*One day later — Berlin, Germany.*
Inside one of Berlin’s luxury hotels, Han Ji-hye stepped into the room she had booked for the upcoming Hero Association event.
She paused just past the doorway, scanning the interior.
"Hm... this is bigger than it looked in the photos."
The room was spacious. A wide king-sized bed sat near a tall window that overlooked the city skyline. Modern furniture, neutral colors, and soft lighting gave it a comfortable yet elegant atmosphere.
She placed her luggage on the table and began organizing her belongings thodically.
"Huh... this is really annoying... I got nothing from yesterday’s interrogation, and now... I have to attend this Hero event in Germany..."
She sighed.
"I don’t know anyone here... but... hopefully I can make a friend or two."
Once she finished unpacking, she climbed onto the bed.
"Ahh~ the mattress is so soft~ completely different from the one at ho."
She rolled across it once. Twice.
Then she stopped and lay on her back, staring at the ceiling.
The smile faded slowly.
"Military... and he killed people... Who exactly is that man..."
Her thoughts drifted back to Yoo Jinhoo.
After returning from the interrogation, she had secretly searched South Korea’s military database for his na.
Nothing.
No record.
No trace.
It was as if soone had erased his existence with surgical precision.
"There’s sothing he’s hiding... but I don’t know what..."
At that mont—
Her phone rang.
She picked it up and glanced at the caller ID.
"Hm? Yerin? Why is she suddenly video calling ?"
She accepted the call.
The screen lit up with the image of Na Yerin waving energetically.
"My sweet Ji-hye!!"
Ji-hye blinked.
"What is it? Why are you suddenly calling like this?"
"I wanted to co with you, you know! But I’m only Rank A..."
Ji-hye tilted her head slightly.
"Huh... then why don’t you just co anyway?"
"Well... that was my plan. But lately villains have been popping up frequently in Busan. I have to stay here."
"Is that so? That’s rare... In Seoul it’s mostly Rank B villains. I’m sure other heroes can handle it... as long as Indigo doesn’t show up."
"Don’t worry! If Indigo appears in Seoul, I’ll go imdiately!"
Ji-hye let out a small laugh.
"Are you sure you can handle Indigo? He knocked you unconscious last ti. You were lucky he didn’t kill you."
Yerin’s face flushed red.
"W-what!? That was just a special case! I was careless! I’m different now!"
Ji-hye laughed again at her embarrassed reaction.
"Alright, alright. I believe you."
Yerin smiled brightly.
"Don’t forget to bring German food, okay? I want to taste it!"
"Hm, of course."
After the call ended, Ji-hye placed her phone beside the bed.
She exhaled softly.
Her thoughts drifted again—to Yoo Jinhoo.
*anwhile — Outside the Hotel*
Yoo Jinhoo stood in front of the hotel entrance.
He looked different.
His hair, once its natural shade, had been dyed black—sleeker, slightly shorter. His attire was formal yet subtly foreign in style.
’With Boris’ help, I managed to secure a Russian Hero identity... I even had to dye my hair black. My na here is Vanitas.’
Vanitas.
An S-Rank Hero from Russia.
A fabricated identity crafted with care.
He adjusted his collar and walked inside.
At the reception desk, he cleared his throat.
"Ahem... one room for one night."
"May I see your ID, sir?"
"Of course."
He retrieved the ID card from inside his jacket and handed it over.
The receptionist examined it carefully.
"Hm... Mr. Vanitas, correct? From Russia?"
"Yes."
"Very well. Here is your room key. Room 784, on the sixth floor."
"Thank you."
He accepted the key and walked toward the elevator.
Inside, he pressed the button for the sixth floor.
The doors began to close.
Then—
"W-wait!"
A woman’s voice echoed from outside.
Jinhoo instinctively blocked the doors from closing.
The woman quickly stepped inside, standing beside him.
Once she entered, he released his hand. The doors shut completely.
"Ah... thank you so much... I don’t know how to thank you..."
"It’s nothing. No need to worry."
She extended her hand.
"My na is Iriana. S-Rank Hero from Germany."
Jinhoo smiled faintly and shook her hand.
"Vanitas. S-Rank Hero from Russia."
"Vanitas... thank you again. By the way, are you here for the Hero event too?"
"Yes. I wasn’t planning to attend, but my director insisted."
He spoke in a slightly awkward tone, maintaining his role.
Iriana laughed softly.
"Sa here! You know... I’m actually shy... but since I was forced... I had no choice."
Jinhoo chuckled lightly.
"Is that so? That’s unfortunate."
Silence filled the elevator as it ascended.
Iriana glanced at the illuminated number six.
"You’re going to the sixth floor too?"
"Yes. You as well?"
"Yes! My room is 780."
"Hm? Then we’re close. I’m in 784."
"Wow!! What a coincidence! Then... tomorrow, would you go to the event with ? I get nervous going alone..."
Jinhoo hesitated briefly.
"Ah... I... don’t mind."
"I’ll look forward to it!"
The elevator doors opened.
They stepped out together.
After walking a few steps, room 780 appeared.
"This is my room! See you tomorrow!"
"Yes."
She entered and closed her door.
Jinhoo continued walking.
He exhaled quietly.
’She says she’s shy... but she’s surprisingly energetic...’
Then—
He stopped.
His body stiffened.
Standing ahead—
Han Ji-hye.
’W-why is Ji-hye staying at this hotel too!?’
Panic flared inside him.
But he forced himself to remain calm.
He resud walking at a natural pace.
Ji-hye passed him casually.
’Good... she doesn’t suspect anything...’
"Wait."
Her voice ca from behind.
Jinhoo turned slowly.
"Y-yes? Can I help you, miss?"
Ji-hye studied him carefully.
"Have... have we t before?"
"t? What do you an, miss...? I don’t believe we’ve ever t."
He kept his tone polite—slightly awkward.
She narrowed her eyes faintly.
"Is that so? But... your face feels familiar... Ah, perhaps it’s just my imagination. Enjoy your day, sir."
She turned and walked away.
Jinhoo exhaled deeply once she disappeared around the corner.
"Hah... that was dangerous... As expected of Ji-hye’s instincts... She’s truly remarkable..."
He resud walking toward room 784.
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