Ray arrived at the destination point given by the Association—a wide training facility surrounded by glass walls and artificial gardens. The evening sun washed the building in a golden hue, and the faint sounds of people training inside echoed in the distance. Yet, there was no one in front of him.

  He sat down on a nearby bench, sighing softly. Pulling out the phone the Association had given him, he began scrolling aimlessly. News headlines, random feeds, advertisements—nothing that could help him regain what he lost. The modern world felt strangely distant, even though it was bustling with life. He set the phone down for a moment, staring at the clouds drifting lazily across the Seoul sky.

  “How are they doing…?” he murmured to himself. His thoughts wandered to his family—the faces blurred in his fading memory. Maha, too—her warmth, her smile—they haunted him like echoes from another life.

  Just then, a gentle but firm voice called from behind,

  “Are you Raylight Amatsurishi?”

  Ray turned, his eyes narrowing slightly. Before him stood a girl, perhaps a year or two older than him.

  Her presence was calm yet commanding. She had smooth, fair skin with a warm undertone that reflected the sunlight softly. Her eyes—deep blue like the sea—were large and expressive, carrying both gentleness and melancholy. Reddish-brown hair flowed down past her waist, catching the wind lightly as the evening light shimmered over it. Her posture was confident, but her tone was kind.

  Ray blinked once, then nodded. “Yes. That’s me.”

  She smiled, stepping closer and extending her hand. “I’m Lian Joohee. Nice to meet you, Ray! You can just call me Joohee.”

  Her cheerful tone slightly broke the awkward air between them. Ray hesitated for a moment before shaking her hand. Her grip was firm but soft, and there was a faint warmth that reminded him of someone long ago.

  “Lian Joohee…” he repeated her name slowly. “You’re the one assigned to keep an eye on me, right?”

  She nodded, her smile turning slightly sheepish. “Yeah, that’s me. Don’t take it personally. The Association just… wants to make sure you’re adjusting well.”

  Ray gave a faint smirk. “Adjusting, huh? You mean ‘making sure I’m not a threat.’”

  Joohee didn’t deny it. She only sighed softly and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “You were found on the Worldwide Missing List, Ray. You suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and your background doesn’t match any recorded data. So… yes. They’re being cautious.”

  He could sense no ill intent from her voice. It wasn’t cold or judgmental—just honest.

  “I see,” Ray replied quietly. His gaze drifted toward the distant city skyline. The view of Seoul from here was mesmerizing—bright towers, electronic billboards lighting up the streets, and streams of people crossing every block. The city pulsed with life, its rhythm far different from the silent ruins and dark skies he had once known.

  For a moment, he allowed himself to take it in—the sound of cars, laughter, the scent of street food carried by the breeze. It was… peaceful, in a way he had almost forgotten existed.

  Joohee followed his gaze and smiled gently. “Beautiful, isn’t it? Seoul never sleeps. Every light here tells a story of someone chasing their dream—or escaping their past.”

  Ray glanced at her. There was something sincere in her voice, almost nostalgic.

  “Which one are you?” he asked suddenly.

  Her expression froze for a second, then softened into a quiet laugh. “Maybe both.”

  A small silence followed. The city noise filled the gap between their words.

  Joohee finally spoke again, her tone lighter. “Anyway, I’ll be showing you around tomorrow. The Association wants you to attend your first assessment as a registered Hunter. Until then, rest up. You’ve been through a lot.”

  Ray nodded, pocketing his phone. “Alright. Lead the way then, Joohee.”

  As they walked toward the building together, the warm light of sunset reflected off the glass walls. In that fleeting glow, Ray caught a faint shimmer—something ethereal that flickered near Joohee for an instant.

  It was the same kind of energy he once felt from Serenith.

  He frowned slightly, brushing it off for now.

  But deep inside, a quiet whisper stirred in his soul.

  The wind carried a soft chill through the streets of Seoul, brushing against Ray’s face as he walked beside Joohee. The winter air felt fresh, almost cleansing, yet he could still sense something strange in the warmth radiating from the woman beside him. It wasn’t just her presence—it was something deeper, faint but undeniable.

  Serenith.

  His sealed heart stirred for the first time in years. The dormant emotion, buried beneath countless battles and centuries of solitude, pulsed faintly within him. The aura flowing from Joohee reminded him of Serenith’s light—the same gentle, embracing warmth that once guided him through darkness.

  Ray glanced at her subtly.

  Joohee’s outfit suited the season perfectly. She wore a long, buttoned coat in a reddish-brick, almost rust tone, blending stylishly with the falling autumn leaves that lingered even in the cold. The coat had a high collar and a v-shaped yellow accent around the neckline, over a soft white high-neck innerwear. Her slim dark-blue jeans matched her modest figure, and the brown loafers she wore gave off a simple yet mature vibe. A small dark-brown crossbody bag hung lightly at her side.

  She didn’t look like someone meant to “watch” him. More like someone who could melt into the crowd without effort.

  They stopped at a street crossing, and she turned to him with a curious smile.

  “By the way, how old are you, Ray?”

  “Twenty-two,” he replied after a short pause.

  Her eyes brightened with amusement. “Then I’m a year older than you! I guess that makes me your senior, huh?”

  Ray tilted his head, a faint smirk curving his lips. “So, I should call you Joohee-senior?”

  She laughed softly, brushing her hair back as the wind fluttered through it. “No need for that. Just call me Joohee, like before. It’s fine.”

  Ray gave a small nod. “Alright then… Joohee.”

  “Good,” she said with a satisfied smile. “It feels more natural that way.”

  For a moment, silence settled between them again—comfortable, not awkward. They walked side by side, their footsteps in rhythm. The streets were lively even in the cold—street vendors selling roasted chestnuts, glowing lanterns strung between buildings, and people wrapped in scarves rushing along with laughter in their voices.

  Ray’s eyes wandered across the scene. He had seen countless worlds fall into ruin, yet this city thrived—vibrant and alive.

  Then Joohee broke the silence again. “So, what do you want to do first, Ray? Go on a quick raid or maybe just take a walk around the city to get used to things?”

  Her tone was casual, but the slight gleam in her eyes revealed her curiosity. She wanted to see what he was capable of.

  Ray turned to her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “A raid, of course. That’s what Hunters do, right?”

  She raised an eyebrow. “You sure? You just got discharged yesterday.”

  He nodded firmly. “I’ll be fine. My body’s healed, and I need to see how much control I’ve regained.”

  Joohee chuckled softly, her breath visible in the cold air. “You don’t waste time, do you?”

  “Not really,” Ray replied, adjusting the strap of the small bag the Association had given him. “Time doesn’t wait for anyone. Especially not for me.”

  For a brief moment, she studied his expression—calm, but with eyes that carried a depth far beyond his age. Then, she smiled again, her voice softening. “Alright, Ray. Let’s make it your first raid in Seoul.”

  As they started walking toward the Association’s Hunter Gate Center, snow began to fall gently, scattering like feathers from the heavens. The light of the city glowed through the flakes, painting everything in soft gold and silver.

  Ray’s heart, sealed and silent for so long, throbbed faintly again.

  That same faint warmth—Serenith’s essence—flowed from Joohee’s presence with every step she took beside him.

  He didn’t understand it yet, but something in his soul whispered quietly—

  That their meeting was not by coincidence.

  The dungeon was dim, filled with the smell of damp earth and rust. The faint flicker of the mana torch in Ray’s hand cast long shadows across the uneven walls. His breathing was heavy, his body trembling from exhaustion. Two goblins—barely E-rank creatures—lay motionless before him, their bodies fading into dark mist.

  He stood still, panting hard. His sword arm felt like lead. The moment he loosened his grip, the blade slipped from his fingers and clattered onto the ground.

  “Damn it…” Ray muttered under his breath, clutching his side. A deep gash ran from his ribs to his hip, blood soaking through the thin fabric of his shirt.

  He had fought countless battles before—against demons, against gods, even against his own fate—but this time, it felt different. Every swing, every strike was sluggish. His body didn’t respond the way it used to.

  He realized then—the 4th piece, the fragment he had obtained in the last dungeon—it hadn’t unlocked his power. It had sealed it.

  He could feel it now, a dull, suffocating weight resting on his soul, suppressing his mana flow. His once boundless energy was gone. He was weaker than even an E-rank Hunter.

  A sudden voice called out from behind him.

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  “Ray!”

  Joohee rushed forward, her footsteps light but urgent. She knelt beside him, her expression filled with both worry and frustration. “You shouldn’t have come here yet! You just recovered, and now look at you—completely beat up.”

  Her tone wasn’t harsh, but it carried a warmth that soothed the ache in his chest more than any potion could. She pulled a small vial from her pocket and poured the glowing blue liquid over his wound. It sizzled softly as it healed, leaving behind only faint scars.

  Ray tried to laugh it off. “I thought I could handle two goblins.”

  Joohee sighed deeply, shaking her head. “You can’t keep pushing yourself like this. You’re not in shape to raid yet.”

  Her hands glowed faintly as she placed them over his arm. Her healing magic was gentle and precise—the warmth of her mana spreading through him like a calm ocean wave.

  He winced a little, but she continued without pause. “Honestly, what should I do with you?” she murmured softly, her lips curling into a faint smile.

  Ray looked at her quietly. Even while scolding him, her expression was serene, her voice calm. It was as if she wasn’t angry, but genuinely worried—like someone protecting a fragile memory she didn’t want to lose.

  As she worked, her thoughts began to drift.

  There was someone once—someone who used to act just like Ray. That person had also rushed into danger recklessly, always getting hurt, always smiling through the pain. She remembered tending to his wounds, scolding him the same way, telling him to be careful.

  And yet, no matter how much that person suffered, he never gave up.

  Now, as she looked at Ray—bruised, bloodied, and still trying to smile—she saw the same light.

  That quiet resilience. That foolish bravery. That unyielding will.

  Her hand paused for a moment as she stared at him. If he keeps going like this… will he end up like him? She thought quietly.

  It wasn’t her place to think that way. Her job was simple—to observe, to report, to ensure he wasn’t a threat. And yet… her heart refused to stay detached.

  As the last trace of his wound closed, she whispered under her breath, “You remind me of someone.”

  Ray blinked, tilting his head slightly. “Someone?”

  She smiled faintly, her eyes softening like the first light of dawn. “Never mind. Just… don’t get yourself killed next time.”

  He chuckled weakly, leaning back against the cold stone wall. “No promises.”

  She sighed again, standing up and brushing dust off her coat. “You’re impossible.”

  Ray’s gaze followed her, and for a moment, amidst the dim dungeon light, he felt that same warmth again—the faint, unmistakable essence of Serenith.

  And though neither of them said it aloud, something unspoken passed between them.

  A quiet connection.

  A distant memory reborn.

  Two years had passed since that day—since the skies of Bangladesh burned crimson and the land was swallowed by darkness. The world had moved on, though the scars still lingered in quiet whispers and trembling memories. What once was a country now stood as a forbidden place—a vast, silent field of crystalized flowers, glowing faintly beneath the pale sun.

  They called it the “Eternal Quiet Flower Garden.”

  People no longer ventured there. It was sacred and cursed at the same time—a resting place of fallen heroes and demons alike. From that region, countless portals began appearing across Asia, each leading to chaotic realms beyond comprehension.

  Humanity adapted. Hunters and Rangers became the shield of civilization. And among them, one name began to rise above all others—Maha Seonryū.

  Despite being officially ranked as R-rank, her combat power easily rivaled that of an SS-level Ranger. She was a prodigy, a storm wrapped in silence.

  The day’s wind howled across a mountainous terrain in northern Nepal, where a massive raid was taking place. The sky flickered red, thunder rolling through the clouds as if the heavens themselves feared what was happening below.

  There, in the heart of that chaos, a young woman stood—slim, elegant, yet exuding power that bent the air around her. Her hair, a soft silver that shimmered like moonlight, danced with every swing of her sword. Her eyes, calm and void of emotion, fixed sharply on her opponent—a towering beast-lord covered in black fur and armored scales.

  Her sword gleamed. Her stance was flawless.

  Then she moved.

  Each step was like a whisper of wind. Each strike—a streak of light. Her blade sang a rhythm that even the beast couldn’t follow. The monster roared, slamming its claws into the ground, sending shockwaves through the earth, but she was already gone—appearing behind it with a twist of her wrist.

  “Flame Waltz.”

  Her sword ignited in a burst of crimson fire, spinning once, twice, and cutting deep through the beast’s back. The creature howled, its thick hide splitting under her precise attack.

  The watching guild members gasped from the ridge above.

  “She’s insane…” one whispered.

  “That’s the Beast Lord of the Abyss—an SS-rank monster—and she’s soloing it.”

  “Of course. She’s the Maiden of Sword Dance.”

  The name echoed through the ranks like a hymn of awe.

  The beast, enraged, lunged with blinding speed, slamming its claws toward her. Maha didn’t flinch. She ducked low, spun with perfect control, and drew a glowing sigil in the air with her blade. The air shimmered.

  “Moonfall Arc.”

  A crescent slash of pure mana burst outward, tearing through the beast’s chest. Blood and black mist erupted like rain. The monster stumbled back, its body trembling from the sheer force of her strike.

  Still, it refused to fall. With a guttural roar, it opened its jaws, unleashing a torrent of dark energy. The blast tore across the battlefield, but Maha raised her sword calmly, slicing through it like silk. The shockwave blew her hair back, yet her expression didn’t change—still blank, still focused.

  When the dust settled, the beast knelt, bleeding and defeated. Maha walked forward slowly, her boots crunching against the charred earth. She lifted her sword.

  “This is mercy.”

  The final swing was swift and clean. The beast-lord’s head fell, its massive body dissolving into shimmering dust. Silence descended upon the mountain.

  The guild cheered from afar, but Maha didn’t react. She stood still, staring at her reflection on her blood-stained blade.

  The faint wind brushed past her face, carrying with it a familiar, haunting warmth—a memory she could never forget.

  “…Ray,” she whispered under her breath.

  Her comrades began descending the ridge, shouting her name, praising her strength, calling her the future of humanity.

  But Maha didn’t hear them. Her heart was heavy, her soul faintly trembling.

  Two years had passed since that day. Since the destruction of everything she once knew. Since she lost him.

  Yet even now, she could still feel him—somewhere beyond the veil of space and time, watching.

  The Maiden of Sword Dance lowered her weapon, her eyes glinting softly with determination.

  “If fate allows…” she murmured, her voice quiet but firm, “we’ll meet again.”

  And as the wind howled once more, the battlefield fell silent, as if the world itself was listening.

  The bright afternoon sun poured through the tall windows of the Phoenix Breath Guild headquarters—a building made of shimmering glass and marble, reflecting the energy of Seoul’s city lights. The guild stood tall among the giants, ranked as one of Asia’s top-tier hunter organizations.

  Inside, in the heart of the strategy chamber, sat Maha Seonryū, the Vice Guild Master. Her silver hair glistened in the light, cascading down her shoulders as she examined the next raid plan projected on a holographic table. The room buzzed with conversation and movement—hunters reporting on monster activity, analysts discussing dungeon rankings—but Maha’s focus remained sharp and unwavering.

  “Vice Master, the reports from the Busan Gate are in!” a young hunter called out, handing her a tablet.

  She took it silently, skimming through the pages. “Three Class-B portals, and one unknown type… possibly A-rank,” she murmured to herself. “Send a sub-team to scout it. Don’t engage until I confirm.”

  “Yes, Vice Master!” the hunter saluted and rushed out.

  Maha leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes for a brief moment. Her calm, professional expression never wavered, yet there was something hidden in the depths of her gaze—something hollow, like a flame burning in silence.

  Two years. Two long years had passed since the day he vanished—Raylight.

  The thought came unbidden, stirring memories she tried to bury beneath her new duties. Her hand instinctively went to her neck, touching the small, heart-shaped locket she always wore beneath her uniform. It was silver, old yet polished with care.

  She opened it gently.

  Inside, there were two photo slots. One was empty—forever waiting. The other held a small, fading photograph of two children smiling under a tree, holding hands. Maha and Ray, their faces filled with innocent joy.

  She traced her finger lightly over the photo. “It’s been two years, Ray…” she whispered, her voice barely audible, trembling between strength and sorrow.

  Her office door creaked open softly. “Maha?”

  She looked up. Standing at the door was Selina Park, her closest friend and right hand in the guild. Selina was tall and confident, her bright orange hair tied into a ponytail that suited her fiery nature. She carried herself with ease, leaning against the doorframe with a teasing smile.

  “What are you looking at so seriously?” Selina asked, walking over. “Don’t tell me it’s another mission report. You’ve been working nonstop again.”

  Maha quickly closed the locket and tucked it under her collar. “Nothing. Just… thinking.”

  Selina squinted suspiciously. “Nothing, huh?” she said with a half-smile before shrugging. “You know, you’ve changed, Maha. You used to talk a lot more. Now you just sit there staring out the window like some tragic romance character.”

  Maha smiled faintly, though her eyes still carried that quiet melancholy. “Maybe… I did change. But that’s life, isn’t it? People change when they lose something important.”

  Selina’s teasing expression softened. “You still miss him, don’t you?”

  For a long moment, Maha didn’t answer. She just stared at the holographic map of the world glowing before her—each red dot representing a portal, each one a reminder of the chaos spreading across the earth.

  Finally, she nodded slightly. “Every day.”

  Selina placed a hand on her shoulder. “You’ll find him someday. You’ve become one of the strongest hunters out there. If anyone can, it’s you.”

  Maha’s lips curved into a small, fragile smile. “Maybe.”

  Selina chuckled. “Anyway, we’ve got a meeting with the Guild Master in twenty minutes. Try not to drown in nostalgia until then, Vice Master.”

  Maha gave a soft laugh, watching her friend leave the room. Once the door closed, her smile faded again. She turned back to the window overlooking the city.

  The bustling streets, the glowing signs, the people laughing below—it all seemed so far away. She pressed the locket to her heart and whispered, “If you’re out there somewhere, Ray… I’ll find you. I’ll protect what you couldn’t.”

  Outside, the wind blew gently, fluttering the curtains like a passing memory. In that moment, the woman known as the Maiden of Sword Dance, the Vice Master of Phoenix Breath, stood in silence—strong, beautiful, and quietly breaking inside.

  Maybe that sadness had changed her a little. But it also made her stronger.

  The day’s raid had ended, but Raylight’s body bore the marks of its brutality. His right arm was bandaged, a faint cut traced across his cheek, and his legs felt like they carried mountains instead of muscle. The team had returned from the dungeon, their armor clinking with each step as they left the cold, misty forest behind.

  The other hunters whispered among themselves, their voices low but sharp enough to reach Ray’s ears.

  “Why did that guy even join the raid?” one sneered.

  “He’s supposed to be a hunter? He can’t even stand properly.”

  “I heard he barely passed the evaluation test. Maybe he bribed someone.”

  Ray didn’t react. He simply sat on a stone near the exit portal, wrapping his wounds silently. The pain didn’t bother him much; what hurt more was the feeling of helplessness—how far he had fallen from what he once was.

  The dungeon had been a simple E-rank, filled with goblins and a few lesser ogres. Yet even those small monsters had nearly overwhelmed him. His sword techniques were there, but the strength, the reflexes, the overwhelming energy that once made him a Monarch—it was all sealed away.

  He sighed, adjusting the bandages on his wrist. I can’t even draw half of my strength… The fourth piece’s seal must be blocking my power.

  He looked up as footsteps approached.

  “Raylight Amatsurishi!”

  The tone made him flinch slightly. He turned his head. It was Lian Joohee, her expression a mix of worry and irritation. Her chestnut hair danced lightly in the winter breeze, her blue eyes glaring at him with a pout that was both adorable and terrifying.

  Ray scratched the back of his head awkwardly. “You… look angry.”

  “Angry?” she puffed her cheeks, crossing her arms. “You think angry is the word for it? You got yourself beaten up like this after I specifically told you to rest! You’re barely healed from your last mission!”

  Her voice echoed through the quiet clearing. Even the other hunters backed away slightly, not wanting to interfere.

  Ray tried to laugh it off. “Well, I can’t exactly rest forever, can I? I need to regain my stamina, test my limits—”

  “Test your limits?” she interrupted, frowning deeply. “You’re not testing limits. You’re testing my patience!”

  Ray blinked, caught off guard. Her tone wasn’t harsh—it was filled with genuine concern. That same warm, gentle energy he felt from her when she healed him radiated even through her anger.

  “Joohee, I…” he began, but she turned her face away with a small “Hmph!”

  For a moment, the silence between them was awkward but oddly soft. The tension faded when a faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “You really are hopeless, aren’t you?”

  Ray chuckled weakly. “Maybe a little.”

  She sighed, shaking her head. “Let’s just get you home before you collapse again.”

  “Ah, right…” He froze mid-sentence, his eyes widening slightly. “I… forgot to find an apartment.”

  Joohee stopped walking and glanced at him with a faint smirk. “You don’t have to.”

  Ray tilted his head. “Huh?”

  “You’ll be living with me.”

  “…Wait, what?” Ray blinked, completely thrown off.

  She smiled sweetly but her tone left no room for debate. “It’s an order from the Association. Since I’m your assigned supervisor, it’s easier if we share the same apartment for a while. You need someone to make sure you don’t push yourself again.”

  “W-Wait, share the same apartment? You mean—”

  “Yes,” she said simply, walking past him. “You, me, one apartment. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you behave.”

  Ray stood frozen for a moment, his thoughts short-circuiting. Same apartment… with her?

  He looked up at the twilight sky as a chill breeze brushed past. The horizon glowed faintly orange, reflecting against the city buildings in the distance.

  A small, reluctant smile formed on his lips. “A new start, huh?” he whispered.

  Joohee, already a few steps ahead, turned slightly and called out, “What are you standing there for? Come on, roommate!”

  Ray took a deep breath and followed after her, the faintest warmth lighting his chest—a warmth he hadn’t felt in years.

  Maybe this was destiny’s quiet way of beginning something new.