Aiden's fists collided with the reinforced punching bag in rhythmic, calculated strikes. The sound echoed through the spacious gym, a facility gifted to him by Lord of Shadows as a private training ground. It had been a month since he first began his intensive training, and the results were nothing short of remarkable.
His rank had soared to SSLR—just one step away from M Rank. His stats were nearing a staggering 1500 in every category, placing him on the cusp of true power. His talents and skills had reached near perfection, with many ranking at SSS. Aiden could feel it in his bones: he was almost as strong as an M Rank hunter. He could even stand toe-to-toe with one now, something that had been unthinkable only a few months prior.
But for all his progress, Aiden wasn't satisfied.
"I'm close… but not close enough." He thought to himself, his breath heavy as he paused to wipe the sweat from his brow. "I need to reach M Rank. I need more power if I'm going to protect the future I've seen." The vision of the God and Celestial Rank hunters still haunted him, the images of fallen comrades etched deep in his mind. He couldn't allow that future to become reality.
Aiden glanced at the system interface hovering before his eyes, his stats and talents displayed with pride. His newly acquired talents were especially impressive—talents that had manifested in the last month of rigorous training. They were currently ranked SSS, and while they provided a significant boost, he knew it still wasn't enough. He had to break through to M Rank.
"I'll need to focus everything on leveling up. No distractions."
Just as Aiden was contemplating his next steps, the system chimed, its familiar robotic voice cutting through his thoughts.
"System message: Warning. Threat detected. Powerhouses planning assault on Ethan. Location unknown."
Aiden's eyes widened, his heart pounding. The system flashed an ominous image before him—an empty wasteland where a group of 30 figures stood in a circle. Their forms were blurred, their identities hidden. But even through the system's vision, Aiden could feel the raw power radiating from them. Twenty-five of these hunters were of God Rank, their auras immense and suffocating. But what sent a chill down Aiden's spine were the five figures who stood at the center—Celestial Rank hunters. Their very presence distorted the air around them, consuming light, hope, and everything in their wake.
These were the forces that planned to kill Ethan.
"Damn it!" Aiden cursed under his breath, immediately formulating a plan. Ethan, though immensely talented and now reaching SSLR Rank, was not yet ready to face such a monstrous force. He had to intervene. But first, he needed to check on Ethan and ensure his training was progressing as fast as possible.
The scene shifted to the Hunter's Association, where Aiden arrived in haste. He entered the vast training hall where Lord of Shadows had been personally overseeing Ethan's development. The facility buzzed with the energy of high-ranking hunters training, but Aiden's focus was solely on his young ally.
As he walked in, he was met with a sight that both impressed and reassured him. Ethan was in the middle of a sparring session with three A Rank hunters, wielding a variety of weapons as if they were extensions of his body. His movements were fluid and precise, switching effortlessly between a greatsword, a spear, and a pair of daggers. His mastery of every weapon was astounding, living up to the potential of his class—All Weapons Master.
Ethan's class had advanced significantly, and his power had skyrocketed in the month since Aiden had given him the Awakening Restoration Potion. Now, standing at SSLR Rank himself, Ethan was no longer the uncertain boy Aiden had met in the park. He had become a hunter to be reckoned with.
Lord of Shadows, observing the training from the sidelines, noticed Aiden's presence and walked over, a hint of approval in his gaze.
"He's grown quickly," Lord of Shadows remarked, watching as Ethan disarmed one of his opponents with a swift motion of his sword. "He has talent—more than I initially expected. He could become one of the strongest hunters of this generation."
Aiden nodded, his gaze fixed on Ethan. "I knew he had potential, but this… this is beyond even my expectations."
Lord of Shadows crossed his arms. "I've provided him with all the resources and training he needs, as promised. But tell me, Aiden, what's next? I can sense that you're not done just yet."
Aiden sighed, contemplating his next move. "We're running out of time. There are forces out there—far stronger than we ever imagined. I've seen them. God Rank hunters, even Celestial Rank hunters. They're planning something big, and they're targeting Ethan."
Lord of Shadows' expression darkened. "Celestial Rank? That's beyond what we've encountered. Are you certain?"
Aiden met his gaze, unwavering. "I am. And I've seen what they can do. If we don't prepare, if we don't grow stronger… we won't stand a chance."
Lord of Shadows was silent for a moment, then he nodded. "We'll accelerate the training. I'll ensure Ethan is ready to defend himself. But you, Aiden… you need to break through to M Rank if we're to stand against these enemies."
Aiden clenched his fists. "I know. And I will."
After the meeting, Aiden and Ethan stood outside the training facility, the weight of the situation heavy between them. Ethan, still catching his breath from the sparring session, looked to Aiden with curiosity.
"What's going on, Aiden? You seem… tense."
Aiden hesitated for a moment but decided Ethan deserved to know the truth. "There are forces at play, Ethan. Powerful hunters—beyond what you've seen so far. And they're coming for you."
Ethan's eyes widened, but he didn't flinch. "Then we fight."
Aiden smiled at his resolve, but inside he knew the stakes were much higher than either of them could fully grasp. "Yes, but we need to be stronger. Both of us. I'm going to rank up to M Rank soon. Until then, continue your training. Lord of Shadows will push you harder, but it's necessary."
Ethan nodded, his determination unwavering. "I'm ready. Whatever it takes."
As they parted ways, Aiden couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency pressing down on him. The system's warning echoed in his mind, and the vision of those powerful hunters loomed large.
"I have to grow stronger… for all of us."
With renewed focus, Aiden returned to his training, pushing his body and mind to their absolute limits. He had no choice—he had to reach M Rank. The fate of his allies, and possibly humanity itself, depended on it.
The shadows of ascension were closing in, and Aiden knew that the real battle was only just beginning.