In the pitch-black void, only Olienna remained. A chilling draft slithered over her skin like an icy serpent’s tongue.

“Where… where is this place…”

Olienna shuffled step by step across the desolate expanse. Her small hands hugged her body, seeking warmth. Terror etched her delicate face; her legs trembled uncontrollably.

Whoosh!

Just as she pondered her surroundings, a blinding beam of light flared ahead. A man’s silhouette stood tall and sturdy within it. His solid frame brought Olienna unexpected relief in the darkness.

Hmph. So she wasn’t alone here after all.

“Um! Excuse me, sir… do you know… what… kind of… place… this is…”

Before Olienna could take a few steps forward, she sensed something off about him.

Crack…

Suddenly, the man’s head twisted 180 degrees backward with a sickening snap. A cold smile curled on his icy face.

“It’s you!!!”

Olienna froze in shock at his features. Then fury surged through her—this bizarre man was the youth who’d taken advantage of her earlier.

“Stop playing tricks! You bastard, where exactly have you brought me… to…”

Her voice weakened mid-sentence. Anger on her face melted into fear. Overwhelming dread crawled over her like ants. Her pale cheeks drained of all color.

The man’s body crumbled visibly. Tentacled creatures writhed beneath his skin, bursting out frantically. The grotesque sight made Olienna nauseous. After a brief struggle, his form shattered completely. Countless black tentacles, lined with jagged teeth, erupted violently. Thick, foul liquid splattered toward her.

Before she could react, a surging wave of tentacles engulfed her. Trapped in their sticky grip, she couldn’t breathe. They coiled around her thighs, creeping deeper…

…

…

…

“Stop it! Aaaaaah!!!”

Olienna jolted upright in the carriage, screaming. Her face was deathly pale, gasping in terror. Sweat soaked her hair, plastering it to her skin. Her back was drenched, clothes clinging uncomfortably.

She frantically patted her thighs and chest. Relief washed over her—she was unharmed.

“So it was just a dream…”

Thank goodness. But why had she dreamed of that man? How deep was her trauma…

“Huh? That man?”

Olienna sat up quickly, scanning her surroundings. She recalled being knocked out during their fight. What about the bandits? The little girl? The caravan…

“Yo, you’re awake?”

A familiar voice sounded ahead. Mu Yi sat nearby, grinning as he greeted her. He held a half-peeled apple, acting like he belonged there.

“You! Where are those bandits?! What happened to the caravan people… ugh…”

Dizziness overwhelmed her. Sharp pain throbbed at her neck.

Hiss… How hard did he hit me? I’m a girl, after all…

“Big sister, Brother Mu Yi said not to move much when waking. Your body’s still weak.”

A sweet, childish voice pulled Olienna’s attention. She turned to see the little girl clutching her sleeve, eyes wide with concern.

The bald, burly man—who’d once wielded a knife to harm her—now laughed heartily with other passengers. His scarred face, once menacing, radiated friendliness.

“What… what is… going on…”

Olienna’s worldview shattered. Moments ago, youths had been ready to fight these bandits. Now they chatted and drank together?

“Didn’t I warn you? Hank’s crew aren’t evil.”

Mu Yi toyed with a shiny gold coin, smiling faintly. This job was easy—earning a coin with little effort. Pity his old-world game currency didn’t work here.

“Not evil? Then why…”

Olienna stared, confused. If not bandits, why act so viciously?

“Hank is a bandit, but they only target cruel merchants who oppress the poor.”

“They spare ordinary folk and kind-hearted rich traders. Often, they even help them on the road.”

“He stopped the caravan earlier just to share food and drinks. And to hitch a ride to the Imperial Capital with us.”

Mu Yi stepped forward, offering the peeled apple. Bandits like Hank—hating injustice yet pure-hearted—were rare.

“Ah…”

Olienna stood frozen, speechless. After a long pause, she looked up at Mu Yi, face flushed with shame.

“I’m… sorry…”

With trembling hands, she took the apple. Guilt filled her eyes. What foolish things had she done…

“By the way, your underwear’s cute. I’ve got similar sets. Since we bonded through fighting, I’ll give you 20% off.”

Seeing her downcast, Mu Yi suddenly produced a box of pink, frilly underwear.

“Get lost! Pervert!!!”

Olienna’s face burned crimson. She screamed, shoving him away. Yet warmth flickered in her chest—he’d used this prank to lift her spirits.

“All in all… he’s actually gentle…”

She murmured, gazing at the apple. Mu Yi… what a strange name.