The Frostfang Alpha's body had barely turned to dust before the news spread.
Within hours, video clips flooded the internet—grainy footage of the battle, shaky recordings of Celeste and Aurora taking down the leader-class monster.
And, of course, the wild speculations began.
The Internet Explodes
["Who is the white-haired girl that fought alongside Celeste Varian?"]
["Did anyone else notice how she MOVED? It was like… space itself bent around her."]
["Wait. White hair? Violet eyes? That outfit kinda looked like—"]
["No way. You're not saying she's—"]
["Kiana Kaslana."]
Aurora sighed as she scrolled through the endless posts.
"Of course they noticed."
Even though she had avoided using obvious Herrscher abilities, the subtle distortions were still unique enough to draw attention. Some people dismissed the idea, claiming it was just another awakened with a similar look.
But others?
They weren't so easily convinced.
"What if she's not just some random awakened? What if she really IS Kiana?"
Aurora chuckled. Let them wonder.
As long as they believed she was summoned rather than someone using a system, her secret was still safe.
For now.
A Guild Invitation
"Hey, you got a minute?"
Aurora turned to see Celeste approaching. They were still at the Hunters' Guild outpost, where teams were handling the post-dungeon-break cleanup.
Celeste crossed her arms. "The Guild wants to talk to you."
Aurora raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Because you fought like a goddamn pro out there." Celeste smirked. "Most new awakened struggle, but you? You moved like someone who's been fighting for years."
Aurora stayed silent.
She couldn't reveal her system, but she also didn't want to reject the invitation outright. The Hunters' Guild had resources—information, weapons, training facilities.
It could be useful.
"...Alright. I'll hear them out."
Inside the Guild Hall
The Guild Hall was buzzing with activity. Awakened gathered in groups, discussing the dungeon break. Some were excited, others were nervous.
A man in a long coat stood waiting. His presence alone commanded respect.
Celeste gestured toward him. "That's Dante Vale, one of the guild's top executives."
Dante glanced at Aurora, his sharp eyes scanning her as if he could read her secrets.
"You fought well today," he said. "And you caught our attention."
Aurora met his gaze. "I just did what needed to be done."
Dante smirked. "Humble. I like that."
He leaned forward slightly. "Let me be direct. The Hunters' Guild wants you to join."
Aurora remained silent for a moment.
She had expected an invitation, but this was still… sudden.
"...Why me?"
Dante chuckled. "Besides the fact that you helped take down a leader-class monster? We're preparing for what's coming. The dungeons are getting stronger. You saw it yourself. And when the first invasion wave hits, we'll need every capable fighter we can get."
Aurora already knew that.
But joining a faction meant more eyes on her. More people watching.
Before she could respond, her system pinged.
[New Quest Available!]
[Investigate the Hunters' Guild's true motives.]
Aurora's eyes narrowed slightly. The system was telling her something wasn't right.
She looked back at Dante. "...I'll think about it."
Dante nodded. "Fair enough. But don't take too long. The world is changing fast."
A Warning from Celeste
Later that night, Aurora stood on a rooftop, watching the city lights.
Celeste appeared beside her. "You don't trust them, do you?"
Aurora glanced at her. "...Should I?"
Celeste sighed. "Dante's a good guy, but the Guild has its own agenda. They want strong fighters, but they also want control."
Aurora smirked. "And what about you?"
Celeste shrugged. "I just want strong people to fight."
Aurora chuckled. "Honest. I like that."
She turned back to the city. The first wave was coming. And now, she had to decide—
Would she join the Hunters' Guild?
Or would she stay independent?
Either way, she had to be ready.