As they walked through the bustling streets, Liu and Mei couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder. The city was unlike any they had ever seen before - towering skyscrapers, advanced technology, and people from all walks of life hurrying to and fro.
After asking for directions, they finally arrived at the entrance to the dimensional gate. But to their surprise, they were stopped by a group of people in suits, who blocked their path.
"Sorry, you two," one of the suited individuals said firmly. "Only accredited hunters are allowed entry through this gate."
Liu and Mei exchanged a confused glance. "What do you mean?" Liu asked.
"The dimensional gate is not a tourist attraction," the suited individual replied curtly. "It's a dangerous place, and only trained hunters with the proper gear and expertise are allowed to go through."
Mei frowned. "But we're not hunters. We're just travelers."
The suited individual shook his head. "Sorry, no exceptions. You'll have to turn back."
Liu and Mei looked at each other, disappointed but not deterred. They knew that they had to find a way to get through that gate. But for now, they had to come up with a new plan.
"I sense something unusual from these two," one of the suited individuals said, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at Liu and Mei. "Immense mana, unlike anything I've seen before."
The other suited individuals turned to look at them, interest piqued. "What are you talking about, Jenkins?" one of them asked.
Jenkins' eyes remained fixed on Liu and Mei. "I'm telling you, I've never seen anything like it. It's like they're radiating power."
The other suited individuals exchanged skeptical glances. "We've never seen them before," one of them said. "And we've been monitoring this gate for years."
Jenkins frowned. "I know. That's what's so strange. I've never sensed anything like this before."
The suited individuals conferred with each other in hushed tones, casting suspicious glances at Liu and Mei.
"Sorry, you two," one of them said finally. "But we can't let you through. Only accredited hunters are allowed entry through this gate."
Liu and Mei exchanged a disappointed glance. They had been so close to exploring the dimensional gate. But now, it seemed, they were being turned away.
"But why?" Mei asked, her voice laced with frustration. "What's so special about this gate?"
The suited individual shrugged. "That's classified. But trust us, it's not safe for non-hunters."
Liu and Mei nodded reluctantly, realizing they had hit a dead end. But as they turned to leave, Jenkins called out after them.
"Wait!"
They turned back to see Jenkins approaching them, a curious expression on his face.
"What's your names?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with interest.
Liu and Mei exchanged a wary glance before answering. "Liu and Mei," Liu said finally.
Jenkins nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Well, Liu and Mei, I think we might have a problem here."
What did Jenkins mean? And what problem were they facing now? Liu and Mei's minds raced with questions as they waited to see what would happen next.
"Your names are Liu and Mei, correct?" Jenkins asked, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Well, I must say, you two emit as much mana as an S-Rank Hunter!"
Liu and Mei exchanged glances, confusion etched on their faces. "What do you mean?" Liu asked. "What are Hunters?"
Jenkins burst out laughing. "Oh, you two are naive! Hunters are individuals who have dedicated their lives to exploring and conquering dimension gates! They are the strongest of the strong, and their abilities are unmatched!"
Mei's eyes widened in awe. "That sounds amazing! But what does it have to do with us?"
Jenkins chuckled. "You two are emitting mana levels that rival those of S-Rank Hunters! That's unprecedented! And yet, you seem completely unaware of what Hunters even are..."
Liu frowned. "We don't understand. What's going on?"
Jenkins smiled. "Let me explain. Hunters are trained to navigate and conquer dimension gates, collecting resources and knowledge along the way. They are the vanguard of human exploration and progress!"
Mei's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That sounds incredible! Can anyone become a Hunter?"
Jenkins nodded. "In theory, yes. But in reality, only a select few have the talent and drive to become true Hunters. And you two...well, you're something special. Your mana levels are off the charts!"
Liu and Mei exchanged glances, their minds racing with questions and possibilities. What did it mean to be Hunters? And why were they emitting such high levels of mana? They knew they had to learn more.
Jenkins leaned in, a enthusiastic glint in his eye. "You see, the Hunter Ranking system is a way to measure a Hunter's strength and abilities. It ranges from F-Rank to S-Rank, with F-Rank being the bottom of the lot and S-Rank being the cream of the crop."
Liu and Mei listened intently, fascinated by the explanation.
"F-Rank Hunters are typically newbies, still learning the ropes," Jenkins continued. "They're often struggling to survive in the lower-level dimensions. E-Rank and D-Rank Hunters are a step up, but still relatively inexperienced. They often work in teams to clear lower-level dimensions."
Mei nodded, taking it all in. "What about C-Rank and B-Rank?"
Jenkins grinned. "Ah, now we're getting to the good stuff! C-Rank Hunters are seasoned veterans, capable of clearing mid-level dimensions with ease. B-Rank Hunters are even stronger, able to tackle higher-level dimensions and even lead teams of lower-ranked Hunters."
Liu's eyes widened. "And A-Rank?"
Jenkins chuckled. "A-Rank Hunters are the elite. They're capable of clearing high-level dimensions and even soloing some of the tougher ones. But S-Rank...ah, S-Rank Hunters are in a league of their own. They're the strongest of the strong, able to clear dimension gates all by themselves."
Mei's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That sounds incredible! What's the difference between A-Rank and S-Rank, then?"
Jenkins leaned in, a conspiratorial look on his face. "Ah, that's the million-dollar question. You see, A-Rank Hunters are incredibly strong, but they still have limitations. S-Rank Hunters, on the other hand, have transcended those limitations. They're able to manipulate mana in ways that others can only dream of."
"I'm telling you, I've never seen anything like it," Jenkins said, his eyes wide with excitement. "The mana I sense from you two is on the level of S-Rankers! You have to get appraised at the Hunter Association, ASAP!"
Liu and Mei exchanged skeptical glances. "What's the Hunter Association?" Liu asked.
Jenkins chuckled. "You really are newbies, aren't you? The Hunter Association is the organization that governs all Hunters. They're the ones who issue rankings, provide resources, and oversee dimension exploration."
Mei's eyes lit up. "That sounds amazing! But what's this appraisal you're talking about?"
Jenkins nodded enthusiastically. "Ah, yes! The appraisal is a test that measures a Hunter's abilities and mana levels. It's how we determine rankings. And trust me, you two need to get appraised yesterday!"
Liu frowned. "But why are you so insistent? What's the big deal about our mana levels?"
Jenkins leaned in, his voice taking on a serious tone. "Listen, I've seen some crazy stuff in my time as a Hunter, but this...this is something else. Your mana levels are off the charts! If you don't get appraised and learn to control that power, you could end up hurting yourselves or others."
Mei's expression turned determined. "Okay, we'll do it. Where is this Hunter Association?"
Jenkins grinned. "Ah, that's the spirit! I'll take you there myself. It's time to show the world what you two are capable of!"
"Wow, I can't believe we're actually going to the Hunter Association," Mei said, her eyes wide with excitement.
"I know, right?" Liu replied, grinning. "From what we've been told about it, I can't wait to see what it's like."
Jenkins chuckled. "You two are in for a treat. The Hunter Association is like a whole different world. Just remember to keep your mouths shut and your ears open."
As they walked, Jenkins explained more about the Hunter Association and what to expect. Liu and Mei listened intently, soaking up every word.
"So, what's this appraisal thing like?" Liu asked.
"Well, it's a test of your abilities and mana levels," Jenkins replied. "They'll put you through a series of challenges to see what you're capable of. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds."
Mei frowned. "But what if we fail?"
Jenkins shrugged. "Then you'll just have to try harder next time. But trust me, you two have potential. I can feel it."
When they arrived at the Hunter Association, Liu and Mei were blown away by the sheer size and grandeur of the building. It was like nothing they had ever seen before.
"Wow, this place is huge!" Mei exclaimed.
Jenkins chuckled. "Told you it was impressive. Now, let's go inside and get you two registered."
As they entered the building, Liu and Mei were greeted by a friendly receptionist who led them to the appraisal room.
"Okay, this is it," Jenkins said, his voice serious. "Remember, just be yourselves and show them what you're made of."
Liu and Mei nodded, took a deep breath, and stepped into the appraisal room.
The next few hours were a blur of challenges and tests, but Liu and Mei persevered, determined to show their worth.
Finally, the appraisal was over, and they were led to a room where a panel of judges was waiting.
"Welcome, Liu and Mei," one of the judges said, smiling. "We must say, we're impressed. Your mana levels are off the charts, and your abilities are truly exceptional."
Liu and Mei exchanged confident glances.
"So, what's our ranking?" Liu asked, his voice firm.
The judge smiled. "Well, after careful consideration, we've decided to rank you both as...S-Rank Hunters! Congratulations!"
Mei grinned, while Liu nodded in acceptance.
"Wow, that was easy," Mei said, as they left the appraisal room.
Liu chuckled. "Told you we'd ace it."
Jenkins patted them on the back. "I knew you two had it in you! S-Rank Hunters, wow!"
As they walked out of the Hunter Association, Liu and Mei were met with stares and whispers.
"Who are they?" someone whispered.
"S-Rank Hunters," someone else replied. "Can't believe it!"
Liu and Mei smiled, enjoying the attention.
"Feeling pretty good, aren't we?" Liu said, grinning at Mei.
Mei nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Yeah, we make a pretty good team."
Jenkins chuckled. "You two are going to change the world. Mark my words."
"Ah, as S-Rank Hunters, you two are entitled to some special perks," Jenkins said with a smile. "The Hunter Association provides accommodations for S-Rank Hunters, and I think you'll find them quite...comfortable."
Liu and Mei exchanged a curious glance. "Accommodations?" Liu repeated.
Jenkins nodded. "Yes, a place to call your own, right here in the Association's quarters. You'll have access to all sorts of new technology and resources. Trust me, you'll love it."
Mei's eyes widened. "That sounds amazing!"
Liu grinned. "Lead the way, Jenkins."
Jenkins chuckled and led them to a large building that seemed to be pulsing with energy. "Welcome to your new home, S-Rank Hunters!"
As they entered the building, Liu and Mei were blown away by the sheer amount of new technology that surrounded them. There were strange devices beeping and whirring, and holographic screens flickering with information.
"Whoa," Mei breathed. "This is insane!"
Liu nodded, his eyes wide with wonder. "I know, right?"
Jenkins smiled. "Glad you like it. Your quarters are just down that hallway. Make yourselves at home!"
As they explored their new residence, Liu and Mei couldn't believe their luck. The
y had never seen anything like it before.
"This is amazing!" Mei exclaimed, bouncing on the bed. "I feel like I'm in a dream!"
Liu chuckled, grinning. "Told you we'd make it big, Mei."