The woman leaned in so close he could feel her breath.
For some reason, she was still smiling, as if this were the most entertaining thing in the world.
That confirmed it.
She was insane.
He slowly raised his right index finger and brought it to her forehead. She lowered her gaze slightly, eyes following his finger.
"And what does this mean?"
"Not Bruce Lee's one-inch punch," he replied flatly. "It means please leave."
He gently pushed her back by the forehead.
She retreated along with the pressure, bending backward obediently.
Thank God. At least she didn't brace herself and resist.
Tap tap tap tap tap tap tap.
Using Grandmaster Damomo's secret technique, he repeatedly mashed the elevator close button.
Naturally, he made sure she couldn't see him doing it. No way was he letting her notice he was rattled.
He half-expected her hand to shoot out again, but thankfully, she just stood there with both hands clasped behind her back.
"That's Roche. Let's meet again."
She offered her name and a bright smile.
Thud.
The doors finally closed.
He let out a long breath.
"Captain."
"Yeah?"
"She's completely nuts."
"Agreed."
Honestly, she was scarier than a monster.
"It's dangerous out there these days. They say the world's full of beasts once you step outside. Blink wrong and someone will take your eyes."
"You're right. We'd better be careful."
"So when we get upstairs, lobster?"
"Yeah. Let's check out the room, then head into the Tower."
"Sounds perfect."
He idly petted fluffy Kancho and leaned against the elevator wall.
Running into someone that bizarre the moment they arrived?
Coincidence? Or related to what Dominic had mentioned earlier?
Ding!
The elevator reached the top floor.
Before stepping out, he carefully checked his surroundings.
After meeting someone like that, caution was mandatory.
Once he confirmed no one was there, he stepped out.
"Holy—"
"It's amazing!"
They both gaped at the ultra-luxurious suite spread out before them.
No wonder the top floor had only one room.
Calling it a suite felt understated. It was a penthouse.
"There's a pool!"
"What?!"
He hurried after Kancho.
It was technically a bath, but large enough to qualify as a swimming pool.
He immediately turned on the water so Kancho could swim to his heart's content.
Then he walked to the window and took in the panoramic view.
The word incredible slipped out of his mouth.
"Why is Kancho swimming alone?!"
"You little rascal! In a bath like this, elders go first!"
One by one, the others manifested.
"Move. That spot's mine."
"I was here first."
"You want to make me remove you?"
"You can try."
Darc and Renya were already glaring at each other, veins bulging.
Not far away, Seira observed the scene while calmly sipping tea.
"Mud fights are always the most entertaining," she murmured to herself.
Fwoooosh.
Smoke drifted up beside him.
He had to admit—
With this ridiculous view, if he were a smoker, he wouldn't be able to resist lighting one.
"Master."
"Yeah?"
"Be wary of that woman."
"You think she's crazy too?"
"She strolled through a sea thick with death as if she were taking a leisurely walk."
"That's even scarier."
"It's been a while since I've seen someone that close to death."
"Close to death?"
"She hasn't merely killed many. She herself stands on the edge—balanced on a line so thin she could fall at any moment."
Camilla exhaled another stream of smoke.
"A person who does not fear her own death is always dangerous. There's no need to involve yourself with her."
"I won't. Honestly, I had a feeling. Her eyes were clear, but there was something... off."
"Physiognomy?"
"More like instinct."
Camilla nodded.
"Instinct should never be ignored."
With her pipe between her lips, she gazed out the window.
"The scenery is beautiful. And yet the air carries the scent of war."
"So Dominic wasn't exaggerating."
"How exciting. This journey—"
"Why are you smoking like it's nothing?!"
"Kuhk!"
Kancho came flying out of nowhere and drop-kicked Camilla in the stomach.
She fell flat on her backside, water dripping from her.
He broke out in a cold sweat.
Was it really okay to drop-kick a divine shaman who read the heavens?
"You little demon!"
"What are you calling a heretic?!"
The pipe and slingshot swung wildly.
At this point, those counted as close-range weapons.
He quietly stepped back.
At least they seemed to get along.
"Ughhhh."
He stretched deeply and flopped onto the sofa.
Today's objectives: the 71st floor of the Tower of Despair and the 15th floor of the Tower of Myth.
They'd start with the Tower of Myth.
There was plenty to do there.
He turned to Seira.
She'd told him to come when he was ready.
He clenched his fist.
He was mentally prepared to get beaten senseless.
Today, no matter what, he would achieve it—
Intermediate Black Knight Swordsmanship.
First floor of Hotel Resed Hill.
In front of the elevator leading to the Oriental Suite.
More than ten minutes had passed since Jinhyuk went upstairs, yet Roche still stood there.
She tilted her head at the closed doors.
"Was I mistaken?"
She lifted her hand and touched her forehead where his finger had pressed.
Then brought it to her nose.
She sniffed it twice before sticking out her tongue and licking it.
"Hard to tell."
Was that the smell of blood?
Or not?
Should she be wary of him?
Or not?
He looked ordinary. Harmless, even.
But it felt like there was something else beneath the surface.
"You can't dismiss it outright."
Her lips curled upward.
Jinhyuk had noticed her long before she placed a hand on his shoulder.
And yet, he had pretended not to.
Why?
Because he couldn't be bothered?
Or because he didn't want anyone to discover the sensitivity of his instincts?
'No one's ever caught on. Not once.'
If it had been anyone else, they wouldn't have noticed.
The shift had been subtle—almost imperceptible.
Roche tapped her fingers as she thought.
Perhaps because she'd been standing there so long, the hotel manager approached her.
"My apologies again. The Oriental Suite has already been checked into. May I assist you with another room?"
"Yes."
"Which room would you prefer—"
Roche pointed upward.
"The room closest to the Oriental Suite."
She smiled.
Yoo Jinhyuk had arrived here at this exact time and place on a Black Wings private jet.
Coincidence?
Or not?
She needed to find out.
And aside from that—
He intrigued her.
A man who treated her like a pebble.
What exactly was he hiding?
Reykjavík Airport.
Dominic, who had been waiting, checked his watch.
By now, the Black Wings mechanics should have finished their inspection.
But they were nowhere to be seen.
He tried calling them.
No answer.
This was beyond late.
If he delayed any further, it would become a problem.
He stood and approached an airport staff member.
"I'm Dominic, captain of Black Wings."
"Yes, hello."
When he explained the situation, the staff member looked troubled.
"They're currently busy inspecting another aircraft. Support won't be available until tomorrow."
"Busy?"
Dominic slowly surveyed the airport.
It was practically deserted.
Even the number of planes parked outside was far fewer than usual.
He was about to ask more when—
Flash.
A glint of reflected light caught his attention.
From the direction of their private jet, Palace of the Sky.
"Is something wrong?"
"May I return to the aircraft briefly?"
"If you could wait here while I check on a mechanic—"
"That won't be possible."
The smile faded from the staff member's face.
Dominic turned and walked toward the Palace of the Sky.
Black Wings' duty wasn't limited to transporting VIPs.
They were also responsible for safeguarding the aircraft entrusted to them.
"Ah, our personnel have just arrived. We'll accompany you."
The same staff member and five or six mechanics followed behind him.
A strange tension settled in the cool air.
When they reached the aircraft, Dominic stopped.
Even a fool could tell.
Someone was inside the plane that was supposed to be empty.
Dominic exhaled quietly.
Then turned around and clasped his hands in front of him.
"I'm curious why you're doing this."
"There's no need for curiosity. Just wait here a little longer. Once we finish inspecting the plane, everything will be fine."
Perhaps because the mask had slipped, three or four others who had been hiding around the Palace of the Sky revealed themselves.
They surrounded Dominic.
"You know this aircraft belongs to Black Wings. Conducting an unauthorized search—can you bear the consequences?"
"That's for us to handle. If you object to the inspection, then disclose information about the VIP who entered today and the purpose of their visit."
"Inspection, then."
The staff member smirked.
"Thought so."
"Let me ask again. Where are the Black Wings mechanics?"
"They've been detained at a checkpoint. They'll be released once we're done here."
"I'd rather accept inspection than hand over VIP information. But that doesn't mean I've granted permission."
"Stop stalling—"
Crack!!
The sentence never finished.
A fist slammed into his face, sending him flying.
The others' eyes widened.
How could such a thin, frail-looking man produce that kind of strength?
Adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses, Dominic spoke calmly.
"In accordance with Black Wings' rules of engagement, I will use force to protect our VIP's aircraft. Don't worry. I won't kill you."
"Y-you lunatic!"
They rushed him all at once.
The outcome was the same.
Bodies flew in all directions as they were subdued almost instantly.
Dominic walked over to the first man he'd punched.
"Ugh…"
The man struggled to rise.
Dominic held out his phone.
"Call and have the Black Wings mechanics released. I cannot kill you under our rules of engagement. However…"
His gaze slowly traveled down the man's limbs.
"I can make sure you never walk again."
Knowing he meant every word, the man clenched his teeth and took the phone.
While he made the call, Dominic lifted his head and looked out over the darkened Icelandic night.
This level of security.
What exactly was here?
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T/N:
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