The sun was low, painting the city skyline in muted shades of orange and gray. Sung Jinwoo crouched on the edge of a shattered rooftop, shadows pooling around him as if absorbing the tense energy of the streets below. Every flicker of mana in the city seemed amplified, responding to the subtle pulse of the boy's aura at his side.
Igris hovered, scanning carefully. "Master, ES Rank energy readings are increasing. The initial Ember Warden has been joined by additional ES Rank entities. Their alignment is not random. It is strategic. The boy is still the focal point, but the beasts are adapting to his presence."
Jinwoo's gaze swept across the industrial district. Even from a distance, the ES Rank entities seemed to anticipate movements, subtly guiding the S Rank clusters around them. "Observation remains our priority. Engagement comes only when the patterns reveal weakness. Agnorath is orchestrating this carefully, and we cannot allow impatience to dictate our actions."
Beru hovered silently beside him, eyes glowing faintly, wings tucked close. Even the shadows beneath Jinwoo stirred, ready to move, but restrained by the command of their master.
The Ember Warden, now accompanied by two more ES Rank beasts, moved with deliberation, flanked by S Rank minions. Their combined presence distorted the air, sending waves of heat and shadow across the streets.
System Message: Detected Entity – Ember Warden Squadron, Type ES Rank Beast
Hunters positioned in strategic points signaled one another, their hands steady but tension visible. Even the most experienced S Rank hunters felt the oppressive weight of ES Rank mana radiating outward. The new squadron moved with a strange cohesion, as if responding to a single guiding consciousness.
Hyunwoo's voice crackled over the comm. "Jinwoo, the ES Rank entities are testing the hunters' response times. The S Rank clusters are aligning with their signals. It's clear someone—Agnorath—is coordinating the assault. Civilians remain safe, but the concentration of energy is unprecedented at this level."
Jinwoo's eyes narrowed. "Then we remain calm. Observation now will grant us the advantage when engagement becomes unavoidable. Shadows, monitor all movements. Beru, track energy surges and patterns. We will act only when the timing is flawless."
The boy stirred, sensing the swarm's intelligence. "Master, they are not attacking yet. But they are learning. I can feel their adjustments. They are becoming stronger, faster, more deliberate. It feels… coordinated."
Jinwoo crouched beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "That is exactly what we expected. Every subtle shift in behavior is a lesson. We must adapt faster than they do. The ES Rank threshold is only the beginning."
Igris added, voice steady. "Master, the Ember Warden Squadron is testing the limits of the S Rank beasts around them. Their awareness of the boy is increasing. Any misstep could provoke a direct engagement."
"Then we continue patience," Jinwoo replied. "Shadows, maintain readiness without engagement. Beru, remain vigilant. Every pulse, every step, every decision counts."
---
Far in his shadowed realm, Agnorath stirred. The X Rank warrior had felt the influence of his manipulations ripple through the city. His power, though already formidable, was increasing as he fed on the energy of the beasts and the reactions of the hunters below.
System Message: Agnorath – Current Rank: X Rank → Progressing to XX Rank
He extended influence over the newly-formed ES Rank squadron, subtly testing their limits, and simultaneously gauging Sung Jinwoo's response. The slow increase in his rank was deliberate, measured. Each rise in power required precise control, and Agnorath's patience mirrored Jinwoo's own.
---
Back in the industrial district, the Ember Warden Squadron moved as a single unit, testing the hunters' formations. The ES Rank creatures radiated intelligence, responding to each minor shift, each defensive reposition, each pulse of the boy's aura. The air was alive with tension, a delicate balance of observation and potential chaos.
The boy's aura pulsed brighter as he sensed the movements of the ES Rank beasts. "Master, the patterns are growing more complex. They are predicting the hunters' reactions. Something is guiding them, something beyond themselves."
Jinwoo's hand rested lightly on the boy's shoulder. "Yes. Agnorath is increasing his influence. We learn, we adapt, and when the time comes, we strike with precision. ES Rank is only the threshold, the beginning of our path."
---
By nightfall, the city was alive with currents of energy. The ES Rank Ember Warden Squadron now coordinated with numerous S Rank beasts, their formations precise and testing the boundaries of the hunters' capabilities. Jinwoo's shadows tightened, Beru hovered silently, and the boy's glow pulsed steadily, signaling that escalation was imminent but controlled.
Jinwoo whispered to himself, his eyes scanning the horizon. "Patience. Every pulse, every shadow, every alignment prepares us for the storm to come. The Second Wave has begun, and we are ready to evolve with it."
In the distance, the ES Rank beasts shifted subtly, aware of the boy's presence, intelligence growing with every movement. Sung Jinwoo's path toward ES Rank continued, deliberate and measured, leaving the city and the hunters on the edge of anticipation for the trials to come.