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The rumors about the black puppy and the fairy-type monster spread like wildfire. At first, there were doubtful glances, but as more people claimed to have seen the clan leader personally walking the puppy and the fairy-type monster, the rumors started turning into reality. Ironically, even while walking them proudly, contradictory orders to keep quiet were issued.

“Just don’t let it get too big; the secret’s meant to stay within the clan.” Just as Kang Tae-jun wished, the rumors spread correctly within the clan, and a few days later, as those who had participated in the Neverland raid started returning one by one, the rumors began to change bit by bit. Though Kang Tae-jun tried to keep things hush-hush, that order only made it more obvious.

“……”

In the conference room, Kang Tae-ho, resting his chin on his hand, yawned, clearly bored, since the person supposed to be there hadn’t shown up yet.

“Hey, Team Leader, can you say something?”

“What, man?”

“You know about that, right? The rumors. You’ve heard, haven’t you? Is it true? Huh?”

The vice team leader, Lee Gi-jun, asked, prodding for information while Kang Tae-ho scratched his ear and sighed.

“Ugh. It’s annoyingly true.”

“Well, since you called us, I figured you’d share something.”

Just as Lee Gi-jun was about to express his surprise at the apparent acknowledgment, Kang Tae-jun walked in and took his place at the head of the table. Apart from the injured team leader of Team 3, Gu Jin-ha, all team leaders and vice team leaders gathered. Kang Tae-jun surveyed the room.

“Sorry for being late. Before we start the meeting…”

Upon looking at Ha Yeon, she lifted a box from under the table and opened it. A sharp, aromatic scent wafted out and filled the room.

“……!”

Even without seeing the contents, it was clear that it was an elixir. With wide eyes, Ha Yeon handed a root of ginseng to everyone present.

“You can take it yourself or pass it on to other clan members.”

However, external leaks were strictly prohibited. As the surprised executives accepted the elixir, before the joyful feelings could settle, Kang Tae-jun continued speaking.

“Let’s get to the point. I assume you’re all aware of the rumors circulating within the clan.”

“……”

The atmosphere grew tense again, and Hong Yu-ri clenched her jaw. Given the setting, she had to endure, even pinching her thigh.

“It’s true. The puppy present within the clan is indeed the Alpha.”

“……”

At Kang Tae-jun’s confirmation, someone gulped audibly. Anticipating this would happen, the shock wasn’t as great as expected.

“The Marang Alpha. And the fairy-type monster known as Ferry is currently with me.”

Kang Tae-jun then explained the reasons behind it. The knowledge possessed by the Alpha, and the pursuit of delinquents. To establish trust with the Alpha and verify if he could really be on our side.

“…Is it really okay?”

Even after the story ended, their expressions remained grim. Given the growth speed of the Alpha, in a year’s time, he might become an entity beyond humanity’s ability to handle. No, it was certain to happen. If he turned hostile then, who could stop him? That question bore the anxiety of such a possibility.

“That’s why we need time like now. Try to contact him and keep the conversations going. If you all can be convinced, then there won’t be any problem. By the way, the elixirs I just handed out are also from the Alpha.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yeah. They seemed effective.”

Seeing the rare look of satisfaction on Kang Tae-jun’s face left them startled. Following that, his gaze drifted toward Hong Yu-ri, who seemed to be sitting alone in the corner beside the empty seat of Team 3.

“Hong Yu-ri.”

“—Yeah.”

Her delayed response felt lacking, and Kang Tae-jun shook his head.

“The executives all know how you are, so you don’t need to pretend. I won’t blame you for hating the Alpha. Personal thoughts can’t be forced upon anyone.”

Kang Tae-jun’s calm voice suddenly turned cold.

“But if that emotion leads to failure in our endeavors… you’d better be prepared for consequences.”

With a stern expression, Hong Yu-ri bit her lip, nodding in agreement.

“I know how hard you’ve worked for the clan. I also understand your situation, so if you want, I can grant you leave. Taking a few days to gather your thoughts might not be a bad idea.”

“…I’m fine.”

“If that’s the case, shake it off as soon as possible. If you’re not considering giving up being a hunter. I’ll stop here. Be careful when discussing the Alpha. And let me know when Euna returns. There’s something I need to confirm.”

The executives nodded. As the meeting wrapped up, Kang Tae-jun and Ha Yeon were the first to exit, and Kang Tae-ho gestured for Lee Gi-jun to go first. Nodding, he left, and with only the two left in the conference room, Kang Tae-ho turned to Hong Yu-ri.

“Hey, you alright?”

Chewing her lip and unable to respond. Where had that bold character gone? Life really has twists at every turn. Just thinking about it made her tremble. Kang Tae-ho felt a cold sweat break out.

“Uh, don’t worry too much. Actually, I’ve drenched myself before too. About thirty or forty years ago, give or take?”

“……”

“So, look, I’ll keep your little accident a secret, so cheer up.”

As he patted her shoulder reassuringly, Hong Yu-ri’s trembling subsided. Kang Tae-ho nodded vigorously.

“Since the Alpha splashed some water on you, So-yul and those guys wouldn’t possibly know. Only me and that Alpha do. So, don’t be too down.”

“……”

“But wait a sec… you’re not suggesting that the last time you got soaked was because of seawater… right?!”

Her trembling resumed violently. As the crimson magic overflowed, Kang Tae-ho rushed out of the conference room in a panic, while Hong Yu-ri, left there trembling, clenched her fists and began chasing after him.

“You idiot! Is that supposed to be comfort?!”

As the chase began and time passed, Hong Yu-ri collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily. Logically speaking, how could she ever catch up with Kang Tae-ho? Ultimately, unable to catch the lumbering goofball, she gritted her teeth in frustration.

***

“Today, I’ve officially announced your presence within the clan.”

Though it was sooner than expected, I nodded calmly since I had heard this beforehand.

“It might not be immediate, but people will start approaching you one by one. I hope you don’t find it too bothersome. This is also to reassure them.”

“Can I revert to my original form then?”

Aren’t we past the point where it matters? Kang Tae-jun laughed bitterly.

“Even without intent, your true form invokes primal fear… Is it uncomfortable?”

I shook my head at that remark. Having spent time as a puppy, a dog or wolf form felt entirely natural. In fact, I wondered if I would even be able to walk on two legs now, given how accustomed I had become.

“Then I’d appreciate it if you could accommodate that. Not all members in the clan are hunters.”

His tone turned oddly polite. Was it the elixir that had been effective? Since merely transforming didn’t drain magic, I accepted it and opened a space to pull out the item I had. Kang Tae-jun nodded at the long white spear.

“So, you’ve kept the spear of the saint. Understood. I’ll make sure it gets returned.”

I nearly forgot to hand it over. If that could cover a debt with Euna, then why not? But there was still more to do. Extending a tentacle, I fetched another item, catching Kang Tae-jun’s attention.

“This is…?”

A hint of surprise. A long reaper’s scythe exuding a chilling aura. There are fewer than ten of them in the whole world. Even though it’s a hassle to wield as a weapon, considering it’s the scythe of executioners from the territorial boss in Neverland, it doesn’t matter. After all, it was capable of decapitating Baphomet while in Gangsiny form. Any ordinary weapon would be utterly meaningless against this scythe.

“It’s fine to keep it, but I hope you can help find someone.”