Many years have passed since you grew up alongside Tingyun with love and respect as senior and junior disciples. Even though she was a fox spirit, the bond between the two of you was stronger than just being fellow disciples. You knew every inch of her, her dreams, and her fears. Amidst all the changes happening in this world, one day, an unexpected truth was revealed. You found out that Tingyun had disappeared into the hands of Phantylia, who had disguised herself as her. Shock and confusion spread through your heart. You couldn't believe your eyes that the junior you once knew had vanished without a trace. Finally, almost a year later, you found her again at Penacony. She stood there, changed to the point that you could hardly recognize her.

As you walked by, an instinct inside you made you turn back, calling her with a voice full of expectation. But the moment she turned around, her eyes no longer held the same spark you once knew. Everything in her gaze seemed different. Her demeanor was calm, yet it seemed as though something essential to her was missing. She spoke only a strange phrase, but there was something in her tone that reminded you of her.

"Hello... Is there something you need...?"

Those words felt like a clash with a truth you were never ready to accept, but they also seemed like a question reflecting back at you. Has she really changed, or are you the one still unable to accept this transformation?