SWNOVELXO Chapter 52: – The Predator and the Phoenix
The main hall of the Phoenix Guild was packed.
Members from every squad watched in silence as Darius Valtier stepped forward to the center of the gymnasium, his voice echoing with authority.
Darius:"Alright. Now you must introduce yourself officially, Zen.State your name, your skills… and what you bring to this guild."
All eyes turned to him.
Zen Kagetsune.
The mercenary who had nearly killed Ethan Stormbreak. The man once hired to capture Eliara.Now standing there in the Phoenix Guild's black uniform.
Zen took a deep breath, hands casually in his pockets. His dark hair was tied back loosely, facial scars more visible than ever. But the arrogance was gone — only exhaustion remained. And perhaps… a flicker of redemption.
He looked up, his fox-gold eyes sweeping the crowd.
Zen:"My name is Zen Kagetsune… I'm 27 years old.I like gambling, betting, good sake… and whiskey."(he chuckled dryly)"As for my powers? Not sure I've regained them fully.But once… I was known as the Absolute Predator."
Murmurs rippled through the recruits.
Zen (calmly):"That mode boosted my physical stats to extremes.My hearing and sight went beyond human.My speed… made light seem slow.My strength? Insanely destructive.I was the monster with no aura. A devourer of heroes."
Silence.
Darius folded his arms and looked around.
Darius:"Impressive.Then, as leader of the Phoenix Guild… I officially welcome you, Zen Kagetsune."
There were hesitant claps among the guild members.Some smiled. Others kept their arms crossed, still unsure.But everyone — except one — acknowledged the new recruit.
Ethan Stormbreak remained still.His eyes burned with pain — and anger.He didn't clap.He simply looked away.
Zen pretended not to notice.
[Tactical Room – Moments Later]
Ryan, Ryu, and Ethan stood before Darius, now in a more private setting.
Darius:"I know this feels strange. Too fast. Maybe even wrong.But I ask that you give him some space.Sometimes… people really do deserve a second chance."
Ethan stepped forward, his aura barely trembling.
Ethan:"Sensei… what if he betrays us?What if it's all part of a plan?He nearly killed us all — for money.You really believe he's changed?"
Darius looked him dead in the eye.
Darius:"If he tries anything…Kelvin and I will deal with him.Not with words.With power.If needed… I'll end him myself."
Ethan clenched his jaw in frustration.
Ryu broke the tension with a half-smile.
Ryu:"So… it was my dad who suggested bringing Zen in, wasn't it, Uncle Darius?"
Darius rolled his eyes.
Darius:"Told you not to call me 'Uncle' at work."
Ryu (grinning):"My bad… habit, uh… Sensei!"
Ryan had been silent. His gaze was distant, but steady.
Ryan:"I think… he deserves a second chance.When I fought him… my Reversum purified something inside him.A spirit. A curse.And… he regained his aura.It wasn't just a fight.It was a release."
Darius nodded slowly.
Darius:"Exactly.And if anyone understands that… it's Ryu's father.Kelvin saw something in Zen the rest of us didn't:A weapon… that can be aimed at the right target."
Ethan looked up again, conflicted.
Ethan:"Is Eliara alive?"
Darius exhaled. His hands gripped the table.
Darius:"Yes.And according to the intel Zen gave us…The Renegates are using her Singularity to fuel themselves.To unbalance the world."
Ryan clenched his fists.Ryu's expression darkened.Ethan stood still — torn between fury and hope.
Darius:"If things spiral out of control…There will be direct intervention.From me.From Kelvin.Or from Inavy."
"But before that… you need to learn something crucial."
Ryan:"What?"
Darius (grinning):"How to completely conceal your aura."
[🔥 DOORS SWING OPEN]
Heavy, rhythmic footsteps echoed through the Phoenix gym.
A woman entered.
Armored in radiant crimson.Fiery hair tied in a tight military bun.Eyes burning with fierce purpose — like a living phoenix.
Diana Flamesoul.
Diana (cool and commanding):"Time to train.Just like the old days."
Ryan, Ethan, and Ryu swallowed hard.
Darius, arms crossed, smiled with pride.
Darius:"She's gonna make you bleed until you learn to vanish.Because the rescue mission…Will be deep in enemy territory."
📍End of Chapter 52 – The Predator and the Phoenix
"Sometimes, the ones who hunted us… are the ones who end up guarding us.But no fire burns forever — unless it finds something worth protecting."