The dust hadn't even fully settled when Kunter suddenly froze.
His head tilted slightly.
A low vibration echoed from inside his torn coat.
A phone.
He slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out an old, cracked device.
The screen flashed:
"Incoming Call"
Everyone in the house stared, confused.
Kunter answered it without emotion.
"Yeah?."
A distorted voice spoke from the other side. Calm. Deep. Almost bored.
Kunter's expression shifted instantly.
"…Now? Tch. They're all right in front of me."
The voice continued, sharp and commanding.
Kunter clicked his tongue.
"No attack? …Fine."
He turned toward the heroes, still holding the phone to his ear.
"You all are safe...For now."
And just like that—
Kunter spun around and sprinted away, faster than a wild animal, disappearing into the trees in seconds.
Silence.
Everyone froze, jaws dropped.
Tuka broke first.
"What… what just happened!?"
Chiki raised his hand.
"Uh… was this a prank raid?"
Poppy analyzed the doorway. "He definitely broke the door. So no."
Clementess quietly nodded beside her, eyes wide.
Bandy clung to Tema like a koala.
"T-Tema… the monster ran away… why did the monster run away…?"
Even Bear was confused.
"…Good question."
Tema lowered herself to the ground slowly, eyes narrowed.
"This is… not normal."
Within minutes, news drones stormed the sky.
Screens across the country flashed:
"S-CLASS THREAT KUNTER RETREATS?! HERO HOME TARGETED!"
"GLOBAL WARNING ACTIVATED."
"UNKNOWN MOTIVE BEHIND THE ATTEMPTED ATTACK."
The world trembled.
Not because Kunter attacked—
but because he walked away.
Meanwhile – Kunter's Hideout
Kunter slammed the door behind him and threw the phone onto a broken table.
He growled, wiping blood from his mouth.
"Why did you stop me?" he snarled.
The room's shadows shifted.
A figure sat behind a desk, face hidden, only their silhouette visible.
The voice replied softly:
"That was Step One."
Kunter clenched his fists.
"Scaring them? That was your big plan?"
"Yes," the figure said calmly.
"Fear breaks faster than bone. Their morale will crumble long before their bodies do."
Kunter let out a slow, crooked smile.
"…Heh. Fine. But you better keep your promise."
The figure leaned forward.
"Kunter," he said,
"I always keep my promises."
Kunter's smile widened, sharp and sinister.
"Good. Then say it."
The silhouette whispered:
"You will get your prey.
Just wait for Step Two."
Kunter's eyes gleamed.
"Then I'll be ready."