A month passed in the blink of an eye.
The days had been consumed by relentless training, and now the living room carried the presence of exhaustion. Clair, Lola, and Maria sat slouched around Snow, their hair damp with sweat, their breathing uneven. It hadn't been long since they left the training room.
Lisa and Aura had already returned home, while Theresa was away on a mission with her contracted guild.
Even so, the difference in the three girls was undeniable. Their movements, their aura, their very presence—it was refined, sharpened, unlike the rough edges of a month ago. Hunters who once barely held the title of S-rank now radiated a force stronger than most established S-rank hunters.
Meanwhile, the world had begun to forget.
Snow, Raven, the enigmatic Black Mask—names that once stirred storms had faded into silence, swallowed by the absence of news.
Snow, however, only watched them with quiet satisfaction.
"Although it's been a month," Maria finally broke the silence, her brows furrowed, "why is it still impossible to defeat Asmodeus?"
Lola looked to the others. "Could it be... we're just not strong enough?"
"Or maybe our skills and weapons aren't good enough?" she added with a frown.
Snow leaned back, his gaze steady. "Your strength is undeniable. But yes... your skills and equipment are a major reason why Asmodeus remains untouchable."
His eyes swept across them, his tone calm but certain. "Still, compared to what you were before, I'd say the three of you are capable of clearing at least two S-rank dungeons in a single day."
"Pfft—c'mon now." Maria laughed dryly, though disbelief colored her words. "We're a guild with zero activity. How could we possibly take on an S-rank dungeon just like that?"
"Don't forget," Snow countered softly, "you three are S-rank hunters. Even the Association wouldn't dare refuse you."
Silence fell. The three exchanged glances, the weight of his words pressing in.
"...So you want us to test our strength in an S-rank dungeon?" Lola asked carefully.
"Yes," Snow replied with a faint smile. "It wouldn't hurt if our guild recorded at least a few official activities."
Clair tilted her head, her voice carrying quiet suspicion. "Does this... have anything to do with you wanting everyone to forget about you?"
"In a sense," Snow admitted. His lips curved into a soft smile.
"It's been almost three months since I moved to Spain. There's been no word about me. It's only natural that I'd be forgotten after a brief spark of fame." His tone carried no regret, only a strange detachment. "But rest assured, I have my reasons. And they will benefit this guild as well."
Maria crossed her arms. "Then what do you suggest?"
"First," Snow said, "make yourselves known to the world. But—make sure your true identities remain hidden."
"Ah... so that's why the veil was included in the design," Lola muttered.
"Correct." Snow nodded.
"Each veil can transform into a mask if the wearer wills it. And each veil bears a symbol of representation," he explained.
"Symbol?" Maria asked.
"They mark your positions within the guild. Leaders carry their star of command, and those under their care bear their insignia. It's a way to establish hierarchy... and when fame comes, it will command respect."
Maria narrowed her eyes. "Then why? Why do you want us—and this guild—to become famous?"
Snow's lips parted... but no words came. He only sat there in silence.
"...I see." Lola broke in softly. "It's something you can't say. Not yet."
"...I apologize," Snow said at last, bowing his head slightly.
"It's fine." Maria waved her hand, though her gaze sharpened. "But then why do you seem to be preparing for something bigger? Does the Genesis Guild's preparation... have to do with more than just that dungeon you claim will appear in a few months?"
Snow's eyes met hers. A small smile tugged at his lips. "You're perceptive."
She stiffened at the confirmation.
"You're right," Snow continued. "Although Chronos's Avatar was defeated... Chronos himself was not. And he won't stop with what happened a few months ago. What's coming... will be far worse than anything so far."
The room turned cold at his words.
"That's why I created this guild. You may see me as a hunter like you... but the truth is, my growth has stopped."
The three froze, eyes widening in disbelief.
"What do you mean?" Lola asked, her voice trembling. "Are you saying you can't grow stronger anymore?"
"Calm down," Snow said gently. "My growth is halted, yes—but there's a catch."
Clair leaned forward. "And that catch... does it involve us?"
"Yes." Snow's answer was immediate.
"Either way, it doesn't matter anymore." His voice carried both warmth and coldness, a smile lingering on his lips though his eyes betrayed a shadow of sorrow. "I just hope... you'll be strong enough when the time comes."
Maria exhaled softly, then straightened her back. "It's fine. I joined because I chose to believe in you—and to grow alongside you. My reasons may not be the same as Clair's or Lola's... but trust us, even just a little, to carry our share."
Snow blinked, startled by her words.
"Yes," Lola added firmly. "If nothing else, I'll give everything I have to make sure this doesn't fail."
"Well," Clair smirked faintly, "I am your fiancée. Our engagement is in a week. Of course I'll do my best to fulfill your wish."
Snow's heart tightened at their devotion. His lips curved into a gentle smile, but beneath it lingered that bitter expression—the quiet sorrow of someone who trusted only himself and his sister.
Still, their words warmed him more than he would admit.
Snow's voice broke the silence, soft yet commanding.
"I appreciate your honesty," he said. His gaze swept over the three of them. "From next month onward, every member of Genesis will only raid S-rank dungeons. No more supporting contracts with other guilds. Our mission is simple—let the world know we are independent, and that our time... is valuable."
"Alright," the three replied in unison.
Snow rose to his feet, his movements unhurried. "But first... I'll prepare you."
"Prepare us?" Maria tilted her head, confusion flickering in her eyes.
"Yes." Snow's lips curved faintly. "Come."
The three exchanged curious glances but followed as he led them toward the kitchen. For a fleeting moment, they half-expected him to pull out some strange elixir from the fridge—but instead, Snow placed his hand on the refrigerator's handle.
Click.
The mechanics of the room shifted with a low hum. The kitchen wall trembled, then slid open like a veil being pulled away, revealing a hidden pathway.
"...!" The girls froze in disbelief.
"Come in," Snow said calmly, stepping forward.
As his foot touched the ground inside, faint light rippled across the pathway. LED lines lit from the floor upward, glowing with an otherworldly brilliance that guided their steps toward a sealed door. With each step Snow took, the girls followed close behind, their breaths caught in their throats.
Then, the floor beneath them trembled. The path descended like an elevator, and within seconds, the doors opened into a vast, circular chamber of pristine white.
"Woah..."
The girls stood in awe.
All around them, glass showcases displayed seven completed uniforms—lined in a rainbow's spectrum, from crimson to indigo. Each bore a unique mask, distinct in design, their patterns denoting rank and role within the guild. At the chamber's center stood seven empty pedestals, waiting.
"...Incredible," Lola whispered, her eyes wide.
"Why is this secret chamber... different from the other one?" Maria asked, her voice hushed as if afraid to break the sanctity of the room.
Snow's steps echoed lightly as he walked forward. "Because this place was made for seven people. You, Clair, Lola, Lisa... and three others who have yet to join us. These uniforms are premade, crafted out of urgency. The real ones will come later."
"I see..." Maria murmured, her eyes still drawn to the breathtaking sight.
Snow raised his hand. From the ground, a pedestal rose between the seven showcases. Upon it lay seven rings, each radiating faint light.
"Allow me," Snow said, his tone solemn, "to bestow upon you your duties... and your rights as members of Genesis."
He lifted a silver ring embedded with three stars and turned to Maria.
"Maria," he called.
She stepped forward, her chest tightening as Snow approached.
"You are the third guild leader," Snow declared. "You will oversee the health and well-being of all hunters within Genesis. You are... the Heart of the Guild."
Her lips parted in shock.
"This ring is the symbol of your authority," Snow continued. "Wear it with pride. From this moment on, your title is Heart Captain of the Genesis Guild."
He slid the ring onto her middle finger.
Light burst forth.
The ring dissolved into her skin, and luminous energy spread from her finger, enveloping her entire body. The chamber lit with brilliance as the transformation completed.
When the light faded, Maria stood reborn.
Her attire was militaristic yet elegant—a white combat uniform paired with black heels and a fitted shirt beneath a dark green officer's jacket. Gold-lined belts and straps hugged her waist, and a long-tail combat coat swept nearly to the floor. Six embroidered stars gleamed on her back, while her upper face was concealed by a mask marked with three stars at its center.
"...!"
Clair's breath caught. "She looks... incredible."
"Like a marine general," Lola muttered, circling Maria in awe. "And this is from a support-class hunter..."
Snow's voice broke their admiration. "Next."
He lifted another ring—this one plain, without stars.
"...?" Clair frowned. "Why does her ring have no star?"
Lola's heart sank. Her eyes dimmed. (So... he still hasn't forgiven me?)
"...C'mon, don't say it like that," Lola forced a smile, hiding the sting. "Snow always has his reasons."
"Indeed." Snow's tone was firm. He stepped closer to her, holding the starless ring. "And my reason... concerns you more than anyone."
Lola blinked, startled.
"I've known you since college. I understand you better than you understand yourself." Snow's voice softened. "This ring, though starless, is not without meaning. You will be Genesis Guild's First Captain. Your duty is to protect everyone within the guild and those affiliated with us. Those under you will inherit that same responsibility."
Her breath hitched.
"And in time," Snow added, his eyes narrowing with something unreadable, "you will come to understand why your ring bears no star."
He slid the ring onto her finger.
"Your title—Right Hand Captain. Also known as... the Blade Captain of Genesis."
The chamber seemed to still as Lola's body lit up.
This time, her smile was genuine.
Just like Maria, the ring dissolved into Lola's skin. A radiant glow enveloped her, and when it faded, she stood transformed.
Her attire mirrored Maria's design, yet with striking differences—her coat burned crimson, its embroidery marked with a larger star encircled by six smaller ones. The sight was both fierce and regal.
"Nice!" Lola twirled, admiring the texture of the uniform. The material shimmered as if alive, catching the light with every movement.
Snow stepped back toward the pedestal, retrieving another ring.
"I suppose it's my turn now," Clair said quietly.
Snow smiled, walking toward her with deliberate steps. "Indeed. You are the next."
His tone grew softer, yet carried a weight that made her heart stir. "Our encounter was brief, but countless threads tied us together. You offered me a path... and I've chosen to see where it leads."
Taking her hand gently, Snow raised the final ring. "In my place, you will lead Genesis. Represent the guild as its Leader."
Clair's breath hitched.
"Your role is simple," Snow continued. "Ensure the guild grows strong. Shield them from the dangers of the outside world. The title I bestow upon you... Head Captain of the Genesis Guild."
Clair hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. "...Don't I get a unique title too? Like Maria's 'Heart' or Lola's 'Blade'?"
Snow chuckled softly. "Pft—of course you do."
Her eyes widened as his voice deepened. "Lola is the Blade. Maria is the Heart. Lisa, when she returns, will be the Brain. And you... you embody them all." His gaze met hers, unwavering. "Your title shall be... Sikh Captain of the Genesis Guild."
With that, he slid the ring onto her middle finger.
The light surged. Her figure was engulfed in a brilliance even greater than before. When the glow subsided, Clair stood regal in attire unlike the others.
Her uniform was pure white—untainted, pristine—with golden filigree running across its fabric. Seven stars adorned her mask, and her cape shimmered with the same constellation on its back. She radiated authority, a presence so majestic it silenced the chamber.
"Wow..." Lola whispered, speechless.
Maria frowned. "Why does hers have no colors?"
Snow's eyes narrowed with pride. "Clair's uniform symbolizes purity. It reflects her emotions, and with that, it will change color. I've configured her attire so that, in the future, she can borrow the power of your Ego Blades. That ability activates only when her garments shift in hue."
The three women gasped.
"Though I should add—your uniforms, too, can change color," Snow continued, his tone matter-of-fact. "In battle, they will transform into combat-ready states. Each design is meant to evolve with you."
"...Incredible," Lola murmured, running her hands along the rich fabric of her coat. "What is this material even made of? It doesn't feel like anything I've ever worn."
"Eclipse Ore," Snow replied simply. "All seven uniforms are forged from it. Each one can withstand several nuclear-level strikes, if tested."
"W–WHAT?!" Maria and Lola shouted together, their eyes nearly popping from their sockets.
"Where in the world did you steal such material from?!" Lola snapped.
"Even Hephaestus family couldn't craft something like this," Maria muttered in disbelief.
Snow only gave them a calm, almost amused smile. "Steal? No. This material is the same used to forge Asmodeus's armor."
The room went dead silent.
"...!" Maria and Lola stared at him, utterly speechless.
Clair, however, remained composed, though her voice was firm. "Then how did you acquire it?"
"You could say..." Snow's lips curled faintly, "it was part of the reward I gained after defeating Asmodeus."
"I see..." Clair's eyes narrowed slightly. "Still, I've never once heard of Eclipse Ore before."
Snow folded his arms. "That's because Eclipse Ore is a chance-born material. Rare to the point of near extinction. Legends say it was once the embodiment of an entire planet, long dead and scattered across the universe. Fragments sometimes surface in certain dungeons—but the odds of finding them are near zero."
"Wait..." Clair's brows furrowed. "Are you referring to Professor Lukeman's hypothesis?"
Maria perked up. "The one about dimensional fissures—the gates—possibly linking to other planets, either alive or dead?"
"Exactly," Clair nodded.
Lola leaned forward, recalling his words. "Snow said something similar during the summit... about a prophecy, a new dungeon. The Zodiac Sons, the Seven Deadly Sins Guardians..."
Snow tilted his head slightly. "Ah, that story." His tone was calm, but his eyes sharpened. "You doubt it still?"
Maria's voice dropped. "You proved it wasn't mere fantasy. Chronos's Avatar appeared, exactly as you warned. That's proof enough."
"Then... does that mean there are entire worlds out there—worlds we don't even know about?" Lola asked.
Snow didn't answer. His silence was heavier than words. The three fell into thought, each wrestling with the possibilities.
What Snow hadn't told them—the truth of Eclipse Ore—remained locked within him. It was not a fragment of a planet, but of a dead star: a collapsed Black Dwarf.
In the aftermath of multiversal wars, remnants of countless timelines and destroyed worlds still lingered. When Snow inherited his sovereignty, fragments of those remnants became his training tools.
Through endless trials under Pathfinder's gaze, Snow learned to reshape fragments of creation and destruction—even within the limits of his mortal body.
Eclipse Ore was one such creation.
A star remade.
A material reborn from the corpse of eternity itself.
And now... it served as the foundation for Genesis.
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to be continued...