Chapter 34: A Festival of Secrets

The crisp winter air carried the distant hum of excitement as the city prepared for its annual festival. Rin stood on the terrace of her new home, gazing at the shimmering lake below. The early morning light bathed the landscape in a golden hue, but her thoughts were far from serene.

This festival could be the perfect opportunity to gather information. With so many people in one place, it's easier to blend in and find leads. Rin's grip tightened on the railing. But it's also a risk. Evelyn will be watching me closely.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Evelyn emerged onto the terrace; her dark jacket pulled tight against the chill. She carried two steaming mugs of coffee, handing one to Rin without a word.

"Thanks," Rin said, her voice soft.

Evelyn leaned on the railing beside her, her gaze sweeping over the lake. "You've been quiet this morning."

"Just thinking," Rin replied, taking a sip of her coffee.

Evelyn glanced at her, a hint of concern in her eyes. "About the festival?"

Rin nodded. "It sounds like a big event. Do you think it's safe for us to go?"

Evelyn considered this for a moment. "The Hunter Association always increases security during the festival. And we'll be together the whole time. There's nothing to worry about."

Rin smiled faintly. "Alright, then. Let's make the most of it."

Evelyn studied Rin for a moment longer, as if trying to read between the lines of her words, but she let the matter drop. She took another sip of her coffee, exhaling lightly as the warmth seeped into her fingers.

After a comfortable silence, Evelyn turned to Rin. "I should get going soon. The guild will be busy today."

Rin tilted her head. "You're heading in early?"

Evelyn nodded. "There's some paperwork I need to handle. And a few new missions that require review. Are you not coming?"

Rin shook her head, stretching slightly as she leaned against the railing. "Nope. I'm taking a break for the next two days. I still need to finish setting up this place, and Celine is heading out on a mission with her team. Since I won't have training, I figured I might as well use the time to settle in properly."

Evelyn gave her a surprised look before smiling. "That's rare for you. You've been pushing yourself pretty hard lately."

Rin grinned. "Well, even I deserve a break sometimes."

Evelyn chuckled softly. "Fair enough. Just don't get too comfortable. I expect you back at the guild in two days."

"I'll be there," Rin promised, raising her mug slightly as if making a toast.

Evelyn took one last sip of her coffee before setting the empty mug down. "Alright, I should get going. You'll be fine here?"

Rin waved a hand dismissively. "Of course. It's not like I'm completely alone. I'll be fine."

Evelyn hesitated for a fraction of a second but then nodded. "Alright. I'll see you later, then."

Rin watched as Evelyn turned and headed inside, grabbing her coat before making her way to the car. A small, familiar pang of guilt settled in Rin's chest as she saw her off.

She's already worried about me moving out, and now I'm skipping the guild for two days. But this is necessary.

Taking a deep breath, Rin turned back to the lake, letting the crisp air clear her mind. She had two days to prepare, two days to gather her thoughts before the festival. And she intended to use them wisely.

Rin sighed as she closed the terrace door behind her. The warmth of the house greeted her, contrasting the winter chill outside. She set her empty coffee mug on the kitchen counter and stretched, rolling her shoulders.

"Well, shall I unpack the stuff?" she murmured to herself.

The boxes stacked neatly against the walls of her bedroom seemed to mock her. Rin exhaled and set to work, starting with her clothes. She pulled open the wardrobe doors, neatly folding and arranging her shirts, jackets, and training gear. It was a slow process, but oddly enough, it felt grounding—like she was truly claiming this space as her own.

As she worked, her thoughts wandered.

My first instinct after arriving in this world was just to survive the dungeons. The constant battles, the overwhelming fear—it was all-consuming. Then, when I finally got a break and came to terms with my reality, I realized something. If I want to return home, I need to be in this world for the long haul.

She placed the last of her clothes in the wardrobe and stepped back, staring at the neat rows of folded fabric.

My first objective was to gather information and figure out where I stand. But the more I searched, the more I realized… This isn't the story I wrote. The Rewrite System did a number on my world and turned everything upside down.

Rin moved around the house, taking a look at her new surroundings with fresh eyes. The space was cozy, with just enough room for her to train in secret. It was independent, hidden, and most importantly—secure.

She exhaled, shaking her head.

First, Aria Felstone—the original character who was supposed to die—ended up trapped in the dungeon. And instead of dying, I, the author, possessed her body. Then, through system intervention, she survived. But no, there's no happily ever after. Absolutely not.

She made her way to the study, absently running her fingers along the desk.

After that, I was poisoned. Then I met someone named Elyn, who turned out to be Evelyn Ardane—the protagonist. She was originally supposed to be a guide, but because of the Rewrite, she became an Esper instead. Meanwhile, I—Aria—became an S-Class Guide and an Esper Tamer.

She clicked her tongue in frustration.

Complete character class makeover. Just great.

Pulling out a chair, Rin sat down and leaned her elbows on the desk, rubbing her temples.

After researching world history—between the Central Archive and that old bookstore—I discovered that S-Class Guides and Tamers vanished centuries ago without a trace. Not only that, but any information about them has been almost completely erased. Evelyn now has a reverse imprint with me, and when I searched for a way to remove it, I found nothing. Not a single clue on reverse imprints or how to remove one.

She exhaled.

Moving forward, I met Guild Master Vera and uncovered more about my poisoning. I managed to talk my way out of questions about Evelyn's mark, which was actually an imprint mark, by making it sound like it was a result of my skills and the last dungeon we cleared.

Her eyes darkened slightly.

And then there's Evelyn… The Evelyn who, in my original story, was supposed to join a different guild with Caius and become his guide. Thanks to the Rewrite, that never happened. Instead, she became an Esper, was betrayed by her own team, left in a dungeon to die, and after returning, never got the justice she deserved. Bound by a contract, she decided to retaliate by forming an independent team and swearing off Guides altogether. After what happened to her, she refuses to trust anyone with her life.

Rin leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling.

In terms of information, what I've gathered so far is incomplete—practically useless. But it's better than nothing.

Her eyes flickered to the window.

My second objective was to find a base of operations. Somewhere independent, hidden, and secure. Since my stay here is a long one, I needed a place where I could train with Onyx and Aurelis without anyone knowing—not even Evelyn. And I actually managed to do it.

Her lips curled into a small smile.

Another milestone crossed.

Then, her mind drifted back to Evelyn, and her expression soured.

Speaking of Evelyn… Now that I think about it, she hasn't been guided properly since that time in the dungeon. Back when I forcefully guided her.

Her fingers tapped against the desk.

That stubborn girl. She never asked for help again. What am I supposed to do with her? She keeps forgetting that I'm her guide now. What, is she planning to go berserk again and lose control? This idiot.

Rin exhaled sharply and muttered, "Rewrite Status Window."

A translucent screen materialized before her eyes.

Author Rewrite Status

Author: Rin Calloway

Name: Aria Felstone

Progress: 0.001%

Characters:

Evelyn Ardane: Status [Active]

Caius Kade:

Continue…

She clicked on Evelyn's status. Another window popped up.

STATUS WINDOW

Name: Evelyn Ardane

Class: Esper (S-Class)

Affiliation: Silver Phoenix Guild, Independent Team Leader

Synchronization Rate:

Primary Guide: Aria

Synchronization Rate: 85%

Corruption Rate:

Current Level: 32%

Rin nearly choked.

"32% already?! What is this girl doing?"

Her brows furrowed in frustration.

If she isn't going to ask for help, I'll just have to do it forcefully. Especially now that we live separately.

She clenched her fist.

Next time she visits… I'm guiding her whether she likes it or not.

Rin tapped her fingers on the desk, her mind drifting further.

Evelyn was supposed to join a different guild with Caius and become his guide with a perfect synchronization rate.

She narrowed her eyes.

Caius Kade… I wonder where he is now? How is he doing? And most importantly, what changes did the Rewrite System make to him?

She exhaled.

Will I end up meeting him in the future?

Silver Fox Guild – Guild Master's Office

Caius Kade stepped through the heavy wooden doors of the Guild Master's office, his presence commanding without effort. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and carried an air of quiet authority. His jet-black hair fell slightly over his forehead, and his deep blue eyes held a detached, almost calculating gaze. The sheer strength of his aura made others wary of him.

Behind the desk sat Guild Master Dorian Albrecht, a man in his early thirties with sharp eyes and a smirk that hinted at both amusement and danger. He leaned back in his chair, gesturing for Caius to take a seat.

Caius, however, remained standing.

"What is it this time?" His voice was cool, indifferent. "You keep calling me in here. What do you want now?"

Dorian sighed dramatically. "You really don't like meeting your Guild Master, huh? Why the cold shoulder? Can't I just call you in without a reason?"

Caius shot him a glare. "As if. Just get to the point."

Dorian chuckled. "You're really no fun, you know that? But fine. I did call you here for a reason this time."

He leaned forward, lacing his fingers together. "How was your meeting with Captain Evelyn Ardane and her mysterious S-Class Guide, Aria Felstone?"

Caius narrowed his eyes. "Where is this coming from?"

His mind flickered back to his encounter with Evelyn.

It had been… intriguing, to say the least. She wasn't like the composed, calculating leaders he was used to dealing with. There was a rawness to her—fierce and unrelenting. But strangely enough, it wasn't Evelyn who occupied his thoughts the most.

It was Aria.

There was something about her. A peaceful aura that calmed him, yet at the same time, a faint sense of familiarity he couldn't quite place.

It wasn't just intrigue.

It was as if she stirred something buried deep within me—something I don't understand yet.

A small, amused smile tugged at his lips before he could stop it.

Dorian's sharp eyes caught the expression instantly.

"Hah," the Guild Master grinned knowingly. "Judging by that look on your face, I'd say it was worth the investment to ask them for a joint dungeon expedition."

Caius stiffened. "What do you mean by my expression?"

Dorian smirked, enjoying the rare sight of Caius being caught off guard. "Oh? You don't even realize? That's interesting."

Caius scowled. "Enough games. What's this about a joint dungeon expedition?"

Dorian leaned back, stretching his arms behind his head. "Wanna know?"

Caius clenched his jaw.

Dorian chuckled. "Relax. It's actually why I called you here today. But judging from your earlier reaction, I guess you don't want to go. What a shame. I'll just ask another team."

Caius's expression darkened. His hands slammed onto the desk, making a loud thud. "What do you mean, 'ask another team'?" His voice was low and dangerous. "You called me here. Just tell me what it is."

Dorian burst into laughter. "Damn, you're easy to rile up."

Caius glared at him.

"Alright, alright," Dorian said, holding up his hands in surrender. "But your expression just now—priceless. Couldn't control myself."

Caius gave him a look that could kill.

Dorian sighed in mock defeat. "Fine, I'll stop. Let's talk business."

He straightened up, the teasing edge in his tone fading slightly. "To build a better relationship with them, I proposed a joint dungeon expedition with Silver Phoenix Guild. That means Evelyn's team—and, of course, her Guide—will be there as well. If you're wondering."

Caius was silent for a moment.

Then he scoffed. "Well… No other team will be able to handle this task anyway. Of course, to save your stupid face and the guild's reputation, I'll do it."

Dorian raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, 'stupid face'?"

Caius smirked slightly; satisfaction evident in his posture.

Dorian exhaled, shaking his head. "Fine, fine. I'll let you off the hook this once."

He folded his arms. "The expedition is set for the end of next month. But before that, you'll have to undergo a matching rate test. Be prepared for it. And get your team ready."

Caius gave a single nod. "Understood."

Dorian leaned back. "Good. You're dismissed."

As Caius turned to leave, Dorian called after him, "And show some respect for your elders."

Caius scoffed. "Elder? You're only four years older than me."

Without another word, he left the office.

Dorian watched him go, shaking his head with a smirk.

"Wow. Says his piece and just walks off." He let out a deep breath and leaned back in his chair. His expression softened slightly.

"At least he looks better. Looks like that meeting with them brought a positive change in him."

His eyes gleamed with curiosity.

"Now I'm having high expectations from you, Ms. Aria Felstone."

Scene Shift – Rin's House

Rin sat at her desk, lost in thought when suddenly—

"Achoo!"

She sneezed, blinking in surprise.

"Ugh," she muttered, rubbing her nose. "Did I catch a cold from standing in the wind too long?"

She sighed, shaking her head. "Great. Just what I needed."

Still, a strange feeling lingered at the back of her mind.

Did someone just talk about me?

Shrugging, she stood up, deciding to get back to work. There was still much to prepare.