The first light of dawn crept into Ray's apartment, gently nudging him awake. The upcoming rank-up examination loomed large in his mind, its importance pressing heavily on him. He stretched, the muscles in his arms and legs protesting slightly from the previous day's training, but his determination was unwavering.
Ray moved to the small kitchen and began preparing his breakfast—an assortment of fresh fruits, hearty grains, and a pot of steaming herbal tea. It was a simple meal, but it provided the energy he needed for the day ahead. As he ate, he reviewed his progress over the past week, noting the improvements in his stats and skills. His dedication had paid off; he felt stronger and more capable than ever.
After finishing his meal, Ray donned his regular clothes—a comfortable, yet rugged outfit suited for travel and combat. He equipped his sword, its polished blade a stark contrast to his otherwise casual attire. Today, he would meet with the other exam candidates and face the final trial that would determine his new rank.
At the Hunter Association, Ray walked through the bustling corridors, filled with hunters of all ranks and specialties. He made his way to the lobby, where he saw Xander waiting by the entrance. Xander, a tall and imposing figure with a stern expression, was accompanied by four new individuals who would be part of his examination team.
Zara was the first person Ray noticed as he approached the association building. She exuded a palpable sense of raw power and confidence. Her physique was heavily muscled yet maintained an impressive agility, showcasing the dual nature of her beast mutagene. This genetic alteration granted her cheetah-like features that were both awe-inspiring and intimidating. Her eyes were a striking amber, their intensity reflecting both her fierce spirit and sharp intellect. A long, sleek tail swayed gracefully behind her, accentuating her every movement.
Her gauntlets, her primary weapons, were designed for rapid, devastating strikes. Crafted from a combination of sturdy metal and enchanted materials, they were not just tools of war but extensions of her own will. The gauntlets were ornately decorated with intricate patterns that hinted at their magical properties, and their functionality was tailored to enhance her formidable combat skills.
Finn stood out among the group not for his stature, but for the quiet intensity he radiated. Average in height and build, Finn possessed a lean, wiry frame that was built for endurance and precision rather than brute strength. His demeanor was calm and focused, with an air of quiet confidence that suggested he was always in control, even when chaos reigned around him. His dark hair was kept short, and his sharp blue eyes were always scanning his surroundings, taking in every detail with keen awareness.
Finn's primary weapon was a longbow, elegantly crafted from a dark, polished wood that gleamed faintly in the light. The bow was his pride and joy, a weapon he had trained with relentlessly to perfect his accuracy and speed. He carried it with a sense of reverence, treating it as an extension of his own body. Alongside the bow, he kept two short daggers sheathed at his waist. These were his fallback weapons, used for close combat when the situation called for it. The daggers, though simple in design, were razor-sharp and balanced perfectly for swift, decisive strikes.
Next was Gregory who was a man whose presence commanded attention, not just because of his size but also due to the air of authority and confidence he exuded. He was a bit plump, his body carrying the weight of someone who enjoyed the finer things in life, but beneath that exterior lay a sharp mind and a deep well of magical power. His round face was framed by a neatly trimmed beard, and his eyes, a deep hazel, twinkled with a mix of intelligence and warmth. Gregory's personality was a blend of kindness and pragmatism; he was the type of person who saw value in every individual and believed in using his abilities for the greater good.
Gregory's attire was a reflection of his wealth and status. He adorned himself in rich, flowing robes that were intricately embroidered with golden threads, each stitch telling a story of opulence and power. Around his neck, wrists, and fingers, he wore an array of gold accessories—rings, bracelets, and a heavy chain that glimmered in the light. But these were not mere ornaments; they were the mediums through which he channeled his magic
Finally Jaxon he was the kind of person who set off alarm bells the moment you laid eyes on him. There was something inherently unsettling about his presence, a scummy vibe that radiated from him and made others instinctively wary. He was slender and wiry, his build almost snake-like, giving the impression that he could slither out of any situation unscathed. His dark, beady eyes darted around constantly, never settling on anything for too long, as if he was always plotting his next move. Jaxon's hair was greasy and slicked back, adding to his oily demeanor, and his smile—when he bothered to show it—was more of a sneer, revealing yellowed teeth that hinted at a life of poor choices.
Jaxon's attire was as shifty as he was. He wore dark, form-fitting clothes that allowed him to blend into the shadows with ease. Every pocket in his jacket was filled with tools of his trade—lockpicks, small blades, and other devices meant for deceit and sabotage. His fingers, long and nimble, were always twitching, ready to pilfer something valuable or slip a dagger into someone's back if the situation called for it. Around his waist, he carried a belt adorned with small pouches, each containing poisons, smoke bombs, or other tricks to gain the upper hand in a fight.
As the team gathered outside the association building, Ray stood slightly apart, observing his new companions with a mix of curiosity and caution. He had been thrust into this world of hunters only two weeks ago, and while he had already survived his share of battles, this would be his first time in a really long time working with a team.
The sleek black van pulled up to the curb, its engine purring softly. Xander, dressed in his usual combat gear with a camara in hand to record how they defeat the rift. Alongside that Xander carried a battle axe with laid rested on his back, ready to be used when we faced danger of any sort. He gestured for everyone to get in. Ray watched as Zara, the first to move, slid into the seat closest to the window. She exuded raw power, her heavily muscled frame taking up more space than the average person. Ray couldn't help but notice the restless energy in her—her amber eyes scanned the street as if always on alert, and her tail swayed slightly behind her, an unconscious reflection of her mood.
He followed the others into the van, taking a seat near the middle. Ray's presence was unassuming, but there was a quiet intensity about him that made it clear he wasn't someone to be underestimated. His time in the loops had honed his instincts, making him wary but also observant. He caught the brief exchanges of glances between his teammates, each sizing the others up in their own way.
Finn, with his calm and focused demeanor, sat beside Zara. He gave her a polite nod, adjusting his longbow and quiver with a practiced ease. Finn's silence spoke volumes, and Ray appreciated his ability to communicate without words. There was a sense of calm around Finn, a stillness that contrasted with Zara's barely-contained energy.
Gregory entered next, his form causing the van to shift slightly as he settled in. His gold accessories jingled softly with every movement, a constant reminder of his wealth. He flashed a friendly smile at Zara and Finn, his demeanor warm and welcoming despite the serious mission ahead. Ray watched as Gregory's fingers brushed against his gold bracelets, sensing the comfort the older man took from the familiar weight.
Jaxon was the last to climb in, slipping into the seat furthest from the others. He leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest, his eyes darting between his teammates with a calculating gaze. There was something about Jaxon that put Ray on edge—a slippery vibe, as if the thief was always two steps ahead, looking out for himself first and foremost.
As the van began to move, silence hung thick in the air, broken only by the soft hum of the engine. Ray kept his thoughts to himself, his mind focused on the mission ahead. The past two weeks had taught him to stay alert, to expect the unexpected. But working with others was still something he was getting used to, and he knew he had to find his place in this group quickly.
Zara broke the silence first, her voice a low, commanding growl. "So," she began, glancing around at the others. "We all know what we're up against, right? F rank rifts have a total of 30 monsters, and from what Xander told me earlier we will go against 30 goblins and need to dystroy the dungeon core while at it. We'll need to work together if we want to get out of there in one piece."
Ray nodded slightly, appreciating Zara's straightforwardness. He could tell she was someone who valued strength, both in herself and in others. There was a confidence in her voice, an assurance that made it clear she was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.
Finn, ever the strategist, spoke up next. "I've read the brief. Goblins aren't too tough, but their numbers can be overwhelming if we're not careful. My arrows should keep them at bay, but I'll need you all to handle the close-quarters combat."
"I'll be in the thick of it," Zara replied with a nod. "My gauntlets will make short work of the smaller goblins. When I transform, I'll be able to take on the bigger ones with ease."
Gregory smiled, his fingers still playing over his gold accessories. "And I'll be providing support. My golems can hold the line, giving you all time to strike. I'll use the gold I have to summon a strong one—it should be able to take a lot of punishment."
Ray listened carefully, noting each person's strengths and how they planned to contribute. He appreciated the balance in the team—Zara's brute strength, Finn's precision, Gregory's support. But as his eyes flicked to Jaxon, he knew there was one variable that could tip the scales.
Jaxon let out a low chuckle, drawing everyone's attention. "Sounds like you've all got your roles figured out," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But let me tell you something—plans like that tend to go out the window when things get messy. I'll be doing what I do best: staying out of sight and making sure I come out of this alive. If any of you get in over your heads, don't expect me to save you."
Ray's gaze hardened slightly, but he kept his expression neutral. Jaxon's words confirmed what he'd already suspected—the thief was only out for himself. He could be an asset if used correctly, but Ray made a mental note to keep an eye on him.
Zara's eyes narrowed as she glared at Jaxon. "We're supposed to be a team," she growled, her muscles tensing visibly. "If you're not going to watch our backs, then you're nothing but dead weight."
Jaxon shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "I'm not here to make friends. Just here to do the job and get paid. If that means stepping over a few bodies along the way, so be it."
Gregory frowned, his good-natured expression slipping. "That's no way to think, Jaxon. We're all in this together. If we stick to the plan, we'll all come out of this just fine."
Ray decided it was time to speak up. His voice was calm but carried a weight that made everyone listen. "Plans are only as good as the people who execute them. We all have our roles to play, and we'll be more effective if we trust each other. But trust isn't given; it's earned. Let's focus on the mission and prove we can rely on one another."
Finn glanced at Ray, nodding in agreement. "We may have different approaches, but the end goal is the same. Let's just focus on getting the job done."
Jaxon rolled his eyes, leaning back in his seat. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just don't get in my way."
The tension in the van was palpable, but Xander's voice cut through it from the front seat. "Enough. We're almost at the rift. Save your energy for the fight ahead."
Ray leaned back slightly, the weight of his sword resting against his leg. He had said his piece, and now it was up to the team to prove they could work together. The upcoming battle would be the true test of their abilities—and their trust.
As the van drove on, the landscape outside began to change, the urban sprawl giving way to more rugged terrain. Ray's thoughts shifted to the rift and the challenges that awaited them. He had faced countless dangers in his previous loops, but each new battle still brought a sense of anticipation. The unknown was both a thrill and a threat, and Ray knew better than anyone how quickly things could go wrong.
The van began to slow as they neared their destination. Up ahead, the rift came into view—a swirling vortex of light and color that hovered ominously above the ground. It was a mesmerizing yet terrifying sight, the colors blending together in a chaotic dance. The air around it shimmered with energy, making the hairs on the back of Ray's neck stand on end.
As they exited the van, Ray felt the familiar tension in his muscles, the anticipation of battle. He checked his equipment, ensuring everything was in place. Beside him, Zara stretched, her muscles rippling beneath her skin as she prepared for the fight. Finn adjusted his bowstring with methodical precision, while Gregory murmured softly to himself, his fingers brushing against his gold accessories.
Jaxon, as expected, seemed utterly unconcerned, twirling a dagger lazily in his fingers. Ray watched him for a moment longer, then turned his attention back to the rift.
With a final nod from Xander, they stepped into the rift, one by one. Ray's hand tightened around the hilt of his sword as the vortex swallowed them whole, leaving the familiar world behind. Whatever awaited them on the other side, Ray was ready—ready to fight, ready to lead, and ready to survive.