Abel stared in shock at the Soul-Seeking Compass. It was his first time encountering such an anomaly, and he couldn't make heads or tails of it.

"What's going on? Could Phantom Thief Lico be dead?"

Abel considered this possibility.

If true, it would be a huge problem.

Items from his Spatial Ring leaking out would cause serious trouble. Especially for Cultists worshipping the Outer Gods. Once they got those weapons, bad things would happen.

The ring held many forbidden-grade weapons. Ordinary people couldn't use them, but soul-manipulating Cultists could unlock their secrets.

"Let's go find Shea first."

Pushing these worries aside, Abel headed home.

After he vanished, a black-clad figure emerged from the shadows. Moments ago, he hadn't dared to breathe heavily.

The man knew even a slightly faster heartbeat might alert the Hunter.

"I must tell Miss Rora. Someone's targeting Miss Shea."

He'd seen the Hunter leave Shea's home with his own eyes. That shared room—they'd blocked others from moving in.

But after just a brief trip back to Tempest City for rest, someone had slipped in.

"I hope Miss Rora won't blame us."

Thinking of Rora's wrath, the man shivered involuntarily.

Soon, Abel returned to the rented apartment. Shea had eaten, washed the dishes, and casually approached him as if tidying the table.

Her real goal was to sniff his scent.

Had he gone somewhere weird?

"Let me clean up."

Abel missed her hidden intent. He took the cloth and started wiping the table.

Up close, Shea confirmed one thing.

Abel hadn't been fooling around. No trace of feminine scent clung to him.

Of course, he'd only been out less than half an hour.

Even if he'd squeezed in a full session and erased all smells, his actual "operation time" wouldn't exceed three minutes.

But why go out so late? A convenience store run?

Or did he really only last three minutes? How pitiful.

Abel, wiping the table, saw Shea's pitying gaze and felt baffled.

"Shea, why stare at me like that?"

"Nothing."

Shea shook her head. She couldn't admit she'd been testing his stamina.

Cats were curious, but they had shame too.

Unaware he was underestimated, Abel found her stare oddly unsettling.

No time for trivialities now. He placed a bracelet in Shea's hand.

"This is for you."

"Uh... Brother Abel, if you're flirting, get a proper jade bracelet—not this plastic junk."

Shea eyed the worn bracelet speechlessly. It looked like trash-heap salvage.

Seemingly worthless.

At her slander, Abel's lips twitched. This was worth far more than jade trinkets.

Helpless, he clarified: "Watch closely, Shea. It's a weapon, not jewelry. Perfect for mages like you."

As he spoke, he took her hand.

Shea flinched but relaxed seeing his harmless gaze.

Good—he wasn't hitting on her.

Under Abel's touch, the bracelet glowed blue. Its shabby surface transformed, melted, and seeped into Shea's body.

"What... is this?"

A warm current enveloped her. She sensed something new but couldn't grasp it.

"Aurora Ice Blade. From... well, it's powerful. Now, imagine warmth in your palm."

"Warmth in my palm?"

Shea focused this time. Was it truly strong?

Feeling the heat, a white Light Blade materialized on her hand.

It reminded her of a spell.

"Starlight Blade spell?"

"No. A weapon, not a spell. Keep it summoned as long as you want."

Abel explained it was a small apology gift after recent messy events.

"A weapon..."

Shea swung the Light Blade. Each slash felt like tearing space—Lunar Rank power.

Up close, it could inflict terrifying damage.

But it was short, only thirty centimeters. Strictly for close combat.

"So cool!" Shea's eyes sparkled. She twirled it, loving its sci-fi vibe. Deeply satisfied.

Abel felt a flicker of pride.

"How is it? Good, right?"

"Amazing! Abel, how many gold coins is it worth?"

"Well, to a connoisseur? At least ten thousand."

"Ten thousand?!"

Perfect! Shea was thrilled. No more stealing this month—just sell the blade to clear debts.

Her eyes turned to money signs. She itched to cash it in now.

"Where to sell it? Ow!"

Abel finally got her intent. With a wry smile, he tapped her head.

"This Lost Empire weapon can't be sold."

"It's bound to you. Stays in your body forever."

All Lost Empire soul-crafted items worked that way. Once activated, they fused with the user until death.

With this, Shea's night job would be safer.

At least, Abel thought so.

Shea just pouted like a kitten, glaring at her glowing "ten thousand gold coins," utterly miserable.