Then why was he smiling?
Looking at her confused expression, Sunny couldn't help but smile even wider as he summoned her status screen once again.
A transparent, purple-hued interface blinked into existence before him, its letters shimmering softly.
---
[Angel: ???]
[Status: Uncontracted | Crippled Foundation]
[Talent: Epic – Six Star]
[Level: Tier Zero]
[Skills: Holy Light Judgment | Divine Lantern | Wing of Heaven | Holy Light Sword]
[Special State: Congenital Damage – Disabled Foundation | Negative State: Cannot Level Up]
[Cultivation Suggestion: Angel Feather, Holy Spirit Ban Stone, Radiant Silk, and Angel Tears (Required to heal foundational injuries)]
---
Sunny's eyes gleamed as he carefully studied the details again. There was no doubt anymore — he truly had a golden finger.
And as he noticed the blank space where her name should be, he decided to give her one before learning her story. But just as he pondered what name would suit her best, he felt a light tug at the hem of his shirt.
He turned, startled from his thoughts. His summon — the silver-haired angel — stood beside him, her hands trembling slightly as she struggled to hold back tears.
"Master…" she whispered softly, her voice fragile, "…aren't you angry or disappointed to have summoned someone as weak as me?"
Sunny blinked, surprised. Then, with a warm smile, he gently placed his hand atop her head, ruffling her soft hair.
"Why would I be?" he asked gently. "You've misunderstood me. I'm not sad, and I'm definitely not disappointed."
He crouched slightly to meet her gaze. "If anything, I feel lucky. Extremely blessed, actually."
Her lips quivered. "Bu—but I'm useless. I can't even level up…"
Sunny chuckled softly and led her toward the couch. Once seated, he took both her hands in his, his tone calm yet filled with conviction.
"No. You're not useless," he said firmly. "And I'll never think of you that way. You're a blessing in disguise, Lilith."
"Lilith?" she repeated, eyes widening slightly.
"Yes," Sunny said with a faint grin. "That's your name now — Lilith. It suits you."
Her lips trembled as tears welled up again. "Thank you, Master…"
He squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry about what others think. Masters have plenty of ways to fix things like this."
That simple sentence shattered the wall she had built around her heart. Lilith couldn't hold back anymore — she cried openly, her face buried in Sunny's chest as sobs wracked her slender frame. Her tears soaked through his shirt, but Sunny only patted her back gently, letting her cry until her body finally relaxed.
When her sobbing faded, Sunny guided her toward the bathroom so she could wash up. He handed her one of his shirts — oversized but soft — which, to his surprise, fit her figure quite naturally.
When she emerged minutes later, freshly bathed and dressed, Sunny froze mid-breath.
She was breathtaking.
Her silver hair glistened like moonlight, her pink eyes shimmered softly, and even the simple shirt she wore accentuated her delicate beauty.
"Master… how do I look?" Lilith asked shyly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
Sunny smiled without hesitation. "You look irresistibly beautiful."
Her blush deepened. "M-Master is overpraising me…" she mumbled, hiding her face behind her hands.
Sunny chuckled lightly. "I only speak the truth."
After that, they left the apartment together, heading toward the shopping district. Sunny insisted Lilith try on outfit after outfit — elegant dresses, casual wear, even combat gear — until both were satisfied. By the time they were done, Sunny's storage ring was filled with branded designer outfits.
Their next stop was a restaurant called Morning Star.
Upon entering, a waiter greeted them respectfully and guided them upstairs to the VIP floor — a reservation Sunny had made earlier.
As they sat around a circular glass table overlooking the city skyline, they ordered a spread of dishes ranging from sizzling steak to buttered crab legs and fruit parfaits.
When the plates arrived, the aroma filled the air. Lilith's stomach betrayed her with a soft growl. Her cheeks turned crimson.
Sunny laughed lightly. "Go on, don't hold back."
She nodded shyly and began eating — first timidly, then with enthusiasm.
For a while, they ate in comfortable silence until Lilith suddenly spoke between bites.
"Master… what exactly are the ranks of beast masters and their summons?"
Sunny wiped his mouth and leaned back in his chair thoughtfully.
"Well," he began, "a summon's rank generally mirrors that of its master. As for beast masters, their ranks go as follows: Initiate Summoner, Novice Summoner, Apprentice Summoner, Adept Summoner, Summoner, Advanced Summoner, Master Summoner, Arch Summoner, Prime Summoner, and finally… Legendary Summoner."
Lilith listened intently, eyes wide with curiosity.
"As for summons themselves," Sunny continued, "their ranks are Iron, Bronze, Common, Uncommon, Silver, Gold, Rare, Epic, Platinum, Legendary, and Mythic."
He cut a piece of crab leg and popped it into his mouth, savoring the taste.
Lilith tilted her head. "Then… what rank am I, Master?"
Sunny smiled gently. "You're originally an Epic-rank summon. But due to your damaged foundation, your effective rank dropped to Uncommon." He paused, his voice growing firm. "But that will soon change."
Her expression brightened instantly, eyes glimmering with renewed hope.
They continued chatting and eating happily, laughter occasionally filling the private floor. When they finally finished, Sunny paid the bill and led Lilith out of the restaurant.
Waiting outside was a sleek Lambo-bus cab, its doors opening automatically as they approached.
Inside, the cabin was lined with plush seats, snacks, and a small flatscreen TV that played a movie. They settled in comfortably — Lilith nestled in Sunny's arms as the film played, their laughter mixing with the gentle hum of the vehicle.
Time slipped away unnoticed until the chauffeur's polite voice broke through.
"Sir, we've arrived," Cedric announced from the driver's seat.
The privacy shield was still active, preventing him from seeing what was happening in the back.
Lilith sighed softly, reluctant to leave the cozy warmth of Sunny's embrace.
"Master… can't we finish the movie first?" she asked in a spoiled tone, glancing up at him.
Sunny chuckled and stroked her hair. "We can watch it later. For now, we need to gather the materials for your evolution. Some of the rare ones can only be found here."
With that, the Lambo's doors lifted smoothly. Sunny stepped out first and extended his hand to her. She took it gracefully, her silver hair fluttering like silk in the evening breeze.
If not for the faint aura of divine energy surrounding her, no one would have guessed Lilith was a summon at all.
The red carpet leading into the Celestial Auction Hall shimmered under bright camera flashes. Reporters and photographers gathered near the entrance, but thanks to the black masks both Sunny and Lilith wore, their identities remained hidden.
Inside, a tall attendant greeted them respectfully and led them to the VIP section overlooking the grand auction floor below.
Two maids in pristine uniforms soon entered, pushing a cart filled with drinks and light snacks. They served quietly and efficiently before bowing deeply.
When they left, the enormous enchanted glass door closed behind them with a soft thud, sealing the room in silence.