Chapter 173: The Turning Point
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 173: The Turning Point
"We meet again, Junior. Are you alright?" Anna greeted him with a light chuckle. She hadn't changed at all; her eyes were curved into crescents, her smile as gentle as ever.
After all, by the clock, it had only been about a day since they last saw each other.
But as Muen looked at her, he felt as if a lifetime had passed.
The shocking revelation that his Senior Sister was actually the owner of that mysterious little shop was momentarily pushed to the back of his mind. He simply stood there, dazed, staring at Anna.
"What's wrong?"
Anna looked at Muen’s current expression with some confusion, but then her face turned serious. She protectively clutched the coin purse at her waist and said solemnly, "Junior, no matter how much you ask, I’m not giving you your money back."
"I..."
Muen didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He hadn't expected his Senior Sister to suddenly make such a miserly declaration.
A smile barely began to tug at the corners of his mouth before it slumped back down.
Meeting his Senior Sister should have been a joyous occasion, yet at this moment, Muen felt a surge of bitterness and exhaustion that made it hard to breathe.
These were emotions he had been suppressing all along. It was only upon seeing her that they finally erupted out of the sense of security she provided.
"Senior Sister."
"Hmm?"
"Can I give you a hug?"
"Oh my, it’s late at night and Junior already can’t restrain his playboy soul? Are you trying to harass me? Junior, you really are a pervert."
"No, I just..."
Muen’s shoulders and brow slumped, as if something heavy were weighing him down.
"Never mind, Senior Sister. Just pretend I—"
Before he could finish, Muen felt two cool palms cup his cheeks.
Startled, he felt Anna lift his head. She stood on her tiptoes, peering intently into his eyes.
As if she had discovered something, a look of pity entered her gaze. She gently pulled Muen’s head down onto her shoulder and softly stroked his hair.
"Junior, you must have gone through something terrible tonight."
"..."
"I don't know what happened, but don't be too hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s nothing to hate yourself over."
"..."
"Junior really is a spoiled child, isn't he? It’s okay to cry."
"...I won't cry," Muen whispered, quietly soaking in the girl's warmth. "I won't cry."
"Is that so?"
Anna tilted her head, glancing at Muen’s profile. He truly wasn't crying; instead, his face bore a look of grim determination. She sighed with increasing tenderness.
"Junior, you've grown stronger again."
*
After a brief moment of warmth, Muen and Anna sat side-by-side against the wall, waiting for the lingering danger to pass.
Anna tugged on Muen’s sleeve, signaling him to lean closer.
Then, she pointed toward the sky. "Watch the heavens."
"The heavens?"
Muen looked up in surprise.
The clouds had dispersed at some point, revealing a clear sky where a bright moon hung.
Without any stars to accompany it, the moon appeared exceptionally brilliant, but it was surrounded by a halo of eerie blue light, making it look cold and desolate.
"This is..."
Muen suddenly understood.
"That freak from earlier... is he a believer of the Moon?"
No wonder the man had been able to lock onto his position. Bathed in that eerie blue moonlight, there was no way to escape his tracking.
"Strange."
Muen was puzzled.
He shouldn't have offended the Silent Moon, so why were His believers trying to kill him?
Had the deity discovered the power of the Withered King within him?
That shouldn't be right. Wasn't the Alchemy Domain supposed to isolate one's aura?
Muen was baffled, but he didn't dwell on it.
He was already used to his Evil God Attraction Constitution. When you have too many debts, you stop worrying about them. Even the Love God hadn't said anything yet; if the Silent Moon wanted to kill him, He’d have to wait in line.
Besides, shouldn't the Moon be more worried about a certain sunny, muscular man who was about to pay Him a "warm" visit?
Muen shook his head and scooted a bit closer to his Senior Sister.
It wasn't because her shoulder was soft or because she smelled nice; it was simply because the area hidden from the moonlight was only so large.
"Senior Sister, do you know that freak from earlier?"
"I don't know him personally, I've only heard rumors."
"Rumors?"
"One of the urban legends of the Lower District: the Shadow Butcher."
Anna didn't seem to mind Muen’s little maneuver. She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and spoke softly.
"He’s described as wearing a black raincoat and a strange mask, carrying a blood-stained cleaver. They say he has the ability to attack people's shadows and can even catch and eat them. Those whose shadows are eaten lose all their flesh and blood at the same time."
"...That sounds like him."
Muen couldn't help but shiver.
The image of Lorenzo looking like he had been eaten alive was still swirling in his mind. Recalling it now made his stomach churn with nausea.
"Speaking of which, I never imagined you were the owner of that mysterious shop, Senior Sister," Muen remarked, almost as if sighing.
Thinking about it, his fate with her hadn't just begun at the Academy; it had started much earlier.
This was truly the will of heaven. It meant their destinies were firmly intertwined like the roots of a tree.
At this thought, Muen’s mood brightened—a rare occurrence lately. As for his previous thoughts about revenge or spanking the shopkeeper, they were long forgotten.
He was joking, of course. If he tried to spank her, he’d definitely be the one getting hit back.
"I didn't expect Junior to be that customer, either."
Anna’s lips curled into a smile. She looked at Muen beside her and asked meaningfully, "There’s something I’m quite curious about, Junior."
"What is it?"
"What did you intend to do with that potion you bought?"
"..."
Muen’s smile froze. Fine beads of cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
What for? To drug a certain Princess, of course.
But could he say that? Absolutely not!
"It couldn't... really have been for an elephant, could it?"
Seeing Muen’s panicked expression, the smile on Anna’s lips widened. Seeing her mischievous grin, Muen realized she didn't actually want an answer; she just wanted to tease him.
But the more she did this, the more helpless he felt.
Who could do anything about a "little devil" Senior Sister who acted wicked on the surface but was pure of heart?
Thus, Muen resorted to his ultimate weapon: changing the subject.
"Senior Sister, I have something for you."
"Something for me?"
She tilted her head. "Is today a special occasion?"
"Today?" Muen thought for a moment. "It’s the fifty-seventh day since we met in the library?"
"Giggle, you're talking nonsense."
She laughed charmingly, but Muen tried to keep a straight face. "It really is fifty-seven days! If you don't believe me, count them!"
"Fine. So, for this fifty-seventh-day anniversary, what is Junior going to give me?"
"I’m giving you... this."
Muen produced the red jewelry box.
When the familiar box entered her sight, Anna immediately knew what was inside. She froze in a daze.
"This... this is?"
"That's right. The Tear of True Love."
Muen smiled and opened the box.
In the center of the luxurious red velvet, the teardrop-shaped pink gemstone remained dazzlingly brilliant even in the darkness.
"Why is it in your hands?"
Anna was confused for only two seconds before she realized.
"So, Number Eighty-Eight was you? And the one who called the guard corps tonight was also you?"
"Yes."
Muen nodded, still smiling.
But from the fleeting disappointment in the depths of his eyes, Anna could vaguely guess what had happened.
She didn't press further, instead looking at the exquisite gem.
"Junior, I can't accept this..."
"You don't want it?"
"...I do, but if you just give it to me for free, I..."
"It’s not for free."
Muen looked into Anna’s startled eyes and said seriously, "Didn't I say it before? This is payment for all the help you've given me. You've helped me so much, yet you never say what you want in return. If this continues, I’ll feel uneasy. So, please accept it as my thanks."
"..."
Anna was silent for a moment before she too smiled. "In that case, I won't refuse."
She reached out to take the gem from Muen, but he gently moved his hand away.
"Let me."
Muen took the Tear of True Love out of the box. Only then did Anna notice with surprise that the gem had two delicate "tails" attached to it.
They were chains carved from what looked like crystal, translucent and exquisite in their own right. Strung through the Tear of True Love, they made the gem look like an angel that had grown wings.
"I was surprised when I first found them, too. I later learned from the auction description that this gem had long ago been fashioned into a necklace. They only displayed the gem itself to avoid devaluing it. Although it’s a bit deceptive, I actually quite like it."
Muen held the ends of the "angel wings," lifting the gem gently. It trembled in the air like a falling teardrop.
"It’s beautiful, isn't it?"
"It is very beautiful."
Logically, any woman should be happy to see such a beautiful necklace. But at this moment, Muen read a trace of sorrow in Anna’s eyes.
"What’s wrong? Do you not like it?"
"No, I love it very much. But because I love it... I’m a little reluctant to part with it."
"Huh?"
Muen was confused, but Anna didn't explain further. She swept her long black hair to the side and smiled.
"Junior, help me put it on."
"Ah... this..."
Muen was stunned.
He had only picked up the necklace to show her; he hadn't expected her to ask him to put it on her personally.
Looking at her neck, which was as white as a swan's, Muen’s throat suddenly felt dry.
Sensing his hesitation, she tilted her head and asked, "What’s wrong? Is Junior unwilling?"
"No, I’m willing! Of course I am!"
Muen straightened his back. What kind of man would wimp out at a time like this?
He took a deep breath, held the ends of the necklace in both hands, and gently reached around Anna’s neck.
The soft strands of her hair brushed against him, making his heart itch. From this angle, looking at her downcast eyes and fluttering eyelashes, she was even more captivating.
Slower, just a bit slower, Muen told himself.
His movements were incredibly slow, as if time itself had stagnated.
If only he could stay in this moment forever. At least then, he could forget all his troubles and quietly appreciate the girl's beauty.
But at that moment, Anna suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with intense gravity... and disgust.
"I’m sorry, Senior Sister, I’ll be quick—"
Muen thought she was annoyed by his slowness and tried to speed up, but suddenly, she slammed a palm against his chest.
It wasn't an attack; a gentle force radiated from her palm, forcing Muen to stumble back several paces. Anna also caught the falling Tear of True Love and quickly stowed it away.
Only then did Muen feel the sudden death warning ringing in his mind. A cold flash of light tore through the air, slamming into the wall between him and Anna.
It was a scimitar shaped like a crescent moon, gleaming coldly under the moonlight.
"Oh my, what an unpleasant scene I've stumbled upon."
A seductive voice drifted over. Muen turned his head in shock and saw a provocatively dressed, voluptuous woman standing on a nearby wall.
She wore tight leather clothes with a deep V-neck that plunged all the way to her navel, revealing nearly half of her rounded breasts.
She wore high heels at least ten centimeters tall, her face was heavily made up, and her figure was so incredible it would make any man’s nose bleed.
But the moment Muen saw her, he felt a bone-chilling cold, as if he were being stared down by a venomous snake.
"Who are you?" Muen asked warily.
The seductive woman was also looking at him. Her appraising gaze was like she was looking at... an interesting toy.
For some reason, although her appearance didn't match anyone in his memory, Muen felt a strange sense of familiarity.
This damn intuition of mine is getting weirder and weirder.
"First meeting—oh, no, I suppose it’s the first time meeting in this form. Hello, Muen Campbell. You can call me Miss Banshee."
The Banshee pinched her non-existent skirt and performed a seductive noble curtsy toward Muen.
"First time in this form?"
Muen chewed on those intriguing words. Before he could think further, a soft voice sounded in his ear.
"How did you find me?"
Anna’s expression was incredibly grim. "I clearly eliminated all influence of the Moon."
"Well..."
The Banshee raised a hand to her nose and took a deep breath, her face flushing. "It’s a secret."
Scent?
But when did I leak my scent?
I changed my scent-hiding potions several times along the way.
"Get ready to run, Junior," Anna’s voice sounded in Muen’s ear. "She’s dangerous."
"I know."
Muen took a deep breath.
Even across half a street, he could feel the dangerous aura radiating from this self-proclaimed "Banshee," making his eyelids twitch.
What was going on today? Did even the monsters come in pairs?
And from her conversation with Anna, was she also an evil cultist who worshipped the Silent Moon?
"Do you really think you can get away?" the Banshee giggled, looking at Muen.
"I think my ability to run is actually quite good."
"Is that so? Then I’ll look forward to it."
The Banshee smiled seductively and blew Muen a kiss. She seemed completely unconcerned about their plans to escape. But despite her soul-stirring smile, Muen felt a chill down his spine.
Muen looked to his side and quietly reached out to Anna.
"Senior Sister, take my hand."
The mysterious Banshee had made a mistake; she hadn't blocked the alley entrance. At this distance, if he kept using Shadow Step, they should be able to escape.
After an exchange of glances, Anna seemed to agree. She reached out her soft hand toward Muen’s.
But Muen didn't get to hold her hand as he had hoped.
In that instant, Muen’s death premonition—honed countless times until it was incredibly sharp—triggered again. A nauseating sense of crisis submerged him like the deep sea.
But this time, the threat didn't come from the Banshee in front of him. It came from... behind!
"Delicious!"
With a thunderous crash, the wall behind them suddenly shattered. Countless bricks and dust flew everywhere as a tall, thin figure in a heavy raincoat swung a butcher's cleaver, bursting through the wall. From beneath the flesh-stitched mask came a roar of maddened rage!
Only now did that drum-like heartbeat sound again!
Damn it, when did he sneak up on us!
The thought flashed through his mind, but in his haste, Muen had no time to react. He could only instinctively cross his dual daggers in front of him to protect his vitals.
This wouldn't stop the cleaver, of course. Muen was prepared to rely on his thick health bar to tank the hit.
But the expected scene of blood spraying didn't happen.
In his dazed vision, another slender figure blocked his path.
"Senior Sister!"
Muen’s brain buzzed. His eyes nearly split as he saw Anna raise a single hand to block the cleaver.
What is she doing?
Why is she blocking for me?
I won't die!
I have the Withered King’s Divine Blessing! As long as my head isn't chopped off, I won't die!
Ah, right. Senior Sister doesn't know.
In this moment, Muen’s thoughts accelerated like never before. His instinctive defensive posture changed completely. Like a maddened beast, he lunged frantically at the Shadow Butcher.
But he was too slow.
The cleaver struck Anna’s arm, instantly shredding her sleeve.
Muen could already see the scene of her arm being severed.
But that didn't happen. Instead, there was... the sound of clashing metal!
The cleaver met Anna’s arm with a metallic ring, and bright sparks actually flew!
Muen’s mind went hazy. In his memory, this scene felt familiar.
The high wall used for cover had been smashed by the Butcher, and the cold moonlight poured in without obstruction. In that moonlight, from the corner of his eye, Muen caught a glimpse of Anna’s arm reflecting a sharp, cold light. Even her crystal-clear, pale red eyes constricted into vertical slits for a moment.
She pointed her other hand at the Shadow Butcher, her lips parting to release a string of unfamiliar, archaic words.
The skin on half of the Shadow Butcher’s body instantly turned a desolate, ashen gray. His movements became stiff.
Petrification!
"Junior!"
The cold voice rang in Muen’s ear again.
Muen snapped out of it. Ignoring the strangeness on Anna’s side, he took advantage of the Butcher’s impaired movement to close in, plunging his pure white blade into the Butcher’s body.
"Elizabeth!" Muen roared.
The living spirit hummed.
As a weapon made from the materials of a Holy Sword, Elizabeth naturally retained some of its characteristics.
At this moment, infinite Holy Light erupted from the blade, pouring frantically into the Shadow Butcher’s body.
"Not—de—licious!"
The Shadow Butcher let out a howl of agony. A sound like burning fire came from within him. He swung his other hand wildly at Muen.
Muen dodged nimbly, his short blade dancing as it sliced through the Butcher’s raincoat, revealing a withered chest that seemed to lack any flesh... and a hideous black heart beating within.
"Eat, eat, eat! Your brain is rotted and you're still thinking about eating? Try my bloodletting therapy!"
Muen roared as he plunged his dagger toward the Butcher’s heart. But just as he was about to kill the creature, his blade suddenly reversed, cutting through the swirling dust to clash with a flickering shadow.
"Oh my, the sneak attack failed?"
The Banshee licked her red lips, looking even more seductive. At such close range, she flirtatiously winked at Muen again and laughed softly.
"Big brother, do you want to play something fun with your little sister?"
"Piss off! I only like big sisters in black stockings!"
Thunder Roar Modified!
Muen blasted the Banshee back.
Seemingly provoked by Muen’s words, the Banshee’s gaze turned cold.
But her seductive smile remained. "I really do hate being rejected by you."
"What a coincidence. My favorite thing to do is say 'no' to self-righteous women like you!"
Taking advantage of the Banshee’s stumble, Muen lunged again.
The Shadow Butcher was temporarily incapacitated; he had to deal with her first!
His dual daggers blurred, his offensive like a torrential storm, constantly pressing the Banshee.
But facing Muen’s assault, the Banshee didn't panic at all. The two crescent scimitars in her hands were just as sharp and fierce as Muen’s daggers.
She’s strong.
Muen was secretly shocked.
He felt that the Banshee’s realm wasn't much higher than his own, but in terms of speed and reaction, she completely suppressed him.
It was only through the techniques he had honed in the Black Book that he held a slight advantage.
But that wasn't enough to decide the battle.
In that case...
Muen suddenly charged, completely abandoning his defense. He let the Banshee’s scimitars slash at him while Elizabeth lunged at her vitals from a tricky angle.
"This is..."
The Banshee raised an eyebrow. Her body twisted strangely, and with a movement that defied common sense, she suddenly retracted her attack.
She retreated, avoiding Muen’s life-for-life gamble.
"Oh my, such a suicidal fighting style. Are you really the son of a Duke, Muen Campbell?" the Banshee asked with a chuckle.
"Heh, so cowardly. Are you really an evil cultist?" Muen retorted.
"I can't help it. Right now, I don't want to leave my blood here."
"What do you mean?" Muen frowned.
"Oh my~"
The Banshee suddenly tilted her head, listening intently.
As if she had heard something, she sheathed her scimitars. "Well then, let’s end it here for tonight, Muen Campbell."
"Eh?"
Muen was stunned.
What the hell?
"End it here"? Is this some kind of friendly gathering? Is there a second round?
"What are you plotting?"
"We have plenty of time. Our fate doesn't end here."
"I don't want any 'fate' with you."
"Heh, who knows?"
The Banshee looked at Anna.
Anna was currently clutching one arm, beads of sweat pouring down her forehead as if she were enduring great pain.
The goal had been achieved, even exceeding expectations.
"I look forward to seeing you again, Anna Kabulin," the Banshee said softly. "By then, I expect you'll have a different answer."
The Shadow Butcher had appeared behind her at some point, his furious gaze fixed on Muen and Anna through his mask.
But in front of the Banshee, this terrifying monster was as docile as a child.
The Banshee pinched her non-existent skirt again and performed a graceful curtsy to Muen and Anna.
"Now, the actors and the stage are all set. Unfortunately, given my identity, I can't sit in the audience to enjoy this grand play. Muen Campbell, as my designated spectator, you must enjoy it thoroughly from your front-row seat."
"Goodbye, you two."
"Wait!"
Muen, confused by her words, tried to stop her. But as he raised his hand, the space rippled, and the two figures vanished instantly.
In the cold, quiet alley, only Muen and Anna remained.
The moon seemed to return to normal, casting down its pure white light.
"What the hell was that..."
The departure of the two powerful enemies didn't make Muen feel any better.
On the contrary, this anticlimactic attack left a dark cloud over his heart.
No matter how insane evil cultists were, they wouldn't do something like this just for fun. They definitely had a scheme.
But there was no time to think about that now.
"Senior Sister, are you okay?"
Muen rushed to Anna’s side. After tanking the Shadow Butcher’s hit and launching that curse-like attack, her state was clearly wrong.
The vertical pupils seemed to have been a hallucination; her eyes were still as clear as crystal. But she seemed to be in agony, leaning against the wall and panting, sweat dripping from her brow.
"I’m fine, I’m fine."
Anna hid the arm that had been attacked inside her wide black robe and forced a smile. "It’s just a small injury."
"But..."
Muen clenched his fists. If only his reactions had been sharper...
"There are no 'buts.' I charged in on purpose to distract them. It has nothing to do with you. Besides, Junior, are you underestimating me?"
Anna winked playfully and pulled out a bottle of shimmering potion.
She downed it in one go, and her face regained its color at a visible rate.
"See, Junior? My potions are all-purpose." Anna shook the empty bottle boastfully.
"Is... that so?"
Muen’s gaze flickered to her other hand. If the injury was healed, why was she still hiding it?
And the reflection he had seen earlier... no matter how he looked at it, it seemed like...
"Alright, Junior."
Anna suddenly interrupted his thoughts, extending her hand toward him like a princess waiting for a hand-kissing ceremony.
"Help me up."
"This..." Muen blinked, then asked nervously, "Senior Sister, do you not even have the strength to stand?"
"Sigh, Junior, you're usually so sharp. Why are you being so dense now?"
Anna tilted her head and teased, "I’m giving you a chance to show off. Do you not want it? If you don't, I’m taking it back."
"I want it! Of course I want it!"
Muen grabbed Anna’s slender, fair hand without hesitation.
That hand was softer than he had imagined, cooler, and even smaller.
But miraculously, it made Muen’s heart instantly find peace.
At that moment, the moon shyly hid behind the clouds again.
But in Muen’s eyes, the whole world had brightened.
It was as if a new sun had finally risen, shining upon the girl's blushing cheeks.
So beautiful.
The gloom in his heart seemed to vanish completely. Evil cultists, conspiracies, the moon—none of it mattered anymore. Muen stared at the stunning girl before him, meeting her gentle gaze.
"What is it?" the girl asked with a smile, her eyes looking as if a sun were rising within them too.
Time seemed to stand still again. Muen’s heart was pulled by her, and he stammered, "Senior Sister, I..."
"Target spotted!"
"Evil God aura detected!"
"Fifth Squad, seal the perimeter! First and Third Squads, suppress the target! Knights, on standby!"
Sharp voices tore through everything.
The once-silent street was instantly flooded with noise.
To the stunned and horrified eyes of the boy and girl, a sun truly did rise.
Infinite, blinding light poured into the dark, narrow alley, driving out all darkness and every shadow.
The ground trembled. Humble dust and stones danced a ridiculous, uncontrollable jig.
Looking to the end of the street, one could see heavy silver plate armor, giant shields covered in gold patterns, and spears radiating a sharp, cold light.
Knights?
Why are there Knights in the Lower District?
But what made Muen even more breathless weren't the famous Knights, but the other figures dressed in black trench coats.
They appeared out of nowhere, their faces pale from a lack of sunlight. They looked unremarkable, but the badges on their chests were more piercing than the sun.
It was a finger, sharp as a dagger, held against black lips—the symbol of absolute silence.
Silencers?
Why are they here?
Are they here to catch those two from earlier? That would be—
Before that spark of joy could even surface, Muen turned back and saw Anna’s face. The color that had just returned had vanished, leaving her deathly pale.
Eh?
"Suppression operation, begin!"
A cold command echoed through the area.
Blinding golden light fell from the sky, turning into an indestructible barrier that forcibly separated Muen and Anna.
What?
"Watch Muen Campbell! He is a Priority One target! He must not be harmed!"
Several figures in black trench coats lunged forward, shielding Muen behind them. One of them pulled out a device flickering with magical fluctuations and scanned Muen. Seeing the parameters, the man let out a sigh of relief.
"Muen Campbell shows no signs of contamination!"
What are you doing?
Anna stood up unsteadily, turning as if to flee, but the golden light slammed down. Her fragile body couldn't bear the weight, and she was forced to the ground.
What are you doing?
What are you doing?
"What are you doing?!"
The scene before him set Muen’s rage ablaze. He pushed aside the people in front of him, trying to get to his Senior Sister.
"Muen Campbell, do not be alarmed. You are safe now."
The man with the device blocked his path, forcing a stiff smile. "We will finish suppressing this evil cultist shortly. You are lucky; to have such close contact and not be—"
"You're the fucking evil cultist!"
Before the man could finish, Muen, his eyes bloodshot, punched him square in his ugly face.
Evil cultist?
Senior Sister?
In broad daylight, what kind of bullshit are you talking?
The man cried out and was sent flying.
Muen took the opportunity to activate Shadow Step.
But a terrifying pressure suddenly descended, forcing Muen out of his movement state.
"Seize him! Don't let him interfere!"
Muen heard the cold command again.
The surrounding figures became a blur of motion. Several people lunged at him, pinning Muen firmly to the ground.
"What are you doing?"
"What the hell are you doing?"
"Evil cultist? Shouldn't the evil cultists be those two from earlier? You should be catching them! What are you doing to my Senior Sister?"
Muen roared in fury, but no one listened.
Several Silencers held him down, making it impossible to move.
He watched helplessly as a middle-aged man, the one giving orders, approached Anna step by step. The golden light grew even more brilliant. Under his control, several cold chains seemed to come alive, wrapping around and binding Anna’s body.
Then, with a hand clad in a mithril glove, he grabbed the hand Anna had been desperately trying to hide.
Her delicate body trembled. For the first time, Muen saw a look of utter helplessness on her face.
"Bastard! Get your filthy hands off her!"
Infinite rage drowned Muen’s reason. In his eyes, which were boiling like lava, it seemed as if flames were about to ignite.
But then, he heard a soft, cold sigh. From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a silver-white figure.
"Let him rest for a bit," a familiar voice said.
A sweet, cloying scent filled his nostrils, and Muen’s consciousness instantly blurred.
In the final moment before his consciousness faded, Muen saw Anna cast a tragic, beautiful look his way. The arm that had been forced into the open was not the slender, white limb he imagined. It was covered in hideous, dense black scales.
That was...
"Confirmed as Stage 3 Snake Transformation Disease. No signs of mental influence from an Evil God for now."
The middle-aged man let go, speaking with pity.
"Danger level tentatively set at A. Lock her up for now."