The guildhall was unusually quiet, the usual bustle of adventurers subdued as the team took some much-needed rest. Mark and Jackson played cards in one corner, Lissy tinkered with her flame gauntlets, and Angel lounged on a couch, flipping through a guild mission catalog.
JC, however, wandered the empty halls alone, his mind preoccupied. His boots echoed softly against the stone floor as he traced the familiar path, hands tucked into his pockets. The weight of their recent dungeon venture—and the arrival of his sister—lingered in his thoughts.
---
As he rounded a corner, a soft voice called out to him.
"Still as brooding as ever, little brother."
JC stopped and turned. Selene stood a few feet away, her violet eyes shimmering in the dim light. Beside her was a tall man with sharp features, dark hair tied back neatly, and a faint scar across his jaw. His presence was calm yet commanding, his sharp gray eyes watching JC carefully. He wore lightweight armor adorned with the sigil of the void.
"Selene. Garren," JC said, his tone neutral.
The man, Selene's assistant and husband, gave a polite nod. "It's been a while, JC. Still wandering halls like a ghost, I see."
JC didn't respond, his eyes shifting to Selene. "What do you want?"
Selene raised an eyebrow. "Straight to the point, as always." She stepped closer, her expression softening. "We need to talk."
---
The Truth Revealed
They led JC into an empty room, where Selene closed the door behind them. The air felt heavy, the conversation already carrying a weight JC wasn't sure he wanted to bear.
"Why did you intervene back there?" JC asked, leaning against the wall.
Selene crossed her arms. "Because you're not ready to reveal yourself yet."
"Reveal myself?" JC's stoic expression faltered for a moment. "What are you talking about?"
Garren stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "JC, you've been hiding your rank. The others think you're an A-rank adventurer, but we know the truth."
Selene nodded. "You're not A-rank. Not even S-rank. You're SSS-rank, one of the highest classifications an elite can reach."
---
JC's jaw tightened, but he remained silent.
"You inherited the full extent of our family's power," Selene continued, her tone serious. "The Logia bloodline has always been exceptional, but you? You're beyond what anyone expected."
Garren added, "Your abilities surpass even mine and Selene's. If you unleashed your true power in that dungeon, the others wouldn't have been able to handle it."
---
JC's Struggle
JC's gaze dropped to the floor, his usually composed demeanor cracking under the weight of their words. "I didn't ask for this."
"No one does," Selene said gently. "But this power is yours, and it comes with responsibility. Hiding it won't change that."
JC looked up, his red eyes burning with suppressed emotion. "You think I don't know that? I've spent my entire life suppressing my abilities because every time I use them, people get hurt."
Garren placed a hand on JC's shoulder. "Then learn to control it. We're not here to reprimand you. We're here to help."
---
A New Purpose
Selene stepped closer, her expression softening. "You're stronger than you realize, JC. But strength without control is chaos. That's why I intervened back there—not to overshadow you, but to remind you of what's at stake. Your team looks up to you. If you lose control, they'll suffer."
JC took a deep breath, the weight of her words settling over him.
"You want me to stop hiding," he said finally.
Selene nodded. "Yes. But not recklessly. When the time comes, you'll know when to reveal your full power. Until then, we'll help you prepare."
---
A Family Bond
For the first time in years, JC allowed himself a small smile. "You're still annoying, you know that?"
Selene chuckled. "It's my job as your older sister."
Garren grinned. "And mine as the brother-in-law who gets to see you squirm."
JC rolled his eyes but felt a flicker of warmth in his chest. Despite the weight of their conversation, he was grateful to have them by his side.
---
As they left the room, JC's mind was clearer. His path was becoming more defined, and though it was fraught with danger, he knew he wouldn't face it alone.
And as he rejoined his team, he carried the knowledge of his true rank with a newfound determination—a quiet resolve to grow stronger, not just for himself, but for the people who believed in him.