Something’s off with this taste… Did someone poison it?

Nefu glanced at Karon—just in time to catch the smirk curling his lips. *This guy…*

Narrowing her eyes slightly, she pondered for a moment, then decided to wait and see what he’d do.

Just then—

*Clatter!*

The Tank and Archer’s bowls slipped from their hands. Half-finished porridge splattered across the floor as both collapsed backward.

The Tank’s face was pale but stable, a trickle of blood seeping from his nose. The Archer, however, was far worse—dark crimson oozed from all seven orifices. Death loomed.

Nefu tossed her bowl aside and feigned collapse.

“What’s wrong with everyone?!” Karon cried in feigned shock.

Silence.

Then—a slow, wicked grin spread across his face.

Clearly, he’d been testing if any of the four had resisted the poison.

And aside from Nefu’s immunity, all had fallen.

“Perfect. Time to get rich.”

Karon peeled off his human-skin mask. Nefu recognized the face instantly—a wanted outlaw plastered on the Adventurers Guild bulletin.

Ignoring her, he strode to the Tank. Though barely conscious, the Tank twitched weakly, instinctively raising a defensive hand as Karon approached.

“No, no, no~ That won’t do at all~”

A bone dagger flashed from Karon’s sleeve. Without hesitation, he plunged it into the Tank’s neck.

Nefu didn’t watch the rest. One sickening *crack* told her all she needed to know.

He looted the Tank’s coin purse, then moved to the Archer—already dead. No need for a finishing blow. Just another purse snatched.

*So it was just a greedy outlaw after coin.*

Nefu rose slowly. If she kept pretending, she’d be next.

Karon, absorbed in looting, didn’t notice her approach.

Just as he turned—

A tiny hand wreathed in flames filled his vision.

*Sizzle!*

Fire licked flesh with a horrifying hiss. Before Karon could scream, he crumbled into charred ash.

Nefu barely glanced at the coin purses lost in the grass. She frowned at the corpse.

*Too weak. Are third-rank adventurers really this fragile? Instantly ashed? My strength must surpass third-rank.*

A small purple vial rolled from Karon’s pocket.

*Antidote?* She picked it up, glancing at the poisoned Amy behind her.

*Use it on her? Or… kill her and keep all the loot? Ophelia probably wouldn’t care if it’s just her…*

Flames flickered in her palm as she stepped closer—then halted.

*Wait. The Mimic slime needs two to carry. I could manage alone, but that’d require my true form. Powers are still restricted. One stray adventurer on the road? Disaster. And Ophelia might be watching… Can’t risk exposure.*

She knelt, carefully dripping the antidote into Amy’s mouth.

Soon, Amy stirred, clutching her pounding head. Poison’s aftereffects lingered.

After a shaky breath, she stood—then froze, face draining at the three corpses.

“Miss Nefu! What happened?!”

“Karon tried to kill us and steal our gear.”

Nefu’s reply was curt. Then she remembered—the purses! She scanned the grass. Nothing. *Did they grow legs?*

Frowning, she turned to search again—

Amy stepped squarely in front of her, eyes glistening.

“Thank you, Miss Nefu! Without you, I…”

“It’s nothing.” Nefu waved her off. *Too noisy.*

“Miss Nefu, you’re incredible! Was it you who took him down?”

“How can I ever repay you?”

“Please team up with me next time!”

Nefu stared at Amy’s beaming face. *Kill her? Even a Mimic has limits. She won’t stop until I agree.*

“Fine. I agree. Now be quiet.”

“Yes, Miss Nefu!”

Amy’s smile was radiant—but deep in her eyes, something cold flickered.

Amy belonged to Anlina’s shadow organization. Her former leader? A notoriously violent third-rank adventurer.

One silent night, after he drank himself into a stupor, Amy—long battered by his cruelty—placed a basin of smoldering coal by his bedside, locked the door, and left.

He was ruled dead by suffocation. No suspicion fell on her. A few tears, a soft voice—everyone believed her.

As an adventurer, she infiltrated rookie parties, slipping daggers into necks at the perfect moment. Survival in Anlina demanded it.

She’d long sensed Karon’s malice. Planned to lie low, strike after he struck—*mantis catches cicada, sparrow waits behind*.

But Nefu was the wild card.

So she’d adapt: team with Nefu, profit from her strength… then betray her.

“Miss Nefu,” Amy asked sweetly, “is the maid outfit a hobby… or do you truly serve a master?”

“I have a master…”

*Really?* Amy’s eyes brightened. *That fabric’s expensive. Her master’s household must be wealthy!*

*A perfect chance. Scout the place first. Strike later.*

She smiled, voice dripping with earnest plea:

“Miss Nefu… may I visit your home sometime?”