Evelyn couldn't shake the feeling of urgency. She had to find out why Arin was at the school and what his connection was to the cracks and the System. The next day, she decided to start her search for answers.
During lunch break, Evelyn wandered through the school grounds, her eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of Arin. She knew it wouldn't be easy to find him, especially if he was trying to keep a low profile. But she was determined.
As she walked past the Hunter training grounds, she overheard a group of students talking about a new transfer student who had shown incredible skills during combat practice. Her heart skipped a beat. Could it be Arin?
Evelyn approached the group, trying to act casual. "Hey, did you guys mention a new transfer student? What's he like?"
One of the students, a tall boy with spiky hair, nodded. "Yeah, his name's Arin. He's amazing! Took down three senior Hunters in a sparring match yesterday. No one knows where he came from, though."
Evelyn's suspicions were confirmed. She thanked the students and hurried off, her mind racing. She needed to find Arin and talk to him, but she had to be careful. If the association found out she was digging into this, she could get into serious trouble.
Later that day, Evelyn spotted Arin in the library, sitting alone at a table with a stack of books. She took a deep breath and approached him, her heart pounding.
"Arin?" she said softly, hoping not to startle him.
He looked up, his eyes meeting hers. For a moment, there was a flicker of recognition, but he quickly masked it. "Yes? Can I help you?"
Evelyn sat down across from him, trying to keep her voice steady. "I saw you at the meeting yesterday. I know who you are. You saved us from that S-Class monster."
Arin's expression remained neutral. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Evelyn leaned in closer, lowering her voice. "Please, I need to know. Why are you here? What's your connection to the cracks and the System?"
Arin sighed, glancing around to make sure no one was listening. "It's not safe to talk about this here. Meet me at the training grounds after school. I'll explain everything."
Evelyn nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. She spent the rest of the day in a haze, barely able to focus on her classes. When the final bell rang, she hurried to the training grounds, her mind buzzing with questions.
Arin was already there, waiting for her. He looked around cautiously before speaking. "Alright, I'll tell you what I can. But you have to promise to keep this to yourself. If the association finds out, it could be dangerous for both of us."
Evelyn nodded eagerly. "I promise."
Arin took a deep breath. "The cracks and the System are connected to an ancient power, one that predates humanity. The monsters that come through the cracks are just the beginning. There's a greater force at work, one that seeks to control or destroy our world."
Evelyn's eyes widened. "But why? And how do you fit into all of this?"
Arin hesitated, then continued. "I was chosen by this ancient power to be its guardian. My job is to monitor the cracks and prevent the monsters from overwhelming our world. But I can't do it alone. That's why I'm here, to find others who can help."
Evelyn's mind raced with the implications of what Arin was saying. "So, you're here to recruit Hunters?"
Arin nodded. "Yes, but it's not just about strength. It's about understanding the true nature of the System and the cracks. We need to find a way to stop this ancient power from achieving its goals."
Evelyn felt a surge of determination. "Then I'll help you. Whatever it takes, I'll do it."
Arin smiled faintly. "Thank you, Evelyn. We'll need all the help we can get."
As they stood there, a sense of purpose settled over them. The road ahead would be dangerous and uncertain, but they were ready to face it together. The mysteries of the cracks and the System were vast, but with Arin's guidance and Evelyn's resolve, they had a fighting chance.