Moebius did not doubt that this was an opportunity given to him.

But so did,

“Then good luck.”

Lee Jun, likewise.

(This is the time separator.)

Eunha returned as she had seen about 30 minutes later.

It was nearly two hours before everyone’s eyes were on her as she stealthily appeared.

Eunha ignored all the eyes on her and looked around.

She didn’t see Moebius. Had he not returned yet?

‘I was thinking the same thing….’

If he’s not here, there’s nothing we can do.

Having confirmed Moebius’s absence, Eunha walked straight towards Lee Jun.

Did he hear her footsteps? Lee Jun, who had been leaning against the inner wall, slowly raised his head. Eunha stood silently and monotonously opened her mouth.

“There’s a problem.”

Then, his gray eyes slid down smoothly. Her right hand wrapped in a wet towel entered his sight.

“…You’re hurt.”

He spoke briefly and gestured to an agent beside him.

“Call a medical agent─.”

“No, it’s fine.”

Eunha cut him off.

“Rather, your snake exploded, and the gate’s central part collapsed. The Trickster got trapped there alone.”

“Really?”

Lee Jun responded very plainly. Unperturbed by his seemingly disinterested attitude, Eunha opened her mouth again.

“Send a search party.”

“A search party?”

Snicker. A deflating laugh was heard. Then followed by a spinechilling low voice.

“Why should I?”

Lee Jun tilted his head as if he really didn’t know. Between the falling bangs, his gray eyes curved beautifully.

“It’s not the responsibility of me or the other hunters here that the snake exploded. It’s the Trickster’s fault for blowing up the snake’s head.”

“…….”

“Therefore, I have no intention of sending a search party to find him.”

Eunha stared at him blankly.

Standing still beside the two, an agent widened his eyes.

‘Why is he like this?’

Just a moment ago, he had said he would go and search himself…. Why has he suddenly become so cold? And what’s this about the Trickster blowing up the snake’s head? He didn’t understand a word.

On the other hand, Eunha was equally baffled.

“…Are you serious?”

At Eunha’s question, Lee Jun raised his head.

“You’re going to pretend you don’t know her?”

Dark eyes were watching him. Resentment, contempt, perhaps disappointment. In front of those eyes, Lee Jun slowly blinked.

“…Yes, I’m serious.”

Lee Jun lowered his head as if fleeing from the black gaze aimed at him like an arrow.

However, his voice was firm.

“I don’t see why I need to move for someone who has disobeyed orders.”

Eunha closed her mouth.
But he did not avert his gaze that was fixed on him.

A few seconds passed, like eternity. The first to speak was Eun Ha.

“Why─.”

She clenched her fist tightly.

“Why did it turn out like this?”

There was no change in her expression. But Lee Joon would know.

Eun Ha was angry now. Probably at the current Lee Joon.

A white snake gently coiled around Lee Joon’s wrist. Lee Joon caressed the snake’s head with his long index finger, finally smiling as he could not resist looking at the snake.

“What nonsense.”

In front of him, Eun Ha finally closed her mouth.

A conversation with him would never be realized. Because he was refusing to converse with Eun Ha.

Even so, she had to say this.

Eun Ha slowly licked her rigid lips.

“…I’m disappointed.”

Hesitation.

The hand that was stroking the snake stopped.

But it was only for an instant. As if nothing had happened, as if he hadn’t heard anything, Lee Joon moved his hand slowly again.

Standing motionless in front of him, Eun Ha just stared at him, not opening her mouth any further.

The surrounding air seemed to freeze instantly from a cold chill that came from somewhere.

“I, um….”

The agent, who was anxiously glancing around, eventually mustered the courage to lick his lips.

“Moebius Hunter left earlier to search for the returning hunters. So─.”

Quickly.

Eun Ha turned her head towards him. A sharp glint burst from her eyes.

“Moebius?”

At the faint question, the agent gasped and took a breath.

A skin so white it didn’t seem human, contrasting with black hair. Eyes that seemed to hold an eerie color were even creepy.

But even while avoiding her gaze, he defended Lee Joon.

“Ye, yes. Although White Hunter said so, he is not ignoring the returnees. Just wait a little, and Moebius Hunter will come back.”

“No, that’s not enough.”

Eun Ha cut off sharply.

Moebius could not be trusted. Of course, Eun Ha did not have a shred of trust in him.

“If you won’t send a search party, I’ll go myself.”

“What?”

The agent’s eyes widened. The other hunters around were equally surprised.

“Hunter, Trickster is an Sclass hunter. He’s not someone to be trifled with in an Aclass Burst Gate. But aren’t you different?”

The Black Flame Princess was an Fclass, a Concept Hunter at that. Most Concept Hunters were not accustomed to combat.

That she would jump into a gate without a partner? To save an Sclass hunter? It was absurd.

“That’s right. It’s fortunate that Trickster is not affiliated with the main team. Then he’ll return without any problem. He’s an Sclass hunter after all.”

“Isn’t it a bit… presumptuous to say you’re going to save an Sclass hunter?”

The surrounding agents began to nod one by one. The hunters seemed to agree with their thoughts.

Eun Ha knew too. Trickster was one of the few Sclass hunters in Korea. He was also a guild leader.

But.

‘Sister, this is a gift. I can make grenades and trucks too!’

‘I think it’ll be done once I tune it up, will you come see it soon?’

‘Really? Wow, I’m excited!’

The small, chubby hand she had held.

Eyes sparkling like the Milky Way.

A joyful and innocent laugh.

─It was all telling her something.

“…….”

Eun Ha, who had been staring blankly at those who were trying to dissuade her, slowly licked her lips.

“He’s still a child, though.”

If the world hadn’t changed,

If he hadn’t gone through an awakening,

He would still be somewhere, holding his mother’s hand, just a young boy.