A ripple passed through the hall. It was faint, but undeniable. Conversations faltered, eyes sharpened, and the atmosphere shifted just enough for the rejection to settle in.Devon’s expression did not change, but something beneath it tightened.Michael went on, his tone steady, almost conversational. “The Tower thrives on balance. Each of the major guilds already holds a fair share of powerful hunters. If I were to join one—especially First Light—it might… tip that balance.”He paused briefly, allowing the words to land.“As such, I believe it is best that I remain unaffiliated.”A slight dip of his head followed. “I will remain an independent hunter.”The silence that followed was heavier this time.Devon’s fingers twitched almost imperceptibly, the only outward sign of his irritation. For a fleeting moment, the composure cracked—just enough for the sting of public rejection to show. It wasn’t outrage. Not yet. But it was there, simmering beneath the surface.Still, he smiled.“Is t

Twenty minutes earlier, Upon receiving Micheal's signal, Amy stepped away from the group and made her way across the hall. The feathered half-mask she wore on her face shone with spectacular radiance under the golden chandeliers of the palace hall. Her beauty caught attention as she strutted by, her blonde curly hair swaying ever so slightly.She weaved through the number of guests, her eyes fixated on Devon and his group, as they left the throne platform. They were guarded by a man and woman, who Amy assumed weren't weak in the slightest.Still, she approached them. Her heart was in her throat the entire time. However, her fear was surpassed by the disgust she felt for Devon. That was why she cooperated with Micheal to take him down.“Hey, Devon!” Amy called when she reached a good enough distance. The guards that tagged along with him immediately turned and gave her hostile glares. “Not any step further.” The man warned, his hand stretching out.Devon, Mia, as well as the others,

Micheal sat on the blood-stained sofa, a gleaming dagger twirling dangerously in his hand. His white mask which portrayed an eerie expression instilled fear in the hearts of the teenagers who knelt in front of him.Devon had his hand over his mouth, struggling to breathe as Josh’s Cleric abilities couldn't completely heal the damage. “You have Runes, don't you? Use a Rune of Restoration.” Micheal said in a seemingly casual manner. Despite his laid-back attitude, however, none of them dared to make any sudden moves. These five, who usually thought so highly of themselves, now bowed before this mysterious being who truly wielded power. Devon coughed a patch of blood and hurriedly reached into his inventory. He ended up having to use three Runes of Restoration to heal the wound inflicted on him.“Good.” Micheal clapped. He glanced at Amy who stood in a corner and said with purpose, “Young lady, do you know why I haven't touched you at all?”Amy shook her head, pretending as though she

Amy watched from a corner of the room as Josh, Dan, Khalid and the others slowly stripped themselves of the royal garments they wore. A wave of satisfaction settled in her chest, and she felt like there couldn't be a more deserving humiliation ritual for them. Back when she first entered the tower and found Devon and his group, she had actually contemplated accepting his invite and joining his father's guild. However, on a certain day, when they had not realized she was still present in the house, Devon and his friends had molested a woman, then brutally murdered her afterwards.That moment had scarred Amy, and she ran like her life depended on it. It had, because there was no telling if she was going to be the next victim of these warped-mined sickos.So, seeing them properly punished for their crimes was incredibly satisfying. As Devon and his friends dropped their robes to the floor, Micheal, still disguised, calmly reached into his inventory and pulled out one of the utility ite

The palace hall erupted with murmurs and gasps, upon seeing the baffling sight ahead. The guards looked around frantically, daring not to make the move of apprehending the criminal who held the Monarch and his friends hostage.The guests stood, wide-eyed with shock, yet somewhat anticipatory of the drama that was about to unfold. Strong hunters like Ivander Rostov watched with keen expressions on their faces. Their immediate assessment of the masked figure was that he was very strong. After all, to have to get to the Monarch, one had to go through his personal guards— both of whom were Vanguards.That was no easy feat.Cassandra, meanwhile, had her jaw almost hitting the pristine white floor of the hall.“What the hell?!” She exclaimed.She could never have expected that Micheal's revenge would be carried out in such a manner. As such, she failed to hide the shock on her face. Luckily, Desiree was just as shocked as she was.The elegant lady, who often had a knack of teasing others, r