It had only been two days since Rex was officially declared A-Rank. But even that short time was enough for his name to spread throughout the castle. People no longer whispered his name in curiosity…
…but in respect.
And today, Rex had been summoned to the highest tower of the castle.
This place was not ordinary.
It was the hall where S-Rank hunters gathered.
In the entire nation,
there were only eight of them.
Eight legends.
Eight peaks of power.
Rex pushed open the heavy door.
The hall was vast, its walls lined with paintings of ancient battles. Around a long table sat eight figures — each radiating a presence so powerful that the air itself felt heavier.
Silence.
Then, a calm-eyed man with black hair spoke:
"Welcome. I am Kazuki Hayato. You could say I act as the leader of the S-Rank hunters."
Rex gave a slight nod.
"Rex."
The others introduced themselves one by one.
A cool-faced, elegant woman:
"Ayanami Yui."
A smiling elderly swordmaster:
"Kurosawa Ren."
A silent man with long hair:
"Takeshi Ryo."
A confident, sharp-eyed young man:
"Nakamura Jin."
A large, stern warrior:
"Sato Hiro."
A calm priestess-like woman with mysterious aura:
"Miyazaki Hana."
And leaning against the wall in the back, with cold eyes:
"Okabe Shin."
Every single one of them
had danced with death.
Rex could feel it.
Kazuki continued:
"A-Rank at your age is impressive. But even more shocking… is that you survived an S-Rank dungeon."
Rex said nothing.
Yui spoke softly:
"Most people die there. You surviving means either… you were lucky… or fate chose you."
Jin smirked.
"I like him. He's got presence."
Okabe Shin looked at Rex coldly.
"Don't get comfortable. The gap between A-Rank and S-Rank is a cliff."
Rex replied calmly:
"I know."
The room paused for a moment. Then Ren chuckled gently.
"At least you're not arrogant. That's good."
Kazuki nodded.
"We called you here because we want to watch you. Your potential… and how far you can climb."
Rex asked:
"Is becoming S-Rank truly that hard?"
Hiro answered bluntly:
"Hard?
It's close to impossible."
Miyazaki Hana added softly:
"Power changes the soul. Be prepared."
Rex's eyes sharpened.
"I am prepared."
Kazuki rose to his feet.
"Then we will observe you. Your missions. Your growth. Your battles. If you truly reach the summit… one day, you may stand among us."
Jin grinned.
"Just don't die before that."
Shin muttered:
"Most do."
Rex turned toward the door.
"I gave a promise. I will become stronger."
Kazuki nodded.
"Then welcome, Rex.
From now on… the eyes of the top are on you."
Rex stepped out of the hall.
The wind blew.
The sky was grey.
But inside him, his goal
had never been clearer:
S-Rank.
And on that day…
no one knew that among the Eight Legends,
a place was slowly opening…
for the ninth.