(One day ago)
Deep in the middle of a dense forest, Ryuhwan sat quietly outside an old, forgotten house. A soft rustle of footsteps broke the silence as Seira stepped out from within.
Ryuhwan looked at her with restrained urgency. "How much longer do we have to wait? The more we delay, the worse things will get."
Seira gave a faint smile. "You're a dragon, Ryuhwan. Why are you so troubled by these wanderers? And about Jiah... I've been trying to gather information about her parents. That's the reason I called you here."
Before she could finish, another figure stepped out from the house — it was Doctor Goo Shin-Joo. He casually dragged a chair and sat beside them as if it were a lazy afternoon chat.
Ryuhwan narrowed his eyes. "What are you doing here? Don't you have patients to attend to? You're a doctor. You should be in the city."
Shin-Joo replied dramatically, "Even doctors are allowed breaks, you know. I'm on a break, so I came home."
Ryuhwan sighed, visibly annoyed, and the clouds above began to growl as if mirroring his mood.
Seira sighed in exasperation. "Will the two of you ever stop bickering?"
Taking a deep breath, Ryuhwan steadied himself. "Alright, Seira. Please continue—what were you saying?"
She grew serious. "If you want to know about the Oblivis Cores, you'll have to keep your eyes on all four leaders. Only then can you figure out who's actually trying to acquire the cores. And Ryuhwan… don't forget. You were once a mountain spirit. You can choose to solve this your own way."
Ryuhwan's eyes widened. "The Spirit Carnival? But... humans aren't allowed there."
Seira replied calmly, "As long as Jiah is with you, who's going to question it?"
He nodded slowly, lost in thought. She's right. I need to approach this on my own terms, and slowly involve Jiah in it too.
Shin-Joo stood up. "As for the leaders of the Nyx Association, I'll keep an eye on them. I'll find out who purchased the Oblivis Cores."
With that, he excused himself and returned inside.
Now, only Seira and Ryuhwan remained. Her tone grew more solemn. "Remember one thing, Ryuhwan. You and Jiah — both of you are in danger. Whoever is behind all of this isn't just an ordinary human. I've checked every record. Nothing. Whoever they are… they're something else entirely. And the existence of creatures from different dimensions amongst our ancient powers… is a threat in itself.
You became a spirit hunter. And today, your lover has become a core hunter. These are two different stories, Ryuhwan — now tied together. Their destinies were always meant to collide. But in the end… only one path will remain. One choice must be made."
Ryuhwan, already disturbed by the fact that Jiah had become a hunter, fell deeper into thought. Seira is right. Danger looms closer… but who is behind all this? Who dragged us all into this storm?
---
(Present Day)
Ryuhwan arrived home. The twins were sitting quietly in the hall. Ember was curled up in his usual spot, asleep. But the tension in the air was palpable.
He immediately noticed their unease and asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen while I was gone?"
The twins paused. They knew that lying in front of a dragon was pointless. If Ryuhwan wished, he could read every thought in their minds. But he never did — unless absolutely necessary.
Haa Jin spoke first. "Boss… Noona wanted to go out, so we took her. On the way back, she spotted a strange woman. We followed her, and… she turned into a wanderer. An icy one."
Haa Rin chimed in. "She called it… Nocthyros! Yes, that's what she said."
"A wanderer?" Ryuhwan's eyes narrowed.
The twins nodded.
Haa Jin continued, "But boss… we saw a red glow in Noona's chest. When she got angry, she changed. Her green eyes turned fiery red. And her daggers — they transformed into fire-element swords. Flames were pouring off them… like weapons forged from ancient power."
Haa Rin added, "That same wanderer, the one who drained our powers — Noona killed it with a single strike."
Ryuhwan was stunned. "What?!"
It happened… sooner than I expected. His heart raced. And I can't even tell her anything yet. She must be so confused… I need to see her. Now.
Without another word, he walked toward her apartment. And for the first time, he didn't teleport — he didn't use his powers. He simply rang the doorbell and stood there, hesitant.
"Jiah… I'm here," he said softly.
This time, I won't just appear like I always do. I'll wait. I want her to come to me. To see me as her safe place.
---
Behind the door, Jiah stood motionless. Tears welled in her eyes, but her mind was a chaotic mess.
I want to open this door. I want to hug him. I want to tell him everything — what happened… how I felt alone in this house… what that battle did to me. But how do I even begin? Who am I? Why is all this happening to me? I don't know my past, my identity… and now, I feel like I'm losing control.
Everything I accept… slips away from me. But Ryuhwan… no. I can't lose him too. I don't need help. I don't want to talk. I just… want to be left alone.
She cried silently, her hand hovering near the door. On the other side, Ryuhwan's voice reached her again — warm, steady, sincere.
"Jiah… I'm the answer to your questions. The remedy to your pain. The cure to your suffering. Please… don't push me away like this. We can figure everything out together. I just need one thing from you — a little patience… and trust.
You're not alone anymore. And I'll never let you be alone again. No matter what happens… Jiah, you're mine. And you'll always be mine."
Still, she didn't respond. He took a breath, his voice softening.
"Take your time, Jiah. But please… don't hurt yourself in the process. If you're angry, if you're hurting — let it out on me. I'm here. I'll take it. I'll take all of it. Just… when you're ready… talk to me."
He turned to walk away.
But just as he took a step toward the stairs — the door creaked open.
Ryuhwan turned, stunned, and there she was — her eyes puffy, her face soaked in silent tears. Without a word, Jiah stepped forward…
An
d pulled him into a trembling, desperate hug.
She didn't say anything.
But she didn't need to.