The guild hall was bustling with activity, but a sense of unease lingered in the air. Kazuki, Rinara, Garron, and Elara entered, their expressions unreadable, while Drake stood behind them, unsure but determined. The aftermath of the onslaught had left an impression on everyone, and word had already spread of the group’s monstrous achievements. The guild’s higher-ups had been waiting for them, eager for both answers and to bestow well-earned rewards.

  As they approached the reception desk, a figure stepped forward from behind the counter—a tall, imposing man dressed in a finely embroidered cloak, the Guildmaster himself. His stern gaze swept over the group, lingering on Kazuki before scanning the others.

  "Report," the Guildmaster said, his voice calm but authoritative.

  Kazuki, as always, spoke with his usual cold detachment, recounting the events that had unfolded. His group, now fully accustomed to his stoic demeanor, stood behind him in silence. The Guildmaster listened intently, nodding occasionally.

  “I’m impressed,” the Guildmaster said, his tone carrying an undertone of respect. “You’ve all proven yourselves capable in battle, and the number of monsters you've slain... it's a feat few could accomplish.”

  He turned to Garron, Rinara, and Elara, nodding at each in turn. "Congratulations. You’re all promoted to A-rank. Kazuki, you’re officially an Elite A-rank adventurer now."

  Kazuki's expression remained unchanged, though his stats on the screen reflected the newfound title. But it was when the Guildmaster turned to Drake that the mood shifted.

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  “Drake,” the Guildmaster said, “You’ve proven your skill in battle and your growth as an adventurer. I hereby promote you to Elite C-rank. You’re now part of the elite ranks of the guild.”

  Drake, still somewhat stunned, stepped forward. His gaze flickered to Kazuki, who gave him a brief, emotionless nod in acknowledgment. Despite everything that had happened, there was something about the way Kazuki operated that felt… distant. But Drake wasn’t bothered by it. His respect for Kazuki only grew with each passing day.

  As the group left the guild hall, having completed their report, Drake remained close to Kazuki, his mind whirling with the things he had learned.

  They made their way toward the inn, where they had all been staying. The atmosphere felt different now, as if the whole guild had taken notice of their power. The adventurers they passed on the streets whispered in awe, and some gave a respectful bow to the newly promoted A-rank members. Kazuki’s name had become more and more known in recent days, and now, with his elite status, it seemed to have solidified him as a force to be reckoned with.

  That night, in the quiet of their shared room, Kazuki sat cross-legged, deep in thought. His mind was a whirlwind of information—analyzing, calculating, and planning.

  But despite everything, there was a lingering feeling of emptiness. Kazuki’s mind wandered back to the events of the past few days—his battles, his growth, and the strange feeling of power that had begun to consume him. His abilities were growing exponentially, but with it came a sense of unease. He had learned to control death, gained new spells and powers, but something about it felt wrong.

  He glanced at his status screen, his fingers brushing over the numbers and titles, but it meant nothing to him. His growth was undeniable, but it didn’t bring him any closer to understanding who he truly was or why he was here.

  That was when the dark thoughts began creeping in. The prophecy. The Abyss Born. The dark fate that was beginning to loom over him. There was something Kazuki couldn’t shake—something about his past life, about the mysterious forces at play. His powers, his memories, all felt like pieces of a puzzle he couldn’t yet complete.

  But for now, he pushed the thoughts aside. He had a role to play, a future to shape. His mind turned to the next steps—the guild’s assignment, the unknown threat still lurking out there.

  His party was strong. They would survive.