Night had fully settled over Eclipse Dominion University.
The crowds from the earlier alarm had long since disappeared.
Campus lights glowed quietly across the wide plaza, reflecting off the polished stone paths.
Near the main gate, a black Rolls-Royce waited by the curb.
William leaned casually against the driver's door.
Next to him stood another man.
The University Director.
His hands rested behind his back as he watched the silent campus.
William checked his watch.
"He's late."
The Director didn't move.
"No," he said calmly.
"He isn't."
A moment later—
someone stepped through the university gate.
Jin.
Walking toward them.
His pace was steady. Unhurried.
William straightened immediately and opened the rear door.
Jin stopped briefly in front of the Director.
"Director."
His voice was formal.
The Director studied him for a moment.
"How are you feeling?"
"Fine."
A short pause.
Jin added,
"Thank you for handling the situation earlier."
The Director's gaze sharpened slightly.
"I handle problems inside the university."
Then he said quietly,
"Try not to bring more with you."
Jin nodded once.
"Understood."
Without another word, he stepped into the car.
William closed the door and slid into the driver's seat.
The engine purred to life.
Moments later—
the car pulled away from the university.
Night traffic flowed steadily through the city streets.
Neon lights passed across the windows in shifting reflections.
Inside the car, silence lingered for a minute.
Then William spoke.
"Another private Abyss tonight."
Jin leaned slightly back.
"Location?"
"Old industrial district."
The car turned onto a darker road.
William continued,
"Contact says it's a Hollow Abyss."
"Energy level?" Jin asked.
"Medium."
William shrugged.
"Unregistered gate. Off the books."
Illegal.
Unregulated.
Usually more dangerous than official ones.
Jin simply nodded.
Then—
William glanced at the rearview mirror.
Once.
Then again.
His expression shifted slightly.
"…You expecting someone tonight?"
Jin didn't answer.
William adjusted the mirror.
Behind them—
a black motorcycle.
Same lane.
Same distance.
It had been following them for several streets.
William's eyes narrowed.
"…That's annoying."
Suddenly—
the motorcycle accelerated.
Fast.
It closed the distance in seconds.
Then—
it overtook them.
And cut sharply in front of the car.
William tapped the brakes.
The Rolls-Royce slowed smoothly.
The motorcycle stopped in the middle of the road.
William sighed.
"…Seriously?"
He reached behind his seat.
A moment later—
a pistol appeared in his hand.
The rider removed the helmet.
Black hair fell down.
Bright green eyes.
A wide smile.
"Hi, Jin."
William stared.
Then slowly turned toward Jin.
"…Who the hell is that?"
Jin exhaled quietly.
"Trouble."
The motorcycle was now parked at the side of the road.
Min Ji walked toward the car casually.
She knocked twice on the window.
William lowered it slowly.
Min Ji leaned down slightly and looked directly at Jin.
"You really thought you'd go without me?"
Jin answered immediately.
"Yes."
She placed a hand over her chest.
"Rude."
William looked between them.
"Friend of yours?"
Jin replied without enthusiasm.
"Unfortunately."
He added calmly,
"You didn't know her before you started working for my family. She was a friend before she left for the UK."
Min Ji tilted her head.
"That hurts."
William chuckled.
"She coming?"
Jin looked at her.
"No."
Min Ji leaned closer to the window.
"Yes."
William smiled.
"I like her already."
Jin looked forward again.
"…Get in."
Min Ji grinned.
"See? That wasn't so hard."