I Ascend Alone-Chapter 55: Understanding

I nodded. "Understood."

Vaughn held my gaze a moment longer before finally leaning back in his chair, his expression unreadable. The weight of his words still hung in the air, pressing down like an unspoken threat.

Hale, arms crossed, exhaled through his nose. "Well, that's that, then." He tilted his head slightly. "For now, at least."

I didn't respond. There was nothing more to say.

Vaughn held out the black envelope, his fingers resting on its smooth surface for a brief moment before he slid it across the desk toward me.

I caught it before it could reach the edge, the material cold against my fingertips.

"A guild invitation?" I muttered, my gaze flicking up to meet his.

Vaughn nodded, his expression unreadable. "Every major guild has been keeping an eye on you since your ranking evaluation. Your little... incident only solidified their interest."

I tensed slightly. Of course they had. A new A-Rank emerging out of nowhere, displaying powers outside the Association's database—it was inevitable that the major guilds would take notice.

"They want to recruit me?" I asked, flipping the envelope between my fingers.

Hale smirked. "More like they need to. An independent hunter with your level of power? That's a wildcard no guild wants running around unchecked."

I said nothing, breaking the wax seal on the envelope. Inside was a list—ten names written in bold, each one belonging to a powerhouse of a guild.

The 10 Major Guilds:

Black Valor – Led by Leon Vael, known for their elite S-Rank hunters and strict internal hierarchy.

Azure Dominion – A guild specializing in large-scale raid operations, boasting some of the most disciplined hunters.

Iron Fang – A combat-focused guild made up of former mercenaries and war veterans, known for their brute strength and efficiency.

Obsidian Pact – A guild shrouded in secrecy, rumored to have deep ties with underground organizations and intelligence networks.

Celestial Spear – A guild revered for its holy magic users and exorcists, often dealing with high-threat demonic entities.

Crimson Vortex – A guild known for its aggressive recruitment of mages and elemental specialists, emphasizing firepower over tactics.

Eclipse Syndicate – A balance of assassins and illusionists, infamous for their covert operations and unpredictable methods.

Titan's Bastion – A fortress-like guild with an unbreakable defense, filled with shield-bearers and tank-class hunters.

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Stormbreak Legion – A guild of speed-focused warriors, their lightning-fast strikes and mobility setting them apart.

Specter's Veil – A guild rumored to house rogue-class hunters and exiled individuals, accepting those who don't fit the norm.

I exhaled, scanning the names carefully. Some of these guilds were expected—Leon's Black Valor, for one. Others, like Obsidian Pact and Specter's Veil, were more surprising.

Vaughn leaned forward slightly. "Each of these guilds has extended an offer to you. The choice is yours."

I tapped my fingers against the envelope, mulling it over. Joining a guild would mean resources, connections... but also obligations. Expectations. I wasn't sure how I felt about that.

But one thing was certain—this was a decision I couldn't take lightly.

Hale crossed his arms, watching me closely. "You don't have to decide now, but don't keep them waiting too long. The major guilds don't appreciate being ignored."

I let out a quiet chuckle. "Noted."

Vaughn studied me for another long moment before nodding. "Then that's all for now."

I stood, pocketing the envelope as I turned to leave. But just as I reached the door, Vaughn spoke once more.

"One last thing, Kael."

I stopped, glancing over my shoulder.

"Whatever path you choose... make sure you control your power before it controls you."

The moment I stepped out of Vaughn's office, the tension in my shoulders eased—just slightly. The weight of the envelope in my pocket served as a reminder of the decision looming ahead, but that wasn't my immediate concern.

Hale followed behind me, his expression unreadable as we walked down the long corridor. The headquarters of the Hunter Association was quiet at this hour, the polished marble floors reflecting the dim glow of overhead lights.

"So," Hale finally said, breaking the silence, "What's your move?"

I exhaled through my nose. "I haven't decided yet."

He smirked. "Figured. You don't seem like the type to follow orders easily."

I shot him a glance. "And you seem like the type to enjoy watching people struggle with impossible choices."

Hale chuckled. "Guilty as charged."

We reached the main lobby, where only a few hunters lingered—none paying us any mind. My footsteps slowed as I considered my options.

The major guilds had extended an invitation. That was a given. But what did I want?

Joining a guild would mean gaining access to resources, intelligence networks, and high-level dungeon raids. It would also mean scrutiny—being monitored, evaluated, controlled.

Staying independent? That meant freedom. But it also meant being alone, with fewer allies and no safety net if things went south.

And given what I was dealing with—the Abyss, the system's hidden conditions—I wasn't sure I could afford to be alone.

Hale stretched lazily. "Well, whatever you decide, don't take too long. A few of those guilds have reputations for... aggressive recruitment."

I raised an eyebrow. "Meaning?"

He grinned. "Meaning some of them don't like taking 'no' for an answer."

Great. Just what I needed.

I shook my head. "I'll deal with it."

Hale nodded, then turned to leave. "Good luck, Kael. Try not to cause another disaster before you pick a side."

With that, he disappeared into the corridors, leaving me alone with my thoughts.