After Kaien attempted his first raid and successfully cleared it, he returned to the guild to submit his results and sell the relics he had obtained.
The moment the blood-stained materials were placed on the counter, the atmosphere around the reception desk subtly shifted.
The female guild attendant—her badge marked her as a senior clerk—froze for half a second longer than she should have. Her eyes moved from the relics… to Kaien… then back to the relics again.
A cracked crimson horn.
A fragment of condensed spirit-core.
A claw still humming with residual demonic aura.
Her fingers stiffened.
These were unmistakably A-grade demon remains.
She lifted her gaze slowly, studying the boy in front of her. Twelve years old at most. Slender frame. Calm expression. No visible injuries—at least, none that suggested a near-death battle.
And yet—
An E-ranker… alone…?
Her lips parted slightly before she caught herself and forced a professional smile.
"P-Please wait a moment," she said, tapping the crystal ledger embedded in the counter.
The appraisal runes glowed. Numbers flowed.
Her pupils shrank.
"…Confirmed," she muttered under her breath.
A cold ripple ran through her spine.
Could he be a false ranker?
Or did he cheat the system somehow?
Either possibility was terrifying.
She swallowed and pushed a small leather pouch across the counter.
"Your total earnings come to 5,000 Veirons."
Veirons
The universal currency of the Blue Star Planet.
Forged from spirit-infused alloy coins and standardized crystal notes, Veirons were accepted across cities, guilds, noble territories, and trade routes. To an ordinary civilian, 5,000 Veirons could sustain a modest family for nearly six months—food, rent, and basic protection fees included.
To an awakener, however, it was both a blessing… and nothing at all.
Five thousand could buy basic gear, a few potions, or temporary lodging.
But it couldn't purchase high-tier artifacts, advanced manuals, or life-saving treasures in true danger zones.
Still—
For a twelve-year-old E-ranker?
It was absurd.
Kaien accepted the pouch with a nod.
"Thank you."
Simple. Calm. No pride. No excitement.
That, more than anything, unsettled the attendant.
After leaving the counter, Kaien headed deeper into the guild marketplace. His steps were steady, but beneath his calm exterior, his body still throbbed faintly from the previous battle.
I pushed too hard, he admitted inwardly. I can't afford to repeat that mistake.
The potion shop was filled with glowing bottles arranged in floating rings—each color representing a different effect.
A middle-aged shopkeeper looked up. "What'll it be, kid?"
Kaien scanned the labels.
Regeneration-grade potions were far too expensive. Blood-recovery potions were useful but unnecessary for now.
"I'll take a standard Health Restoration Potion."
"Two hundred Veirons," the shopkeeper replied.
Kaien paid without hesitation.
The moment the liquid slid down his throat, warmth spread through his limbs. Bruises faded. Microfractures knit together. Fatigue loosened its grip.
He exhaled softly.
"…Much better."
He glanced at the remaining coins.
I should stock a few more later.
But first… food.
The restaurant district near the guild was lively—voices overlapping, metal utensils clinking, laughter echoing off stone walls.
Kaien ordered a simple meal and sat alone.
That was when the gazes began.
They weren't subtle.
Whispers crawled through the air like insects.
"Hey… isn't that the kid?"
"I heard an E-rank trash slayed an A-grade demon."
"That's impossible. False ranker, maybe?"
"Or he got carried and stole the credit."
Kaien continued eating, unbothered.
He'd expected this.
Then—a shadow fell across his table.
A tall, handsome man with blond hair stood before him, dressed in high-quality adventurer attire. His posture was confident, polished. Noble.
"Hey. Hi."
Kaien didn't look up. "Hi."
The man blinked, then smiled faintly.
"I'm Jack Russell. I've been hearing about your… unbelievable accomplishments." His gaze sharpened. "I'd like to offer you a place on my team."
Kaien chewed once more.
"No."
The single word landed like a slap.
Jack stiffened. "Huh? You said—?"
"I said no," Kaien replied calmly. "Not interested."
Silence.
Jack's expression darkened for a fraction of a second before he smoothed it out. His jaw tightened.
Me? Refused? By an E-rank child?
"…Very well," Jack said, voice measured. "If you change your mind, you know where to find me. Opportunities like this don't come twice."
He turned and walked away.
The restaurant exploded into murmurs.
"Did you see that?"
"He turned down Young Master Russell?"
"That kid's insane."
"E-rank trash doesn't know his place."
Kaien finished his meal and stood.
Father warned me about this, he thought. High nobles recruit low ranks as shields… as expendable pawns.
He wouldn't become one.
Outside, Jack approached his team.
Two A-rank males stood casually.
One S-rank male radiated pressure even at rest.
A B-rank female adjusted her staff—clearly their healer.
And beside them stood Kalen Virel.
Fifteen years old. Dark brown hair. Deep green eyes. Noble blood unmistakable.
"How'd it go?" Kalen asked.
"It went bad," Jack replied coldly.
Kalen scoffed. "I told you. That weak-level arrogant bastard wouldn't comply."
Jack clenched his fist.
"I'll make him pay for embarrassing me."
Kalen smiled darkly. "you need not to worry, cousin. I know exactly how to teach that trash its place." He grinned darkly . From the shadows—
Kaien remained unaware.
But the ripples he created… had already begun to spread.