“Iris.”

When Toby called her name, Iris folded her arms and turned her head sharply away.

“No!”

Seeing this, Muimi gave a wry smile, while Jo Inhu shook his head.

“Iris, think this through.”

“Think what? I don’t want to join some group led by that guy!”

“But this group could benefit all of us,” Toby said, staring at her profile.

“You admit that Gwangcheon’s team is far stronger than we are.”

“…Even so, I don’t want to join some shady group he’s running! Who knows what tricks he’s hiding? For all we know, once we’re in, he’ll demand payment in exchange for teaching us his secrets!”

“If that happened, we could just leave. It’s not a big deal. And honestly, I doubt Nam Yein would do that.”

“So you trust him more than me, Toby?”

“No. But if he pulled something like that, both Chairman Riyu and your father would crush him for it.”

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“True. If I tried anything funny, I might really be driven out of Seoul this time.”

“Tch!”

Iris clicked her tongue hard. She didn’t deny it, though, which only made me chuckle again.

“More than anyone else, Iris, you’re the one who needs to join Nam Yein’s group,” Toby said firmly.

“Toby… I told you to shut your mouth.”

Iris glared, but Toby shook his head.

“No. You need to hear this. You need a new spark—something to bring back the drive you lost after HAUT.”

“Toby!!”

Iris shot to her feet.

Muimi and Jo Inhu tensed, half-rising from their seats.

Toby, however, stayed seated, calmly looking up at her.

“Iris. Long-term decisions should come from your head, not your heart. You, of all people, know that.”

“You really…”

Their eyes locked, silence stretching between them.

In that quiet battle, Toby came out on top.

“…Haa.”

Iris let out a long sigh and sank back into her chair.

“If I decide it’s not worth it, I’ll leave immediately.”

“That’s fine.” Toby nodded, then turned to me.

“I’ll count on you, Nam Yein.”

“Of course. I’ll count on you as well.”

“Anything else you want to discuss?”

“No. Hearing your answer today is enough.”

“Then we’ll head back.”

Toby stood, and the other three followed.

Soon after, we stepped out of the café. The deepening autumn evening carried a chill on the wind.

“Let me know once the meeting date’s set. We’ll be waiting,” Toby said.

“I understand. Until next time.”

He gave a small nod.

“See you.”

“Later,” Muimi and Jo Inhu added.

“Hmph.”

Iris snorted, avoiding my eyes as she walked off alone.

Muimi and Jo Inhu followed with strained smiles, while Toby gave me a quick wave before leaving with his teammates.

Thanks to Toby, I didn’t need to use Eleanor as leverage.

Iris rubbed me the wrong way in just about every way possible—her personality, her tone, her face, her mannerisms.

But her talent was undeniable. Among all of Latessai’s companions, she was the most gifted.

Especially with that broken ability of hers—multiplying her attack power tenfold while converting it to full attribute-piercing damage.

Whether or not Iris was on our side would make a world of difference in the coming battle against Latessai.

Alright then. Time to head to City Hall.

Thinking of the inventory chest in my bag, I made my way to the bus stop.

At City Hall, Lee Seon was waiting in the lobby.

Whoa.

I nearly whistled aloud.

The word tired no longer did his face justice.

“Are you alright?”

The question slipped out before I could even greet him.

“….”

He gave a wry smile.

“Do I look that bad?”

“Seems like the Forward situation is taking its toll.”

“There’s no helping it. The Peacekeeping Force Division is always understaffed compared to the workload.”

True enough.

The Division was composed entirely of Awakeners, funded by the city.

But compared to the money hunters earned in dungeons, their salaries were pitiful.

Naturally, few people joined.

The ones who did were there because of their pride and commitment to protecting citizens.

Even someone like Jang Hayun at least shared that much.

“In that case, I should give this to you quickly.”

I pulled the inventory chest from my bag and handed it over.

“Here. My friend crafted the equipment.”

“….”

Lee Seon didn’t take it. He just stared at me.

Dark circles under his eyes, stubble on his jaw, his whole face worn down—yet his gaze was as sharp as a predator’s.

It made sense. Only someone like him could lead and shoulder responsibility in a place like this.

Still, my arm was getting tired.

“…Why aren’t you taking it?”

“I was just thinking.”

“About what?”

“About where you actually got this from.”

“I told you. From a friend.”

“All Around ordered thirty pieces of equipment. And you’re saying your friend finished them in a single day?”

“That’s right. He’s a craftsman capable of it.”

“Pfft.”

Lee Seon gave a small laugh, finally taking the chest.

“My job is uncovering the truth behind lies. But that doesn’t mean I expose every truth I find. People lie to each other all the time. Sometimes those lies are the grease that keeps society moving smoothly.”

He looked me straight in the eye.

“So I’ll treat your ridiculous lie as just that—lubricant. Alright, I’ll get going. When another order comes in, I’ll pass it along.”

“Yes, understood.”

I gave a slight bow, and he turned and walked away.

If not for those “lies,” he’d have to investigate me.

Especially if they threatened the city’s safety.

Still, this is an improvement. Before, he would’ve tried to interrogate me outright.

With that thought, I left City Hall.

That evening.

After dinner with the others, I returned to my room and pulled out my phone.

Wondering where to start, I decided to go straight for the center of the web.

I sent a message.

Before long—

Bzzzt.

My phone lit up with a call.

“Hello?”

[“Yein! You’re back!”]

The voice was brimming with joy and relief.

“Yes. How have you been, Ao?”

[“I’m fine, but the question is you! Are you alright? You weren’t chased by Black Hound or anything?”]

“I’m fine. Nothing happened. Thank you for your concern.”

[“Phew… I was so worried. I nearly jumped out of my seat when I saw the TBC broadcast.”]

“I was lucky. A lot of people helped me. Especially the mayor…”

The moment I said that—

[“Mayor Cheon Jiwon!?”]

I jerked the phone away from my ear at the sudden shout.

[“Ah! S-sorry! I didn’t mean to yell…”]

“Haha…”

Before Ao could barrage me with questions, I decided to cut straight to the point.

“Ao, I called not just to check in but also to tell you about a group I’m forming.”

[“A group?”]

“Yes.”

I explained the idea behind Demon’s Class—leaving the name out.

“Crystal Academy’s team has already agreed to join. I’d like for Martial God to be part of it as well.”

[“Alright. Then I’ll let Senior Cheongryong and the others know right away. Please hold on a moment.”]

The call ended.

Ao’s voice had sounded a little rushed.

About three minutes later, my phone rang again.

[“Yein, about the group.”]

“Yes?”

[“They all agreed to join. Of course, I’ll be participating too.”]

“Thank you. I’m glad to hear that.”

[“Have you contacted any academies besides Crystal yet?”]

“Not yet.”

[“Shall I help? I’m still serving as the Academy Union’s representative, after all.”]

“Ah, no need. I’d like to speak to each academy directly myself, since it’s a group I’m organizing.”

[“Understood. If there’s ever anything I can do to help, please just say the word.”]

“Thank you, Ao. I’ll contact you again once the schedule is decided or if there are any changes.”

[“Alright~.”]

The call ended once more.

Good. Next is…

I dialed Jang Taeil, leader of the Dao Academy team.

[“Hello??”]

“Senior Jang Taeil, this is Nam Yein.”

[“Ah! Hey, everyone quiet down! It’s Yein calling!”]

[“What!?”]

[“Is he safe?”]

[“Where is he right now?”]

I heard three different voices in turn—two male, one female. Popf, George, and Mayu.

Their voices echoed, as if they were all in a karaoke room.

Lucky break—they’re all together.

[“Yein! Where are you? Are you alright?”]

“I’m in a hotel in Yongsan. We’re all safe, and now that we’re no longer being hunted by Black Hound, we’ve returned to Seoul.”

[“That’s good. Glad to hear nothing happened.”]

“Are you with your teammates right now?”

[“Yeah, we’re having a get-together after exams.”]

Ah, right. The other academies were in exam season.

My situation had been so unusual, I’d forgotten about the normal schedule.

“Sorry to bother you while you’re relaxing. There’s something I wanted to tell you—would that be alright?”

[“Hm? What is it?”]

A few moments later—

[“Of course we’ll join. We’re all of one mind on this.”]

“Thank you. Then I’ll contact you again once the schedule is set.”

[“Alright. We’ll be waiting.”]

“Enjoy the rest of your night.”

[“We will.”]

[“Congrats on your freedom!”]

[“See you next time!”]

[“Bye!”]

Their voices came through with an echo, full of energy.

Clearly, they’d been celebrating before answering the phone.

The Dao team’s mood was completely different from how they’d been during HAUT.

Alright, now…

Next up was Ucheon.

A few minutes later—

[“Of course we’ll join! No need to even ask the others, they’ll say the same thing!”]

“Could you check with them anyway, just in case?”

[“Sure! I’ll let you know by tomorrow!”]

The call ended with a click.

“Whew.”

I rubbed my ear.

Rio’s constant excitement had left it ringing.

Still, I could feel his genuine joy at our return and genuine anticipation for the group.

“Now, just one left.”

The toughest one, in fact.

Crystal had Iris as the only hurdle. The others, I’d been sure, would join.

But Magica… I wasn’t as confident.

Rune’s opinion carries a lot of weight in that team. And she’s not exactly the social type.

But I’d prepared the bait.

After gathering my thoughts, I made the call.

[…“Hello?”]

The reply came a little late, almost hesitant.

“Hello, Senior Rune. This is Nam Yein.”

[“Nam Yein? You’re safe? I thought Black Hound captured you.”]

“Fortunately, I’m fine.”

[…“And the others?”]

“Yes, all of them.”

[“Hmm…”]

“Disappointed we all survived?” I teased.

A small chuckle came from the other end.

[“So why are you calling me?”]

As if to say, ‘We’re not close enough for casual greetings.’

“I’ve decided to form a group.”

[“A group?”]

“Yes. A gathering of all this year’s HAUT participants—to train together, spar together, and grow stronger.”

[…“Really?”]

Her indifferent tone didn’t surprise me; I’d expected it.

[“But will the academy principals even allow such a private group?”]

“Chairman Riyu and President Ahn Hyunggi of Crystal have already agreed to help. Each will persuade the schools on our behalf.”

[“What? Those two are backing you? Why?”]

“They were both intrigued by the idea.”

[…“Hmph.”]

She tried to sound uninterested, but the trace of surprise in her voice gave her away.

“And one more thing. The mysterious Craftsman has agreed to provide equipment for all participants—completely free of charge.”

[“What!?”]

This time, her shock was obvious.

“Well? Tempted?”

[“Impossible. That can’t be real.”]

“If you’re skeptical, just join and see for yourself. You’ll get your proof on the very first day.”

[…]

“If you need time to think, that’s fine. Just let me know before the weekend—we’re planning the first meeting then.”

[“Hmm…”]

“By the way, every other academy has already agreed to participate. Crystal, Dao, Ucheon, even Martial God.”

I heard the faintest gasp over the line.

[…“Alright. I’ll ask my team and let you know tomorrow.”]

“Thank you.”

Rune ended the call.

Now all that’s left is to wait for the bite.

With the calls finished, I set my phone down, feeling lighter.

The next morning, a message came from Rune.

[The four of us will join.]

And that was it—short and to the point.

Good. Now all that’s left is to begin.

I was humming to myself, pleased with how smoothly things were going, when my phone rang again.

It was Rio.

“Hello?”

[“…Yein. It’s me.”]

Huh?

His tone was… off.

[“I asked the others. Maria and Yugeun said yes, they’ll join. But Bella… she said she can’t.”]

I see.

“Did she say why?”

[“Yeah. She said she doesn’t have time for anything else. She must be working on something—probably potion research, if I had to guess.”]

“I understand.”

[“Sorry. I know I said one thing yesterday, only to come back with this today.”]

“It’s fine. From here on, I’ll handle convincing her myself.”

[“Wait—you’re going to try persuading Bella?”]

“Yes.”

[“That won’t be easy. When it comes to potions, she doesn’t listen to anyone.”]

I knew that.

But Bella would listen to me.

That late afternoon, I found myself at the Hunter Market.

In front of me was a small café, with a line of people stretching out the door.

(End of Chapter)