Brilliant light flared from the teleportation array as Ryan's figure reappeared, standing alone in the center of the plaza.
Everything around him was still and quiet. The sun had already begun to descend, casting long rays of gold that stretched across the plaza floor and elongated Ryan's silhouette like a silent sentinel.
He looked around—there was no one in sight.
A moment later, the steady sound of footsteps broke the silence.
Principal Hope, clad in his ceremonial dark blue robes, approached from the far side of the square. Several senior instructors from Scorchfire High followed close behind, their expressions ranging from serious to awed.
"Ryan," Hope's voice was low, almost heavy. "You've cleared the dungeon."
He paused, staring intently at the teenager standing before him. There was a faint trace of disbelief in his gaze, mixed with something deeper—respect, perhaps even apprehension.
"You are the first awakened in the entire history of Emberflame Province to complete the Novice Trial Dungeon on the very first day."
"I want to leave," Ryan replied without hesitation, his tone as calm as ever but filled with unmistakable determination.
Hope blinked. "Leave? Go where exactly?"
"To the Awakened Guild," Ryan said, eyes unwavering. "The novice dungeon is too slow. The monsters are weak. The experience is pitiful. I don't want to waste any more time than necessary."
The instructors exchanged glances. Their brows furrowed in concern.
One of them stepped forward. "Yes, technically, you're qualified. Your level is above five, your control and tactical understanding are more than sufficient. But guild missions are not like trial dungeons. You'll be traveling outside the province. There could be wild monsters, environmental hazards... or worse."
"I understand," Ryan said simply. "But that's why I have to go now. I intend to get into the Aurora Battle Institute. Just leveling up in this area won't be enough to secure a spot."
Hope fell silent, his eyes narrowing slightly. After a long pause, he sighed deeply.
"…You've thought this through. That much is clear. It's also obvious that you're not content with being average. But Ryan, this is no longer a simulated challenge. Missions assigned by the Guild are tied to the real world. Any mistake can lead to death. And with your status as a forbidden-class summoner… if something happens, we may not be able to protect you."
"I'll be careful," Ryan replied, calm as always.
Hope studied his face, the seriousness etched into every line. Eventually, he nodded.
"Very well. I'll make arrangements. Tomorrow, someone will take you to the Guild to register and file the necessary paperwork to authorize mission access. But you must promise me this—if the situation ever spirals out of control, you will retreat immediately. No questions. No hesitation."
Ryan gave a silent nod.
Hope stepped forward and lightly patted his shoulder. "Go get some rest. You've done more than enough for today."
Without further word, Ryan turned and walked away from the plaza, his black uniform blending into the lengthening shadows behind him.
The instructors watched him go, their expressions a mix of admiration and disbelief.
"He's far too composed," one murmured. "That's not how seventeen-year-olds are supposed to be."
Hope didn't look away. "He's not walking the same path as other awakened. He's trying to chase down the entire world—on his own."
Half an hour later, the trial dungeon's ten-hour time limit expired.
The teleportation arrays lit up one after another as the rest of the awakened students were forcefully returned.
Among the first to appear was Gavin Stone.
He groaned, brushing dust off his clothes and rubbing his shoulder. "Ugh, that dungeon was stingy as hell. I fought like a dog and only made it to level two and a half! I feel like I aged ten years in there."
He looked around, searching for someone, and quickly caught sight of a nearby instructor recording post-dungeon data.
"Hey, Teach, where's Ryan? I don't see him anywhere."
The instructor looked up, then replied in a calm but slightly impressed tone. "He's already out. Cleared the dungeon over two hours ago—defeated the boss and was automatically teleported out early."
Gavin froze. "Two hours ago? Wait… he cleared the dungeon? Alone?"
"Yes," the instructor said with a nod. "And at record-breaking speed. Faster than even Alister Cole back in his day."
Gavin's jaw slackened slightly, and for a moment, he couldn't even form a reply.
A faint breeze passed behind him.
A slim figure had quietly stopped just a few steps away.
Emily stood motionless, her fists clenched tightly at her sides, face frozen with a stunned expression.
She had clearly heard everything.
Gavin glanced over and hesitated. He opened his mouth, thinking to say something—anything—but ultimately said nothing. He simply gave her a light pat on the shoulder and walked away.
And Emily remained where she stood, her figure still against the wind.