—A clear, composed voice rang out from the doorway.

Everyone turned toward the entrance. Standing outside was a young man in a sharp black uniform, the emblem of the Apex Guild shinning on his chest. He held a digital scroll in one hand and a calm yet authoritative expression on his face.

"I am Junior Captain Varian from Apex Guild," he said, stepping in. "I've come to collect Raizel Ashblade and his family under our protection.."

"Un.. Raizel Ashblade… and Apex Guild?"

Alice and Zen looked stunned upon hearing the announcement.

"Yes. I'm from the Apex Guild," the man said calmly as he stepped inside. "What's the matter, officers? Are you trying to bully one of our new members? If so, I must remind you—according to the agreement between the Guild and city law enforcement, our members are under our protection until a full investigation is carried out."

Varian spoke sharply, his presence commanding and intimidating.

Raizel observed silently, realizing this man wasn't any weaker than the duo before him—perhaps even slightly stronger.

Varian didn't seem particularly interested in the drama, but he clearly understood his duties well.

"Since when did he become a member of Apex Guild?" Zen asked, looking dumbfounded.

Varian smiled slightly.

"If you're that curious, I'll tell you. He's a new member of Apex Guild who achieved a combat score of 195—placing fourth among the rookies in the present batch."

He let the words sink in before continuing.

"Officers, do you understand how things work now? Go and come back with a proper investigation order addressed to the Guild officials. Only then will we consider cooperating. Though…"

He smirked.

"I'm not sure even your superiors have that kind of authority."

Zen and Alice were shocked by news. A Combat Power of near 200, they knew what that meant. Raizel was a prodigy. Naturally it would be really tough to take him into custody.

Alice's eyes twitched slightly. "Tch. Apex Guild... Why do they have to move so fast."

"Looks like they value a criminal so much that they send a Captain to his aid.

Zen narrowed his eyes. "But still that guild always thinks they can bend the law, hmph."

Varian ignored their hostility and walked straight up to Raizel. "Junior, you're safe for now, but we need to move quickly."

Raizel stared at him for a beat, then nodded slowly. "Got it, Captain."

"Hmph, don't be so relieved, Raizel. You don't know with whom you have messed with. Remember, we will be back," Alice said, clearly infuriated as she stormed out of the house.

Zen followed too, finding no other choice.

With their departure, Raizel's family finally looked relieved.

"Thank you for helping my son, sir. We'll always be grateful," Robert and Marianne said sincerely to Varian.

Varian shrugged.

"There's no need for such formality, Mr. and Mrs. Ashblade. I was simply doing my job. Now, please finish packing your belongings so I can send you to your new home—and free myself from this task."

"Oh, yes, yes. Just give us a few more minutes. We're almost done with the preparations," Marianne replied as she hurried off to gather the last of their things.

Within fifteen minutes, the Ashblade family gathered their final belongings into reinforced storage capsules provided by Varian. These compact devices shrunk their bags and essentials into lightweight orbs, each no larger than a fist. Ruby marveled at the technology, while Raizel helped his mother fasten the final capsule to her travel belt.

"Ready?" Varian asked, activating a small wrist device.

A shimmering blue portal opened at the center of their modest living room, swirling gently like liquid glass. The edges glowed faintly, humming with stabilized mana.

"Whoa…" Ruby exclaimed in awe.

Raizel and his parents were no less stunned. They watched portals for first time after all.

"Raizel, Step through quickly," Varian instructed. "This leads to Sector Twelve, just outside the Apex Guild Headquarters. It's a private residential zone reserved for members with family clearance."

Without hesitation, Raizel took the first step, his boots vanishing into the light. His parents and Ruby followed, gripping each other's hands nervously but trusting him completely.

Whoosh!

They emerged into a cool, sunlit courtyard paved with silver-gray stones and ringed by vibrant blue flora. Birds with shimmering feathers chirped in nearby trees, and elegant, vine-covered arches stretched over cobblestone paths leading to several pristine buildings.

Directly in front of them stood a villa—two stories high, modern yet subtly magical. Light runes glowed faintly along the edges of its tiled roof. A clear crystal panel hung above the door, displaying "Ashblade Residence" in glowing white letters.

Varian stepped forward and gestured toward the building.

"Raizel, this villa is now yours," he said. "It's part of the Apex Guild's residential estate for family members of recruits or core members. Protected by barrier wards, monitored around the clock, and connected directly to the Guild's emergency portal system."

Raizel's mother gasped, looking at the tranquil garden and the polished walls. "Isn't this is too much?"

Varian raised a brow. "It's standard, Ma'am. We value our members and their safety. Especially when certain… external forces show a keen interest."

Robert let out a low sigh. "Back in the day, the only housing support we got from employers was late rent payments."

Varian almost cracked a smile hearing that. "Well, Guild life has its perks. But their duties are more important."

They stepped into the villa, greeted by the rich interior.

The interior was spacious with an open living room with sunlit windows, soft couches that adjusted to body temperature, and walls that shifted colors slightly based on emotion and lighting preference. A kitchen area was lined with enchanted appliances that could be operated with both voice and manual commands.

Ruby dashed from room to room. "Wow... There's a study! And a training space! And my own room!" she squealed in delight, her earlier worries temporarily forgotten.

Raizel looked around, taking in the atmosphere of this new home. This home was extremely secured.

For the first time in days, his shoulders relaxed slightly.

Varian added suddenly,

"The villa is set up to recognize you all as primary residents. So only you four can open the main door to travel outside. But only Raizel can use the teleport node installed on the Second floor.

No one else but him can enter unless they're authorized through Guild channels."

Robert nodded. "We understand. And thank you for everything, Captain Varian."

"It's 'Junior' Captain," he corrected. "Anyway... let's meet again."

Varian turned to Raizel. "Rest up for today, Junior. But remember—you need to check in tomorrow at the Guild soon to meet your teammates and your Captain. So make a schedule that balances Supreme Game and real life. I know it's going to be tough, but if you want to enjoy this luxury and these privileges, you'll have to earn it. Nothing here is free... understand?"

Raizel nodded seriously.

"Understood."

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