black Gemstone Cat's "soul" was ultimately insufficient, and the time gained through the sacrifice was limited. So Zheng Qing later nurtured several more Black Gemstone Cats as backups.
"—Your gemstone is here."
Zheng Qing took out the first Black Gemstone Cat's "remains" from the Gray Cloth Bag. While cautiously watching the large hammer in the Little White Cat's paws, he honestly explained the whole story. At the end, he very sincerely expressed his guilt. "In any case, I'm very sorry!"
Seeing the pitch-black stone, which had lost its luster and bore a very clear crack, the witch's expression visibly softened. Not only did she not blame him, she even seemed rather pleased.
"It's good as long as it was able to help." As she spoke, she glanced at the Shaggy Dragon Bracelet still tied around the boy's wrist and seemed even more satisfied. Then, glancing at the three little black cats sprawled on Zheng Qing's shoulder, she added, "—Later, I'll find you a few gemstones rich in spiritual energy. They'll be easier to nurture."
She said it casually, but to the three little black cats, it sounded distinctly malicious.
Fortunately, Zheng Qing sensed that something was wrong