The dungeon exit glowed as the surviving hunters stepped out.
Medics rushed forward. Officials began scanning equipment and recording casualty reports. The atmosphere was tense, filled with whispers.
"…Boss monster cleared…"
"…By a student…?"
Xiao Li ignored them. He adjusted his jacket and walked past the crowd quietly. He didn't want attention.
But attention found him anyway.
A tall woman in a black uniform stepped forward.
"Xiao Li, correct?"
He stopped.
She showed her badge.
"Association Investigation Department."
The hunters nearby immediately stepped back. Even seasoned hunters respected investigators. They only appeared when something unusual happened.
"You fought the Skull Weaver alone," she said calmly.
"Not alone," Xiao Li replied. "Others helped."
She watched him carefully. Her eyes were sharp, like she could read lies.
"Still," she said, "your combat performance exceeded recorded E-rank standards."
The system suddenly flashed.
[Warning: External Observation Increasing]
Xiao Li stayed expressionless.
"I just got lucky."
The investigator smiled faintly.
"Luck is also a talent."
Behind her, several people in expensive guild uniforms were already watching him from a distance.
The real game had begun.