Ray slowly opened his eyes, his vision hazy as he found himself lying in a hospital bed. The rhythmic beeping of the nearby machines filled the room, punctuating the sterile silence. With a groan, he tried to sit up, glancing around and noticing the television mounted on the wall.
On the screen, a news report detailed the recent outbreak of five instantaneous dungeons, one of them being classified as a B rank. The reporter's voice carried a sense of urgency as they spoke of the widespread devastation and the countless injured and dead as well as homeless people left in the wake of the monstrous incursions.
Ray's heart sank as he realized the gravity of the situation, his mind filled with images of the chaos he had witnessed first-hand. He couldn't help but worry about the safety of his fellow citizens and the lingering question of what had caused such a catastrophic event.
He analysed his body and realised that compared to when he fought the lizardman, he was healing faster. Ray theorised that it must be due to his awakened abilities that was causing this as well as the haling Lucia had given him during the wendigo attack.
Just as he was lost in his thoughts, the door to his room creaked open, and his mother, Sarah, and sister, Lily, walked in. Sarah's eyes were red from tears, and Lily clutched a small bouquet of flowers in her hands. Their faces reflected both relief and concern as they approached Ray's bedside.
Sarah reached out to hold Ray's hand gently. "Oh, my dear, you had us so worried," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "We're just grateful that you're alive. The hospital has been overwhelmed with injured people from these dungeon outbreaks. It's a nightmare out there."
Lily, her voice trembling, added, "We saw the news and heard about the monsters' attacking hospitals and leaving people homeless. It's so scary, Ray. I'm glad you're here, safe with us."
Ray mustered a weak smile, his gratitude evident. "I'm okay, Mom. Lily. Thanks for being here. We'll get through this together but I can't say."
Sarah's gaze softened as she squeezed Ray's hand. "You've always been our protector, Ray. I know deep down that you have the strength to face these horrors. Just promise me that you'll be careful out there."
Ray nodded, a newfound determination gleaming in his eyes. "I promise, Mom. I won't let anyone else suffer like we did. I'm going to become a hunter, and I'll do everything in my power to keep people safe."
Sarah's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and concern crossing her face. "Ray... becoming a hunter is dangerous. I've seen the pain and sacrifices they endure. Are you sure about this?"
Ray took a deep breath, his voice steady with conviction. "I've seen first-hand what these monsters can do, Mom. I can't stand by while innocent people suffer. The Hunter Association believes in me, and I believe in myself. I want to make a difference."
Sarah's gaze softened, her motherly instincts mingling with pride. "If this is truly what you want, Ray, then I'll support you. Just promise me that you'll never forget the importance of family and your own well-being."
Ray nodded, a grateful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thank you, Mom. I'll always hold our family close to my heart, and I'll never lose sight of what's truly important."
Just as their conversation ended, the door swung open, and Daniel and Amanda, the Hunter Association workers, entered the room. Daniel, with his grizzled beard, wore a stern expression, while Amanda carried a stack of papers in her hands.
"We will leave you guys to talk" Sarah said as she pulled her daughter out of the room.
Daniel cleared his throat and spoke with a no-nonsense tone. "Ray, we've been closely monitoring the situation, and after evaluating your recent battle and the awakening of your abilities, the Hunter Association has finalized your position as a hunter. Once you've recovered, we will call upon you to fulfil your duties."
Ray's eyes widened in surprise, mixed with a sense of excitement and trepidation. "I... I'm officially a hunter now?"
Amanda nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "Yes, Ray. Your skills and bravery have earned you a place among our ranks. But for now, focus on your recovery. We'll be in touch."
The duo debriefed Ray about the outbreak before leaving and welcoming the new hunter into their ranks.
As Daniel and Amanda left the room, Ray's mind swirled with a whirlwind of emotions. The weight of his newfound responsibilities settled upon him, mingling with the lingering pain and exhaustion of his recent ordeal. Yet, a spark of determination ignited within him, fuelling his resolve to protect others from the horrors that had befallen the city.
As he was ruminating on his newfound success, the door swung upon once more and in came his best friend, Kevin.