The message spread quickly.
Hunters across the grounds felt it.
Something had changed.
Not just the threat—
The scale.
Silent Tension
Raizen stood at the edge of the training field.
Still.
Focused.
But his mind wasn't calm.
"…Those above the shadows."
The words repeated.
Over and over.
Kagen's Insight
Kagen approached.
"…You're thinking about it."
Raizen didn't deny it.
"…They're not demons."
Kagen nodded slightly.
"…No."
A pause.
"They're something else."
Unknown Category
Raizen turned.
"…Then what are we dealing with?"
Kagen looked toward the sky.
"…Something that doesn't belong to either side."
Summons
A messenger arrived.
"Kagen. Shadow Rank."
A pause.
"The council is calling you."
Return to the Hall
The hall was quieter than before.
But heavier.
This time—
More hunters were present.
Higher ranks.
Watching.
Council Speaks
One of them stepped forward.
"…We have new information."
Silence.
"…The shadow controllers are not acting independently."
A pause.
"They belong to a group."
Name Revealed
"…Codename: The Circle."
The name settled heavily.
Raizen's eyes narrowed.
"…A group."
Structure
"They operate above standard classification."
"Not demons."
"Not hunters."
A pause.
"They observe."
"They interfere."
"And when necessary—"
"They erase."
Reaction
The room remained silent.
No one interrupted.
Because no one understood.
Raizen Steps Forward
"…Why now?"
All eyes turned to him.
"…Why reveal themselves now?"
Answer
The council responded.
"…Because of you."
Silence.
Focus Shifts
Raizen didn't move.
"…Explain."
"You have been involved in multiple anomalies."
"Uncontrolled shadows."
"Unidentified entities."
A pause.
"And direct contact."
Conclusion
"They are watching you."
Kagen's Concern
Kagen stepped forward.
"…Then he becomes a target."
The council didn't deny it.
"…He already is."
New Objective
A new order was given.
"Locate members of the Circle."
"Do not engage blindly."
"Gather information."
Assignment
"Kagen."
"Yes."
"You will lead."
A pause.
"Raizen will accompany you."
After the Meeting
Outside—
The air felt heavier than ever.
Raizen walked in silence.
"…So it's confirmed."
Kagen nodded.
"…You're no longer just a hunter."
A pause.
"You're part of something bigger."
Internal Conflict
Raizen stopped.
"…I didn't choose this."
Kagen looked at him.
"…No."
"But now you have to face it."
Final Scene
That night—
Raizen stood alone again.
Looking into the distance.
The shadows moved slightly.
Not attacking.
Watching.
Waiting.
Ending Line
When you become the center of attention—
It means you've stepped into a war you didn't start.