CHAPTER 46: [SUDDEN CROWD]

Before Eli knew it, Arman’s grip had hauled him through the winding halls and out into Lion’s Fang’s private parking area. The space was wide, echoing with the low hum of idling engines, the scent of oil and asphalt heavy in the air.

Eli barely had a second to register the row of sleek, armored vehicles before he was shoved—none too gently—into the back of a huge, black SUV.

The door slammed shut beside him with a metallic thud that seemed to seal his fate.

The engine roared to life, and they were moving.

Eli sat stiffly, the vibration of the road rumbling through the leather seats. His mind darted to escape—’maybe I could jump out at a red light, maybe I could slip away before we reach the gate.’

’No... no, that’s insane.’

He wasn’t alone in here. The car was packed with four highly trained hunters.

Two S-Class—Caelen and Arman—sat across from him, their gazes unreadable, while Punzo and Jabby, both A-Class, flanked him on either side.

They were close enough that he could feel the subtle shift of their weight every time the vehicle turned.

No one spoke. No idle chatter, no small talk—just the muted hum of the engine and the occasional hiss of the air-conditioning.

The silence made Eli’s nerves sharpen like glass.

’Before, I would’ve been excited. I would’ve been thrilled—my first raid? That would’ve been a dream come true.’

But that was before.

When he was just a stupid, dreaming E-Class dungeon cleaner.

Reality now was a far harsher teacher. This wasn’t some thrill-seeking fantasy—it was the first time he’d be stepping into a dungeon since...

Since one collapsed on him.

Since he died.

A cold weight sank into his chest. The memory was jagged and merciless—the crushing pressure, the deafening roar, the taste of blood in his mouth.

Dying once was bad enough. Dying again?

’God... no.’

The only reason Eli was playing along with Caelen’s whims, the only reason he was letting himself be dragged along without protest, was because the system had made it clear—failure meant death. Whether at the hands of Caelen or through whatever punishment it had in store, he couldn’t risk it.

Still, he hadn’t expected this.

He hadn’t expected to be taken straight to a gate. Not so soon. Not just a day after the fight with Kairo and the ogres, where he’d nearly died—twice.

The one thin thread keeping him from unraveling was the knowledge that this was Caelen’s team. To them, an A-Class dungeon was child’s play.

That thought kept him breathing until the SUV slowed and rolled to a stop.

Seucho Avenue.

The pulsing shimmer of the gate came into view through the tinted window, a swirling vortex of light and shadow suspended in midair. Even from a distance, Eli could feel the hum of mana thrumming against his skin.

What made his stomach twist, though, was the crowd. Dozens—maybe hundreds—of people were gathered, phones out, voices buzzing in excitement and tension.

"Tch. Why are there so many people?" Caelen muttered from the front seat, eyes narrowing at the sight.

Eli found himself wondering the same thing. A-Class gates didn’t usually draw crowds like this—not unless something was unusual.

"God. Look at that crowd..." Jabby mumbled beside him, leaning forward to peer out the window.

The SUV eased to a smooth stop right in front of the swirling gate, the air outside buzzing with the chaotic energy of too many people in too small a space.

The crowd’s noise swelled instantly, a mix of shouts, gasps, and clicking shutters—like a tidal wave crashing against the barricades.

Eli’s gaze darted over the sea of faces. Reporters were everywhere—shoulders hunched forward, microphones thrust out like spears, camera flashes strobing against the tinted glass.

He caught glimpses of manicured nails gripping press badges, boom mics dipping in over heads, the chaos of a hundred voices all trying to be heard at once.

Before he could even process why there were so many, a broad-shouldered man near the barricades—dressed in full hunter gear—pointed straight at their vehicle and bellowed,

"There they are! The best team of Lion’s Fang Guild!"

The announcement rippled through the crowd like a spark through dry grass. People surged forward against the barricades, the flashing doubled, and a fresh wave of shouts rang out.

"Jack Hoffman," Punzo muttered under his breath, his brow furrowing.

’Jack... Hoffman...’

Eli blinked—and then, despite the knot of nerves in his gut, a short snort escaped him. He clapped a hand over his mouth, but it was too late. The sound was out there.

Immediately, every head in the SUV turned toward him.

Caelen’s sharp gaze locked on, eyes narrowing in that quiet, dangerous way. "Something funny?" His tone was calm—too calm—but there was an edge beneath it. Curiosity... or suspicion.

Eli froze. His palms were already damp.

’Shit. Shit. SHIT.’

The last thing he needed was to give Caelen a reason to think he was hiding something.

He decided honesty was safer than trying to backpedal. "Uh... it’s just... the name. Jack Hoffman. It caught me off guard." He tried to make it sound harmless, forcing a weak laugh as he rubbed the back of his neck.

The silence that followed was thick. Heavy enough to crush his ribs.

All four of them kept staring at him.

Eli’s ears burned. "It’s—uh—never mind—"

Then, out of nowhere, Arman’s hand shot up to cover his mouth, his shoulders shaking as a muffled sound broke free. "Oh my god," he muttered, voice cracking with barely restrained laughter.

That was enough to crack the others. Jabby let out a short, surprised laugh, and Punzo straight-up cackled from beside Eli, doubling over.

"I never realized it until now," Jabby said between chuckles.

"Jack Hoffman," Punzo echoed, grinning wickedly. "His parents must’ve hated him or something."

Eli exhaled quietly. At least someone got it.

Caelen, however, didn’t so much as twitch a smile. He just sighed, his voice cool and clipped. "Children."

Eli frowned, a flicker of worry tightening in his chest—until the system’s familiar ding cut through the tension.

[SYSTEM MISSION UPDATE]

Target’s wariness is lowered.

Once it reaches less than 50%, your mission will be considered a success.

Current wariness level: 92%

’Oh? Being honest did help...’ Eli’s eyes widened slightly.

Caelen unbuckled his seatbelt with a smooth click, his movements precise and unhurried. "Instead of laughing about foolish things, Arman—let’s go out first. I think I know why there are so many paparazzi and bystanders here. You three stay in the car until I say otherwise."

"Alright," Punzo replied easily.

"As if I’d go out into that mess," Jabby muttered, leaning back.

Eli stayed silent, watching as Caelen and Arman opened their doors. The moment their boots hit the pavement, the crowd went wild. Cameras fired like lightning, the air popping with flashes, the barricades trembling under the weight of the people pressing forward.

And Caelen—oh, Caelen—stepped into it like he owned the scene, his expression shifting into a flawless, dazzling smile.

"Hello, everyone," he greeted, his voice carrying loud and clear over the chaos.