Ray’s eyes fluttered open, a dull ache throbbing behind them. He found himself cradled, his head resting softly on something warm and comforting. As his vision cleared, he realized he was lying on Maha’s lap. Her face, etched with concern, hovered above him.

  “Have you woken up?” she murmured, her voice a gentle whisper.

  Ray blinked, his gaze inadvertently drifting downwards. He found himself staring directly at Maha’s prominent large chest.

  A jolt of embarrassment, combined with the lingering headache, made him scramble upright. He pushed himself into a sitting position, rubbing his temples.

  “Yeah, I think so,” he mumbled, his voice a little rough. “My head’s just pounding.”

  Maha reached out, her hand hovering near his forehead. “Does it hurt badly? Are you feeling dizzy?” she asked, her concern palpable.

  “Just a bit of a headache,” Ray reassured her, though the throbbing was more intense than he let on. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

  As he did, he finally noticed that they weren’t alone in the room.

  There were three other figures present, their gazes fixed on him.

  Near the appraisal crystal stood Miss Saya, the assistant appraiser. Her attire, while proper, was undeniably alluring.

  A fitted dark blue tunic with intricate silver embroidery accentuated her figure, hinting at the generous curves beneath. Her black hair, long and sleek, cascaded down her back, and her brown eyes, sharp and intelligent, met his with a direct, no-nonsense intensity.

  She was undeniably a hottie and strikingly beautiful, with fair skin and a bust that was undeniably G-cup size breast. Saya exuded an aura of straightforward professionalism mixed with an undeniable allure.

  Beside her was another woman, equally captivating: Miss Anushka, an assistant from the Ranger Association. She wore a deep forest-green dress, its fabric clinging in all the right places, subtly revealing a graceful silhouette.

  Her golden hair shimmered, framing a face that was both beautiful and hot. Her hazel eyes held a friendly, yet observant, glint. Like Saya, Anushka possessed a formidable bust, also of G-cup size breast, complemented by fair skin and a remarkably good-natured demeanor.

  And finally, standing slightly apart, was a man who radiated sheer power. This was Rex, an S-Ranked Ranger, a name that commanded respect throughout the land. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a lean, muscled build that spoke of countless battles and rigorous training.

  His movements were precise, economical, and every fiber of his being seemed to hum with an intensive aura that pressed down on the room, subtle yet undeniably present. He had short, spiky dark hair and eyes that seemed to pierce through you, holding a depth of experience that was almost intimidating.

  Rex wore practical, dark leather armor, a testament to his profession, and a large, well-worn sword was sheathed at his hip. He was the epitome of a seasoned warrior, a silent guardian whose presence alone commanded attention.

  Ray’s eyes widened slightly. What were all these people doing here? And what exactly had happened to him?

  The headache, the strange energy, the unconsciousness… it was all a blur. He looked from Rex’s formidable presence to the beautiful, intense gazes of Saya and Anushka, a knot of unease tightening in his stomach.

  He knew, instinctively, that whatever had just transpired was far from ordinary.

  The room grew quieter as Rex, the imposing S-Rank Ranger and director of the association, stepped closer to Ray and Maha. His intense gaze softened slightly as he addressed them.

  “Congratulations, Maha,” he said, his voice deep but steady. “Becoming an R-rank Ranger is no small feat. You’ve earned it.”

  “Thank you, Director Rex,” Maha replied, bowing respectfully. Though her tone was polite, her eyes flicked toward Ray, concern shadowing her pride.

  Ray, standing a little apart, finally broke his silence. “Director,” he said hesitantly, “I need to know—what happened to me back there? What’s wrong with me?”

  Rex studied Ray for a moment, his piercing blue eyes unreadable. He crossed his arms, his tone shifting to one of seriousness. “The power within you—the dark crest on your back—has been sealed again. It’s too unstable, too dangerous. That’s why you collapsed. Without control, it consumes you.”

  Ray’s stomach sank. “But… does that mean I can’t become a Ranger?”

  Rex’s expression turned grim. “That’s right.”

  The words hit Ray like a blow. He stood frozen, his mind racing.

  “Your mana has been drained,” Rex continued, his tone heavy. “You barely have enough left to sustain yourself, let alone use it effectively. And then there’s the matter of your skills.”

  Ray frowned, his voice trembling. “What about them?”

  “Only one of your skills is viable,” Rex said. “The others are taboo—skills the association won’t recognize or allow. It’s not just a question of ability, Ray. It’s about safety—for you and those around you. The Association can’t issue a Ranger license to someone with your… circumstances.”

  Ray felt the weight of Rex’s words pressing down on him. His hands clenched into fists at his sides. He had trained so hard, endured so much, all for this moment. And now, it was slipping away.

  “I see,” Ray said quietly, bowing his head. “Thank you for explaining.”

  His voice was steady, but Maha could hear the tremor beneath it.

  Without another word, Ray turned and walked toward the door. Each step felt heavier than the last.

  “Ray!” Maha called after him, her voice laced with worry.

  He stopped at the threshold, glancing back at Rex, Miss Saya, and Miss Anushka. “Goodbye,” he said simply, bowing one last time before stepping outside.

  Maha didn’t hesitate. She hurried after him, catching up as he walked down the busy street, his head low.

  “Ray, wait!” she said, grabbing his arm. “You can’t just leave like this.”

  Ray stopped but didn’t look at her. “What do you want me to do, Maha? Pretend everything’s fine? They said it themselves—I can’t be a Ranger. My dream, my chance to find my mom and sister, to prove myself—it’s all gone.”

  Maha tightened her grip on his arm. “You can’t give up, Ray. You’re stronger than this.”

  “Am I?” he asked, his voice breaking. “Because right now, I don’t feel like it.”

  Maha stepped in front of him, forcing him to meet her gaze. “You’ve been through worse, Ray. You’ve lost so much, but you kept going. This isn’t the end. We’ll figure it out together. You’re not alone.”

  Her words hung in the air, a small flicker of hope in the midst of Ray’s despair.

  For a moment, he didn’t respond. Then he sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “Thanks, Maha,” he said softly. “But I need some time. I’ll see you later.”

  Maha hesitated, then nodded. “Okay. But promise me you won’t give up.”

  Ray managed a faint smile. “I’ll try.”

  As Maha watched him walk away, she clenched her fists, determination filling her. No matter what it took, she wouldn’t let him fall into despair. Together, they would find a way forward.

  The walk home was quieter than usual. Maha stayed close to Ray, occasionally glancing at him as he gazed ahead, lost in thought. His shoulders were slouched, and his steps lacked their usual energy.

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  To break the silence, Maha spoke softly. “You don’t have to pretend, you know.”

  Ray turned to her, surprised. “What do you mean?”

  Maha gave him a small, understanding smile. “That fake smile. You think I can’t tell?”

  Ray sighed, his lips curling into a weak grin. “I guess I’m not as good at hiding it as I thought.”

  “You don’t need to hide anything from me,” Maha said firmly. “You’ve been strong for so long, Ray. It’s okay to lean on someone else for a change.”

  Ray stopped walking and looked at her, a hint of gratitude in his eyes. Without saying a word, he reached out and gently patted her head. Maha’s cheeks flushed pink, and she swatted his hand away.

  “Stop that!” she exclaimed, trying to mask her embarrassment.

  Ray chuckled, the first genuine laugh he’d had all day. “Thanks, Maha. I mean it.”

  She huffed, crossing her arms but couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips.

  When they finally arrived home, Maha’s parents, Chelsea and Victor, were waiting for them. The moment they walked in, Chelsea beamed at her daughter.

  “Maha!” Chelsea exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you! An R-rank Ranger—‘The Reigner.’ That’s my girl!”

  Victor, standing nearby with a bottle of sparkling juice, raised it high. “We’re celebrating tonight!”

  Ray smiled at the warm scene, though he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. Still, he pushed those feelings aside and focused on Maha. Tonight was about her.

  The living room was quickly transformed into a lively celebration. Strings of lights hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, festive glow. Maha’s younger siblings ran around, their laughter filling the air. The dining table was piled high with an assortment of dishes—spiced chicken, roasted vegetables, fragrant rice, and a beautifully decorated cake that Chelsea had baked herself.

  Victor poured sparkling juice into glasses, raising a toast. “To Maha, our future legend among Rangers!”

  “To Maha!” everyone echoed, clinking their glasses together.

  Maha blushed, looking slightly overwhelmed by the attention. She glanced at Ray, who raised his glass with a supportive smile.

  As the night went on, the room was filled with stories and laughter. Chelsea recounted tales of her own days as a Ranger, her eyes sparkling with pride. Victor chimed in with exaggerated, humorous anecdotes, earning groans and giggles from everyone.

  Maha sat beside Ray, her plate half-finished. She leaned over and whispered, “You’re quiet tonight. You sure you’re okay?”

  Ray nodded, offering her a reassuring smile. “I’m fine. Tonight’s your night, Maha. Enjoy it.”

  She studied him for a moment before smiling. “Thanks, Ray. But you know, this celebration wouldn’t feel right without you here.”

  Ray felt a warmth spread through him at her words. Despite everything, she always found a way to lift his spirits.

  Later, as the celebration wound down, Chelsea and Victor put the younger kids to bed while Ray and Maha sat on the porch. The night air was cool, and the stars twinkled brightly overhead.

  Maha leaned against the railing, gazing up at the sky. “It’s strange, isn’t it? How things can change so quickly?”

  Ray nodded. “Yeah. One moment, you think you have everything figured out. The next, the rug gets pulled out from under you.”

  Maha looked at him, her expression serious. “You’ll find your way, Ray. I know you will. And when you do, I’ll be right there with you.”

  Ray turned to her, a genuine smile breaking through the lingering sadness. “Thanks, Maha. That means a lot.”

  They sat in comfortable silence, the stars above a quiet reminder of the vast world waiting for them. Despite the challenges ahead, Ray felt a small flicker of hope. For now, he would hold onto that and the unwavering support of the person by his side.

  The house had gone quiet. The cheerful sounds of celebration had faded, replaced by the soft hum of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves. Ray sat alone on the balcony, a light breeze ruffling his hair. The night sky stretched out above him, dotted with countless stars, their faint glow bathing the world in a soft, silver light.

  The moon hung high, its luminous presence serene and unwavering. Yet, to Ray, it felt distant—like everything else in his life. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the railing, his gaze fixed on the endless expanse above.

  His thoughts drifted, unbidden, to the family he once had. Memories surfaced, vivid and raw: his mother’s gentle smile, his sister’s laughter echoing through their home, the warmth of a family united. Those days felt like a dream now, a fleeting moment stolen away by the relentless hand of fate.

  He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.

  “Why did they leave?” he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible over the night’s stillness.

  Since the day his mother and sister had walked out, life had been a series of harsh lessons. His father, once a proud and strong Ranger, had succumbed to despair and neglect. The man Ray had looked up to had crumbled before his eyes, leaving a scar that time could not heal. And then, in a cruel twist of irony, his father had died—leaving Ray utterly alone.

  Ray’s chest tightened as he recalled those dark days. He had clung to the hope that, by becoming a Ranger, he could find them again. He had dreamed of standing before his mother and sister, not as the boy they left behind, but as someone strong, capable, and worthy of their pride.

  But now…

  Ray closed his eyes, frustration and sorrow welling up inside him. The Ranger Association’s verdict replayed in his mind, each word cutting deeper than the last. Taboo skills. Unstable. Dangerous.

  It felt like fate itself had cursed him, mocking his every effort to rise above his circumstances.

  “Why?” he whispered, his voice trembling. “Why does it always have to be me?”

  He looked up at the stars, their distant light offering no answers. The universe seemed indifferent to his struggles, its vastness a stark contrast to the smallness he felt within.

  The sound of footsteps behind him broke his reverie. He turned slightly to see Maha standing in the doorway, her figure silhouetted by the faint glow of the hallway light.

  “You’re still awake,” she said softly, stepping onto the balcony.

  Ray gave a half-hearted smile. “Couldn’t sleep.”

  Maha leaned against the railing beside him, her gaze also drifting to the sky. “Thinking about them again?”

  Ray nodded, not needing to elaborate. She always seemed to know.

  After a moment of silence, she spoke again. “Fate isn’t a curse, Ray. It’s… complicated. It tests us, pushes us to our limits. But it’s not something you have to face alone.”

  Ray let out a bitter laugh. “That’s easy for you to say. You’re an R-rank Ranger now, ‘The Reigner.’ You’re strong, Maha. You’ve always been strong.”

  Maha frowned, turning to face him. “And you think you’re not? Ray, you’ve survived things that would have broken most people. You’re still here, fighting. That’s strength.”

  He shook his head. “It doesn’t feel like it. I just… I wanted to be someone they could be proud of. Someone worth their love.”

  “They would be proud,” Maha said firmly. “Anyone would be. You’ve endured so much, Ray, and you’re still standing. That takes more strength than any Ranger title ever could.”

  Ray looked at her, her words sinking in, though the weight in his heart remained.

  Maha reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You’re not alone. No matter what fate throws at you, I’ll be here. Always.”

  Her sincerity brought a lump to Ray’s throat. He didn’t know how to respond, so he simply nodded.

  Together, they stood in silence, the night sky stretching endlessly above them. For the first time that evening, Ray felt a flicker of solace. Perhaps, even in the shadow of fate’s cruelty, there was still a reason to keep moving forward.

  In the quiet of the night, Rex stood alone by the large window of his office, gazing up at the vast sky. The stars twinkled above like distant promises, yet his mind was heavy with thoughts he couldn’t shake.

  A soft knock on the door broke the silence. “Director Rex, may I come in?” came the voice of Miss Anushka, the assistant director of the Ranger Association.

  “Enter,” Rex replied without turning.

  Anushka stepped inside, her eyes curious and serious. “Director, I’ve been wondering—why didn’t you approve Raylight’s application? He has great potential, and yet the Association rejected him.”

  Rex sighed deeply, finally turning to face her. His gaze was steady but carried the weight of years past.

  “It’s because of a promise I made,” he said quietly. “A promise to Raylight’s mother, Sayuki Amatsurishi.”

  Anushka frowned. “Sayuki? She’s superior to me now. So why haven’t you… followed her wishes fully?”

  Rex’s expression grew somber. “That promise still binds me. She warned me—12 years ago—about Ray’s power.”

  He paused, recalling the exact words she had said.

  “If Ray’s seal ever breaks,” Rex said slowly, “anything can happen. Good… or bad. There is no guarantee it will be good.”

  Anushka’s eyes widened slightly. “So, you’re saying Ray’s power is too dangerous to be allowed free?”

  Rex nodded. “Exactly. Potential alone isn’t enough. The seal that restrains his power is fragile. If it breaks, the consequences could be catastrophic—not just for him, but for everyone.”

  He turned back to the window, staring out at the stars once more. “I promised Sayuki I would protect Ray by keeping him from walking the path she feared for him. It’s why I had to deny his application, despite his potential.”

  Anushka looked conflicted, her voice softer now. “But does that mean we give up on him entirely?”

  Rex shook his head firmly. “No. We watch, we guide, and we prepare. But sometimes, protecting someone means holding them back until they’re truly ready.”

  The room fell into silence, filled only by the quiet hum of the night. Outside, the stars continued to shine—silent witnesses to the burdens carried by those sworn to protect the fragile balance of their world.

  The sun was high, filtering through the thick canopy of green leaves as Maha ventured into the dungeon for a raid. Ray had no idea where she had gone; she hadn’t told him.

  Alone and restless, Ray wandered aimlessly outside the town, deep into the nearby forest. The trees stretched tall and proud, their leaves whispering in the gentle breeze. Yet, despite the beauty around him, Ray’s heart was heavy with despair.

  He stopped beside a sturdy tree and punched it hard, over and over, each blow fueled by frustration and anger. “Why me? Why does fate hate me so much?” he cursed aloud, the pain echoing through the woods.

  Suddenly, a voice called out his name. Ray turned sharply and saw Maha standing a few meters away. Behind her, a small group of people gathered, their voices low but tense.

  They were talking about Ray. Whispering, sneering.

  “How did he fail to become a Ranger? Ridiculous.”

  “That curse he carries… no wonder the Association rejected him.”

  One young man, stylish and arrogant, stepped forward. His name was Yuma. He smirked, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. “Honestly, I don’t get why Maha even associates with him. Weaklings like him don’t deserve anyone’s attention.”

  Yuma glanced at Maha with a cocky grin. “You want someone strong, don’t you? Someone who can actually protect you?”

  But Maha only shook her head, ignoring Yuma’s words. Ray said nothing, refusing to dignify the insult with a reply.

  Maha finally turned to Ray, her voice gentle but firm. “What are you doing out here, Ray?”

  Before he could answer, a cold chill ran down their spines. Every head turned upward, eyes wide with fear.

  A dark shadow loomed over the forest clearing.

  It was an SSS-rank Demon.