Inside the lifeless palace atop Divine Spirit Mountain, a thunderous crash echoed as a rift tore open at its heart—a violent gash ripped by raw magic.

From it tumbled the world’s most beautiful woman, slamming onto the icy floor.

“Haven’t been this humiliated in ages. Gali really is something,” Kevin muttered.

She pushed herself up slowly from the cold ground. Drained of every drop of magic, exhaustion weighed her down. She stumbled to the soft bed and collapsed.

“So tired… Haven’t felt this worn out in years. So sleepy… *so* sleepy~”

The system had just prepared to remind Kevin about claiming rewards. But scanning her critical condition, it fell silent after a brief pause.

[Host… Never mind.]

Before Kevin could rest, an uninvited guest rudely jolted her awake. She already knew who it was—only Gali could enter now.

“So he came after all. I was careful… Guess I’ll have to handle this properly.”

Kevin dragged herself up from bed. A trace of weariness lined her exquisite face. She’d need to face Gali with flawless composure—any slip would be disastrous. The mere thought made even Kevin shudder.

Sweat-soaked clothes clung to her lithe frame. Her bare feet touched the freezing floor, drawing an involuntary gasp.

“So cold…”

She slapped her cheeks lightly, trying to shake off the drowsiness. Then she began preparing cautiously.

Gali was already waiting in the hall. Though they respected each other’s privacy, his stubbornness meant he’d wait until she emerged.

“Better settle this quickly.”

After much effort, Kevin pulled out a heavily sealed suit of armor from nowhere. Light glinted fiercely off its polished surface.

With a sigh, she heaved it on. A muffled female voice groaned from within:

“So uncomfortable… But manageable. Just—*no mistakes*.”

Thankfully, she could use magic to lighten the armor’s weight. The mana stone she’d used earlier had replenished just enough power; otherwise, this would’ve killed her.

Heavy, clanking footsteps soon echoed through the hall—metal scraping against stone. Tension thickened the air inside the palace.

Their eyes finally met. Words hung unspoken between them, yet neither broke the silence. They simply stared.

“Gali Barodale,” Kevin’s magically disguised voice cut down sharply from above. “I told you not to come near me these days. Are my words just wind to you?” She stood tall on the dais, radiating invisible pressure.

“Yes. My fault,” Gali admitted without argument—he’d planned to wait anyway. He tossed a torn cloak shimmering with Kevin’s magic toward her. “Explain this. If you refuse, Kevin… I might get physical.” His usual lazy demeanor vanished, replaced by stern urgency. His voice softened, almost pleading: “What do you know? *Please*.”

“Oh? Threatening me now?” Kevin caught the cloak nonchalantly, examining the familiar fabric. She sighed audibly, shaking her head with feigned disappointment. Time to play the emotional card. “I’m disappointed. If you truly suspect me… I have nothing more to say.”

“No, Kevin—it’s not like that.” Gali regretted his harsh words instantly. The sudden reappearance of his late wife had shattered his control. Every clue pointed to Kevin. “I saw my wife. Maybe it was a hallucination… but my instincts scream it was *her*. Manna Suhuali. I just need to know what you know.”

“Oh? That *is* surprising. But…” Kevin’s tone turned soothing as she stepped closer to the shaken man. She patted his shoulder gently. “Manna’s been gone a long time, Gali. It’s time to move on. You still have life ahead. She wouldn’t want you like this…”

“It wasn’t a hallucination, Kevin. I’m certain.”

“Is that so?” Kevin feigned helplessness, twirling the old cloak beside him as if clueless. “Yes, my magic residue is on this—but faking it isn’t hard. As for Manna… I’ll send people to search.”

“Thank you, Kevin.” Gali mirrored her gesture, patting Kevin’s armored shoulder. Apology filled his voice as his stubbled lips curved into a faint smile. “Sorry for losing my temper earlier. After what happened… I apologize.”

“No need. You’re my brother. If I find Manna Suhuali, I’ll tell you first. I promise.” Kevin thumped her chestplate—*clank-clank*—echoing through the hall. *You’re looking for Manna Suhuali. What’s that to me, Kevin Jaeger?*

“Kevin… what’s wrong with your body? You feel… off. Seriously, is something wrong? You can tell me.” Gali frowned, studying the armored figure. Something felt deeply unnatural.

“I told you—it’s minor. Just a mana backlash. Now if you have no other business, Gali, please leave.” Kevin cut him off. Prolonging this risked exposing her secret.

Gali exchanged a few hurried words before swiftly departing—already determined to search for Manna alone.