Before returning to the Guild, Shin and Laverna paid their respects to the King and Queen. They explained that they needed to resume their duties as Hunters and continue gathering information from another angle through active fieldwork.
King Tristan stood up from his throne and walked a few steps closer, his voice calm yet sincere. "You have my respect and gratitude. The Palace doors will remain open to you both. Come and go as guests, not just as warriors."
Queen Mariam offered them a gentle smile. "Do not forget to rest when you can. Even the strongest blades dull without pause."
Shin bowed with a hand to his chest. "Thank you, Your Majesties. We'll continue doing what we must."
Laverna followed suit, bowing with both hands at her sides. "We'll return if there's anything worth reporting."
With mutual understanding exchanged, the two excused themselves and made their way back toward the heart of the city.
The sun had barely crested the edge of the capital's skyline when Shin and Laverna stepped through the wide doors of the Lucky Sturgeon, also known as the Hunter's Guild.
They were no longer just mysterious newcomers. Word of their deeds had spread, especially after the Harvest Festival and their cooperation with the Crown's elite unit.
Though their papers once listed them as Rank G Hunters, that status had already changed. They'd officially been promoted to Rank C following the Festival. The tale of them defeating a massive Falzath on their own, suffering only one casualty—George—had already begun to circulate in whispers and tavern songs.
A few Hunters glanced up as they entered. Most nodded with cautious respect; a couple turned away, hiding simmering envy behind half-drunk mugs.
"Feels different, doesn't it?" Laverna said quietly as she adjusted the collar of her jacket.
Shin gave a small nod. "Respect always comes with tension."
Before they could take another step, a loud gasp echoed across the hall. "LAVY!"
Like a missile, Yuri launched from behind the counter, dashing across the guild floor with arms wide open. She glomped Laverna with such force that it nearly knocked the poor kunoichi off her feet.
"Ugh—Yuri!" Laverna struggled, her arms flailing, before she gave up and let herself be engulfed in the massive hug.
"I missed you, you tiny little fox!" Yuri said, nuzzling her cheek against Laverna's like an overly affectionate older sister. "Why didn't you tell me you were back?! I was gonna make something for your return, you dummy!"
"C-Can't… breathe…" Laverna squeaked, trying not to laugh and squirm at the same time.
Shin folded his arms with a faint smirk. "This is oddly entertaining."
Several Hunters turned to watch the scene unfold, some laughing, others pretending not to be amused. Yuri finally pulled away, hands on Laverna's shoulders, scanning her up and down.
"You better tell me everything later," she said with a wink, then turned to Shin with a mock glare. "And you. You better not be a bad influence on her."
Shin let out a soft chuckle, shooting a teasing glance at Laverna. "I swear, you're influencing me, Lavy."
Laverna huffed, folding her arms and looking away with a mock pout. "Maybe you just have poor resistance."
"Maybe," Shin said, smirking wider. "Or maybe I'm just making excuses."
Before they could continue their playful banter, a sharp "Ahem" cut through the air, pulling their attention back to reality.
At the far end of the Guild Hall, a ranking officer spotted them and waved them over. But before they could take a step, Yuri grabbed Laverna's arm with urgency.
"You two need to meet someone," Yuri said, pulling them closer with a grin. "An official from the main branch. He's waiting for you over there. Real fancy type. Don't keep him waiting."
With that nudge, the two continued toward the officer. He was a stern-looking man with a salt-and-pepper beard and the eyes of someone who'd survived far too much.
"Shin. Laverna. Heard you've returned," he said, sliding a few parchment scrolls across the desk. "I won't pretend to understand everything going on with the Crown, but the Guild appreciates results."
"We're looking to take on more work," Shin said, resting his hands calmly on the desk. "Keep moving. Keep helping. Possibly uncover a few things along the way."
The officer's eyes narrowed slightly. "You two might be new to the paperwork, but not to the field. We've had oddities in missions lately—patterns, vanishing beasts, corrupted sites."
Laverna's ears perked up slightly. "Anything specific?"
"Not yet. But I'm sure you'll run into something." He pushed forward a contract marked with red wax. "This one's a good start. Mid-level beast clearing in the Alden Woods. Intel says a pack of corrupted howlers has been spotted. They're the usual Falzath, but they've been increasing lately. Subjugation is the mission—we need to keep them from spreading."
"We'll take it," Shin said, picking up the scroll.
"You'll be joining a temporary party for this one. Protocol. We're pairing you with a few other Rank C and D Hunters."
Laverna raised a brow. "Friendly team, or more of a test?"
The officer smirked. "Could be both. You've stirred up quite the reaction lately. Let's see how well you blend in."
He gestured for Yuri to come over. "But before anything, you'll need to see your handler," he added, "No mission gets assigned without proper clearance first."
Yuri leaned in between them, eyes gleaming. "By the way… I heard you two did an exotic dance during the Harvest Festival! Something about hips and—"
Laverna turned beet red, cutting her off. "W-We did what we had to for the mission!"
Yuri pouted, crossing her arms. "I wish I were there to see it! That's not fair, Lavy. You owe me!"
Shin chuckled softly. "We'll make it up to you somehow."
Laverna gave him a side glare before muttering, "This is so embarrassing."
Yuri laughed, then lowered her voice a bit. "Also, rumor has it you two turned the Royal Ball red with enemy blood. That one kinda scared me, not gonna lie."
Shin gave her a calm nod. "It was necessary. Nothing more."
Laverna smiled reassuringly. "We're still us, Yuri. Just a little more… intense now."
After the formalities, as they turned to leave, Laverna leaned toward Shin. "Bet half of them think they're better than us."
Shin's red eyes gleamed. "Then let's make sure they walk away thinking twice."
Outside the Guild, the city buzzed with life, but for Shin and Laverna, the real hunt had just begun.