The problem was, without Hugh’s help, Sophia alone might not uncover what truly happened to this village.

So facing Hugh left her conflicted.

After all, she didn’t believe Hugh—a mentor of Babel Academy—would be foolish enough to willingly become her pawn.

Hugh fell silent again at her question.

Head lowered, thoughtful light flickered in his silver-gray eyes.

Sophia didn’t rush him. She waited quietly.

After a long pause, Hugh finally spoke. His voice carried a trace of realization and resignation.

“I… I think I’ve discovered something… though… not what I hoped to see.”

“…Mr. Edward,” Sophia frowned slightly, “has anyone ever told you that beating around the bush is utterly annoying?”

She didn’t get it. Everyone she’d met so far spoke in riddles.

Well… except little Yugo.

Hugh glanced at her and let out a helpless sigh.

“The magic array I built is incomplete. It detects most magic—but certain highly specialized types slip through.”

“So… you’re saying the force behind the village’s condition comes from one of those ‘minority’ races?” Sophia asked, frowning again.

Hugh nodded. Sophia fell silent.

She recalled An’s words: the array couldn’t detect dragon language, fairies, races of The Unnameable, and several others.

And earlier—An mentioned *something here was calling to it*.

A power capable of summoning a dragon…

Most likely… another dragon.

Could a dragon be lurking somewhere in this village?

“Not necessarily,” An’s voice cut in—uncharacteristically grave, stripped of mockery. “But if it *is* a dragon… trouble.”

“How so?”

An paused. “That human male said the village’s abnormality isn’t recent. It’s persisted for a long time. Meaning… a dragon has been holed up here, *willingly* casting eerie magic all this while. What would make a dragon stay in this godforsaken place?”

Sophia’s heart sank. Her aqua-blue eyes dimmed with thought.

Suddenly, the village sign flashed in her mind:

[*Here lies the end of life, and also its beginning.*]

[*…Awakened!… Rising from the endless slumber…!*]

[*Blind and foolish creatures shall be… devoured! Controlled!*]

What awakened? The dragon? Or… something *forcing* it to stay?

Questions swirled. Pressure mounted. Her vision blurred for a heartbeat.

She didn’t notice Hugh—magic concluded—slowly approaching.

“You alright?”

A gentle pat on her shoulder.

Instinct screamed danger.

*Draw!* *Close!* *Restrain!*

All in one fluid motion.

The dagger’s edge kissed Hugh’s throat. Yet his gaze stayed calm.

Mercury-colored eyes held hers—reading panic, tension, frenzy.

Few would admire her aqua-blue eyes with a blade poised to slit their throat.

(Though Hugh frankly didn’t care.)

“Your mind’s troubled. What were you thinking?”

His steady voice cleared the fog in her eyes.

She didn’t lower the dagger. Just stared, cold.

“Mr. Edward… you discovered something, didn’t you?”

Hugh shrugged. No empty words.

“While casting the spell, I observed you. Couldn’t identify your magic’s origin. But I *know*—you’re not human.”

Sophia’s eyes flickered. After a long silence, she sheathed the dagger.

“Rest assured—I mean no harm. If anything… I’m *interested*.”

“?”

She fixed him with utter disdain.

Hugh blinked. Realized the phrasing.

“Don’t misunderstand. My research focuses on race-specific magic. Any unstudied race naturally intrigues me.”

“…”

Silence hung between them.

“Alright,” Hugh smiled faintly. “That incident reinforced your wariness. Not that you ever trusted me, did you?”

He shook his head, raised his wand, and walked toward the village.

Pausing beside her, he murmured:

“I don’t know what’s hidden here. But any race my array *couldn’t* detect… they’re all troublesome. Leave while you can.”

Sophia watched him go.

“An… are you *certain* it’s a dragon in this village?”

“…”

No reply. She understood.

“Then… can you *truly* guarantee my safety?”

“Yes.”

Immediate. Firm.

“…Good.”

The storm in her aqua-blue eyes thickened.

*Thud—*

Sophia turned. Little Yugo had collapsed.

She rushed over, gently lifting the small frame, checking her condition.