Raito’s throat tightened. What do I say? If I tell him the truth—that I defeated it—this could become a disaster. They’d never believe me, or worse, they’d drag me into something I’m not ready for.
He forced his face to remain calm. "The truth is... I don’t remember. The only thing I do remember is waking up in the hospital."
Seizo studied him, eyes narrowing further. "Are you sure? Are you telling me the truth? I hope you are."
"Yes. I definitely am," Raito said flatly.
Seizo didn’t look convinced. His gaze dragged across Raito, as if searching for cracks in his lie. "Strange. You don’t look like someone who was injured. Was it actually you?" He paused, then continued, "You say you don’t remember. Fine. But try to. Try and recall what kind of monster it was. Even if you don’t know right now..."
Seizo pulled a card from his coat and placed it on the table. "...call me when you remember anything."
Raito nodded stiffly. "I will."
Without another word, Seizo turned, Keito following silently behind him. They stepped into the waiting limousine parked outside, and the car rolled.
Raito let out a shaky breath and nearly collapsed against the door the moment the limousine drove away. His chest pounded so hard it felt like his heart might burst.
I don’t know what to say... I just hope they never come back. They’re powerful—far more powerful than I imagined. Meeting a Rank A Hunter like that... it’s something I used to dream about. But now?
He dragged himself back inside, shutting the door firmly behind him. Is that really the life I want? Or do I just want to get stronger for myself?
Raito fell onto his bed, staring up at the ceiling. "[Status Window]," he muttered. The glowing screen flickered open before him.
Physical enhancements... abilities... everything’s slightly improved. I’ve really reached Level 2.
He smiled faintly. That’s good. But how long will it take to reach Level 50? If I can make it that far, I’ll be untouchable. I’ll be able to fight any monster... and maybe even fulfill my dream of becoming a hero. Just like my hero, Masen Nibori.
The thought soothed him, and slowly, sleep claimed him.
But sometime later, a knock rattled his door.
His eyes shot open. "What...? Morning already?" He rubbed his face, confused. I fell asleep without realizing... but who would be knocking on my door this early?
His stomach tightened with unease. Could it be those hunters again? Did they come back?
Cautiously, he approached the door, hand trembling slightly, and opened it slowly.
"Hey buddy, how’ve you been?" Renji said as he pushed the door wide open and pulled Raito into a hug.
"Hey, man. I thought you were somewhere else. What are you doing here?" Raito asked, a bit startled.
"You’re asking me that? After I got a call from Ayane saying you weren’t okay? She also said you weren’t in the hospital, like you ran away or something. So I came to check if you were at home," Renji explained.
Raito frowned. "Wait... how does she even know I left the hospital? And the two of you aren’t close. How does she even have your number? Did you give it to her?"
Renji shook his head. "I don’t know how she got it. Maybe through you? But honestly, we’ve never even spoken before. I was shocked when she called me. Still, man, are you okay?"
"Get off me already," Raito muttered, pushing him back. He moved aside as Renji walked in and sat on the small bed on the floor.
Renji studied him carefully. "You look fine to me. Doesn’t seem like you’re injured at all."
"Well, I’m actually fine, man. There’s no need for you to worry about me. You should’ve just called," Raito said.
"I did call you, but you didn’t pick up," Renji replied.
Raito froze, his hand instinctively patting his pocket. Could it be...? Did I leave my phone back at the train station? Or maybe in the hospital? he wondered silently.
"So, how’s life been? I heard you were attacked by a monster," Renji said.
"Yeah, probably. But I’m all good," Raito answered quickly.
Just then, Raito’s stomach growled loudly.
Renji burst into laughter. "Hahaha! You’re hopeless as ever."
"Yeah, man... I don’t even have any money right now to get food. My fridge is empty," Raito admitted with a sheepish grin. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩·𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢·𝔫𝔢𝔱