"Little girl, would you like a bite?"

Yiwan stepped before the girl, crouched slightly with a warm smile.

Nefu stared at the human, stunned. After sneaking into the city for days, this was the first time anyone had spoken to her.

*Is she mentally off?* Yiwan wondered inwardly, eyeing her blank expression. *A deficient slave would sell cheap.*

"Yes."

The girl suddenly spoke, eyes wide like a stray cat starved for days.

"Got it, boss—one chicken leg!"

Yiwan nodded slightly, took the leg, and handed it to Nefu.

"Here, hold it carefully."

His smile radiated brotherly kindness—if you ignored the greed glinting deep in his eyes.

Nefu snatched the leg and shoved it straight into her mouth.

*Munch, munch, munch.*

Seconds later, not a shred of meat remained on the bone.

*Humans really know how to cook.*

Unnoticed even by herself, the corners of her lips curved up slightly.

"Want to come to my place, little girl? I’ve got plenty more tasty things."

"Yes!"

Nefu agreed without hesitation. She’d already sensed Yiwan’s malice—but cared little. To her, he was an insect, crushable with a flick.

*She only hunted adventurers. But if he lied and there were no treats… he’d die.*

Following Yiwan, she was led into a secluded house.

The moment the door shut, Yiwan yelled: "Boss! I brought a girl—prime merchandise, guaranteed big profit!"

"Keep it down."

A low voice rumbled from the shadows.

A muscular man with one eye missing emerged. After studying Nefu, his stern face cracked into a grin.

"Yiwan, where’d you find such a gem? We’re set for months."

Thrilled, he had no idea death had just brushed past him.

*No food here.*

Nefu sniffed the air—no aroma. *He lied.*

Fingers hidden in her sleeves sharpened into blades; her pupils slit vertically.

"Hehe, such a pretty face too. We’ll make a fortune."

*Slave?*

Nefu froze. The word flashed in her mind—from when she devoured Neifu, spoken by his pursuer.

*Do humans enslave their own?* She tilted her head slightly, gazing at the men with innocent confusion.

*The Little Prince’s memories said slavery was forbidden. Why does it exist here? Aren’t they afraid of being hunted?*

Fragmented recollections flickered. The blades retreated into her sleeves. A bold plan formed—a path of no return.

*Gold coins meant nothing to her, yet they’d help her hide among humans. Slave traders must have plenty. She’d get close… and plunder them all.*

Soon, the one-eyed man and Yiwan left to contact buyers. Alone, Nefu sat on a grimy straw mat, staring blankly skyward, eyes void of emotion.

Suddenly—a slender black shadow shot backward, stabbing the corner.

Had Yiwan seen it, he’d have wet himself.

A tentacle launched from her spine, swayed, and presented a mouse.

Nefu’s eyes dipped downward—a fleeting glance.

*Thwack!*

The mouse slammed against the wall, splattering into a bloody smear.

"How foul…"

A whisper, soft as a dream, drifted through the room.

In Anlina City, disappearances happened—but only adventurers vanished. Ordinary life flowed undisturbed.

"Miss, try our roasted chicken? Anlina’s specialty!"

"Absolutely! I came just for this."

By a roadside stall, a woman in her twenties smiled, watching the vendor cook with eager eyes.

Delicate features, raven hair flowing freely—but her eyes captivated most: playful, shimmering with allure, as if a fox-type monster had taken human form.

"Ready, miss."

"Thank you."

She beamed at the vendor, took the chicken, then froze as her magic crystal chimed.

Ducking into a corner, she hid the chicken behind her back, activated the crystal. *Click.* A watery screen shimmered to life.

A bespectacled girl glared from the display.

"Ah, little Sophie—our guild’s receptionist! What brings you to your president?"

"Ophelia! You *remember* you’re president of the Valkyrie Guild?!"

The shout boomed so loud Ophelia covered her ear with a delicate hand.

"Oh dear, calm down~ Did I upset sweet Sophie again?"

"How *dare* you?! Skipped the Adventurers Guild meeting to play, and now you’re missing when an A-rank quest drops? Planning to be a hands-off president?!"

"How was I to know the old man called a meeting today?" Ophelia shrugged, looking utterly wronged.

"Enough. Quest details incoming. Where are you? Location: Level 20 of Anlina. Move fast."

Sophie watched her president’s sly grin spread.

"Ara~ Little Sophie, I’m *already* at Level 20 of Anlina. See? Not playing~"

"You…! Just check the details."

Gritting her teeth at Ophelia’s carefree tone, Sophie shot a glare and cut the call.

Ophelia read the briefing, smile deepening.

*Accident?*

*Of course not. This place held something she wanted.*