"Good morning, everyone, and welcome back to Everything News. I hope you all had a wonderful night. I'm news reporter Susan McCartney, and in this segment, we'll be going over the current gate and Hunter affairs as of late," Susan remarked.
"In recent Hunter news, a rising star in the Hunter world has emerged. Sixteen-year-old Adam Evans was recently promoted to A-rank Hunter, just three years after his awakening. Experts suggest he is one of the greatest talents in the Hunter world and predict he has the potential to become one of the next S-rank Hunters within a few years."
"In recent gate news, the SS-rank gate Final Destination has remained unchallenged for the past month after the futile raid by S-rank party 'Gods Plan.' The matter is currently being discussed by higher authorities in the Hunter Association and the U.N. Federation," Kate remarked.
"There is sti—" he cut off his phone abruptly.
"Status window!" A holographic panel displaying his stats and skills appeared before him.
Strength: 92
Agility: 85
Intelligence: 80
Mana: 89
Stamina: 93
"Tsk." He clicked his tongue. Images of his deaths flashed in his mind. "It's still not enough," he muttered. "I need to become stronger than this. I'll need to meet 'him.'"
In the country of Vakil, at the back of a small house, he resided. A calm breeze blew through his long white hair. The wrinkles on his face and hands spoke of his age, while his murky gray eyes reflected the small lake near his garden. Each stride he took spoke of experience.
"Hmmm…" he murmured. "It seems I'll be having a guest soon."
---
A week later.
"Seat B-36—" he muttered, scanning the boarding pass. "Found it!" he exclaimed, taking his designated seat on the plane.
He stared at his weapon, resolute. He was determined to achieve results on this journey—he must overcome his destined demise.
"Please excuse me," a calm voice said.
"Sorry?" He was dazed, captivated by her beauty—her long, silky black hair, her emerald-green eyes glistening like gems. His heart raced. Could this be love at first sight? His mind wandered. He imagined a future with her—himself happy, their children, their last days in a cottage together.
"Um…" she snapped him out of his daze. "Oh…oh, I'm sorry. What did you say you needed?"
His cheeks flushed. Embarrassment was palpable. She noticed and chuckled softly.
"I wanted to ask if this is seat B-367?"
"Oh, yes…yes, it is. Mine is B-366, so the next is obviously B-367. Or is it descending order…?" He mumbled. "…Never mind. Haha."
"Hahaha…you're funny," she remarked. "What's your name?" She took her seat. "I see your sword. Are you a Hunter? Or are you into cosplay?"
"Cosplay…cosplay…oh no, not cosplay. I'm a Hunter. Yeah, I'm a Hunter," he stammered, nervous. "What about you? What do you do…besides being a girl?"
"Hehehe…nothing really. Well, nothing as impressive as being a Hunter. I just worked the register at Mr. Burger back in Origana. But I think I know you—you're that S-rank Hunter, right? Tristan, was it?"
"…Yeah. Yeah, Tristan. That's me," he replied, thinking, What the actual…why can't I speak normally? His face grew redder.
"You're pretty cute when you panic like that. Have you never had a girlfriend before?" she asked.
"Girlfriend?!" he exclaimed. "No! No, I—no girlfriend. I'm too busy…" Images of the dragon flashed in his mind. His nervousness vanished, replaced with a stern expression. "Yeah, I'm busy."
"Well, not that it matters…at least not right now," he said.
She stared at him, trying to understand his sudden change in demeanor, but she couldn't pry—he was just a stranger. For now.
"Well…you never know. You might meet her one day—tomorrow, next year…" she said. "Or maybe you just met her?"
"!" He turned to look at her, smiling. Their eyes met, and his cheeks flushed. "Um…you…" His voice trembled as his mind scrambled for words.
"Hahaha…calm down. Let's just get to know each other first," she laughed. "My name's Summer. Nice to meet you."
"…Nice to meet you too, Summer."
They talked. Time seemed to freeze. Their conversation was effortless—never awkward, never dry. For the next ten hours, the world seemed made just for the two of them.
Love. A wonderful feeling.