The Hunter Grounds had changed.
Not in structure.
But in atmosphere.
Silent Shift
Where Raizen walked—
Voices stopped.
Eyes followed.
No one spoke directly.
But everyone was watching.
Unspoken Fear
Raizen noticed.
But didn't react.
"…So it's already started."
Distance
Hunters who once trained beside him—
Now kept their distance.
Not out of hatred.
But caution.
Kagen's Presence
Kagen stood nearby.
"…Ignore them."
Raizen shook his head.
"…I'm not."
A pause.
"…I understand."
The Change is Real
Raizen looked at his hand.
The mark remained.
Silent.
But present.
Summons Again
A messenger approached.
"Raizen."
A pause.
"You've been called."
Not the Council
This time—
It wasn't the council hall.
New Location
A lower chamber.
Deeper.
Hidden.
Unfamiliar Place
Raizen entered.
Kagen followed.
Inside—
Three figures waited.
Different Authority
Not council members.
Stronger.
Older.
Presence
The air felt heavier.
Even Kagen stayed silent.
First Words
"…So this is the anomaly."
Raizen's eyes narrowed.
"…You called me here."
Direct Observation
One of them stepped forward.
"…We observe what the council cannot handle."
New Group
Kagen spoke quietly.
"…The Upper Division…"
Purpose
"…We deal with threats before they become disasters."
Focus on Raizen
"…And you are approaching that line."
No Fear
Raizen didn't step back.
"…Then decide."
A pause.
"…Am I a threat?"
Tension
Silence filled the room.
The air tightened.
Test Begins
"…Show us."
Raizen didn't move.
"…Here?"
"…Now."
Preparation
Raizen stepped forward.
Closed his eyes.
Breathing slowed.
Power Release
The shadow rose.
Calm.
Controlled.
But deeper.
Darker.
Mark Reacts
The mark spread again.
Not violently—
Smooth.
Observation
The three figures watched carefully.
Analyzing.
Sudden Pressure
One of them raised a hand.
The entire room compressed.
Raizen felt it instantly.
Test of Control
"…Maintain it."
Struggle
The pressure increased.
The shadow flickered.
The mark pulsed.
Instability Returns
For a moment—
It almost broke.
Critical Moment
Raizen clenched his fists.
"…Focus…"
Adaptation
Instead of resisting—
He adjusted.
Balanced the energy.
Stabilization
The shadow steadied.
The mark calmed.
Silence
The pressure stopped.
Result
The figures exchanged looks.
Evaluation
"…Interesting."
"…He adapted."
Final Judgment (Temporary)
"…Not unstable."
A pause.
"…But not safe either."
Decision
"…We will not eliminate him."
Raizen didn't react.
Condition
"…But if you lose control—"
A pause.
"…we will."
Warning Accepted
Raizen nodded.
"…Understood."
Aftermath
They left the chamber.
Silence followed.
Kagen Speaks
"…You passed."
Raizen looked ahead.
"…No."
A pause.
"…I was tolerated."
Final Scene
As Raizen walked away—
The mark faintly glowed.
Not visible to others.
But present.
Ending Line
When judgment is delayed—
It means the final decision hasn't been made yet.