Scy's POV
The figure didn't attack, didn't speak, and didn't even reveal his face, yet his presence lingered in my mind long after he disappeared. Unlike the others, he wasn't reckless or desperate. He was calm, controlled, and most importantly… he was observing. That alone told me everything I needed to know. The people who came before were nothing more than tools. Disposable pieces sent to test me. But that man… he was different.
"…We're being watched on a different level now," I muttered as we continued walking through the streets.
Natalia glanced at me, her expression serious. "You mean that person earlier?"
"Yes. He wasn't like the others. He didn't come to fight… he came to evaluate."
"…Evaluate you?"
"Or measure how dangerous I am."
She went silent after that.
The noise of the city slowly returned as we left the alley behind, but it no longer felt the same. Every movement, every glance from the people around us carried a different meaning now. If what I thought was right, then the ones behind the Black Fang weren't acting blindly anymore. They were preparing.
"…Then what do we do now?" Natalia asked after a while.
I stopped walking.
"…We move forward."
She blinked. "That's it?"
"For now."
I turned slightly, looking at her. "If they're observing me, then I'll give them something worth watching."
She frowned a little. "That sounds dangerous."
"It is."
"…And you're still going to do it?"
"Yes."
There was no hesitation in my voice.
Because I already understood one thing.
If I kept hiding, they would only keep sending people after me. But if I stepped forward… if I showed them enough power…
Then eventually—
the real ones would come.
And that was exactly what I wanted.
We returned to the guild.
This time, the atmosphere was different.
The moment we stepped inside, the noise didn't disappear, but it changed. Conversations became quieter. Eyes turned toward us, some curious, some cautious, and some… fearful.
"…They already know," Natalia whispered.
"Of course they do."
Information traveled fast in places like this.
Especially when blood was involved.
We walked toward the counter, and the same receptionist from earlier greeted us, though her expression was no longer as relaxed.
"…You're back," she said carefully.
"Yes."
"…I heard what happened."
"I'm sure you did."
She leaned slightly forward, lowering her voice. "You shouldn't move so openly. If they really marked you…"
"I know."
"…Then you should leave the city."
I shook my head.
"No."
Her brows furrowed. "You don't understand. The Black Fang is only the surface. If someone higher is involved—"
"They already are," I interrupted calmly.
She froze.
"…What?"
"I saw one of them."
Her expression changed instantly.
"…Describe him."
"Cloaked. Silent. Didn't attack. Just watched."
She took a sharp breath.
"…That's not good."
"Who is he?"
She hesitated.
Then—
"…Royal Observer."
Natalia stiffened beside me. "Royal…?"
"Yes," the receptionist continued quietly. "They're connected to the higher forces of the kingdom. They don't move unless something serious is happening."
"…So I caught their attention."
"Yes."
Silence fell between us.
Then I smiled faintly.
"…Good."
She stared at me in disbelief. "Good? Are you insane?"
"Maybe."
I turned away from the counter.
"If they're finally taking me seriously, then I don't have to waste time anymore."
"…Wait," she called out. "What are you planning to do?"
I paused for a moment.
Then—
"I'm going to get stronger."
We left the guild without saying anything else.
Natalia walked beside me, quieter than usual.
"…You're not scared, are you?" she suddenly asked.
"…No."
"…Even after hearing all that?"
I glanced at her.
"…Are you?"
She looked away.
"…A little."
"…That's normal."
"…But you're not."
"…I'm used to worse."
She didn't ask what I meant.
And I didn't explain.
We stopped at the edge of the city, near the same forest where everything started.
The wind was calm.
The air was familiar.
"…We're going back?" she asked.
"Yes."
"…To train?"
"Yes."
She nodded slowly.
"…Then teach me."
I looked at her for a moment.
"…Don't fall behind."
"I won't."
There was determination in her eyes now.
Not fear.
Not hesitation.
But something stronger.
I stepped forward and raised my hand.
A blade formed instantly.
Sharp.
Stable.
Controlled.
"…Watch closely," I said.
This time—
I wasn't just testing my power.
I was refining it.
Improving it.
Pushing it further.
Because now—
I wasn't just preparing for assassins.
I was preparing for something bigger.
Something stronger.
Something that wouldn't hesitate.
"…If they're sending the kingdom after me," I muttered.
A faint smile appeared on my lips.
"…then I'll make sure they regret it."