The Anomaly Beyond The System

"What do you all even do?" Lucian asked simply, though he was genuinely curious.

For him to get invited like this, practically being given a VIP ticket into joining them... there had to be something interesting that could actually make him interested, right?

Cedric’s lips twitched, almost believing that this lack of respect he was receiving was deliberate, as if Lucian was intentionally trying to make him snap or something...

Because if it was, then Lucian’s little trick was actually working.

Knowing his grandfather’s reaction, Leonardo decided to speak before the old man could say something he might regret.

"We, the Awakened Association, make sure to keep the dungeons in check, especially the ones that suddenly break into populated areas.

"We also help the people who have been stuck inside nearby dungeons and protect civilians from criminals."

Leonardo explained it in the shortest way possible while still giving Lucian and Selene the information they needed.

The Association was essentially responsible for maintaining order among awakened society.

Unwarned dungeon sightings, sudden monster rampages, awakened criminals... they handled all of them.

Though, in truth, they could still be called something close to lapdogs of the rich, the politicians, and mainly... the Government.

The moment Lucian heard those words, however, the curiosity in his eyes dimmed, his expression almost turning deadpan.

’That’s the most boring stuff I’ve ever heard.’

He didn’t say it aloud.

Despite sounding boring, Lucian knew that the work they were doing was necessary, especially with the current state of the world.

But even then...

"I’m out." Lucian leaned back.

"I am not interested in joining your Association," he said with absolutely zero hesitation.

Both Leonardo and Cedric didn’t react too harshly, since they had already expected those words from him.

In fact, a part of them even felt relieved.

At least they wouldn’t have to handle this crazy man alongside them.

Who knows when he might snap and do something stupid?

"We expected it... but still..."

Cedric sighed, trying not to show the relief he was actually feeling.

"This must mean you are interested in joining a Guild, or perhaps you wish to stay as an adventurer?"

Adventurers were people who remained free from joining the Guilds and didn’t have to follow the rules of a particular organisation, nor did they have to answer to a Guild Master or high-ranking members.

But with that freedom also came self-dependence.

They would have to take care of themselves.

They would accept tasks, helping the refugees who had escaped from their towns, or sometimes helping in clearing out local dungeons, which helped them grow stronger... though it also came with the obvious risk of death... that too, without any life insurance.

Of course, most of the population worked as adventurers, not because they didn’t want to join a Guild... but because most lacked the abilities that the major Guilds were looking for.

"I do have a Guild in my mind."

A small smile crept onto Lucian’s lips.

Cedric nodded without asking further, though his curiosity only deepened.

Whatever Guild Lucian chose would likely benefit immensely from someone with his talent.

The Director’s gaze then slowly shifted toward the masked woman sitting beside the lad.

He had almost forgotten that she was there—not because of his lack of attention... but because something about her presence felt slightly veiled, her figure almost swallowed by the faint darkness inside the room.

"What about you, Selene Frost?"

Selene blinked, surprised by the question directed at her.

"Are you interested in joining the Association?"

Lucian’s eyes twitched slightly, but he didn’t interrupt, simply waiting for her to answer.

After a brief moment of silence, Selene turned toward Lucian, and seeing the expectant look in his eyes, she couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.

She knew what he was thinking, and she also knew what her answer would be.

There weren’t many options, were there...?

"No... I’ll stay with my..."

She paused for the briefest moment.

"...partner."

Her voice almost lowered into a whisper at the end.

Lucian glanced at her, and for some reason, he couldn’t help but feel slightly weird about the term.

And as though she had noticed his awkwardness, Selene’s lips curved behind her mask... feeling satisfied.

Very satisfied.

At least now she wasn’t the only one feeling awkward.

Cedric nodded, accepting Selene’s answer, but a flicker of frustration appeared in his eyes when he noticed the haughty look on the boy’s face.

It was almost as if he was saying—

’What else did you expect?’

There was no way Lucian was letting his mother go away.

No... way.

"But you’ll have to be careful about your talent, lad."

Cedric’s voice suddenly became heavier.

The change in his tone made the pair turn their attention toward him.

Cedric leaned slightly forward.

"I don’t think you really understand it, but you’ll become a target for many organisations because of your talent.

An SS Rank Talent isn’t something many people have.

Many will be envious."

Lucian nodded, understanding what he was saying... but seeing the complete lack of tension on the boy’s face, Cedric felt like Lucian didn’t truly understand the implications.

The boy was treating the matter far too casually.

People might try to kill him. Others might even attempt to use him, and since he was still weak compared to high-ranking awakened and the leaders of major Guilds, there was no telling what they might do to capture him... or take his life.

"What are you suggesting?" Lucian asked, noticing that the man had remained silent for a moment, as if thinking about something.

The old man then smiled slightly.

"If you want... I can fake your real talent, and you’ll be able to hide your true talent for some time."

"I’m not joining the Association," Lucian immediately replied.

Cedric’s lips twitched.

"Listen to me first, brat."

He shook his head, thinking about the younger generation’s lack of patience and respect for their elders.

"I’m not telling you to join us. I want you... both of you to remain our allies, despite whatever Guild you join in the future."

His eyes held a calculating glint as he looked at the young man and the young woman sitting beside him.

Both of them were talented—especially the lad.

So much so that he didn’t want him to ever become their enemy.

Rather... he wanted them to become allies, people they could rely on in times of need.

Leonardo’s eyes rose slightly as he heard his grandfather’s words and the implication behind them. But even he felt that the choice was a good one, especially because he had been able to improve his swordsmanship after that brief spar with Lucian.

And Cedric knew something else.

There was also the golden-eyed woman, who might be from a major hidden family, which in turn meant these two weren’t just ordinary people they could easily ignore.

Lucian tilted his head.

After a brief moment, his eyes slowly shifted toward Seraphina... who had remained silent throughout the conversation.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, and from beneath the mask, she stared at the two men with similarly calculating eyes.

After a moment, Selene’s lips parted, and her cold, flat voice came out indifferently.

"We’ll accept... but we want your assurance that you won’t try to backstab us."

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!