As Kovan and Bren walked back towards their cabins, they noticed two aides stationed outside, one at each door, arms folded, postures rigid. Their expressions were unreadable, like statues carved to intimidate.

Neither spoke, but they gave a sharp nod as the boys approached.

Kovan stepped past his aide and pushed open his door. Inside, the dim light revealed a pristine new uniform laid out on the bed, a sleek black and silver hunter's outfit, perfectly folded. A silver badge shimmered faintly on the chest piece, shaped like a winged blade. The faint scent of iron and fabric polish lingered in the air, sharp and clinical.

Bren entered his own cabin and found the same display. He stepped closer, drawn to a small card placed neatly beside the uniform.

[SYSTEM PROMPT:]

New Equipment Received

Uniform Type: Initiate Hunter Attire (Vale Guild)

Class: Standard Combat Issue

Guild Ceremony Unlocked: Location – Vale Hall, Time – 7:00 PM

Note: Presence mandatory. Refreshments available.

He exhaled slowly, nerves prickling beneath his skin. "This feels… too formal. Like I'm stepping into a role meant for someone else."

His fingers brushed the fabric, smooth, durable, and surprisingly light. It fit him better than expected, tailored precisely to his frame. For a moment, he stood still, staring at his reflection in the polished surface of the badge. "Is that really me?"

When they stepped outside again, fully dressed in their uniforms, the aides were waiting. With a gesture, they silently began to lead the boys toward Vale Hall.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting shadows across the stone pathways. Torches flickered to life one by one, illuminating their route with a golden glow. Bren walked beside Kovan, the weight of the uniform pressing against his chest like armor he hadn't earned.

Neither spoke for a while. Every step felt heavier.

The compound was full with life. Footsteps echoed from corridors, laughter spilled from windows, and the scent of roasted meat drifted from a distant mess hall. There was celebration in the air, but beneath it all, an undercurrent of tension. Expectation.

They reached the grand hall just as the last light vanished. The building loomed ahead, gothic in design, with two massive banners bearing the Vale Guild crest flanking its entry. Black and gold, the insignia rippled like a living thing in the breeze.

The aides entered first.

Bren stopped.

His feet froze. His heart pounded in his chest.

He stared up at the towering doors like they were the gates to another world.

Kovan noticed immediately. "What now?"

Bren swallowed. "I... don't know. This just… feels big."

Kovan smirked. "It is big. That's the point. Come on—"

Before he could finish, a black Jeep purred to a stop nearby. Two girls stepped out.

The first caught Kovan's attention, tall, lean, confident stride, jet-black hair tied back with military precision.

But the second made Bren forget how to breathe.

She had crimson-red hair cascading over her shoulders and sharp, piercing brown eyes that scanned the compound like she owned it. Her stride was effortless, her presence undeniable.

"Who... is she?" Bren thought.

Something about her made the world quieter.

Bren couldn't move. Couldn't speak.

Kovan raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me… you're already smitten."

No response. Bren was frozen.

Kovan let out a low whistle. "That's Myla Vale. Guildmaster's daughter."

Bren's eyes widened. "Of course. That explains the way the aides straightened when she passed. She's not just beautiful. She's important. Dangerous."

"And the other?" Bren whispered.

"Leia McEvoy. Daughter of Silas's right hand. Sergeant. She's worse than Myla if you screw up."

As the girls approached, Bren's pulse thundered.

"Relax," Kovan muttered. "Just smile. Don't say anything weird."

Easier said than done.

Myla offered a polite nod. "Nice to see the new recruits survived academy training."

Leia smirked. "Still upright. That's a good sign."

Kovan chuckled. "We do our best."

Bren opened his mouth. Tried to speak.

"Y-Yeah, I… uh… nice… hello…"

Kovan facepalmed.

Myla tilted her head, amused. "You okay there?"

Leia looked entertained. "Is he always like this?"

"Only around royalty," Kovan said flatly.

The girls gave a wave and stepped inside.

Bren stared at the ground, face burning.

"Smooth," Kovan said, clapping him on the shoulder.

"Kill me."

"Later. After the ceremony," Kovan whispered with a smirk.

Inside, Vale Hall dazzled. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting golden light across polished floors. Guild members mingled, talking, laughing, sipping from elegant glasses. The air was thick with perfume, warmth, and the weight of unspoken rank.

Bren scanned the room. Marble pillars bore etched names of legendary hunters. Stained-glass windows told stories of sealed demons and ancient raids.

"I don't belong here. Not yet…" Bren gulped.

Kovan snagged two glasses of champagne from a tray and passed one to Bren. He hesitated. His senses were overstimulated. The light, the sound, the pressure.

Kovan leaned in. "Still breathing, lover boy?"

"Shut up," Bren muttered.

They stepped deeper into the crowd. Every face unfamiliar. Every conversation layered with subtext. Rank badges gleamed from uniforms like subtle threats.

This was more than a party… it was politics.

Then, a voice rose from the stage.

"If I could have your attention."

Silas Vale stood tall. No mic needed. His voice carried, charismatic and effortless.

"Tonight, we welcome our newest recruits. They've passed their first hurdle with promise and determination. As of now, they are official members of the Vale Guild."

Applause rang out. Kovan gave a relaxed wave, calm as ever.

"But let's not forget the quiet ones. The ones who surprise us."

His eyes scanned the room.

For a breathless second, they locked on Bren.

[SYSTEM NOTICE: You are under evaluation.]

Silas Vale: Passive Skill – Insight (S-Rank)

Warning: Attempting to hide traits may result in forced detection.

Bren's hand tightened on the glass. "He sees me. Not just me, but something else. Something wrong."

"Let us raise a toast," Silas said. "To growth. To strength. And to the uncertain road ahead."

Glasses lifted.

Bren followed, half a second late.

Then Myla appeared at his side, like a shadow slipping through the crowd.

"Glad to see you made it in," she said with a soft smile.

Bren blinked. "Y-Yeah. I mean... uh… yes."

Leia raised a brow. "Is he always this smooth, or just around Myla?"

His face burned again.

Myla laughed. "Relax. We don't bite. Well… not unless it's a raid."

It was playful. Harmless.

But something in her gaze made Bren's pulse skip, not just from attraction.

From recognition.

[SYSTEM ALERT]

Warning: Unknown connection detected. Identity match ending...

Subject: Myla Vale – Lineage scan initiated...

"What the hell does that mean…?"

And that terrified him more than anything else.