It could be called a fit of rage, or perhaps a descent into depravity—the ugly emotion consumed Cassipero, and she nocked her arrow, aiming straight at Caro.

And this… completely, utterly devoured Arnold’s sanity.

The arrow shot forth with blinding speed, nearly impossible to evade—

Karin moved. She set Caro down, dual swords flashing, meeting the strike that fell like a meteor. Her body became a streak of light, intercepting the blow.

Arnold raced toward them at full speed. Branches of the Ancient Spirit Tree converged overhead. Demon Purifier Helen reversed her domain’s effects. Around Harmony Weaver Melissa, magical circles swirled.

Everyone could only watch, helpless, as Karin charged into the path of destruction.

Caro’s mind went blank…

Then—

Arnold tackled her. A heavy impact. He shielded her body. And in that moment, she saw it: Karin’s shattered swords, her frame pierced by the arrow.

She had altered its trajectory. Weakened its force. The Ancient Spirit Tree caught the arrow—now harmless.

Pure white light settled over Karin. *Helen’s power*, Caro knew. But she also saw the gaping wound—a wound meant to kill.

She froze.

She didn’t understand.

Why did Cassipero want her dead? And why… why had Karin thrown herself in front of that arrow? This girl, just moments ago tricked into calling her “teacher” again and again… had shielded her with her own life.

“Arnold! Save her!” Her head buzzed, thoughts tangled. All she could do was plead.

But when she met Arnold’s eyes—ice. Murderous intent. She stiffened. She’d traveled the world, lived as a rich kid… yet never seen a gaze so chilling. Strangely, she felt no fear. Only clarity.

She couldn’t heal. Arnold couldn’t either. Helen and Melissa were already tending to Karin. Hua Fanlin and Aude Valentin approached.

So… what could *she* do?

“You… want to kill?”

The girl’s voice pulled Arnold back from the abyss. He steadied his breath, rage receding. His voice rasped: “Caro…”

*What is he feeling?*

Caro knew her wisdom wasn’t enough to fathom his heart. Arnold had saved more lives than she’d ever known friends. Endured more pain.

But—

She embraced him. Her slender frame felt like fragile porcelain in his arms—easily shattered. Yet in that moment, her body became the strongest chain, binding him tight.

“Whatever you choose… I won’t oppose it,” she whispered near his ear. “But wait. Just one minute. Use it to think. As your friend… I don’t want you to regret this.”

Ah—the embrace of the girl he cherished. Normally, he’d call it divine grace. And now… he held her back.

No. This *was* grace. If gods existed, this was their blessing.

He felt her trembling—unconscious fear she hadn’t even noticed. Yet she held on, urging him toward a choice without remorse.

Arnold felt a quiet “love.” Not the kind he longed for… but enough to listen.

He closed his eyes. Calmed his storm. Listened.

He heard her heartbeat—fast, faint. So small. So fragile. Yet so immense.

Then Caro let go.

Emotions still swirled in her eyes. She wasn’t calm—but she held her composure. “Alright, Arnold. Calm now?”

Arnold ruffled her hair. She blinked, stunned. He stood. “I’ve decided, Caro. After this… I might be hunted. We won’t meet again for a while.”

Caro caught his meaning. Forced a grin. “Then wait for me in the capital! Change your identity. I *will* go. And you’d better take me to the most luxurious spots!”

Arnold chuckled helplessly. *She remembered that?* Typical Caro—unreliable even at serious moments.

“Deal. I promised. I’ll show you what ‘dazzling luxury’ really means.”

In a flash, he stood before Karin. Slit his wrist. Blood dripped onto her wounds. “My blood isn’t a miracle cure—but it carries vitality. A temporary aid. A substitute.”

He glanced at the purple-haired woman beside Karin—the Heroic Rank Adventurer, Melissa.

“Melissa. The Demonhunt Squad… no longer exists.”

He left only those words.

…

“I…”

Arnold had gone after Cassipero. Planning something greater. Caro didn’t know his true resolve—only sensed its weight.

Thanks to combined efforts, Karin lived. Relief washed over Caro—then darkness swallowed her.

When she awoke: elegant robes, slender limbs, silky golden hair, a sweet face… and those signature white stockings.

“Miss Mistie…”

*Fanlin House. After I fainted… Wait—why am I here?!*

“Ah! Miss Caro, you’re awake!” Mistie beamed. “How do you feel? Any discomfort?”

*Such a gentle girl… but Karin just saved my life!* Caro’s loyalty wavered. *Maybe later I’ll tell Arnold to end up with both… They’re both wonderful.*

Impolite thoughts aside, she answered: “I’m fine. Perfectly healthy.”

“I see…” Mistie’s smile tightened, aura shifting icy. “I heard Cassipero’s arrow targeted *you*—and Karin and Lord Arnold risked everything to protect you… Care to explain, Miss Caro?”

“…?” Caro froze.

She met Mistie’s gaze—flinched—looked away.

“I, uh… just know them a little…”

“I heard Lord Arnold, disguised as a guard, brought a girl from a cake shop that day… and spent the night with her.”

Sweat beaded on Caro’s brow. “Pure friendship! Nothing happened! You believe me, right?”

*Why do I feel caught cheating?! I’m innocent!* *Wait—yandere switch?! A sweet girl like you shouldn’t wear that face!*

“I *want* to believe you, Miss Caro~” Mistie’s tone dripped honey, but her eyes promised violence.

Panic clawed Caro’s throat. *Mistie’s cute… but Hua Fanlin isn’t. If she misunderstands… sells me off… I wanted to *visit* those places, not *work* there!*

“Believe me, Mistie.” She feigned calm—the rich kid who’d dated plenty knew the move: shock first. “Get someone to check. I’m still a—”

Mistie clamped a hand over her mouth, cheeks flushed. “Miss Caro! What are you *saying*?!”

Caro wriggled free. “I mean—I’m innocent! If something happened between us, would two passionate young adults sleep together and *do nothing*?”

“Th-that… without marriage, it’s… not allowed…”

*So pure.*

“Think logically,” Caro pressed. “If I were with Arnold, would I *teach* you how to win him? Am I insane? Suppose I liked him—I’d never share. Right? If Hua Fanlin weren’t your sister… would *you* share?”

Mistie faltered. No rebuttal.

“It’s Arnold’s kindness. He wouldn’t let his enemy—Cassipero—kill me.”

“And Miss Karin…?”

“Karin’s case is just—”

“TEACHER!!!”

Karin burst through the door—radiant, energetic, no trace of injury.

Mistie froze. Tilting her head, she stared at Caro.

“…Teacher?”