The sea rippled gently. 

It was an unusually calm night. The fierce storm had dispersed under the flame-laden strike, leaving only a serene landscape in sight. The night sky was free of any clouds.

Under the starlit background, we leaned against one another. Holding the exhausted fox from behind, I steadied her slumped shoulders and spoke.

“You’re hurt quite a bit.”

“…I’m fine.”

Irene's voice trembled, revealing her exhaustion. Her body was marked with various cuts and bruises, contradicting her words. I added a bittersweet smile.

“Just stay still for a moment.”

With a subtle touch, I channeled a small lie through my fingertips. Dark shadows unfurled, and with a flick of my fingers, I activated my ability.

*Snap!*

A shadowy cover washed over the girl, and in the next moment, the wounds on her body faded away completely.

 

The injuries on Irene’s body healed rapidly. Though it consumed some of my remaining energy, seeing her smooth, unblemished skin again was worth it.

“That’s much better now.”

I smiled gently, brushing her auburn hair.

“The pain should have lessened now.”

“…”

Irene blinked, as if dazed, checking her body over. After a moment of hesitation, she turned around to face me. Her clear eyes reflected only me. Her lips trembled slightly before forming words.

“…Thank you.”

Just two words. Perhaps she wasn’t used to expressing herself, with so much to say yet unable to fully voice it. I replied lightly to ease her mind.

“No need for thanks. Knowing you’re safe is enough for me.”

“…”

“Irene?”

It was meant as a teasing remark, but she responded with a somber expression. The fox’s eyes were layered with complex emotions. What was she thinking? After a pause, she asked softly.

“The voice of my teacher I heard earlier… Was that your doing?”

“Oh, you noticed?”

“I didn’t realize at first. It was only when you appeared that I started to suspect.”

“Maybe it was a bit presumptuous. He must have been important to you… I apologize if—”

“Don’t apologize.”

“Pardon?”

“I’m the one at fault here. You only came to save me, yet I can’t bear to receive your apology.”

“…”

“If anyone should be sorry, it’s me.”

“It seems you’ve been carrying a heavy burden.”

She lowered her gaze to the ground, and I felt an odd pang in my chest. Irene wasn’t the type to voice such weakness. The battle with the Hound, the sudden awakening—all of it must have left her drained. I softly touched her cheek.

“It’s all right. This is what I choose to do.”

“But—”

“Let’s talk about this later. For now, we should focus on what’s ahead, don’t you think?”

“…Yes.”

Irene nodded, though she seemed emotionally unsettled, clinging slightly to my sleeve. It was an unconscious gesture. I resisted the urge to tease her and turned my attention back to our surroundings. It was time to close out this night’s saga.

A cool breeze swept across the deck. Scanning the area, I noted the remaining figures standing around. Most were lower-ranked soldiers under the Hound’s command.

“Hm.”

There were no strong fighters left. If I hadn’t been here, even a worn-out Irene could have managed. All except one figure.

‘There he is.’

I fixed my gaze on one spot. A young man stood there, his green hair blowing in the wind, dressed impeccably in a neat suit. His composed demeanor hid an intimidating presence that could cover the entire ship. A force at least on the level of a professor’s rank.

“Ha.”

I let out a low chuckle. He, too, seemed to notice me, unable to tear his eyes away as a sharp smile crossed his face.

“I didn’t expect to meet you here.”

He greeted me calmly.

“It’s been almost a year.”

“You…?”

His green eyes widened as he recognized who I was. He quickly dropped the weapon in his hand and knelt, placing his arms behind his back to signal surrender.

“I apologize for not recognizing you sooner. Allow me to pay my respects to the leader of the Stars.”

A swift change in demeanor. I looked at him with a measured gaze.

“It’s been a while, Unknown.”

He was someone I was acquainted with.

---

**[Explanation of Context in the Original Work]**

Three main antagonist forces exist in the original story: the Baobab Tree, the Entrepreneur, and the King. Of these, there was a dark overlord who dominated the underworld, known as the Sovereign.

Referred to as the King in whispers, he once devoured the nights of the Empire with his greed. Though now eclipsed by Astro’s influence, his reach still extended across many parts of the continent.

In the stories of the underworld, his name was legendary—a figure many considered the most infamous villain.

And beside him were the Five Blades, known as the Five Transgressions: Unknown, Unjust, Unrest, Unfaith, and Unworthy. The man kneeling before me was one of them.

‘The Hidden One, Unknown.’

The most favored of the Blades, serving as the King’s right-hand man. I looked down at him.

“You seem untouched despite everything.”

I commented, and Unknown replied in his usual stiff manner.

“The King allied with the Entrepreneur, but I didn’t expect things to be moving so quickly.”

“The alliance was confidential, but of course, you knew.”

“I have good ears, you see.”

“We’ll be more discreet in the future.”

I asked lightly, “Is your King in good health?”

“The Lord is well.”

“A pity.”

“He still grumbles about the arm you took. He mentioned feeling unbalanced without it.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I’d be interested in taking the other arm too.”

“I’d resist with all my strength.”

“Think you could stop me?”

Our exchange was cordial but lined with thorns.

“It’s good to see you again.”

“The feeling is mutual.”

“Send my regards to your King.”

“I will, assuming I leave here alive.”

“You’re astute.”

A conversation like balancing on a blade’s edge. Unknown’s gaze shifted to Irene in my arms, as if assessing the situation.

“The abduction was solely the Hound’s doing. My task was only to oversee the transport.”

“I see.”

“I didn’t know she was your… companion. Had I known, I would have intervened.”

“Not exactly a companion, but she’s important.”

“A lover, then?”

“Let’s say something close.”

“Anyway… I wanted to clarify that my Lord wasn’t involved.”

Unknown’s loyalty shone through as he defended his master. I crossed my arms, thinking. Irene’s capture had indeed been the Hound’s doing alone.

‘Still…’

There had to be a cost for complacency. While I considered eliminating him, there was still use for the King.

“Hm… Here’s what we’ll do.”

I spoke after a pause.

“I need you to help.”

“Help with…?”

“I plan to take control of this ship. Assist in taking down the remaining forces. I’d do it myself, but I’m a bit short on energy.”

“You’re asking me to betray our alliance?”

“That’s one way to put it.”

I was running low on power.

---

*Beep!*

[Current energy level: 21.7%]

---

It was almost depleted. While Irene fought, I’d ventured to the lower decks where the captives were held. The conditions were appalling; some were sick, and children were dying.

I couldn’t ignore them. I healed more than planned, using up valuable energy.

“Unknown, with your skills, this should be easy.”

“What do I gain from aiding you?”

“Your life.”

“I accept.”

“Quick decision, despite your loyalty.”

“My Lord would do the same. The gain from allegiance is less than the cost of my death.”

“Smart as always.”

I smiled. He gathered his weapons and moved toward the ship’s interior without hesitation.

“I’ll begin immediately.”

His figure disappeared swiftly. I released the tension I’d held, but before I could fully relax, Irene’s voice cut through, filled with worry.

“W-what did I just hear? The ship is rigged to sink…?”

Her dark eyes trembled as she looked up at me in shock.