As they say, sometimes even the best-laid plans can't keep up with sudden changes. Tom Levy sighed as he leaned against the altar in the Ancient Dragon Spirit Pavilion, blood trickling from his seven orifices, the Myriad Star Medallion clutched tightly in his right hand. Looking up, he saw he was surrounded by ten hunters from the Iron Gradient Guild, all clad in exquisite armor.

"Homeboy Levy," a bulky man with a strikingly handsome face and a slicked-back hairstyle called out, "you're surrounded. If you know what's good for you, just hand over the medallion. No need for anyone to get hurt." The man, Lucius Brand Putin, leader of the Iron Gradient Guild, pointed his massive iron sword at Tom. Despite its enormous size and ton-heavy appearance, Lucius wielded it effortlessly, like a feather.

Tom had once been a member of this guild. A few months ago, however, he had decided to leave, infiltrating the Pavilion in Shang City to claim the medallion for himself. But his desire to be more than just a regular guild member had its roots long before that.

Since childhood, Tom had always been a loner. Despite his model-like looks—pale skin, clear blue eyes, and naturally spiky black hair—he was constantly ostracized, not because of how he looked but due to his arrogance. He saw himself as leagues above everyone else in both appearance and intelligence, driving away potential friends.

This attitude followed him into high school, where his lack of physical prowess made him an easy target for bullies, especially since his arrogance rubbed others the wrong way. His striking appearance, once admired, only made him more "punchable" to those who resented him. Tom endured years of isolation until, at sixteen, he experienced a life-changing event: he awakened an ability.

In this world, awakening was rare, a one-in-a-thousand occurrence. Overnight, Tom went from outcast to admired, as those who once shunned him now sought his favor, hoping to secure a connection with someone who could one day be a powerful hunter. At eighteen, he finally took the assessment to determine his talent grade, anticipating an S or even SS rank that would ensure his future. But he was devastated when he was classified as a mere C-rank.

Tom was crushed. He tried everything—retaking the test, bargaining, even attempting to bribe an examiner—to change his grade, but the result remained the same. All those who had believed in his potential quickly abandoned him. Swallowing his pride, he joined the Iron Gradient Guild, the only guild willing to take in a C-rank thanks to a recommendation from Marshall D., the guild's vice-captain and an old schoolmate.

Tom put in years of hard work, pushing his C-rank abilities to their limits. Although he became one of the strongest C-ranks, breaking through to the next tier was nearly impossible, as less than 0.17% of people achieved that after their first awakening. Realizing he would never reach a higher rank naturally, he made a decision: he would steal a rare relic—the Myriad Star Medallion—to gain the power he craved.

After months of planning, he finally infiltrated the pavilion. But now, surrounded by his former guild members, his grand scheme was crumbling before him.