Leon adjusted his cloak as he stepped out of his private chamber, the weight of the Ebonshade Wraith's seal still lingering in his palm.
He could feel it—the sheer power he now wielded.
The underground corridors of the Shadow Hunt Guild bustled with activity. Tamers moved about, their beasts at their sides, their voices a mix of quiet conversations and heated negotiations.
But the moment Leon walked past, a hush fell over the crowd.
They had heard.
News traveled fast in the guild.
An unknown newcomer had tamed an Epic-grade beast—something that even veteran beast tamers struggled to accomplish.
Leon ignored the stares. He had no interest in their curiosity.
But others did.
A figure stepped into his path—a tall man clad in dark leather armor, his gaze sharp. A scar ran across his jaw, marking him as someone who had survived countless battles.
"Leon, right?"
Leon's eyes flicked toward him. "Who's asking?"
The man smirked. "The name's Gareth. I lead the Third Hunting Division."
Leon recognized the name. Gareth was a senior-ranked hunter in the guild—one of the strongest.
And if he was here…
He wanted something.
---
A Hunter's Offer
Gareth crossed his arms, studying Leon with an unreadable expression.
"You made quite the impression with that Wraith of yours."
Leon didn't respond. He simply waited.
Gareth chuckled. "I'll get to the point—I want you to join my division."
Some of the nearby guild members stiffened, their murmurs growing louder.
Gareth didn't recruit just anyone.
Leon raised a brow. "And why would I do that?"
Gareth's smirk widened. "Because a lone Beast Tamer with an Epic-grade beast is just a target waiting to be hunted."
Leon met his gaze evenly. "Is that a threat?"
Gareth's eyes gleamed. "It's a reality."
Leon considered the words. He wasn't wrong.
Power attracted enemies.
And in a guild full of ambitious tamers, some wouldn't hesitate to take what wasn't theirs.
But—Leon wasn't afraid.
He tilted his head slightly. "I appreciate the concern, but I work alone."
Gareth studied him for a long moment before exhaling.
"Suit yourself," he said, stepping aside. "But don't say I didn't warn you."
Leon walked past without another word.
He had bigger things to focus on.
---
The Guildmaster's Summons
Just as Leon reached the main hall, another figure approached.
This time, it was Veyna.
"The Guildmaster wants to see you," she said, her arms crossed.
Leon raised a brow. "That was fast."
Veyna smirked. "You tamed an Epic-grade beast. What did you expect?"
Leon nodded.
He had been expecting this.
The Shadow Hunt Guildmaster was not someone to be ignored.
And now—it was time to see what he wanted.
---