As Winds and Clouds Stir
"By the way, didn't you say you don't sleep?"
I fiddled with my phone and suddenly remembered, asking the question.
I'd paused my backlog of daily quests and glanced out the window—night had already deepened. Was the moon hidden by clouds, or just not visible...? The moon, which usually shone clearly, had melted into the darkness.
"Because I'm a puppet. My power source is mana, so I don't need sleep. Well, it does feel good to rest. My structure is almost identical to a human's."
Han Yuseon replied without taking her eyes off the computer.
I wondered what she was looking at—it turned out she was skimming the latest articles on hunters.
Honestly, I still couldn't wrap my head around the fact that I was a hunter. Han Yuseon, on the other hand? Yeah, she fit the bill perfectly.
"I see?"
"Actually, you're similar, Puppeteer-nim. Once you awaken as a hunter, you're no longer on the same track as ordinary humans. The higher the rank, the more so. But since you've lived as a human for so long... sleeping is probably better for you."
"You sleep too."
I shrugged and shot back.
Han Yuseon paused with a hum, thinking it over. Then she smirked and turned to me.
That look made me brace for bullshit, so I scowled first.
"I haven't even said anything yet—why the disgust?"
"'Cause it looks like bullshit incoming."
"...I was aiming for a cool line there. Sigh, whatever. As expected of you, Puppeteer-nim."
Han Yuseon pouted, looking genuinely hurt. Her muttering was getting on my nerves.
Just advertise that you're sulking, why don't you?
Honestly, the gap from when she insta-gibbed that golem was too jarring. Was this even the same person?
Maybe she had split personalities?
Still, I needed answers.
"So what is it? Why the sudden grin?"
"Forget it. Not telling."
Han Yuseon glared sulkily and turned back to the computer, like she couldn't care less about me.
"...Are you actually pissed?"
"If you're not hurt in a situation like this, that would be weirder, wouldn't it?"
"Fine. Even being a puppeteer is exhausting now."
I sighed.
Even as I said that, I was kinda worried about Han Yuseon.
A puppet with real emotions... weird way to put it, but anyway. She seemed to be stressing too much over me.
"Humans are most vulnerable when they sleep. Of course I have to guard you."
"... ."
Han Yuseon said it matter-of-factly.
It was kinda touching at first—ooh—but then...
Wait a sec. Isn't it your fault I'm in danger?
Best not to give her reasons to protect me, right?
"It's because of you that I'm in danger."
"..."
Han Yuseon shut her mouth. She stared at the computer like nothing happened.
But I could see it—her pupils were shaking.
For real...
She needs to learn how not to cause problems, not how to fix them after.
"Well, it's true you care about me, so... be more careful next time."
"That was pure tsundere. I like it."
"...When did you watch anime?"
I narrowed my eyes accusingly.
Han Yuseon cleared her throat awkwardly.
"Ahem... Nights get boring, don't they? I already paid for the subscription, so watching isn't a problem."
"Yeah, yeah..."
It was about time to sleep.
As I laid out my bedding, Han Yuseon watched me pull the covers over and chuckled softly.
"Good kids in the new country go to bed early."
"I am a new-country kid, so early bed's good. I'm in my twenties, technically still a kid."
"...Ugh."
This time, Han Yuseon recoiled.
That actually hurt more than expected. It was a solid pun, too.
Anyway, I had been sleeping more lately. Maybe because I didn't feel lonely anymore.
With Han Yuseon here, I could sleep way more soundly.
The lights were already off, so closing my eyes was enough.
I dreamed of glowing dinosaurs fighting.
...What kinda dream is that?
...
"Master, didn't you come to proselytize...?"
Muyeon let out a small sigh.
No matter how incredulously I looked at her, nothing changed.
Yoo Sorang was peering into the house with her Divine Eye, grinning like an idiot.
"Muyeon-ah, look at that. Isn't that kid super cute...? Or not?"
"You've been staring for three hours without getting bored? Besides, this humble one lacks eye techniques, so all I see are the spiderwebs everywhere."
"Tsk tsk. That's because you're always fixated on dangers."
Yoo Sorang clicked her tongue without even glancing away from the window.
Muyeon looked exasperated.
She looks pathetic, but every word hits home...
Plus, she already knew about the webs—and their danger.
No wonder she's the World's Greatest Swordswoman.
"Ambush...?"
"Muyeon-ah, an ambush is only an ambush if they don't notice. One woman already seems to have clocked us."
"Then why are we still here?"
Muyeon pinched her brow.
"Obviously to see that adorable little thing!"
"...Have you forgotten your purpose?"
"Why did we come again?"
Yoo Sorang blinked, genuinely forgetting.
"To proselytize and lead her onto the path of the sword, right?"
"Ah... right. But guiding someone who's already reached a high realm onto the sword's path doesn't make sense."
Yoo Sorang shook her head.
Seeing Muyeon furrow her brow in confusion, she pointed at something with her finger.
"See that? What does it look like to you?"
"Yes. Thick spiderwebs."
"Your understanding is still lacking. That's a formation."
Her finger pointed to where the threads intersected.
Muyeon let out a soft "ah," realizing.
"Real spiderwebs, huh."
"Exactly. The kind you can't escape once caught. To weave something that intricate... she's already proven she's a powerhouse."
"Even Black Cloud's assassins fell to those webs."
Muyeon nodded.
Suddenly, Yoo Sorang stood up.
Shing.
She drew the sword from her waist. Its blade flashed in the moonlight.
She drew her sword?
Muyeon widened her eyes in alarm and hastily drew her curved blade.
The moment a smile curled on Yoo Sorang's lips—
Slash—!
A thread sliced right in front of them before they knew it.
Muyeon bulged her eyes.
"Master...!"
"I know."
Yoo Sorang replied with a grin.
Threads were already embedded all around them.
Like prey caught in a spiderweb, escape was impossible.
She's... this strong?
Muyeon swallowed dryly.
Well, back then it was right outside her home base.
Whoever that sleeping girl was, she'd clearly adjusted her output because of this.
Even when holding back, she'd forced out the [New Headquarter Sword]...
"Is that the Thread Queen you mentioned?"
Yoo Sorang looked up.
Muyeon followed her gaze.
Red eyes stared right at them.
Like a real spider eyeing its prey.
The woman twitched her finger.
Twang—!
"Kgh?!"
Sudden attack incoming.
Muyeon bit her lip, sensing it and ducking low.
Still, it grazed her—flesh tore, blood trickling down.
Yoo Sorang sighed softly.
"Doesn't seem like she wants to fight. And I don't fancy battling a spider in its own web."
"...How strong is she?"
"At least stronger than that guy."
Yoo Sorang clicked her tongue and swung her sword.
Cut.
A breeze passed, gentle enough to ruffle hair.
But everything it touched—threads, sky, even clouds—
Slice.
Severed.
"Just a threat display, but... maybe..."
Yoo Sorang muttered, sheathing her sword.
Clack.
The woman turned away like business was done. The surrounding threads retracted.
Muyeon sheathed her blade and asked,
"Not fighting?"
"...No need. If I went all out, everything alive here would die."
"... ."
Muyeon fell silent.
Yoo Sorang's serious expression softened as she rummaged in her pocket.
She pulled out her phone.
I sighed, expecting her to dive into the community again.
"...Don't sigh like that. As my disciple, can't you save my face even once?"
"Oh, sorry?"
"Do you think your master spends all day glued to community apps like some addict?"
"Isn't that exactly it?"
Muyeon looked genuinely shocked.
Yoo Sorang started to retort but gave up. Then she made a call somewhere.
Click.