Aren continued strolling across the city, taking in the scenery with the slow, deliberate air of someone both detached and faintly curious. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the pavement, warm light flickering off distant windows. He paused as something on the sidewalk caught his attention—a small, furry black cat sitting calmly in the middle of the concrete like it owned the block. Its sleek fur shimmered faintly in the light, and its eyes, an unnatural shade of violet, blinked slowly as it gazed back at him.
"What an intriguing little thing…" Aren murmured. He crouched down with the graceful ease of someone unbothered by public stares and gently patted the cat. Surprisingly, the animal didn't flinch or flee. It leaned slightly into his hand, purring so softly it almost seemed like the street itself was humming.
"According to this vessel's memories," he continued thoughtfully, narrowing his eyes to study the creature more closely, "your kind has nine lives…"
He tilted his head, fingers still brushing over its fur as the cat regarded him with bored dignity. "But I don't really see anything that warrants anything about you having an extra life."
Still, something about the creature resonated—perhaps the eerie stillness in its gaze, or the strange lack of fear.
"But I kinda like you," he said, after a moment's pause, voice lighter now. "How about coming with me, little fella?"
Without waiting for a response—as if expecting none—Aren scooped the cat up and gently placed it on his left shoulder. The cat blinked once, gave a mild flick of its tail, and then… simply settled. It licked its paw with feline nonchalance, balancing with unbothered ease on Aren's coat-covered shoulder. There was no resistance, no hiss, no scratching. Just calm acceptance, as though this had always been its place.
"I'll call you Ebony. Sounds like a fitting name by mortal standards." Aren gave a rare smile, one corner of his mouth quirking upward, and continued walking through the city streets.
They passed a few families along the way—children holding the hands of their parents, their bright eyes widening as they noticed the cat lounging on his shoulder. Fingers pointed, muffled whispers followed, but Aren paid no mind. He kept walking, and Ebony stayed perfectly still, tail curled around his neck like a scarf with claws.
After a few more minutes of casual strolling, they finally arrived at their destination: the site of the dungeon portal. It was tucked away in a narrow alley between two weathered apartment buildings, half-forgotten and largely ignored by the world around it. The portal shimmered faintly, floating about three feet off the ground, a translucent oval with a pale bluish glow. It pulsed gently, like it was breathing.
It wasn't a threat. The rift had been classified as an E-rank dungeon—barely above nuisance level. The breach when it first opened had caused only minor disturbance. A few sparks. A flicker of light. Even a standard police unit could've handled the initial response without backup.
It was also perfect for an E-rank hunter like Aren.
The lowest of the low.
"I expected something more grand and threatening…" Aren chuckled dryly, glancing sideways at the cat perched on his shoulder.
"Let's head on then," he said, turning back toward the portal. The path ahead was half-blocked by sagging yellow police tape, fluttering slightly in the breeze. A worn plastic sign was zip-tied to a nearby lamppost, reading:
'Rising Gold Guild Jurisdiction: Do Not Pass'
Aren walked straight toward it. Without hesitation, he reached up and gently plucked Ebony from his shoulder. Holding the cat like an oddly furry utility knife, he guided one of its paws toward the tape. The claws extended instinctively.
"Mind giving me a little help here?" he asked, tone entirely casual.
With a soft snick, the tape parted cleanly under Ebony's claws.
Aren placed the cat back on his shoulder with practiced ease and stepped through the breach in the barrier, his boots clicking quietly against the alley's cracked asphalt.
"Hope this'll be fun," he muttered under his breath, eyes fixed on the swirling light ahead.
Without another word, he stepped into the glowing rift, the light swallowing him whole.