Sitting at the table, Edward suddenly felt something he had been trying to avoid since returning to his world. It was a sense of danger, a certain force that gripped his body. His face changed in an instant, and he squeezed the metal chopsticks in his hands as if they were paper rolls. But upon seeing his mother's puzzled and worried expression, he quickly suppressed his powers.

"W-what happened?" his mother asked, her voice trembling.

"I'm not sure yet, but there's something I need to check," Edward replied.

With these words, Edward headed towards the exit.

"At least finish your meal!" Mi-jin urged firmly.

Looking at his mother's anxious face, he returned to his seat, understanding the feelings and emotions she was experiencing. He had no intention of shattering the idyllic reunion with her.

"Alright" he whispered.

---

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On the upper floors of Seoul's main shopping center, in a restaurant reserved for selected guests, sat a manifestation of power and unknown forces. This enormous figure was seated behind a massive table adorned with a variety of dishes, and at his feet, empty bowls awaited new portions.

"I see you have quite the appetite today," uttered a muscular man whose contours seemed woven from pure power.

A strange sound emanated from under the table: "Grrrr..."

"I hope he'll join our company soon, Grom" the unknown man said with a touch of tenderness.

"Grr..?" echoed through the hall.

---

Edward stood in front of the main entrance to the shopping center, feeling an unidentifiable force pulling him inside. It was a force he had hoped not to encounter in his own world, yet it drew him in, mysterious and dangerous.

With caution, he slowly pushed the doors, anxious about what lay inside.

---

"Ding - VIP section," sounded the elevator. Edward appeared from the doors. Putting his hand into the air, he created a small portal from which he retrieved his sword. This scene would undoubtedly have astonished anyone who happened to witness this magical act, but not as much as the person who sat far across the room, behind a massive table, attentively observing the proceedings.

---

"At last," murmured the enormous figure, settling behind the table. "Perhaps now WE will be properly served?"

The pressure and unknown force suddenly dissipated...

With disdain, Edward approached slowly, gripping his sword tighter, ready to strike.

"WHO are you, or WHAT are you?!?!" Edward's voice thundered with menace.

"I am your... FRIEND... from the 'other side,'" replied the figure, slowly rising from the table.