Date: 14th Everdusk 2103
Location: CGA Branch, Dyna Crest Country
"So listen, kid," the officer began, leaning back in his chair. "You want to hunt alone in the dungeon, right? Well, to do that, you need verified proof of solo entry. That kind of approval isn't given lightly. Most hunters prefer parties due to high mortality rates."
I gave a nod, allowing him to continue.
"The CGA recently introduced a badge system—one for party hunters and one for those crazy enough to go solo. They call it the 'Lone Wolf' badge. To earn it, the branch manager must approve a solo challenge—against an opponent at least ten to fifteen levels above your own. If you win, congrats. You're in. But if you lose…" he paused, locking eyes with me, "you'll be forced to hunt in parties for the rest of your career—unless you break past human limits."
As he spoke, the junior officer attending me nodded at a signal and hurried out of the room.
I took a deep breath. "I understand the risk, sir. But I need to go solo. My skills... they're too unpredictable, too dangerous for teammates. I need space to use them freely, without risking anyone else."
The senior officer raised a brow, then slowly nodded. "So you're trying to avoid hunters so you can unleash your full strength. Got it."
He leaned forward, lowering his voice slightly. "In that case, there is another way."
I frowned. "But sir, isn't the Branch Manager already under a mountain of paperwork? Won't this be too much?"
"Oh, don't worry. This alternative hasn't been used in a while—not since... the accident."
I blinked. "Wait, what accident? And what is this method you're talking about?"
He chuckled dryly. "We used to have a test—special dungeon, no level limits. The boss wouldn't kill you, just beat you up and eject you. Harsh but fair. It was effective."
"That sounds useful. Why stop using it?"
"Because of that accident," he said grimly. "One of the hunters... the boss didn't stop after the fight. Tore off both his arms and a leg before letting him go. He barely survived. After that, the former Branch Manager banned it."
"And it was never used again?"
"It was... a couple more times. But the fear stuck. The manager restricted it for good. But... if you want to try it... the option's there."
He looked at me, eyes steady.
"So, what do you say, kid? You in?"
Before I could respond, the door burst open. The junior officer rushed in, slightly breathless.
"Sir! The Branch Manager is on the line."
"Huh? I told you to call the Vice Manager! Why'd you call her?"
"She was there when I explained things, sir. She overheard and asked for a full report. I had to tell her."
The senior officer groaned and took the call. The phone speaker crackled, and a sharp voice rang out.
"Have you two lost your minds?! You can't authorize that test without my permission or the Vice Manager's! Are you suddenly managers now?"
"No, ma'am!" the officer stammered. "We weren't going to proceed without clearance! I was only asking the boy if he wanted to take the test."
"That test is dangerous! According to this report, he's just a Level 14 Necromancer! You think he can pass something that Peak Tier 0 hunters failed at?!"
"But the dungeon adjusts to the raider, right?"
"Even so! Have you lost your damn mind?!"
He was still trying to explain when I stepped forward.
"Sir... may I speak with her?"
He hesitated. "What are you going to say? You won't change her mind."
"Please. Just give me a chance."
He sighed. "Fine. Don't cry if you get banned for the week."
I took the phone. "Hello, Ma'am, Lilia. My name is Evan. You might not remember, but I was one of the students who met you alongside Mr. Darian. There was… a bit of a scene back then."
There was silence... then a reply.
"Ah, one of those kids. I remember now. But tell me, don't you have any raid party to join?"
"No, ma'am. I work better alone. My skills... they don't mix well with others. Even my summons can endanger allies if I'm not careful."
A soft sigh came from the other side. "I get it. You've got class issues and not much of a social bone. But this test could end your career in an instant. That dungeon is unique. No level cap. One-on-one with a boss that'll outlevel you by a lot. That's the only way to prove you can truly go solo."
She paused again, her voice firm but slightly softer. "Think carefully, Evan. If you do want to attempt it, I might allow it. I may even drop by for a few minutes to observe it myself... under the pretense of a 'special test.'"
Another pause.
"Now. Tell me, do you wish to attempt it or not?"
I looked at the silent room around me, felt the weight of the decision—and spoke.
"...Ma'am, I wish—"
—To be continued.