Chapter 6: The Ceremony
I still couldn't believe it.
Me, Hiro the leader of the Dawn.
George and Ruby stared in disbelief as I climbed the podium, the hall lights glimmering across the polished tiles. The crowd fell into murmurs when I sat down on the ornate chair meant for the Clan Leader.
> [Quest: Make Your Presence Known. Go to Your Seat as the Clan Leader.]
[Reward: 2P]
[Completed]
[New Quest Available!]
Quest: Stop the Fight Before It Gets Worse.
[Reward: 1P]
[Completed]
Finally, both quests done. I rested my elbows on the table, exhaling quietly. A few seconds later, footsteps echoed from my right. I turned my head just slightly.
"Hey, Hiro," a familiar voice called. "Being late because you lost your way… that's so like you."
Eden smirked, arms folded. "You always manage to pull tricks, even without meaning to."
I groaned. "Can't you ever say something normal?"
"So, when you were in the crowd," he continued, ignoring my question, "did you see anyone interesting?"
"I don't know," I said flatly.
"Okay," he replied with a shrug.
Typical Eden. No matter what I said, it always felt like I was speaking a different language.
"Master, why did you take so long to get here?" a smaller voice asked.
I turned to see Mia Blade, a four-star hunter and one of my most trusted people. She was like a little sister to me sharp, energetic, and loyal. She also happened to be the apprentice of Lila, my old friend and one of the main Villans of this world who turned good because of my intervention.
"As I said," I replied, "I lost my way."
Eden leaned forward. "Anyway, Hiro. The ceremony's purpose is to find potential recruits for the new generation. Did you spot anyone?"
I raised a brow. "Are you sure you want me making that decision?"
"Yes," Eden said confidently. "If it's you, I'm sure you'll find the right person with potential."
This guy… sometimes I really wondered why he trusted my instincts so much.
"Well, I might have someone in mind," I muttered.
Eden's eyes lit up. "Oh? Who?"
Before I could answer, a voice shouted from the crowd.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?!"
A group of inspectors tried to hold someone back. I caught a glimpse of red hair, and then I recognized him the same boy from earlier.
"Let me go!" he shouted, struggling as the crowd parted.
Mia stepped forward, glaring. "Didn't you learn your lesson already?" She was about to rush in, but I raised my hand.
"Don't," I said calmly. "It'll just turn into another fight."
Then I signaled to the inspector. "Let him through."
The red-haired boy stopped in front of me, his eyes burning with defiance.
"So," I began, "you're a four-star hunter, right?"
"Yes," he said, voice tight but steady.
"What's your name?"
"My name is Billy Gane. Billy Gane of the Flame Sword."
Flame Sword, huh? That means he's already awakened an artifact. He could be an asset… if his attitude didn't hold him back.
"Really?" I said, half-smiling. "Then you must be confident."
"Always," Billy replied.
"I'll give you a chance," I said, standing up from my chair. "But there's a condition. You have to pass my test before you get the recommendation you want."
Billy's eyes gleamed. "Alright. Let's begin the trial."
> [Quest: Show Billy Gane Who Is Superior.]
[Reward: 1P]
Without hesitation, I activated one of the system's skills.
> [Skill: Intimidation — Activated]
[Skill Usage: 1P]
A sudden pressure filled the air. The hall grew silent as if time itself froze. Billy's confidence vanished. His knees buckled under the weight of the invisible force pressing down on him.
He tried to lift his head, but the skill's aura was suffocating. Gasps erupted from the crowd as the young hunter trembled.
"Impossible…" someone whispered.
It wasn't my power it was the system's. A borrowed strength that cost precious points. One use alone drained 1P, and most quests didn't give more than that. Still, it worked.
"I...give up!" Billy finally shouted, collapsing to the floor.
I deactivated the skill and took a deep breath, my body trembling slightly. A wave of nausea hit me, but I forced myself to stay composed.
"I'll still give you another chance," I said.
Billy looked up in confusion. "Really?"
I nodded. "To everyone here attending the ceremony thank you for your patience. As an apology for my late arrival… and to give everyone a fair opportunity..."
I paused, raising my hand as a faint glow appeared above it. "if anyone here can take this ring, they'll be accepted into the Eden Knights."
The glowing ring floated above the center of the hall before dropping slowly to the ground. The moment it touched the floor
Chaos erupted.
Dozens of hunters leapt from their seats. Spells were cast, weapons drawn, and shouts filled the air as everyone rushed for the ring like it was a treasure of the gods.
Eden grinned beside me. "You really love making things interesting, don't you?"
I smirked. "It's more fun this way."
Mia sighed. "Master… you're terrible."
Maybe. But this was how I tested people not through strength alone, but through the chaos they created when ambition was within reach.
Mia Blade then decide to Join the chaos
And as the crowd clashed beneath the shimmering lights, I leaned back on my chair, watching closely.
Let's see who's truly worthy. But for me I am out of here.