Mastery of Human Form and Tearful Farewell
Inhwa's Art adaptation is now perfect.
Physical abilities match my original body's exactly, so some fine-tuning of strength control was needed at first, but intensive training with Snow ironed out all the kinks.
I can walk or run effortlessly now, and even intense combat maneuvers pose no problem.
The only drawback is that some skills are unavailable in this form, but since magic skills work reliably, it's hardly an issue.
Even relying solely on physical prowess, I can handle A-rank monsters with ease—no real cause for worry there.
If push comes to shove, I can always revert to my true form.
With this, preparations for revenge are nearly complete.
All that's left is to head upstairs myself and scout for any potential variables.
Confirm the three targets directly: how they're faring, their relationships, likes and dislikes—preliminary intel for the payback.
Revenge, once an endless void of despair, now looms right before me.
But before settling scores, there's one minor snag.
"Cuung—!!"
Well, "minor" might be underselling it. It's actually a pretty big deal.
Suli clung to my leg like she was yelling, 'Take me with you! Take me too!'
I shot Snow and To Soon-i a troubled look, but they both averted their eyes, dumping the whole mess in my lap.
'Okay, yeah, it's technically my responsibility...'
"Cuung!" Suli wailed fervently, so I carefully scooped her up.
Her insistent cries—'You're taking me, right? Right?'—were utterly heartbreaking.
Truth be told, I'd never planned to leave her behind from the start.
I hated the idea of parting with her and wanted to bring her along if possible.
Going downward instead of up might be different, but...
This was just a trip to the upper layers, so her safety wasn't a huge concern. With Snow coming too, Suli would be fine.
Logistically, taking her was no problem at all... but I'd still chosen to go alone.
This revenge was deeply personal—my private vendetta.
The last lingering thread of human Yu Jun-young.
A knot I had to tie off to fully embrace life as monster Nix.
I didn't want to drag Suli or the family into it.
I wanted to handle this revenge with my own hands alone.
In short, no grand reason—just my own hang-up.
'Besides, I want Suli's first trip upstairs to be a fresh, joyful outing after revenge is done.'
That was the biggest reason, really.
No way I wanted something as grim as revenge tainting her first adventure.
But when I announced I'd go solo, Suli refused to let go.
Like she wouldn't budge an inch without me taking her—like some epic standoff.
She was so adorably stubborn, I couldn't tear myself away.
"Cuung!"
Her little face nuzzling into my chest, demanding 'I'm coming too! Together!'—it tugged at my heartstrings.
Honestly, part of me thought, 'Maybe just take her like this? With me and Snow there... she can hang back during the revenge part. Family outing, why not?'
My resolve wavered toward bringing her just as Snow, who'd been watching quietly, spoke up.
"Enough now, Seli. A good child sees her father off with 'Come back safe' when he heads out on business."
"Cuung! Kyaaang—!"
"Now, now. It's not like he'll never return. And he's not off for fun—he's going to work. A good girl like you should see him off with 'Safe travels.' Right?"
"Cuung... kyaaang...."
"It's fine. Father will be back before you know it. Isn't that right, my lord?"
Snow exuded gentle maternal poise as she soothed Suli, her gaze flicking my way.
Her eyes urged me to play along, so I nodded vigorously.
"Yes, Seli. I'll be back soon."
"Kyaaang...?"
'For real?' Suli's suddenly crestfallen wail pierced my heart.
Maybe just take her after all...
"Now that Seli's asked, you should answer her, my lord. Tell her you'll hurry back."
Snow's soft voice snapped me back to reality.
"That's right, Seli. I'll finish up and come straight back. And I'll bring presents for you."
"Cuung cuung...?"
'Presents...?' Her ears perked up as she tilted her head, and I nodded with a warm smile.
"Yep, tons of stuff you'll love."
Only then did Suli let out her usual bright "Cuung cuung!"
I felt a wave of relief.
After that...
"Pii— piit...."
"Master, safe travels."
"Got it, To Soon-i. I'll grab something for you too. Take good care of Seli."
"Piit—!"
"Leave it to me!"
A quick exchange with To Soon-i.
"Safe travels."
"Keep the home fires burning, Snow."
"Worry less about me and more about yourself. If anyone gives you trouble, tell this lady at once. I'll show them a lesson they'll never forget."
"...Doubt anyone's messing with me up there, but... yeah, reassuring."
"Hmph... Don't get too cocky going solo. Forget not that family awaits your return. Linger too long, and this lady may come fetch you herself."