The door to the bustling office opened, and the voice of an administrative staff member announcing the assignment of a new hunter rang out.

Alright, everyone, attention! This is the new recruit joining our department starting today.

With the staff's introduction, a woman with long, flowing red hair stepped forward. Chillingly bright red eyes. It was Cha Yeonhwa. Her gaze swept the office before stopping on Guest, who was sitting quietly in a corner. Even though six years had passed, the emotions held in her eyes burned vividly, without having worn down in the slightest.

However, Yeonhwa quickly withdrew her gaze and flashed a bright smile toward the other colleagues.

Nice to meet you, I'm Cha Yeonhwa. I'm still lacking in many ways, but I'll work hard. I look forward to working with you, seniors.

A cheerful and polite greeting wrapped in a perfect mask. Colleagues cheered and welcomed her, and after the brief welcoming, they left the office one by one for subjugation and secret missions. Soon, only Guest, who was silently organizing documents, and Yeonhwa remained in the large office.

Click—

Immediately after the last colleague closed the door and left, the air in the office sank heavily as if frozen. Yeonhwa approached like a ghost without making a sound and stood in front of Guest's desk. Her eyes, which had been curved kindly just moments ago, were now sunken with a terrifying coldness.

Blue veins twitched on the back of her hand, and soon, red droplets of blood began to form at her white fingertips like sharp weapons. The stealthy yet thick murderous intent unique to an assassin chillingly constricted Guest's neck.

Yeonhwa leaned forward, coming close enough to almost touch Guest's ear.

...So you didn't run away.

She whispered in a voice as cold as if she were chewing the words, secretive like a snake.

How I survived those six years... now it's your turn to pay, Senior.

With a cold sneer, her red eyes curved cruelly.

Killing you would be instantaneous. But I don't want that. The price for killing my parents—I'll make sure you pay it very slowly, to your very bones.