"Alright, let’s meet at that location then."
Soren ended the call.
Administrator Veyra had been delighted by his call, her voice noticeably brightening when he’d introduced himself. She’d suggested they meet in person rather than discuss over the phone—that way she could explain everything clearly and even handle the contract signing directly.
Soren pocketed his phone and let out a quiet sigh of relief.
At least this was moving forward.
He turned back to the stove and finished preparing breakfast. Eggs, toast, and a light vegetable soup. Simple but nutritious.
Once everything was ready, he carried the food upstairs.
Ethea was already awake. She turned slightly as he entered.
"Good morning," Soren said, setting the tray on the small table. "Let’s eat."
It didn’t take long for him to move her into her wheelchair and help her wash up.
After putting her wheelchair closer, he began feeding her as usual.
Then Soren thought of something and opened his mouth.
"Ethea, I wanted to ask your opinion about something."
She blinked, her ice-blue eyes shifting to meet his.
"I’ve been trying to join a party to clear Gates, but all my applications got rejected. Probably because I have no experience." He smiled wryly. "So I’m thinking of registering with the Government Bureau instead of joining a Guild. I heard they offer more freedom, and I can still work independently or with temporary parties."
He paused, watching her expression.
"Do you think I’m making the right choice? Or do you have any recommendations? Any guilds?"
Ethea stared at him for a moment.
Inwardly, she was surprised.
He was asking for her opinion?
She hadn’t expected that. Most people treated her like a doll now—something to be cared for, pitied, but never consulted.
But Soren was different.
He actually wanted to know what she thought.
But then again, it made sense. After all, she was once a Seventh Circle Awakened and Vice Master of the Supreme Guild, one of the world’s top guilds. She had years of experience navigating the Hunter world—its politics, its dangers, its opportunities.
But recalling how that same guild treated her after her fall...
’...’
The memory was bitter.
The moment she couldn’t fight anymore, the moment she became a burden, they’d discarded her without hesitation. No loyalty. No gratitude for the years she’d bled for them.
Just cold, calculated abandonment.
Ethea pushed the thought aside and focused on Soren’s question.
Bureau versus Guild.
Honestly, either choice had merits and risks. But given his situation — no backing, no connections, newly awakened — the Bureau was probably safer. Guilds would try to exploit someone with S-rank potential. The Bureau, at least, had regulations.
She looked at him and replied.
"...You’re doing well."
"I see." Soren smiled. "Thanks."
The simple exchange settled something in his chest. It wasn’t much, but it felt like progress.
They finished eating in comfortable silence.
Afterward, Soren helped Ethea back into the living room and turned on the television.
"I’ll be heading out to meet someone from the Bureau," he said. "I’ll be back later."
Ethea gave a faint nod.
As soon as Lady Clara arrived, Soren bid them farewell and headed outside.
______ ____ _
Half an hour later, Soren arrived at his destination.
The Golden Terrace.
It was one of the most famous restaurants in Kalmira, located in the heart of the Merchant’s Crown district. The building was elegant and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a view of the bustling city streets below.
Soren stepped through the entrance and approached the reception desk.
A young woman in a crisp uniform looked up with a professional smile.
"Good morning. How may I help you?"
"I’m here to meet Administrator Veyra Lewis. My name is Soren Valmere."
The receptionist checked her tablet and nodded. "Yes, Ms. Lewis is expecting you. She’s waiting in private room 204 on the second floor. Please take the stairs to your left."
"Thank you."
Soren made his way toward the staircase, his eyes briefly taking in the restaurant’s interior. Polished marble floors, soft ambient lighting, and tasteful decor. It was the kind of place that catered to businesspeople and high-ranking Awakened. He had never imagined he would be having a meeting in a place like this.
He climbed the stairs and found room 204 down a quiet hallway.
Taking a breath, he knocked.
"Come in," a familiar voice called from inside.
Soren opened the door and stepped in.
The private room was spacious and comfortable, with a large round table in the center and a window overlooking the city. Seated at the table was Administrator Veyra, dressed in a sharp business suit, a warm smile already on her face.
"Mr. Valmere," she said, standing to greet him. "I’m glad you decided to reach out. Please, have a seat."
"Thank you for meeting with me, Administrator Lewis."
"Just Veyra is fine." She gestured to the chair across from her. "We’re not in the Bureau office right now, after all."
Soren sat down, and Veyra followed suit.
A waiter appeared almost immediately, setting down tea and water before quietly excusing himself.
Veyra poured tea for both of them before leaning back with a satisfied expression.
"First, let me say thank you for choosing to consider the Bureau. I know Guilds can be... persuasive. But I believe you’ll find that what we offer is far more suited to someone in your position."
"That’s what I’m hoping to learn more about," Soren said.
"Of course." Veyra set her teacup down and folded her hands on the table. "Let me start with the basics. The Kalmira Awakened Bureau is a government-run organization established to regulate Gate activity, support Hunters, and ensure public safety. Unlike Guilds, which operate as private entities focused on profit, the Bureau’s primary goal is stability and order."
She paused, letting that sink in.
"Now, I should mention that Bureau membership comes in four different tiers. Each tier offers different benefits and, naturally, comes with different obligations."
Soren nodded. "Could you explain each tier?"
"Of course." Veyra pulled out a tablet and slid it across the table, displaying a clean infographic. "Let’s start from the bottom and work our way up."
She tapped the screen.
"Basic Membership. This is free and available to any registered Hunter. It gives you your official Hunter’s License, access to the Hunter Network app, and the legal right to enter Bureau-managed Gates. You also get basic legal protection if Gate-related incidents occur. In fact, everyone who has undergone awakening is under this membership."
"I see. Then, are there any obligations?"
"None, beyond following standard Hunter laws. Don’t enter Gates you’re not qualified for, don’t cause public disturbances, and report dangerous Gate anomalies. Basic stuff."
Soren nodded. "And the next tier?"
"Standard Membership." Veyra tapped again. "This is where most active Hunters sit. The monthly cost is 10,000 Credits, or you can waive the fee by fulfilling certain obligations."
"What kind of obligations?"
"You’re required to clear a minimum of 5 Gates per month, or complete at least one Bureau-assigned mission. Additionally, if a Gate Break emergency occurs within the city, you’re expected to respond when called. Think of it as a mandatory emergency service."
She continued.
"In exchange, Standard Members get discounted access to Bureau training facilities, priority placement in the party matching system, medical insurance for Gate-related injuries, and access to the mission board where you can take on paid assignments from the government."
Soren considered this. Five Gates a month wasn’t much. He’d already cleared one, and he was planning to do more anyway.
"What’s the third tier?"
"It’s Premium Membership..."