The city was drenched in the fading glow of dusk, streets twisting with shadows and the faint ripple of mana. Sung Jinwoo stood at the apex of a ruined tower, shadows coiling around him in quiet readiness. The boy's faint blue aura illuminated the rooftop edges, pulsing gently with every shift in the surrounding energy.
Igris hovered beside him, voice calm but alert. "Master, ES Rank readings are now saturated across the industrial sector. The initial Ember Warden Squadron is being reinforced by additional ES Rank entities. They are beginning to coordinate with subtle precision, testing hunter response patterns while preserving the lives of civilians in observation zones."
Jinwoo's gaze swept the horizon. Even from this height, he could sense the intricate choreography of the ES Rank beasts as they moved with purpose. "Observation remains priority," he said softly. "Engagement comes only when the patterns reveal opportunity or danger that we cannot ignore. Agnorath is orchestrating this. Every movement must be studied carefully."
Beru hovered silently beside him, wings folded close, eyes glinting faintly in the boy's aura. Even the shadows beneath Jinwoo shifted subtly, ready to protect but restrained, responding to their master's controlled will.
---
The industrial district had transformed into a living map of energy. ES Rank beasts now numbered five, each humanoid in shape but twisted differently with shadow flames, molten eyes, and flowing dark auras that rippled across the streets. They moved with intelligence and coordination, testing both S Rank clusters and each other.
System Message: Detected Entities – Ember Warden Squadron Reinforced, Type ES Rank Beasts
Hunters stationed at observation posts signaled one another nervously, maintaining distance but alert to the slightest shift of these new ES Rank threats. Even the most experienced S Rank hunters paused, feeling the oppressive pressure of the coordinated aura.
Hyunwoo's voice came over the comm. "Jinwoo, the ES Rank entities are now actively testing the hunters' formations. They are adjusting rapidly. Civilians remain secure, but the pressure is intensifying. Whoever is controlling them has a strategic mind—most likely Agnorath."
Jinwoo's expression remained composed. "Then we watch, calculate, and respond when it is advantageous. Shadows, maintain surveillance over all targets. Beru, track every pulse of energy and movement. Nothing goes unnoticed."
---
The boy's aura flared brighter as he sensed the growing intelligence of the beasts. "Master, they are learning from every movement. Every hunter reaction is analyzed. Their intelligence is increasing—they are evolving, reacting faster than the previous wave."
Jinwoo crouched beside him, hand resting lightly on the boy's shoulder. "Exactly. ES Rank is our threshold. Observation and adaptation are critical. Every reaction they make is a lesson. We will act when the opportunity is precise and unavoidable."
Igris added, "Master, the new ES Rank beasts are testing the S Rank clusters while avoiding engagement with civilians. The coordination suggests a single consciousness or guiding influence. This is consistent with Agnorath's style."
"Patience," Jinwoo whispered. "We do not provoke yet. Shadows, remain defensive but ready to respond. Beru, maintain focus. Every action will inform our strategy moving forward."
---
Far in his shadowed realm, Agnorath's presence shifted subtly. He had already reached X Rank, but the surge of energy from the coordinated ES Rank beasts accelerated his growth.
System Message: Agnorath – Current Rank: X Rank → Progressing Toward XX Rank
He extended his influence, guiding the ES Rank entities while monitoring Sung Jinwoo's reactions. Every adjustment, every hesitation, every minor defensive shift from Jinwoo's side was absorbed, calculated, and used to refine Agnorath's control. His gradual progression toward XX Rank was deliberate, methodical, and precise.
---
Back in the city, the ES Rank Ember Warden Squadron began testing the hunters' limits more aggressively. Small skirmishes broke out, controlled and deliberate. Shadows moved silently to intercept attacks before they could escalate. The boy's aura pulsed steadily, a guiding beacon for the ES Rank beasts to focus their energy and intelligence around.
Jinwoo's voice was calm but firm. "Observe and adapt. This is not a battle to be won yet. Every movement is preparation for the true confrontation. ES Rank mastery comes not from immediate victories, but from understanding every variable in play."
By nightfall, the industrial district pulsed with subtle energy shifts. ES Rank beasts and S Rank minions moved in harmony under Agnorath's influence, testing hunters and pushing Sung Jinwoo's shadows and instincts to their limits. Jinwoo's control over his powers strengthened, his awareness of every energy fluctuation heightened.
"Patience," he whispered. "Every shadow, every pulse, every alignment teaches us. The ES Rank threshold has been crossed, but mastery requires time. Agnorath grows, and so must we."
The first coordinated wave of ES Rank beasts had begun their intelligence testing. Sung Jinwoo's path toward full ES Rank mastery continued, deliberate, calculated, and ready for the escalation that was sure to follow.