Chapter 107

Seorin couldn’t hide her bewilderment as Somtul suddenly vanished into thin air. It wasn’t like they just disappeared—they popped out of existence like a balloon bursting!

Unable to process this, Seorin flailed her hands in the empty space before turning to me with a puzzled look.

“Somtul’s gone…?”

I nodded solemnly and suggested it might be a ghost. But Seorin, ever the pragmatist, waved off the idea with a flick of her hand.

“Ghosts? Hae-un, there’s no such thing. Maybe some unknown mana-based creature, but ghosts? No way.”

She crossed her arms confidently, dismissing the supernatural altogether. I decided to humor her and posed another question.

“If not ghosts, then perhaps a monster infiltrated the guild?”

“Ahh…”

Her face fell as she processed the implications. Clutching me tightly, Seorin scanned the area nervously.

“This is bad, isn’t it?”

I agreed wholeheartedly. While monsters weren’t exactly terrifying—most here were hunters after all, capable of turning the tables on any ambush—the real issue was how one had breached the Guild’s supposedly impenetrable security. This wasn’t just an intrusion; it was a glaring flaw in their defenses.

Thinking quickly, I suggested we investigate further. Seorin hesitated for a moment before nodding.

“You’re right. We should definitely check this out. Give me a sec—I’ll call Arin.”

As she dialed Han Arin, I felt an odd sensation tugging at my senses from afar. Though nothing appeared visible, something felt…off. Pointing in that direction, I urged Seorin to investigate.

“Over there?”

With a quick nod, Seorin tapped away on her phone before pocketing it and scooping me up again.

“Alright, let’s go. Hold tight, kiddo.”

Despite my protests about walking normally, Seorin insisted on carrying me as we approached the source of the strange feeling. The evening air seemed heavy, almost conspiratorial, amplifying our unease.

Could it be my imagination playing tricks? Or was there truly something lurking in the shadows?

Just as I was about to suggest retreating, a sudden flash of white caught my eye—a tuft of fur erupting from the ground!

“BEEP!”

It was Somtul—or at least what *looked* like Somtul. Startled, I let out a high-pitched squeak, prompting Seorin to pat my back soothingly.

“It’s okay, I’m here.”

Still annoyed by her teasing chuckle, I pouted silently. Seorin, unfazed, cuddled me closer and began rubbing my cheeks affectionately.

“Well, whatever it is, let’s see if it sticks around. Come here, mystery creature.”

Summoning her best authoritative tone, Seorin beckoned toward the ghostly Somtul (presumed). Instead of responding, however, the little fluffball let out a panicked chirp and bolted!

“Pee-YAAK!”

Neither of us expected the alleged ghost to flee so dramatically. Exchanging bemused glances, we took off after it without hesitation.

“Hey, wait!” I called out, though the fleeing figure paid no heed.

Seorin dashed ahead with impressive speed, fueled partly by adrenaline and partly by sheer curiosity. When I questioned why she didn’t use mana to catch up faster, she grimaced sheepishly.

“Well…if I use mana, it might explode or something? Better safe than sorry.”

Good point. Just as I nodded in agreement, Seorin abruptly halted, scanning the vicinity intently.

“If it disappeared here, maybe its origin is nearby. Hae-un, do you sense anything?”

Closing my eyes, I focused on the peculiar vibe lingering in the air. After a moment, I pointed toward a specific spot. Without hesitation, Seorin sprinted forward.

Our journey led us straight to my Lair, glowing eerily under the moonlight.

“What’s with the light show?” I murmured skeptically. Though my Lair often emitted faint luminescence due to various magical artifacts, tonight’s brilliance seemed unusually intense.

Curious—and slightly apprehensive—we ventured inside. To our astonishment, countless Somtuls swarmed the chamber, materializing left and right.

“Peep! Peep~ Peeeeeeng?”

Seorin, ever the documentarian, whipped out her phone and started filming the spectacle.

“My guess? This has something to do with Seoa.”

A reasonable assumption, given recent events. I nodded in agreement as Seorin edged closer to inspect the situation.

“They don’t seem hostile, but better safe than sorry. Let’s figure out what triggered this.”

As we explored further, I noticed something unusual among the swarm: a single Somtul adorned with a flower atop its head.

“That one looks different,” I remarked, pointing it out to Seorin.

“Hmm? Oh yeah, that flower—it’s the same kind Kamangi gave us earlier!”

Intrigued, I gestured for Seorin to approach the decorated Somtul. As she drew nearer, the fluffy critter leapt toward me with surprising agility.

“Peeeeep!” (We’re friends!)

The sudden declaration of friendship caught me off guard. Ghosts one moment, buddy-buddy the next? What a mood swing! Unable to resist its charm, I reluctantly embraced the chilly yet soft bundle of fluff.

“Not because I want to…” I muttered defensively, stroking its fur absentmindedly.

“Peep!” (Thank you!)

Encouraged by my affection, the Somtul wiggled happily, swaying the flower on its head. Feeling somewhat endeared, I decided to engage in conversation.

“How did you come to be? Who are you?”

“Peep-ik! Peeeeep!” (I was born to protect the World Tree!)

Ah, so they were created to safeguard Seegaesu—better known as Seoa. That explained a lot. Encouraged by their purpose, I pressed further.

“And why were you born here?”

“Peep! Peep!” (This place is perfect for birth!)

Their response warmed my heart. If they found my Lair cozy and secure enough for creation, then surely it was worthy of hosting them. Smiling smugly, I turned to Seorin, who now wore a contemplative expression.

“All well and good, but how will the Guild react to these mysterious creatures?”

Indeed, the Guild’s reception of endless Somtuls remained uncertain. Seorin pondered this dilemma before brightening noticeably.

“Hae-un, if anyone complains about keeping them, just say we’ll send them to Grandma Leseia. Got it?”

Wait, what?! Surely resorting to Leseia’s aid should be a last resort…

“Then everything will work out. Probably.”

Her hesitant addition of “probably” only heightened my anxiety. Still, I trusted her judgment—for now.

And so, amidst the chaos of glowing lairs and chatty Somtuls, life carried on, one curious encounter at a time.