The sun rose, ushering in the second day since Cardinal Reuben and the knights had vanished.

Throughout the night, the priests prayed without pause.

The world seemed unchanged, yet everything felt different. The fear of death loomed over the Grand Temple, unsettling everyone.

High-ranking priests began speculating how long they could keep the truth hidden: that Cardinal Reuben had been dragged into the Demon Realm and was presumed dead.

One month? A week?

No, by tomorrow at the latest, rumors would undoubtedly spread among the imperial court and the common folk.

The moment the Grand Temple became the target of resentment and blame was drawing dangerously close.

‘Ah, this is a disaster.’

What had happened to Reuben felt like the beginning of the end, a prelude to impending doom.

There was no hope in sight.

But it wasn’t only Cardinal Reuben and his knights who had disappeared.

“What? Crescent didn’t return to the dormitory last night?”

Receiving the report, Knight Alruin’s eyes widened in shock.

Meteor’s expression was anything but ordinary—his disheveled appearance betrayed that he hadn’t slept a wink.

“Yes. We searched all night, but there’s no trace of her. Crescent isn’t the type to disappear suddenly; she’s obsessed with training.”

Meteor’s throat felt parched.

From yesterday to now, he hadn’t paused to rest, let alone drink water, as he scoured the area for Crescent. He had managed to find a few people in the village who claimed to have seen her.

According to witnesses, Crescent had been energetically strolling around.

But beyond that, there was no information.

Where could she be?

He had discreetly inquired about her returning home, only to find that she hadn’t gone back there either.

Will we ever find her?

Will she even return?

“Hah. For Crescent to vanish without a trace…”

Alruin sighed deeply.

In a world like this, disappearances without a sound were all too common. Every day, countless people vanished across the empire.

“I fear Crescent may have fallen victim to Magi somewhere. She wouldn’t be the first knight to disappear like this.”

Meteor opened his mouth to respond but closed it again, unsure of what to say.

Deep down, he had already considered the possibility that Crescent might have been taken by Magi. But he didn’t want to believe it—he couldn’t.

If Crescent were truly dead, his mother would be inconsolable.

Meteor didn’t even want to imagine such a scenario.

“That… that can’t be it.”

It was too soon to conclude that she had fallen victim to Magi. Meteor clung to hope.

Crescent had already survived being swept into the Demon Realm by high-tier Magi once before. It would be unthinkably cruel for it to happen again to an eight-year-old.

No, there’s no way she’s dead because of Magi.

“For now, let’s wait. Waiting is all we can do,” Alruin said.

“…Yes. I’ll keep searching,” Meteor replied, bowing before turning to leave.

While Alruin might see waiting as their only option, Meteor didn’t.

Searching relentlessly was something he could do.

His mother had spent years yearning for a daughter. She had faced endless disappointment and heartache.

Finally, even though Crescent wasn’t a real daughter, she had become like one. Losing her so suddenly would be devastating.

Meteor stepped out of the temple building, his fists clenched with resolve.

‘Crescent… just come back. I swear I won’t let this slide.’

He wasn’t her nanny—why did he always have to clean up after her? She always vanished without warning.

As he stepped into the temple courtyard, something unusual caught his eye.

A large crowd had gathered, all focused on something ahead. Whatever it was, it was obscured by the sheer number of people.

What’s going on?

He was just about to move closer when—

“Meteor!”

A voice called out. Turning, he saw Lucas approaching, a broad grin stretched across his face.

“There you are! I was just about to come find you!”

“What’s going on?” Meteor asked, feeling a strange unease.

Why was Lucas smiling? The temple was steeped in a funereal atmosphere—there was nothing to smile about.

The answer came quickly.

“Cardinal Reuben has just returned! And all the knights who went with him are back too!”

“What?”

“They’re over there! They appeared just outside the temple!”

“!”

Without waiting for Lucas to finish, Meteor took off running.

Grandfather is back!

Of course! His grandfather wouldn’t fall so easily to demons. Meteor’s faith had been well-placed.

He pushed through the throng of people who had gathered, forcing his way to the front.

“Cardinal Reuben—!”

But as he called out in elation, his voice trailed off at the sight before him.

Standing beside his grandfather and father, who were sharing a joyful reunion, was a blonde-haired girl.

Wearing her training uniform, Crescent stood there, smiling brightly as though nothing had happened.

Meteor blinked, wondering if he was seeing things.

He had searched for her all night—was this a hallucination born of exhaustion?

Or could it be…

“Meteor!” Lucas caught up to him, panting.

“Oh, I forgot to mention—don’t be too shocked! Crescent was in the Demon Realm with the Cardinal! Can you believe it?”

“…What? Is that true?”

The worst-case scenario had actually happened.

Lucas nodded emphatically at Meteor’s incredulous expression.

“Yes! Everyone was stunned. Crescent got caught up in high-tier Magi again and ended up in the Demon Realm, where she met the Cardinal. That’s how they came back together!”

“….”

Meteor’s vision swam.

Crescent had been to the Demon Realm again—without his knowledge—and survived another near-death experience.

A swirl of complex, unfamiliar emotions overtook him.

Meanwhile, Crescent was smiling, as radiant as ever, as if she had faced no danger at all.

Meteor should have felt relieved.

But he didn’t.

Something within his chest twisted and churned—a knot of frustration and unease.

What was this feeling?

It was a sentiment he had never experienced before, one he couldn’t name.

He wanted to blame Crescent, but she hadn’t done anything wrong.

Thump!

At that moment, someone barreled past him, knocking his shoulder as they charged forward.

“Crescent!”

“!”

Meteor barely steadied himself, turning just in time to see Adrian grab Crescent’s hands.

“Crescent! I’m so glad you’re safe! Do you know how worried I was? I searched every inch of the temple for you!”

“Uh…?”

“I thought you’d disappeared for good, only to find out you’d gone to the Demon Realm again! My god, Crescent!”

“!”

Before anyone could react, Adrian pulled Crescent into a hug.

Her eyes went wide, and Meteor’s reaction mirrored hers. Even Lucas gasped audibly.

He hugged her? He actually hugged her…?

Adrian’s voice trembled with emotion as he clung to her.

“It’s such a relief you’re back. I thought I’d lose my mind worrying about you. Every day felt like an eternity.”

“….”

Meteor was stunned.

Others around them were equally taken aback. Some stifled laughs, while others cast disapproving glares.

A public display of affection like this was a rare and unfamiliar sight in the temple.

“Oh, I’m fine!” Crescent said cheerfully, before shoving Adrian away.

She pushed him so hard that he nearly stumbled, despite being much larger than her.

Seeing this, Meteor finally felt a flicker of relief.