The next morning, the Pathwalker Registration Center stood like a boundary between two worlds.
The structure itself was reinforced and orderly, its clean lines a stark contrast to the patched buildings of the outer district. Armed personnel stood at key points—not aggressive, but unmistakably present.
Lin Kael slowed slightly as he approached, taking in the details.
"Security's tighter than I expected," he murmured.
The man in front of him in line glanced back. "First time?"
"Yeah."
The man chuckled. "You get used to it. Once you're registered, they stop looking at you like you might break something."
"That reassuring?" Lin Kael asked.
"Depends on how you look at it," the man replied with a grin. "You either feel safer—or more watched."
Lin Kael gave a small nod. "Fair point."
Ahead of them, another pair was talking.
"…I'm telling you, if you get into the military, the benefits are insane."
"Yeah, but the risk—"
"Everything has risk. At least they pay for it."
Lin Kael listened quietly, piecing together the tone behind the words. Excitement, anxiety, ambition—they were all there, mixed together.
When his turn came, he was directed into a testing room.
Inside, a man in his forties sat behind a desk, casually sipping tea. He looked up as Lin Kael entered, his gaze briefly assessing him before settling into something more relaxed.
"Morning," he said. "You look like you actually got some sleep. That already puts you ahead of most people walking in here."
Lin Kael let out a quiet breath. "I figured being exhausted wouldn't help."
"Good instinct." The man gestured toward the scanning device. "Go on, let's confirm what you've got."
Lin Kael stepped into position.
A soft hum filled the room as the scan began, then faded just as quickly.
The man leaned forward, eyes flicking across the display. A small smile formed.
"Well, that explains the calm," he said. "Spirit Walker."
He looked up again, clearly more interested now.
"First time registering?"
"Yes."
"Alright," the man said, setting his cup down. "Then let's do this properly. No rush."
That last part caught Lin Kael's attention.
"No rush?" he repeated.
The man shrugged lightly. "You'd be surprised how many people walk out of here without understanding half of what I tell them. I'd rather not add you to that list."
Lin Kael gave a small nod. "Fair enough. I'd prefer to understand what I'm stepping into."
"Good," the man said. "Makes my job easier."
He leaned back slightly, folding his arms.
"Once you're registered, you're officially a Pathwalker. That means privileges—real ones. You'll receive a standard evolution technique to help you grow. Without it, you're basically stuck at square one."
Lin Kael listened attentively. "And the differences between techniques?"
The man smiled faintly. "Now that's a better question than most ask. The one you get here is foundational—stable, reliable, nothing flashy. Advanced ones? Those come from departments, factions, or… other places."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning," the man said, "if you want better, you'll need to earn it—or find someone willing to give it to you."
Lin Kael absorbed that, then asked, "What about information access?"
"Layered," the man replied. "You start with basics—beasts, zones, survival protocols. As your clearance increases, so does what you can see."
He paused, then added with a slight smile, "And trust me, some of what's out there… you don't want to read about before you're ready."
Lin Kael considered that. "Rogue organisations?"
The man's expression shifted slightly—not alarmed, but more serious.
"You've done some thinking," he said. "Good. Yes. Beasts aren't the only problem out there."
He didn't elaborate immediately, letting the implication settle.
Lin Kael didn't push further—for now.
"And the restrictions?" he asked instead.
"Simple in principle," the man replied. "Don't harm civilians. Don't abuse your abilities inside city zones. And don't assume awakening puts you above consequences."
Lin Kael nodded. "Understood."
"Good," the man said, then reached for a card. "Once you step out of this room, departments will start approaching you. Especially as a Spirit Walker."
He slid the card across the desk.
"Take your time. Listen to what they offer. And more importantly—figure out what you actually want."
Lin Kael picked up the card, its weight settling in his palm.
"I will."
As he turned to leave, the man added casually, "And one more thing."
Lin Kael paused.
"Whatever you choose," the man said with a faint smile, "make sure it's something you can live with. Not just something that sounds good in the moment."
Lin Kael gave a small nod.
"That makes sense."
And this time, when he stepped outside, he didn't feel rushed.
Because for the first time—
he understood exactly where he stood.