Chapter 172: Turning Point

“We meet again, junior. Are you doing okay?”

Anna greeted him with a soft smile. She hadn’t changed at all—her eyes still curved when she smiled, warm and gentle.

After all, by time alone, they’d only been apart for a single day.

But to Muen, seeing her again felt like a lifetime had passed.

Even the shocking revelation that Anna—his beloved senior—was the mysterious shopkeeper faded into the background. Right now, he could only stare blankly at her.

“What is it?”

Anna looked a bit puzzled by the way Muen was gazing at her. Then, as if realizing something, she suddenly grew serious. Pressing her hand over her coin pouch at her waist, ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) she said sternly:

“Junior, no matter what you say, I’m not giving your money back.”

“I...”

Muen let out a helpless laugh. He hadn’t expected his senior to say something so miserly right off the bat.

But just as a smile tugged at the corner of his lips, it vanished again.

Meeting his senior again—something that should have made him happier than anything—was instead filling his chest with a suffocating ache and exhaustion.

All the emotions he had been forcing down suddenly surged up the moment he felt safe with her.

“Senior.”

“Hm?”

“Can I... hold you?”

“Oh my, in the middle of the night, is junior once again unable to restrain his playboy soul? Planning to harass me? You really are a pervert.”

“No, I just...”

Muen’s shoulders and eyebrows sagged. It was like something unbearably heavy was pressing down on him.

“Never mind, Senior. Just let me—”

Before he could finish, two cool hands gently cupped his face.

In his daze, Anna lifted Muen’s head and rose onto her toes, carefully studying his eyes.

As if she saw something in them, her own gaze softened with pity. She guided his head to her shoulder and gently stroked his hair.

“Junior... you must have gone through something terrible tonight.”

“......”

“I don’t know what it was, but don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s not something to hate yourself for.”

“......”

“Junior really likes to act spoiled, huh? You can cry, you know.”

“I won’t cry.”

Muen closed his eyes, letting the girl’s warmth sink in, and murmured softly:

“I won’t cry.”

“Is that so?”

Anna tilted her head slightly. Peeking at Muen’s side profile—his strong expression unwavering despite the tears that never came—she sighed again, this time more tenderly.

“Junior... you’ve grown stronger again.”

After that brief warmth, Muen and Anna sat side by side against the wall, waiting for the danger to fully pass.

Anna tugged on Muen’s sleeve and motioned for him to scoot closer.

Then she pointed upward. “Look at the sky.”

“The sky?”

Muen tilted his head in confusion and looked up.

At some point, the clouds had scattered. In the clear sky above, a bright moon hung alone.

There were no stars to accompany it, making the moon appear even more luminous—but around it, a halo of pale blue shimmered faintly, casting an eerie chill.

“This is...”

Muen suddenly understood.

“That monster from before... was a follower of the Moon?”

No wonder it had been able to track him so precisely. Bathed in that bluish moonlight, there was no way to slip past its pursuit.

“Weird.”

Muen frowned.

He hadn’t done anything to provoke the Silent Moon. So why were its followers trying to kill him?

Did it sense the power of the Withering King within him?

No... wasn’t the alchemical domain supposed to block all aura traces?

Completely baffled, Muen shook his head. But he didn’t dwell on it too long.

He was used to being a magnet for Evil Gods at this point. When you’ve got fleas, what’s one more? Even the Love God hadn’t tried to kill him. If the Silent Moon wanted a piece of him, it could take a number.

Besides, wasn’t there a certain sunny musclehead currently heading to your house to “bring warmth”? Shouldn’t that be your top concern right now?

Muen shook the thought from his head and leaned a little closer to his senior.

Not because her shoulder was soft or she smelled good or anything. Obviously.

It was just that this patch of space untouched by moonlight happened to be exactly this size. That’s all.

“Senior, do you know who that freak from earlier was?”

“No. I’ve just heard the rumors.”

“Rumors?”

“One of the urban legends from the Lower City. They call him the Shadow Butcher.”

Anna casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and continued:

“Wears a black raincoat. Wears a creepy mask. Carries a bloodstained cleaver. They say he can attack people’s shadows—and if he eats someone’s shadow, their body disintegrates completely.”

“...So it was him.”

Muen shuddered involuntarily.

The image of Lorenzo’s body—like it had been devoured—flashed through his mind again, twisting his stomach in nausea.

“By the way, I never imagined you were the mysterious shopkeeper.”

Muen suddenly spoke with a tone of quiet wonder.

Thinking about it now, his bond with Anna hadn’t just begun at the academy... it had started way before that.

Fate, huh? Their connection must’ve already been tangled like tree roots—deep and unshakable.

For the first time in a while, Muen felt genuinely happy. All those earlier ideas about revenge, or spanking the shopkeeper’s butt, were long forgotten.

Come on. Try smacking your senior’s butt—she’d probably smack you right back.

“I didn’t expect it either,” Anna smiled slyly, glancing sideways at him. “You were that customer?”

“I was.”

Her lips curled again, eyes narrowing. “There’s something I’ve been curious about, Junior.”

“What is it?”

“That... medicine you bought before. What was it for?”

“......”

Muen froze. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead.

What for? Obviously, to drug a certain princess.

But could he say that out loud? Hell no!

“You weren’t really... planning to drug an elephant, were you?”

Anna’s smirk deepened as she watched Muen panic. But from the glint in her eyes, Muen could tell she wasn’t really looking for an answer—she just wanted to mess with him.

And that, more than anything, made her impossible to deal with.

How were you supposed to win against a mischievous little devil who looked like trouble but never truly meant it?

Muen had no choice. He pulled out his ultimate weapon—diversion.

“Senior, I have something for you.”

“For me?”

She tilted her head. “Is it a special occasion or something?”

“Today?” Muen thought for a second. “It’s the 57th day since we first met in the library?”

“Pfft, don’t be silly.”

Anna giggled. Muen, however, tried to keep a straight face.

“It really is the 57th day! If you don’t believe me, count it!”

“Alright, alright. So what are you giving me for our 57-day anniversary?”

“This.”

Muen took out the red gemstone box.

The moment Anna saw it, she froze.

“This... is?”

“That’s right. Tear of True Love.”

Muen opened the box with a smile.

Nestled against the crimson velvet, the pink, teardrop-shaped gem shone brilliantly even in the dark.

“How did it end up with you?”

Anna only stayed confused for a couple of seconds before realizing the truth.

“So that Number 88... was you? And the one who called the guards tonight—that was you too?”

“Mm.”

Muen nodded, still smiling.

But Anna caught a flicker of something in his eyes—something like quiet disappointment.

She didn’t push the topic. Her gaze turned back to the stunning gemstone.

“Junior... I can’t accept this.”

“You don’t want it?”

“...I do. But accepting it for free feels...”

“It’s not for free.”

Muen met her startled eyes and spoke seriously.

“I told you before—it’s payment. You’ve helped me so much, Senior, and never once asked for anything. If I don’t do something to thank you, I’ll never feel at peace. So please... take it.”

“......”

Anna was silent for a moment—then smiled.

“In that case, I’ll accept it with gratitude.”

She reached out to take the gem, but Muen gently stopped her.

“Let me.”

He picked up the Tear of True Love—and Anna noticed something she hadn’t seen before.

There were two delicate crystal tails hanging from it.

They formed a transparent chain, sculpted like angel wings. Just seeing them was enough to take one’s breath away.

“I was surprised too when I first saw it. Later, I read in the auction notes—it had already been turned into a necklace. They just didn’t show it to avoid lowering the price.”

Muen chuckled. “Kind of sketchy, but honestly, I like it.”

He raised the “angel wings,” lifting the gem into the air. It trembled softly, like a tear about to fall from a girl’s cheek.

“Pretty, isn’t it?”

“It is.”

Any woman would be overjoyed to receive a necklace like this. But Muen saw something different in Anna’s eyes.

A faint sorrow.

“What’s wrong? You don’t like it?”

“No, I love it. And because I love it... I’m a little reluctant.”

“Huh?”

Muen was confused. But Anna didn’t explain.

Instead, she swept her long black hair aside and smiled.

“Help me put it on, Junior.”

“Ah...”

Muen froze.

He’d just wanted to show her the necklace—he hadn’t expected this.

Staring at her swan-like neck, Muen suddenly felt parched.

Sensing his hesitation, Anna tilted her head. “What’s wrong? Don’t want to?”

“No! I do. Of course I do!”

Muen straightened his spine. No way he was chickening out now.

He took a deep breath and gently draped the necklace over her neck.

Her silky hair brushed against his fingers, making his heart itch. From this angle, Anna—eyes lowered, lashes trembling—looked even more enchanting.

Slowly... slower.

Muen whispered to himself.

So he moved carefully. So slowly, it felt like time had stopped.

If only this moment could last forever. Right now, at least, he could forget everything else—and quietly admire the girl before him.

But then—Anna suddenly lifted her head.

And in her eyes, Muen saw a flash of deadly seriousness... and revulsion.

“Sorry, Senior, I’ll just—”

Thinking his slowness had annoyed her, Muen was about to speed up—but suddenly, she slapped a palm against his chest.

It wasn’t an attack. Her gentle aura pushed him back several steps. At the same time, she caught the gem midair and swiftly tucked it away.

Only then did Muen hear it.

The scream of death inside his mind.

A flash of cold light split the air—slamming into the wall between him and Anna.

A crescent-shaped blade gleamed in the moonlight, buried deep in the stone.

“Well well. What a disgusting scene to stumble upon.”

A sultry voice rang out.

Muen turned in shock—and saw her.

Standing on the distant wall, dressed in something obscenely tight, was a woman oozing sex appeal.

Her leather outfit was cut into a deep V that dipped all the way to her navel—half her massive chest was on display.

She stood in heels at least ten centimeters tall, wore heavy makeup, and had a body that would make any man lose his mind.

But the instant Muen saw her, he felt nothing but cold dread.

Like being locked in a predator’s gaze.

“...Who are you?”

Muen asked warily.

The woman was staring at him, eyes gleaming like she’d just found a new toy.

And yet, despite her unfamiliar face and clothes, something about her seemed strangely familiar.

This damned instinct of mine is getting worse.

“Nice to meet you. Or rather—nice to meet you in this form for the first time. Hello, Muen Campbell. You may call me Miss Banshee.”

The woman curtsied, lifting an imaginary skirt with practiced grace.

“First time in this form...?”

Muen echoed the curious phrase—but before he could ponder it further, a whisper brushed his ear.

“How did you find me?”

Anna’s tone was icy. “I erased the moon’s influence completely.”

“Oh, that...”

The Banshee raised one hand to her nose and took a deep, intoxicating breath. Her face flushed.

“A secret.”

...Scent?

But I used multiple scent-masking potions!

“We need to run, Junior.”

Anna’s voice was in his ear again.

“She’s dangerous.”

“I know.”

Even from half a street away, Muen could feel the danger radiating off her—his eye was twitching uncontrollably.

What the hell is with today? Are monsters coming in pairs now?

And from their exchange... was she also a follower of the Silent Moon?

“You think you two can get away?” the Banshee laughed, gazing at him.

“I think I’m pretty good at escaping.”

“Is that so? Then let’s see.”

She winked flirtatiously—but that smile made Muen’s skin crawl.

He turned and reached toward Anna.

“Senior. Grab my hand.”

The Banshee had made a mistake—she hadn’t blocked the alley’s entrance. And from this distance, if he kept using [Shadow Step], he might just make it out.

Their eyes met—and Anna nodded, reaching toward him.

But Muen never got to hold her hand.

In that instant, the death-sense he’d honed through countless battles exploded in his mind.

A wave of nausea and dread drowned him—but not from ahead.

From behind.

“Tasty!”

A thunderous crash.

The wall behind them shattered—bricks and dust flying as a tall, gaunt figure in a raincoat burst through, brandishing a cleaver.

From beneath that stitched, fleshy mask came a scream of pure, unhinged fury.

And at that moment, the sound of a heartbeat like a war drum thundered again!

Damn it—when had he even gotten that close?!

That thought flashed through Muen’s mind, but he had no time to react. On instinct alone, he crossed his twin blades in front of him to shield his vital areas.

Of course, that couldn’t block a butcher’s cleaver. Muen had already mentally prepared himself to tank the hit with his thick HP bar.

But the expected explosion of blood didn’t come.

In his dazed vision, a slender figure had stepped between him and the blow.

“Senior!”

A ringing exploded in Muen’s head. His eyes went wide with horror as he watched Anna raise a single arm beneath the cleaver’s descent.

What was she doing?

Why would she block it for me?

It’s not like I’d die!

I have the Withering King’s divine favor—unless my head gets chopped off, I won’t die!

Ah, right. Senior doesn’t know that.

In that moment, Muen’s thoughts accelerated like never before. His instinctive guard shifted entirely—he lunged at the Shadow Butcher like a crazed beast.

But it was still too late.

The cleaver hit Anna’s arm, tearing through the sleeve instantly.

Muen could already see it—the scene of her arm being chopped clean off.

But that didn’t happen.

Instead—there was the clang of metal against metal!

The cleaver struck Anna’s arm—and sparks flew as though it had hit solid steel!

Muen’s mind reeled. This scene... it was familiar.

The wall that had shielded them had already been smashed apart, and cold moonlight poured in. In that light, Muen caught a glimpse of something shining sharply off Anna’s arm—and even more chilling, her crystal-like, pale red eyes had narrowed, pupils contracting into slits.

Her other hand pointed toward the Shadow Butcher. Her cherry lips moved, uttering unfamiliar words in a foreign tongue.

A gray, lifeless corruption spread instantly across one side of the butcher’s body. He froze in place.

Petrification!

“Junior!”

Her cool voice rang in Muen’s ears again.

He snapped out of it. Ignoring the strange transformation happening on her side, Muen rushed in while the Shadow Butcher was immobilized. The pristine blade in his hand drove straight into the creature’s body.

“Elisabeth!”

Muen roared.

The living weapon hummed in response.

Forged from a holy sword, Elisabeth still retained traces of sacred power.

At that moment, pure holy light erupted from the blade, pouring into the Shadow Butcher like a tidal wave.

“N–no–tasty—!”

The Shadow Butcher howled in pain. From inside his body came the sound of flesh burning. He flailed, slashing at Muen with his other hand.

Muen ducked nimbly aside and countered with a slicing motion—cutting through the raincoat and revealing a shrunken, fleshless chest. And at its center—

A grotesque, pitch-black heart, pulsing.

“Eat, eat, eat. Ate so much your brain’s rotten and you’re still eating?! Let me try my bloodletting therapy!”

Muen yelled and drove the blade toward the Shadow Butcher’s heart.

But just before the killing blow landed, his blade twisted—cutting through the swirling dust as another shadow suddenly swooped in.

“Well now, a sneak attack that didn’t land?”

The Banshee licked her blood-red lips with her tongue, even more seductive than before. So close now, she fluttered her lashes and teased:

“Big brother~ wanna come play with little sister~?”

“Get lost. I only like big sisters in black stockings!”

Thunderburst: Modified!

Muen blasted her back with a shockwave.

Seemingly offended by his words, her eyes darkened—but she kept smiling.

“Oh my, I hate being rejected.”

“Too bad. Telling off women like you is my favorite hobby.”

Seizing the chance while she staggered, Muen lunged again.

The Shadow Butcher was temporarily out of commission—he needed to deal with her first!

His twin blades whirled like a storm, pushing the Banshee into a corner.

But despite his fierce assault, she didn’t panic. The twin crescent blades in her hands danced just as sharply—matching him blow for blow.

She’s strong.

Muen was stunned.

She didn’t seem to be much higher in rank than him, but her speed and reactions completely suppressed him.

Only the skills honed endlessly within the Black Book gave him a slight edge.

But not enough to finish her.

If that’s the case—

Muen charged forward, abandoning defense completely.

He let her crescent blade slice toward him—and in return, Elisabeth struck at her vitals from an impossible angle.

“...Huh?”

The Banshee raised an eyebrow. Her body twisted unnaturally, pulling back her attack at the last second and dodging his counter.

“Oh my. A reckless attack like that... are you really the Duke’s son, Muen Campbell?”

She laughed sweetly.

“And you’re this timid? Are you really a cultist?” Muen snapped back.

“Well, what can I say? I don’t feel like leaving my blood behind tonight.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

Muen frowned.

“Oh my~”

The Banshee tilted her head, listening.

As if she’d heard something, she sheathed her blades and said:

“Well then, let’s call it a night, Muen Campbell.”

“...What?”

Muen blinked.

What the hell?

“Call it a night?”

What is this, a friend gathering? You think there’s gonna be a next round?

“What are you scheming?”

“Oh, we’ll meet again. This isn’t the end of our little fate.”

“I don’t want fate with you.”

“Hehe. Who knows?”

She turned toward Anna.

Anna was gripping her arm, sweat beading on her forehead—clearly in pain.

Mission complete. More than complete, in fact.

“I look forward to our next meeting, Anna Kaplin.”

The Banshee whispered softly.

“Next time... maybe your answer will be different.”

The Shadow Butcher had reappeared behind her at some point, glaring with bloodshot eyes through his stitched mask at Muen and Anna.

But beside her, the monster stood still—docile as a child.

The Banshee lifted her imaginary skirt and bowed again to Muen and Anna with flair.

“The stage is set. The actors are in place. What a shame I can’t sit in the audience and enjoy this little drama properly.”

“Muen Campbell, as my chosen spectator, be sure to enjoy the show from your VIP seat.”

“Goodbye, you two.”

“Wait!”

Still reeling, Muen raised his hand to stop her—but just as he did, space rippled, and both of them vanished.

The alley fell silent once more.

Only Muen and Anna remained.

The moon had returned to normal, casting a gentle glow over the scene.

“...What the hell was that?”

Even after they left, Muen didn’t feel the slightest relief.

If anything, this botched ambush left an ominous shadow on his heart.

No matter how insane cultists were, they wouldn’t pull something like this just for fun.

They were plotting something.

But right now, there wasn’t time to worry about that.

“Senior, are you okay?”

Muen rushed to Anna.

She had taken a direct blow from the Shadow Butcher and cast some kind of curse. Her condition clearly wasn’t normal.

Her slitted pupils earlier—was that an illusion?

Her eyes now looked clear again, but she was still sitting weakly against the wall, breathing hard, cold sweat pouring from her brow.

“I’m fine. Really.”

She tucked her injured arm into her cloak, forcing a smile.

“Just a scratch.”

“But...”

Muen clenched his fists. If only he’d reacted faster...

“No buts. I jumped in on purpose to throw him off. It’s not your fault. Besides...”

She winked mischievously and pulled out a glowing potion.

“Have you forgotten? My potions are miraculous.”

She downed it in one gulp. Her face visibly regained color.

“See? I told you they’re effective,” she said, waving the bottle proudly.

“...Yeah?”

But Muen’s eyes drifted to her other hand.

If the wound was healed—why keep hiding it?

And that glint from earlier... looked too much like—

“Alright, Junior.”

Anna suddenly cut off his thoughts and extended her hand toward him, like a princess waiting for a kiss.

“Help me up?”

“...Huh?” Muen blinked. Then, alarmed:

“Are you saying you don’t even have the strength to stand?”

“Silly. I’m giving you a chance to shine, dummy. You want it or not? If not, I’ll take it back~”

“Of course I want it!”

Muen grabbed her delicate hand without hesitation.

Softer than he imagined. Colder. Smaller.

But somehow—it calmed his heart completely.

At that moment, the moon ducked behind the clouds again.

But in Muen’s eyes, the whole world lit up.

Like a new sun had risen—casting light over the girl’s flushed cheeks.

Beautiful.

The shadow in his heart seemed to vanish.

Cultists, conspiracies, the moon—they didn’t matter anymore.

Muen stared at the girl in front of him. Into her gentle eyes.

“What is it?” she smiled. In her gaze, a sun was rising.

Time seemed to pause again. Muen felt his soul stir.

He whispered:

“Senior, I...”

“Target located!”

“Evil god presence detected!”

“Squad 5, lock down the site! Squad 1-3, suppress the target! Knights, stand by!”

A sharp voice shattered everything.

The once-quiet alley was swallowed by chaos.

In the stunned eyes of the boy and the girl—

a sun really did rise.

A blinding light surged into the alley, driving out all darkness.

The ground trembled. Dust and pebbles leapt like puppets.

At the end of the road stood armored figures—silver plate with golden sigils, massive shields, spears that glimmered coldly.

The Knight Order?

In the Lower City?

But what took Muen’s breath away wasn’t the knights.

It was the other figures in black coats.

Pale-skinned. Unremarkable. Silent.

But the emblem on their chest—a sharp finger held to black lips—

It stabbed into his eyes like a blade.

The Silencers.

Why were they here?

Were they after those two cultists?

That would be—

The joy hadn’t even surfaced when Muen turned and saw—

Anna’s once-rosy face had drained of all color.

“...Huh?”

“Commence suppression.”

The cold order rang out.

A wall of golden light slammed between Muen and Anna.

“What?!”

“Protect Muen Campbell—he’s a priority target. No harm must come to him!”

Black-coated figures rushed in and shielded him.

One pulled out a magic device, scanned him, and exhaled in relief.

“No signs of contamination on Muen Campbell!”

What are you doing?

Anna tried to get up—only to be pinned by the golden pressure, forced to the ground.

What are you doing?

What are you doing?!

“What the fuck are you doing?!”

Muen screamed, eyes blazing with rage.

He shoved past them, trying to reach Anna.

“Muen Campbell, calm down! You’re safe now.”

The man with the scanner blocked his path, forcing a stiff smile.

“That cultist will be neutralized shortly. You’re lucky—so close to her, and still unharmed—”

“You’re the fucking cultist!”

Before he could finish, Muen’s fist exploded into his face.

The man screamed and flew backward.

Seizing the moment, Muen activated [Shadow Step].

But overwhelming pressure crushed him mid-jump, forcing him out.

“Restrain him. Don’t let him interfere.”

More black coats moved in—tackling Muen to the ground.

“What are you doing?!”

“What the hell are you doing?!”

“Cultist?! The real cultists were those two! Why are you doing this to her?!”

Muen roared, but no one answered.

Several Silencers pinned him down, unmoving.

He could only watch as a middle-aged commander stepped toward Anna.

The golden light intensified.

Chains of holy magic slithered like snakes—binding her limbs.

The man grabbed the hand she had been hiding.

Anna trembled.

For the first time, Muen saw that look—utter helplessness on her face.

“Bastard! Get your filthy hands off her!”

Rage consumed Muen. His eyes burned like magma.

But then—he heard a sigh.

A silver-white figure flickered into view.

“Let him sleep for a bit,” said a familiar voice.

A sweet, cloying scent entered his nose. His thoughts blurred.

Just before losing consciousness, he saw Anna’s mournful eyes.

And her exposed arm—not fair and delicate.

But covered in black, glistening scales.

That was...

“Confirmed: Third Stage Serpentification. No sign of mental corruption by evil god.”

The man let go and said coldly:

“Threat level: provisional A-class. Detain her.”