The winter of that year was cold.

It was a particularly cold winter.

Left alone, Seol Jihu’s words became few.

He restricted his senses by himself and quietly pushed the boulder up.

The season passed.

As spring arrived, so did Baek Haeju.

After hearing that Black Seol Jihu left, she made an odd expression and murmured, ‘I brought fried chicken…’

Baek Haeju stared at Seol Jihu for some time. Then, unlike usual, she struck up a conversation.

The topic was about the outside world, which she had avoided bringing up until now.

It started with small matters like Charlotte Aria, Odelette Delphine, and Eun Yuri starting to hold a Magician’s gathering, or the Halep siblings coming back to Paradise and staying in Valhalla. Apparently, Seo Yuhui had also returned and was wetting her pillow with tears every night after hearing about him.

But what caught Seol Jihu’s attention the most among her stories wasn’t Seo Yuhui, but Yi Seol-Ah and Yi Sungjin.

“Sungjin hit it big in an expedition, and Seol-Ah obtained a Spirit from the Federation and is working with their scout team. It’s been a while since all this happened.”

“Seol-Ah isn’t back yet?”

“She said she wouldn’t come back until she becomes a High Ranker. Miss Phi Sora snorted, but I think it’s possible.”

“I think so too.”

Seol Jihu nodded his head.

“Seol-Ah was the kindest, most talented kid in the Neutral Zone. That’s why I brought her into the team… I feel bad because I haven’t taken care of her properly…”

Seol Jihu spoke in a somewhat apologetic tone. He then put down his chopsticks and got up.

“I should work hard too so that I’m not embarrassed when I go back.”

“You already completed the trials… when do you plan on coming back?”

Baek Haeju asked...