A week had passed since Selene Arkwell's surprise visit. Mira refused to speak to her sister, throwing herself into operations work with increased zeal. Kaen, however, had been oddly thoughtful.
Shadowfront's reputation was growing exponentially. With new credit points flowing in from completed gate contracts and the buzz from the festival, offers flooded their inbox. Equipment vendors, dungeon permits, training requests—each day brought something new.
Kaen proposed an expansion: a second Shadowfront base near the eastern gate district. Zian, after reviewing the logistics, approved.
"More reach means more influence," Kaen said. "We're not just hunters anymore. We're becoming something else."
Meanwhile, Zian began organizing her own squad under the Shadowfront banner. She selected four junior hunters with unique affinities—wind, illusion, light, and recovery magic. Though they lacked experience, they were loyal and eager to learn. Zian trained them personally.
In between strategy meetings, Kaen slipped away to unknown places. Sometimes he returned with rare artifacts, other times with cryptic grins. None dared question him.
On Sunday evening, the team gathered on the rooftop of their headquarters. Lanterns swayed in the breeze, and the capital's city lights stretched into the horizon. Mira, Leon, Zian, and even a few new recruits shared stories and drinks.
Zian leaned against the railing. "So what's next?"
Kaen stared at the moon. "The world will come knocking. We'll answer as kings."
Leon smirked. "A bit dramatic, don't you think?"
"Not if you've seen what's coming."
Mira watched her brother figure from afar. "You really think we can do this?"
Kaen turned to her. "I don't think. I know."
Behind them, Selene watched from the shadows of the rooftop stairs, her eyes narrowed in calculation.
Somewhere deep underground, an ancient gate pulsed.
A whisper stirred within the void:
It begins again.