An’s Residence, Seoul

Sunday, November 23rd, 2025

In the warm glow of a sunlit room, Wonyoung's nimble fingers glided across the sleek surface of her tablet. The soft hum of productivity filled the air as she immersed herself in the intricacies of various projects, meticulously reviewing emails and crafting thoughtful revisions for proposals. The focus on her tablet abruptly shifts when she senses movement on her lap, drawing her attention to Yujin, who is peacefully sleeping on her lap.

Gently, Wonyoung's fingers shifted from the digital world to the delicate strands of Yujin's hair. The tenderness of her touch spoke volumes as Yujin snuggled closer. This tender scene marked an unusual routine. Usually, Wonyoung would playfully scold Yujin for napping shortly after breakfast. However, on this particular morning, a sense of peace surrounded them, allowing Yujin to rest peacefully, her face nestled against Wonyoung's stomach.

“Wonie...” In the hushed intimacy, Yujin's voice, tinged with drowsiness, broke the silence.

“Hmm?” Responding with a soft and affectionate tone, Wonyoung cupped Yujin's cheek, caressing it gently. “You're still sleepy, hmmm,” she whispered, observing Yujin's yawn and the delicate rub of her eyes.

“It's Sunday, right?” Yujin asked in a hoarse voice.

“And?”

“Why are you still working?” Yujin questioned Wonyoung's decision to work on a Sunday with a pout, expressing her dissatisfaction with the situation.

Wonyoung's smile, filled with understanding and affection, acknowledged the unspoken nuances of their relationship. The older girl seemed to forget what she had done last night. Yujin had only slept at dawn after completing her work, leaving Wonyoung alone in the quiet room.

“Tomorrow morning, I have to fly to Osaka to check the Victory project preparations. I need to finalize my work before this evening. We will do our first mission after that.” Wonyoung, however, responds with a calm smile, indicating her dedication to her responsibilities and that the impending business trip to Osaka will be her priority now.

Yujin pouted, but didn't continue her protest. She changed her position to bury her face in Wonyoung's stomach again.

“But tomorrow, I'll also leave for Alaska, and we won't meet until Friday. Then I'll have to part ways with you again after the Circa release. I shouldn't have agreed to that troublesome MV concept.” Yujin mumbled, making Wonyoung giggle. She hadn't expected Yujin to be bothered by that. However, Yujin looked adorable when she was being clingy like this.

The emotional depth of the scene deepens when Yujin voices her concerns about their upcoming separation due to work commitments.

“Kindly remind you, you're the one who gave the revision for the MV concept, Babe.” Wonyoung's giggle at Yujin's unexpected distress adds a touch of lightness, highlighting the couple's ability to find joy even in challenging situations.

“I had to revise it because UnityProject wanted to use eleven countries as shooting locations. They must be hella crazy to go to eleven countries for one MV. Such a waste of money.” Yujin huffed. “I understand if they want a short movie for the Solstice MV, but it's still difficult for me to finish it in a short time. Not to mention, I have to part with you every week until Christmas.”

“I thought you'd be fine parting with me for a while.”

Yujin shook her head.

“Since dating you, even since you returned to Seoul, almost every day I spent with you. I'm getting used to it, and now we're getting busier. I think I have to get used to not seeing you by my side.”

“Four days are not long, Sweetheart, and I'm sure you'll be busy with your work and forget about me like last night.” Wonyoung laughed as she heard Yujin groan when she . “I'll contact you every day, and I'll hug you as tightly as possible when you come back.” Wonyoung leaned down and gave a kiss on the tip of Yujin's nose, laughing at Yujin's pouting face. She looked at the older girl who had filled her days for the past few weeks, gently Yujin's cheek with her thumb.

Despite the impending separation, Wonyoung reassures Yujin with playful teasing and promises of constant communication and affection upon their reunion.

“Would you like to go on vacation to Hawaii with me after you finish the Solstice MV?” Wonyoung asked with sparks in her eyes. “You don't like winter, and we can vacation in Hawaii during the winter. We can go after Christmas and celebrate New Year's in Hawaii.”

The suggestion of a post-MV vacation to Hawaii became a beacon of hope amid their hectic schedules. Yujin nodded in response, and Wonyoung's joyous reaction to the playful shower of kisses conveyed a sense of optimism and love, showcasing the resilience of their relationship.

Yujin giggles at Wonyoung's antics. She cupped Wonyoung's face to give her a proper kiss. In this kind of situation, where the lines between personal and professional blur, they need to communicate their intertwined lives. Every word between them and every touch they shared reflected a tapestry of emotions, from the tender to the playful, crafting a moment that lingered in the air, promising a love that could weather any storm.

***

Arcade Castle, Eden

Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 

“You're no longer an Odd Eye, so why do you casually come in and out of this place? Do you think our place is a convenience store?” Jinsol laughed at Chaeyeon's protest towards the tall girl standing in front of her with a mischievous smile. “Don't you know this place is sacred?”

“I almost died here, and for me, this place will only be a trigger that will repeat my nightmare. I have no choice but to pretend nothing happens here. I have to get used to being here because you guys chose this place as a neutral base.” Yujin pouted and opened as Jinsol fed her a piece of apple. She sat beside Jinsol, staring at the girl intently. “Is Jiwoo Unnie okay?”

“She's a bit tired and dizzy after returning from Ukioia but has improved after resting. Kahei Unnie and Chaewonie accompanied her all night.”

“Is Kim Jungeun still salty about what happened in the last few years?” she asked calmly, making Jinsol furrow her brows. Yujin's reaction was too calm, and her calmness always disturbed her.

“She almost killed you, and you sound so relaxed talking about it. Shouldn't I be worried?”

Yujin shook her head.

“I just worried about Jiwoo Unnie. I don't care about her Scepter. Jiwoo Unnie needs a dependable Scepter that will support her. I don't understand why Kim Jungeun keeps acting like that when other people around her already know she loves Jiwoo Unnie so much. She was too obvious, and if she kept acting like that, she would only burden Jiwoo Unnie.”

“I think Jiwoo Unnie should replace her Scepter. If only Ash Unnie didn't have a lover, she would be better as our Scepter.” A voice appeared behind them, making Yujin laugh.

“She will never, Unnie. Kim Jiwoo is too smitten with Kim Jungeun.”

“Yah, Son Hyeju! What are you doing here?! Why are you barging into Eden as you please?” Now it was Chaeyeon who laughed upon hearing Jinsol's protest against Hyeju, who suddenly appeared among them.

“I am the owner of Ankh Heirloom and in the same Ruler Line as you, Unnie. Eden didn't reject me and let me visit. It seems like Eden likes me.” Hyeju took a seat in front of Yujin and looked around. “Are only you two Odd Eyes here in Eden?”

“Ash and Scarlett prefer Gaia. They spend time here only at certain times or when they fight with their lovers.” Jinsol answered with a suspicious look. “Shouldn't you be protecting Heejin?”

“Heejin Unnie and Jungeun Unnie decided to be on Jiwoo Unnie's side, so I think they are meeting and discussing their plans before tonight's encounter.”

Chaeyeon stared at Yujin and Hyeju alternately. “I'm sure you're not here together by coincidence. What do you want?”

“We plan to borrow your power to see the chances of what might happen in the future.” Hyeju's words made the expressions on the Odd Eyes' faces harden. “You know Ankh Heirloom drains a lot of energy, and with our current condition, using Ankh Heirloom too much will only worsen the situation.”

“What future do you want to know if each Ruler has not made any decisions yet?” Jinsol's question made sense. Anything could change if the Rulers made different decisions. Especially now, the Rulers of the four realms have not made any decisions regarding the future of the Chosen One Circles.

“There is a Ruler who has already made a decision, Unnie. So, let us see the possibilities of that decision.” Hyeju smiled thinly.

“Let us see what happens in the future,” Yujin added with a small smile. “For the sake of this Ruler Line.”

Although it sounded casual and carefree, Jinsol and Chaeyeon could sense the hesitation in their gazes. If their suspicions were correct, these Ankh heirloom owners knew something they didn't know.

As the Ankh heirloom owners reached for their hands to use the Odd-Eyes powers to glimpse into the future, an air of anticipation and tension settled over the sacred grounds of Eden. The Odd-Eyes, despite their formidable abilities, couldn't shake off the feeling that they were about to uncover secrets that could reshape the destinies of their intertwined worlds.

“It won't be long, Unnie. I just want to know what chances we have to get over this battle.” Yujin's voice sounded half-pleading, looking rushed and anxious. “Please...”

Jinsol exchanged a glance with Chaeyeon, and a silent understanding passed between them. The stakes were high, and the outcome of this glimpse into the future could have a lot of consequences. The once serene atmosphere of Eden now crackled with energy, a palpable tension that mirrored the uncertainty of the paths that lay ahead.

“We will not use your power to see what might happen. We need your power as a shield to hide our power.” Hyeju explains what they will do.

As Hyeju and Yujin set up the Ankh Heirloom, the air shimmered with ethereal energy, creating an otherworldly ambiance. For the first time, Jinsol and Chaeyeon could feel how much energy the Ankh Heirloom Owner possessed.

The scene unfolded like a tapestry of possibilities, and the Odd-Eyes found themselves caught in the currents of time, witnessing glimpses of events that were yet to unfold.

The visions painted a complex picture of alliances and conflicts, love and betrayal, and choices that echoed across realms. The Odd Eyes couldn't help but feel a thrill of emotion mingled with trepidation as they navigated through the threads of fate. The very fabric of their existence seemed to unravel and reweave itself with each passing vision.

Chaeyeon's eyes widened at the intensity of the revelations, while Jinsol maintained her composure, analyzing the intricacies of the unfolding scenarios. The weight of responsibility pressed upon them, knowing that the decisions made in the wake of these revelations would shape the destinies of not just their realm but the Chosen Once Circles's destiny.

As the visions continued, a sense of urgency gripped the Odd Eyes. The lines between friend and foe blurred, and the choices that loomed on the horizon demanded careful consideration. In the heart of Eden, the convergence of fates played out, leaving the Odd Eyes to grapple with the magnitude of the revelations and the inevitable dilemmas that awaited them.

The air crackled with charged energy as the Ankh Heirloom continued to unravel the tapestry of the future, weaving a story that held the key to the destiny of the Chosen One Circles. The once-thriving sanctuary of Eden became a silent witness to the unfolding drama, and the Odd-Eyes braced themselves for the challenges that awaited them beyond the veil of time.

“Calea Luminii,” Chaeyeon muttered in disbelief. “Calea Luminii is the key to the end of our battle.”

***

“For this mission, we will search Gallia,” Jiwoo declared, her voice tinged with determination as her pointer pointed to the marked aftermath of a recent explosion. “The explosion a few weeks ago only destroyed weapon storage, but there are hidden heirlooms there. We are looking for an arrowhead with lapis lazuli and an ancient map of Gaia. Ash said The Elder kept them there.”

Wonyoung looked composed and leaned over the table, scrutinizing the blueprint of Gallia.

“Both of the heirlooms have been in Gallia. But are you sure if the heirlooms are still there? What if they've moved the heirlooms after the explosion?” Wonyoung moved around the table, approaching Jiwoo.

“Until this afternoon, our Odd-Eyes still sensed the presence of those heirlooms there,” Jiwoo reassured, her eyes unwavering.

Wonyoung nodded, absorbing the information. She gestured to a specific location on the blueprint.

“If you mean sneaking into the underground of Gallia, at least we have to start from here. We have to dive to get in there, or it will be easier to teleport.” She pointed to the river surrounding Gallia before turning her body to face Jiwoo, awaiting her response. “How?”

Jiwoo smiled in admiration at Wonyoung's quick grasp of the situation. Abilities that Jiwoo never thought Wonyoung possessed, as she had always been protected and spent more time as a healer.

“That's an underground storage, and that place is safe from explosions. However, the place is guarded. We have to sneak in without causing a commotion. Teleport is our best option, besides tunnel time. But someone already destroyed the tunnel time in Gallia.” Jiwoo glanced at Yujin, who smiled knowingly.

“There is still Tunnel Time in Gallia, Unnie.” Their gaze shifted to Hyeju.

Wonyoung and Jiwoo exchanged glances before keeping their gaze on Hyeju.

“How? Didn't she destroy it?” Jiwoo pointed to Yujin.

Hyeju shook her head. “Yujin didn't destroy it. She moved it.”

“Where?” This time, Wonyoung asked, puzzled.

“Everywhere.” Hyeju calmly answered, approaching Yujin. “Give me your hand.”

“You didn't tell me that you would reveal the location of Tunnel Time to them. I feel betrayed.” Yujin grumbled but still extended her hand wearing an Ankh heirloom with an open palm.

Hyeju touched her wrist with her wrist adorned with the heirloom, and instantly a dagger appeared in Yujin's palm.

“That heirloom...” Jiwoo, recognizing the heirloom, squinted her eyes. “I thought it was just a dagger.”

“Originally, it was. But Yujin and I donated our blood to make it transform into Tunnel Time.” Hyeju shrugged as if it wasn't something surprising.

“How can she use the word 'donated' so easily like that? I can tell they sliced their skin to make the dagger a special one.” Yer