---
1. AFTERMATH — WHEN SILENCE SHAKES A NATION
The forest was still burning.
Demons had been slain, the earth torn apart, the sky cracked from overflowing mana.
Even hours after the battle, the entire east side of the national forest remained covered in a strange metallic dust — remnants of the demon's warped energy.
The press swarmed the outskirts like hungry wolves.
Every camera faced one person:
Quinn.
The girl glowing with golden-purple cards orbiting her like constellations.
The girl who had just awakened into one of the rarest classes ever recorded.
> "That girl… who is she?"
"Is she related to the Phantom?"
"She punched back a demon's shockwave!"
"No… she overpowered it!"
Questions thundered like a storm.
But the Phantom didn't give them a chance.
A ripple of distortion spread around him—his Phase ability igniting—and in a single flash of curved light, both he and Quinn vanished.
Only drifting dust remained.
And the world whispered:
> "The Phantom has a sister."
---
2. A SAFEHOUSE OF SHADOWS
The Phase distortion reformed inside an abandoned K.G.H.A safehouse, hidden beneath the city.
Quinn stumbled a little as the spatial shift ended.
"W-Woah… that was so fast," she muttered, bracing herself against the wall.
The Phantom stood silently, his masked face unreadable.
He scanned her from head to toe—checking for harm, instability, mana overload.
Nothing.
She was fine.
Relief slipped through his posture, only for a moment.
"Sit," he said calmly.
Quinn obeyed immediately, taking a seat on the reinforced bench as the orbiting cards slowly dissolved into shimmering particles. She looked shaken but not hurt.
Then her eyes lifted.
"Oppa… did I really almost die?"
The Phantom paused… then nodded once.
Quinn swallowed.
"But then… I awakened. Did you do that?"
"…Yes."
She exhaled deeply, absorbing the weight of it.
"So… I'm like you now?"
"No," the Phantom said.
"You're you. And that is more than enough."
Quinn smiled faintly.
---
3. THE SYSTEM'S GIFT — THE ARCANE CARD SOVEREIGN
A glowing hexagonal interface appeared before Quinn, visible only to the two of them.
---
[ARCANE CARD SOVEREIGN — Special-Type Awakening]
• Grade: Unknown
• Ability 1: Royal Deck Manifestation
Summon and command cards with different abilities (Queen, King, Ace, Joker, Hearts, etc.)
• Ability 2: King's Court (Domain)
Create a battlefield where every drawn card manifests at full power.
• Ability 3: Sovereign Instinct
Enhanced perception & tactical foresight.
She stared, jaw slightly open.
"This is… insane."
"You will learn to control it," the Phantom replied.
"But not now. First—your foundation."
She blinked. "Founda—"
BAM!
A sudden wave of spirit pressure pushed her slightly backward.
Quinn gasped.
The Phantom wasn't releasing killing intent…
He was releasing training presence.
"Stand," he commanded.
---
4. THE FIRST LESSON — CONTROL BEFORE POWER
"Quinn," he said, walking around her slowly, "you awakened into something extremely rare. That means you must learn twice as fast."
She nodded.
"Your abilities are powerful… but your foundation is weak."
She frowned. "Weak? I defeated demon soldiers—"
"No. You reacted to danger. That is different from fighting."
He snapped his fingers.
A jet-black chain emerged from the ground — Chain Control — and wrapped softly around her wrist like a training band.
"This chain will measure your stability," he said.
"Your goal is to keep it from tightening."
Quinn raised a brow. "That sounds easy."
The Phantom waited.
Quinn stepped forward—
WHIP—TIGHTEN—!
The chain constricted.
"Eh?! Why—!?"
"You're walking wrong," the Phantom said bluntly.
She glared. "There's a wrong way to WALK?!"
"You move too lightly. You shift your center of gravity when you panic. Your steps are unbalanced."
"…Oppa, are you calling me clumsy?"
"Yes."
Her jaw dropped.
"Now again. Walk. Slowly. Balanced."
---
5. MOVEMENT TRAINING — SHADOW FOOTWORK
The safehouse seemed to warp as the Phantom activated a faint layer of his E.P.S.T (Enhanced Perception Spatial Technique).
Not dangerous — just training.
Lines appeared on the ground, glowing blue, forming stepping tiles.
"Follow the pattern," he ordered.
Quinn inhaled and moved—
She stepped over the first tile…
…then the second…
…then misaligned on the third—
WHIP—TIGHTEN—!
The chain squeezed her wrist again.
"OW—!"
The Phantom spoke calmly.
"You'll master your domain later. First, your body must respond correctly."
Quinn grit her teeth.
"Again!"
She stepped.
Again!
She missed.
Again!
She corrected.
The chain loosened.
The Phantom nodded once.
---
6. HAND-TO-HAND — THE BASICS OF REAL COMBAT
"Next."
He raised his hand—spirit energy flickering around his arm.
"We spar."
"WHAT?! No way I'm fighting you—!"
"You won't touch me," he said plainly.
"That's the point. Learn movement under pressure."
She swallowed hard.
The Phantom stepped forward.
And vanished.
The air moved—she gasped—instinctive fear—
A finger tapped her forehead.
"You're dead."
"HEY—!!"
"Again."
---
He moved again—this time slower but unpredictable.
Quinn ducked under his arm, rolled, jumped back—her eyes glowing with slight golden energy—
The Queen card flickered behind her head.
A shield manifested.
CLANG—!
She blocked his strike.
The Phantom paused slightly.
"…Good."
Quinn grinned. "I blocked you!"
"For the first time," he corrected.
"Now do it consistently."
---
7. THE SILVER CROSS UNION — A SHADOW PREPARING TO MOVE
Far away…
Inside a skyscraper overlooking the city…
The Silver Cross Union watched the demon attack replayed on dozens of monitors.
Kang Dae-hyun stood with his hands behind his back, unreadable.
Yun-Lee stood beside him, expression colder than usual.
The other elites watched Quinn's awakening with awe and confusion.
But Kang Dae-hyun…
…smiled.
"A Special-Type Awakened," he murmured.
"Korea hasn't seen one in decades."
A vice-captain spoke nervously:
"Captain… what should we do about the Phantom's sister? This changes everything."
Kang Dae-hyun didn't turn around.
He simply lifted a finger.
Yun-Lee stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said:
"Phase Two continues. As planned."
The room fell silent.
A heavy, unreadable silence.
Kang Dae-hyun watched the screen, eyes gleaming.
"We proceed. Slowly. Quietly."
Nothing more was said.
Nothing more was revealed.
The plan remained hidden.
---
8. BACK TO THE SAFEHOUSE — PHANTOM'S FINAL TEST
Hours passed.
Quinn dropped to her knees, panting hard.
"Oppa… you're killing me…"
"You've adapted well," he replied.
"Now… one last exercise."
He snapped his fingers.
The entire room darkened.
A spectral field expanded — a safe illusion he created.
Shapes emerged.
Distorted forms.
Simulated enemies.
Quinn froze.
"Oppa… what is this?"
"A controlled battlefield."
Her heart raced.
"Activate your Domain."
She hesitated.
"But I don't know how—"
"Yes, you do," he said softly.
"You awakened it to survive. Now awaken it to fight."
Her hand trembled.
She reached out.
A card manifested between her fingers — the King.
Mana surged.
The ground beneath her split into golden lines.
The air cracked like glass.
And—
BOOOOOOOM—!!!
[DOMAIN — KING'S COURT]
A golden palace erupted around them.
Banners of cards floated in the air.
Chess-like spirits stood behind her, glowing with arcane light.
Quinn stood in the center, eyes blazing with royal authority.
The Phantom's cloak fluttered as he stared at her new domain.
"…Impressive."
Quinn smirked proudly.
"Now who's weak?"
"For now—maybe you," he replied.
She blinked.
"What—"
The simulated enemies rushed toward her.
Quinn spun—
Her hands glowing—
Cards flying—
The Queen card created protective walls—
The Ace sliced through illusions—
The Knight card summoned a spectral lancer—
And Quinn shouted with determination:
"COME ON!!!"
Her power roared.
The Phantom watched quietly, hands in his pockets.
She wasn't fighting perfectly.
She wasn't fighting efficiently.
But she was fighting bravely.
And learning.
That was enough.
---
9. TRAINING COMPLETE — A NEW FOUNDATION
The domain faded.
The illusions vanished.
Quinn collapsed onto the floor, exhausted but smiling.
"Did… I do good…?"
The Phantom stared at her for a long moment.
Then nodded.
"You did well."
Quinn beamed.
She wasn't a burden anymore.
She wasn't helpless.
She was an Awakened.
And she would only grow stronger.
---
10. THE FINAL SCENE — SHADOWS STIR ACROSS KOREA
Outside the safehouse…
A single raven-shaped drone hovered silently, scanning faint energy traces.
It projected the scanned data to a hidden receiver.
Inside a dark office…
Kang Dae-hyun watched the data scroll across his screen.
Quinn's Domain.
Her card types.
Her mana flow.
Everything.
Yun-Lee broke the silence.
"Should we initiate the next stage, Captain?"
Kang Dae-hyun closed the file.
"No," he said softly.
"Not yet."
He leaned back in his chair.
"Let them grow a little more."
A smile crawled slowly onto his face.
"After all… prey that grows stronger makes the hunt more… exhilarating."
---
Days Later....
The K.G.H.A headquarters towered like a fortress above the city. Its grand spires pierced the morning fog, while streams of sunlight reflected off the gilded edges of its massive glass structure. The building was alive with movement—guilds, exorcists, officials, and the press all buzzing in anticipation.
At the center of this storm of attention sat Park Ji-hoon, captain of the Blue Ravens Guild, quietly navigating through the corridors toward the president's private chamber. Beside him, silent and unreadable, was the Phantom—the figure no one dared to call by his real name, cloaked in shadow, his twin daggers sheathed yet pulsating with a barely restrained aura.
No one outside the Blue Ravens knew that this man had been working alongside Park Ji-hoon in absolute secrecy. Today, that veil of secrecy would begin to fray.
---
1. THE PRESIDENT'S CHAMBER
The doors opened with a low hum, revealing the President of K.G.H.A, Yan Jin-Kah, a man whose presence carried both the weight of authority and a subtle, dangerous calm. Late forties, sharp eyes, and a mind that had calculated countless wars and conflicts, he gestured for them to enter.
"Captain Park," he greeted formally, though his gaze flickered toward the cloaked figure beside him. "It seems I have matters to discuss with… your associate."
Park Ji-hoon nodded, expression composed. "Of course, President. He will speak only when necessary."
The Phantom didn't move, didn't speak. His aura—quiet but immense—was palpable. The president's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the energy around the man.
"Very well," Yan Jin-Kah said, resting his hands on the polished obsidian desk. "I've been observing irregularities… rifts, anomalies in ghost activity, and unusually rapid mission completions across multiple guilds. Blue Ravens has grown stronger, but the source of this recent… acceleration… is not entirely clear. Hence, I requested your presence."
Park Ji-hoon inclined his head. "The Phantom has been handling certain sensitive operations… with precision. I am aware of the irregularities you noted, President, and I can assure you that they are contained and controlled."
The president leaned back, steepling his fingers. "Controlled? I would like to know precisely how these events have occurred. I need specifics—names, abilities, and operational methodology. Especially concerning the exorcist everyone calls 'the Phantom.'"
The Phantom shifted slightly but remained silent. His presence alone was enough to cause the president's aura sensors to prick at attention.
Park Ji-hoon's hand brushed the Phantom's shoulder subtly—a silent signal. The Phantom nodded minutely. He would speak, but selectively.
---
2. A MEASURE OF THE PHANTOM
"President," the Phantom's voice was calm, low, and carried an undercurrent of authority. "I act where intervention is necessary. My methods are not always visible to others. However, the results are measurable. Ghosts neutralized, rifts sealed, civilians protected, and rogue factions contained."
Yan Jin-Kah's eyes glimmered. "And you do this… alone?"
"Not entirely," he replied. "I coordinate with Captain Park when needed. Others are informed only on a need-to-know basis."
The president's fingers tapped the desk rhythmically. "You are… efficient. Too efficient for a single operative. My records indicate multiple S-rank ghost eliminations in a short period—faster than standard guild response. You've exceeded what I would consider possible for someone unregistered."
The Phantom remained stoic. "My capabilities are sufficient. I have mastered multiple techniques for mobility, containment, and combat efficiency. If that exceeds your expectations, so be it."
Park Ji-hoon's gaze flickered toward him, and the Phantom's expression softened just barely—a slight acknowledgment of trust between master and captain.
---
3. SILVER CROSS UNION — WATCHING IN SHADOWS
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the city, Kang Dae-hyun observed the K.G.H.A HQ from a distance. His posture was relaxed, hands folded behind his back, but the subtle aura around him made the air vibrate with unseen force. Beside him, Yun-Lee stood motionless, his sharp eyes tracking every movement, every exorcist, every official entering the tower.
"Do you think the Phantom will show his full capabilities?" Yun-Lee asked, voice calm, almost cold.
Kang Dae-hyun chuckled softly, a sound that carried weight and amusement. "If he does… the world will notice. But he doesn't know the full plan yet. And we'll let him operate exactly as we allow him. For now, observation is key."
Yun-Lee nodded, expression unreadable. "Understood. Phase One is complete. Phase Two will commence soon. We only wait for the right moment."
No one watching would have guessed how deeply the web of strategy spread across Korea. The Silver Cross Union's intentions remained a shadow—even their most trusted allies were unaware.
---
4. THE FIRST TEST — IN THE GATHERING
Back inside the chamber, Yan Jin-Kah leaned forward. "I need to see your capabilities firsthand. Not for punishment… for assurance. Your operational success is remarkable, yet some guilds have raised concerns. If you are as capable as they claim, I want to witness it. A demonstration."
The Phantom tilted his head slightly. "A demonstration?"
"Yes," the president said. "I will not underestimate a force such as yours again. Show me your efficiency."
Park Ji-hoon exhaled slowly. "It is… unusual to request that, President. But understood."
The Phantom's aura flared subtly—just enough to be felt, a silent warning.
He stood. Each step carried weight. Dark flames and spirit energy coiled faintly around him, though controlled and restrained.
A panel on the wall flickered, opening to a controlled arena within K.G.H.A's HQ—spatially contained, warded against collateral damage.
The Phantom stepped inside. Ghosts, of varied ranks—B to A—appeared, summoned by the chamber itself.
---
5. THE PHANTOM IN ACTION
The Phantom moved.
His steps were almost invisible.
Twin daggers flashed as he engaged the first wave, combining Spirit Enhancement with Dark Fire Manipulation. Each strike immolated ghosts instantly, but they exploded into fragments of spirit energy—harmlessly contained.
He teleported rapidly—his Teleportation Rift skill allowing him to appear behind attackers, strike, and phase out before counterattacks could land.
Beak Eun-ji, observing from the gallery, gasped. "I've seen skilled exorcists… but nothing like this."
Two S-rank ghosts surged from opposite sides.
The Phantom raised his hands. Chains of ethereal energy erupted from his position, snaking around the attackers and constricting. One ghost roared—absorbing energy from the other to break free—but the Phantom had anticipated this. He activated E.P.S.T—Enhanced Perception Spatial Technique—reading the combined attack and redirecting it into a rift in the chamber.
Boom.
The rift collapsed, sucking the ghosts into a contained void.
"Unbelievable," Beak Eun-ji whispered, her bow at the ready. "How can one man control that much… spirit energy… and maintain mobility?"
The Phantom's aura flared, but subtly, as if taunting the limits of the spectators. He didn't need to use full Demon Rise power here; his base skills were already enough to awe.
---
6. SHOWING STRATEGY AND TACTICS
The S-rank ghosts coordinated, attempting to flank him.
He responded not with raw strength but with strategy:
Chain Control to bind multiple ghosts simultaneously
Phase Skill to let attacks pass harmlessly through his position
Teleportation Rift to redirect their charges
Dark Fire to corral them toward pre-set traps in the chamber
Every move was fluid. Every reaction precise.
The ghosts fell one after another—sometimes exploding in controlled bursts, sometimes crushed by chains.
The room was silent, save for the faint roar of spirit energy and the exhalations of awe from spectators.
Even Park Ji-hoon, calm as ever, allowed a slight nod of respect.
---
7. PRESSURE AND AURA CLASH
Yan Jin-Kah leaned forward. His fingers drummed the table. "I expected skill. I did not expect this."
Beak Eun-ji watched, jaw tight. "He's… unbelievable."
Outside, the faintest shimmer of aura could be sensed—a ripple across the K.G.H.A HQ. The Silver Cross Union noticed, though they could not discern details. Kang Dae-hyun's lips curved in a small smile. "Phase Two," he murmured.
Meanwhile, spectators in the gallery saw chains, teleportation, ghost fragments, and spirit flames all moving in perfect harmony. Every step the Phantom took was calculated, every breath synchronized with attacks and defenses.
The final ghost—a massive, A+ rank—charged at him with an energy blade.
The Phantom countered with time zone manipulation, slowing the ghost's perception of time, then stepped into Phase, appearing behind it in a blur, striking with a dagger infused with Dark Fire.
The ghost shattered, screaming silently as fragments dispersed into harmless energy.
A hush fell across the room.
Beak Eun-ji exhaled. "I… I need to see this again."
---
8. AFTERMATH OF THE DEMONSTRATION
The Phantom sheathed his daggers. Chains dissolved. Spirit energy calmed.
The chamber returned to neutrality.
Yan Jin-Kah leaned back, fingers steepled. His eyes were sharp, calculating. "You… are extraordinary."
Park Ji-hoon inclined his head. "I told you, President. He is beyond standard classification."
Beak Eun-ji looked at him, awe and curiosity shining in her eyes. "You… are far stronger than anyone I've ever met… Phantom."
The Phantom's only reply was a slight nod. His presence alone reminded everyone that the rumors were not exaggeration.
Outside, unseen by anyone, the Silver Cross Union continued their observation. Their next move remained a secret, their intentions cloaked. But Kang Dae-hyun and Yun-Lee shared a glance, a silent acknowledgment that the game was far from over.
And somewhere in the shadows of Korea, the Phantom continued to move unseen, untouchable, yet watched.
---
END OF CHAPTER
---