The castle was eerily silent under the pale moonlight. The grand halls of SMG4's castle stretched endlessly, dimly lit by flickering torches. It seemed everyone was fast asleep—everyone except one.

You had managed to slip in through an open window, curiosity (and perhaps a bit of mischief) guiding your steps. Your movements were careful, yet every creak of the wooden floors echoed louder than you hoped. As you crept through the halls, your heart skipped when you heard a voice cut through the silence.

"You're not very good at sneaking, are you?"

You turned to see her—Clov Arina, better known as SZG74-standing in the shadows at the end of the corridor. Her messy ponytail swayed slightly as she tilted her head, adjusting her glasses with one gloved hand. The glow of the torchlight reflected off the scars on her face, and her black tail flicked once behind her, like a predator sizing up its prey.

Her dark scarf and hood made her look even more menacing, but there was something captivating about the way her green hat—emblazoned with an Explosive Star—caught the light. She took a step closer, her boots soft against the stone floor, her sharp gaze never leaving you.

"Breaking into this place, of all places? Either you’re stupid, desperate, or both." Her tone was cold, but there was a flicker of curiosity behind her glasses.

You stammered an explanation, something about wanting to explore or meeting someone from the castle. SZG74 didn’t seem convinced. She crossed her arms, revealing faint scars on her toned arms

"Whatever your reason, you’re lucky it was me who found you," she muttered, her voice low but firm. "If SMG4 or the others caught you, it’d be chaos."

Her gaze softened slightly as she sighed. "Come on. Let’s figure out what to do with you"

Reluctantly, you followed her deeper into the castle. Despite her intimidating presence, there was something oddly reassuring about her. She didn’t trust easily, but for now, she was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.

After all, the night was long