The dungeon's echo still lingered in the city streets, but the crowd at the Association's gates was more ordinary.
Reporters, cameras, and drones buzzed around, hoping to see the nation's youngest A-rank hunter.
Adrian Arden walked through it calmly, dark hair catching the morning light, his expression relaxed.
He looked like someone who already knew how the whole game worked and which moves to make.
A cameraman stepped forward. "Adrian Arden, youngest A-rank hunter! How does it feel to defeat a C-rank hive at seventeen?"
Adrian tilted his head and smiled politely. "It went fine. The team did well."
The man blinked, unsure if that was humble or arrogant. Adrian didn't care. He had already judged them, measured their attention, and made his mark.
In his mind, Nyxil hummed softly. You could have made them beg for a word.
And ruin the moment? No. Let them underestimate me.
**
By mid-afternoon, Adrian returned to the Arden estate, a huge mansion full of artifacts, books, and quiet luxury. Servants moved efficiently while the gardens glimmered in the sun.
His parents greeted him warmly.
"Welcome home, Adrian. Was the hunt hard?" his mother asked.
"Not really. Everything went as planned," he replied calmly, taking off his jacket.
His father, sharp-eyed and serious, watched from the stairs. "We received a new artifact today. Handle it carefully. I want a full report after inspection."
Adrian's fingers brushed a black crystal on a velvet cushion. It hummed faintly with energy. Nyxil's voice shivered in his mind. This doesn't belong to your world…
He picked it up, turning it slowly. "Interesting. Untouched, dangerous. That's convenient."
Nyxil "...."
If it was dangerous, Adrian thought, he could use it to his advantage. Better to study it while others hesitated. Risk meant value.
**
His older brother appeared in the hall, arms crossed, frowning. "Seventeen, A-rank, and still acting like you're just another hunter. Must be nice."
Adrian shrugged. "I like to watch. Less noise makes decisions easier."
Their sister leaned against the wall, smirking. "Watch, huh? Then explain how you leave chaos in every dungeon without anyone noticing."
"Subtlety," he said with a shrug. "Or maybe luck. Depends how you see it."
Nyxil snorted quietly. Subtlety?
Their father cleared his throat. "Remember, the Arden name carries weight. Use it wisely."
Adrian nodded. The words were noted, but he already knew how to use that weight. Power, influence, opportunity—all available if he played carefully.
**
Evening came. Adrian went to his study, dim light casting long shadows across the room. He opened his system panel.
> [Level 39 – Next Ascension Requirement: 1 Major Deed / Bad Deed]
He touched the interface. A major deed. One act that would test his smarts, morals, and how far he could go.
It didn't bother him. He thought logically. If growth needs cruelty, then strength is worth it. Kindness needs power first. Otherwise, it's useless.
Nyxil stayed silent for a long moment before making a proud expression on the screen.
The crystal on his desk pulsed faintly. Adrian touched it, thinking over the possibilities. He wasn't eager or careless. He was waiting for the right moment.
After a while, he picked up his phone and scrolled through social media. A famous A-rank hunter appeared on the screen, praised for their latest dungeon run.
Adrian smirked. "The current superstar is… hot. Only if I were eighteen."
Nyxil " O_o "
A laugh escaped his lips .
The city outside was quiet. No one knew a young hunter was already planning his next moves, calculating every angle while casually scrolling his phone.