While thinking of ways to deal with the problems present, someone suddenly rang the doorbell of Viola's house.
The sharp sound echoed through the quiet morning, pulling her out of her thoughts.
Who could it be this early in the morning? she wondered.
Viola frowned slightly. She rarely had visitors, especially not at this hour. Most people from work would call before coming over, and her address is not public.
Carefully, she approached the door and looked at the monitor beside it to check who it was.
To her surprise, it was a staff member from her agency named Francine.
Viola quickly opened the door and was greeted by the familiar face of a woman slightly older than her, with brown hair tied neatly behind her head and sharp black eyes that showed both relief and worry.
"Oh, Viola!" Francine exclaimed the moment the door opened.
"Everyone was looking for you yesterday. They tried to contact you, but your phone was found on your table. So here."
She handed Viola her phone.
She checked the screen and saw dozens of missed calls and unread messages. Most of them were from the agency, some from colleagues, and several from unknown numbers.
Her stomach twisted slightly.
"You suddenly walked out of the event," Francine continued, her tone worried. "And the Vice President was furious when she heard you left. They're planning to hold you accountable for this. But maybe you can avoid the consequences if you explain clearly what really happened."
Viola let out a quiet sigh.
Indeed, I was really careless yesterday.
So many things had happened in such a short time that the event had completely slipped from her mind.
"I'll head straight to the agency this morning and talk to them," Viola replied calmly. "I'll accept whatever punishment they give me."
Francine studied her expression, perhaps expecting resistance or panic, but Viola's face remained steady.
"Alright, Viola. Then I'll go with you," Francine said, giving a small nod.
Viola quickly prepared herself. She washed up, changed clothes, and gathered her things in a hurry. But before leaving, she paused.
Her eyes shifted toward the hallway leading to the guest room.
Toward Ezekiel's room.
For a moment, she hesitated, her hand resting on the door handle.
He was still unconscious inside.
After everything that happened, leaving him alone felt strange.
I'll come back quickly, she told herself.
With that, she stepped outside and locked the door.
---
Upon arriving at the agency building, Viola immediately felt the tense atmosphere. Staff members whispered as she walked past, clearly aware of what had happened the previous day.
Soon, she was called to the Vice President's office.
John accompanied her. His face showed worry as they walked down the hallway.
He knew Iris well.
And he knew she wouldn't go easy on Viola.
When they entered the office, the Vice President, Iris, was already standing. The moment she saw Viola, she stormed forward.
"Why did you just leave that event!?" Iris shouted. "What could possibly be more important than this when you know your career relies on these appearances!? What were you thinking!?"
Her voice echoed through the room.
"What about the money spent on the event!? The sponsors!? The contracts!? Explain yourself, or I'll charge you for the income lost!"
Viola lowered her head slightly.
"I'm really sorry about leaving like that," she began. "But what happened yesterday was really an emergency. And it—"
"And what?" Iris snapped, cutting her off.
Viola inhaled slowly.
"It was a matter of life and death."
Iris scoffed loudly.
"Life and death!? And do you think your career is not a matter of life and death!?"
Her face turned red with anger, wrinkles forming as she glared fiercely.
Viola clenched her fists slightly.
"It's because..."
She hesitated for only a moment before speaking.
"I awakened."
Silence filled the room.
Iris froze completely.
Behind Viola, John's eyes widened in shock.
For a few seconds, no one spoke.
Viola had spent the entire morning thinking about what excuse she could give. Then she realized something.
Telling the truth might actually benefit her.
It was a double-edged sword, but it was also the best move.
Hunters were highly valued in society and had privileges ordinary people didn't. Her mistake at the event would likely be overlooked if she had awakened.
At the same time, hiding awakening status was illegal and could result in heavy fines depending on how long it was concealed.
But more importantly, Viola wanted strength.
She wanted power.
She wanted to enter the hunter world she previously had no access to in the past, in order to gather evidence and prove Ezekiel's innocence.
And eventually, bring down everyone involved in framing him.
Surprisingly, Iris suddenly changed her attitude entirely.
She grabbed Viola's shoulders, eyes shining with excitement.
"Is that true!? It happened yesterday!? What's your occupation? Your rank? Do you know yet?"
Questions poured out rapidly.
Viola remained calm.
"I need to head to the Hunter Association today to register and avoid penalties," she replied instead of answering.
Iris immediately nodded.
"Of course! Of course! We have to go right now!"
She quickly grabbed her phone and started making calls while insisting on going with Viola.
---
Outside, Iris continued calling people, spreading the news excitedly.
By the time they entered the agency van and headed toward the nearest Hunter Association office, things had already escalated.
When Viola stepped out of the vehicle, reporters were already gathered outside.
Camera flashes exploded the moment she appeared.
Microphones were pushed toward her from every direction.
"Miss Viola! Is it true you awakened yesterday?"
"What rank are you?"
"Are you retiring from entertainment?"
"Will you become a hunter full-time?"
Voices overlapped, making it hard to hear anything clearly.
It was obvious how obsessed society was with hunters. Becoming one instantly raised a person's status.
And Viola was already a public figure even before awakening.
Still, one thought lingered in her mind.
I didn't expect reporters to arrive so quickly.
She glanced sideways at Iris, who was happily answering calls and smiling proudly.
Maybe Iris had something to do with it.