“Sigh…”

Nefu sighed and slumped onto the sofa. A rare flicker of dejection crossed her delicate face—an expression almost never seen on her.

Truth was, only one person could bring her to this state: Ophelia.

Two days ago, Nefu might’ve scoffed at Ophelia’s warnings. Now? She treated them like gospel.

Just thinking about that woman’s methods sent chills down her spine.

Here was the problem: to grow stronger, she needed to devour more monsters. But where in this city could she find enough?

She wanted to leave town—but Ophelia’s collar made escape impossible.

*Ugh, this loop is giving me a headache.* Maybe ask Ophelia to take her out? Nefu held zero hope. Knowing *her*, she’d rather lock Nefu away forever as a personal plaything.

*What now?* Nefu propped her chin in her hands. She needed a solid, justified reason to get Ophelia to take her into the Dungeon labyrinth.

Only then could she secretly grow stronger and fulfill *her own* wish—not the Little Prince’s anymore—to slay more adventurers.

*Adventurers…*

A spark lit in Nefu’s eyes. If *she* became an adventurer, Ophelia might actually agree to take her out.

But first, she needed an ability impressive enough to catch Ophelia’s attention—and that required help from adventurers.

Decision made, she sprang up and rushed toward the door… then doubled back.

“Almost forgot. Gotta change my appearance…”

In Anlina, after a quest, adventurers never headed straight home. They went to Hengtai Tavern.

Its sausages were notoriously awful—but the ale? Top-notch.

By midday, the place was already packed.

“Hey, Seri! Still alive? Need a hand finishing the job?”

From a corner, drunken men jeered at the hooded figure.

“Indeed.”

Unbothered, she calmly removed her grimy, threadbare cloak. Long, pointed ears emerged. An elf.

But unlike the noble elves of legend, her hair was matted, nails caked with dirt—she looked every bit a scavenger.

Any elf seeing her would call her a disgrace.

She didn’t care. She’d lived too long. Her companions were gone. She longed only for death—painless, dignified, not terrifying.

She’d searched endlessly. Now, she was Anlina’s laughingstock: the elf who wanted death but feared its pain.

Seri gulped her beer. *Ah… alcohol really is the best comfort.* *Maybe someone’ll kill me while I’m passed out…* But her ability made that impossible—she couldn’t get drunk, and potions did nothing.

Eyes closed, she savored the brew. When the mug was nearly empty, she opened them.

Wait—why was everyone staring *behind* her?

She turned.

A breathtaking girl in an elegant maid outfit stood at the entrance.

The tavern fell silent. Not just for her beauty—but this was a rough tavern. Why would someone so refined step inside?

Seri’s pupils widened. *She’s walking toward me?!*

*Did I offend a noble?!*

She prayed the girl would pass by.

No luck. The maid stopped right before her.

“Are you Seri?”

Voice stiff, icy, utterly emotionless. Seri’s anxiety spiked.

“Yes.”

“Good. Come with me.”

The girl grabbed her robe and pulled her out.

No one intervened—everyone assumed noble business.

The tavern resumed its clamor. Only the owner knew: tomorrow, another regular would be gone.

Outside, Seri’s heart hammered. *Is this my reckoning?*

The maid’s grip was shockingly strong.

A faint crimson glow flickered in Seri’s palm. *I won’t die by a noble’s hand—that’s undignified.* She’d escape if needed.

But the girl didn’t head to a manor. She cornered her in a dark alley.

“Um… what is this about…?”

“I heard you desire death.”

“Huh?” Seri blinked, then gave a bitter laugh. “No—I want a *painless* death.”

“A painless death?” The maid tilted her head slightly. *Death is instant. How can it hurt?*

“Think about it,” Seri raised a finger. “Jumping off a building? Your head smashes—agonizing, terrifying. I want to go… peacefully. Dignified.”

“I can help.” Nefu met her gaze calmly. “But are you sure? I see fear in your eyes.”

“I… I’m fine.” Seri steeled herself—but doubt lingered. *Can she really…?*

Before she could ask—

A shadow filled her vision.

*Thud—*

The elf’s body went limp. Small hands caught her gently.

“Don’t worry. I’ll destroy your brain directly. You won’t feel a trace of pain. Becoming my power… isn’t that a dignified end?”

Nefu gazed at Seri’s serene face, a faint smile curling her lips.

*Ophelia… I’ll give you a surprise.*