A deafening bell tolled. Across Anlina, every face tightened in unison—the chime meant emergency. The entire city snapped to high alert.

"Move! Archers and mages, assemble on the walls—now!"

The gate captain barked orders with calm precision. In moments, adventurers lined the ramparts, weapons ready.

All this turmoil stemmed from one report: another team had dragged three gravely wounded comrades out of the southern forest.

Inside the manor, Lord Ajax of Anlina—a middle-aged man with a graying beard but eyes still sharp with intelligence—weighed whether to report this anomaly to the mainland. Adventurer injuries were common. But these three? Found on Level 20. Nothing there—just goblins and slimes—should’ve left them like this.

*Knock, knock, knock.*

"Enter."

"Yes, my lord."

A man in black stepped in—clearly the secretary.

"Report the details."

He pulled a small notebook from his folder. "The injured are the three members of Loren’s team."

"Loren’s team?" Ajax’s expression darkened. He knew them: a skilled swordsman, a capable mage. Level 20 monsters couldn’t have done this.

"Any intel from them?"

"No. All in deep comas. Bodies pierced by blades—non-fatal, but recovery will take…" He trailed off. The meaning was clear: no clues from the victims.

"Could another adventurer be responsible?"

"Impossible, my lord." He adjusted his glasses. "We vetted every soul who entered Level 20 today. Even used truth-detection magic. All cleared."

Ajax sucked in a sharp breath, brows furrowed tight. No leads? Had a powerful unknown beast truly emerged?

"My lord… there *is* one clue. As Loren was rescued, he whispered a phrase."

"What?" Ajax sat up.

"He said: *'She is satisfied.'*"

"Hmm? What does that mean?"

"We don’t know either."

*Sigh…*

After a pause, Ajax said firmly, "Restrict all low and mid-tier adventurers indoors. Dispatch two high-tier squads daily to sweep the southern forest."

"Yes, sir!"

…

"Captain, seriously? Three mid-tiers got hurt—do we really need *two* high-tier squads crawling through the woods inch by inch?"

"Don’t know. Just watch your step, Yuri," the spear-wielding leader said calmly, glancing at the yellow-haired man beside him.

"Relax, I’m not a kid," Yuri chuckled. He slowed. "Nature’s calling. Go on ahead—I’ll catch up."

"Alright. Stay sharp."

The squad was Ajax’s elite patrol unit. Rules forbade straying alone—but rules were rigid, people flexible. The path had been safe. The leader let him go.

Moments later, Yuri rejoined.

"Yuri, why so slow?"

"Constipation, Captain. Been eating too dry," he said, scratching his head.

The leader studied him a beat longer, then signaled forward. *Should be fine.*

He didn’t see it: the moment he turned, Yuri’s sheepish grin vanished. His face went hollow. Lifeless.

"Yuri, male, thirty-two, loves spicy food, lively personality, best companion is…"

He muttered under his breath—too low for others to catch.

"Hey Yuri, what’re you mumbling?" Jason the archer patted his shoulder.

"Nothing…" Yuri glanced past him, indifferent, and walked on as if Jason were a stranger.

*What the hell?* Jason stared at his back. *He was joking around minutes ago. How did a bathroom break change him completely?*

Patrol ended. Tradition called for tavern drinks—but today…

"Yuri! Where you headed? Not joining us?"

"Nah. Heading home." He waved casually and slipped into the alley behind the eatery.

The leader and Jason locked eyes. Faces paled. *Wrong. Something’s wrong.* They followed.

Around the corner, in shadowed gloom, Yuri halted.

"Can it only last this long?" he muttered.

*Pop.*

One eyeball burst free.

Horrifyingly, it twisted into a writhing tentacle—and slithered back into its socket.

"Yuri! What are you doing here?" Jason’s voice cut through the dark.

Yuri flinched, then turned with a smile. "Jason? What brings you?"

"We came to check. You *live* for group meals. Why skip today?"

"Eh, just wanna try that new massage parlor. Need rest." He yawned, stretched—looked genuinely tired.

The leader ignored him, eyes locked on Yuri’s face. "Visiting your orc girlfriend again? Her grip’s brutal. Might snap your spine."

"Pfft. Been there plenty. I know her rhythm," Yuri said, shaking his head with a closed-eye chuckle.

*Shing!*

Steel cleared sheaths.

"What are you two—" Yuri looked up.

Their faces were ice.

"You are not Yuri," the leader hissed. "Who are you?!"