Late at night, in a cozy log cabin thousands of miles away, a young mother cradled her little daughter in one arm while holding a storybook in the other. Clearly, she was telling a bedtime story to lull the child to sleep.

"And so, the monster devoured the princess and her guards, then disguised herself as the princess to seek the prince in the palace. Alright, sweetie—that’s all for tonight."

She closed the book, leaned down to kiss her daughter’s forehead, and smiled gently.

Facing the girl’s soft complaints, she blew out the candle with a whisper:

"If you don’t sleep soon, the little monster might just come looking for you~"

Meanwhile, the same tale unfolded elsewhere—told by another voice.

"The monster slew the guards, devoured the unprotected princess, and lived on in the palace wearing her face. And that’s the end. So… what do you two think? Did you enjoy my story?"

Nefu smiled sweetly at the two adventurers assigned to protect her.

"…"

No reply came. Their silence was icy.

Nefu pouted slightly. "I thought it was thrilling! You might not know—I dreamed of being a writer before becoming a maid."

The adventurers exchanged a glance. One finally spoke, eyes scanning the dim alley, voice cold:

"Why did you bring us here?"

Not long ago, they’d been ordered to guard this seemingly frail maid. Right after their guild master and Ophelia left, she’d insisted on strolling into the city. Now, deep in this shadowy alley—the perfect ambush spot—they were baffled.

Nefu tilted her head with a cute smile. "Do you think I look more like a monster… or a princess?"

Her sapphire-blue eyes snapped into slit pupils. Her entire presence shifted.

Her little tongue flicked across crimson lips. A trace of excitement lit her delicate face—she could hardly wait to have a little taste.

Though the gloom hid her change, the adventurers sensed danger. Backs pressed together, muscles tensed.

But the attack didn’t come from ahead—it came from behind. From the one they were meant to protect.

A fireball slammed into them, sparks flying. Ineffective.

"What is this?!" they demanded, shifting instantly into battle stances.

"Isn’t it obvious?" Nefu’s lips curled with faint mockery. "I’m here to take your lives."

The mage adventurer scoffed. This tiny maid’s magic felt barely there. Did she really think beginner spells could kill third-rank adventurers?

Her warrior companion drew her blade and stepped forward—then froze. Nefu showed no fear. Only calm, total confidence.

Years of combat instinct screamed warning.

"How cautious of you," Nefu murmured. She shrugged—and ripped off her maid uniform.

No skin was revealed. Only a sleek, unknown black substance clung tightly to her form—sinister, yet strangely beautiful.

"A monster…" the mage whispered to her partner.

"You guessed right," Nefu chirped. "I’m not the princess—I’m the monster~ Oh dear, it’s been ages since I used my powers."

Feeling suppressed strength stir, her right arm swelled rapidly into a massive claw sheathed in black scales.

"Alright then~ Let’s begin round two."

The fight ended swiftly, silently. Don’t be fooled by Nefu’s subservience to Ophelia—she crushed them without effort. A single claw flick shredded the mage’s shield and the warrior’s armor.

The alley stood beside a roaring tavern. Cheers, music, laughter drowned out the clash—and the screams. No one noticed the monster slaughtering humans in the shadows.

"Cough… So you were hiding beside Lady Ophelia all along… No wonder we never found you."

Blood bubbled from the warrior’s lips as she glanced at her fallen comrade. Determination flashed in her eyes.

"Indeed~ Wasn’t I well-hidden? Just like the little monster in my story?"

Nefu smiled.

*Thud.*

She whipped her head around. The dying adventurer raised a magical launcher—the source of the muffled blast.

*What…?*

Brilliant golden fireworks bloomed across the night sky, casting light on Nefu’s slightly startled face.

"Oh dear…"

…

Racing through the forest, Ophelia had wanted to ask the Paladin beside her about earlier actions—but Eileen was busy giving orders.

Finally finished, Paladin Eileen noticed Ophelia’s hesitant look.

"My apologies, Lady Ophelia. Let me explain." Her smile faded into seriousness. "Many Demon Human spies have infiltrated Anlina. I suspect the 'Phantom' is tied to their movements."

"Demon Humans? You mean those who worship monsters as deities?" Ophelia’s eyes widened. "Ah—I see. No wonder you checked my maid’s hands."

"Exactly. We hope for your understanding, Lady Ophelia."

No sooner had she spoken than a golden firework erupted in the distance.

Oliver’s face paled. "No—! That’s Black Serpent’s distress signal! They’re under attack!"

"What?!"

Amid the adventurers’ shock, Ophelia’s face remained eerily calm in the firework’s glow—as if she’d expected it all along…