While Aruya hid in the dark corridors of the Orange Zone, biting her nails until they bled over unfinished business...
...the world trembled.
"THE HERO OF HUMANITY WHO DISAPPEARED SIX YEARS AGO RETURNS"
Such headlines flooded screens, banners, and magazine covers. News feeds were overflowing with the sa face.
Lee Yeonho.
A na resurrected from ash.
A na buried under thousands of speculations, theories, versions—and silence.
"This is reporter Jin Mira, broadcasting live from Seoul. With us is the Pri Minister of the Republic, Mr. Nam Gwangtae. Mr. Pri Minister, why was the hero untraceable for so long, and what fate awaits him now?"
On screen—an aging man in a muted blue suit, his face weary but firm. His voice sounded cautious, as if every word might detonate the public.
"At this ti, we cannot confirm any details. His reappearance was as much a shock to us as it was to the nation. He is in critical condition... and has not regained consciousness. Doctors are still diagnosing."
The live broadcast aired across the country.
In bars and restaurants, offices, kitchens, cafes, hospital corridors—everyone watched.
Even on the streets, the na was on every tongue.
"Didn’t he show up last year already?"
"Are you crazy? That was a demon! An imposter pretending to be him. This one—they say—ca straight out of the Red Zone."
"So what, he’s the strongest? He’s barely alive now..."
Whispers. Doubts. Hope.
A hero returned to the world—like a fallen god, dragged down from the heavens into mud.
anwhile, the Pri Minister looked straight into the cara and spoke the words that spread across every platform, becoming s, slogans, fear, and hope all at once:
"We cannot say anything definitive yet. But one thing is certain..."
A pause.
"The strongest has returned to our hell."
Click.
The screen went black.
The TV switched off.
I—Kang Yeonghee—rose from the low coffee table, adjusting the collar of my sweater beneath my thick coat.
The house was warm, but a sharp chill was forecasted. Early October—the season of gray winds.
And yes. This Chapter is about .
I woke up earlier than usual. That happens when you’re nervous before an important eting. But I was well prepared.
Sothing whispered inside: today is the day that changes everything.
No coffee. Just a quick wash, tied my hair, checked my docunts. Everything was ready.
He should be there.
Looking at myself in the mirror, I saw the reflection of a woman—not the one from six months ago.
I wore light, calm clothing. Not formal, but not too personal either.
Sothing... in-between.
I hope he likes it.
"Please, miss," said the agent, opening the car’s back door.
"Thank you," I replied, stepping in.
The drive would be long. We were heading to the Orange Zone.
I had secured the entry permit a week ago—back then, no one knew what would happen.
But after today’s news... no one from the Association even tried to stop .
On the contrary—they let pass in silence.
Outside, the city faded. Gray, low, as if concrete had seeped into the air itself.
Early October. Cold had finally arrived.
I lost track of ti. Just watched the passing facades, shuttered shops, and unfamiliar faces.
None of them knew where I was headed.
And that was for the best.
When the car stopped, I barely noticed.
"We’re here, miss."
"Ah... Thank you. I’ll be back in an hour."
"Good luck."
Today was a special day in Korea.
Not because of holidays. Not because of the first hints of autumn.
But because the air had gone quiet. Because anticipation lingered in the clouds. Because hope had returned.
"All people strive toward their idols..."
I walked the streets, catching fragnts of conversations, glances of strangers, whispers.
But none of those voices mattered.
I was walking to et soone important to . Soone I had once... already lost.
By the river—silence.
And him.
Leaning against the railing, like a stranger among the living.
Brown hair—longer than I rembered. Blue eyes—still the sa, but their light had faded.
I stepped closer. He turned to .
And ti froze. The people around us blurred, re background noise.
I smiled.
"Long ti no see, Kihyun."
He gave a small nod. A dry smile flickered across his face.
"Yeah."
He looked different now. Stronger. Colder.
His coat concealed a hardened body, but I knew—inside, he held far more than before.
"You’ve changed so much... People don’t even know who they’re looking at. Does anyone else know about our little secret eting?"
"No one. Not even Umbra. That’s why it’s a secret."
"Hm... Reminds of teens sneaking out to et in secret, hiding from parents. I never got to have those days."
"How are the others?"
"Kusanagi is fine. Everyone’s ready."
We fell silent. I cleared my throat, breaking the stillness.
"I assu you’ve heard... about your father."
"Yes. It’s... shocking. But Umbra doesn’t care much. To them, he’s just a shadow of the past."
"...Kihyun."
I looked straight at him.
"Do you want to see him?"
He averted his gaze, staring into the street silhouettes.
"...Where is he?"
"No one knows. Not , not the other hunters. Seems Lady Sashi doesn’t plan on sharing."
"They know it’s too dangerous. As long as he’s not awake, the Association won’t act."
He turned to .
"Yeonghee, we have to stick to the plan."
I nodded.
"But we’re not here just for that. Want to take a walk?"
"...You sure? What if they’re watching you?"
"No. Even if forr Kusanagi mbers are viewed with caution, my na still holds weight."
I convinced him.
We walked along the pier.
I savored every mont with him. My eyes shone brighter than morning.
But he... felt distant. His eyes held no light.
"I know, Kihyun. You bear so much. You worry more than anyone. But please... rember: the world’s fate shouldn’t rest on one person. So allow yourself to rest. Let this walk be healing."
"Thank you, Yeonghee."
His voice was calm. Almost lifeless.
We reached the riverbank. A gentle wind lifted leaves from the pavent.
I stopped.
"I didn’t see in you a savior of humanity. It was my own will—to help soone who deserved it. And now... I see soone willing to go all the way for their dream."
I looked into his eyes.
"Let them call you a monster. I know the truth. You’re not."
He opened his mouth to speak, but stayed silent.
"One more thing."
I stepped closer.
"Don’t worry about . Go, fulfill your goals. I’ll support you in everything. If I need to beco a demon—I will. And not just . All of Kusanagi will share your path."
He was surprised. For the first ti, his expression changed—softened. Human.
"In the end, we’re just grains of sand in this world. But every grain can shine if it has purpose. Kihyun... you are not alone."
I saw through his cold. Even what he hid from himself. Sadness. Grief. Shattered hopes.
He looked away. A breeze swept through the streets—and for the first ti in years, the ringing in his ears faded.
Soon after, we parted in silence.
I left, while he stood by the river, watching go.
And then...
A girl approached him.
Short. Hooded. Wearing a skirt and warm tights. She seed to appear out of nowhere.
She paused.
"You’re a fool if you haven’t figured out her feelings yet. Her eyes said she’d die for you."
And she vanished.
It was Aruya. But Kihyun... didn’t even know who she was.
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