It wasn’t the Chimera... it was the Inferno Speedstar Demon. They have no idea. They’re blind to the truth, Raito thought, fists clenching subtly. If they knew... the world here would shatter. The source of this content ɪs 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝✦𝘧𝙞𝙧𝙚✦𝕟𝕖𝕥
Despite the storm raging inside him, his expression remained neutral. Calm. Calculating. The tension in the room pressed like a tangible force, but his mind raced, dissecting, predicting, plotting.
"We also received information about your latest rank assessment," Takura continued, slicing through the quiet. "It came out as Rank C—which is impressive—but the Chimera, Rank A, you didn’t capture it?"
Raito raised an eyebrow. What makes them so sure I even faced a Chimera?
"Well..." Takura said, gaze sharp, relentless, "you don’t look like a weakling anymore. I’ve seen your images before... and now? You’ve changed."
"What do you mean?" he finally asked, voice calm.
"You haven’t used a mirror lately, have you?" Takura smirked, but then gestured to the massive glass window behind him. "But that’s not why you’re here. I want to give you an opportunity to join this guild. The pay is excellent, and you’ll have resources to grow. Don’t worry about anything else."
Raito glanced at the training field below—a massive open space, covered in reinforced glass, meant for elite Hunters. Impressive... but that’s not why I’m here.
"Sorry, but I don’t think I want to join anyone right now," Raito said, voice steady. "I’m not as strong as you think I am. And I believe it’s time I take my leave."
"Wait," Takura started, leaning forward. "You’re not leaving yet? We haven’t finished talking."
"No. I think that’s the end of this conversation," Raito said, pulling out his phone. The screen read 5:00 p.m. "I’ll be taking my leave."
"Hey, wait," Seizo barked, grabbing his arm. "The chairman isn’t done with you. How can you leave ? That’s disrespectful."
"Yes, you don’t leave unless you’re told," Ichika added, her presence calm but imposing.
Raito slowly turned, facing them with deliberate calm. "Let go of me now. I said, let’s go."
Before they could react, Takura’s voice cut through, deep and commanding. "Don’t leave yet. You want to know who told us about it? The one who reported... they’re in the next room. Ichika, go call the young lady who gave us the information."
Ichika bowed slightly, then walked toward the side room where the young woman was waiting, her steps quiet but purposeful.
Raito’s mind raced. Who would even think I defeated a monster and report it? Could it be... Sera? No, she wouldn’t. And definitely not Ayane.
He clenched his fists slightly. Even if she knew I liked her from the start—she never gave me a chance. I asked her out, she said no. Then went on a date... with someone else. At the same place I told her to meet me. Unbelievable. But still, she’s not that type of person. I’ve known her for years. It can’t be her.
The door opened. Ichika walked back in, calm as ever.
"She’s on her way," she said.
Footsteps echoed against the marble floor. A pair of heels clicked across the hall. Then, through the glass reflection, Raito saw her.
Ayane stepped forward, eyes sharp but unreadable. She stopped a few feet away from Raito.
"She’s the one," Takura said evenly. "The lady who informed us. She described the monster you fought. She didn’t know its name, but her description matched the Chimera perfectly."
Raito’s chest tightened. Ayane...? You’re the one who reported it?
He took a step forward. "Ayane... is it really you? And why?"
She looked at him without flinching. "Why are you asking me that? It’s what I’m supposed to do. We’re not friends anymore, Raito. I told the guild everything they asked for."
His jaw clenched as his thoughts spiraled. I didn’t expect it to be her. No wonder the report was off—the person didn’t even know the real monster. She doesn’t know anything about rank S beasts. She probably thought the Inferno Speedster Demon was a Chimera. Lucky for me. If she had said its real name, they would’ve realized what it truly was.
Takura’s voice broke the silence. "So, Raito," he said, stepping closer. "I’ll give you this offer one last time. Join our guild. You have potential. And the Chimera’s core alone sells for more than most hunters will see in their lives. I’d rather have someone like you with us than against us."
He extended a hand toward Raito.
Raito looked at it for a moment, then swatted it aside. "I’m done talking. I’m leaving."
"Hey!" Seizo barked, stepping in front of him. "The chairman isn’t finished speaking. Show some respect!"
"Yeah," Ichika added, her tone cold. "You don’t walk out unless you’re dismissed."
Raito’s eyes narrowed. "Move."
Seizo’s hand clamped on his shoulder. "You’re not going anywhere."
Raito’s patience snapped. In a blur, a dagger formed in his hand, purple lightning crackling faintly along its edge. He slashed—fast, precise.
Seizo twisted aside, narrowly dodging the blade as it sliced through the air with a sharp whoosh.
"Bastard!" Seizo growled, stepping back.
Before Raito could move again, Keito stepped forward silently, his presence suffocating. His masked face reflected no emotion. Then—
A heavy punch landed straight into Raito’s stomach. The impact sent him flying backward. He crashed through the upper glass platform and plummeted down toward the massive training field below.
Shards of reinforced glass exploded around him.
Raito groaned, forcing himself up. His hand glowed faintly blue as he called out, "Status Box—open."
A holographic panel appeared before him.
He tapped it instantly. A surge of energy spread through his body, sealing his wounds.
Keito dropped down through the shattered glass after him, landing in silence. The masked hunter straightened, his aura thick and suffocating.
Raito’s eyes met his. Both stood still for a second, tension crackling between them.
This wasn’t going to be a discussion anymore.