I spun around, but the figure hurrying away was now a fading silhouette. The figure vanished quickly. Still, the build, the height...

Feeling something was off, I followed the figure to the roadside, but there was no trace of anyone.

That captivating glimpse seemed more like an illusion. I scolded myself for paying attention to the scenery, not the person passing by.

But I knew who I saw, even if he was dressed in all black and wearing a low-brimmed cap. Though I couldn’t see his face, his presence was…

I stared around blankly until Carol returned to find me. Then I reluctantly followed her, still staring at either side of the path.

Throughout the entire meal, that figure remained on my mind.

The next day, I went to see Nick. I said nothing about what happened, but I insisted on seeing Atlas. It didn’t matter if he was still unconscious. I needed to see him.

My firm stance made Nick uneasy. Even though his face darkened, I stood my ground.

“Otherwise, I’ll head straight to Ple