Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
During this time, the Versalon family helped Yuki far more than he expected. He didn't have a single coin to his name, yet somehow, they treated him like a long-lost relative who had returned from a heroic quest.
It couldn't possibly be just because he was polite and pitiful. There had to be some deeper logic behind their kindness. Or maybe they were just that nice. Either way, he wasn't complaining.
Today, John and Maki arrived at the house to visit him.
The Versalon family welcomed them in with warm smiles and open arms. Laughter echoed through the modest home as they swapped stories from the past. John was their nephew by distant blood, apparently the kind of relation you only remember when they bring good liquor or awkward guests. Their bond had survived since the days of the First Wave, and it still was.
Amid the cheerful chatter, Yuki came inside through the main door, descending from the upper floor, his steps quiet but confident.
Venus walked beside him, her face twisted in an expression that hovered somewhere between annoyance and regret.
"Good morning," Yuki greeted with a friendly nod, completely unaware that his bedhead made him look like a startled hedgehog.
"Whoa, you're a mess, Yuki! Did Venus not even give you time to prepare?" Maki said with a chuckle.
"Exactly. She barged into the room while I was just starting to get dressed. Then she dragged me all the way here..." Yuki grumbled, taking a seat beside them.
"While changing clothes?"
John and Maki's eyes widened as they echoed the words.
Venus's face turned bright red. "Shut up! How was I supposed to know our so-called prince would be half-naked at that hour? I've got no interest in seeing your ugly body!"
John raised a brow with a smirk. "So you looked?"
"I didn't!" Venus snapped.
"Ahem!"
Just then, the man of the house cleared his throat with a sharp cough, reminding everyone that he too was in the room.
Yuki and the others instantly straightened their posture, as if jolted by lightning. Even Venus, who moments ago was ready to punch Yuki, sat upright with the elegance of a disciplined student.
Mr. Versalon's gaze swept over them like a stern schoolmaster.
Evangeline chuckled softly, clearly amused by how even grown adults acted like children in front of her husband. She gracefully stepped in to steer the conversation.
"Well then, John, Maki," she said with a warm smile, "now that Yuki is here, why not tell us the real reason for your visit today?"
John leaned back slightly and patted the small leather pouch at his waist. With a grin, he pulled out a sleek black card engraved with silver runes and the emblem of the Horizon Alliance.
"Yuki," he said, holding it up between two fingers, "congratulations. As of today, you're officially recognized as a licensed Hunter."
Yuki's eyes lit up. He stood and took the card with both hands, examining its shimmering surface. His name was etched cleanly on it in glowing script, along with his current rank: F.
"Oh it's here already..." he muttered, half in disbelief. "I was expecting a delay or maybe more tests."
John chuckled. "Well, usually there's a bit more bureaucracy, but we pulled a few strings. It's not every day we find someone with potential who also happens to be polite and homeless."
"Plus, you have already passed all the test. It was only a matter of time."
Venus and her parents looked utterly surprised.
"Hmm, so you're saying he has already become a Hunter?" Mr. Versalon asked, his voice filled with disbelief. "How old is he anyway?"
"I am 15 years old, Mr. Landlord," Yuki replied, carefully choosing his words.
They all stared at him, stunned by his answer.
"A 15-year-old Hunter. That's unheard of..." Mr. Versalon muttered, adjusting his glasses as if to refocus on reality.
Venus clenched her fists at her sides. A subtle pang of inferiority bloomed in her chest. Her mother, on the other hand, gave Yuki a warm, impressed look that only added fuel to Venus's quiet frustration.
Her jealousy stirred deeper.
After the surprise settled, the atmosphere in the room grew lighter. Yuki sat quietly, holding his newly received Hunter License, while the others gathered around.
"Well then, looks like our little dragon is about to spread his wings," John said with a small grin.
"Be careful out there, Yuki," Maki added with a gentle smile. "Even low-ranked quests can turn nasty if you're careless. Always check your surroundings, and never underestimate a Hollowfied creature."
She came forward with a small pouch and handed it to him. "There's some dried food and healing salve inside. It's not much, but it might help during emergencies."
"Thank you, Sister Maki," Yuki said gratefully.
Versalon looked at him with stern eyes. "Keep your head low and your blade steady. And don't bring trouble to my house. Understood?"
"Yes, Sir," Yuki replied with a sheepish smile.
Venus, standing near the door with arms crossed, finally looked at him and muttered, "Just don't get killed out there."
He turned to her with a slight grin. "Are you worried about me?"
Within these past two days, they had some occasional conversation. And for reason she was always seemed displeased by his presence.
"I said don't get killed, not that I care," she snapped, looking away quickly.
Laughter filled the room, breaking the tension.
Yuki stood up silently and headed outside. His silver gaze fixed on the towering walls in the Horizon. Beyond them stretched a terrifying world, wild and unforgiving. Yet within his chest burned a steady resolve. He was determined to make the most of this chance.
A part of him still longed for Earth. He wanted to return. To find Maya. To find out whether his confession had ever received an answer. He did not know if this realm was a parallel universe or a completely different dimension, but the uncertainty only fueled his determination.
No matter the distance, no matter the cost, he would give it everything he had.
To rise above all.
To carve a legend.
To become the Strongest Dragon God.