“Cover our rear and just ride straight ahead!” Yerim shouted, leveling her axe at the onrushing crowd. Clang-clang-clang—Peace’s paws dug into the ground as he skidded and spun, then charged forward like a gale. Water droplets formed around Yerim, and just before crashing into the bikes and military vehicles, Peace leapt off his back and soared high into the air. Shwoooosh! Along with the water, Yerim’s axe swept through the hunters. Like a shark attacking a school of fish, it shattered anything it touched. Meanwhile... –Daddy’s acting weird, you know! “Most of our skills have been sealed.” “Those hunters who seemed to wield Chat Erbox’s power—they’re the ones. The seals last different lengths—anywhere from a day to a week. We’ve collided so often we keep getting resealed, so no one can use skills.” That blasted Chat Erbox still causing trouble even dead! No wonder Peace wasn’t using flame and Yerim couldn’t teleport or fly. Water manipulation falls outside of “skills,” so it worked. Peace tapped Yuhyun’s leg with a front paw. You feel it too? “I can still use my fire. It appears as a skill, but it’s actually my innate power. They only seal designated skills. Yerim experimented with Director Song’s water ability, and he could still lower the grade of his water control.” I see. Director Song isn’t just a skill-wielder but an existence born to consume even Seong Hyunjae... so this power won’t purely block other abilities, but perhaps it ties to system manipulation—like Chat Erbox’s command of it. The car sped on until Yerim and Peace faded into the distance. Would the two of them be all right alone? They could barely use any skills! “Don’t worry. There seemed to be only one other S-rank, and this has become routine lately.” Yuhyun, sensing my anxiety, said: “Other reinforcements will join Yerim soon. She has hunters she travels with.” Who could that be? Yuhyun called them her companions, so they must be acquaintances. Yerim must have made a new friend. ‘Ah, Yuhyun—your sword!’ I quickly drew the Overlord’s Sword. Yuhyun smiled, took it, and stored it in her inventory. “The Overlord’s Sword is bound to me; if it’s drawn outside inventory, I can detect its location.” Gah—had I known, I’d have hidden quietly with the sword. The drawer did let me rest properly, though. A bike’s roar sounded again ahead. I tried to slip back into Yuhyun’s cloak, but through her eyes I saw a familiar figure. Song Taewon was riding a hefty bike marked by rough use. Dressed like Yuhyun in flowing Arab garb, he lifted the cloth briefly hiding his mouth, then donned black sunglasses—likely to maintain formality as an official. “Keep going north,” he called, passing our car. Behind his sunglasses, I thought I caught his gaze on the trailing cloak where I crouched. With Director Song aboard, I felt safer. We turned north; after some distance, a faint signal blinked—only an S-rank hunter would notice. Yuhyun carried me shrouded in her cloak and climbed out. Stretching a paw, she returned our car to the drawer and headed toward the signal. Between rocky crevices, Noah emerged, wrapped head-to-toe in cloth. Different genders, ages, nations, even species—yet everyone adapted to this area. “This way. And Yujin—?” Noah asked, as if it went without saying I’d be there. He knew Yuhyun wouldn’t leave me behind. I peeked my head from the cloak. Noah’s eyes widened—though he knew I was a cat, he looked surprised. We moved along the cliff face, out of sight overhead, into a quiet village. In one house we found Samir waiting. So he’d been traveling with the prince after all? “Samir also knows about Yujin.” Noah said. He glanced around, then Yuhyun slipped from his arms and reverted to human form. Dellow’s skill was useful, but human form felt better. I stretched; Yuhyun eyed me sharply. Outwardly, I looked fine. “I still can’t believe that cat was Hunter Han Yujin...” Samir murmured. It’s surprising. I never dreamed I’d play cat. Life’s unpredictable, isn’t it? “Hyung, could you take off that cloak?” Isabella, staring at me, unexpectedly demanded. ‘Take off that cloak?’ Though I was indeed her nephew’s child... I realized I couldn’t neatly explain to someone unfamiliar with the mana-stone combination. “He’s just a monster,” seemed insufficient. “She’s the fairy steed turned cat.” Fortunately, Yerim lifted Gyeol and said: “Gyeol is Uncle’s companion.” The fairy cat said proudly; Isabella cooed. “I want to hold her too.” “Not yet—you just arrived. And Gyeol likes me, her aunt, more.” Yerim and Isabella bickered good-naturedly. Clearly they got along well. Peace rubbed against me in liquid form and purred. –I missed you so much, Daddy! I hugged Peace—look at all that dust on his fur. He got dirty without flame. I wanted to wash him. “I’m so glad you’re safe.” “And Director Song—you’ve worked hard too.” I didn’t need to see it: Song Taewon bowed slightly and said: “Do you know anything about Guild Master Sesung?” “No. I was as surprised by the engagement rumor as you.” I was eager to know what Seong Hyunjae was thinking now. He wouldn’t endure a forced marriage, so why remain silent? “How did you—? Attack him, I mean?” Isabella, staring at Yuhyun and me, blurted: “You attacked him?” Though Gyeol was my child... When I realized, it was awkward to explain before Gyeol. Instead: “She turned from fairy steed into a cat.” Thankfully, Yerim held up Gyeol: “She’s Uncle’s companion, yes.” The fairy cat bragged as Isabella cooed again. “Not yet. Uncle and I haven’t introduced ourselves properly. And Gyeol likes me more.” They teased each other—still good friends. “Hunter Mun Hyun-ah couldn’t arrive due to repeated plane attacks. Upon hearing news of Han Yujin, she returned to Korea with Riette and Kang Soyeong to manage dungeons.” “Well, it’d been about a month since she left Korea.” Though dungeon deluge slowed, it couldn’t be left untended. Evelyn also returned; with Soyeong and Comet as an S-rank team, they’d manage. Haeyeon had Blue and Unicorn, so no issues unless a new S-rank dungeon appeared. “Once you escape, the terror will cease—they aim to prevent your exit.” “Waiting for Peace to recover is the safest and quickest. Planes risk civilian casualties; ships are hard to secure. Helicopters get shot down.” I looked at everyone gathered. Though uninjured, fatigue weighed heavily. We could wait in the drawer until Peace’s skills returned, but then we’d miss outside news. “May I step out for a moment? Or to a larger open area?” “They haven’t found this far... There’s an empty lot in the center of the buildings.” We moved to what once was a garden courtyard. I offered Director Song an apologetic nod as I spoke. I drew a fighter jet from the drawer. Song Taewon sighed deeply. “No, it’s not expensive. It’s an old model with poor performance—no weapons, purely flight. I asked the Guild Master, who said she could pilot it. Thought we might need it. A helicopter’s slow; big planes too large. This is just a fast small craft.” “...Please treat the Guild Master kindly.” “Okay, I will. I’ll send her cards and Lunar New Year gifts.” We’d made Christmas cards too. Much to be grateful for. Song Taewon pressed a hand to his brow. “Please—return it safely.” “Of course. It’s perfect if you can just fly it.” Even an S-rank hunter couldn’t catch a small, fast plane easily. Take off safely and we’re done. “I’ve had basic training.” “I can handle simple piloting too.” At Song Taewon and Samir’s words, Yuhyun eyed the cockpit anxiously. Only two seats—could she sit as a cat? “But I must officially depart if possible.” “...I can’t send you alone with someone I don’t fully trust.” “Haeyeon is demanding. Want to learn?” Samir tapped the wingtip and said: “You’ve never piloted anything?” “Only helicopters, a bit.” “Still—experience counts. We just need you to fly. You’re S-rank: learn basics by instinct. Once you succeed in takeoff, focus on landing—avoid populated areas.” Irresponsible, but true. Even if they crash somewhere odd, a bruise is better than death. “Though flying into European airspace risks being shot down as an unidentified craft—it might be safer to ditch in the sea.” “I can arrange that.” Noah said. He looked at Yuhyun and me. “Avoid foreign countries; go straight to France. Land where few people are.” “I’m a French hunter too. My sister’s influence there ensures such leniency. It’s also the only way to end the current terror.” Noah seemed utterly reliable. Local contacts are invaluable. “So Han Yujin, go to France with Hunter Han Yuhyun. Once your departure is known, we can leave without interference.” “Haeyeon—look at this.” Song Taewon and Samir began teaching Yuhyun cockpit controls. My sister was bright; she’d learn quickly. Gyeol broke free from Yerim’s arms, donned a Santa hat from inventory, and pulled out a ribboned card. –Gyeol and Daddy made this Christmas card. Yerim gazed at Gyeol in wonder: “I haven’t prepared anything! Thank you, Gyeol! I’ll get you anything you want at home!” –No, it’s fine. Thank you for liking it, Aunt. Yerim read the card, delighted, stored it in inventory, and turned to me. “Uncle, thank you—Merry Christmas!” “Yes, Merry Christmas.” –Here, Uncle. We made this together. Yuhyun received a card too. She read it, then stored it carefully. “Hyung, thank you. I love you too.” “I’m sorry I couldn’t prepare gifts. I planned, but I’m late.” “No—it’s fine. This is enough.” “Yuhyun! My gift is time with you. Spend my birthday together in France. We’ll stall them here. How about that?” “I’m fine. A day or two longer is okay. Thank you, Gyeol.” Noah took the card and nodded. Yet... “I feel uneasy just resting...” “It’s once a year. And this is fun, honestly!” Yerim drew her axe from inventory. “With most skills sealed, it’s better for combat experience. I realized I relied too much on skills.” “Skills are still your ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ power, Yerim. But what’s that axe for?” “A certain princess complained I couldn’t time close-range support, so she demanded a weapon upgrade.” “You were a mess too.” “That’s true, but...” “Director Song advised we try different weapons. It makes teamwork and countering enemies more flexible.” Yerim’s eyes sparkled as she spoke. Children grow even in moments away. My chest warmed. “As expected, Director Song.” “I’m practicing to match other hunters too. He’s a great teacher.” Director Song stared briefly at the sky. A hero’s labor indeed—he deserves “teacher” too. –Uncle Song, Merry Christmas too! –Peace says Merry Christmas! Isabella watched the card-bearing fairy cat enviously. I wondered if I should’ve made cards for Isabella and Samir too. None could predict this alliance. –Daddy, there’s a leftover card... “It’s okay if one is late. We’ll all gather soon.” –Yes. And Gyeol will stay here. If she’s in fairy steed form, it’s easier to lure them. “That may be—but you can come with me.” –No, I have to stay with Daddy! Just a bit more is fine. And this is Daddy’s card—I made it while you slept. Gyeol pressed the card adorned with stars and hearts into my hand: “Dear Daddy, Merry Christmas! Thank you for loving me, Gyeol. For Christmas I’ll wish for Daddy’s health from Santa. And happiness. And that we live together for a very long time. I love you, Daddy!” My heart stung. My dear Gyeol. “Thank you, Gyeol. I didn’t prepare your gift.” –You already did! We had so much fun, Daddy! It was the best. I hugged Gyeol tightly. Yuhyun finished basic training and stored the fighter in the drawer. We hadn’t practiced, but we’d manage. Samir and Noah would lure the remaining hunters. “This is one of my sister’s villas. I’ve alerted the caretaker—feel free to use it.” “Be careful.” Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝~𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖~𝕟𝕖𝕥 –Daddy, see you later! The three departed. Yerim and Isabella stood too. “We’ll handle the rest.” “Thank you, Yerim. Isabella, please watch over Yerim.” “Sure. Try turning into a cat later.” “I refuse! I’ll escort her properly.” Clearly they worked well together. Peace rubbed against me once more, then followed them reluctantly. Only Yuhyun and Song Taewon remained. We waited until the others had lured the hunters far enough, then snuck out. “The rumor of Seong Hyunjae’s marriage originated in Europe.” “Really? Then on the way we can attend the wedding—it’s coming soon.” “Yes. Terrorists won’t run rampant in Europe. The European Hunter Union won’t stand for it.” I wondered if I’d receive a wedding invitation. How much gift money to prepare? Though if Seong Hyunjae opposed the marriage, I’d have to crash it as his partner. The plane barely had the range to reach France, so we headed in the closest direction. In an unpopulated wasteland, Yuhyun and Song Taewon set up a makeshift runway. I worried if the plane would take off safely, but Yuhyun was an excellent student—and flying a personal jet felt like the ultimate experience. We landed safely, hid the jet in the drawer, and briefed the awaiting French Hunter Association staff, completing simple procedures. “In our country, we favor hunters with Fire skills. Have a joyous Christmas.” The staff winked and told us to rest. They also lent us a car. Streets were filled with Christmas decorations; fake snow dusted a giant tree in the square. “I wish there were leftover cake.” We visited a shop the staff recommended. Fortunately, outside the city center, they still had Christmas cakes. “It’s good we can spend this together.” Yuhyun driving, she smiled: “Yeah. It’s been maybe ten years since we last spent Christmas together.” “For me, nearly nine years—after the Return and another half-year, about nine.” “No need to apologize. You couldn’t help it.” “I want us to keep this up.” Following a lonely road, Yuhyun said: “You’ve made so many friends, but—just for one day, I want you all to myself.” “Hey, don’t be greedy. It’s your birthday; of course your big brother will take care of you. At Christmas, everyone gathers for parties and dates—you don’t need to worry.” “Thank you. My Christmas will always be for you.” “It should be—for you.” “If you’re here, then it’s for me.” Riette’s villa lay in the mountains. In the spacious two-story home, the caretaker handed us the keys. The living room, with a grand fireplace, also held a Christmas tree. “Wearing shoes feels strange. What time is it? First, let’s wash up. Yuhyun, you go first. I’ve been fine in the drawer, but you haven’t.” I sent my sister to the bathroom and surveyed the kitchen. There was food, but strange—so I retrieved supplies from the drawer. I set dishes on the living-room table and placed the cake. Yuhyun, fresh from washing, sat beside me. “We’ve never really traveled together—no time.” She said, nibbling bread we’d bought. Only school trips before—when I was young, she younger. “After your exam, I thought we could travel for your birthday—maybe domestic, somewhere scenic.” “I would have loved anywhere. Just leaving home, being with you.” Had nothing gone awry, I’d have finished an important task by then. I’d have felt many emotions—pride above all. “Next year, I’ll plan it. You pick the place.” “It’s your birthday—why you? Think of where you want to go. Slowly, from now on. No more ‘Anywhere!’ It’s homework.” Yuhyun’s expression turned serious. She struggled to name a place. Once she chose, I’d definitely go. I checked my phone: Korea’s midnight corresponded to around 4 p.m. in France. Because she was born in Korea, I’d use Korean time. “I really did prepare a gift. Just wait a bit more. I wanted to match Christmas exactly.” I wished I could dash to Switzerland—need space-travel skill. Is it even completed? When we last spoke, I’d have time... but I was missing! “That’s not your gift.” As we chatted, Korea’s midnight approached. We stuck candles in the cake; the birthday flame glowed red. “Happy birthday, my sister.” The candles were blown out. Though I didn’t need to ask, I asked her wish. “To live together with you—forever.” “...Yes. Of course. Naturally.” Her wish—and I would grant it. She accepted me no matter my form, so all would be well. Yuhyun cut the cake. I rose to fetch plates. Returning, Yuhyun watched me with a soft smile. Through the window, the glow of dusk streamed in. We smiled at each other—until: Yuhyun’s expression crumpled. Her shout was followed by her body flying back with the sofa. Thud! A spray of blood followed. I lunged forward but a strong arm held me back. Yuhyun, struggling up, pressed a hand to the wall. A greatsword impaled her leg and stood embedded in the floor. Blood seeped into the wooden boards. The scent of leftover flame burned behind me. I turned. Beneath the stark black of his robes, I saw that familiar pale face—one I would never forget. Those unforgettable gentle words. Grace slipped from my wrist. Yuhyun whispered softly: