Bound By Fury:The Forced Path

 The simple table where Akira sat with his fingers absently ruffling through Yuna's hair.

The little girl was giggling, her eyes sparkling wide as she clutched the hand of her jerry-built hero.

Having finished the meal, Akira leaned back with a contented sigh.

"Ah, man, I'm stuffed."

"It was great,"

He let out with a rare, sincere smile.

"Thanks, Min-Jin-chan."

"I appreciated it."

Min-Jin beamed at him, her hands still busy clearing the plates.

"I'm glad you liked it, Akira."

"It's a pleasure having you here."

Cha-Jong, who had been unusually silent during the conversation, set his cup down and leaned forward. His face was diffident, a mixture of curiosity and respect.

"Akira… I've wanted to ask you something.".

Akira lifted an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for him to continue.

"Your last name… Shoto."

"It's the same as the great invetor, Shiro Shoto."

"The one that created all the technology that helped Stars worldwide fight against dungeons and monsters."

"By any chance are you… related to him?"

The atmosphere in the room changed in one moment: Akira's easy manner snapped rigid.

He dropped his smile, and something he had never brought before crossed Cha-Jong's vision. In his dark eyes was brewing a tempest as he dropped his gaze onto the table.

Cha-Jong gestured immediately and threw a hand up in something like an apology.

"I—sorry, Akira, I didn't mean to…"

After a heavy pause, Akira finally spoke, his voice low but steady.

"I'm his son."

The weight of those words crashed into Cha-Jong. His eyes widened as he sat abruptly, scraping loudly as his chair hit the floor before it fell over.

Min-Jin gasped and covered her mouth, her eyes jerking in rapid succession between them

"R-Really?"

Cha-Jong stuttered, his face a mixture of shock and non-belief.

"For real?"

"His son?"

"But… everyone thought you died too a year after Shiro passed away!"

"I know,"

Akira replied, his tone clipped.

"That's what everyone thinks."

"But the truth is completly different"

The silence that followed was stifling.

Cha-Jong opened and closed his mouth several times, but apparently, he couldn't find the right words.

"I'm sorry I brought it up,"

He whispered, his voice tinged with apology.

"But … if it's not too much to ask, will you tell me the truth?"

Akira examined him a moment, his sharp eyes searching for Cha-Jong's sincerity.

Then, he let out a long sigh and leaned back in his chair.

"Why not?"

"You already know I'm alive."

"No point in hiding it now."

Cha-Jong turned to look at Min-Jin.

"Take Yuna and go to your room for a while, please."

Min-Jin nodded, scooping up Yuna and speaking softly to the curious little girl as she carried her out.

Once the room was quiet once more, Akira rested his elbows on the table, interlocking his fingers as he stared down at them.

"My father...was killed by demonic humans."

"They belonged to an organization called Nightfall."

Cha-Jong's breath caught.

"Nightfall…?"

"They didn't just take him," Akira continued, his voice darkening.

"They left my mother in a coma, barely clinging to life."

"I was the only one left alive with nothing but rage."

"I wanted revenge, and I didn't care how I got it."

"So, when someone came to me offering a chance—a way to strike back at them—I took it."

His fists were clenched, knuckles white against the table.

"I worked with them for a year."

"Trusted them."

"And they betrayed me...Used me, played me, and when they were done, tried to steal everything my father had built—his wealth, his legacy."

Akira's voice cracked slightly, but his face was unyielding.

"Now, I have nothing...No family...Nothing."

"Just the immense anger and the scars they left behind."

Cha-Jong, who had been sitting rigidly, suddenly leaned forward, his voice firm yet gentle:

"Akira… I can only guess at the pain that you have experienced."

"I am truly very sorry about all that has happened to you."

"But now I understand."

"I see why you fight like you do."

"Why you're so bold, so reckless."

"You're carrying more than any one should have to and at such a young age to."

Akira looked up, his hard expression softening ever so slightly.

"Thanks… old man,"

He said, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Old man?!"

Cha-Jong replied, his voice laced with humor to hide the sentiment in it.

"Who are you calling old, you damn brat?"

Akira chuckled and shook his head, and for a moment, the tension was gone.

Behind the slightly open door, Min-Jin stood with Yuna in her arms, at the sight of the two men.

Now, the dinner table was cleaned, the coziness of the home belied the serious undertone between Cha-Jong and Akira.

In the background, Min-Jin softly hummed a tune as she cleaned up, Yuna playing around, oblivious to the weight of the conversation.

Cha-Jong leaned forward, his forearms resting on the table, an almost thoughtful look on his face.

"Akira,I want to extend an offer to you."

Akira raised an eyebrow

"An offer?"

Cha-Jong nodded.

"Yes."

"My guild could use someone like you-someone with your skills, your raw potential."

Akira leaned back in his chair, an expression of skepticism crossing his face.

 "A guild, huh?"

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

"A GUILD is an organized and powerful group that coordinates dungeon raids, monster hunts, and resource management in the world shaped by STARS. Members gain access to rare items and rewards from dungeon explorations. 

Guilds also hold significant political and economic power, often comparable to that of national leaders or royalty. 

They offer protection, resources, and growth opportunities for their members, especially in a dangerous world of dungeons and monsters "

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

His voice carried a slight edge of disinterest within.

"I'm not really into joining organizations."

"I prefer working alone."

"I get that,"

Cha-Jong replied seriously, his eyes locking with Akira's.

"But listen...the guild I belong to is run by an famous A-Rank STAR."

"It isn't some group-it's an opportunity."

"We organize dungeon raids, hunt monsters, and manage resources in a way no solo hunter ever could."

"And what's in it for me?"

Akira asked, his tone flat.

"I don't see how joining a guild helps me with my current goals."

Cha-Jong hunched forward, his eyes darting with conviction.

"Access to dungeon raids you'd never get alone."

"Incredible items, rare resources."

"You'd have a network, backup, and the chance to grow stronger."

"If you're not interested in working as a full member, I can speak with the guildmaster about you joining on as an outside agent."

"Outside agent?"

Akira echoed, interest piqued.

"You would maintain your independence,"

Cha-Jong explained.

"You would participate in our raids whenever you felt like it and be included in high-tier hunts while still receiving any rewards."

"The guildmaster believes in meritocracy."

"So if you show worth, then you're treated like any other member."

Akira considered for a moment, his fingers drumming lightly on the table.

"That… might work."

Cha-Jong chuckled, a hint of relief in his voice. 

"I'll set up a meeting with the guildmaster."

"She's...discerning, but fair."

"I'll make sure she knows what you're capable of."

Akira smiled wryly.

"Alright."

Two days later

Akira sat on the floor, playing with Yuna

Cha-Jong entered the room 

Cha-Jong:

"Akira, it's time."

"I have arranged the meeting with the guildmaster."

"We have to leave now."

Akira opened his eyes slowly, rose with a stretch, and smiled wryly.

Akira:

"Okay on my way"

The two went outside and, after a while, found their way to the headquarters. A building stood towering above them, sleek and polished, its edges lined with intricate magical sigils in dim, soft light.

The name "Silver Aegis Guild" was emblazoned in shimmering, metallic letters at the top.

Akira's sharp eyes crisscrossed the edifice as he took it in. 

Akira:

"Huge,"

He remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "

"Not bad."

"Looks like they've got a good budget for aesthetics."

Cha-Jong chuckled, gesturing toward the main entrance.

Cha-Jong:

"Come on."

Akira nodded, his smirk still lingering, and followed Cha-Jong into the massive building.

Akira and Cha-Jong sat in a huge, polished office at the guild headquarters.

The room was oppressive, heavy with dark wood, intricate inlays of silver, and the faint hum of magical wards that charged the air.

The walls were adorned with trophies from dungeon raids: rare weapons, crystals that shimmered with a light from within, and fragments of monsters that had been defeated.

Akira waited, his eyes sharp.

Then, the door opened.

She entered.

Sylara Veilheart was overwhelming, her every movement commanding attention. She stood tall and regal, at 5'11", sleek silver hair cascading down her back like liquid moonlight. Her violet eyes shone with a dangerous light, their sharpness cutting through the heavy atmosphere of the room. Her dark robes were intricately embroidered with silver runes that whispered of power and authority. At her side hung a slender, deadly blade-a silent promise of lethal skill.

She came to a stop before them, her eyes locking on Akira with surgical precision.

The weight of her aura was stifling, like the calm before the storm.

"So,"

She said, her voice smooth yet sharp,

"You are the young kid Cha-Jong thinks so highly of."

Her eyes flickered with faint amusement.

"I'll admit, I didn't expect someone so… youthful."

Akira held her gaze, his expression unreadable.

His heart pounded as he felt the sheer pressure radiating from her, far beyond anything he'd ever encountered.

Akira's thoughts:

"This is on another level she is stronger then that women-monster in the double dungeon for sure."

"So the difference between B-Rank and A-rank is this large...make me wonder what an national level star feels like?"

"She's… terrifying. If we fought now, I wouldn't stand a chance."

Cha-Jong, feeling the tension rise, nervously cleared his throat.

"Guildmaster, I know Akira's a bit younger than others, but he is rather...gifted."

"I have watched him fight, and I can say he's definitely above average."

Sylara's violet eyes moved toward Cha-Jong for a moment, before flowing back to Akira.

"Above average, you say?.

"Impressive skills huh...Let me take a look myself."

She moved around Akira in wide circles, her gaze, an unblinking scrutiny that never once faltered. A smirk played upon her lips.

"You're quite handsome, I'll give you that."

"But strength?"

"That remains to be seen but im not feeling anything from you"

Akira's smirk mirrored hers, his dark eyes burning with unyielding determination.

"Then give me someone to show it,"

He said, his voice steady, laced with quiet defiance.

The room fell silent, the air crackling with tension.

Sylara's smirk grew wider, a sparkle of approval dancing in the danger of her gaze.

"Bold...I like that,"

She said, her voice almost teasing.

"But don't mistake boldness for strength, kid."

"Prove to me you're more than just words."

Cha-Jong watched nervously as the two locked eyes, tense energy hanging between them in an almost palpable, knife-edge silence.

"I'll arrange a test," Sylara said finally, stepping back. Once more, her commanding presence filled the room.

"Impress me, Akira Shoto, and you might just earn the place you wanted as an outside agent.

"Disappoint me… and this will be the last time we speak."