The gates of Ironshade Guild towered above them like an iron beast resting at the edge of the capital. Giant steel frames engraved with ancient sigils stood as a reminder of the kingdom's strongest defense against the horrors of the outside world.
Aiden stared up, taking in the sight. It was his first time standing before the main guild headquarters. The size alone was intimidating, but what truly weighed on him was the unspoken rule: inside these walls, only the strong have a voice.
Aria glanced at him, reading his tension like an open book.
"Don't freeze up again."
"I won't," Aiden replied, taking a steady breath. "At least, I'll try not to."
They passed through the gate guards, who barely acknowledged their presence after recognizing Aria's emblem — a black hawk stamped onto her chest plate.
As they entered, the inside buzzed with activity. Hunters in full gear discussed missions, merchants argued over monster parts, and scribes scurried about with stacks of scrolls. Massive boards displayed missions ranked from D-class to the extremely rare S-class — the kind of quests that decided life or death.
Aiden couldn't help but stare at the rankings. Dozens of names filled the lists, but one stood above all others.
#1 — Aria Nightveil.
"You're... the top-ranked hunter?" Aiden asked, eyes wide.
Aria's face remained indifferent.
"Was there any doubt?"
He blinked, realizing how little he truly knew about her. She wasn't just skilled — she was elite.
Before he could comment further, a loud voice boomed from across the hall.
"Aria Nightveil! You're back earlier than expected."
A tall, broad-shouldered man approached, his beard thick and his presence radiating authority. This was Garrick Stonehelm, Guild Commander of Ironshade. His reputation stretched far beyond the capital — a retired S-rank hunter whose mere glare could silence a room.
"Commander," Aria greeted with a slight nod. "We have a situation."
Garrick's expression hardened. "Speak."
Aria recounted everything: the pack of Direfang Wolves, the summoning mark, and the clear sign that the Monarch's cultists were growing bolder. Aiden stood beside her, quiet but attentive.
When she finished, Garrick's jaw clenched.
"First it was minor sightings," he muttered. "Now direct control over beasts this close to the capital… this isn't good."
Aiden finally spoke. "Why are they doing this? Testing their control?"
"Testing," Garrick replied, his voice low, "or preparing for something bigger."
He gestured for them to follow him into the war room.
Inside, maps of the kingdom were spread across a grand table, dotted with markers and pins. Aiden noticed several red markers grouped ominously near the southern border.
"The Monarch of Death's cult has been dormant for nearly a century," Garrick began, his voice grave. "Sealed, broken, scattered. But those who still worship him have been gathering in the shadows."
Aria frowned. "We killed many of their summoners over the years. This shouldn't be possible."
Garrick's eyes darkened. "Unless someone far stronger is pulling the strings now."
There was a chilling silence.
Aiden's heart raced. The Monarch of Death — the terrifying entity that commanded legions from the underworld. The being sealed a hundred years ago by the combined efforts of the five Great Kingdoms.
"But… if he's sealed," Aiden said cautiously, "how could they—?"
"The seal weakens with time," Garrick interrupted. "And if the cult gathers enough dark energy—enough blood sacrifices—they could break the seal prematurely."
Aria folded her arms.
"How much time do we have?"
"No one knows." Garrick rubbed his temples. "But recent activities suggest the cult has already succeeded in opening minor gateways. If they're left unchecked, it won't be long before the Monarch returns."
A heavy silence filled the room.
Aiden's fists clenched. This was far bigger than any beast hunt. His rebirth into this world might not have been random after all.
"We'll stop them," Aiden said, determination shining in his eyes. "Whatever it takes."
Garrick nodded approvingly.
"You'll need to train harder than ever. Aria, take him under your wing. We don't have time for him to learn slow."
Aria smirked.
"Oh, don't worry, Commander. He won't be bored."
The next morning, Aiden stood in the guild's private training grounds, panting heavily. Sweat dripped down his face as Aria circled him like a predator.
"You're too stiff," she said, flicking his wooden sword aside effortlessly. "Stop thinking like a civilian. You're a hunter now."
He adjusted his stance, trying again. But every strike he made was countered instantly.
Aria wasn't holding back, and honestly — he respected that. She was determined to crush his weaknesses and mold him into someone who could survive.
"You've got potential," she admitted, blocking another strike. "But potential won't keep you alive when a Deathshade Wraith claws your throat out."
Suddenly, Aria dashed forward, closing the gap. Before he could react, she swept his legs and pinned him to the ground, straddling him with surprising force.
Aiden's face flushed as he stared up at her, their faces just inches apart.
Aria's sharp eyes narrowed, but there was a hint of playfulness in them.
"You're blushing," she whispered, smirking.
"I—I'm not!" Aiden protested, his heart racing wildly.
She leaned even closer, her voice like silk.
"Get used to it. I'm not going easy on you."
Before he could respond, she stood up and offered her hand.
"Again."
As he grabbed her hand and pulled himself up, Aiden couldn't help but feel something stir deep inside — something dangerous and thrilling.
But before the training could continue, a guild messenger rushed in, breathless.
"Commander Garrick requests your presence immediately!" he announced.
Aria's smile faded, and her eyes sharpened.
"What happened?" Aiden asked, wiping sweat from his brow.
The messenger's face turned pale.
"They… they found a summoning altar. South woods. Fresh sacrifices. The cult is moving faster than we thought."
Aria grabbed her blades without hesitation.
"Let's move."
And with that, a new nightmare was waiting for them just beyond the guild walls.