The morning after the intense battle with the rogue wolf, the city seems to have returned to its usual rhythm. People walk the streets, unaware of the supernatural danger they were so close to just hours ago. However, for Hwan, Ji-ho, and Raon, the victory feels hollow. They know this is just the beginning.
Hwan stands on the rooftop of a tall building, overlooking the bustling city below. The wind whips through his hair, but he remains still, lost in thought. Despite defeating the wolf, there is a gnawing feeling in the pit of his stomach, a sense that something much darker is coming. His senses are on high alert, and he can’t shake the feeling that the demon’s appearance was no coincidence. Something bigger is brewing.
As he watches the people below, his mind drifts back to Ji-ho. Her determination, fearlessness, and curious nature have stirred something in him—something he hasn’t felt in centuries. Despite his initial reluctance to get close to humans, Ji-ho’s presence feels different. She has a spark that reminds him of someone from his past, someone he’s tried to forget.
Suddenly, Hwan hears footsteps behind him. He turns to see Raon approaching, her expression serious as always. She joins him on the rooftop, her arms crossed.
“Penny for your thoughts?” she asks, her voice cutting through the silence.
Hwan sighs, shaking his head. “Something’s off. That wolf wasn’t just acting on instinct. It was being controlled.”
Raon raises an eyebrow. “Controlled? By whom?”
“I don’t know,” Hwan admits, frustration lacing his voice. “But I can feel it. There’s something bigger at play, something manipulating these creatures. The wolf was just a puppet.”
Raon’s face hardens as she processes the information. “We need to find out who—or what—is behind this. If more demons are being unleashed in the city, we’re in for a lot of trouble.”
Hwan nods, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “I’m going to look into it. But first, I need to talk to Ji-ho.”
Raon gives him a knowing look, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “You’re growing attached, aren’t you?”
Hwan’s expression shifts slightly, but he doesn’t answer. Instead, he gives Raon a nod and heads toward the stairwell. There’s no time to dwell on emotions—especially when those emotions involve a human.
Meanwhile, Ji-ho is back at the TVC Station, reviewing the footage she captured of the battle. Her hands tremble slightly as she replays the scenes, the sight of the demon wolf still fresh in her mind. The camera didn’t fully capture the creature’s supernatural nature, but the sheer intensity of the fight is evident. Her heart pounds as she watches Hwan and Raon working together seamlessly, their movements fluid and calculated.
She leans back in her chair, running a hand through her hair. This is the story of a lifetime, but it’s also more than that. She’s thrown herself into the supernatural world, and there’s no turning back. Her curiosity about Hwan continues to grow—who is he really? How long has he been dealing with creatures like that? And why does she feel such a strange connection to him?
Just as she’s about to delve deeper into her thoughts, her phone buzzes. It’s a message from Hwan: We need to talk. Meet me at the park in an hour.
Ji-ho’s heart skips a beat as she quickly grabs her things and rushes out of the office. She knows whatever Hwan has to say is important, and she’s eager to get answers. As she heads to the park, her mind races with questions.
At the park, Hwan waits in the shadows, watching as Ji-ho approaches. The sun filters through the trees, casting dappled light on the path. She looks different in the daylight—more human, more vulnerable. For a brief moment, Hwan considers walking away, leaving her out of this mess for her own safety. But he knows it’s too late for that. Ji-ho is already too deep.
“Thanks for coming,” Hwan says as Ji-ho stops in front of him, slightly out of breath.
“What’s going on?” she asks, her eyes searching his face for any hint of what’s to come.
Hwan hesitates for a moment before speaking. “Last night’s attack wasn’t random. The wolf was being controlled by something—or someone.”
Ji-ho’s brow furrows. “Controlled? By what?”
“I don’t know yet,” Hwan admits. “But there’s something bigger at play. Demons are being unleashed, and I fear this is just the beginning.”
Ji-ho processes the information, her mind spinning. “So what do we do now?”
Hwan looks at her, his expression softening just a fraction. “I’m going to investigate. But you need to stay out of this, Ji-ho. It’s too dangerous. These creatures... they won’t hesitate to kill.”
Ji-ho shakes her head, her resolve hardening. “I’m not backing down, Hwan. I’ve been searching for the truth about the supernatural for years. I can’t just walk away now.”
Hwan feels a surge of both frustration and admiration. “You don’t understand the risks.”
“I do,” Ji-ho insists. “But I’m not afraid. I need to know the truth. And I’m going to help you whether you like it or not.”
Hwan sighs, realizing that there’s no changing her mind. “Fine. But you’ll follow my lead. No reckless moves.”
Ji-ho nods, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Deal.”
Just as they’re about to continue their conversation, a sudden gust of wind sweeps through the park, sending a chill down their spines. Hwan tenses, his eyes scanning the area. “Something’s here,” he mutters.
Before they can react, a shadowy figure materializes before them—a figure that radiates malevolence. Hwan’s eyes narrow as he recognizes the dark energy swirling around it.
“Stay behind me,” Hwan orders, his voice firm as he steps forward, his body tense and ready for a fight.
The figure chuckles, its voice dripping with malice. “You thought you could stop me that easily?”
Hwan’s jaw clenches. “Who are you? What do you want?”
The figure grins, revealing sharp teeth. “I am just the beginning. The city will soon fall, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.”
As the figure lunges toward them, Hwan’s instincts kick in. He moves with supernatural speed, blocking the attack and engaging the shadow in a fierce battle. Ji-ho watches in awe, her heart pounding as she captures the fight on her camera.
But as the battle rages on, one thing becomes clear: this is no ordinary demon. It’s more powerful, more cunning—and it won’t be easily defeated.
As the episode ends, the shadowy figure vanishes, leaving behind a cryptic message: “You can’t protect her forever, Guardian. She will be mine.”
Hwan’s blood runs cold as he realizes the figure wasn’t referring to Raon. It was referring to Ji-ho.