By the time they returned to Iron Rock City, evening was approaching.
The city gates were as bustling as ever. Merchant caravans, knights, and adventurers streamed in and out of the city constantly. As Lin Ye walked beneath the shadow of the great gate, he couldn't help but look up at the towering stone walls. He suddenly realized that in just two short days, his life had completely transformed.
"How did the first mission feel?" Su Li asked from beside him.
Lin Ye thought for a moment. "More dangerous than I expected."
Su Li nodded slightly. "That was only the simplest of missions. Real magical beasts are far more dangerous than Shadow Wolves."
Lin Ye gave a wry smile. "That's not very reassuring."
Su Li glanced at him, her tone calm. "Nonetheless, you adapted quickly."
Lin Ye was taken aback. "Is that a compliment?"
The corners of Su Li's mouth curved up ever so slightly. "It is."
That tiny trace of a smile was faint, yet it made Lin Ye feel an inexplicable sense of ease.
The three of them soon returned to the Demon Hunter Guild. The hall was still lively, with Irene sitting behind the counter organizing mission records. When she saw Reg, she looked up.
"Back so soon?"
Reg handed over the mission slip. "The Shadow Wolf pack has been dealt with."
Irene took the paper. She scanned the report and then turned her gaze toward Lin Ye. "How did the newcomer perform?"
Reg replied flatly, "He's still alive."
Irene couldn't help but laugh. "A standard evaluation, then."
She stood up, walked around the counter, and approached Lin Ye. "First mission completed. Congratulations." She handed him a small pouch.
Lin Ye opened it to find silver coins inside.
"Thirty silver coins," Irene said. "The mission reward."
Lin Ye was stunned. In Blackstone Village, a hunter working an entire month couldn't earn this much.
"Furthermore," Irene continued, "the Guild has recorded your combat performance."
Lin Ye blinked. "Recorded?"
Irene nodded. "The Demon Hunter Guild evaluates the growth of its members." She produced a thick ledger and flipped through a few pages. "Lin Ye. Newcomer Demon Hunter. Power Evaluation: Mid-Tier 1."
Lin Ye couldn't help but say, "You can tell that quickly?"
Irene smiled. "Experience." She suddenly leaned in a bit closer and whispered, "Besides, your shadow is very special."
Lin Ye's heart tightened, but Irene didn't press him further. She simply turned back to the counter. "Keep working hard. You might just become an interesting person."
By then, Reg was already heading toward the stairs. "Rest tomorrow," he said. "We continue missions the day after."
Lin Ye nodded. The day's combat had indeed left him exhausted.
By the time they left the Guild, night had fallen. The nights in Iron Rock City remained vibrant; lanterns along the streets were lit, and laughter drifted from the taverns.
Lin Ye couldn't help but remark, "The city is so lively even at night."
Su Li said softly, "Because many spend their days outside hunting monsters. They only return at night."
The two of them walked down the street. Reg had already headed back to the inn. Under the soft glow of the streetlights, Lin Ye suddenly realized he was walking very close to Su Li—close enough to feel her breathing.
Su Li suddenly stopped. "What is it?" Lin Ye asked.
Su Li pointed toward a small stall nearby—a shop selling sweets. "Have you ever had honey bread?"
Lin Ye shook his head. Su Li bought two and handed one to him. "Try it."
Lin Ye took a bite. The sweet, fragrant flavor immediately spread through his mouth. He couldn't help but smile. "It's delicious."
Su Li watched his expression and smiled gently as well. In that moment, her smile was soft and warm, completely different from her demeanor in battle. Lin Ye suddenly felt that these ordinary moments were more unforgettable than the fighting.
A night breeze swept through the street, and the lanterns swayed gently. Two people stood by the roadside eating bread like ordinary travelers. No one knew what a massive storm they would be swept into in the future.
After returning to the inn, Lin Ye lay on his bed. The day's fatigue slowly washed over him. But just as he was about to fall asleep, his shadow suddenly twitched.
Lin Ye opened his eyes instantly. The room was silent. Moonlight streamed through the window, and his shadow was slowly extending across the floor like a living thing.
The voice in his mind appeared again—low and blurred.
"You have become stronger."
Lin Ye frowned. "Shut up."
The voice chuckled softly. "The power is growing."
The shadow suddenly changed, a new shape appearing on the floor—like a sharper, longer spike. Lin Ye was stunned. He realized one thing: his shadow ability seemed to have evolved.
From a simple shadow spike, it had become a more stable form. Lin Ye slowly sat up and reached out. The shadow moved again. A long black spike rose from the floor, longer and sharper than before.
Lin Ye whispered, "A new ability?"
The shadow slowly retracted, and the room grew quiet again. But Lin Ye knew his power was slowly changing.
And all of this was only the beginning.