The Hunt Begins
Jinha was running through the streets.
Panting.
"...I have to find Jeigan today…"
"Where could he be…?"
She slowed down slightly.
"Think…"
"Wait… I have an idea."
"But first… I need a dog or a cat…"
She looked around carefully.
Then—
Her eyes stopped.
A cat was sleeping on a wall.
"There…"
"Found one."
She slowly walked toward it.
The cat opened its eyes.
Hiss!
It stepped back.
Jinha noticed something.
The cat's neck—
Injured.
Her expression changed.
(That injury…)
(Same as…)
Memory
Night.
Walinsiya stepping back.
"What do you know?"
Jinha wiping blood from her lips.
"You went hunting animals again, didn't you?"
"Tell me the truth."
Walinsiya smiling nervously.
"Y-Yes… I went hunting…"
Present
Jinha clenched her fist.
"This… is her doing."
"That damn woman…"
She softened her voice.
"Come here… little one."
"I won't hurt you."
She slowly picked up the cat.
Placed her hand gently on its wound.
Deal: Nature Healing
Status: Accepted
A soft green light appeared.
Warm… gentle…
The wound healed instantly.
The cat's soul appeared.
A small girl-like figure.
"Thank you…"
"For healing me…"
"I am in your debt…"
Jinha smiled.
Deal Cancelled
"No… it's nothing."
"You're safe now."
The cat soul shook her head.
"Please…"
"Let me repay you."
"Make a deal with me."
Jinha's eyes sharpened.
"Yes… I need that."
"I'm searching for someone."
"I need tracking ability."
The cat soul nodded.
"Then I'll give you…"
"Deal of Smell Hunter."
Jinha smiled.
"Thank you."
"Give me your hand."
Jinha extended her hand.
Their souls connected.
Deal: Smell Hunter
Status: Requested
Status: Accepted
They returned to their bodies.
The cat rubbed against her leg and left.
Jinha stood up.
"Thank you…"
"Now… let's find you, Jeigan."
Deal: Smell Hunter
Status: Activated
Her senses sharpened.
"...I got it."
"His scent…"
She started running.
Following the trail.
Street after street.
After a few minutes—
She stopped.
In front of a forest.
"...Lamia Forest."
"The smell is strongest here."
She stepped inside.
Meanwhile…
Two police vehicles stopped nearby.
Eight officers stepped out.
"Mr. Waylv," the leader spoke.
"Have we checked the entire city?"
"Yes sir."
"Everything except… Lamia Forest."
The leader narrowed his eyes.
"Lamia Forest…"
He turned.
"Team!"
"All units ready!"
"Activate protection."
"We're going in."
"YES SIR!"
Deal: Turtle Shield
Status: Accepted
A protective shell formed around them.
Deal: Water Barrier
Status: Accepted
A flowing barrier surrounded the squad.
"Move!"
They entered the forest.
Meanwhile…
Inside Lamia Castle—
Walinsiya sat calmly.
Watching everything.
Through her deal power.
Jinha entering.
Police squad entering.
She licked her lips.
"So many players…"
"This is getting interesting."
Hanaume, tied with ropes, glared at her.
"Interesting?"
"You call this a game?"
Walinsiya smiled.
"You'll see soon…"
"You're part of it too."
Footsteps echoed.
Julian and Suire entered.
"Well?" Walinsiya asked.
"Is the job done?"
Julian smiled.
"Perfectly."
"Show me."
He handed over the photos.
Jeigan and Suire.
Hanaume shouted from behind—
"Don't do this, Julian!"
"She's manipulating you!"
Julian snapped.
"Shut up!"
"She's helping us take revenge!"
"And you're calling her the villain?"
Hanaume's voice turned heavy.
"You're making a mistake…"
Walinsiya smiled faintly.
"Lamia."
"Take him back to the storage room."
Two Lamias grabbed Hanaume.
Dragging him away.
"Let me go!"
"You'll regret this!"
"I won't forgive you!"
Suire hesitated slightly.
"I think… I should leave."
"I'm getting late for university."
Walinsiya smiled.
"So soon?"
"You did such a good job."
"At least have some tea before you go."
Suire nodded.
"Alright… but I can't be late."
Julian leaned back comfortably.
"Relax."
"I'll book you a cab."
"There's still time."
Walinsiya watched them.
(You're all already late…)
A dangerous smile.
Suddenly—
BOOM!
The castle door exploded open.
A powerful burst of energy filled the area.
Walinsiya stood up slowly.
Smiling.
"Game on."