The morning sky began to show golden hues on the eastern horizon. Small birds chirped from the tree branches, and a thin mist still shrouded the village outskirts.
Amid the silence, a black shadow moved across the rooftops. His steps were light, almost silent. Raven, after a long night of meditation and stabilizing the Qi within his body, was now ready to take the next step.
He leaped down from the last roof and landed softly in the backyard of the village chief's large house. His movements were calm and calculated. With a slight push of his finger, he opened a small window and slipped inside the room.
The village chief, who was writing something at the wooden table, turned his head quickly, nearly dropping the brush from his hand.
"M-my savior! Are you… done?" he stammered, his breath caught in his throat from the shock.
Raven stood before him. His chest was still bare, a faint dark aura still swirling on the surface of his skin, but this time his face was far calmer.
"Yes," he replied flatly.
"And… don't call me 'Mr. Savior.' That sounds strange."
He fell silent for a moment, staring blankly at the floor. A flash crossed his mind—the image of a woman calling his name in a dream, on that bus.
Jin…
"Call me Jin," he said finally, his tone calm but his eyes sharpening, piercing the village chief's gaze.
"U-uhm, all right… Mr. Jin," the village chief replied nervously, bowing respectfully.
Raven gave a slight nod. "I need a few things before I leave. Supplies, proper clothing. I can't keep walking in this condition."
The village chief immediately nodded quickly, stood up, and bowed deeply. "O-of course! I'll prepare them right away." He hurried over to a large chest by the side of the room, pulling out several sets of simple dark-colored clothes—black and gray—and a few cloaks. Beside them, he set out a leather pouch containing silver coins, some dried food, and a rough map of the surrounding area.
"This is all I can offer, Mr. Jin," said the village chief, bowing deeply.
"And… thank you for saving our village."
"Oh, I almost forgot." The village chief hurried back to the back room, then came out carrying a dagger.
"This might be useful for you, sir. I hope you'll be willing to keep it."
Raven accepted the dagger and the clothes without saying much. He put them on immediately; the dark fabric fit his body perfectly, highlighting muscles that now looked more defined and sturdy after last night's meditation. After making sure everything was ready, he looked at the village chief once more, his gaze sharp yet calm.
"Don't tell anyone about my departure," he said softly, yet his tone carried an undeniable sense of urgency.
"And make sure no one follows me. I don't want anyone to get dragged into this."
The village chief bowed his head. "Alright, I understand."
Silently, Raven stepped out through the same window. He moved swiftly past the village houses until he finally reached the village gate, the only path leading to the valley and the outer forest.
Raven approached with light steps.
Now he wore the simple dark clothing given to him by the village chief. A black cloak covered his body, while the hood was pulled low to partially conceal his face. His appearance was vastly different from before. The aura that once weighed heavily was now hidden deep within, almost imperceptible.
He just wanted to leave without a sound.
But as he neared the village gate, his pace slowed.
There, someone was standing.
A girl with long hair slightly tousled by the morning breeze. Her eyes looked tired, yet still sharp as she stared at the path leading out of the village.
Hana.
She stood there alone.
Raven paused for a moment. Then, without saying a word, he tried to walk past her.
His steps remained calm.
As if he were merely a stranger passing by by chance.
But just as he was about to pass through the gate—
"Stop."
Hana's voice cut through the morning silence.
Raven's steps faltered for a moment. The muscles in his shoulders tensed unconsciously, but he immediately forced himself to keep walking as if he hadn't heard a thing.
A few more steps, and he would have passed through the gate.
But suddenly Hana ran quickly in front of him.
She stood right in his path, her arms slightly outstretched as if she truly intended to block him.
"I told you to stop," she said, her breath slightly labored.
Her eyes stared straight at the black hood.
"Don't you really want to listen to me, Raven?"
A few people passing by the gate began to slow their pace. Their gazes shifted back and forth between the girl and the man in the black cloak in front of her.
Hana took a brief breath before continuing, her voice now slightly louder.
"If you really want to leave… at least say something."
The morning breeze blew gently through the village gate.
Hana stared at him without blinking.
"Don't pretend you don't know me."
He looked at Hana for a moment. His gaze was cold, but behind it lay a hint of weariness. Slowly, he raised his hand and lowered the hood covering his face.
His calm face was now clearly visible.
"You really don't know when to stop, do you… Hana?"
Hana didn't answer. She just stood there, still blocking his path.
"What exactly do you want now, Hana?" he said flatly.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"If you came just to stop me… forget it."
He took a small step forward.
"I'm leaving. So get out of the way."
"I know."
"Then get out of the way."
Hana shook her head slowly.
"I'm coming with you."
The answer came without a hint of hesitation.
Raven stared at her sharply.
"No."
Hana didn't back down.
"Do you realize how dangerous the outside world is?" Raven said coldly.
"I do," Hana replied quickly.
"Enough to know that I won't let you go alone."
Raven stared at her for a long time. His gaze slowly grew colder.
"If you come with me… you could die."
"I know."
"This isn't a game."
"I know that too."
Raven let out a long sigh.
"You know you'll only be a burden."
The words cut deep.
Hana fell silent for a moment. Her eyes glistened slightly, but she didn't back down an inch.
"I know that… but…" her voice trembled slightly, but she forced herself to keep speaking.
"I promise I'll be useful. I won't be a burden."
She looked straight at Raven.
"So… please. Let me come with you."
Raven stared at her for a few seconds, then said in a sharper tone.
"If you die on the road later… don't blame me."
Silence fell between them.
But before Hana could answer
"Wow… your words are so cruel."
Karin's voice suddenly rang out.