Location: Southern Outskirts – Forbidden Forest Region
Elder Myung Jin's private orders were simple:
> "Investigate the corrupt spiritual zone near Withered Flame Forest. Do not die."
That was it.
No scroll. No map. No support.
Which was fine. Jinhyuk preferred it that way.
---
The Forest
Ash fell like snow. Trees twisted in unnatural spirals, glowing with dim violet veins. The scent of rot and something… chemical filled the air.
> [New Area Detected: Corrupted Alchemical Zone]
[Warning: Unknown spiritual compounds detected – System adapting]
[Quest Triggered: "Discover the source of the corruption."]
Jinhyuk stepped deeper, expression cold, but senses alert.
And then—
The beast came.
A three-headed wolf, its fur clumped with glowing moss and oozing purple slime, burst from the trees.
> [Level 77 – Mutated Spirit Beast: Venom Howler]
It roared, one head spitting acid.
Jinhyuk dodged and countered with a sweep of his palm.
> [Shadow Flame Palm – Core Focused: Dual Burn]
The beast exploded mid-snarl.
But someone clapped behind him.
---
The Encounter
A slender woman stepped from behind a thorn tree, untouched by the corruption. Dressed in ink-black robes, silver threads twining her sleeves like vines.
Her violet eyes studied him like a subject in a lab.
"You killed it too quickly," she said flatly.
"I was supposed to let it bite me?"
"...Most do."
She tilted her head, amused.
"I'm Lin Xianyi. You're not from around here, are you?"
"Does it matter?"
"It does when you walk into my testing zone."
Jinhyuk's eyes narrowed. "You made this?"
"No. I'm refining it."
She stepped closer, pulling out a small porcelain bottle and flicking it toward him. A haze of black mist shot out—
> [System Alert: Neurotoxin Inhaled]
[Adapting… Complete]
[Status: Stable]
He didn't even flinch.
Her eyes widened slightly. "…Interesting."
---
Chemistry
"Who are you really?" she asked, more curious than suspicious.
"Someone you'll regret provoking," he replied.
But instead of retreating, she smiled faintly.
"Bold. I like that. Most men beg me for the antidote by now."
Jinhyuk stepped closer, his gaze cold and amused.
"I don't need an antidote."
She blinked. For the first time in years… a flicker of interest danced behind her gaze.
> [Affinity with Lin Xianyi: +5 (Intrigued)]
[Title Unlocked: "The One Who Didn't Beg"]
[Relationship Status: Dangerous Curiosity]
---
The Alliance
By the end of their conversation, Lin Xianyi agrees to temporarily travel with Jinhyuk—to see what else he can endure, and because the corrupted beasts are acting stranger than even she predicted.
And maybe, just maybe…
Because she wants to see what's hidden under that emotionless face.
---