In the once-quiet forest, a figure plummeted from the sky. A deafening crash sent dust billowing everywhere. Faint coughs broke the silence before Kevin slowly emerged from the smoke, delicately smoothing his disheveled silver hair with slender fingers.

“Looks like I’ve arrived. Hope I didn’t take a wrong turn.”

Kevin casually squatted down, revealing the alluring legs hidden beneath his robe. Bathed in light, they gleamed with milky smoothness. He gently placed his fair hand on the damp earth, closed his eyes, and sensed the nearby city bustling with activity.

“It’s been a hundred years since I last returned. Hope I didn’t get lost.”

His tone carried a trace of nostalgia, stirring old memories. He recalled how the original owner of this body had once been a celebrated child prodigy in the region—a talent nurtured by abundant resources. The Osman and Gel families had swiftly arranged their marriage, even arranging several meetings.

Truth be told, Elise Osman was undeniably beautiful and elegant. Had his parents not met misfortune, they might have married, raised a family, and lived a quiet noble life.

Kevin let out a soft sigh. “Life’s full of ‘what-ifs.’” He smirked faintly. “Ironically, they came to annul the engagement right after I sold the old estate. The betrothal’s still technically active.”

“Ugh… Is Elise even alive? Better check in the city. No use overthinking it now.”

Frustrated, Kevin ran a hand through his silver hair, silky strands slipping between his fingers. He glanced aside and tried opening his magical space—but only faint sparks flickered uselessly in the air.

After a long, unblinking stare that left his pale blue eyes dry, he accepted defeat. “Seriously? Not even enough magic to open my space? I was gonna grab an illusion item to cover my appearance…”

He gently rubbed his smooth stomach, worry flickering across his exquisite face. Entering the city like this would cause trouble—after all, the Magic Airship incident was proof enough.

“No magic, no recovery method, can’t even open my space—damn it.”

He kicked the sturdy century-old tree beside him with his bare, fair foot. Leaves rustled down; a sharp cry escaped his lips. Leaning against the trunk, he gently massaged his swollen foot.

“Ow, ow, ow! Forgot I wasn’t wearing shoes.” He winced. “But as a Tenth Tier mage, I should have ways to recover magic through external means.”

Kevin rose slowly, scanning the surroundings with nonchalance. Meanwhile, low monster growls drew closer—drawn by the earlier commotion.

“Haven’t used this method in ages. Never thought I’d need it again.”

He muttered calmly, utterly unfazed. Low-tier monsters swarmed recklessly, so numerous they blotted out the sun. Quantity made even weak monsters a serious nuisance.

They charged with lethal intent—unaware the true hunter always disguises himself as prey.

...

“Truly a peaceful day,” one gate guard drawled, body languid in the sun. He stretched with a yawn; armor clinked softly.

“Mm, though it’s peaceful every day,” the other replied, leaning against the gleaming wall. With only Tier Three strength, real trouble would be bad news.

His gaze drifted to the empty horizon—until a red-clad figure appeared. Squinting carefully, his expression shifted. Not red clothing… a robe stained crimson with blood.

“Trouble’s coming.”

“Yeah… what a nuisance.”

Kevin wrinkled his nose at the blood-soaked robe, exquisite face twisted in disgust. Monster blood dripped steadily, the metallic stench clinging to him. Yet his pace never slowed as he strode toward the city gates.

“At least I’ve regained a bit of magic. Gotta find a place to wash up ASAP.”

Blood speckled his breathtaking face, adding a dangerous allure—like a thorny rose: beautiful, yet sharp.

His robe, drenched from slaying countless monsters, drew stares. At the gate, he was stopped.

“Hello, miss. Are you alright? You seem… unwell,” the guard asked, voice laced with concern.

Stunned momentarily by Kevin’s beauty, the guard quickly composed himself. Professionalism returned—after all, she appeared to be a delicate young woman who’d clearly faced hardship.

“Oh, right.” Kevin looked up at the two guards. Their eyes held no threat, only genuine worry. He tapped his palm lightly. *Too focused on monsters… forgot to activate the magical disguise after recovering magic. Need a simple reply.*

“I… ran into monsters. Ended up like this. That’s all.”

Honesty beat weaving lies. One lie only demands another.

“Understood, miss. Please accept our condolences,” the guards murmured, already imagining a tragic backstory.

“???” Kevin was utterly baffled. Sunlight on the damp, bloody robe grew unbearable. Impatient, he asked again, “Can I pass? I’m in a hurry.”

“Of course, miss,” they said, stepping aside. Helpless, they could only hope she wouldn’t do anything rash.

Inside a luxurious villa nearby, in a dim room, a centenarian woman lay motionless. Tubes snaked across her frail body, linked to life-sustaining drugs. She slowly opened weary eyelids, cloudy eyes fixed on the door—as if waiting.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” she whispered.