Rivan didn't expect his life to change so fast.
Just yesterday, he was an F-rank hunter no one looked at twice.
Today, people were whispering his name.
As he exited the Association building, his phone vibrated nonstop.
Unknown Number (x3)
Guild Office
Private Recruiter
Rivan stared at the screen like it might explode.
"…Why do guilds suddenly know I exist?"
Lina peeked over his shoulder.
"Ohhh? Popular already?"
"I don't like this kind of popularity," Rivan replied.
Aria adjusted her coat.
"Guilds don't invite without reason. You showed potential in the evaluation."
Rivan sighed.
"I was just trying not to die."
---
An Offer He Didn't Expect
They stopped near a café across the street.
A sharply dressed man stepped forward, bowing politely.
"Rivan Arken," he said. "I represent Ironcrest Guild."
Lina nearly spilled her drink.
"IRONCREST?! That's a top-tier B-rank guild!"
The man smiled professionally.
"We would like to invite you for a discussion. No obligation."
Rivan hesitated.
A guild this strong… approaching him first?
Before he could answer—
Another voice interrupted.
"Excuse me."
A woman with short silver hair approached, eyes sharp.
"I'm from Nightfall Guild."
Lina's jaw dropped again.
"ANOTHER ONE?!"
The Ironcrest representative stiffened.
Rivan blinked.
"…Both of you?"
The silver-haired woman nodded.
"We believe Rivan's growth rate is… unusual."
The word unusual made Rivan uneasy.
Aria leaned toward him.
"Be careful. Guild politics are worse than dungeons."
---
System Reaction
Suddenly, a familiar blue window appeared.
[Multiple Paths Detected]
Joining a guild will influence your growth route.
Recommendation: Delay decision.]
Rivan swallowed.
The system was… warning him?
"I need time," Rivan said firmly. "I'll think about it."
The Ironcrest man nodded politely.
Nightfall's representative studied him longer.
"…We'll wait," she said. "But not forever."
As they walked away, Lina exhaled loudly.
"Wow. Two guilds already. If you keep this up, people will start offering you free food."
Rivan glanced at her.
"Please let that happen."
---
A Quiet Warning
As Rivan walked home alone later that evening, his phone buzzed again.
Unknown Number
Be careful who you trust.
Not all invitations are safe.
Rivan stopped walking.
A chill ran down his spine.
The system chimed softly:
[Notice: External Interference Detected]
Someone is watching your choices.]
Rivan clenched his phone.
Guilds.
The Association.
The mysterious Presence.
Everything was starting to move.
And he was standing right in the center.
He looked up at the darkening sky.
"…So this is what it means to grow stronger."
The weakest hunter had drawn attention.
And attention—
always came with danger.