Aiden steadied his breathing.

  Then, it lunged.

  He sidestepped, sshing out with his dagger, but the beast twisted unnaturally, avoiding the attack. Its cws raked across his arm, drawing blood.

  Aiden gritted his teeth. "Tch… still not fast enough."

  The beast came again, but this time, Aiden was ready.

  Instead of dodging, he stepped forward. His dagger fshed in the moonlight—straight through the beast’s eye.

  It howled, writhing in pain, before colpsing onto the dirt.

  Aiden exhaled, shaking the blood from his bde.

  "I’ve gotten stronger. But not enough."

  "Not bad."

  Aiden spun around, dagger raised.

  A young man stood a few meters away, arms crossed. He had sharp, golden eyes and a confident smirk, his dark hair tousled from the wind. A sword rested casually on his back.

  "Who the hell are you?" Aiden asked, still tense.

  The man chuckled. "Leon. I work at the estate you're heading toward."

  Aiden's eyes narrowed. "How do you know where I’m going?"

  Leon shrugged. "Not many people come out this far. So, what’s your name, and why are you looking for a house in the middle of nowhere?"

  Aiden hesitated before answering. "Aiden. I’m here to apply as a Protector."

  Leon raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Well, lucky for you, I’m headed back there now. Guess I’ll take you with me."

  Aiden studied him for a moment, then sighed and sheathed his dagger. "Fine. Lead the way."

  The estate was rger than Aiden expected. Isoted, yet elegant, with high walls and a looming iron gate. It wasn’t like the grand paces of noble families in the capital, but it carried an air of quiet power.

  Leon led him through the entrance and into a waiting room.

  "Just sit tight," Leon said. "They’ll call you in soon."

  Aiden nodded and sat down.

  His leg bounced slightly as he waited. His heart pounded in his chest.

  This was it.

  His st chance.

  Would they accept him?

  Or was he about to be thrown out once again?