"Boss, do you know something?" Maya felt something was off. It was like the Boss was tossing her out as bait, a meat bun thrown to a dog.
What kind of person deserved that level of attention? Her earlier exchange with Crow had been routine banter. Normally, they solved everything with force. This time felt different. There was a trace of seriousness in the Boss's tone.
"Maybe I do. Maybe I don't," the Boss said. "Ever heard of Zeus?"
"Greek mythology doesn't really match our vibe," Crow joked after thinking for a moment. "We're more Norse. But that guy definitely has... special hobbies. Always transforming into weird things to hit on girls. Anything female sets him off."
"But the premise is that he's the supreme King of Gods," the Boss said calmly. "Unimaginable divine power. When he wants to play, he looks like a harmless bull. But that never lasts. When the time comes, or when he can't endure it anymore, the bull becomes the King of Gods-thunder in hand, light flooding the world, crushing everything in his way."
"Sounds pretty cool," Maya said.
"Boss, are you saying Morin is that kind of being?" Crow reacted quickly. "But we're Dragon Tribe, Norse system! Suddenly switching mythologies-if this were a novel, the power system would collapse!"
"I don't know what he is," the Boss said. "Maybe he's just ordinary. But in all these years, he's the only one I can't see through." He patted Maya's shoulder. "Go. Find out his true face. But remember-no losing deals. I gave you the power. If it's a loss, run."
"Then shouldn't we try to make friends?" Crow whispered.
"Madmen don't need to please anyone." A rare sharpness appeared on the Boss's refined face. "If you can't achieve your goal, you die trying. Those with power waste it freely. We don't cater-we seize it."
"So I'm cutting a god this time?" Maya felt her worldview cracking.
"Not cutting," Crow corrected. "Just see if there's a chance. If not, run. Of course, if you want to sacrifice yourself, that's fine. Just get me some perks. Like becoming a mountain god of Olympus."
"Mountain gods are Chinese mythology!" Maya snapped.
"Same difference. When you're Queen, whisper in his ear for me. I want a mountain of chips. And wine."
"I'll give you a mountain of braised pork!" Maya threatened. "I'll make you fat."
"Waaah... already bullying me..." Crow's fake crying made Maya's temples throb.
"Enough." As Maya neared her destination, Crow turned serious. "Be careful. Finding anything is secondary. Coming back alive is the win."
"Got it." Maya took a breath. Soul Skill: Shadowless. She leapt across air conditioners and ledges, slipping into Morin's room the same way as before.
She landed silently.
Morin lay sprawled on the bed. A small fan hummed uselessly beside him.
"What now?" Maya whispered.
"One slash, kill him," Crow suggested. "That'd reveal everything."
"And then he kills me," Maya replied flatly.
"...Haha."
"But you're not wrong." Maya drew the long blade. Moonlight slid along its edge. She swung.
Time froze.
The blade stopped at Morin's throat. One fraction more and blood would spill.
"He's either a deep sleeper or too lazy to move," Maya muttered.
"Could be both."
"Stop talking." Maya lifted the blade, turned it flat, and tapped his face. "Hey. Wake up."
Crow could only stare.
Morin opened his eyes. Moonlight reflected off the woman above him-fiery curves, long legs, overwhelming presence.
"Are you here to rob my money," he asked calmly, "or my body?"
Maya said nothing. She sheathed the blade, climbed onto the bed, braced her hands beside his head. Close. Too close. Her body coiled around him without touching.
"I'm here to rob your wealth, your body, and you."
"Holy crap, that's hot!" Crow gasped.
Mouth shut, Maya cursed inwardly.
"May I move?" Morin asked.
"Move where?"
"The differentiated manifestations of special energy influenced by genetic information stored in the double-helix structure of deoxyribonucleic acid."
"...What?" Maya froze.
She understood every word. Together, none of it made sense.
"Soul Skill!" Crow shouted. "Leggy, watch out!"
Golden light flared in Morin's eyes.
Maya's body locked. Pressure crashed down on her spirit. She had slain countless dragons-nobles included-but never felt this. Her bloodline submitted instinctively.
A First Generation? she cursed.
In the blink of an eye, everything reversed. The gentle rabbit tore off its fur and revealed a dragon beneath.
She was pinned.
Morin's body felt like steel.
"Use the Soul Skill!" Crow yelled.
I can't. Maya stared into those golden eyes. Awe drowned her will.
"Investigating without knowing your opponent's strength is reckless," Morin said softly. His fingers brushed her cheek, slid past her lips, and removed the earpiece. "Hello. What should I call you?"
The pressure vanished.
Maya stayed still.
"...Three Musketeers," Crow replied after a pause.
"Oh?" Morin frowned. "What are you protecting?"
Crow's mind raced. Her pupils glowed faintly-Heavenly Calculation activating just to avoid leaking information.
"Enough of that." Morin sighed. "Why are you looking for me?"
"To rob wealth, body, and person," Maya said suddenly.
"You think I'll believe that?"
"Your body seems to."
Morin remained calm. "Instinct. You're beautiful."
"That's the first time I've seen someone be such a righteous jerk," Maya laughed despite herself.
"You're guilty of trespassing," Morin said seriously. "I'm allowed to use appropriate force."
"This is appropriate?"
"I haven't done anything substantial," he replied without shame. "Besides, you said you wanted my body."
"...That logic actually makes sense," Maya thought.
"Can you two stop flirting?" Crow snapped. "This is a negotiation!"
"Your purpose," Morin said coldly. "Don't lie."
"...To investigate your true identity," Crow answered.
"My true identity?" Morin raised a brow. "I didn't know I had one."
"I have a hostage."
"Just merchandise," Crow replied indifferently.
"Screw you!" Maya roared.
"Enough." Morin tightened his grip. "I have the advantage."
"If I wanted to strike, you couldn't stop me." Maya's Golden Pupils flared. Her playful aura vanished, replaced by Valkyrie-like purity.
"...Then let's call it a draw." Morin released her and stepped back. He poured two glasses of water and handed one over. "You tell me yours. I'll tell you mine."
"...We're here to protect someone," Crow said finally.
"Who?"
"Eri-Princess. The one close to you lately."
"Pfft!" Maya choked.
"Sounds believable." Morin nodded. "Then we don't conflict. My target is Luminous."
"That loser?" Crow kept her tone neutral.
"I was hired to look after him," Morin said. "No conflict, then."
There was one.
Morin knew exactly who they were protecting.
He just wasn't saying it.
He was only playing.
And their discomfort made him feel unusually refreshed.