The team entered the dungeon at a steady pace, the air growing colder as they disappeared into the linear gate. Liana stayed at the entrance for a moment longer, ensuring the team moved safely into the dungeon's depths. Her eyes swept over the layout displayed on her tablet. She nodded to herself, confident in their ability to handle the incoming threats.
Once she was satisfied, she turned and left the dungeon, heading back to the guild headquarters to deliver her report to the Guild Master, Toren.
********
Liana arrived at the Vanguard Haven Guild's main hall, a sleek, futuristic building that stood out among the older structures of the city. The guild had a reputation for taking on high-risk, high-reward dungeons, and its resources reflected that—backed by the powerful organization that sponsored them, they had access to cutting-edge technology.
As she entered the Guild Master's office, the cool, metallic sheen of the room gave off a professional and efficient atmosphere. Guild Master Toren sat behind a large desk, his sharp eyes scanning through several mission reports. He was a tall, imposing figure with dark hair peppered with gray and a presence that demanded respect.
Liana approached, giving a respectful nod. "Guild Master."
Toren looked up from his reports, his gaze settling on Liana with keen interest. "Liana. How did the team perform in the dungeon?"
"They've entered the Linear Gate as planned," she began, handing him her tablet with a detailed map of the dungeon. "It's a straightforward layout, and the enemies are numerous but manageable. I have no doubt they'll handle it."
Toren nodded but didn't look entirely surprised. "Good. I expected as much. But I imagine there's more?"
Liana's expression shifted slightly, a glint of something deeper in her eyes. "Yes, Guild Master. The Infernal Nexus mission was completed earlier than expected."
Toren raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Earlier? That's impressive. I assume you're going to show me why."
"Indeed," Liana said, tapping a few buttons on her tablet. A large screen on the wall behind Toren lit up, displaying footage from the Infernal Nexus.
They were able to capture footage thanks to the advanced tech provided by the organization. These devices adapt to the mana wavelengths within the gates, allowing the users to record their performance.
Toren leaned back in his chair as the footage played. The screen showed the team in action—Astron issuing commands with precision, Dorian and Elena working in perfect tandem to strike at the Fire Spirit's weak points, as well as the coordination of the entire squad.
The footage highlighted Astron's critical moment when he unleashed his seven green arrows, each one striking with impeccable accuracy as they followed the trails of mana threads he had laid down earlier. The scene captured the controlled chaos of the battle, with Astron directing the fight in a way that was both methodical and devastatingly effective.
Toren watched the footage closely, his keen eyes narrowing as Astron's performance played out on the screen. He had expected to see the typical hallmarks of an exceptional Hunter candidate from the Arcadia Hunter Academy—overwhelming strength, raw power, or sheer aggression. Yet, what he witnessed was far from the usual spectacle of brute force. It was something else entirely.
"This…" he murmured, leaning forward slightly in his chair, eyes fixed on the screen. Astron's seven green arrows were precise, but it wasn't the physical feat that caught Toren's attention—it was the strategy behind it. Every arrow, every movement, and every command was calculated as part of a larger plan that orchestrated the entire battlefield like a well-oiled machine. The Fire Spirit, a formidable opponent in its own right, was systematically dismantled, not by overwhelming power, but by meticulous planning and flawless execution.
Toren's expression shifted, a mixture of intrigue and respect. "I had expected overwhelming strength—something explosive, something that would display raw power and dominance." He spoke softly, more to himself than to Liana, his voice tinged with surprise. "But this... this is different. This is profound."
He sat back, folding his arms as the footage continued, showing Astron directing his teammates with an unshakable calm. Every command was issued with precision, guiding them through the chaotic environment of the Infernal Nexus. It was clear that Astron's strength didn't come from overpowering his enemies alone. It came from understanding the flow of battle in a way that left no room for error. There was no waste of movement, no unnecessary action—everything served a purpose.
"This is why an agent like him was sent," Toren continued, his voice now carrying a note of realization. "Astron's strength isn't in his individual capabilities as a Hunter. It's in his ability to command, to lead a team through even the most perilous situations without faltering." He nodded to himself, the pieces falling into place. "He doesn't overwhelm his enemies with power—he dismantles them with strategy."
Toren's gaze returned to Liana. "This is the kind of talent that's almost impossible to teach. You either have it or you don't. And Astron… he's a natural."
Liana, standing nearby, gave a small nod of agreement, her expression as professional as ever. "Indeed, Guild Master. His approach is unlike anything we've seen recently. He operates with a level of foresight that makes him not just a valuable asset but a tactical mastermind in the field."
Toren sighed, though the smile tugging at the corners of his lips betrayed his satisfaction. "I see now why the organization placed such high expectations on him. This one isn't just another rising star—he's a game-changer."
He turned back to the footage.
Liana, standing beside him, broke the silence, her voice measured but carrying a note of urgency. "Such an individual must not be missed, Guild Master. Even if he is a member of the organization, his talent in this field is immense. This level of tactical awareness and foresight is rare. He's more than just a skilled Hunter—he's someone who can shape the future of any guild he joins."
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