reunion with elira

Chapter 3 – Reunion with Elira

The air shimmered as Lee Hwan used his Teleportation Skill once more, arriving silently within the confines of his private villa. The sun had just begun to rise, bathing the grounds in a warm golden hue. Despite the peace, Lee's eyes held the sharpness of a man who had just walked through fire and come out stronger.

He walked straight into his study and pulled up the Dragon Guild's communication panel.

"Book me a flight to America," he said firmly.

The guild operator on the other end paused in surprise. "Sir? You want to fly, not teleport?"

Lee nodded. "Yes. I don't want to alert certain people that I'm moving. A plane will do."

"Understood. When would you like to depart?"

"In two days."

Two Days Later – New York City, America

The cold wind brushed against Lee's face as he stepped out of the airport terminal. Even with a hoodie and sunglasses, his presence drew subtle attention—an aura that couldn't be hidden.

Lee called for a private car through the Dragon Guild network and made his way to a quiet part of the city. A luxurious rooftop lounge stood tall among the surrounding buildings. He walked up the elevator, past security checkpoints that recognized him instantly, and stepped onto the open terrace.

She was already waiting.

Elira.

One of the most respected hunters in the world. A beauty with flowing silver hair and sharp eyes that didn't miss anything.

She stood, her lips curling into a soft smile as Lee approached.

"Three months," she said. "We haven't seen each other in three months. Back then, you weren't even in the top 50. Now... you're ranked 8th in the world."

Lee sat across from her, casually pulling back his hood. "Yeah. Things changed faster than I expected."

Elira raised an eyebrow. "That's not just change. That's a leap no one's ever made before. Most players take years to move up five ranks. You jumped over forty."

Lee leaned back. "I had to. The trials weren't going to wait."

She sipped her drink and gave him a curious look. "So, what brings the 8th strongest player in the world to New York? Just wanted to catch up?"

Lee's eyes sharpened.

"No… I needed to talk to you about the Flame Monarch's Vessel."

Elira's expression turned serious. "That name again... It's been popping up a lot lately."

Lee nodded. "When I was on the 9th Floor, I fought someone there—a powerful vessel. I didn't realize it at the time, but that was him. I defeated him, barely. He was injured and fled."

"You didn't finish him off?"

"I couldn't. The 10th Floor gate opened right after the fight. I moved on immediately. When I got to the 10th Floor, he was gone. I assumed he had died or failed to ascend."

Elira leaned forward. "But he didn't."

Lee's gaze turned cold. "No. He survived. And after I returned to Earth… someone tried to kill me."

Elira's eyes widened. "You think he was behind the assassination attempt?"

"I don't think. I'm sure of it. I tracked the assassin to Jeju Island. He self-destructed before I could extract too much information, but I saw enough."

He reached into his pocket and tossed a half-melted ranking watch onto the table.

"This was his. Jinro Hak. Formerly ranked 9th globally."

Elira's jaw clenched. "Wait… I know that name. He dropped off the rankings completely months ago after a defeat on the 9th Floor. That was you, wasn't it?"

Lee nodded. "His pride couldn't take it. And neither could his master—the Monarch of Fire. I've drawn their attention. And now..."

Elira crossed her arms, processing the information. "You've started a war with one of the most powerful factions in the world."

Lee's expression didn't change. "I didn't start it. I finished the first chapter of it. They're the ones who came after me first."

She exhaled. "What's your plan now?"

"I'll go back to Korea soon. But before that… I needed to know if you'd heard anything about the Flame Monarch's movements. Or if his vessel showed up in any global raid attempts."

Elira shook her head. "No sightings. But there have been whispers. Rumors of a red-cloaked man recruiting powerful Rankers from the shadows. Offering them forbidden magic and items in exchange for loyalty."

Lee's fists clenched slightly. "He's building a force again."

"And this time, he might not come at you alone."

Lee looked out over the city skyline. "Then I'll destroy them all, one by one, until there's nothing left."

There was silence between them.

Elira studied him carefully.

"You've changed," she said softly. "You were powerful before… but now you're colder. Sharper. Like a blade that's been reforged."

Lee didn't respond right away.

"I've seen too much, Elira. Fought too much. And I know what's coming. If I don't get stronger fast enough... this world won't survive."

She looked away. "Then I'll stand with you when that day comes."

Lee turned to her, surprised.

"I'm not joining your guild, if that's what you're thinking," she smirked. "But I owe you. From the Tower. And if the Monarch of Fire is preparing to make a move... I'll fight him too."

Lee nodded. "Good. I might need you when that time comes."

They both stood.

And as the sun dipped below the horizon, a new fire was lit—one not of destruction, but of resolve.