The streets of Banaras were their usual chaotic mess—vendors shouting about deals that probably weren't, kids running around like they were hopped up on sugar, and the smells of street food swirling together. But something about today felt... off. There was a weird buzzing sensation in the air, like the universe was waiting for something to happen. Maybe it was just my nerves.
I still couldn't believe I was standing outside the Hunter Guild, of all places. Yesterday, I barely survived a dungeon break. Now I was about to sign up for a test that could get me killed. Awesome life choices, Karan.
I took a deep breath and walked inside, stepping into a world I had no business being part of. The place was buzzing with activity—hunters of all shapes and sizes, looking way more confident than I felt. They moved like they owned the place, while I shuffled toward the front desk, trying to look like I belonged.
"Uh... I'm here to sign up for the Hunter Exam?" I asked, doing my best not to sound like I was about to bolt for the door.
The woman behind the desk didn't even glance at me as she handed over a tablet. "Fill this out."
Great. More forms. Just what I needed.
I picked up the tablet and started filling in the basics—name, age, combat experience (which, let's be honest, was a stretch). And then I got to the last question.
Why do you want to become a hunter?
I stared at the screen. Why was I doing this? Was it just because of the system and the power it dangled in front of me? Or maybe it was about more than that. Maybe it was about not being powerless anymore, not being that invisible guy who couldn't do anything.
I thought about the people I'd saved during the dungeon break—the woman and her kid, and how it felt to actually help someone for once. I typed: To protect those who can't protect themselves.
Kinda corny, but it worked.
Once I submitted the form, the system pinged in my head.
---
[QUEST OBJECTIVE UPDATED: REGISTER COMPLETE]
Objective 2: Await exam instructions.
Reward for Registration: 500 XP, 200 Solar Points.
---
Just as I handed the tablet back, the woman at the desk finally looked up. "Congratulations, your registration for the Hunter Exam is complete. Your exam will take place in three days. Check the system for details."
She handed me a small card with a time and place on it, then went back to whatever she was doing. Just like that. No pep talk. No warning that I might not survive. I guess that's how things worked in the hunter world.
Before I could even process what was happening, a voice called out from behind me.
"Hey, kid."
I turned and, of course, it was the hunter from yesterday—the guy who helped during the dungeon break. He walked over, hands in his pockets, like saving people from monsters was just another day at the office.
"So, you actually went through with it, huh?" he asked, smirking as he looked at the exam card in my hand. "Knew you would."
I shrugged, trying to act like I wasn't on the verge of a mental breakdown. "Didn't really have much of a choice."
He chuckled. "You always have a choice, kid. But looks like you made the right one. Still... you're green. Way too green. You'd better be careful during the exam."
"Yeah, thanks for the pep talk," I muttered, crossing my arms. "Totally reassuring."
He ignored my sarcasm and handed me a small business card. "If you survive—and I mean if—come find me. Name's Vikram. I train rookies, but only the ones who have something special. And you? You're definitely not like the others."
I blinked, staring at the card in my hand. Was he serious? This guy wanted to train me? I mean, sure, I had the system, but no one else knew about that. Not yet, at least.
"Uh, thanks, I guess?" I managed, slipping the card into my pocket.
"Don't mention it. Just stay alive long enough to make it worth my time," he said with a grin, then turned and walked off.
I watched him go, my mind racing. Training with a real hunter? That could be huge. But I still had to survive the exam first. And the way he said "if" wasn't exactly filling me with confidence.
The system pinged again.
---
[NEW QUEST: PREPARE FOR THE HUNTER EXAM]
Objective 1: Train your skills.
Objective 2: Complete daily system quests.
Reward: 700 XP, 400 Solar Points, Skill: Solar Recovery.
---
I couldn't help but smirk. The system must have known I was freaking out. Giving me a chance to train before the exam? That was exactly what I needed.
As I stared at the notification, another thought hit me—what if this system was the key to surviving? No one else could level up like I could. And with the daily quests, I had a way to get stronger before I even stepped into the exam arena.
"Well, system, looks like you've got my back," I muttered under my breath. "Let's get to work."
I left the Hunter Guild, feeling a little less like the world was about to swallow me whole. Sure, the exam was still hanging over my head, and sure, I might not survive, but with the system guiding me, I had a shot.
It was time to start training.