Seraphina did not hesitate for even a moment as she started bouncing into him.

Her expression had shifted with such precision that Luca immediately understood something was wrong.

Her voice, soft and breathy, carried exaggerated warmth as she leaned closer, maintaining the illusion they had carefully crafted moments earlier.

"Ohhhh... honeyyyy..." she murmured, her tone perfectly aligned with the persona she had displayed downstairs.

Her movements appeared natural, deliberate enough that anyone attempting to listen through the walls would hear nothing out of the ordinary.

The wooden bed creaked faintly under the shifting weight, its subtle sounds blending seamlessly into the quiet of the midnight inn.

To an outside observer, nothing would appear unusual.

Only a married couple, exhausted from travel, seeking comfort after a long journey.

But Luca’s brows furrowed slightly as realization settled in.

Someone is here...

He could not sense the intruder himself.

Yet Seraphina’s sudden reaction left little room for doubt.

The act continued for several moments, the illusion carefully maintained without interruption.

"Yes...ahh...honey.."

Luca remained still, understanding that any break in the performance might alert whoever was attempting to observe them.

Yet despite his awareness of the situation, he could not ignore the heat slowly rising within his body, the awkwardness of the circumstances becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss entirely.

Seraphina, however, did not falter.

Her composure remained intact even as she continued the act, her focus clearly directed toward ensuring the observer heard exactly what they expected to hear.

Time seemed to stretch longer than it actually was.

Eventually, the subtle shift in her posture indicated that whatever presence she had sensed had finally withdrawn.

The act ended as abruptly as it had begun.

Seraphina moved away smoothly, returning to her side of the bed without allowing even a trace of embarrassment to appear upon her face.

Her breathing remained calm.

Controlled.

As though nothing unusual had occurred.

"There was someone just outside," she said quietly, her voice once again returning to its usual composed tone. "I sensed the presence of mana."

Luca gave a small nod, the seriousness of the situation overriding any lingering awkwardness.

"Take a quick nap," she continued calmly. "We have work to do tomorrow."

Without further words, both of them turned toward opposite sides, maintaining a respectful distance as they attempted to find rest within the remaining hours of night.

Sleep, however, did not come easily.

Luca’s mind remained active, replaying the events repeatedly, analyzing the implications of someone already monitoring the inn at such an hour.

Eventually, exhaustion overcame alertness.

Time passed quietly.

The silence of night gradually gave way to the soft chorus of early morning birds.

Faint sunlight filtered gently through the thin curtains, casting pale golden light across the modest room as the first signs of dawn touched the quiet village.

Luca stirred slowly, his awareness returning gradually as he opened his eyes.

For a brief moment, everything felt still.

Then instinct sharpened his senses instantly.

He turned his head toward the other side of the bed.

Empty.

His mind became alert immediately.

Where is Professor?

Before the thought could develop further, the faint sound of movement drew his attention toward the far side of the room.

Seraphina stepped out from the bathing area, already fully dressed in her composed traveling attire, her long blue hair still damp as she gently dried it with a towel.

Droplets of water clung faintly to the strands as they caught the morning light, creating a quiet contrast against her calm expression.

"You are finally awake," she said simply.

Her tone carried its usual steadiness, as though the events of the previous night were nothing more than routine preparation.

"Take a quick shower."

Luca nodded, already shifting his thoughts toward the tasks that awaited them beyond the quiet safety of the room.

The mission had begun.

Luca entered the shower quickly.

The quiet sound of running water echoed softly within the small bathing area as steam rose gently, filling the space with comforting warmth that contrasted sharply against the cool tension that had lingered through the night. Luca allowed the hot water to run across his back, the steady flow easing the stiffness that had settled into his muscles after hours of travel atop the Kunpeng and a restless night filled with constant awareness.

Despite the soothing warmth, his thoughts did not wander far from the mission awaiting them beyond the walls of the inn.

The confirmation of a Demon General’s hideout was no small matter.

If the information proved true, the consequences would ripple far beyond a single village.

And if the information proved false...

Then someone had gone to great lengths to manipulate the intelligence network of the academy.

Either possibility carried danger.

After finishing, Luca turned off the water and quickly dried himself before retrieving a fresh set of clothes from his storage ring. The casual white shirt settled comfortably against his skin, its clean, pressed appearance restoring a sense of composure , paired with a baby blue trouser, giving him a sharp yet mature appearance as he stepped out from the bathing area.

The moment he emerged into the room, however—

He paused.

His eyes widened slightly.

Seraphina stood near the window, illuminated faintly by the morning light filtering through the thin curtains.

Her appearance had changed drastically.

Gone was the composed and understated elegance she usually maintained.

Instead, she now wore noticeable heavy makeup, carefully applied to alter her natural refinement into something far more attention-catching.

Her lips were colored a deep shade of red, the bold contrast drawing immediate attention to her face, while the dress she wore revealed more of her neckline than her usual attire ever did.

The garment hugged her figure in a way that made subtlety impossible, its design clearly chosen with purpose rather than preference.

Luca blinked once, momentarily caught off guard by the transformation.

"...Is this really necessary?" he asked cautiously.

Seraphina did not appear bothered by the question.

"We must appear as gullible as possible," she explained calmly. "If we wish to uncover anything, the cultists must be the ones to approach us."

Her gaze remained steady.

"We cannot directly approach them without risking our exposure."

Luca considered her reasoning.

It was logical.

Carefully thought out.

She is right...but this...

If the cult truly operated within the village, they would naturally seek vulnerable targets.

Travelers who appeared careless.

Wealthy.

Distracted.

Easily manipulated.

Someone they can use and convert easily.

Luca gave a small nod of understanding.

Without further delay, they left the room together, ensuring their roles remained consistent even outside the privacy of closed doors.

As they descended the wooden staircase, Seraphina naturally moved closer, her arm looping gently around Luca’s as she leaned slightly toward him, maintaining the image of a couple unconcerned with their surroundings.

Her posture conveyed familiarity.

Comfort.

A subtle carelessness that would lower suspicion from those observing them.

When they reached the lower floor, the person behind the counter was no longer the old man from the night before.

Instead, an elderly woman stood there, her expression sharp as her eyes immediately fell upon Seraphina’s appearance as she looked up and down on her observing the makeup, attire, and pose of her body.

Her lips curled faintly in visible disapproval.

"Tch... women these days..." she muttered audibly. "Displaying themselves like this without shame..."

Seraphina’s reaction was immediate.

A faint smirk touched her lips as she tilted her head slightly, her confidence unwavering.

"Hmph... an old woman like you has nothing left to show anymore," she replied smoothly, her tone laced with teasing provocation rather than outright hostility. "Of course you would sound bitter. Just make sure your husband does not fall into the hands of such a woman."

The old woman clicked her tongue in irritation but did not press further.

Seraphina turned lightly toward Luca once more.

"Let’s go, honey, this old hag is turning my mood bitter." she said with effortless ease.

Together, they stepped outside into the morning light.

The village, so quiet during the night, had transformed entirely.

Morning activity filled the streets as villagers moved about their daily routines, opening shop doors, arranging goods, conversing casually with neighbors, and preparing for the day ahead.

The smell of fresh bread drifted faintly from a nearby bakery, while merchants displayed produce upon wooden stalls, their voices carrying lightly across the lively atmosphere.

Children ran between narrow pathways, their laughter blending with the sounds of trade and routine life.

At first glance, the village appeared perfectly ordinary.

Peaceful.

Unremarkable.

Yet both Luca and Seraphina knew better than to trust appearances.

Danger rarely announced itself openly.

Seraphina leaned slightly closer, her lips near Luca’s ear as she spoke in a soft whisper meant for him alone.

"We will visit every shop we can," she murmured quietly. "Observe carefully."

Her voice lowered further.

"We must appear like a careless couple... one that could easily become a target."

Luca took a slow breath, steadying his thoughts as he nodded subtly.

The game had begun.