The one who opened the door and waved his hand.

As I looked at Mongmong, my expression didn’t change.

His light green hair, bright and cheerful demeanor, and slightly flushed eyes were exactly the same as when I had seen him earlier in the day.

“It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, hasn’t it?”

“It hasn’t been that long, really.”

“Hahaha, is that so? Well, if you say so, then that’s how it is.”

He still had that air of being completely out of his mind. He seemed ridiculously excited for some reason, as though everything was perfect in his world.

How had he appeared so suddenly? That thought didn’t even cross my mind.

‘I knew he’d be nearby anyway.’

I hadn’t tried to sense his presence, but I was sure he’d been watching me from somewhere.

‘He’s definitely been keeping an eye on me.’

Ever since I started suspecting him, I knew he wouldn’t stay far. Even if he had briefly left to check something, he would’ve returned to confirm more.

And, as I thought:

‘I was right.’

It seemed my assumption had been spot on. He had indeed been watching me.

Acknowledging that, I spoke to him.

“You don’t seem like someone from around here. Are you sure it’s okay for you to waltz into a prison like this?”

“Huh?”

Mongmong tilted his head in response to my words. His innocent mannerisms matched his appearance, making him seem almost too naive.

However.

“Come on, there’s nowhere in this place I can’t go.”

Despite his harmless demeanor, I couldn’t even begin to fathom what was hidden within that small frame of his.

“You already know, don’t you?”

“...”

Mongmong smiled as he spoke to me. His words made me pause briefly.

“You heard it from the Black family’s kid, didn’t you? Who I am.”

“...Yes, I heard.”

“Hahaha. Fascinating.”

Mongmong stepped closer to the bars, looking directly at me.

“Yet, even knowing who I am, you still keep your head held high. How is that possible?”

His light green pupils «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» narrowed vertically.

The moment I saw that, every hair on my body stood on end.

A chill ran down my spine. If I hadn’t controlled myself, I might have shattered the shackles and assumed a defensive stance on instinct.

Something stirred within my chest.

It didn’t like his demeanor, as if it were ready to burst forth and demand that I crush him, force him to bow, and make him lower his head.

I gritted my teeth and suppressed it with effort.

‘Why does this guy keep doing this?’

He was inciting something within me, something that screamed to dominate him.

Still, I managed to keep myself under control and prepared to bow my head in deference.

But before I could act—

“Ah, don’t do that. I was just joking.”

Mongmong cut me off before I could move.

“Hey, I don’t like that kind of thing. Relax, okay?”

“...”

What a strange guy.

He didn’t stop me until I actually tried to act.

‘He was testing me.’

If I hadn’t moved, what would’ve happened?

I had a feeling the result wouldn’t have been favorable.

“Anyway, Cheol Ji-seon.”

“...?”

“Cheol Ji-seon?”

“Oh, yes.”

I responded belatedly, remembering the alias I was using. I had almost forgotten.

“Hmm.”

Mongmong gave me a peculiar look.

He didn’t seem suspicious, exactly.

Rather, it felt like he was silently saying:

‘If you’re going to use a fake name, at least commit to it properly.’

‘This guy isn’t easy.’

I nearly let out a bitter laugh. He might act cheerful and foolish, but there was a sharpness in his eyes that couldn’t be ignored.

He was observing me, analyzing every move and word. His demeanor and even his breaths suggested he wasn’t here just for a casual visit.

Eventually, Mongmong chuckled.

“Well, whatever.”

He acted as though it wasn’t important, but I wasn’t fooled.

‘Like hell it’s “whatever.”’

I could tell he was still trying to figure something out about me, so I didn’t let my guard down.

“Ah, it’s nothing much. I just made a bit of a mistake earlier, didn’t I?”

“You did.”

“...Ah... yeah, I did.”

My nonchalant agreement caught him off guard, making him hesitate momentarily.

“Well, because of that, I was wondering if you needed any help. I could lend you a hand.”

“Help me...?”

Feigning interest, I looked at him and spoke.

“How would you help me?”

“I’ll do whatever you want.”

“Would you let me out of here if I asked?”

“Oh, sure. That’s no problem at all.”

“Do you think the leader of this place would approve of that?”

“Huh?”

Mongmong tilted his head in genuine confusion at my question.

“Why would I need their approval?”

He spoke as though the idea was utterly incomprehensible.

“This land is mine anyway. There’s no need for such formalities.”

“...I see.”

I nodded, sensing the sheer weight of his confidence in that simple statement.

‘I’m starting to get a clearer picture.’

I was beginning to understand what kind of person he was.

Still, the details were too thin for me to draw any solid conclusions.

‘He’s still wearing a thick mask.’

Peeling it off would require a carefully executed plan—not something to rush into just yet.

“So, what do you want me to do?”

His demeanor made it seem like he was genuinely willing to grant any request.

His overly pure and almost unsettlingly earnest expression only added to the unease.

“Hmm.”

I pretended to consider his offer for a moment before speaking.

“I’m fine.”

“Huh?”

Mongmong’s eyes widened in surprise at my refusal. It was clear he hadn’t expected it.

“Why? Why are you refusing? I said I’d help.”

“I don’t really need anything, and I don’t want to impose.”

“Come on, it’s not an imposition. I’m offering because I want to.”

“Even so...”

“Don’t worry about it. Just tell me what you want!”

“...Hmm.”

He seemed almost desperate for me to ask for his help. It made me wonder why.

“...In that case.”

I carefully adjusted my tone and spoke, watching his reaction closely.

“Could you arrange a meeting with this place’s leader?”

“Huh? The leader?”

Mongmong tilted his head again, clearly puzzled by the request.

“Yes, the leader.”

“Why?”

“If I’m going to ask to be let out, I’d rather make the request directly. I also have some things I want to discuss.”

“Things you want to discuss...”

Mongmong narrowed his eyes slightly at my words. I observed him carefully.

Asking to meet the leader out of the blue would naturally raise suspicion.

I knew Mongmong was watching me closely, but I had chosen this approach deliberately.

‘What will you do?’

I wanted to see how he would react.

“...Hmm.”

After a long pause, Mongmong finally spoke.

“Fine, I’ll arrange it.”

“...”

Mongmong nodded lightly, accepting the request. Seeing that, I clicked my tongue internally.

‘I can’t read him.’

He acted so innocently that it suited him perfectly.

Yet, I had no idea what he was really thinking deep down.

He was, without a doubt, a difficult opponent to face.

And beyond that:

‘...His presence is growing stronger.’

Perhaps it was because it was nighttime, but I could feel Mongmong’s aura gradually becoming more pronounced.

I recalled what Noya had told me:

“The Moonlit Night Tribe grows stronger at night, and each general possesses their own authority.”

If that were true, then this Mongmong—no, Yusa—was not only growing stronger at night but also had some unique power of his own.

If so...

‘Would I stand a chance against him in a fight at night?’

It was a fundamental question.

I had felt something similar when I saw the leader of this place. Could I defeat these people of the night?

That question remained unanswered.

So, as I looked at Mongmong in front of me, I pondered once more.

‘Could I kill him?’

I studied him closely, thinking about that possibility.

‘Tsk...’

The more I looked, the more frustrated I became.

I couldn’t get a clear read on him. Not being able to grasp his true strength was proof that he was formidable.

‘I guess it’s too early to tell.’

Even if I were in perfect condition, I wasn’t sure.

At least for now, it didn’t seem like the right time.

“Alright, should I go fetch them now?”

“...Yes, please.”

“Great! Just wait here for a bit!”

Mongmong finished speaking and stepped out, closing the door behind him.

His presence vanished almost immediately.

Sensing that, I focused a little harder.

Had he truly left? Or was he hiding somewhere nearby?

I waited a little longer, and once I was confident, I activated my energy.

Whirr!

Power surged from my heart, and I used it to shatter the shackles on my arms.

Crack!

With a crisp sound, the restraints broke apart.

My hands and body were free, and the suppression on my energy disappeared.

I clenched my fists to confirm it.

Hisssss.

It wasn’t so much lighting a fire as it was concentrating heat.

I focused that heat into my palms until they were scorching hot.

Then—

Ssssss---!!!!

I lightly gripped the bars, and they began to melt.

Using that, I tore off the ends.

Creak!

After squeezing through the opening, I grabbed the detached bars and reattached them.

Since they had been melted off, welding them back in place was simple.

With careful control of the heat, I ensured the repair left no trace.

“All done.”

After securing the bars, I turned to Cheonma, who sat quietly watching me.

Looking at her, I said:

“Remember what I told you earlier?”

Cheonma nodded.

“Just stay put, and if anything happens, follow what I said.”

“...When will they come?”

“Probably not too long.”

“What if they don’t come? Can I go find them?”

“...”

Finding them, in her mind, likely meant ripping the bars apart and breaking out.

That was a problem.

“If I say no, will you hold back?”

“...”

No response.

I sighed at her silence.

“Do your best to stay put.”

With that, I reached into my sleeve.

[It really won’t take long.]

I pulled out a black martial robe and a cracked white mask, placing the mask over my face.