In Shea’s bedroom, Rora sat up after tossing and turning on the bed.

It was already this late—her sister would be home soon. She had to leave quickly.

After tidying the bed and erasing every trace, Rora looked at the clean blue-and-white striped panties in her hand. Reluctantly, she prepared to hang them back on the clothes rack.

But the moment she stepped onto the balcony, a better idea struck her.

From here, she could probably reach the Hunter’s bedroom next door…

Rora glanced at the panties, a plan forming. The corners of her mouth lifted slightly.

She’d thought of a way to make her sister drive away that Hunter—without lifting a finger herself.

---

“Finally home. Ugh~ So tired today.”

Shea stretched widely after entering the house and started preparing dinner.

Eating out wasn’t cost-effective, so she usually cooked herself. Living with Abel now just meant adding another pair of chopsticks.

Besides, this month’s groceries were ordered with Abel’s money anyway. What did it matter if he ate some?

Shea went to cook, leaving Abel alone in the living room.

Watching the girl’s busy figure, Abel couldn’t help but admire her frugality.

On their way back, he’d heard plenty of complaints about his “extravagant” spending.

But seriously—as a Hunter, how could he skip proper gear?

Three thousand gold coins? Barely a small task’s worth for him.

Today’s patrol around Vag City’s outskirts and streets had netted tens of thousands.

Just enough to reclaim that Shadow Orb.

Then he’d spotted Shea ambushed by Tide Cultists on the way home. Abel owed that unknown client a debt—without him, he’d never have uncovered this intel.

These Tide Cultists, hidden in sewers, had spread their claws across Vag City. They funneled troops endlessly through secret passages.

Their goal? To fully corrupt the city and seize control.

Worse, Vag City’s leaders still didn’t grasp the threat. Doing nothing.

In the end, Abel would have to handle it. Fighting Corruption was a Hunter’s duty.

What was one free favor?

He just needed to watch out for that damn cult leader.

The guy’s soul-striking attacks were vile. One careless moment nearly killed Abel last time.

He and the Tidal Cult were mortal enemies. Attacking Shea wasn’t just about making her a sacrifice—it was bait to trap him.

Thankfully, he’d given her the Aurora Ice Blade.

Otherwise, she’d never have survived until he arrived.

Abel sat on the sofa, pulling the Shadow Orb from his pocket. Its dark purple glow drowned out the lamplight—a magic from the Corrupted Land.

“With this in my hands, those Tide Cultists will need time to get another Shadow Orb.”

As Abel fiddled with it, the eerie light drew Shea’s curiosity from the kitchen. She peeked out—

—and saw the Shadow Orb she’d just sold.

“What’s this?” Shea asked knowingly.

Abel, ever helpful, explained its origin in detail. He’d spent fifty thousand gold coins to buy it back from the black market.

“Fifty thousand…”

Shea’s mouth twitched. She’d sold it for ten thousand. Middlemen had pocketed forty thousand in profit.

A massive rip-off!

“Alright, alright…” Abel soothed, seeing her pained expression. “I know you’re upset. If I’d caught Rico earlier, I could’ve gotten it for half price. Too bad she ran too fast.”

“Rico would run even faster seeing you,” Shea retorted flatly. “Let alone trade—she’d probably sell her body to avoid you.”

*Trading with him?*

*This creep tried to strip me!*

*No sane person would deal with you.*

“How could I be that kind of person?” Abel said, face perfectly serious—like an upright gentleman.

“Hmph~” Shea snorted in disdain.

“Still, this orb was worth fifty thousand. Partly to stop the Tidal Cult’s scheme. Partly because I can craft something with it…”

Abel paused, remembering Shea was a “normal person.” He explained the Cultists who’d attacked her.

After his explanation, Shea understood the gravity. Sitting opposite him, she fell silent before asking, “So these Tide Cultists are trying to corrupt Vag City? Turn it into their paradise?”

“Exactly.” Abel nodded firmly.

Shea pondered. She hated nobles, but innocent commoners didn’t deserve this. Tide Cultists wouldn’t spare anyone. If Corruption spread, most of Vag City would die.

Seeing her quiet, Abel advised gently, “So Shea—no night shifts for now. It’s too dangerous.”

“And if I don’t work?” Shea shot him a glare. “Will you support me? I can’t even afford rice!”

She wasn’t some gold-flinging tycoon like him.

Abel blinked at her joking tone, then beamed. “Sure! Absolutely! I’m all in—hands and feet!”

“Pervert! Dream on!” Shea’s face flushed as she snapped back, storming toward her bedroom. “I’m showering first. We’ll eat after—I’m sticky and gross.”

Watching her leave, Abel sipped his tea.

*Never thought this little spitfire could blush. Kinda cute.*

Back in her room, Shea calmed her fluttering heart.

Honestly, she’d been tempted. But her self-reliant nature wouldn’t bend easily.

Plus, in her past life, she’d never liked “that sport.” If Abel changed gender? Maybe she’d consider it.

“Shower time~ Huh? Where are my clothes?”

Checking her drying rack, Shea noticed a piece of intimate wear was missing.