Chapter-9

The door clicked shut behind him as Alejandro stepped out of Room 311.

His expression was calm, composed—like the meeting had been just another routine discussion. But on the inside?

His mind was still reeling.

Two S-rank Hunters.

Sitting in the same room as Alessandro Vieri and Dario Luciani had been like standing between a storm and an earthquake.

Vieri had that commanding presence—the kind that made people obey without question. He didn't need to raise his voice, didn't need to exert his aura recklessly. Just his existence made it clear why he was the strongest Hunter in Italy.

And then there was Dario—pure battle instinct wrapped in human form.

Luciani didn't care for politics or power struggles—he was the type of hunter who thrived in blood and chaos. Alejandro had no doubt that if a fight broke out between them, half of Rome might not survive the aftermath.

Even Moretti, confident as he was, had been more restrained than usual in their presence.

Alejandro exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders to release some tension.

He had given his full report—his insights, observations, and thoughts on the dungeon. He had played the role of a simple B-rank Hunter, someone who had just been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

And from their expressions?

They hadn't entirely bought it.

"You look like you've seen a ghost."

Alejandro turned to see Valeria Russo leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed.

Her usual composed expression had a hint of amusement as she observed him.

"Two S-ranks in one room," he muttered, adjusting his blazer. "Let's just say I wouldn't want to be their enemy."

She smirked. "Smart answer."

She gestured toward the elevator. "Come, I'll walk you out."

Alejandro followed, keeping his thoughts in check.

He had escaped that meeting unscathed—but something told him this was only the beginning.

Chapter 9: The Weight of Power (Part 2)

The taxi ride back to his hotel was smooth, the city of Rome passing by in a blur of historic streets and modern lights. Alejandro leaned back against the seat, arms crossed, eyes unfocused as his mind turned inward.

—

He needed to leave.

The meeting with Vieri and Luciani had only confirmed it—staying in Italy any longer was a mistake.

They weren't outright suspicious of him yet, but they weren't blind either. Two S-rank hunters didn't waste time on a simple B-rank Hunter unless something about him—or the dungeon—stood out.

He had given a carefully crafted report, making sure to sound like just another capable Hunter caught in an unusual dungeon. But even if they didn't press him now…

It was only a matter of time.

The taxi pulled up to his hotel, and Alejandro wasted no time.

Back in his room, he grabbed his duffel bag from the closet and began packing. He worked efficiently, slipping clothes, essential gear, and personal items into the bag with a hunter's precision. At the same time, he pulled out his phone and booked his next flight.

—

Destination: Oslo, Norway

Transfer in Berlin, Germany

—

The moment the confirmation email arrived, he let out a quiet sigh. Norway would be a safer place for now. As he packed, his mind wandered to the worldwide Hunter landscape.

The Hunter population was unevenly distributed across the globe.

China had the largest number of Hunters, with over 15 recognized S-ranks. It wasn't surprising—their sheer population size and government-controlled Awakening programs ensured they produced more Hunters than anyone else.

Following them was America, home to 10 recognized S-rank Hunters.

The U.S. government, unlike China, had a more decentralized system, with powerful guilds and corporate-backed Hunters forming a complex web of power. Despite this, their top Hunters were world-class, making them one of the most influential forces in dungeon affairs.

Then came Russia, another powerhouse. Fewer S-ranks, but just as deadly. The Russian Awakening Program was brutal, designed to forge warriors above all else.

And then there was Europe.

Unlike the Americans or the Chinese, Europe wasn't a single entity.

Countries like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain all had a few S-ranks, but individually, they were no match for the larger powers.

However, if you counted all of Europe's S-ranks together… They actually outnumbered the U.S.

The problem?

They weren't united.

The European Hunters Commonwealth (EHC) tried to maintain cooperation, but without a true leader, each nation still handled things their own way.

The only ones who didn't follow the EHC's system?

The British.

They had cut ties years ago, handling their dungeons and Hunters independently.

Alejandro zipped up his duffel bag and grabbed his phone. He had one last thing to do before leaving. He opened his contacts and typed a quick message to Emilia.

—

"Leaving Rome. We'll keep in touch"

—

He didn't wait for a reply.

The flight was booked. The bags were packed. And in a few hours he'd be gone.

--------------------------------------------

Meanwhile – Italian Hunter Association Headquarters, Rome

Inside the Chairman's private office—a minimalist yet imposing room on the top floor of the Association's headquarters—Alessandro Vieri sat alone, reviewing the compiled testimonies, dungeon analysis, energy logs, and field reports projected in front of him.

The warm light from the setting sun poured through the tall windows, casting long shadows behind his tall figure as he sat in still, focused silence.

He wasn't just a powerful Hunter. He was a strategist. A man who dealt in long games and global consequences.

And right now, all of his attention was centered on one name:

Alejandro Vargas.

There was a soft knock.

"Enter," Vieri said without turning.

The door opened, and Valeria Russo stepped inside, her black suit immaculate, tablet in hand, expression serious.

"Chairman Vieri," she said crisply, "I have an update on the Spanish Hunter, Alejandro Vargas."

Vieri finally turned his head slightly, offering her a glance. "Go ahead."

She swiped her fingers across the tablet and projected the data.

"He just booked a flight. Rome to Berlin, then to Oslo. The booking was made less than ten minutes ago, and he's expected to depart within the next two hours."

Silence fell.

"So he's leaving Italian jurisdiction," Vieri said softly. Not a question—a confirmation.

Valeria nodded. "Yes, sir. Once he steps out of national airspace, any real-time monitoring becomes... difficult. Norway isn't exactly under our regional authority."

Vieri stood, moving toward the window as he clasped his hands behind his back.

"I suspected as much. His answers were too measured. He revealed just enough to seem cooperative... but held back more than he let on."

"You believe he's hiding something?"

Vieri's voice was calm, almost distant.

"I know he is. The question is… whether it's dangerous."

He turned back to face her fully.

"Get me everything we have on him. His movements since entering the country. Prior dungeon reports. Guild affiliations. Civilian records from Spain."

Valeria nodded. "Right away."

As she turned to leave, Vieri added one last line—quiet, but laced with intent:

"Before he disappears completely… I want to know exactly what kind of man we just let walk out of Rome."