episode_0393

The tumultuous day comes to an end.

Late at night. A quiet moment.

Someone left the chaotic “detention center” in disarray. Someone visited a funeral home to keep vigil for an acquaintance. Someone idly gazed up at the night sky, twitching snow-white rabbit ears.

For everyone except one little mouse, time flowed the same as always.

“Hey, guys. Have any of you seen Lady Kim Sarang?” “Lady Sarang?… She just went up the mountain to catch a frisbee thrown by the dog… Huh? The dog’s gone too.”

And then. Someone muttered, “Lately, Lady Sarang keeps disappearing. The dog, too.” “Maybe she’s taking after the Guild Master. You know how the Guild Master sometimes gets lost during walks.” “But Guild Master Kim Hayang can’t see. That’s different.” “Hmm… Maybe she went to the bathroom? Earlier, she was sneaking bites of Chong-i’s dog food.” “You mean that canned food with the lamb illustration?” “Yeah.” “Seriously… I don’t get why Lady Sarang insists on eating that stuff when it doesn’t even taste like lamb.” “……How do you even know that, senior?”

The guild hall of the major guild [Cheoncheon Sword Family]. This mountaintop estate, home to the hotheaded mother-daughter pair, also lodges several guild members like a dormitory.

“Ahahahahaha!”

A place reminiscent of martial arts sect buildings. Here, Kim Sarang, the only daughter of the [Cheoncheon Sword Family] Guild Master, ran through the dark hallway, bursting into hearty laughter.

Woof…

A single Sapsal dog, wagging its tail lightly. Its feeble whimpers followed her throughout the day.

The gaze of another family member awaits their loved one’s return. ……. …….

The major guild [Cheoncheon Sword Family]. The only daughter lovingly raised—or rather, half-neglected—by A-rank Hunter Guild Master Kim Hayang. Kim Sarang’s day overflowed with the scent of beasts.

“…….” “Hmm. A fine morning indeed.”

Morning. After arriving at [Euncheon Academy], she dedicated herself to her studies.

The classes, as usual, were tedious and incomprehensible. The ever-present drowsiness tormented her. Yet, unlike before, Kim Sarang made an effort to absorb the content written on the board. Highlighting lines in her textbook with a newly bought fluorescent pen, marking confusing sections with asterisks…

“……Hmm.”

After a brief scribbling session, Kim Sarang stared down at the page filled with asterisks and broke out in a cold sweat.

She studied hard. Because she had learned that people must learn something.

That day when Chong-i collapsed. That day she encountered the “mysterious wooden box” at [Euncheon Academy]. Because her dull mind had been useless then.

‘Had Eunha not been my Dao Companion…’

The resentment of one lacking wisdom. From that day on, Kim Sarang strove to learn anything she could, and [Euncheon Academy] became the perfect environment to alleviate her resentment.

Thud…

Of course, starting studies late often carried her off to dreamland, but a beginning was half the battle.

‘Even I… shall live positively. Following your example.’

Kim Sarang thought optimistically. There was still time. Nothing irreversible had happened yet. Neither the academy incident nor Chong-i’s case. Because Eunha had helped her.

Now, it was time to learn how to handle things on her own.

‘Now, it is my turn to help. Just as you did for me.’

She resolved to summon her strength. She straightened her shoulders proudly, rising from her seat with a heart swelling with determination.

Thump!

“Cadet Kim Sarang. Class is ongoing.” “My apologies.”

Thud.

She sat back down. Deciding to summon just a little less strength. …….

“Ah, lunchtime. Shall we dine together?” “…….”

Lunch break. Awakening from sleep with beast-like reflexes, Kim Sarang left the classroom alongside the girl seated next to her.

Three students who had previously loitered around Kim Sarang—friendless as she was— those who had once attempted to deliver the “wooden box” at someone’s behest. She wasn’t sure if they even remembered. “…….”

After Eunha visited [Euncheon Academy], two of them had abruptly dropped out, vanishing as if fleeing from the academy. Now, only one girl remained beside Kim Sarang.

“…….” “Thou art ever silent.”

A girl with her mouth perpetually stuffed with something. Perhaps she had some sort of [X-ray Vision] skill.

The sound of her constant chewing grated on Kim Sarang’s ears. Yet since this girl silently stood by her side no matter what Kim Sarang said, she had somehow become her first friend, following her around all day.

“What dost thou munch upon so diligently?” “…….” “I understand. Even I sometimes hide snacks in my sleeves to eat secretly in class.” “…….” “…Fine, perhaps often.” “…….” “…Hmph. I abstain sometimes. This is my oath.” “…….” “Eating is necessary to stay awake, thou see.”

Her academy friend… Was she always this quiet? Kim Sarang thought positively.

Having a friend made the academy less loathsome.

“Today’s practical session will be conducted in groups of three. Gather with those who match your rhythm.” “Wh-what…!” “……!”

Slightly loathsome again. ……. …….

Ding~♬

Time passed, and evening arrived.

Having finished at [Euncheon Academy], Kim Sarang made a brief stop at Eunbyeong’s cafe.

“Come here!” “Hi, Sarang~! Eunha left early today!” “Shoo!”

Ding~♬

Confirming Eunha’s absence, Kim Sarang turned and left the cafe. Time to head home.

“Sarang~, shouldn’t you get a part-time job?” “I lack sufficient motivation.” “You’ll reconsider when you starve from lack of funds.”

Snap.

Soon, she was caught by the scruff of her neck by the cafe owner and forced into part-time work. After diligently completing her tasks, she finally left for home at closing time.

Fortunately, today, she only broke three coffee cups. Truly, people grow through learning. Unlike her clumsy first day, she could now skillfully break dishwashers with finesse.

Kim Sarang felt accomplished.

Woof… “Strategist Chong-i. Thou hast come to greet me again.”

She had returned home.

The elegant tiled walls. Opening the grand gate, she was greeted by the wagging tail of the Sapsal dog, Chong-i.

Lifting the ever-energetic Chong-i into her arms, Kim Sarang stepped inside. An ordinary day.

And now came her favorite moment.

“I entrust myself to thee once more.” Woof…

Holding Chong-i close, Kim Sarang opened the entrance to the main building.

Creak…

In that instant, a chilly breeze seeped through the sliding door’s gap. She stepped forward boldly.

“……Hmph.”

Entering the building, her gaze swept the surroundings. Instead of the familiar interior, she saw an “ancient wooden floor” covered in cobwebs.

An endlessly stretching corridor. Dark and silent air. A world of the grotesque. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[For the Trainees of the Mirinae Dojo]

– This dojo aims to cultivate a pure and beautiful mind and body. – With quiet dignity, we welcome your visit.

0. Kindness resides in one’s gaze, discipline in one’s attire. – Due to unavoidable circumstances, all trainees at Mirinae Dojo must wear standardized attire. – We kindly request your cooperation.

1. Understand the sorrow of the widow spider. – Cobwebs become cherished homes for some. – A single dewdrop sliding down a thread quenches our thirst. – Do not destroy cobwebs frivolously. – However, destroy those coated with droplets beneath the roof.

​

– For those are not mere cobwebs.

2. Know the lament of the left-handed swordsman. – The darkest room in Mirinae Dojo. – Even today, the left-handed swordsman guards his lord’s front. – Bereft of his right hand and head, yet never lacking in substitutes. – He shall never falter in his duty.

2-1. Seek the left-handed swordsman if you wish to learn martial arts. – He is a fine teacher for all. – Yet, moderation is key in all things. – Like the waning twilight’s wisdom—excess becomes poison.

​

3. Shiny floors are the best! – Shiny! Shiny! Shiny! Shiny! – Shiny! Shiny!…

~~ (Omitted) ~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kim Sarang, senses sharpened, set Chong-i down on the floor.

Her pounding heart ignited her competitive spirit. Shedding her school uniform in a flurry, she revealed her usual black martial arts attire.

In an instant, she had changed clothes and curled her lips into a smirk.

‘Today shall not be easy. My left-handed master.’

Kim Sarang’s favorite time. The first— Exploring the grotesque world.

Though she never mentioned it to avoid worrying Eunha, every night she entered the “Mirinae Dojo” to face her sword.

A perilous, secretive, shadowed place, where unknown “reclusive masters” lurked in its deepest depths.

For Kim Sarang, the sword-wielding monster forged from martial prowess, no “training ground” suited her better.

‘This is unmistakably a heretical blade… But I have vowed to grow stronger than anyone.’

Shhhhk—

Drawing her sword, Kim Sarang advanced cautiously.

The hilt in her grip was black. The “reversed cross keychain” dangling from its end swayed coldly.

Woof…

Chong-i, now accustomed to this place, lightly scanned the “cobwebs” overhead before following Sarang like a guardian.

“I entrust my back to thee.” “Woof…”

And so, having stuffed the majority of her already-small brain capacity with the “manual’s” rules, Kim Sarang recited the “rules” for survival as she walked the darkened corridor.

If only she put this effort into studying. ……. …….

Thus, time flew like an arrow for Kim Sarang.

Late at night.

“Sarang.” “Mother! I worried thou wouldst be late!”

Creak—

Her mother, Kim Hayang, returned home after work.

Kim Sarang’s second-most cherished time. Her mother’s return from duty.

Snap!

Having returned from the “Mirinae Dojo” and playing tug-of-war with Chong-i, she spat out the rope and stood up just as Kim Hayang silently approached and wrapped her arms around her in a tight embrace.

“—I’m home.”

Always the late-returning family. Yet never once unloved.

Though her mind was dull, her instincts were beast-sharp.

Woof…

Behind them, Chong-i tidied his toys and flopped onto the bed.

“Thy garb is bloodied. Didst thou battle someone?” “I won.” “Ah.”

Her mother’s snow-white uniform was stained crimson with someone’s blood. Unfazed, Kim Sarang buried her face into Kim Hayang’s chest.

“I heard thou took Eunha, my Dao Companion, from the cafe… How was it?” “It was pleasant.” “Nay—rather, did Eunha return home safely?” “Oh.”

Sensing slight peril, Kim Sarang corrected her question.

“…….”

A brief silence.

Kim Hayang, holding her family, fell into thought. Her mind recalled Eunha’s smiling face— how she had visited the Hunter Association’s detention center, fled from the terrifying [Beast], and ultimately escaped together.

“…….”

Her gaze drifted downward absentmindedly— to the corpse with its skull crushed by a massive hammer.

Crash.

Kim Hayang hugged Kim Sarang a little tighter.

‘Mother… troubled in thought?’

Kim Sarang was genuinely surprised. Her mother thinking over someone else’s question? That alone proved how dearly she valued Eunha.

‘Indeed. The more family, the better.’

Kim Sarang was happy. Lately, every day was joyous.

A new family member.

If she remembered correctly… Eunha had once promised to grant her one wish if she passed this “Promotion Exam.”

Kim Sarang, the beast, remembered.

What wish would bring happiness to everyone?

“……Hmm.”

Then, Kim Hayang emerged from her thoughts and opened her eyes.

Pupils shaped like a “reversed cross.” Her gaze, deep as the abyss, looked down at her.

“Sarang. There’s something I must discuss.” “Hmm.”

Words spilled out.

Kim Sarang wriggled free and made space. Spreading a floor cushion, sitting face-to-face, and placing Chong-i in the seat of honor.

A family meeting.

Woof…

From his elevated perch on stacked cushions, Chong-i let out a sigh.

“What dost thou wish to discuss?” “I want to officially bring Eunha into our family.” “Didst thou not say so before?” “I forgot.”

Bonk.

As if scripted, they bumped heads together. Their intelligence remained unchanged.

A trivial daily occurrence. One of many passing moments after an incident concluded.

“Should Eunha object, I’ll relent… but we never know who may target her. I wish to at least provide her sanctuary.”

A sentiment born of familial care.

So that Eunha, already struggling against the grotesque, might find respite in reality.

“I am to receive a ‘Wish Coupon.’ Shall we revisit the matter then?” “Understood… My gratitude, as always.” “‘Tis what family does.” “Woof…”

The three beasts, heads still touching, began drafting their plans. Not that they were particularly useful.

“—And, Sarang.” “Yes, Mother.” “Should the topic ever arise… refrain from mentioning Eunha’s ‘birth mother.’ Do not inquire, either.”

The conversation flowed. Like a pristine white wave.

Now that the Association’s chaos had settled, henceforth—

“Eunha’s birth mother… Thou knowest of her, then. Was she notable?” “Yes.” “What manner of person was she…?”

Two steps. Toward Polaris.

“—Long ago, there was a witch who bore the world’s collective hatred before vanishing.”

Thus, the story unfolded. ……. ……. …….

Deeeeeenng—

The bells heralding dawn tolled.

As night ended and morning arrived, Eunha awoke from deep slumber.

October’s sunrise. 6:30 AM.

Deeeeeenng—

Another refreshing morning.

Couldn’t they ring the bell just a little later?

“Please… I set my alarm for 7…”

Deeeeeenng—! Deeeeenng—!

Were they competing with smartphone alarms?

Eunha swept her messy hair aside and surveyed her surroundings.

Beyond the horizon, the rising sun bathed Eungcheon District in light as the dark night sky began to brighten.

No chirping insects, no singing birds—just the ninth-floor apartment stillness.

With effort, she rose, pushing aside the blanket draped over her shoulders.

‘Haah… Must be the abrupt waking. My chest feels heavy.’

Hugging her disproportionately large chest as she left the bed, Eunha noticed footprints stark against the chilled bedroom floor. The full-length mirror by the closet was frosted white.

“—Bathroom.”

Grabbing clothes haphazardly, Eunha glanced at the wide-open “iron door” embedded in the wall before mindlessly stepping into the living room.

The adjoining “black wooden door” leading to the neighboring unit was sealed shut by white frost.

“Awake?” “Yeees…”

Greeting the woman cooking breakfast in the kitchen, Eunha headed for the bathroom.

Slice. Slice.

The sound of meat being cut.

Meat for breakfast…? Can’t eat that.

“I don’t eat meat,” she mumbled half-attentively.

Entering the bathroom, she began brushing her teeth.

『…….』

Frost coated the bathroom mirror. Was the heating broken?

Scratch… Scratch…

Half-hearted brushing done, she endured a frigid shower before stepping back into the living room.

Though it wasn’t even 7 yet… Eunha dressed for the day.

She planned to play with [Doll Girl] before work. They hadn’t met lately due to her busy schedule.

With each passing day, her roster of “familiar grotesques” expanded, leaving less time to babysit the newer ones.

She briefly considered scheduling playdates by weekday—until remembering that grotesques came and went as they pleased.

So Eunha simply spoiled whichever little ones crossed her path whenever she had time.

‘What game will it be today…?’

She absentmindedly touched the “leather choker” around her neck—a gift from [Doll Girl].

The attached yellow bell made no sound, no matter how she fiddled with it.

…Not a saw, nor a flute.

Why had [Doll Girl] given this to her? No idea.

Shrugging it off, Eunha hugged her heavy chest and stepped into the hallway.

“I’m heading out.” “Take care.”

Clunk.

The day’s beginning.

Today would be ordinary too.

‘No suspicious objects in the apartment hallway… Good start.’

With a parting wave to the woman who followed her to the door, Eunha left home, dragging the suitcase containing the [Black Book].

“—Take care.”

Neither Kim Sarang nor Eunha noticed the subtle ways their “ordinary” lives were shifting.

Just another day in their routine.