Zaren was walking beside the Guild receptionist of the Raiken's Guild, also known as The Thunder Fang Guild, one of the strongest guilds in Ravaria. The streets were buzzing with life, but Zaren's mind was elsewhere.
"I guess I should leave now…" he thought quietly.
He stopped walking and looked at the receptionist.
"I have to go somewhere. Can I leave for now?" Zaren asked calmly.
The receptionist hesitated, unsure what to say to someone like Zaren.
"Y-Yes, sir… you may go," she finally answered.
And just like that—Zaren vanished. A sudden flash of light, a soft boom of air—and he was gone. The receptionist stood frozen, shocked.
"H-How did he do that…? Now I understand how he defeated Jaxon… an SSS+ rank hunter," she whispered, still staring at the spot he disappeared from.
---
Zaren now stood at the top of a tall tower in the Ravaria Kingdom. The view was stunning—golden rooftops, rivers sparkling in the sun, forests in the distance.
"Should I leave and return to Elyria?" Zaren thought.
"King Alaric, Maria, Varric, Noric, and Elara must be worried…"
He looked over the kingdom once more and smiled.
"Maybe I'll stay a bit longer. But first… I should send a message."
He raised his hand, and his glowing eyes shifted—from blue to yellow, then to red.
"Bizarro," he whispered.
A glowing aura-formed snake-like weapon wrapped around his body. It shimmered like living light, pulsing with power.
"It seems… I finally have full control over my power. But it's been a while since I trained… maybe I should work on that."
---
Far away in Ravaria's royal palace, King Vardis of Ravaria sat on his throne, thinking hard.
"I must find a way to recruit Zaren. A hunter like him… we can't miss this chance."
Suddenly, his right-hand man entered the room.
"Your Majesty! You must prepare for the Grand Alliance Meeting. All 66 kingdoms will attend—including Elyria."
King Vardis groaned. "Yeah yeah, I know. Bring five hunters, show off strength, shake hands, eat grapes... the usual."
---
This Grand Alliance Meeting is held once a year, or twice if there's an emergency.
All 66 kingdoms of Etherium gather on the sacred island of Raro. There, inside a giant palace, kings and queens sit on golden thrones, while hunters sit nearby in silver seats.
They discuss peace, war, trade, and sometimes even buy or exchange powerful hunters. If two kingdoms agree, their hunters can even battle in the royal arena—a place built for duels.
The palace is full of grand halls, glowing chandeliers, and golden carpets. It shines like a star in the sea.
---
Back on the streets of Ravaria, Raiken was walking with a frown.
"That dumb king thinks he can buy Zaren with money? What a pain in the ass…"
Suddenly—Zaren appeared right in front of him out of thin air!
Raiken jumped back, wide-eyed.
"What the hell, man! Stop doing that! You're seriously a mystery!"
Zaren chuckled. "Sorry about that. Can you do me a favor and send a message to my kingdom? Just let them know I'm here."
Raiken nodded quickly.
"Sure! Easy stuff. Oh, and by the way—did you hear? There's a big meeting on Raro Island soon. All the kings and hunters are going. Your king will be there too."
Raiken smiled and secretly tucked the bag of gold King Vardis had given him behind his back.
"Maybe you should come with us. We'll drop you off there—you can meet your kingdom again."
Zaren thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Yeah… I guess I can do that. But… what is this meeting really about?"
---
Meanwhile, in Elyria, King Alaric sat on his throne holding a glowing invitation scroll. His voice echoed in the hall.
"Gather all our best hunters."
Soon, Maria, Varric, and Noric entered.
"Where's Zaren?" Alaric asked. The hall went silent.
Maria shook her head. "I haven't seen him in days…"
"Me neither," said Varric.
Just then, the king's right-hand man ran into the room.
"Your Majesty! Zaren is in the Ravaria Kingdom!"
Everyone was shocked.
Maria let out a breath. "I was worried he had vanished forever…"
"He'll also be attending the Grand Meeting," the man added. "With Ravaria's king."
King Alaric relaxed and smiled.
"Then all is well. We'll see him soon."
(Chapter 31 Fin)