Ren walked through the bustling streets of the city, his hands shoved into the pockets of his worn jacket. The weight of the past eight months sat heavy on his shoulders—not in regret, but in sheer exhaustion.

  Eight months.

  Eight months since Isamu took him under his wing. Since he started learning what it truly meant to survive in this world.

  He had killed, hunted, trained, and fought until his bones ached. Until he collapsed in the dirt, too exhausted to move. Until he felt like his soul was being ripped apart every time he used his Mandate.

  And yet…

  He was still here.

  The old Ren—the starving street rat who scammed and lied to get by—was gone. In his place was something sharper, harder.

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  Not just a survivor.

  A predator.

  Ren smirked to himself as he passed through the market district. The scent of grilled meat and freshly baked bread teased his senses, a cruel reminder of how he used to steal food just to keep Kaede from starving.

  Now?

  Now, he had money.

  The Kagutsuchi Stalker’s core was worth a small fortune. Enough to change their lives forever.

  His share would be more than enough to buy a house in a better district. Maybe even close to the middle districts—far from the filth and decay of the slums.

  Kaede wouldn’t have to live in fear anymore.

  No more leaking roofs.

  No more waking up to the sound of screaming and fighting in the streets.

  No more hunger.

  She’d have a real home.

  Ren exhaled slowly, his grip tightening in his pockets.

  He didn’t trust peace. Didn’t trust the idea of safety. Not in this corrupt city, not in a world where the Divine Court still ruled from their golden palaces.

  But for Kaede?

  For her, he would try.

  He quickened his pace.

  The Guild Headquarters loomed in the distance, an imposing structure of dark stone and banners swaying in the breeze.

  Today, he’d get paid.

  And tomorrow, he’d buy their future.