As the shock of the mysterious voice's challenge subsided, Jake stumbled to his feet, a strange excitement bubbling up inside him. He made his way to the washroom, splashing cold water on his face.
Staring at his reflection, Jake barely recognized himself. His eyes seemed different - brighter, more alive. A laugh escaped his lips, growing into a full-blown guffaw.
"Hunter!" he exclaimed, gripping the sink. "I've become the very thing I used to despise." His laughter echoed off the tiled walls, tinged with hysteria.
For years, Jake had viewed hunters as entitled, arrogant individuals who lorded their power over others. He'd seen them abuse their status, bullying those without abilities. And yet...
"Why is this so thrilling?" he whispered. The rush of power he'd felt during the test was intoxicating.
Composing himself, Jake returned to the bustling reception area. He collected his ID from the receptionist, examining it closely. "Rank: C" caught his eye.
"C rank hunter, huh?" he murmured. "Cool."
A passing hunter snorted. "Nothing cool about being C rank, newbie," the man said, flashing an 'A' ranked badge. "You've got a long way to go."
Jake felt a flash of his old resentment, quickly overshadowed by determination. "We'll see about that," he replied, more to himself than the other hunter.
As he left the building, a woman approached him. "Interested in joining the Arces guild, newbie?"
Jake knew guilds offered advantages and good pay, but he shook his head. "No, I prefer to work alone." He didn't want to work under anyone. His goal was to grow stronger until he could challenge the so-called king himself.
As Jake walked away, he missed the predatory gaze the guild recruiter fixed on his back.
Now, Jake needed money. He pulled out his phone, searching for unreserved dungeons. Three F-class and one D-class popped up. Without hesitation, he set out for the D-class dungeon.
The entrance to the dungeon was a hive of activity. Hunters recruited others and hired porters to carry loot. Jake observed, noting the equipment others carried - from basic swords to high-tech gadgets he couldn't even name.
Taking a deep breath, Jake stepped into the dungeon. The change was immediate and disorienting. The air grew thick and heavy, tinged with an otherworldly scent. The walls seemed to pulse with an eerie, bioluminescent glow.
"So this is what it's like inside," Jake muttered, his hand instinctively reaching for a weapon he didn't have. He cursed under his breath, realizing his lack of preparation.
A distant screech echoed through the tunnels, sending a chill down Jake's spine. This was no simulation or VR experience - the danger here was real.
As he ventured deeper, Jake noticed strange markings on the walls. They seemed to shift and change when he wasn't looking directly at them. He reached out to touch one, and a jolt of energy surged through him.
Suddenly, a notification appeared in his vision:
"Dungeon Skill acquired: Minor Mana Sensing"
```
Level: 4
Strength: 24
Stamina: 140
Mana: 210
Agility: 20
Remaining stats: 0
Title: None
Skills: Rock Throw (40% increased critical chance with rock weapons), Minor Mana sensing( senses the mana around the dungeon.)
Class: None
```
Jake blinked in surprise. Was this another unique ability, like his mana absorption? He focused, and suddenly he could sense faint energy signatures around him. Some were stationary - perhaps treasure or traps - while others moved, likely creatures.