Chapter 6: Wedding Ceremony

Carl Kureyama: Rising Star of the AHCA

The name Carl Kureyama—or as the official registries now listed him, Haruki Kureyama—was no longer just whispered among hunter circles. News outlets across America hailed him as one of the youngest and most promising S-level Awakened in recent history. A calm and soft-spoken figure, Carl was known for his precise tactics, clean operations, and an almost legendary ability to close rifts with minimal injuries.

"Carl, how do you stay so composed in the middle of chaos?"

That was the most frequent question reporters asked during his occasional interviews on late-night shows and hunter news broadcasts.

"I stay focused," he would reply. "The moment I lose control, someone else pays the price. I won't allow that."

People loved him. Young Awakened admired him. But he never let the fame distract him from his goal: protect those who can't protect themselves.

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An Invitation to Rest – and a Wedding

"You've been working non-stop since your S-level promotion," Rosalind said, arms crossed as she leaned on the railing outside the AHCA HQ rooftop garden. "Take a break, Haruki. You've earned it."

Carl looked out at the city skyline. "Monsters don't rest."

Rosalind gave him a rare smile. "But even the strongest hunter needs to breathe. Besides… I'm getting married next Sunday."

Carl turned to her, eyes blinking. "You and Adrian?"

She nodded, almost smug. "Yes. Finally."

"I'll be there," he said simply.

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The Wedding – Sunday Afternoon

The wedding was held at a private estate owned by the Farley family—a breathtaking venue nestled at the edge of a lake, with a glass-domed reception hall and floating lanterns illuminating the calm waters. Carl arrived with his mother, both dressed in formal wear. His mother wore a light blue kimono with delicate cranes embroidered along the hem, her hair tied back with elegant simplicity. Carl wore a black formal suit with a silver brooch, the same color as his hunter badge.

They were guided to the upper terrace, where a sea of elites had gathered.

Carl recognized several figures immediately:

Roland Farley, the AHCA president and Rosalind's father, stood in sharp white ceremonial attire. His presence was calm yet commanding—the kind of man who didn't need to speak loudly to be heard.

Richard Farley, Rosalind's younger brother, had his mother's green eyes and a mischievous grin. Though an S-level Hunter himself, he looked like he'd rather be racing motorcycles than attending a formal event.

Caterina Wayne, Rosalind's mother, was speaking with a martial arts grandmaster from Kyoto—her aura refined and composed despite being one of the few non-Awakened in the room. Her family's legacy ran deep in both America and Japan.

Several guild masters from prominent Awakened guilds—Griffon Watch, Seraphim Order, and Ironveil—were also present, some eyeing Carl curiously.

Whispers followed him.

"That's Carl Kureyama, right? The shadow user?"

"He's the one who held the border during the Florida rift incident."

"Looks younger than I expected…"

Carl ignored the murmurs and joined the guests as soft classical music played from the pavilion.

Then the ceremony began.

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The Wedding of Power and Peace

Rosalind walked down the aisle in a sleek, snow-white gown laced with subtle runes—symbolic protection charms from both AHCA tradition and her mother's family. Adrian, in a stylish black-and-gold formal suit, stood smiling like an idiot as she approached. Despite being two of the most powerful Awakened in the country, they looked simply like two people in love.

The ceremony was short, heartfelt, and—unexpectedly—touched with laughter. Adrian made a joke about losing the bakery's best cashier. Rosalind smirked and said she planned to steal Carl back whenever they opened a new branch.

Carl stood near the front row, expression unreadable—but deep down, he felt something warm. For once, the world wasn't burning. There was love, unity… a brief moment of peace.

When the vows were sealed and the cheers broke out, even Roland Farley cracked a smile. Richard fired a burst of spark magic into the air, lighting the sky with colors.

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Later That Night

Carl stood by the lakeside alone, his shadow rippling faintly across the surface. His mother joined him quietly.

"You've grown strong," she said. "But you haven't lost your heart."

"I'm still scared," Carl admitted. "Of losing this… peace."

She placed a hand on his arm. "Then protect it. That's all your father ever wanted—for us to live in peace."

In the distance, lanterns floated gently over the lake. Adrian and Rosalind danced among their friends and family, surrounded by laughter, light, and life.

Carl watched in silence.

And made a silent vow—

No matter how many rifts open, how many enemies rise… I'll protect this world, and the people in it. With everything I have.