Before leaving the prison, Su Hong deliberately took off his purple outer robe and left it behind.

He kept the black tight-fitting top and pants on. Even if the outfit looked a bit mismatched, it was still better than running around in his old sleepwear.

Walking beside Lia, Su Hong scanned the buildings lining the street.

Back then, he’d been so focused on the casino and prison that he never got a proper look at the town.

Larger storefronts displayed looping Spirit Card ads on their signs—just a few seconds long, but clearly showing real products, likely crafted by a Spirit Glyphsmith while observing the items firsthand.

“Su Hong, you said earlier you had something to discuss… what is it?”

Su Hong shifted his gaze to Lia, then shook his head after a moment.

He’d already decided to stay at her place temporarily. If his luck was going to cause trouble, distance wouldn’t stop it.

“Nothing important. Huh? Why’s there such a huge crowd up ahead? What are they doing?”

He peered curiously at the throng nearly blocking the street.

Lia leaned in with a slightly incredulous whisper: “Huh? You really don’t know?”

Su Hong shrugged. Only then did Lia puff out her chest just a little, a hint of pride in her smile.

“It’s all because of you! They’re lining up to watch *Magical Girl Monkey Burn*!”

*Magical Girl Monkey Burn…*

Hearing Lia say the name so earnestly, Su Hong felt a strange, inexplicable amusement.

Still, he never imagined a Spirit Card Cinema piece would become this wildly popular.

“Let’s go—Grandpa must be swamped.”

Lia grabbed Su Hong’s forearm and wove quickly around the crowd toward the shop.

The crowd parted for her, though their expressions were oddly unreadable.

Inside, an old man clung tightly to the Spirit Card sign, surrounded by several people.

“Grandpa!”

Lia rushed forward to support him. “You’re supposed to be at your restaurant! What are you doing here?!”

The rival restaurant owner’s eyes burned red. He stomped his foot hard.

“How dare you ask? I heard you were kicked out of the Security Force! Think I won’t tear this dump down?”

Su Hong’s heart skipped a beat—he hadn’t meant to drag them into this.

*So it’s about losing customers…*

He stepped swiftly beside Lia.

“Are you the owner across the street? If I weren’t here, I might regret hearing bad news later. But I am here. I advise you to leave. Or I can’t promise what happens next.”

It wasn’t a threat—just caution.

If the man lashed out, Su Hong had no idea what his luck might trigger.

Years ago, a thief reached into his bag—and dropped dead from sudden cardiac arrest.

To Su Hong, it was warning. To others? Something far darker.

Lia tugged his arm, whispering urgently: “Let it go, Su Hong. Don’t waste anger on him.”

She turned to the owner and staff, voice earnest: “Please leave! No fighting here! I’ll pay you in gold coins—please!”

She knew Su Hong was a legendary Spirit Cardmaster who’d punched through prison walls barehanded.

No Spirit Card Slot? No Spirit Cards? Didn’t matter. At this range, he could end them in two breaths.

Even if the Security Force wouldn’t dare pursue him, Lia refused to let him stain his hands for her. He’d suffered enough.

But her plea was twisted.

The owner’s rage flared hotter.

“Begging now? Too late! A penniless wretch like you—how many coins could you even have? Hand them over! I want nothing else!!”

Su Hong stepped forward, stopping less than fifteen centimeters from the man.

“Hand over *what*? Be specific. Or you might die without ever knowing why.”

“Hmph. Kid, who do you think you are?” The owner flicked his hand.

His employee barked: “The *Magical Girl Monkey Burn* sequel! And the Spirit Glyphsmith who made it!”

“You heard me! *Magical Girl Monkey Burn*, the Glyphsmith—I want it all! The next Spirit Card must bring Mami-senpai back! Or I’ll burn this shop and the Glyphsmith to ashes! Hand them over!”

He glared at Su Hong, muscles coiled to strike at the slightest “no.”

Su Hong opened his mouth—speechless, utterly at a loss for words.