Joon-Woo quietly returned to his tent after overhearing the king's command.
His heart was still pounding—not from fear, but from realization.
At that moment, a familiar blue light appeared before his eyes.
[System Notification]
[Mission Complete]
[Reward Acquired: Water Element Control]
Joon-Woo froze.
Then his eyes widened.
"…Power?" he whispered.
A warm sensation flowed through his body, calm and steady like a quiet river. He could feel it—water responding to his will, gentle yet powerful.
Joy spread across his face.
For the first time since arriving in this world, hope took root in his heart.
Now… I can protect myself, he thought.
And maybe… protect others too, when things become difficult.
But the happiness was quickly followed by doubt.
Will I ever be able to return to my own world?
What will happen to me in the future?
The questions lingered heavily in his mind.
Just then—
The tent flap moved.
Prince Leon entered.
Joon-Woo looked up from the bed, his fox form resting atop the blankets. Their eyes met instantly.
Leon smiled faintly.
"Did you miss me?" the prince asked softly.
Joon-Woo hesitated for a second… then slowly nodded his head.
Leon's smile deepened.
Turning to the attendant outside, he ordered, "Bring dinner—for me and for my fox."
Soon, warm food filled the tent. Leon ate quietly beside the bed while Joon-Woo watched, and when the meal was finished, the prince gently lifted the fox into his arms.
"Sleep," Leon murmured.
He lay down on the bed, placing Joon-Woo beside him.
Exhaustion quickly claimed the prince, his breathing soon slow and even.
Joon-Woo remained awake a little longer.
He watched Leon's sleeping face in silence, his heart strangely calm.
Before he realized it—
Sleep took him too.