The next morning, sunlight crept through the cracked blinds, painting our battered apartment in gold. It was the first time in years I'd woken up without a knot of anxiety in my gut. Lila was already up, humming as she scrolled through apartment listings on her tablet. Eli snored on the couch, one arm flung over his face, the other clutching a half-eaten bag of chips.
I checked my phone. No missed calls, but my email was full—guilds, sponsors, even a message from the Hunter Association reminding me to attend orientation next week. But one reply stood out: Gilded Path.
I nudged Eli with my foot. "Wake up, man. Big day."
He groaned, rolling over. "If it's not breakfast in bed, I'm going back to sleep."
Lila shot me a look over her mug. "Ignore him. Did they answer?"
I nodded, heart pounding. "Yeah. Gilded Path replied. I'm going to read it out loud."
Eli sat up, suddenly alert. "Let's hear it, boss."
I opened the message, my siblings leaning in.
"Dear Abel,
Thank you for your interest in Gilded Path. We are thrilled to consider a candidate of your caliber.
Regarding your request: While our standard earnings share is 30%, we are willing to negotiate to 22% for a Hunter ranked in the top 600 with a unique sponsor. This is the best offer we can extend at this time.
Please note our standard contract terms:
• Minimum participation: 2 Tower expeditions per month (team runs only; solo runs are not permitted for new recruits).
• You may request additional runs or join other teams as available.
• All loot and earnings are split according to contract; you keep 78% of Tower rewards, Gilded Path receives 22%.
• Guild provides logistical support, basic equipment, and access to our vault for loaner gear.
• Housing is not included, but relocation assistance is available.
• Code of conduct and safety protocols must be followed at all times.
If these terms are acceptable, reply to confirm and we will send the full contract and onboarding instructions.
Sincerely, Gilded Path Recruitment Team"
I finished reading and looked up. Eli was already crunching numbers on his fingers. "So that's… $25,000 a month, and you keep almost four-fifths of your loot? Dude, that's insane."
Lila frowned thoughtfully. "But you have to go in with a team. No solo runs. And at least two Tower expeditions a month. Is that a lot?"
I shrugged. "It's not bad. Some guilds make you go every week. And team runs are safer, especially at the start."
Eli grinned, jabbing me with his elbow. "Plus, you get to make friends. Or rivals. Or frenemies. Do Hunters have frenemies?"
I laughed. "Probably. The Tower's big enough for all kinds."
Lila scrolled through the other offers one more time. "Vanguard's still offering a lower cut, but the base pay is less. And they didn't say anything about solo runs or how often you have to go in."
I nodded. "I'll ask. But Gilded Path's offer is the highest, and they actually negotiated. That's a good sign."
Eli stretched, yawning. "So what's next? We find a new place, or do we wait for the first paycheck?"
I grinned. "Let's look at apartments today. We can rent something better right away. Once the contract's signed, we're set."
Lila's eyes sparkled. "I want a real kitchen. And a bathroom that doesn't leak."
Eli raised his hand. "And a window that opens. And a room big enough for a bed. And maybe a pet. Can we get a pet?"
Lila rolled her eyes. "Let's get furniture first, animal boy."
I opened a new message to Gilded Path, fingers flying.
"Thank you for your quick reply and for improving the offer. The 22% earnings share is acceptable.
Before I confirm, could you clarify a few things?
1. Are there any restrictions on which teams I can join, or can I request to run with specific Hunters?
2. Are solo Tower runs ever permitted for higher-ranked members?
3. What are the main rules or code of conduct I should know about?
4. How soon after signing can I start my first expedition?
Looking forward to your response.
Abel"
I hit send and turned to my siblings. "I'll let you know what they say. In the meantime, let's find somewhere with actual walls."
We spent the morning touring virtual listings. Lila was all business, comparing prices and neighborhoods. Eli kept picking places with rooftop pools and game rooms. I just wanted somewhere safe, somewhere we could breathe.
By noon, my phone buzzed again. Gilded Path had replied.
"Abel,
Thank you for your questions.
1. New recruits are assigned to teams based on compatibility and schedule, but after your first month, you may request specific teammates or propose your own team for approval.
2. Solo runs are permitted for senior members (after six months and completion of at least ten team expeditions). Until then, all Tower entries must be with a guild team.
3. Code of conduct highlights:
• No theft or sabotage of teammates.
• Follow all safety protocols and report injuries.
• Represent the guild with integrity in and out of the Tower.
• No unauthorized dealings with Tower entities or sponsors outside your contract.
4. You may begin expeditions as soon as onboarding is complete—usually within three days of contract signing.
Please reply to confirm acceptance, and we will send the contract and schedule your orientation.
Welcome to Gilded Path.
Recruitment Team"
I read it out loud. Eli nodded approvingly. "Sounds fair. And you can go solo eventually, if you want."
Lila tapped her chin. "I like that they have rules about safety. And no stealing from teammates. That's important."
I grinned. "Yeah. And I can pick my own team after the first month. Maybe I'll drag you two in when you're old enough."
Eli's eyes lit up. "Heck yeah! Team Abel, Eli, and Lila. We'll be unstoppable."
Lila laughed. "Let's survive high school first, superhero."
We spent the afternoon packing what little we had and arguing over which apartment to rent. Lila found a place with two bedrooms and a kitchen that didn't look like a crime scene. Eli insisted on a balcony for "fresh air and epic views." I just wanted a door that locked and a shower that worked.
By evening, we'd signed a lease and started hauling boxes down the stairs. Our new place was only a few blocks away, but it felt like another world—clean halls, working lights, neighbors who didn't glare at us in the stairwell.
We celebrated with takeout pizza on the floor of our empty living room, the city lights twinkling through the window.
Eli lay back, arms behind his head. "So, Abel, when do you start?"
I checked my phone. "Orientation in two days. First Tower run by the end of the week."
Lila leaned against my shoulder. "You nervous?"
I hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. But I'm ready."
Eli grinned. "You better be. We're counting on you to get us a big-screen TV."
Lila rolled her eyes. "And maybe a bookshelf. For real books."
I smiled, soaking in the warmth of their voices, the comfort of family. For the first time, the future felt like something I could reach out and grab.
After dinner, I sent my final reply to Gilded Path.
"Thank you for the detailed answers. I accept your offer and look forward to joining the guild.
Please send the contract and orientation details.
Abel"
As the city settled into night, I lay awake, tracing the sword tattoo on my arm, feeling the vines on my back. The Mind Tyrant's power hummed beneath my skin, a reminder of the price I'd paid—and the future I'd claimed.
Whatever came next, I wasn't alone. I had my family, a new home, and a path forward.
And for the first time, I believed we might actually make it.