Another Path Taken [Rebirth, Regression, Isekai, System]

Master

"Wow, that's certainly one hell of an adventure, huh?" Auren said, eyeing the three teenagers in front of him. The red-haired man lounged lazily on the sofa, his crimson eyes scanning them with mild curiosity.

They were inside a modest house nestled in the middle of a quiet green field. It had been generously lent to them while they assisted the local village with its problems. The house was cozy, furnished with warm rugs and a mix of mismatched knickknacks. Still, Erika and Alwyn hadn't gotten the chance to enjoy the comfort; they were quickly kicked out and sent off to complete the mission, while their so-called master stayed behind doing absolutely nothing.

"So," Auren said, "you two somehow stumbled onto an Elite Starfiend and survived. And not only that, you dragged a civilian into the mess. I can't decide whether that deserves a reward or a punishment."

"A reward, obviously!" Erika said with a grin. "We killed it, didn't we? And this idiot's still alive and fine!"

"Hmm... I suppose Lady Luck smiled on you," Auren mused. "From your report, the Starfiend barely qualifies as an Elite since its attack capabilities were limited."

"Elite is elite!" Erika insisted. "We should be getting a bonus for taking that thing down!"

As if to silence any further argument from Auren, she pulled a Runesnap Device from her spatial pouch. It was a circular tool crafted from matte-black obsidian metal, etched with intricate silver inlays. At its center was a slightly convex lens made of enchanted glass that shimmered faintly with a violet tint.

With a tap, the device came to life, projecting a glowing image into the air. The hologram displayed the Elite Starfiend they had hunted down. Its sheer size and presence made it appear intimidating, even in a still image.

"Han's cooperation helped us resolve the situation quickly," Alwyn added.

"Is that so?" Auren said, shifting his gaze to Han. The boy straightened instinctively under the man's scrutiny. Auren didn't move, didn't raise his voice, and yet something about him made Han instinctively cautious. Despite the man's relaxed posture, there was something in the air around him that warned Han to tread carefully.

Still, Han didn't hesitate.

"I'd like to join the Starvanguard, sir."

"Oh?" Auren raised an eyebrow. "And why do you want to join?"

"Because I want to help people!" Han said brightly, his eyes practically sparkling.

Erika scrunched her nose and covered her eyes like the light radiating from the two goody two-shoes was too much to bear.

Auren chuckled. "Well, that's going to be quite difficult."

Han's face fell, caught off guard by Auren's blunt refusal. "B-but why?! I can fight!"

"That you can," Auren nodded. "But fighting is only one part of what the Starvanguard looks for. What matters even more is character. There are plenty of strong people out there, but not all of them have the people's best interests at heart. That just won't do."

He gestured broadly, his voice rising with conviction. "The Starvanguard was formed to be the frontline against the Starfiend. The last hope of mankind."

Han's eyes sparkled even more at those grand words, while Erika made a gagging sound at the dramatics. Alwyn quietly turned away, as if wishing he could vanish from the scene.

"That's why every member must be the best of the best. Someone others can look up to. A symbol," Auren continued. "Tell me, Han. Do you think you can be that person?"

"I can, sir!" Han shouted, giving a firm salute.

"I can see your honesty and drive," Auren said with a small smile. "But I'm afraid my answer is still no."