All the hotel staff who remained were sent out, and Haeyeon and the hunters from the Awakened Management Office guarded the entrance. At Sesung Guild, the guild master sent word through Director Song that he couldn’t return today. Anyone could see something had gone wrong, yet Sesung Guild’s only reply was that they understood. Perhaps it wasn’t just a one- or two-day issue. Or maybe their guild master was such that they didn’t need to worry wherever he was left.

Even I would think, “That man’s caused another incident—Director Song must be exhausted.”

“The bath facilities are nice, but it’s so empty in here.”

There were no benches, no boiled eggs or sweet rice drink. Everyone had opposed me moving alone, even though Chloe would never have walked in here of her own accord. It wasn’t just a quick trip to the restroom—if I was going to shower alone, it would take a while and be dangerous, they said. I was exasperated, but after my disappearing act when I pretended to bathe, I had no choice but to stay silent.

In the end, I went to the hotel sauna with my brother. As I’d felt in the Chinese Dungeon, a high-end hotel is perfect if you suddenly need to hide: plenty of facilities and necessities, a variety of restaurants, and more hiding spots than a department store or big mart.

“I need to lift the skill that’s on you, though.”

As we left the sauna, Yuhyun said with concern.

“I don’t like you taking charge yourself. I don’t even trust the Sesung Guild master.”

“I’m worried they communicated with him too, but he’s not the type to be swayed by others. If anything, he’d sabotage us. No matter what Park Ha-yul offers, he’s not going to hand me over willingly.”

Even if his life were at stake—if he were that easily broken, he would have bowed to the Crescent Moon long ago. He wouldn’t have endured the weight of his own past.

That was the one thing I trusted about Seong Hyunjae. It was clear truth that, for all his years, he’d kept his footing in our world. He wasn’t transcendent yet; he was still human.

“...He might have tossed me in there on purpose to make a mess. But only if he was certain I’d be safe.”

He’s willful, but not reckless. He only does things he can handle. It’s both enviable and infuriating.

“Park Ha-yul’s skill is useful, but she’s not going to discard an S-Rank Hunter. As long as she only captures Chloe, there’s room to negotiate. It’s just that we have no justification on our side.”

At worst, she’d be charged with falsifying her rank. And since she’s a foreign hunter, fines, expulsion, and a ban on reentry are the only punishments possible. If we arrest her properly, we’d have to send her home.

“We need to capture her as quietly and secretly as possible. Or force her to commit an offense that justifies detention.”

If we’re holding an American High-Rank Hunter unlawfully, protests would follow. The Beonkebibeu Guild would surely object, since she’s a freelance hunter they hired to accompany me.

“That’s why we absolutely need the Sesung Guild master’s cooperation.”

We stepped into the café where everyone was gathered. I saw them lined up on either side of the long table. Seong Hyunjae sat with a cup of coffee before him. Gyeol, who’d been sipping something on the table in front of Yerim, flew over to me. I patted his head and sat in the chair my brother pulled out. Such kindness.

“As I said earlier, the Sesung Guild master cannot disclose the letter’s contents. I’ll verify them and then convey the details.”

Seong Hyunjae had to keep his mouth shut, but passing on what I’d read wasn’t a breach of contract. The letter must state their purpose, and once we knew it, luring Chloe would be easier.

“Director Song, is this all right with you? Technically, it’s a bit illegal.”

“I have an obligation to protect Korean hunters.”

Director Song said matter-of-factly.

“Mr. Han Yujin has already suffered damage, and since he’s still under the skill’s effect, the Awakened Management Office’s cooperation is natural. In principle, we should make an official arrest and file a protest—”

“If we did that, things would blow up.”

That’s absolutely out of the question.

“Above all, if it becomes known that Park Ha-yul can control me, honestly, even the U.S. government couldn’t be trusted.”

They might offer to protect her and then coax me into changing my citizenship to the U.S.~ I’d break free once they turned off Fear Resistance, but still, we had to be careful.

“Here, take my phone.”

Yerim held out her phone.

“It’s more convenient if you have one for reference.”

“Thanks.”

“I’ll tell Team Leader Seok to connect with the translators. They could handle short translations that don’t require knowing the full context.”

“Hm, if we’re really stuck, I’ll ask. Should be fine.”

Director Song stood up and pulled handcuffs from his inventory. Huh? Was he planning to arrest Seong Hyunjae already?

“For safety. If the cuffs are damaged or sense magic above a certain threshold, they’ll send a signal.”

“I made them.”

Myeong-woo said. What?

“You refused my gift so much!”

“It was donated to the Awakened Management Office, not to me personally.”

“In that case, I’ll donate a bike to the Management Office too.”

“It will be allocated where it’s needed.”

It sounded like Director Song refused to ride it. Donating would be easy enough—not that he’d ever let it out of his hands. When Director Song approached, Seong Hyunjae readily offered his hands.

“It’s been a while.”

“It hasn’t been that long.”

His tone was calm, but I sensed the unspoken thought, “Cut the crap.” I wondered when he’d last worn cuffs. He must have had them when he wrecked the plane, and when he pretended to fight Director Song before going to China.

“While we’re at it, let’s add shackles and a gag. They won’t help anyway.”

You’re not just going to watch me struggle with the letter. Might as well cover my eyes too.

“Mr. Han Yujin’s tastes are rougher than I expected.”

“How is that any big deal? You’re the one who wraps others in chains at the drop of a hat. Shackles are nothing.”

“...Are actual shackles really okay?”

My brother whispered beside me. Of course he was joking.

“Not a chance. You don’t seriously want to lock me up forever, do you?”

“Sure. If you don’t mind, that is.”

Yuhyun said as if it went without saying. Even Myeong-woo agreed that it would be more convenient. Yerim and Noah looked on as if they wouldn’t stop an impromptu imprisonment either. But surely Director Song would block it, saying it’s illegal... would he?

“We mustn’t lock people up.”

“Dad’s house is big, can’t we go there?”

“No, we can’t. Let’s wait here, Gyeol.”

“I’m upset. If you keep doing this, I’ll become twisted.”

The fairy dragon pouted and snuggled into Yerim’s arms. I felt apologetic, but couldn’t help a small laugh.

“How are you going to become twisted?”

“I’ll eat lots of snacks like Dad, skip meals, not exercise, follow strangers, and disappear suddenly.”

“...I’m eating on time. Strangers—Dad’s an adult. Me disappearing suddenly was my fault.”

I’ve been exercising lately too. Is that why I can’t even drink cold water in front of the kids?

“Let’s go.”

Seong Hyunjae beckoned and strode ahead. I would finally find out what the letter said... hopefully before midnight.

“Last one! Done!”

I put down my pen and cheered. Seong Hyunjae, reclining on the bed, applauded. The cuffs’ chains clinked along.

“Congratulations.”

“Don’t congratulate me—didn’t I tell you not to wear shoes on the bed? Your nationality is Korean.”

“It’s hard to take off shoes with these cuffs.”

Ridiculous. Anyway, it was good to finish the translation.

“...It just reads like a casual letter.”

Indeed. After all that work, it was mundane: I’ve heard of your fame, congratulations on returning safely from China, here’s what’s happening in Korea, this and that about Kang Soyeong Hunter and the dragon. Mostly small talk.

“Could it be written vertically or in code?”

I turned the letter this way and that. Even against the light, nothing appeared. No candle or lemon juice hidden message.

“There has to be more to it.”

How absurd. There had to be something. Not a word about me. I glared at Seong Hyunjae; he wriggled his foot. Was he signaling me to come closer? Now he wanted to use his foot too?

“Let me see the actual letter, not the translation.”

“I’m looking at it.”

“It’s an item that goes into your inventory. It could be simple dungeon loot, but it might also be a special item.” Using the translation as reference, I read the English letter.

“Here‘s a gift for you.”

It struck me as odd for the final line. A gift? Just then, Seong Hyunjae grabbed my wrist.

“What—”

And the scenery around us shifted. I took an involuntary step and smacked my chin on the bed.

“Ugh! Hallucination?”

“It’s not easy to transport you outright.”

Seong Hyunjae floated down from the transparent bed as if hovering mid-air. Small will-o’-the-wisps drifted through the empty space. One approached us.

[Hello, Mister.]

“...If this keeps up, I’ll get caught for reading the letter.”

“It’s not linked to you. Nor is it targeted. It’s a system set to appear when you finish the letter.”

He said only a few patterns were registered.

[Shall I say, ‘Nice to meet you’?]

The voice gave no clue to gender. Cheerful and childlike, yet obviously crafted. When I didn’t reply, the will-o’-the-wisp just hovered.

“Well, hello.”

[...]

“This letter was meant for me.”

Ah, right. It responded and adapted. Then.

“This is a petty prank. And far too poorly prepared. The background should be flowers, and the will-o’-the-wisp should be hot pink.”

Seong Hyunjae stared at me. Why? Because I was right. I cleared my throat, continuing in his voice.

“Get to the point. Or may I offer you tea? And for the record, it’s Seong Hyunjae—not Han Yujin—who likes pink.”

“You’re not being honest.”

“Really, I don’t like pink.”

[I hope you have received /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ the letter safely.]

The will-o’-the-wisp spoke.

[First, Mister, how much do you know about the world beyond?]

...So Park Ha-yul’s sister also knew about the Transcendent. Linked to Chatterbox, perhaps.

“I know enough.”

[We suspect you have had the deepest contact in our world.]

True before my return; now I interact even more often.

[You must also know that outside interference has increased recently.]

“Of course. Do you know about Chatterbox?”

[An oracle visited recently.]

A non sequitur—so it really isn’t linked. The wisp continued.

[They spoke of an impending end and salvation.]

A typical cult. Clearly, the oracle and Park Ha-yul’s sister are not the same.

“Were you tempted by that?”

I asked in a low voice. If they grabbed me, it would be troublesome. Divide and conquer is best.

[Don’t you think it trivial?]

The wisp answered calmly.

[You must have felt it even before Awakening. Something different about us.]

Wait a moment. Could it be...

‘Born S-Rank?’

Park Ha-yul’s sister?

“It’s different, huh? Certainly.”

I maintained my composure, but my heart pounded. One of the two remaining. Pure speculation, but given her secrecy and power, it seemed likely.

[That too may be mere fact. But I can offer Mister a bit of enjoyment.]

I glanced at Seong Hyunjae. Nothing piques his curiosity more than anything promising fun. He seemed to notice my thought; his golden eyes curved slightly.

“I haven’t even explored everything right in front of me.”

“How honored I am.”

I turned back to the wisp. It grew until it took on a human form.