Chapter 1: The Beginning of a Hunter

Twenty years ago, the world changed forever.

Dungeons began appearing across the globe, unleashing monsters that humanity had never seen before. Cities fell, countless lives were lost, and ordinary weapons proved insufficient against the growing threat.

Humanity had entered an era for which it was completely unprepared.

As the world descended into chaos, something unexpected happened. People began awakening extraordinary abilities. Some gained superhuman strength, others acquired control over elements, and a rare few developed powers that defied common understanding.

These people became known as Hunters.

For the first time, humanity possessed the power to fight back.

Survivors gathered behind fortified walls, governments reorganized their forces, and the first Hunter Associations were established. Gradually, Hunters began reclaiming the territories lost to monsters. Powerful individuals formed guilds, turning Dungeon exploration into an organized profession.

Yet the appearance of Hunters did not bring an end to humanity's suffering.

Another phenomenon had begun spreading across the world.

They were called Rifts.

Unlike Dungeons, which contained monsters within confined spaces that Hunters could explore and clear, Rifts connected Earth to unknown realms. Their appearances were unpredictable, and the dangers emerging from them were often far more difficult to control.

Some Rifts remained dormant for years before displaying any unusual activity. Others became the sites of devastating incidents that required entire Hunter teams to contain.

No one knew why they appeared.

No one knew what existed beyond them.

And despite twenty years of research, humanity had barely begun to understand their true nature.

Twenty years had passed since the first catastrophe.

Cities had been rebuilt, societies had adapted, and humanity had learned to coexist with a world filled with supernatural threats. Hunter rankings became a measure of strength, while guilds competed for resources, influence, and access to valuable Dungeons.

For many people, becoming a Hunter was the fastest path to wealth and recognition.

For others, it was simply a means of survival.

In this new world, power could determine almost everything.

And somewhere within this vast world lived an ordinary boy whose future was about to be decided.

His name was Kang Seo-jun.

Seoul, South Korea.

Morning sunlight spread across the city, illuminating towering skyscrapers, crowded streets, and enormous digital advertisements displaying the faces of famous Hunters.

A giant screen mounted above a busy intersection showed footage of a recently cleared Dungeon.

Several Hunters stood before the camera, their armor covered in scratches and their expressions filled with confidence.

"According to the Hunter Association, the Dungeon was successfully cleared yesterday evening. The operation was led by an A-rank Hunter from the renowned White Fang Guild..."

People passing beneath the screen barely paid attention. Such reports had become an ordinary part of daily life.

Some watched them with admiration. Others continued toward work, school, or their usual destinations.

For most citizens, the existence of monsters was a constant concern rather than a reason to stop living.

Far from the glittering commercial districts stood an older residential neighborhood.

The buildings there were shorter, the roads narrower, and the walls of many apartments had faded with age. Small shops occupied the ground floors, while laundry hung from balconies overlooking streets crowded with parked motorcycles and delivery scooters.

It was not a particularly dangerous neighborhood, but it was certainly not a wealthy one.

In one of its aging apartment buildings, the Kang family was beginning another ordinary morning.

Their apartment was small, with two bedrooms, a narrow kitchen, and a living room that served several purposes depending on the time of day. The furniture was old but well maintained, and almost everything inside had been purchased with careful consideration of its price.

The family had learned to live within their means.

Their father, Kang Mu-jin, was a C-rank Hunter who worked in Rift cleanup.

Unlike the Hunters who appeared on television, he rarely received recognition for his work. His job involved dealing with the aftermath of dangerous operations, helping clear affected areas, and handling the remains of battles after the frontline teams had finished.

It was exhausting work, and the risks were considerable.

His earnings were enough to support the family, but not enough to provide them with the comfortable life many people associated with Hunters.

His wife, Han Mi-yeon, managed the household and made sure their limited income covered the essentials.

Their daughter, Kang Ha-eun, was fifteen and still attending school.

And their son, Kang Seo-jun, was eighteen.

Today was an important day for him.

It was the day of his awakening ceremony.

"Seo-jun! If you don't get up now, you're going to be late!"

His mother's voice came from the kitchen.

A moment later, the bedroom door opened, revealing a young man with slightly messy black hair and sleepy eyes.

"I'm awake, Mom."

"You've been saying that for the last ten minutes."

Seo-jun glanced at the clock.

He immediately straightened.

"Wait. It's already seven?"

"Now you believe me?"

He hurried back into the room to change, earning a quiet sigh from his mother.

At the dining table, Ha-eun was already eating breakfast. She watched her brother emerge from the bedroom and grinned.

"Wow. The future Hunter has finally decided to join us."

Seo-jun pulled out a chair.

"Keep talking. I'll remember this when I become an S-rank Hunter."

"An S-rank Hunter?" Ha-eun repeated, trying not to laugh. "You should worry about waking up on time before dreaming about becoming one."

"That's called confidence."

"No, that's called sleeping too much."

Seo-jun reached for a piece of toast.

Their mother placed a bowl of soup on the table before sitting down.

"Both of you, eat properly. Seo-jun, you shouldn't go to the ceremony on an empty stomach."

"I'm eating, Mom."

"And don't rush. There's still time."

He nodded and began eating more quickly anyway.

For a few moments, the apartment was filled with the familiar sounds of breakfast: the clinking of spoons, the quiet hum of the television, and Ha-eun occasionally making another comment just to annoy her brother.

It was an ordinary morning.

But Seo-jun knew it would not remain ordinary for long.

His gaze drifted toward the television.

A news report was discussing the latest Hunter rankings, showing footage of a famous S-rank Hunter effortlessly destroying a monster during a Dungeon raid.

The reporter spoke enthusiastically about the Hunter's accomplishments, estimated earnings, and growing popularity.

Seo-jun watched until the footage ended.

"Still thinking about becoming a Hunter?" his father asked.

Kang Mu-jin sat at the opposite end of the table. He had already put on his work clothes, and a small bag rested beside his chair.

Seo-jun nodded.

"Of course. Today decides what I can do with my future."

"Not entirely," Mu-jin replied.

Seo-jun looked at him.

His father continued, "Your awakening will tell you what ability you possess and give you an idea of your potential. But it won't decide every choice you make afterward."

"That's easy to say when you're already a Hunter."

Mu-jin gave a short laugh.

"Is that so? Then perhaps you should try spending a week doing my job."

"I'll pass."

Ha-eun snickered.

Mu-jin shook his head, smiling faintly before his expression grew more serious.

"Listen, Seo-jun. I know you want to improve our situation. I know you've seen how difficult things can be for this family."

Seo-jun lowered his eyes toward the table.

"But don't let that pressure force you into doing something reckless. No ability is worth throwing your life away over."

For a moment, Seo-jun said nothing.

He understood why his father was saying this.

Mu-jin had not always worked in Rift cleanup. Years ago, he had been involved in a dangerous Rift incident while trying to save a fellow Hunter. He had survived, but the accident had left him with lasting injuries and changed the course of his career.

His teleportation ability was useful, but his limited mana restricted how often he could use it. Despite being a C-rank Hunter, he had never been able to turn his ability into the kind of power that transformed a person's life.

Seo-jun had grown up watching his father work through exhaustion and pain without complaining.

He knew what that life demanded.

And he did not want his family to struggle forever.

"I understand," Seo-jun finally said.

Mu-jin studied him for a moment before nodding.

"Good. Then go to the ceremony, do your best, and come home safely."

Ha-eun raised her hand.

"And if you become famous, buy me a new phone!"

Seo-jun turned toward her.

"That's your first request?"

"Obviously. Why would I waste my chance?"

"Fine. I'll buy you the cheapest one I can find."

"Mom! He's bullying me!"

Their mother laughed softly as Seo-jun protested that he was merely being practical.

For a brief moment, the concerns of the outside world seemed distant.

Then Seo-jun glanced at the clock again.

His expression changed.

"I'm going to be late!"

He grabbed his bag, shoved his feet into his shoes, and hurried toward the door.

"Don't forget your identification card!" his mother called.

He stopped, turned around, and rushed back to retrieve it.

Ha-eun burst into laughter.

"Future S-rank Hunter, everyone!"

"Just wait until I come back!"

Seo-jun waved as he finally left the apartment.

The door closed behind him.

The streets were already crowded by the time Seo-jun reached the main road.

Students in uniforms walked alongside office workers, while delivery vehicles moved through the traffic. Above the intersection, another advertisement displayed the recruitment notice of a major Hunter guild.

AWAKEN TODAY. BUILD YOUR FUTURE.

Below the slogan were images of Hunters wearing expensive equipment, each carrying the confident expression of someone who had already found their place in the world.

Seo-jun looked at the advertisement for a moment before continuing.

He had seen similar images countless times.

Since childhood, he had heard stories about Hunters who had risen from ordinary backgrounds to become wealthy and influential. Some had discovered rare abilities, while others had developed seemingly unimpressive powers into something extraordinary.

But those stories were exceptions.

Most people never reached the top.

Even among Hunters, the difference between ranks could be enormous.

At eighteen, people underwent an awakening assessment that revealed their abilities and assigned an initial rank based on their potential and demonstrated capabilities.

The ranks ran from F to S.

F-rank Hunters occupied the lowest tier. Their abilities were generally considered weak or limited, and many struggled to find opportunities with reputable guilds.

E-rank and D-rank Hunters formed the lower end of the profession, while C-rank Hunters could often secure relatively stable work.

B-rank and A-rank Hunters were increasingly valuable assets, sought after by established guilds and organizations.

S-rank Hunters stood at the pinnacle of the system.

Their numbers were few, their abilities extraordinary, and their influence often extended far beyond the battlefield.

Seo-jun knew all of this.

He also knew that he could not choose his ability.

All he could do was wait for the ceremony and hope for a result that would give him a chance to improve his family's circumstances.

He tightened his grip on the strap of his bag and walked faster.

Today, there would be no more wondering.

Today, he would find out.

The awakening center stood in a large public complex near one of Seoul's administrative districts.

By the time Seo-jun arrived, hundreds of young people had gathered outside the building. Some stood with their parents, while others chatted excitedly with friends. A few looked nervous enough to be sick.

Large digital boards displayed registration instructions and candidate numbers.

Security personnel directed people toward the entrance, where staff members checked identification cards before allowing candidates inside.

Seo-jun joined the registration line.

A young man standing ahead of him was talking loudly to his friend.

"My father says there's a chance I could awaken a combat ability. If I get something decent, I'm going to apply to one of the major guilds immediately."

His friend laughed.

"First, you need to awaken. You're already planning your career?"

"Why not? This is the most important day of our lives."

Seo-jun listened without joining the conversation.

He wasn't particularly interested in boasting about possibilities. He had spent enough time imagining different outcomes to know that none of them would become real until the ceremony was over.

When his turn arrived, he presented his identification card.

The staff member checked his details.

"Kang Seo-jun. Eighteen years old. Candidate number 247."

She handed him a small registration slip.

"Proceed to Hall Three. Follow the instructions of the assessment staff, and do not touch the Rune of Memories until instructed."

Seo-jun accepted the slip.

"Thank you."

He passed through the entrance and followed the signs toward the assessment hall.

The deeper he walked into the building, the quieter the surroundings became. The excited conversations outside faded behind him, replaced by the occasional announcement over the public-address system.

Finally, he reached Hall Three.

The room was enormous.

Rows of seats surrounded a broad central platform, and several assessment stations had been arranged along one side. Above the platform hung a large display showing candidate numbers and their assessment results.

At the center stood a tall stone structure.

The Rune of Memories.

Its surface was covered in intricate patterns, each line carved with symbols that seemed older than the building surrounding it. Faint light moved through some of the grooves, giving the stone an appearance that was both ancient and strangely alive.

Seo-jun had seen pictures of it before.

Seeing it in person was different.

The Rune of Memories was used throughout the awakening process to reveal an individual's ability and potential. Despite the name, it was a standardized assessment tool rather than a guarantee of what a person could eventually achieve.

The same rune had been used for generations of candidates.

And today, it would be used for him.

"Candidates, please take your assigned seats."

Seo-jun found his place and sat down.

A few minutes later, a middle-aged assessor stepped onto the platform.

"Welcome to the awakening ceremony. Today, each of you will undergo an assessment using the Rune of Memories. Follow the instructions carefully. Once your name is called, approach the platform and place a drop of blood on the designated point."

The assessor paused, allowing the room to settle.

"Your ability and initial rank will be displayed after the assessment. Remember that your rank represents your current potential as evaluated by the system. It does not determine every achievement you may accomplish in the future."

He gestured toward the rune.

"Let us begin."

The first candidate was called.

A young woman approached the platform, received a small sterile lancet from an assistant, and carefully placed a drop of blood on the designated surface.

The rune glowed.

Symbols appeared on the display.

ABILITY: WATER MANIPULATION

RANK: C

A wave of excitement passed through the hall.

The woman covered her mouth in surprise before bowing to the assessors. Her parents, seated nearby, exchanged relieved smiles.

The next candidate stepped forward.

Then another.

Some received combat abilities. Others awakened abilities suited to support, defense, crafting, or exploration.

A handful received F-rank results.

Each time, the reactions differed.

Some candidates looked disappointed. Others accepted their results quietly. A few smiled despite their low ranks, determined to make the best of what they had received.

The ceremony continued.

Seo-jun watched every assessment, trying to control the nervousness growing inside him.

He wasn't expecting to become an S-rank Hunter overnight.

He simply wanted an ability that could give him a real opportunity.

Something useful.

Something that would allow him to earn enough money to help his parents and give Ha-eun a better future.

"Kang Seo-jun. Candidate number 247."

His heart skipped a beat.

For a moment, the noise of the hall seemed to fade.

He stood, straightened his clothes, and walked toward the platform.

Hundreds of eyes seemed to follow him, although he knew most people would forget his face within minutes.

The assessor looked at his registration slip.

"Place your hand here."

Seo-jun followed the instruction.

An assistant presented the lancet. He pricked his fingertip and let a single drop of blood fall onto the designated point.

The rune remained still for a fraction of a second.

Then its carved lines began to glow.

A pale light spread across the stone, passing through the intricate symbols before gathering near its center.

Seo-jun watched without breathing.

The display flickered.

A line of text appeared.

ABILITY AWAKENED: ARCANE SENSE

Below it, another line formed.

RANK: F

The light faded.

For a moment, nobody said anything.

Then the assessor glanced at the result and announced, "Kang Seo-jun. Ability: Arcane Sense. Initial rank: F."

The words seemed strangely distant.

F-rank.

The lowest rank.

Seo-jun stared at the display.

He had known it was possible. He had watched other candidates receive the same result only minutes earlier.

Yet knowing something could happen was different from hearing it announced beside his own name.

"Please step aside for the next candidate," the assessor instructed.

Seo-jun nodded automatically and left the platform.

He returned to his seat, lowering himself into it without looking at anyone.

Arcane Sense.

He repeated the name in his mind.

He didn't know exactly what the ability could do, not a detailed explanation of its functions or limitations.

But one thing was clear: the ceremony had not given him the powerful awakening he had hoped for.

Around him, the assessments continued.

Another candidate received a B-rank ability. Excited conversations broke out among the nearby seats. Somewhere across the hall, a family celebrated a result that promised their child a bright future.

Seo-jun remained silent.

He thought about his father's exhausted face, his mother's careful budgeting, and Ha-eun's request for a new phone.

He had wanted to change their lives.

Now he wasn't even sure where to begin.

The ceremony eventually ended, and candidates were directed toward the exit. Seo-jun followed the crowd, his registration slip folded inside his pocket.

Outside, the city continued as it always had.

Cars moved through the intersections. Advertisements flashed across the buildings. News screens displayed the latest achievements of famous Hunters.

Nothing had changed.

The world was still the same world he had woken up in that morning.

Only his expectations had changed.

Seo-jun stopped near the edge of the pavement and looked up at a screen showing a group of Hunters standing in front of a newly cleared Dungeon.

For a long moment, he watched them.f

Then he lowered his gaze.

F-rank, huh?

Seo-jun let out a quiet breath.

"Well... I guess that's that."

He tried to smile, but the expression disappeared before it could fully form.

A few hours ago, he had walked into the awakening center imagining all the things he might be able to do for his family.

Now, he couldn't even imagine how he was supposed to explain this result to them.

He lowered his head and began walking.

The streets were as crowded as ever. Giant screens displayed advertisements for powerful Hunters, and people hurried past him without a second glance.

Usually, he would have stopped to watch those advertisements.

Today, he couldn't bear to look at them.

Everywhere he turned, he was reminded of the future he had wanted—and how far away it suddenly seemed.

He took out his phone.

There was a message from his mother.

How did the ceremony go? Let us know when you're coming home. I'll keep lunch ready.

Seo-jun stared at the screen.

His thumb hovered over the keyboard.

[It went well.]

He typed the words, then erased them.

[I'm fine.]

He erased that, too.

What was he supposed to say?

That he had awakened an F-rank ability?

That he still had no idea what Arcane Sense could do?

That all those years of imagining a better future had led him to a result he was ashamed to show his own family?

His grip tightened around the phone.

He knew his parents wouldn't blame him. They had never demanded that he become an S-rank Hunter. They had only wanted him to have a chance at a better life.

Somehow, that made facing them even harder.

He could already picture his mother's worried eyes and his father's quiet expression. He could imagine Ha-eun trying to cheer him up, pretending she wasn't disappointed on his behalf.

They would tell him it was fine.

They would tell him he could still find another way.

And he would have to sit there and listen, knowing he had nothing to offer them in return.

Seo-jun shoved his phone into his pocket.

He kept walking, but his steps gradually slowed.

His apartment building was only a few streets away.

He had walked this route hundreds of times. Usually, he could reach home without thinking about it.

Today, every step felt heavier than the last.

Finally, he stopped at the entrance to his neighborhood.

From there, he could see the familiar apartment building where his family lived.

His home.

The place he had been looking forward to returning to that morning.

Seo-jun stood motionless on the pavement.

He wanted to go inside. He wanted to sit at the table with his family and pretend that nothing had changed.

But he couldn't bring himself to move.

For the first time in his life, he was afraid to face his parents.

He lowered his head, his shadow stretching across the pavement beneath the afternoon sun.

His phone vibrated in his pocket.

Another message.

This time, it was from his father.

[How did it go, son? We're waiting for you.]

Seo-jun closed his eyes.

He had no answer.

And for the first time since leaving home that morning, he wished he could turn back the clock.

But the awakening ceremony was over.

And there was no changing the result.