"'How about telling me your mission, Mist?' Sister Thousand Feathers hesitated a moment before asking, making me feel deeply respected.

'No, I can't...' Even though she'd assured me I wasn't in immediate danger, as a Demon Hunter, I couldn't trust a high-ranking Bloodline like her yet. So I refused.

Hearing my answer, Sister showed little surprise—she'd clearly expected it.

'I see,' her voice held a trace of disappointment, quickly brushed aside. 'You still don't trust me much, Mist... But that's natural.'

Watching her like this, my heart gave a secret twinge. I closed my eyes, lost in thought.

'Um... if it's just a little, maybe I can...'

Sister's eyes lit up at my words. Seeing her perk up, I felt inexplicably happy.

'I awakened as a Demon Hunter just this morning. My first task is investigating Monster-related incidents here.' I paused, glancing at her to gauge her reaction.

She simply nodded, brows furrowed in thought, as if my words confused her.

'T-that's all I can share. The rest... is off-limits,' I added quietly, hoping she wouldn't press further.

'...They shouldn't, hmm? Ah, yes. That's enough, Mist.' Sister paused briefly before replying, then drifted back into thought.

After a long silence, I coughed loudly to regain her attention.

Realizing she'd left me hanging, visible remorse softened her features. Gone was her earlier dominance; against her pink hair, she looked warmer, more approachable. I stared, entranced.

Is she truly the one I'll walk beside from now on...? I should change how I address her—from 'Sister Thousand Feathers' to 'Thousand Feather Sister.'

'Snap out of it, Mist. Sister has more to say.' Thousand Feather Sister waved a hand before my eyes.

'What do you know of this school, Mist?' she suddenly asked.

'This school? Hmm... an expensive noble academy?' I strained to recall Xialin's words, but my mind drew blank.

'Oh my, not wrong—but that's just the image they project,' Thousand Feather Sister said, stepping off the bed barefoot. She glided to the window, grasped the curtain cord, and pulled gently. 'Today, you'll uncover its true face yourself.'

Light flooded my eyes. I squinted, pupils adjusting slowly. My Demon Hunter body memorized the brightness—next time, such a glare wouldn't faze me.

Soft light bathed her white dress, lending a holy aura. She seemed less a shadow hunter, more a guardian of light.

'As I said, this school isn't simple on the surface—especially for a Demon Hunter like you.' Thousand Feather Sister sat beside my bed, gently tying my sleep-mussed hair.

'Neither its systems nor its people should be underestimated.'

'Why?' I asked, puzzled.

'You'll see the former at the class meeting. As for the latter...' Her voice dropped low, face grave as if facing a colossal threat. 'Some beings... are terrifying. Avoid them.'

'Protect yourself, Mist. You have no idea how much charm you hold.'"