The chapter opens with Seongjii pacing restlessly in his room. The camera pans across the walls and his desk, showing framed photos: Seongjii and Araya's family portraits, and a group photo of the squad—Satoshi, Minho, Hyunwoo, Rika, Zoe, Seongjii, and Araya.
"Mortal, what has been bothering you? You've been pacing like a caged animal for hours," Araya asks, looking up from the bed.
"I'm thinking about my next wish, Araya. I don't know what to ask for," Seongjii sighs.
Araya tilts her head. "It has been a while since you got that BMW M5. You haven't used your power since then."
"I know, but nothing feels right," Seongjii replies.
Araya smiles. "You've made some smart moves so far, along with those silly fantasies like the PS5. Let's look at your list, Mortal:
1. 1st Wish: 51 extra wishes (50 left).
2. 2nd Wish: The Perfect Body (49 left).
3. 3rd Wish: Martial Arts Mastery (48 left).
4. 4th Wish: PS5 (47 left).
5. 5th Wish: Transferring me (the Genie) into a human body until the second-to-last wish (46 left).
6. 6th Wish: Observation Mastery/Copy Skill (45 left).
7. 7th Wish: BMW M5 (44 left).
That's your tally, Mortal."
Seongjii pauses. "Damn, only 7 wishes? That means I still have 44 left."
"Exactly," Araya says. "And since your summer vacation is starting, it's the perfect time to burn through those 44 and set me free."
Seongjii's eyes light up. "Summer vacation... that's it! Why don't we go somewhere? Japan, London, Paris..."
"I've seen those places on TV! That sounds incredible," Araya says excitedly.
"But wishing for every single destination will waste too many wishes," Seongjii mutters.
Araya grins. "Why don't you just wish for a World Tour? It covers everything in one go."
Seongjii freezes, then grabs Araya's hands, spinning her around in joy. "Araya! You're a genius!"
"Stop it, you idiot! I'm getting dizzy!" she yells, laughing.
Seongjii lets go. "Wait here! I'm going to ask my parents if they want to come."
He runs to his mother. "Mom! Are you free this month?"
His mom smiles sadly. "No, honey. I can't go on a world tour. Someone has to run the store. You and Araya go ahead, but ask your father first."
Seongjii blinks. "Mom... how did you know I was going to ask about a world tour?"
"You two were shouting about it so loudly I think the whole neighborhood knows," she chuckles.
Seongjii goes back to his room. "Mom said no, and Dad just called—he's buried in work and can't take leave. It's just us."
Araya looks disappointed. "That's too bad. What if we take your friends instead?"
Seongjii's face brightens. "Yes! Me, you, Rika, Zoe, Satoshi, Minho, and Hyunwoo. The seven of us!"
Araya nods. "Alright, Mortal. State your wish in detail."
Seongjii takes a deep breath. "My summer vacation starts tomorrow. For my 8th wish, I want a World Tour for me and my six friends. I want the most luxurious private flight, 5-star hotels, all meals included, and pre-approved VISAs for every country we visit. Also, make it look like this trip is being sponsored by an anonymous third party so no one suspects me."
Araya's eyes glow with a deep, mystical blue. "Your wish is granted, Mortal."
"Is it done?" Seongjii asks, looking around.
"It's done. Your travel package is already on its way," Araya says, looking at him with a hint of admiration. "You know, Mortal... thanks to you, I'm experiencing things I never dreamed of. The PS5, the M5 ride, and my absolute favorite—cheesecake. Now a world tour? Wow."
Seongjii smirks. "Better show some respect then, Araya. You'll never find a Master like me again."
"Respect you? In your dreams!" she teases.
"Yeah, yeah. It's late. Goodnight, Araya."
"Goodnight, Mortal."
As Araya prepares to retreat into her lamp, a sudden, piercing chill runs down her spine. It feels like a thousand needles pricking her skin. She feels an invisible gaze—someone is watching her from the shadows.
She whips around. Nothing.
She walks toward the window. Outside, the night is still, but for a split second, she sees it—a pitch-black shadow, formless and wispy like smoke, flickering past the glass and vanishing into the sky.
Araya flings the window open, but there is only the hum of the city. No bird, no drone, no person.
"I definitely felt something... a presence," she whispers. "Strange."
"What's wrong, Araya?" Seongjii mutters half-asleep. "Did you see a ghost?"
Araya lingers at the window for a moment longer, her eyes scanning the dark rooftops. "Nothing, Mortal. Go back to sleep."
Seongjii drifts off, but Araya remains standing by the window, her blue eyes glowing with suspicion. She knows one thing for certain: They aren't alone anymore.
To be continued...…..