The air inside the Shikari Guild Hall was thick with tension. Conversations buzzed in hushed tones, warriors and mercenaries alike exchanging wary glances. Something big was happening.

  Ren stood with his arms crossed, watching from the sidelines as more and more hunters poured in, summoned by an urgent decree. Next to him, Jin adjusted the hilt of his sword, his expression unusually serious. Mae, ever the sharp observer, scanned the room with a frown.

  "You feel that?" she murmured.

  Ren gave a half-shrug. "Feels like a setup."

  Before they could say more, Isamu approached, his usual relaxed demeanor replaced with a sharp, calculating look. "They’re sending squads out in waves. Some kind of large-scale deployment."

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  Jin scoffed. "Since when does the guild take orders like this? Feels more like conscription."

  "Not just any order," Isamu replied, lowering his voice. "It came from the Rengoku Clan—one of the great houses. They’re requesting hunter support for their regional army."

  Ren's smirk faded. The Rengoku Clan were infamous—wealthy, powerful, and ruthless. If they were involved, it was never just about filling ranks.

  Before anyone could voice further concerns, Guildmaster Kurogane stepped forward, his mere presence silencing the hall. His deep, commanding voice rang out:

  "As of this moment, all Adept-rank and higher Shikari are to report for duty. This is a direct request from the Rengoku Clan. Those selected will be briefed at the clan’s stronghold."

  A ripple of unease passed through the crowd, but no one dared object. Orders from the great clans weren’t to be questioned.

  Mae crossed her arms. "Something’s off."

  Ren nodded, but there was no turning back now. One way or another, they’d find out what the Rengoku Clan was hiding.

  With that, the hunt began.