The moment Lin Kael stepped out of the registration building, he understood what the staff member meant.
He hadn't even taken five steps before someone approached him.
"Lin Kael, correct?"
The voice was calm, firm, carrying the kind of authority that didn't need to be raised. A man in a dark, neatly pressed uniform stood before him, posture straight, eyes sharp but not unfriendly.
"Inspector Han. Law Enforcement Division."
Lin Kael gave a slight nod. "You move fast."
Inspector Han allowed himself a faint smile. "We try not to waste time when it comes to Spirit Walkers."
Before Lin Kael could respond, another voice cut in from the side.
"Don't let him fool you. 'Move fast' just means they're afraid someone else will get to you first."
The speaker was broader, dressed in military attire, his presence heavier, more direct. He stepped forward with an easy confidence.
"Captain Rourke. Military Recruitment."
Lin Kael glanced between them. "I take it you didn't come here to chat."
"Straight to the point," Rourke said with a short laugh. "I like that."
A third figure approached, slower than the others.
Compared to the first two, his appearance was far less formal. Worn jacket, practical gear, a relaxed posture that seemed almost out of place in front of a government facility.
"Name's Calder," he said. "Hunter Department."
He stopped a short distance away, hands in his pockets, studying Lin Kael with quiet interest rather than urgency.
For a moment, none of them spoke.
Lin Kael broke the silence.
"I was told I'd have time to think before being approached."
Inspector Han didn't miss a beat. "You do. This is just a conversation, not a contract."
Rourke added with a grin, "Think of it as… early information."
Calder shrugged. "Or early pressure. Depends how you look at it."
Lin Kael let out a quiet breath, then gestured slightly toward an open space nearby.
"If we're going to do this, we might as well do it properly. I'd rather hear everything clearly than piece it together later."
The three exchanged brief glances before following him.
---
They settled in a shaded area just outside the main flow of traffic. Around them, other newly awakened Pathwalkers were having similar conversations, some looking overwhelmed, others clearly excited.
Lin Kael leaned lightly against the railing, his gaze steady.
"Let's keep this simple," he said. "Tell me what each of you offers—and what you expect in return."
Rourke chuckled. "You negotiate like you've done this before."
"I prefer clarity," Lin Kael replied. "It saves time."
Inspector Han nodded approvingly. "Fair approach."
He stepped forward first.
"Law Enforcement provides stability. Structured growth, clear authority, and access to high-level information. You'll be dealing with internal threats—rogue Pathwalkers, illegal operations, and cases that require discretion."
Lin Kael tilted his head slightly. "Restrictions?"
"Strict," Han admitted without hesitation. "You operate within the law at all times. Your actions are monitored, and accountability is high."
"That includes independent operations?" Lin Kael asked.
"Yes," Han replied. "You don't act alone without authorization."
Lin Kael absorbed that, then nodded slightly. "Understood."
Rourke stepped in next, crossing his arms.
"The military offers something different. Resources, training, and scale. You'll be part of larger operations—clearing beast zones, defending territory, pushing back threats that smaller groups can't handle."
"And the trade-off?" Lin Kael asked.
Rourke didn't sugarcoat it. "Discipline. Orders. You go where you're told, when you're told."
"Less freedom," Lin Kael summarized.
"Less hesitation," Rourke corrected with a grin. "But yes, less freedom."
Lin Kael allowed a faint smile at that, then shifted his gaze to Calder.
"And you?"
Calder scratched the back of his neck before answering.
"We don't dress things up," he said. "Hunters work the field. Beasts, ruins, contracts. You pick your assignments, but you carry the risk that comes with it."
Lin Kael studied him. "No strict command structure?"
"There is," Calder replied. "Just… lighter. You'll have a team, a supervisor, and guidelines. But you're expected to think for yourself."
"And the mortality rate?" Lin Kael asked.
Calder didn't flinch. "Higher than the other two."
Rourke let out a short laugh. "At least he's honest."
"Someone has to be," Calder replied.
Lin Kael nodded slowly, taking a moment before speaking again.
"You mentioned contracts," he said. "Meaning independent operations are common?"
"Common enough," Calder answered. "You'll get access to missions—clearing nests, escorting teams, scouting zones. Some are assigned. Others you can choose."
"And resources?"
"Decent," Calder said. "Better if you prove yourself."
Lin Kael considered that.
"So the more effective you are, the more you gain."
"Exactly."
Lin Kael shifted his weight slightly, his gaze moving between the three of them.
"Let me ask something directly," he said. "What happens when things go wrong?"
Rourke raised an eyebrow. "You're assuming they will."
"They will," Lin Kael replied calmly. "That's not a question."
For a brief moment, silence settled.
Then Inspector Han answered.
"In law enforcement, you rely on your team and the system. Backup is prioritized."
Rourke followed. "In the military, you rely on structure. You're rarely alone."
Calder spoke last.
"In the Hunter Department?" He shrugged slightly. "You rely on yourself first. Then your team—if they're still standing."
Lin Kael let out a quiet breath, a faint smile touching his lips.
"That's clear enough."
He straightened slightly, his decision already forming—not from what sounded good, but from what aligned with what he needed.
"Law enforcement offers control and information," he said. "The military offers scale and support. The Hunter Department offers access and flexibility."
Rourke smirked. "You've already made up your mind, haven't you?"
Lin Kael didn't deny it.
"I have."
Inspector Han watched him closely. "And?"
Lin Kael's gaze shifted to Calder.
"I'll go with the Hunter Department."
Calder didn't look surprised. If anything, he seemed to have expected it.
"Thought you might," he said. "You don't look like someone who enjoys being told where to stand."
Rourke exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly. "Can't say I'm surprised either. Still think you'd do well in the military."
Inspector Han gave a small nod. "Just make sure you understand the risks you're taking."
"I do," Lin Kael replied. "And the benefits."
His reasoning was simple.
He needed direct access to beasts.
He needed freedom to act.
And most importantly—
he needed room to move without unnecessary constraints.
The Hunter Department gave him all three.
Calder pushed himself off the railing.
"Alright then," he said. "I'll handle the paperwork and get you assigned. You'll meet your team soon."
Lin Kael nodded. "I'll be ready."
As the others stepped back, the brief recruitment came to an end.
But Lin Kael didn't leave immediately.
Instead, he stood there for a moment longer, his thoughts settling.
The system was clear now.
The structure, the opportunities, the risks.
And within that structure—
there was space to act.
Zhao Kai had made his move too early.
Now it was Lin Kael's turn.
Not to strike directly.
But to set things in motion.
Slowly.
Carefully.
And without leaving a trace.
As Lin Kael turned and walked away, his path forward had already begun to take shape.