The journey back to Millbrook was conducted in heavy silence, broken only by the occasional whispered conversation between Derek and his companions. Ren could feel their eyes on him constantly, studying his every movement for clues about what they'd just witnessed.
Guild Master Aldric walked alongside him for part of the return trip, his expression thoughtful rather than suspicious.
"That was impressive work back there," Aldric said quietly. "Unconventional tactics, but effective."
"Thank you, Guild Master," Ren replied, maintaining his humble demeanor.
"The flame burst that caused the rockfall—that showed good tactical awareness. Most F-rank mages would have aimed directly at the target." Aldric's tone was conversational, but Ren sensed there was more to the comment. "Almost like you knew exactly what would happen when the fire hit those particular rocks."
"I was just trying to keep some distance," Ren said. "Didn't want to get within reach of that club."
"Sensible." Aldric nodded approvingly. "Fear can be a good teacher, if you let it guide you rather than paralyze you."
Behind them, Derek's voice carried clearly in the forest air: "Twenty-three goblins, Marcus. Twenty-three. I've seen C-rank teams struggle with half that number."
"Maybe he's just naturally talented," Elena suggested. "Some people awaken with higher potential than their initial classification indicates."
"No," Derek said firmly. "I've been watching him for weeks. His magical output during that fight was at least E-rank, possibly higher. The endurance alone—he should have been magically exhausted after the first few flame bursts."
Vermillion, who had remained strategically invisible during the actual combat, fell into step beside Ren. "You're going to have problems when we get back," she murmured.
"I know," he replied under his breath. "Derek's not going to let this go."
"It's not just Derek anymore. Did you see how the other adventurers were looking at you? Word of this is going to spread."
She was right. By the time they reached Millbrook's gates, Ren could already see the changes in how people regarded him. The gate guards, who usually barely acknowledged F-rank adventurers, nodded respectfully as he passed. Merchants and civilians on the streets seemed to recognize him, pointing and whispering to their companions.
News traveled fast in a small town.
The guild hall was buzzing with activity when they arrived, but conversations died down as their group entered. Every eye in the building seemed to focus on Ren, and he could feel the weight of their collective scrutiny.
"Well," Derek announced loudly, ensuring his voice carried throughout the hall, "that was certainly educational."
Several adventurers approached, curious about what had happened during the goblin extermination. Derek was more than happy to provide details, his account emphasizing the impossibility of what they'd witnessed rather than celebrating Ren's success.
"Single-handedly eliminated an entire goblin nest," Derek said to the growing crowd. "Including a Hobgoblin chief that should have been well beyond F-rank capability to handle."
"Maybe it's time for a rank evaluation," suggested someone from the crowd.
"Oh, I think that's definitely in order," Derek agreed with a cold smile. "After all, if Ren's capabilities have been so dramatically underestimated, we need to correct his classification for everyone's safety."
It was a trap, elegantly sprung. Derek was forcing the issue of rank evaluation while framing it as a safety concern rather than an investigation. Ren couldn't object without seeming suspicious, but submitting to evaluation would expose capabilities he wasn't ready to reveal.
"I appreciate the suggestion," Ren said carefully, "but I think today's success was more about favorable circumstances than improved abilities. The terrain, the way the goblins positioned themselves, the lucky rock fall—"
"Luck," Derek interrupted, his voice dripping with skepticism. "Yes, you've mentioned that. Quite frequently, in fact."
The crowd murmured with interest at the obvious tension between the two adventurers.
"Perhaps," Guild Master Aldric interjected smoothly, "we should discuss this in a more private setting. My office?"
It wasn't really a request. Within minutes, Ren found himself seated across from Aldric's desk, with Derek standing nearby like a prosecutor preparing his case. Vermillion had been politely but firmly excluded from the meeting.
"Let's be direct," Aldric said, leaning back in his chair. "Your performance today raises questions about the accuracy of your initial classification."
"I understand the concern," Ren replied, "but—"
"Do you?" Derek cut in. "Because from where I stood, I watched an F-rank flame mage demonstrate combat capabilities that rival seasoned E-rank adventurers. That's not just unusual—it's unprecedented."
Aldric raised a hand for silence. "Derek raises valid points, but let's consider the alternatives. Ren, is it possible that your awakening was... incomplete when you first registered?"
It was an elegant way out, if Ren was willing to take it. Late-blooming awakenings were rare but documented, and could explain enhanced capabilities without requiring more detailed investigation.
"It's possible," Ren said slowly. "I did feel... different after that first contract. Like something had awakened that wasn't there before."
"Convenient," Derek muttered.
"Not convenient," Aldric corrected firmly. "Documented medical phenomenon. The stress of actual combat can sometimes trigger delayed awakening symptoms, resulting in improved magical capacity and combat instincts."
Derek looked frustrated but couldn't argue with established guild doctrine.
"So what's the next step?" Ren asked.
"Formal re-evaluation," Aldric decided. "We'll schedule you for comprehensive testing next week. If your capabilities have genuinely improved, we'll adjust your classification accordingly."
"And in the meantime?" Derek pressed.
"In the meantime, Ren continues with appropriate contracts for his current rank. No sense rushing him into situations he's not prepared for, regardless of today's success."
It was a reasonable compromise, but Ren could see that Derek wasn't satisfied. The Earth Warrior had expected immediate escalation, not bureaucratic delays.
As they left Aldric's office, Derek fell into step beside Ren.
"You know this isn't over," he said quietly. "Whatever you're hiding, I'll figure it out."
"I'm not hiding anything," Ren replied, though even he could hear how hollow the words sounded.
"We'll see," Derek said with a cold smile. "We'll see."
That evening at the inn, Ren and Vermillion discussed their increasingly precarious situation.
"The evaluation will expose too much," Vermillion said. "Even if you hold back, showing E-rank capabilities will raise more questions. And if Derek is watching..."
"He'll be watching," Ren confirmed. "The man's obsessed."
"So what do we do?"
Ren stared out the window at Millbrook's quiet streets, thinking about the peaceful life he'd been building here. It was slipping away, destroyed by his own success and Derek's suspicions.
"We have options," he said finally. "We could leave town, start over somewhere else with a new identity."
"Or?"
"Or we could accelerate the timeline. Stop hiding, embrace what I really am, and deal with the consequences."
Vermillion's eyes gleamed with interest. "The dragon wives would approve of that approach."
"I know. But I'm not ready for that level of attention yet. Too many unknowns, too many potential enemies."
"Then we run?"
Ren sighed, feeling the weight of decision pressing down on him. "We run. But not immediately. Too suspicious if I disappear right before the evaluation. We'll need to create a plausible reason to leave town."
"And Derek?"
"Derek will probably follow us," Ren admitted. "The man's too invested in solving this mystery to let it go."
Outside their window, Millbrook settled into its evening routine—peaceful, predictable, and blissfully unaware that one of its newest residents was about to disappear into the night, carrying secrets that could reshape their understanding of the world.
But not tonight. Tonight, Ren would play his part a little longer, buying time to plan their escape from the increasingly dangerous web of suspicion that Derek had woven around them.
The masquerade wasn't over yet.
But the final act was definitely approaching.