The dungeon spat us back into the cold night air of Tokyo like it was glad to be rid of us. My boots hit solid pavement, and for the first time in hours, I could breathe without tasting blood in the air.
Reina was leaning against the med-van, pale but conscious. Bandages wrapped tight around her ribs, her daggers resting on the seat beside her.
"You look like hell" she said.
I smirked. "And you look like you tried to cuddle a boss monster."
She winced when she laughed, then shook her head. "You're an idiot."
Kazuo came over next. His leg was braced, and someone had cleaned the blood off his face, but the exhaustion in his eyes wasn't going anywhere soon.
"You fought well" he said simply.
"That's one way to describe almost dying several times" I replied.
He ignored the jab. "Ebon Claw could use someone like you."
That made me pause. "Are you offering me a spot?"
He gave a slight nod. "You've got skill, instincts, and you don't fold under pressure. That's rare. Think about it."
I didn't answer right away. My gut said yes, but my brain wanted to keep its cards close. "I'll... think about it" I said finally.
Kazuo's gaze lingered for a moment before he clapped me on the shoulder and walked off.
While healers fussed over what was left of the raid party, I slipped away to a quiet corner, leaning against a lamppost. My status window flickered into view.
Name: Rian Wale
Level: 14
PassiveSkills:
- Transcendent (300% Exp Boost)
- Blood Scent
- Rapid Healing
ActiveSkills:
- Spatial Rift Step
- Venom Slash
WeaponEquipped: CrimsonFang (+120 ATK, 5% lifesteal, +25% damage vs bleeding)
The new sword hung at my side like it belonged there. Every now and then, I swore I felt it hum faintly, like it was hungry.
"Rian!"
I looked up to see Aya jogging toward me, a scarf wrapped loosely around her neck, her breath visible in the cold air.
She stopped in front of me, eyes scanning me up and down. "You're not hurt?"
"Not anymore" I said with a crooked grin. "Perks of the job."
Her expression softened, but she glanced over her shoulder nervously. "My friends are waiting. I'm grabbing food at Sato's again. You should come."
I raised an eyebrow. "That's twice now you've invited me out. Should I be flattered?"
She rolled her eyes, but there was color in her cheeks. "Just come. You look like you could use real food."
I glanced back toward the med-van, where Kazuo was talking with a cluster of grim-faced Ebon Claw officers. Politics. Decisions. Opportunities.
Then I looked at Aya.
Maybe I could take one night off.
"Alright" I said. "Lead the way."
But as we walked, I couldn't shake the feeling that the Tyrant fight hadn't just been the end of a dungeon.
It was the beginning of something bigger.