The aftermath of the intense battle with the King of Serpents left me in a state of anticipation. The assigner swiftly escorted me and Mr. Elir to a waiting room, where a mix of excitement and tension lingered in the air.
"Congratulations, Azil! You've shown incredible strength," Mr. Elir remarked with a proud smile.
After a brief interlude, the assigner returned accompanied by a formidable woman named Ms. Alexies. She bore the dual titles of head of the Red Dagger Guild and overseer of the assessment facility—an S-rank Martial artist. Her aura emanated a distinct, dangerous energy that surpassed any I had felt before.
"Mr. Azil, I am here to assign your rank and provide you with your Hunter Card," she declared.
Mr. Elir nodded approvingly, acknowledging the significance of the moment.
"The System," Ms. Alexies continued, "will link with you, marking the beginning of your journey as a hunter."
As she continued, Ms. Alexies revealed a surprising fact—I was the first S-rank to emerge in two years. However, to solidify my S-rank status, I needed to face another S-ranker in combat.
Mr. Elir clasped my shoulder. "You've got the strength, Azil. You'll do great."
Ms. Alexies then gave me the freedom to choose my opponent. Without hesitation, I pointed at Ms. Alexies herself, proposing a duel.
Her initial surprise gave way to acceptance, and she led me to a private room where she outlined the terms and conditions for becoming a hunter.
"Remember, Azil, you're not just fighting for yourself but for the honor of achieving S-rank," she advised.
The document labeled "Rules and Regulation" awaited my signature.
Rules and Regulation
Code of Conduct: "Hunters must uphold ethical standards in their actions and interactions," Ms. Alexies reiterated.
Responsibility: "Always prioritize the safety of others in your actions," she emphasized.
Rank Advancement: "Your rank progresses with successful missions and tests," she explained.
Guild Affiliation: "Consider joining a guild for mutual support and collaboration," she suggested.
System Compliance: "Adhere to the guidelines set by the mysterious 'System,'" she concluded.
With the rules acknowledged, I signed the document, sealing my commitment to these principles.
Ms. Alexies then led me back to the receptionist, where I received my Hunter ID.
Hunter ID - Hunter Association
- Name: Azil Vale
- Age: 12
- Rank: S-rank
- Skills: Various (undisclosed)
Ms. Alexies informed me that our duel would transpire in two days.
As I left the assessment facility, the news of my newfound S-rank status had already spread. The journey home with Mr. Elir became a procession of greetings and acknowledgments from well-wishers.
The night brought a peculiar dream, an unsettling vision of the 10th hell, my home, adorned with blood and fallen angels. Amidst the chaos, a figure covered in blood emerged, seated near a rock. Drawing closer, I discerned the familiar features—my father. His presence in the dream left me with a mix of emotions. Hope surged within me; if demons dreamt of real events, could this mean my father was alive?
Morning arrived abruptly, cutting short my contemplation. The urgency of the day's responsibilities demanded my attention. Despite the lingering questions about my dream, I had little time to dwell on them. The Elir Guild had planned a raid on a nearby B-class dungeon, and, being a guild member, I was obligated to participate.
As we approached the dungeon's entrance, anticipation and excitement filled the air. The mission was straightforward: encounter and overcome the expected ice spirits within. However, as the heavy gates creaked open, we were greeted not by the anticipated spirits but by an imposing presence—a dragon, a creature far surpassing the S-rank.
A hushed silence fell upon our group. The dragon, its scales glistening with an otherworldly sheen, regarded us with a gaze that seemed to pierce through the very fabric of reality. It was a formidable opponent, its presence dwarfing anything we had faced before.
The Elir Guild members exchanged uneasy glances, recognizing the peril we were about to face. As the dragon stirred, awakening from its slumber, the cavernous dungeon echoed with its resounding roar. The air crackled with energy, and the battle-ready stance of our guild betrayed a mixture of determination and apprehension.
Mr. Elir, the guild's head, took the lead, issuing swift commands to coordinate our attacks. Mrs. Elir stood ready as the healer, prepared to mend any wounds inflicted upon us during the upcoming battle. Mr. Chim, the skilled archer, readied his bow, and Ms. Ani Mary, the formidable martial artist, assumed a poised stance.
Comments (0)
See all