After a moment, Miles nodded.“…Alright.”James smiled.“This way, please.”The two of them walked side by side down the street. A few minutes later, they arrived at a quiet café not far from the trade center. The late afternoon sun filtered softly through the glass windows, and the atmosphere inside was calm.They took seats across from each other.James folded his hands neatly on the table.Miles leaned back slightly, watching him carefully.Whatever this proposal was…It was clear his quiet solo hunts had finally drawn serious attention.James Kerr leaned back slightly in his chair, maintaining a polite smile as he began the conversation.“I must say, Mr. Reed… you’ve become quite popular among the hunters who frequent the Outlands recently. Many of them have started referring to you as—”“The Hoarder,” Miles finished calmly.James chuckled softly. “Yes. That’s the nickname going around. It’s not often someone attracts that kind of attention in such a short time. Especially a solo

As Miles walked, his phone suddenly buzzed in his pocket.Miles pulled it out.A notification flashed across the screen.Reminder: School Resumes TomorrowMiles stopped walking.“…Oh.”He stared at the screen for a moment before letting out a quiet sigh.He had been so focused on hunting, earning money, and getting stronger that he had completely lost track of time. His two-week suspension had passed without him even noticing.Thankfully, he had set a reminder beforehand—just in case.Otherwise, he might have missed the first day back entirely.Miles slipped the phone back into his pocket.School.It felt strangely distant now.Just two weeks ago, he had left those halls as a powerless student—someone looked down upon, someone who kept his head low, someone who avoided confrontation because he had no strength to back it up.Now…Everything had changed.The next morning arrived quickly.Miles stood in front of the towering school gates, staring quietly at the familiar sight.It had on

The words hit like a spark in dry grass.Bron stepped forward immediately.“You—!”But Derek raised a hand, stopping him again.The silence that followed was heavy and dangerousDerek stared at Miles quietly.“…Are you trying to challenge me?”His voice was calm.Too calm.Miles blinked, then leaned back in his chair. “Challenge you?” he repeated, feigning ignorance. “No. I’m not planning anything like that.”He shrugged slightly.“I just got out of suspension. The last thing I want is another incident.” His gaze flicked toward Derek meaningfully. “I wouldn’t want to accidentally harm the school’s golden boy… especially one protected by nepotism.”The words landed like a bomb.Several students inhaled sharply. Bron’s face turned red with anger.Owen looked ready to explode.Even Derek’s calm expression stiffened slightly.Miles, however, remained relaxed as he was completely unbothered by their reaction.His message was clear.He wasn’t afraid.Not anymore.And for the first time— Som

Miles stood alone.He exhaled slowly.Then pulled out his phone.He dialed a number.It rang once.Twice.Three times.Then—“Hello?”Mia’s gentle voice came through.Miles felt his chest loosen slightly. “…Hey.”Mia sounded surprised. “Brother? Why are you calling? Is everything okay?”Miles leaned against the sink. “I just… wanted to check on you.”There was a brief pause. “…That’s unusual,” Mia said softly. “Did something happen?”Miles shook his head, though she couldn’t see it. “No. I just suddenly missed you.”Mia laughed quietly. “You’re acting strange today.”“How are you?” Miles asked.“I’m fine,” she replied. “I had lunch already. I’m just resting.”Miles listened carefully to her voice.There was no sign of distress or fear which meant there was no problem.He felt relieved. “Don’t go out today,” he said casually.“Hm? Why?”“Just… stay home and rest.”“…Okay?”They chatted for another minute. Mia talked about a show she was watching. Miles responded occasionally, keeping

The blow connected squarely with the boy’s nose. Blood sprayed instantly as the boy staggered backward, clutching his face in shock and pain. Three down. The remaining four hesitated. Derek’s eyes narrowed slightly. Miles didn’t give them time. He stepped forward aggressively now, closing the distance before they could regroup. His fist drove into one boy’s chest. THUD! The boy stumbled backward— Straight into a stack of desks. CRASH! Wood splintered as he fell into the pile. Another rushed from behind, trying to grab Miles’ shoulders. Miles bent slightly. Grabbed the boy’s arm. Shifted his weight. Then flipped him cleanly over his shoulder— SLAM! The boy hit the ground hard, the air leaving his lungs in a painful gasp. He curled up, unable to stand. Only Owen and Bron remained. Bron staggered to his feet, rage twisting his face. His breathing was uneven, his abdomen still throbbing from the earlier strikes. “You bastard—!” He charged again. This time more cautiou