The Phoenix Guild's main hall was packed.
Members from every squad watched in silence as Darius Valtier stepped forward to the center of the training arena, his voice carrying authority across the room.
Darius: "Alright. Now you need to introduce yourself officially, Zen. State your name, your abilities… and what you bring to this guild."
All eyes turned toward him.
Zen Kagetsune.
The mercenary who nearly killed Ethan Stormbreak.The man once hired to capture Eliara.Now standing there, dressed in the Phoenix Guild's black uniform.
Zen took a deep breath, his hands casually shoved in his pockets. His dark hair was loosely tied back, scars more visible than ever. But the arrogance was gone—what remained was exhaustion. And maybe… the faintest glimmer of redemption.
He raised his gaze, his fox-like golden eyes sweeping the crowd.
Zen: "My name is Zen Kagetsune… I'm 27 years old. I like gambling, bets, sake… and cigarettes." (He gave a dry laugh) "As for my powers? I'm not sure if I'll ever fully regain them. But once… I was known as the Absolute Predator."
Murmurs rippled among the recruits.
Zen (calmly): "That mode pushed my physical attributes to the extreme. My hearing and sight surpassed any human. My speed… made light look slow. My strength? Unreasonably destructive. I was the monster without aura. A devourer of heroes."
Silence fell over the hall.
Darius crossed his arms, scanning the guild.
Darius: "Impressive. Then, as leader of the Phoenix Guild… I officially welcome you, Zen Kagetsune."
Hesitant applause broke out among the guild members. Some smiled. Others stayed with arms crossed, unsure. But everyone — everyone except one — acknowledged the new recruit.
Ethan Stormbreak.His eyes burned with pain — and rage. He didn't clap. He just looked away.
Zen pretended not to notice.
[Tactical Room – Moments Later]
Ryan, Ryu, and Ethan stood before Darius in the privacy of the strategy chamber.
Darius: "I know this feels strange. Too fast. Maybe even wrong. But I ask you to give him some space. Sometimes… people truly deserve a second chance."
Ethan stepped forward, his aura trembling with restrained fury.
Ethan: "Sensei… what if he betrays us? What if this is all part of some plan? He nearly killed us — for money. Do you really believe he's changed?"
Darius held his gaze firmly.
Darius: "If he tries anything… Kelvin and I will deal with him. Not with words. With power. If necessary… I'll end him myself."
Ethan clenched his fists in frustration.
Ryu cut through the tension with a half-smile.
Ryu: "So… it was my dad who suggested bringing Zen in, wasn't it, Uncle Darius?"
Darius rolled his eyes.
Darius: "I told you not to call me uncle at work."
Ryu (grinning): "My bad… habit, uh… Sensei!"
Ryan stayed silent, his gaze distant but unwavering.
Ryan: "I think… he deserves a second chance. When I fought him… my Reversum purified something inside him. A spirit. A curse. And… he regained his aura. That fight wasn't just a battle. It was a release."
Darius nodded slowly.
Darius: "Exactly. And if anyone understands that… it's Ryu's father. Kelvin saw something in Zen the rest of us didn't: a weapon… that can be aimed at the right enemy."
Ethan lifted his head again, conflicted.
Ethan: "Is Eliara alive?"
Darius exhaled. His hands gripped the table.
Darius: "Yes. And according to the intel Zen provided… the Renegades are using her Singularity as a power source. To destabilize the world's balance."
Ryan's fists clenched. Ryu's expression darkened. Ethan froze — torn between fury and hope.
Darius: "If things spiral out of control… there will be direct intervention. From me. From Kelvin. Or from Inavy."
He paused, his tone sharpening.
Darius: "But before that… you need to learn something crucial."
Ryan: "What?"
Darius (smirking): "How to completely hide your aura."
[🔥 THE DOORS BURST OPEN]
Heavy, rhythmic footsteps echoed through the Phoenix gym.
A woman entered.
Clad in radiant crimson armor. Fiery hair pulled into a tight military bun. Eyes blazing with fierce determination — like a living phoenix.
Diana Flamesoul.
Diana (cold, commanding): "Time for training. Just like old times."
Ryan, Ethan, and Ryu swallowed hard.
Darius crossed his arms, pride gleaming in his eyes.
Darius: "She's going to make you bleed until you learn to vanish. Because the rescue mission… will be in enemy territory."
📍 End of Chapter 52 – The Predator and the Phoenix
"Sometimes, those who once hunted us… are the very ones who end up protecting us. But no flame burns forever — unless it finds something worth protecting."