Chapter 30
The night breeze was gentle, brushing against the leaves of the tall trees around the park. Renji sat on a bench, Lily curled up beside him, humming softly as she clutched her little toy rabbit. Choji leaned against a lamppost, arms folded, eyes half-closed like he was just relaxing.
But his tone suddenly sharpened.
"You know…" Choji said loudly, his voice carrying across the empty park. "I can feel you following us. You might as well come out now."
Arisa smiled!
Renji almost choked on his own breath. "W-Wait, what? You mean the stalker?"
Choji smirked without opening his eyes. "Not a stalker. Just someone who thinks they're sneaky."
Renji, unable to hold back, burst into laughter. "Ahaha! Seriously?! I thought you were joking earlier! You mean someone's been tailing us this whole time?!" His laugh was loud enough to echo.
The bushes nearby rustled. A soft sigh came from the shadows, followed by the sound of footsteps.
From behind the trees, a figure emerged tall, graceful, with long black hair tied neatly and sharp amber eyes that seemed to shine even in the dark. She wore a sleek hunter's uniform, her aura calm but commanding.
Renji's jaw nearly hit the ground.
ARISA!!! Wait!!
"...S-S-S-S-S… S-RANK?!" he stammered, pointing at her like a broken compass. "Oh no… oh no no no no… why is someone like you here?! Did I break a law? Did I step on the wrong sidewalk?!"
Arisa tilted her head, her expression amused. "You're a loud one."
Renji turned red instantly, waving his hands like a child caught stealing candy. "I-I-I'm sorry! Whatever I did, I swear it wasn't on purpose! Please don't… don't, uh, smite me or whatever S-ranks do!"
Choji laughed so hard his shoulders shook. "Renji, relax. If she wanted to kill you, you'd already be dead."
"That doesn't help!!" Renji squeaked, hiding Lily behind him.
Arisa sighed, placing a hand on her hip. "I wasn't planning to show myself, but you two made it impossible. I was only… observing. Nothing more."
Renji blinked. "Observing? Why me? I'm nobody. Or am I hot?
Arisa blinked!!! Ehhh NO! NO! NO!
Arisa's lips curved slightly, almost teasing. "Maybe I was curious."
That single sentence made Renji's ears burn. He rubbed his neck awkwardly, muttering, "W-Why do I feel like I'm being bullied right now…?"
Choji grinned. "Better get used to it. She doesn't look like the type who lets go once she's interested."
Renji groaned into his hands.
Far across the city, the Crimson orger Guild bustled with noise and activity. Their guild hall was less polished than the Bureau's glass towers filled with wooden tables, clinking mugs, and the smell of roasted meat.
At the center sat Guildmaster the ss rank hunter Daigo , a huge man with a scar across his bald head, laughing loudly with a mug of ale.
"Listen up!" Daigo bellowed, slamming his drink down. "We've got a raid tomorrow morning. Gate classification: A-rank, appearing in the southern district. Our job is simple,clear it before it grows unstable."
Around him, hunters of all ranks cheered, banging their mugs together.
But one voice cut through the noise. A young man with silver hair and sharp glasses stood up, his tone calm but cold. His name was Kaito, the vice-master. an s rank hunter
"Don't celebrate yet. This gate is unusual. The mana readings are higher than a normal A-rank It could evolve. If we underestimate it, we'll lose people."
The room grew quiet. Even Daigo stopped grinning.
A female hunter with red braids, Mina, an A ranked hunter rolled her eyes. "Come on, Kaito. You're always so serious. It's just another raid. We've cleared plenty." We have the strength,the numbers and plus we have Diago-san!;
Kaito's gaze narrowed. "No. This one feels different. Mark my words, Mina. If we don't prepare properly… tomorrow's raid will cost us."
The guild hall erupted into uneasy whispers. Some laughed it off. Others exchanged worried glances.
And in the corner, a shadowy figure dressed in black armor sat silently, sharpening his blade...