Though there was an unexpected happening at the end, the rescue team got out with the fire pit. The magic circle under the fire pit went dim after Chi-Woo used it for the last time and stopped responding, so there was nothing more they could do with it. Overall, the expedition could be seen as a success. Even though they hadn’t expected anything, Dulia and Abis each got a piece of magic equipment as they wished. And above all, they survived. All this seemed to be grounds for a celebration, but the team’s mood was quite grim as they made their way back to the city. This was because Chi-Woo was pouring out murderous intent from all over his body as he stomped forward.

The team thought Chi-Woo had received a great final reward and didn’t know why he was acting this way, but they kept their mouths sealed. It was their first time seeing Chi-Woo this angry.

—I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.

Philip had been apologizing with clasped hands ever since they came out of the ritual site.

—It’s not Steam Bun’s fault. It’s mine. I secretly changed your order when you weren’t looking.

‘Don’t lie,’ Chi-Woo gritted his teeth. ‘Can that guy even see you in the first place?’

—It can and even hear me.

‘What?’

—It's carrying Balal, who has Kabal sleeping inside her. Did you not notice its changes after that?

Chi-Woo became speechless. After hearing Philip’s explanation, he realized that Steam Bun could’ve really not acted on its own. Still, that didn’t mean his anger had subsided; it simply changed directions.

‘Then is it you who I should blame?’ 

—Hm. I get that I was in the wrong…but is this something for you to get so upset about?

‘What?’

—No, I mean, think about it.

‘Ah, is it that you want to return to nothingness?...