"So what about that seat over there the one that's different from the others?" Ruby asked, pointing toward the far end of the hall.
I followed her finger. A single chair sat at the front, distinct from the rest polished dark wood, carved with silver veins that shimmered faintly under the crystal lights.
"Well," I started, "that belongs to..."
"Let me explain to this clueless rookie who doesn't know anything!" That same loud voice interrupted before I could finish. George Zamon. The guy who had been outside earlier. Great, just what I needed.
I sighed and activated my skill quietly.
> [Skill: Insight]
Name: George Zamon
Level: 4-Star
Status: Normal, Friendly, A Little Arrogant
Figures. The system didn't even need to add that last part. It was obvious.
"I didn't ask for your answer, idiot. Why are you trying to make me angry?" Ruby snapped at him, glaring.
"Well, well! This great George will do the honors of enlightening you about the glorious history of this clan!" He puffed out his chest like a proud peacock, clearly enjoying the attention.
He gestured dramatically toward the throne. "That seat, as you can see, is different because it belongs to the man who founded this clan Blazing Dawn!"
The crowd nearby turned their attention toward him as he continued, clearly savoring every second. "Although his real name remains unknown, his party name ah, yes is The Lamenters!"
I froze for a moment.
The Lamenters?
That was… the name of my original party.
The one I formed with the main characters back when all this was still just a story. The full name I gave them was The Silent Lament. And now someone else was telling my story like a legend.
George's voice pulled me out of my thoughts."The Lamenters are a group founded by a single man who arrived in the imperial capital of Sylvean years ago. With sheer talent and determination, they made their name clearing ruins and dungeons never failing a mission!"
Ruby's eyes widened. "That's… amazing."
Of course it was. But hearing someone else brag about my own creation felt oddly surreal.
"Why do you think so many people came to this ceremony?" George continued proudly. "This event was supposed to be a bonding moment for the clan, but everyone's here because the Lamenters are rumored to make an appearance today!"
"Really?" Ruby asked, her curiosity sparking.
Before George could reply, a voice from the crowd rang out sharply.
"Hey! When's the trial starting? We've been waiting for hours! Where are the so-called Lamenters?"
The hall went silent for a moment, tension rising.
Another voice answered immediately, sharper and mocking.
"What level are you, to be speaking out like that?"
"Me?" the first voice scoffed. "I'm a Level 4-Star Hunter, and you better shut your mouth, you 3-Star trash!"
The crowd stirred as everyone turned toward the source a young man with messy red hair and a sword strapped to his back. The blade was huge probably a greatsword and his attitude was even bigger.
"I came here hoping to find a decent party to recruit me," the red-haired boy sneered. "But all I see are weaklings. What a waste of time."
I groaned quietly. Ah, here we go again…
Every ceremony, it was the same. Someone loud, someone arrogant, and someone who couldn't handle being ignored.
"Just great," I muttered under my breath. "Now they'll probably send her to deal with this mess."
Ruby looked at me, confused. "Her?"
"You'll see," I said, shaking my head. "You'll definitely see."
The red-haired boy's shouting grew louder. "Hey! Did you all lose your tongues?!"
A sharp female voice cut through the noise. "You should shut your mouth before someone shuts it for you."
Heads turned as a girl with midnight black hair stood up from her seat near the front. Her gaze was cold enough to make a beast freeze mid-charge. Each step she took echoed softly through the silent hall.
"M-Mia," someone whispered from the crowd.
Even George stopped talking.
"Uh-oh," I muttered. "Here we go again."
Mia's expression didn't change as she approached the red-haired boy. "You're being loud. Sit down."
"What did you just say, you bastard?" the boy spat, his hand reaching for his sword.
The inspector from earlier the one managing the entry outside quickly stepped forward. "Wait! Wait, Mia! You can't cause a fight here! Hiro isn't even present right now!"
Oh, so now they're calling me out, I thought with a wry smile. Perfect.
Mia didn't even glance at the inspector. "Don't worry," she said calmly, her voice steady but deadly serious. "I'll make sure this fight ends in seconds."
The boy smirked, completely unaware of what he was walking into. "Heh. Don't blame me when you get humiliated, girl."
I sighed and leaned back against the wall. "And that's my cue to plan my escape."
Ruby blinked. "Wait, are they really going to fight?"
"Yeah," I said, rubbing my temple. "And it'll be quick. You might want to cover your eyes."
The air in the hall grew heavy as Mia's mana began to ripple subtle but sharp, like a blade cutting through silence. Even the red-haired boy hesitated for a brief second, his instincts screaming at him to back off.
Too late.
With a single flicker of motion, Mia vanished from her spot.
A loud crack echoed through the hall, followed by the sound of the red-haired boy's sword hitting the ground. He was on one knee, clutching his chest, completely winded before he could even react.
"Like I said," Mia murmured, standing over him. "You should've stayed in your seat."
The crowd burst into murmurs and whispers. Some clapped. Others looked away, not wanting to attract her attention.
Ruby stared, mouth slightly open. "She's… strong."
"Yeah," I said, half-smiling. "She's one of the best. Which is why I'm definitely leaving before she finds me."
"Finds you?" Ruby asked, confused again.
"Let's just say," I said quietly, "I'd rather keep my face hidden until I clear my quest."
> [Quest Updated: Make Your Presence Known – Pending Completion]
Time Remaining: 00:12:33
I glanced at the timer and sighed.
"Twelve minutes left, huh? Looks like I can't avoid it forever."
As the hall's attention stayed on Mia, I slowly started making my way toward the front, keeping my head down.
"Hey, Hiro, where are you going?" Ruby whispered.
I smiled faintly. "To my seat," I said. "After all… a clan can't begin without its leader."