The next day, on the way to the Magic Academy.

Shea walked down the street with two big dark circles under her eyes, yawning.

Last night, she couldn’t stop wondering what that life-changing matter Abel mentioned really was.

What big deal needed a magic crystal to decide?

After thinking all night, Shea still couldn’t figure it out.

Well, truth be told, she’d been afraid Abel might sneak into her room. She spent the whole night with a dagger hidden under her shirt, alert to any sounds from the door.

After all, this world wasn’t peaceful.

Even in her past life, a strange man and woman alone in a room meant the woman stayed cautious.

Still, after staying half-awake all night, Shea didn’t hear the slightest sound from him. So Abel did have some credibility.

Because she slept so late, she’d overslept.

She’d had a little time when she woke up, but after rushing around carelessly, she ended up late.

Meh… being late was nothing new anyway.

Shea decided to just give up and even considered skipping class.

But she couldn’t skip today’s Runecraft class—it was the third period. She had enough time to get to school.

At the gate, the old knight from security sat in a rocking chair, reading a newspaper, looking relaxed.

He probably wasn’t paying attention, right?

Shea tried to sneak in quietly. But the old knight’s eyes were sharp. She was stopped after just a few steps.

“Which class? Oh, it’s you again. Late.”

“Uh, I had my period today. I told the teacher I’d be late.”

Seeing she couldn’t slip past, Shea made an excuse. Her eyes darted around, searching for an escape.

“You used that excuse the day before yesterday. Thirteenth time this month. Can’t you try harder? Working night shifts again?”

The old knight spoke with frustrated care. He meant well—many pitied the girl’s poor background, and he was no exception.

As he talked, he reached into his pocket. Soon, two gold coins were handed to Shea.

But Shea hated this pity. She was a person with dignity—well, a thief with dignity. She’d steal from rich folks all day, but never take a penny from those close to her.

It was said this eighty-year-old knight wasn’t well-off either.

“No, no, Grandpa Ge! I really wasn’t working nights. I just stayed up too late.”

Shea waved her hands, but her eyes stayed glued to the coins. Not much, but still money!

Should she… take them?

Her trembling hand reached slightly toward the gold.

No, no—she was a thief with a conscience. Grandpa Ge was poor too; these coins could feed him all day.

Take them or not?

After much struggle, Shea took the coins.

“Thank you. I’ll definitely pay you back.”

She felt immense gratitude inside—even though this was the two-hundredth coin she’d taken from him.

She’d pay back. She would…

“Um, can I go in now, Grandpa Ge?”

“Go on. Seeing you is like seeing my granddaughter.”

“Grandpa Ge, you’re the best!”

Shea’s smile was pure acting, flawless. A fake grin that didn’t reach her eyes captured her expression perfectly.

The old knight watched her skip away, said nothing, and sat back in his chair.

Then a teacher stepped out of the security office, sighing.

“Headmaster, you…”

Inside campus, Shea held the coins high, her face glowing with joy.

Two gold coins weren’t much, but still money!

Pay back? Maybe in twenty years—by then, she’d probably have cash.

“Oh no, it’s this late!”

The school bell rang, cutting her joy short. Shea pocketed the coins and hurried to class.

In the classroom, she sat at her desk, stacked books to block her view, and prepared to nap until third period.

“Hey? Shea!”

Before she could drift off, a classmate patted her awake.

“What is it, Nina?”

The speaker was a beige-blonde-haired girl—human, not beastkin, from a wealthy family. A little rich girl.

Shea often “helped herself” at her house. When stealing was impossible, she’d “borrow” from her instead.

Her best friend at the academy (and personal ATM).

“I heard the Silver Hunter came to town! He must be a dashing gentleman. Rumor says he’s handsome and super strong. I so want to meet him!”

Nina gushed with a lovesick face, hands clasped like praying. It was as if she begged him to kick down her door and sweep her away for a romantic elopement.

After all, she’d read too many princess novels.

Always dreaming of a Prince Charming.

Shea couldn’t fathom what was good about a prince who broke into houses to kidnap women.

But the Silver Hunter… why did that sound familiar?

Wasn’t he a Radiant Sun Rank Hunter?

What was his name again?

Shea dug through her memories.

Radiant Sun Rank was incredibly powerful—high status, rare as hen’s teeth. She must’ve seen his name in documents.

Silver Hunter… Radiant Sun Rank… I think…

Abel.

Oh. Abel.

“…”

Damn it!

Shea almost slammed the table when she realized. Her mouth twitched as she plotted escape routes.

Simple reason: Radiant Sun Rank meant high status and insane power.

Once, a girl offended a Radiant Sun Rank Holy Knight. She was dragged to the tribunal and came out insane. Who knew what happened?

If Abel caught her…

Shea’s terror grew. Would he really just spank her?

Not realistic!

She’d be hauled to the basement, right?!

She had to fence everything in this ring fast, then pack up and run.

Absolutely no transforming into Rico—Hunters tracked too well.

One tiny clue, and she’d be caught.

“Stay under the radar. No more stealing.”

Shea muttered quietly.

Just as second period ended, the teacher packed up and addressed the class.

“This semester’s tuition and textbook fees are due. Total: eight hundred fifty-three gold coins. Deadline… within two days. Pay ASAP.”