In the town of Eldora, Mark walked with a heavy heart, his thoughts consumed by the mystery surrounding his father's disappearance. The cobblestone streets were lined with quaint shops and bustling markets, but Mark barely noticed the vibrant life around him. His mind was a whirlwind of questions and doubts, each step echoing the weight of his mission.
He thought to himself that his father might have died fighting a demon. But which demon? And why? To investigate further, he would need access to the dungeons, the dark and forbidding chambers where the most dangerous creatures were held captive. Unlike the ruins, he couldn't easily sneak into the dungeons. They were heavily guarded, and only authorized personnel were allowed entry.
Mark realized that to get closer to the demons and uncover the truth, he would need to become a hunter. The thought filled him with a mix of determination and dread. Joining the hunters meant aligning himself with an organization he had always viewed with skepticism and disdain. But it was the only way to gain the access and information he needed.
Mark took a deep breath and stepped inside the headquarters. The interior was a bustling hive of activity, with hunters of all ranks moving about, exchanging reports and strategies. The air was filled with a sense of urgency and purpose, a stark contrast to the tranquil streets outside.
He approached the reception desk, where a stern-looking clerk sat behind a stack of papers. "I'm here to enlist," Mark said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. The clerk looked up, her eyes scanning him with a critical gaze. "Name?" she asked, her pen poised over a form.
The clerk nodded and handed him a stack of papers. "Fill these out. You'll need to pass the entrance exam and complete the training program. It's not easy, but if you're determined, you'll make it through."
The entrance exam was a grueling test of physical and mental prowess, designed to weed out the weak and the unworthy. Mark stood in a line of hopeful recruits. He knew that he had the strength and the skills to pass the test, but he also knew that he would need to be careful, hiding his true abilities and blending in with the other recruits.
The first part of the exam was a physical test, a series of challenges designed to push the recruits to their limits. Mark excelled at the tasks, his enhanced strength and agility allowing him to complete them with ease. He scaled walls, leaped across chasms, and dodged obstacles with a grace that belied his human appearance. But he was careful not to stand out too much, holding back just enough to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
The second part of the exam was a mental test, a series of puzzles and riddles designed to test the recruits' intelligence and problem-solving skills. Mark approached the challenges with a calm and focused mind, using his keen intellect to solve the puzzles and unravel the riddles.
The final part of the exam was a combat test, a series of sparring matches designed to test the recruits' fighting skills.
The final part of the exam was a combat test, a series of sparring matches designed to test the recruits' fighting skills. The recruits were taken to a huge empty white room that had very high walls with windows atop the walls. Mark could easily see the examiners behind the windows, their eyes scrutinizing every move. He was faced with another recruit, a guy dressed in black with white hair and piercing red eyes. The guy had a sword and looked very confident.
The guy charged at Mark, bringing the sword down at him but Mark dodged the attack easily. The guy then teleported behind Mark to strike him from behind but Mark managed to grab his hand, throwing him to the ground but the guy teleported before hitting the ground. Regaining his balance he lunged at Mark again, Mark decided to grab his hand again, twisted it hitting his sword out of his hand and then pinning him to the ground, he then surrendered, ending the fight with Mark winning.
The final test of the training program was a live mission, a real-world assignment designed to test the recruits' skills and their ability to work as a team.
The mission was to infiltrate a demon-infested dungeon and retrieve a powerful artifact, a relic said to be capable of detecting and controlling demonic energy.
As they navigated the dark and treacherous corridors of the dungeon, Mark used his enhanced senses to detect the presence of demons, his keen eyes and ears picking up on the slightest movements and sounds. He knew that he had the skills and the abilities to complete the mission, but he also knew that he would need to be careful, hiding his true nature and blending in with the other members of the team.
As they traverse through the dungeon, they come across two werewolves. Mark was put in the same group as the guy he spared with before so they both took down the wolves easily.
In the end, the team succeeded in retrieving the artifact and completing the mission.
They returned to the Hunter Association headquarters and were each granted beginner licenses. Mark was a step closer to his goal. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. For his father, for himself, and for the answers that awaited in the depths of the dungeons.
Mark went to the clerk from before to ask her if the license he was given would grant him access to any dungeon.
"Excuse me," Mark said, approaching the reception desk where the clerk from earlier was busy organizing files.
The clerk looked up, recognition flickering in her eyes. "Yes, Mark. What can I help you with?"
"Does this license grant me access to any dungeon?" he asked, holding up the beginner license.
The clerk shook her head. "No, it doesn't. Dungeons are ranked according to their level of danger. As a beginner, you only have access to the lowest-ranked dungeons. You'll need to complete more missions to increase your class and gain access to higher-ranked dungeons."
Mark's heart sank a little, but he quickly composed himself. "How many missions do I need to complete to increase my class?"
"It varies," the clerk replied, tapping her pen against the desk thoughtfully. "Your performance in each mission is evaluated, and based on that, you earn points. Accumulate enough points, and you'll be promoted to the next class. The higher the class, the more dangerous the missions, but also the greater the rewards and access."
Mark nodded, absorbing the information. "I see. So, it's all about proving myself."
"Exactly," the clerk said with a small smile. "Show that you can handle the lower-ranked dungeons, and you'll move up. Just remember to stay safe and work with your team. Recklessness won't get you far."
As he walked out of the agency, the weight of his mission settled on his shoulders, but it also fueled his resolve. The journey ahead would be arduous, but with each step, he was getting closer to uncovering the mystery that had haunted him for so long. And nothing, not even the most formidable of demons, would deter him from his path.
Mark's mind raced with strategies and plans as he made his way through the bustling streets of Eldora. He needed to gather more information about the different dungeons and the types of missions available to beginners. He decided to visit the local tavern, a place where hunters often gathered to share stories and tips.
The tavern, The Silver Fang, was a lively establishment filled with the chatter of hunters boasting about their latest exploits. Mark found a seat at the bar and ordered a drink, his ears perked for any useful information. He overheard a group of experienced hunters discussing a recent mission in a mid-level dungeon, their tales filled with danger and excitement.
Mark approached them, hoping to learn more. "Excuse me," he said, "I'm a recruit and could use some advice on where to start. Any tips for a beginner looking to move up quickly?"
One of the hunters, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, looked him over. "Stick to the low-level dungeons at first. Get a feel for the missions and build up your points. Don't rush it, kid. The higher-level dungeons aren't just more dangerous; they're a whole different beast."
Another hunter, a woman with sharp eyes and a confident demeanor added, "And make sure you team up with people you trust. A good team can make all the difference. Look for others who are serious about moving up, like you."
Mark thanked them for the advice and left the tavern with a renewed sense of purpose. He would start with the low-level dungeons, proving himself step by step. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but every mission completed and every point earned brought him closer to the truth about his father.