The night sky was covered with dark clouds, and the streets of the city were unusually quiet.
A few years ago, the world was completely different. People lived normal lives without fear. But one day, mysterious Gates began to appear all over the world.
From those Gates came terrifying monsters.
Humanity was thrown into chaos.
However, something strange also happened at the same time. Some humans awakened special powers that allowed them to fight those monsters.
These people were called Hunters.
Outside the city, one of those Gates had appeared again.
Several Hunters were standing in front of it, holding different weapons—swords, spears, and even magical staffs.
Among them stood a thin young boy who looked weaker than the rest.
His name was Arif.
He quietly stood there while the other Hunters looked at him and whispered.
"Why is that guy here again?" one Hunter said with an annoyed expression.
Another one laughed.
"He's an E-rank Hunter. The weakest rank in existence."
A few people chuckled.
Arif heard every word, but he didn't say anything.
He had already gotten used to it.
He knew the truth.
He was the weakest Hunter.
His strength was low, his speed was low, and his combat experience was almost nothing.
But he had a reason to be here.
Arif came from a poor family. His mother was sick, and his younger sister still went to school.
Being a Hunter was the only way he could earn enough money to support them.
Even if it was dangerous… he had no choice.
The leader of the Hunter team suddenly spoke.
"Alright everyone, prepare yourselves. We're entering the dungeon."
One by one, the Hunters stepped through the Gate.
Arif took a deep breath.
"I can do this…" he whispered to himself.
Then he stepped inside.
The moment he entered the dungeon, a cold wind brushed against his face.
The inside looked like an ancient stone cave. The light was dim, and the air felt heavy.
"Stay alert," one Hunter warned.
"There could be monsters anywhere."
Suddenly—
A deep growl echoed through the dungeon.
"GRRRRRRR!"
The ground trembled slightly.
Then a massive creature slowly walked out of the darkness.
It was a Stone Beast.
Its body was covered in thick rock, and its glowing red eyes stared directly at the Hunters.
"Everyone attack!" someone shouted.
The Hunters rushed forward.
Swords clashed against stone. Magic spells flew through the air.
But the monster was incredibly powerful.
With a single swing of its arm, it threw one Hunter across the cave.
Arif froze for a moment.
His hands tightened around the small sword he was holding.
He knew his strength was nothing compared to the others.
But if he ran away now…
someone might die.
Arif gritted his teeth.
Then he ran toward the monster.
"AAAH!"
He swung his sword with all his strength.
CLANG!
The blade struck the Stone Beast's rocky body.
But it barely did any damage.
The monster turned its head toward him.
Its red eyes glowed with anger.
Before Arif could react—
The Stone Beast swung its massive arm.
BOOM!
He was sent flying across the ground.
Pain shot through his entire body.
His vision became blurry.
Everything felt distant.
"So… this is how I die…" he thought.
But just as his consciousness began to fade—
A strange blue light appeared in front of him.
A glowing window floated in the air.
[System Activated]
His eyes widened in shock.
"What… is this?"
Another message appeared.
[Welcome, Player.]
[Do you want to become stronger?]
Arif stared at the glowing words.
All his life he had been weak.
Everyone looked down on him.
But now…
Maybe this was his only chance.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Yes…" he whispered.
"I want to become stronger."
At that moment, the blue light shined even brighter.
And Arif's destiny began to change.
To Be Continued…