Rivan sat on the edge of his bed, phone resting in his palm, its screen still lit.
Two missed calls.
Three unread messages.
Five guild invitations waiting politely—or impatiently—for a response.
He exhaled slowly.
When did my life become this complicated?
Only weeks ago, no one had bothered to remember his name. Now, guilds were lining up like merchants sensing rare treasure. The sudden shift felt unreal, like the world had tilted slightly off balance.
He locked the phone and leaned back, staring at the ceiling.
The system remained silent.
That bothered him more than the messages.
Usually, whenever something important happened, it reacted—warnings, suggestions, cryptic lines that raised more questions than answers. But now, it was quiet, as if waiting to see what he would do.
"Are you testing me?" Rivan muttered.
No response.
---
Voices of Caution
The next morning, Rivan met Lina and Aria at a small diner near the Association building. It wasn't fancy, but the food was cheap, and the booths offered some privacy.
Lina dropped into her seat dramatically.
"I counted," she announced. "You got seven invitations overnight."
Rivan winced.
"Please don't say that out loud."
Aria stirred her tea calmly.
"Seven means word has spread further than expected."
Lina leaned forward, eyes sparkling.
"So? Which guild are you choosing? Ironcrest? Nightfall? Or are you secretly waiting for some legendary S-rank guild to knock on your door?"
"I'm not choosing yet," Rivan said.
Both girls paused.
Aria looked at him carefully.
"That might be wise."
Lina blinked.
"Wait—really? You're not even curious?"
"I am," Rivan admitted. "But something feels wrong."
He didn't mention the anonymous message.
Or the system's warning.
Or the sense that unseen eyes were tracking his decisions.
Aria nodded slowly.
"Guilds don't recruit kindness. They recruit potential. And potential attracts expectations."
Lina frowned.
"…That sounded way too smart for breakfast."
Rivan almost smiled.
Almost.
---
A Walk Through the City
After they parted ways, Rivan walked alone through the lower district. The streets were busy with civilians, delivery drones humming overhead, hunters passing by with weapons slung casually over their shoulders.
This was the city his brother had protected.
The thought came uninvited.
Rivan stopped near a public memorial—a stone wall engraved with the names of hunters lost during dungeon breaks. Fresh flowers rested beneath some of the names. Others had long since faded.
His eyes drifted across the list.
He's not here.
Not officially dead.
Not alive either.
Just… waiting.
Rivan clenched his fists.
"I'm getting stronger," he whispered. "So just wait a little longer."
The air shifted subtly.
For a brief second, he felt that familiar pressure again—the presence.
Not hostile.
Not friendly.
Observing.
The system flickered faintly.
[Notice: Emotional Resolve Detected]
That was new.
---
The Association's Offer
Later that afternoon, Rivan received a formal summons—not from a guild, but from the Hunter Association itself.
Director Aster waited in her office, golden eyes sharp as ever.
"You're gaining attention," she said without preamble. "That was inevitable."
Rivan stood straight.
"I didn't intend to."
"That doesn't matter." She folded her hands. "What matters is how you handle it."
She slid a document across the desk.
"A provisional license," she continued. "It grants you permission to enter higher-risk gates under Association oversight. No guild affiliation required."
Rivan's eyes widened slightly.
"You're… giving me independence?"
"For now," Aster replied. "Consider it a test. We want to observe your growth without external interference."
The system chimed softly.
[Opportunity Detected]
Neutral Path Available]
Rivan felt his heartbeat steady.
This was it.
A way forward without being bound.
"I'll accept," he said.
Director Aster nodded.
"I expected you would."
She leaned back, studying him.
"One more thing. You should know—some guilds won't appreciate being kept waiting."
Rivan met her gaze.
"I'm not here to please them."
A faint smile crossed her lips.
"Good."
---
The Calm Before the Arc
That evening, Rivan returned home exhausted but strangely calm. He placed the provisional license on his desk and sat down, letting the silence settle.
The system appeared at last.
[Path Selected: Independent Growth]
Arc Transition Approaching
Next Phase: Guild & Growth Arc]
Rivan exhaled.
"So it really is an arc," he muttered.
Another message followed.
[Upcoming Conditions Will Intensify]
Enemies Will Emerge
Allies Will Change
Your Choices Will Matter More Than Ever]
He leaned back in his chair, staring at the glowing words.
Danger.
Growth.
Conflict.
And somewhere ahead—answers about the system, the presence, and his brother.
Rivan closed the window.
"I'm ready," he said quietly.
Outside, the city lights flickered on, unaware that a new chapter—not just for Rivan, but for the world around him—was about to begin.