The early morning air was still, yet heavy with mana. Sung Jinwoo stood on the rooftop, shadows shifting beneath his feet as if sensing the subtle tension in the city. Beside him, the boy's faint blue glow pulsed steadily, sending ripples of energy across the surroundings. Even the birds seemed hesitant, as though the world itself sensed the faint tremor of the Second Wave.
Igris stood close, analyzing the flow of energy. "Master, the S Rank clusters are converging. And now, ES Rank thresholds are manifesting. Multiple points show rising energy, all oriented toward the boy. It seems deliberate, coordinated. The lower-ranked beasts are moving under their influence."
Jinwoo's gaze swept the city, calm but alert. "Observation first. Engagement only when necessary. Agnorath is orchestrating this. The moment we act too soon, the plan adjusts. Every movement now is information we cannot ignore."
Beru hovered silently, wings tucked against his back, his eyes glowing faintly as they reflected the boy's energy. Even the shadows beneath Jinwoo stirred, coiling defensively along the edge of the building.
---
In the industrial district, the first ES Rank beast appeared fully formed. Its figure was tall and humanoid, yet twisted with shadow flames that flickered like living fire. Its eyes glowed like molten metal, scanning its surroundings with intelligence and caution.
System Message: Detected Entity – Ember Warden, Type ES Rank Beast
Nearby, S Rank beasts shifted instinctively, moving in alignment with the new dominant presence. Hunters stationed at a safe distance could feel the oppressive weight of the creature's mana, causing them to pause, reassess, and maintain defensive positions.
Hyunwoo's voice came over the comm system. "Jinwoo, the ES Rank manifestation is confirmed. Its aura is affecting the nearby S Rank clusters. Civilians are being evacuated, but its presence is felt across multiple blocks. The boy is drawing it closer."
Jinwoo remained calm, voice low. "Keep positions secure. Observation is priority. Every movement, every reaction is teaching us something. We will engage only when the timing is perfect."
---
The boy stirred, sensing the energy of the ES Rank creature. "Master, it is stronger than the others. I can feel its intelligence. It is moving deliberately toward me."
Jinwoo crouched beside him. "Exactly. That is why we wait. Every subtle shift tells us how Agnorath is orchestrating this. We learn, we adapt, and when the time comes, we act with precision."
Igris added, "Master, the largest ES Rank entity is preparing to test the limits of the S Rank beasts around it. It is aware of the boy's presence and calculating its approach."
"Then we do not provoke it," Jinwoo replied. "Shadows, maintain readiness. Beru, monitor anomalies and potential threats. Every pulse of energy must be recorded. Timing is everything."
---
Far beyond the mortal world, Agnorath's presence stirred in his shadowed realm. Streams of energy radiated outward, subtly influencing the ES Rank and S Rank formations in the city. This was not yet Supreme, but he could feel the power growing within him.
System Message: Agnorath – Current Rank: X Rank → Increasing to XX Rank
He tested his new abilities, sending tendrils of influence through the city's energy network. The lower-ranked beasts shifted in response, S Rank entities aligned under his growing authority, and ES Rank thresholds began forming in patterns that drew Jinwoo's attention. His progression was deliberate, each increase of power carefully measured and distributed across the battlefield.
---
Back in the city, the ES Rank Ember Warden moved with intelligence, flanked by S Rank beasts. Hunters and civilians remained secure thanks to Jinwoo's foresight, yet the tension was palpable. Even at this stage, the creature's aura hinted at the far greater challenges to come.
The boy's aura pulsed brighter as he sensed the coordinated force. "Master, they are converging more rapidly. Something is guiding them."
Jinwoo placed a protective hand on his shoulder. "Yes. Agnorath is directing them. Observation and patience will give us the advantage. Every surge, every alignment, every shift tells us how the storm will unfold."
By nightfall, the city was alive with subtle energy currents. ES Rank and S Rank beasts moved in patterns shaped by the unseen hand of Agnorath, now advancing toward XX Rank. Jinwoo's shadows tightened, Beru hovered close, and the boy's glow pulsed steadily, signaling that escalation was imminent but controlled.
"Patience," Jinwoo whispered. "The ES Rank threshold is only the beginning. Agnorath is growing stronger, and so must we. Every pulse, every shadow, every step will prepare us for what comes next."
The first true wave of ES Rank beasts had arrived, the city braced in anticipation, and Jinwoo's path toward ES Rank continued, carefully measured, and deliberate.