Rey sifted through the dead Searcher’s memories with clinical detachment.

Name—Elrin.

Age—twenty-two.

Background—orphaned Nephilim who’d survived through determination and natural Spirit Art talent.

Recent activities—solo expeditions to accumulate funds for Guild membership.

’Perfect foundation!’

Rey modified the details carefully. Changed the name to "Eru"—similar enough to feel natural but distinct enough to prevent confusion.

He adjusted the backstory to emphasize border region origins rather than specific locations.

Hr also kept the broad strokes while eliminating anything that might invite detailed investigation.

Then he used the Prince of Darkness’s capabilities to dispose of the body completely—entropy acceleration that reduced flesh and bone to indistinguishable dust, scattered throughout the dungeon where it would never be found.

All evidence was eliminated and a new identity was acquired.

Rey—now Eru—changed into the dead Searcher’s clothing, adjusted his appearance slightly using minor physical manipulation techniques, and prepared to integrate into Aether society.

But he couldn’t simply appear and expect acceptance.

Even with a plausible backstory and appropriate appearance, solo Searchers were regarded with suspicion and skepticism.

He needed credibility.

He needed witnesses who could vouch for his capabilities and character.

He needed to engineer a situation where saving lives would create gratitude and obligation.

The solution required careful orchestration.

Rey spent the next two days observing Searcher teams until he identified suitable targets—Kaela and Jaren’s group. Twelve members, experienced but not exceptional, exploring sections of the dungeon that bordered territories where corrupt entities were more dangerous.

They made for perfect candidates.

Rey activated the Prince of Darkness briefly, carefully, channeling its power while ensuring no direct mystical connection to himself.

"Use Hollow Technique to control the deceased corrupt entities in this sector," Rey commanded through their soul-bond. "Direct them to assault that Searcher team. Kill most of them but leave two survivors. Make sure one is greatly injured, too. Also make it appear as a natural dungeon hazard rather than deliberate manipulation."

The Prince had complied without question, its consciousness extending through the dungeon and seizing control of dormant corrupt entities through principles that operated beyond normal detection.

What followed was a massacre carefully disguised as a tragic accident.

The Searcher team encountered coordinated assault from entities that shouldn’t have possessed such organization.

Members died one by one despite desperate resistance. And when only Kaela and Jaren remained—injured, depleted, cornered—the entities had driven them to exactly where Rey needed them.

A dead-end chamber with a convenient platform for dramatic entrance.

Rey had waited until the perfect moment—when hope was nearly extinguished but not completely dead, when gratitude for rescue would be maximum, when alternatives were so limited that accepting help from a stranger would seem like divine intervention.

Then he’d made his entrance.

After "clearing" the area of corrupt entities—really just ordering the Prince to release control and let them return to their dormant state—Rey had taken the opportunity for additional preparation.

"I’m going to ensure the passages are secure," he’d told Kaela and Jaren, his voice carrying appropriate concern.

What he’d actually done was plunder the deceased Searchers’ belongings.

Equipment, identification documents, personal effects—anything that might prove useful or could be sold for currency he’d need in Aether society.

The dead didn’t require these items, and sentiment was a luxury Rey couldn’t afford.

He’d also used the time to spy on his two survivors.

Enhanced perception allowed him to hear their conversation from a significant distance while remaining completely undetected.

"He saved our lives," Jaren had said, his voice carrying awe. "Mid-Sequence techniques executed casually. That level of capability—"

"He’s Nephilim," Kaela had interrupted. "Which means he’s probably faced discrimination his entire life. But instead of turning to corruption like some do, he’s developed incredible skills and uses them to help people."

"Do you think he’s blessed by the Holy Gods?" Jaren had asked.

"Has to be," Kaela had replied with conviction. "Natural Spirit Art talent that advanced? Combined with the timing of his arrival? The Gods sent him to save us. I’m certain of it."

Rey had smiled in the darkness, satisfaction mixing with contempt.

These people saw divine intervention where careful planning existed. Interpreted deliberate manipulation as miraculous coincidence. Their faith made them predictable, and predictability created exploitable vulnerabilities.

But they showed no suspicion. No hostility. Just gratitude and religious certainty. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

—Perfect!

If they’d shown doubt or wariness, Rey would have killed them both and started over with different targets.

He couldn’t afford complications during this critical integration phase.

But their naïve acceptance made them ideal assets for his purposes.

Now, walking beside them toward civilization, Rey—as Eru—maintained his carefully constructed persona while his mind continued strategic planning.

Kaela and Jaren chatted about what they’d tell the Guild, how they’d recommend Eru, what opportunities might exist for skilled Searchers willing to take challenging assignments.

"The Silverlight Guild in Salimoor is one of the most prestigious in the region," Kaela explained enthusiastically. "Guild Master Theron values capability over heritage. If we vouch for you and you demonstrate your skills, he’ll absolutely offer membership."

"What are the requirements?" Eru asked, his tone suggesting innocent curiosity rather than calculated information gathering.

"Typically there’s an examination," Jaren replied. "But in special circumstances—like when existing members provide strong recommendations—the Guild Master may waive or modify requirements."

"You saved our lives," Kaela added firmly. "That’s the strongest recommendation possible. We’ll make sure Theron understands your value."

Rey nodded appreciatively while mentally cataloguing the information.

Guild membership would provide even more legitimacy, resources, and access to information networks he’d need for long-term planning.

"I appreciate your willingness to help," Eru said, his voice carrying warmth he didn’t feel. "Working independently has been... challenging. Having colleagues I can trust would be a welcome change."

"You can trust us," Jaren assured him. "After what you did—you’re basically family now."

’Family, huh?’ Rey thought bitterly.

The word carried weight these people couldn’t possibly understand.

Rey had lost his family when H’Trae was destroyed. Lucielle, Aris, Myra, Elias—all dead because he’d been too weak to protect them.

Everything since then had been calculated to achieve strength sufficient for revenge against the forces responsible.

These people weren’t family.

They were tools—useful, perhaps valuable, but ultimately disposable if they ceased serving his objectives.

But Rey had learned to perform emotions he didn’t feel, to mirror expectations others held, to become whatever version of himself best served strategic purposes.

So Eru smiled warmly and replied with apparent sincerity.

"Thank you. Both of you. I look forward to our continued time together."