Now, Liam found himself at a small crossroads.

Being labeled a potential SSS-Rank Hunter wasn't a bad thing—anyone else would have shouted in celebration—but he knew it was all a misunderstanding. He hadn't come here to impress the Association. He had come because he understood how this world worked.

Just like the cultivation world, only strength decided status. The strong made the rules; the weak followed them.

Becoming a Hunter wasn't only about gaining access to gates. It meant freedom—legal immunity in some regions, easier travel, control over information, and priority access to resources that ordinary people would never touch.

Every level of power came with a list of privileges, and the higher the rank, the better the rewards.

An A-Rank Hunter, even one only labeled as a "potential SSS," was already near the top of this world's food chain.

Money, information, influence, he thought. All of it within reach.

Liam smiled to himself He wasn't going to correct the examiner's misunderstanding. Explaining that he could regenerate a limb because he has molecular nanites in his body, and his telekinesis is because he's from another world, was out of the option. Besides, this outcome suited him perfectly.

As for if he has the strength to defend his rank, Liam was confident.

The senior examiner continued speaking, unaware of Liam's inner thoughts.

"We considered placing you above A-Rank," the man said, tapping his tablet, "but your physical scores arr still on the low side. The strength and stamina tests are still part of the formula. Increase those and return in three months for reassessment."

Liam nodded. "Understood."

"You'll find it easy," the man said with a small smile. "With the right training, you could pass for S-Rank before the year ends."

He opened a drawer and retrieved a slim black card. It shimmered faintly when it caught the light, engraved with the Hunter Association's emblem—a stylized gate encircled by silver rings.

"Your Hunter Identification," the examiner said, handing it over and Liam accepted it.

"Thank you."

The examiner nodded and stood. "Allow me to escort you out."

He led Liam through a short hallway and called for an attendant. A young woman arrived almost immediately, straight-backed, professional, her black uniform pressed to perfection.

"Guide Mr. Scott to the main exit," the man said.

"Yes, sir." She turned to Liam and gestured politely. "This way, please."

They walked side by side through the corridor. The faint rhythm of her heels echoed softly against the tiled floor. Liam noticed her stealing glances at him every few steps. When he caught her eyes, she flushed slightly and looked away.

He smiled and said nothing.

They reached the final set of doors. She pushed one open for him. "Congratulations on your certification, Mr. Scott."

"Thank you," he replied. "Have a good day."

The cool air of the main hall greeted him as he stepped out.

Instantly, he felt dozens of eyes on him.

The waiting area had gone quiet. Test-takers and staff alike pretended to go about their business, but their gazes followed him from every angle. They were trying to read his face, to guess the result hidden behind that calm expression.

Liam's usual small smile never wavered.

They didn't know what had happened behind that door, but the length of his absence said enough. No one spent that long inside the Declaration Chamber unless something extraordinary had occurred.

Whispers ran through the crowd like sparks across dry grass.

"Is that him?"

"He took the Declaration test, right?"

"Look at his face—he's smiling."

One of the examiners waiting nearby stepped forward to escort Liam to the exit. The gesture confirmed everyone's suspicion.

Murmurs swelled to open chatter.

"Wait, they're escorting him? That only happens when—"

"—when a declaration's verified."

The young man who had earlier called Liam a fool was just finishing his own final test. He froze mid-stride, watching the commotion. His result flashed a modest D-Rank on the screen, but no one cared; all eyes were on the stranger walking calmly toward the doors with an official escort.

He stood speechless, the word fool still fresh in his memory.

No one took pictures, as it was banned it in the hall, but every witness would remember the scene in vivid detail. The story would spread by evening.

By the time Liam reached the exit, half the room had already guessed the truth.

***

Black Tortoise Guild Headquarters

Far from the Association building, inside one of the most powerful guilds in the nation, the guild master's office glowed under the light of the city's skyline. The man seated behind the massive desk spoke into his phone, his tone quiet but sharp.

"Two unique abilities, you say?" he asked, repeating to confirm.

The voice on the other end replied quickly, low and urgent.

"I see." The guild master leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing with interest. "Thank you for the information. My secretary will arrange compensation."

He ended the call and placed the phone beside a stack of reports. For a long moment, he stared out through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Two unique abilities…" he murmured. "Now that's new."

He pressed the intercom on his desk. "Send in Director Kane."

"Yes, Guild Master."

A few seconds later, a tall man in a gray uniform entered the room and saluted.

"Sir?"

"Contact the Maryland branch of the Association," the guild master said. "Get me everything on a Hunter named Liam Scott—full report, test results, the works."

Kane hesitated. "Should I flag it for covert review?"

The guild master's eyes gleamed faintly. "Yes. Quietly. I don't want the other guilds sniffing around before we know what he is."

"Yes, sir."

When Kane left, the guild master leaned back again, thoughtful. The city lights reflected in his eyes like tiny flames.

***

Liam stepped out of the hall, and the examiner who had escorted him gave a polite nod before turning back inside.

A small smile crossed Liam's lips as he started walking toward the entrance—but he didn't get far.

The moment he reached the lobby, a wave of movement surged toward him. Dozens of figures in tailored suits closed in from all sides, each one wearing the same practiced smile.

Recruiters.

Their badges gleamed under the lights—guilds, corporations, and private associations—all fighting for the same thing: a chance to claim the new A-Rank Hunter who had just walked out of the test hall.

In seconds, Liam found himself surrounded. Voices overlapped in a blur of offers and promises.

"Mr. Scott, Black Falcon Guild is prepared to offer a signing bonus of—"

"Our company provides full sponsorship, housing, and equipment—"

"You won't find a better deal than—"

Liam's smile deepened slightly. He raised a hand, calm and composed.

"I'm sorry but I won't be accepting any offer now. I will need some time to think about it and I will personally contact the guild of my choice," he said, and tore through the recruiters.

He stepped out of the building, got into his car and drove off immediately.

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