The city streets were loud, vibrant, and relentless. Merchants shouted over one another, children chased glowing orbs of light, and hunters strutted proudly, their ranks displayed like badges of honor.
Kael moved through it all, unnoticed by most. That was exactly how he liked it.
He had survived his first S-rank dungeon, gained Bell as a companion, and felt the Dragon Core pulsing with quiet potential. But he didn't want anyone to see. Not yet.
Let them think I'm weak. Let them underestimate me.
---
At the guild hall, whispers followed him wherever he went. Some hunters remembered his name from the dungeon report, others had seen the faint shimmer of gold around him that day in the cave. Kael ignored it all, slipping past attention like a shadow.
Bell, however, noticed. "You're too calm," she said, nudging him. "You could scare them off if you wanted."
Kael shook his head. "No. Not yet. They don't need to know what I can do."
She frowned. "You're hiding a lot."
"And I intend to keep it that way."
---
Later, while walking through the market, a group of mid-tier hunters approached. They smirked, clearly aware of the rumors.
"So, E-rank Kael," one sneered. "You survived an S-rank dungeon, huh? Let's see what you've got."
Kael kept walking. His hand brushed against the hilt of his sword, the Dragon Core humming faintly beneath his chest, but he didn't flinch. He didn't react.
Bell stepped slightly ahead, flames flickering faintly at her fingertips, enough to make the hunters hesitate. But Kael made no move.
The lead hunter's smirk faltered. "We'll see… someday."
And with that, they left. Kael exhaled. Subtle influence is enough for now. No need to show the rest.
---
That evening, Kael returned to his apartment, watching the city lights flicker across rooftops. No battles. No monsters. Just people going about their lives, unaware of the quiet power that walked among them.
He activated the Dragon System briefly, checking minor manipulations, observation patterns, and adaptive influence—but only for practice. No displays, no unnecessary risk.
They don't need to know yet, he reminded himself. The city is just the beginning.
And deep down, Kael knew the real challenges were coming—not from monsters in dungeons, but from hunters who would someday realize just how powerful he was.
For now, though… he would remain a shadow. Silent, patient, invisible.
That's the key to survival.