The crisp morning air greeted us as we stepped outside the hospital. A sleek black car was already waiting at the curb, its tinted windows giving off the unmistakable aura of official business.
Agent Hale moved with precision, opening the back door without a word. Leon, as always, was casual—stuffing his hands in his pockets before sliding into the vehicle like this was just another routine day.
I hesitated for half a second. Once I stepped into that car, there was no turning back. And then, I exhaled and got in.
The door shut with a soft click, sealing us inside. The interior smelled of leather and faintly of coffee—Hale's, judging by the cup in the holder near the front. The vehicle barely made a sound as it pulled away from the hospital and merged onto the road.
For a while, silence filled the car.
I watched the cityscape blur past the window, my fingers lightly tapping against my knee. My mind kept circling the same thoughts.
Hale finally broke the silence.
"The Association's president is curious about you, Mr. Kael."
I turned my head slightly. "Curious?"
Hale gave a slow nod. "Your case is… unique." His gaze flicked toward me, unreadable. "You attempted to register as a Hunter not long ago, didn't you?"
I exhaled sharply through my nose. Here we go.
"Yeah," I admitted. "Went through the whole process. Got tested. Came out as unranked and classless."
Hale nodded, as if confirming something. "And yet, here you are—having survived an A-rank dungeon boss."
From an outside perspective, my sudden growth didn't make sense. It shouldn't make sense.
Leon let out a short, knowing chuckle. "Told you, Ryzen. The Association doesn't just ignore things like this."
I shot him a look, unamused. Not helping, Leon.
Hale ignored our exchange and continued, his voice as composed as ever. "The president personally approved your re-evaluation. He wants to see if you were simply overlooked… or if there's something else at play."
I kept my expression unreadable. "What if I refuse?"
Hale regarded me carefully, his sharp gaze giving nothing away. "Then the Association will have to make a decision."
I leaned back against the seat, forcing myself to keep my breathing steady. I could feel Hale's eyes on me, studying my reaction. Leon, on the other hand, simply stretched his legs out, looking completely at ease. Very typical.
I folded my arms. "And what kind of decision are we talking about?"
Hale didn't answer right away. He glanced toward the driver, a silent exchange passing between them before he spoke again.
"The Association takes anomalies very seriously, Mr. Kael. If someone with your… circumstances suddenly shows potential beyond their original assessment, we investigate thoroughly." His tone was calm, precise. "Depending on the results, you could be given official rank status."
I scoffed. "And if I'm still unranked?"
"Then questions will be raised," Hale said simply. "Why someone who was tested as a 'No-Class' was able to survive an A-rank boss fight. Why the system failed to recognize you. And most importantly—" He turned his gaze toward me, sharp and unwavering. "What exactly you are."
Leon must have caught on to my tension because he sighed and finally spoke up. "Look, Ryzen. You and I both know you're not normal. You never were. Just like before. This must be fate." His eyes flicked toward me, serious for once. "But if you don't go through with this, things will only get worse."
I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to stay calm. "Fine," I muttered. "Let's get this over with."
Hale gave a curt nod. "Good. We'll arrive in a few hours."
***
I fell asleep, and when I turned my gaze back to the window, the car smoothly pulled up to the front of the Hunter Association HQ Main Branch, the towering glass structure looming over the city like an unshakable fortress. Massive banners hung from the sides, displaying images of the world's strongest Hunters—the Titans of modern society.
The car rolled to a stop, and before I could fully process the weight of the moment, the driver stepped out, quickly opening the door for us.
Hale exited first, his movements as precise as ever. Leon followed, stretching his arms above his head as if we weren't standing in front of the most powerful organization in the world.
My gaze flickered up toward the sleek Hunter Association insignia displayed above the entrance. A sharp and metallic emblem shaped like a sword piercing through a shield. The symbol of strength.
And for the first time in ten years, I was walking in not as a spectator… but as a subject of interest.
Leon nudged my shoulder. "Try not to look like you're about to pass out."
Hale was already leading the way toward the main entrance, his steps is purposeful. The large glass doors slid open automatically as we approached, revealing a grand lobby bathed in natural light.
Marble floors stretched beneath my feet, reflecting the glow of crystal chandeliers overhead. The scent of polished wood and fresh coffee lingered in the air.
Despite the refined atmosphere, the place was buzzing with activity.
Hunters moved in and out, some in full combat gear, others in sleek uniforms. Association officials hurried between desks, discussing reports, confirming dungeon clearances, and updating rankings.
The receptionist, a sharp-dressed woman with glasses, barely looked up from her holographic screen as we approached. "Agent Hale. Hunter Vael." Her gaze flickered toward me briefly before returning to her work. "You're expected. The President is waiting."
Leon let out a low whistle. "Straight to the top, huh? Ryzen, you should feel honored."
I ignored him, turning to Hale. "So, we're skipping the pleasantries?"
Hale adjusted his cuffs. "The President wants to hear your case firsthand before proceeding with formal evaluations. Follow me."
With that, he led us toward a set of private elevators guarded by two heavily armed Hunters.
They barely acknowledged us as we approached, stepping aside as Hale scanned his ID against a sleek black panel.
A soft beep.
The elevator doors slid open.
Leon stepped inside first, still carrying himself with that effortless confidence. Hale followed, standing near the control panel.
I exhaled and stepped in last.