At that moment, Nefu finally noticed something off about Amy behind her. Before, Amy’s gaze would always wander nervously when speaking to her—but now she met Nefu’s eyes with calm composure, a hint of mischief gleaming within.

Those eyes… hauntingly familiar. This was the very gaze that had haunted Nefu’s nightmares for countless nights. How could she possibly forget?

Nefu stepped forward and grabbed Amy by the collar. She opened her mouth—the name she always avoided saying was on the tip of her tongue—when Amy suddenly spoke.

“N-Nefu… Miss Nefu, what are you doing? I-I thought about it yesterday… Since you’re so determined, I’ll… I’ll join you this once.”

Amy’s eyes flickered with panic, clearly bewildered and frightened by the sudden grip.

Nefu held back the name. To her shock, Amy’s eyes now held none of that earlier sharpness. Her gaze had turned evasive again, as if burdened by guilt, unable to hold Nefu’s stare.

*Phew…*

Nefu let out a soft breath and released Amy’s collar. Had she imagined it? No way… As a monster, how could she make such a rookie mistake? Yet… Amy’s eyes were exactly as before—that irritating aura still unmistakable. If someone were easily replaced, could their essence stay identical? Every gesture, expression, even her dominant hand with tools… all perfectly consistent. Had Ophelia’s shadow shaken her this deeply? Maybe she just needed more time to observe.

Nefu turned away and continued walking. Behind her, Amy lightly patted her chest with a quiet exhale, then hurried after.

…

*Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!*

Fireballs tore through the sky, striking the eagle-like monsters surrounding them. Nefu raised her small hand, crimson magical auras flashing around her. The battle ended swiftly. Lowering her hand, she turned to Amy, delicate brows furrowed as if troubled.

Since the tournament began, Nefu had watched Amy closely. Aside from that odd encouragement earlier about facing the Minotaur, everything else felt normal—her reactions to monsters, her fluid handling of potions and tools, even the slight hesitation before using a healing item. Nefu had once imagined that even if she devoured Amy, mimicking those habits would be near impossible. She’d almost believed this morning was a fluke… until today. Normally, Amy would vanish at the first sign of combat. But today? She fought beside Nefu with a short dagger—utterly unlike her.

Nefu narrowed her eyes slightly, then snatched a monster carcass from the ground and tossed it to Amy. “You prepare it. This is tonight’s meal.”

Amy flinched, catching the carcass. Panic flickered plainly across her face. She forced a shaky smile, lips twitching. “N-Nefu… Miss Nefu, must I? M-My cooking isn’t good…”

Nefu snorted coldly, arms crossed. “I won’t eat bread.”

“But… I brought some bread…”

“I only want meat. No substitutes.”

She wasn’t just being difficult. She needed to test Amy—surely taste preferences couldn’t be faked.

“Amy. Remember: I don’t need dead weight.”

Nefu turned and sat on a tree stump, chin in hand, watching every move.

“Yes…”

Amy dragged the carcass away. Out of sight, a vein pulsed on her smooth forehead. A smile brimming with murderous intent spread across her face. Dagger in hand, she stabbed the carcass again and again—*thunk, thunk, thunk*—like venting rage.

Time slipped by. Nefu nearly dozed off.

“Amy! Done yet?”

She glanced over. Amy stood drenched in bloodstains, fists clenched, body visibly trembling. Head bowed, her expression hidden.

Seconds later, Amy lifted her face with a strained smile. “Almost ready, Miss Nefu. Please rest nearby.”

“Fine.”

After a long wait, Amy returned with skewers of meat—charred black, smoking faintly at the edges. Nefu barely touched it before a wisp of black smoke rose. Carbonized.

She didn’t eat. Just stared at Amy, suspicion sharp in her eyes.

“Miss Nefu, please eat… Why stare at me?” Amy offered a faint, practiced smile.

“I really should’ve abandoned you.”

“Huh?” Amy’s face fell into wounded innocence—but Nefu saw right through it. *She’s enjoying this.*

Nefu was certain: this Amy was wrong. She just lacked proof.

Then Amy brightened. “Oh! A special guest this morning asked me to give you this—I almost forgot!” She handed over a bottle of milk.

Nefu froze. Her gaze turned icy. Heart hammered. *Ophelia… How far does your reach stretch?*

Amy blinked, genuinely puzzled. “Miss Nefu… don’t you want it?”

Silently, Nefu took the bottle.

And on Amy’s lips, a subtle, triumphant curve finally bloomed.