Early the next morning, Sophia awoke to a soft knock at the door.

The knocker seemed careful not to disturb her—just checking if she was up.

But the girl was unexpectedly sensitive.

Ever since that night, Sophia’s sleep had grown lighter.

“Who is it?” she asked after dressing and pulling on her black robe.

A brief silence, then a childish voice: “Sister Sophia… I… I just wanted to see if you were awake.”

“Mm. I’m up. Wait a moment.”

Her expression unchanged, Sophia glanced at An still curled in the bed’s corner, lifted her gently by the scruff, and cradled her close.

An slowly opened her eyes, shot Sophia a glance, retracted her dragon wings and scales, and closed her eyes again.

Creak—

After Yugo’s anxious wait, the door finally swung open.

The golden-haired girl stepped out into the morning light, her aqua-blue eyes gleaming like the world’s most exquisite gems.

“Good morning, Sister Sophia.”

“Mm. Morning.” Sophia replied coolly, her gaze already fixed on the courtyard.

Something felt… off about it today.

As if something were missing.

Seeing Sophia scan the area, Yugo assumed she wondered where the old man and his wife were. “They don’t seem awake yet. I knocked softly earlier—no answer.”

Sophia fell silent.

*Not awake?*

*No…*

*They’d only just fallen asleep.*

She looked up. Warm sunlight filtered through thin clouds, gentle on the skin.

*Last night they said:*

*Full moon overhead = noon—the time for work.*

*So sunrise here… should be the dead of night. Their rest time.*

She noted the thought but dismissed it. Jumping to conclusions without proof was foolish.

“Come. Walk the village with me,” Sophia said slowly, glancing at Yugo.

Yugo nodded, thinking it was just a morning stroll. Hunger gnawed faintly—but no matter.

…

The village was unnaturally silent. Despite the mild sunrise, a cold unease clung to the air.

“Sister Sophia… it’s so quiet… Is everyone still sleeping?” Yugo murmured, lips pressed tight.

Backlit by dawn, Sophia’s delicate face glowed like translucent jade.

She didn’t look at him—only offered vague reassurance.

Inside, her mind raced:

*Day and night reversed…*

*Time distorted…*

*Silence…*

*Quiet…*

*Silence!*

A flicker of insight flashed—and vanished.

But Sophia sensed it. Heart pounding, she glanced around wildly.

The narrow lane, empty of souls, felt cavernously vast.

“An! Isn’t it… *too* quiet here?”

Roused by the urgent call, An shot her an annoyed look. “Since the wee hours. Not a single sound.”

“…Wee hours…?”

*If normal human time applies… this “wee hours” is their nightfall!*

Sophia bit her lip. Her aqua eyes scanned the stillness.

This peaceful village felt like an illusion.

And beneath it—something terrifying.

No human presence. No animal movement. Not even insect chirps.

As if the entire village held no living thing.

Her gaze locked onto a farmhouse—door wide open.

“Follow me.” She murmured to Yugo and strode forward.

Inside: absolute silence.

Her small hand tightened around her wand. She swallowed hard, eyes drifting toward the chicken coop and cattle shed.

Each step deliberate. Each breath shallow. Like walking on blades.

A dread coiled deep in her chest.

Closer.

Closer.

She saw it.

And the sight stole her breath—

Skeletons!