After six hours, an officer called in, "Chief, we found a brown dog body. The Sanitation Department collected it a few days ago. It was found on the branch of a tree."
The chief nodded. "Okay, I'll come there."
Turning to Chííł, he informed them, "We found a dog's body on a tree branch, so will you take a look to confirm?"
Chííł asked, his voice heavy with concern, "Was the dog's color brown?"
The chief, confused, hesitated before answering, "Yes… yes, it was. But how did you know?"
Chííł sighed deeply. "Our boy… he couldn't transform into many forms—only that dog."
A heavy silence filled the room as the weight of his words sank in. The chief realized this wasn't just a missing person case anymore—it was something far more tragic.
The chief and Chííł arrived at the Sanitation Department, where the dog's body lay on a stretcher. They stood beside it, observing the lifeless form.
The chief furrowed his brows. "It doesn't look human. Are you sure about this?" he asked Chííł.
Chííł nodded. "I will show you."
He reached into his small pouch, took a handful of ash, and gently sprinkled it over the dog's body. As the ash settled, the fur began to fade, the limbs stretched, and the dog's form slowly transformed into a human before their eyes.
The chief took a step back, his breath caught in his throat. "What the hell…" he muttered in shock.
Chííł looked at the lifeless body and said sadly, "He is Ashkii… He had only learned two forms. He was just a young boy."
The chief lowered his head. "I'm sorry."
Chííł shook his head. "Don't be sorry, Chief. He must have followed the sensation of that dark aura… If that's the case, then a Skinwalker must have done this."
A heavy silence filled the room as the weight of the revelation sank in. The chief clenched his fists. "Then we need to find whoever did this—before more lives are lost."
Chííł said urgently, "Chief, the Skinwalker might be near. Please start the investigation from 29th Street—we have to find him."
The chief nodded. "Yes, I know. We have to take it down the moment it appears."
Chííł looked at him seriously. "Chief, a Skinwalker can only be killed in two ways—by a powerful magic spell or by shooting it with a silver bullet that pierces through its chest."
The chief exhaled sharply, realizing the hunt was about to get much more dangerous. "Then we better be prepared."
The next day at the restaurant, Luis was happier than ever, eager to finish work and go home to play with Shiro. Everyone noticed his cheerful demeanour and thought, "A dog has brought his smile back—what a change."
Luis took orders energetically, his usual tiredness replaced by enthusiasm. As he returned to the kitchen with a new order, a girl named Elsa approached him and whispered, "Luis, the police are taking away pets that were adopted within the last six months. So you better be careful."
Luis paused, his smile fading slightly. "What? Why would they do that?"
Elsa said, "They claimed they had to take the pets into custody because of an ongoing case. Once the case is solved, they'll return them. But… we can't fully trust them."
Luis frowned, his grip tightening on the notepad in his hand. "Okay, I'll take care of it."
Three days later, a policeman arrived at Luis's house and knocked on the door. When Luis answered, the officer asked, "I believe you have a pet dog. May I see it?"
As soon as the policeman spoke, Shiro appeared at the door, staring intently at him. The officer instantly felt a strange fear wash over him. A powerful aura radiated from the dog, making the officer uneasy. He took a step back and said, "Can you please take your dog inside for a few moments?"
Luis had expected this visit. He nodded and gently guided Shiro inside.
The officer then asked, "So, how long have you had this dog as a pet?"
Luis was prepared. He responded casually, "Why, officer? Is there a problem with my dog?"
The policeman gave him a sharp glance and answered coldly, "Just answer the question, mister."
Luis clenched his jaw, feeling his patience wearing thin, but he kept his composure. "It's been two years since I adopted him."
The officer, however, was not convinced. "Do you have the adoption certificate?"
Luis hadn't expected this request. His heart sank as he realized, "Those papers are gone."
The officer smirked. "Then we'll have to take the dog into custody."
Luis's frustration boiled over. His voice turned sharp as he said, "Try if you can."
Then, he called out, "Shiro!"
As Shiro came forward, the officer's fear intensified. He fumbled for his radio and quickly called, "Chief, we have a situation here. This man is resisting—can you come immediately?"
After a few minutes, the chief arrived and approached the officer. "What happened?" he asked.
The officer pointed at the house. "He's refusing to hand over the dog."
The chief sighed, then knocked on the door. When Luis opened it, the chief asked calmly, "Mister, why are you not cooperating with us?"
Luis crossed his arms and replied firmly, "I answered everything your officer asked. Speaking of him, he was rude to me and wanted to take my dog into custody. Why should I agree to that?"
The chief glanced at the officer, then turned back to Luis. "I apologize on behalf of my officer. Now, how long have you had this dog?"
Luis sighed in frustration. "It's the same question again? Fine. It's been two years, sir. And I don't have any proof to back that up, so please, just leave me alone."
As he spoke, Shiro moved closer, his presence unsettling the chief. The chief subtly stepped back, feeling an inexplicable unease. He quickly regained his composure and said, "Okay, we will leave." While saying this, he glanced at the dog. "But if you face any problems, call me—this is my number."
Luis nodded, took the card, and closed the door behind him.
As the chief walked away, he turned to his officers and muttered, "Keep an eye on him."
As Luis closed the door behind him, a wave of relief washed over him. He was happy that he could continue living with Shiro.