Sebastian's fingers danced across his phone's holographic display, searching through various hunter forums and MANA-beast databases. The afternoon sun filtered through his bedroom window as he researched potential hunting grounds. One location kept appearing in discussions: the Mist Wood Forest, the same mysterious place Aiden had mentioned during their earlier conversation.
The forest's reputation was as intriguing as it was dangerous. According to the official Hunter's Database, it operated on a gradient system—the deeper one ventured, the more powerful the beasts became. What truly caught Sebastian's attention was a fascinating detail: the furthest reaches of Mist Wood, home to fearsome Rank 4 beasts, actually connected to the sprawling Amazon Forest, now the world's largest MANA-beast ecosystem.
After keeping survival items in his inventory —energy bars, water and a first-aid module—Sebastian headed out. The taxi ride to Eclipsia's outer gate gave him his first real look at the town's defensive infrastructure. The walls were impressive engineering marvels: 15 meters of reinforced MANA-concrete rising from the ground like ancient guardians. Their brown surface was etched with subtle defensive runes that glowed faintly in the afternoon light.
This section of town felt different from the bustling center he knew. The guard station saw only occasional traffic—mostly licensed hunters and supply vehicles. As Sebastian approached, a guard in standard-issue protective gear raised a hand to stop him.
"Where do you think you're going?" The guard's tone suggested this was his thousandth time asking that question today.
Sebastian stood straight, trying to project confidence. "I'm heading to Mist Wood Forest."
"Restricted area," the guard sighed, not even looking up from his monitoring crystal. "Hunters only. Got an ID?"
When Sebastian admitted he didn't, the guard pointed down an empty street. "Earth's Hunter Association. Big glass building, half a kilometer that way. Can't miss it."
The Hunter Association headquarters was indeed impossible to miss—a towering structure of smart-glass that shifted colors in the sunlight. The building's banner proudly displayed the Association's emblem: two small knife crossing each other with a hexagonal mana crystal in between of them .
Inside, the lobby hummed with activity. To his left, a massive holoboard displayed dozens of hunting requests, each glowing request slip containing details about beast sightings and bounties. Hunters in various stages of their careers clustered around it, some bearing visible scars from recent encounters.
Sebastian approached one of the reception desks, where a woman with silver-highlighted hair and MANA-enhanced eyes greeted him with practiced efficiency. Her nameplate identified her as Lynn Martinez, Registration Specialist.
"Welcome to the Hunter's Association. How may I assist you today?" Her tone was professionally warm.
"I'd like to apply for a Hunter Identification Card," Sebastian replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
Lynn tapped something into her terminal and spoke into a communication crystal. Minutes later, a man in a pristine lab coat appeared. His name tag read "Dr. Chen, Hunter Certification Specialist," and his spectacles seemed to analyze Sebastian with each glance.
As they walked to the evaluation room, Dr. Chen's questions began. "Recent awakening?"
"Yes, about a week ago," Sebastian replied.
Dr. Chen's eyebrows rose with interest. "Pursuing hunting already? Must have scored impressively on the awakening test. Care to share?"
Sebastian hesitated, his footsteps faltering. The fluorescent lights suddenly felt too bright. "It was... 0.8," he finally admitted, barely above a whisper.
Dr. Chen stopped abruptly, his expression shifting from curiosity to concern. He pulled Sebastian aside into a quiet alcove. "You haven't been experimenting with forbidden MANA enhancers, have you? Be honest—this is a medical consultation."
"No, absolutely not," Sebastian responded quickly, confused by the implication.
The doctor's relief was palpable. "Thank heavens. Those substances—crystallized beast cores, unrefined MANA extracts—they promise quick power but devastate the user's MANA channels. But you..." He consulted his data pad, "To establish a stable MANA connection and reach Rank 1 in just a week, with that awakening score... That's remarkable. Most take a month or longer."
Sebastian's confusion deepened. According to his mysterious system, he was already Rank 1, but Dr. Chen's words suggested this wasn't normal. How had his MANA connection been established so quickly? What made him different?
"Tell me," Dr. Chen continued, his scientific curiosity evident, "have you experienced any unusual sensations since your awakening? Changes in perception? Dreams?"