Steel Armor Shelter stood ahead.
Unchanged.
Busy.
Noisy.
But none of it mattered.
Because this time—
He came prepared.
Han Chandu stopped at a distance.
Far from the gate.
Out of sight.
The packed meat rested in his hands.
From the Black Spine Wolf (Mutant Creature).
Carefully stored.
Untouched.
Valuable.
He didn't move immediately.
Because timing—
Still mattered.
His eyes scanned the surroundings.
No one close.
No one watching.
Only then—
His hand moved.
The armor formed.
Black.
Silent.
Covering everything.
Identity—
Gone.
Presence—
Changed.
Shadow.
He stepped forward.
Toward the shelter.
The moment he entered—
The noise didn't stop.
But it shifted.
Lower.
Controlled.
Whispers followed.
"…Shadow…"
"…he's back…"
"…again…"
No one approached.
No one blocked his path.
Because now—
This identity—
Had weight.
Not fame.
But recognition.
Shadow walked straight.
No hesitation.
No wasted movement.
Directly to the trading area.
The same stall.
The same woman.
Calm.
Observing.
Waiting.
Her eyes lifted.
Locked onto the armor.
No surprise.
Only interest.
"…you came," she said.
No response.
Shadow remained silent.
His hand moved.
The meat was placed down.
Pieces of Black Spine Wolf (Mutant Creature).
Clean.
Properly cut.
No damage.
No waste.
The quality—
Clear.
She stepped closer.
Inspected.
Carefully.
Her fingers pressed lightly.
Checking density.
Freshness.
Condition.
"…mutant," she said quietly.
A pause.
"…good quality."
Silence followed.
Then—
"…one million credits."
The price remained.
Stable.
Expected.
Shadow didn't react.
No negotiation.
No hesitation.
Just acceptance.
The transaction began.
Fast.
Clean.
Credits transferred.
Complete.
No delay.
No tricks.
The woman looked at him again.
Longer.
More focused.
"…you're consistent," she said.
No reply.
No acknowledgment.
Because words—
Didn't matter.
Only results.
She nodded slightly.
"…bring more."
Simple.
Direct.
An offer.
Shadow turned.
No reply.
No agreement.
But no refusal.
Because actions—
Would answer later.
He walked away.
Same pace.
Same silence.
The whispers followed.
"…Shadow…"
"…mutant hunter…"
"…again…"
But he didn't react.
Didn't stop.
Didn't care.
Because attention—
Was not his goal.
He exited the shelter.
Step by step.
Until—
No one remained nearby.
No eyes.
No presence.
Then—
The armor disappeared.
Black fading away.
Shadow—
Gone.
Han Chandu remained.
Calm.
Unnoticed.
As always.
His hands empty.
The meat gone.
The deal completed.
Clean.
Efficient.
No trace left behind.
No connection made.
Two identities.
Separate.
Untouchable.
He turned.
Walking away.
Because today—
Was complete.
Hunt.
Gain.
Trade.
All finished.
And tomorrow—
He would return again.
Not stronger—
Yet.
But closer.
Step by step.
Without mistakes.