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Scene: Kang Wo Hu's Living Room, Modern Day
Mordryn stared out the large window, watching the unfamiliar world bustling beyond the glass. Cars zoomed past on busy streets, people walked quickly, tapping on glowing devices, and massive screens on buildings flashed images he didn't understand. The world had changed so much in the time he had been asleep, it was overwhelming.
Behind him, Kang Wo Hu was bustling around, picking up a few things from the table. She had been talking for the past few minutes, explaining things to him about how the world worked now, but it was difficult for him to keep up. Technology had advanced in ways he couldn't have imagined, and magic was no longer something people openly spoke of. In its place, something else had risen.
Kang Wo Hu:
"So, like I said before, there are monsters that still show up here and there. People say they're remnants of the Shadowrealm from ancient times, but no one really knows for sure. What we do know is that people like me—Hunters—are the ones who deal with them."
Mordryn turned from the window, his brow furrowing.
Mordryn:
"Hunters?"
Kang Wo Hu grinned and nodded enthusiastically. She had been waiting for this part.
Kang Wo Hu:
"Yep! Hunters are the ones who fight against the monsters that pop up in the world. We're ranked by our strength and skill—from F, which is the lowest, to S, the highest. The stronger you are, the higher your rank, and the more dangerous missions you can take."
Mordryn considered this for a moment. It made sense that someone would have to fight the creatures if they had survived all these centuries. But the idea of fighting monsters with no magic, relying on something else entirely, was strange to him.
Mordryn (thinking):
"So, they've created a system to replace magic... but how effective is it?"
Mordryn:
thoughtfully
"And you're one of these Hunters?"
Kang Wo Hu puffed out her chest proudly.
Kang Wo Hu:
"Yup! I'm an A-rank Hunter, actually. Not quite at the top, but getting there."
Mordryn's eyes narrowed slightly. An A-rank? That sounded impressive, but what kind of power did these Hunters actually wield? How could they fight the creatures of the Shadowrealm without the magic he had used to battle them in the past?
Kang Wo Hu:
"And I know what you're thinking—how do we fight them without magic, right?" she smirked, leaning against the table "Well, the truth is, some of us do use magic, but it's different from what you're used to. Most of us rely on special weapons, technology, and skills that have been developed over the years. But there are a few of us who have, you know, a little bit of power."
Mordryn crossed his arms, his curiosity piqued.
Mordryn:
"And how did this system come to be? Where did these monsters come from?"
Kang Wo Hu's smile faded slightly as she considered the question.
Kang Wo Hu:
"Well, no one really knows the whole story. The monsters have been around for as long as anyone can remember. There are legends about ancient wars, like the one you mentioned, and about how the world was torn apart by magic. Some people think that the monsters are leftovers from that time, that they've just been lying dormant all these centuries. Others think they're from another dimension entirely."
She shrugged, glancing at him.
Kang Wo Hu:
"Honestly, most people don't care about the 'why.' They just care about keeping people safe and stopping the monsters before they do too much damage."
Mordryn frowned, his mind drifting back to the war that had torn Valendar apart. It made sense that these creatures would still exist. The gates to the Shadowrealm had been torn open back then, and while he had tried to stop it, he hadn't succeeded in closing them. The darkness had bled into the world, and it seemed it had never truly gone away.
Mordryn (thinking):
"So, Caldris's legacy still lives on, even in this time..."
He clenched his fists. He had failed to stop the war back then, but now, in this strange new world, he would have to make sure the monsters didn't claim it as well.
Mordryn:
quietly
"The creatures you fight... they're not just remnants. They're the very beings I fought against all those years ago."
Kang Wo Hu's eyes widened slightly, but she didn't seem entirely surprised.
Kang Wo Hu:
"So, it's true, huh? Those legends really are based on something real." she paused, leaning forward "What do you think? Do you think there's a way to stop them once and for all?"
Mordryn was silent for a moment, his gaze distant as he considered her question.
Mordryn:
"If the gates to the Shadowrealm are still open, there may be a way to close them. But I'll need time to understand this world and its... tools. Magic as I know it may no longer be enough."
Kang Wo Hu nodded, her expression thoughtful.
Kang Wo Hu:
"Well, you've got me to help. I can show you how we do things now—how we fight. You might even be able to become a Hunter yourself. I mean, with your power, you could easily be at least an S-rank."
Mordryn raised an eyebrow.
Mordryn:
"A Hunter? With ranks?"
She laughed, shaking her head.
Kang Wo Hu:
"Well, yeah! You've got the power, and I'm pretty sure you'd make the other Hunters jealous. Plus, it's the best way to get access to the resources you'll need to figure out what's going on with these monsters. The Hunters Guild is connected to everything."
Mordryn leaned back, considering her words. If he were to navigate this world and find a way to stop the creatures once and for all, he would need allies, resources, and knowledge. This "Hunters Guild" sounded like the place to start.
Mordryn:
slowly nodding
"Very well. I will learn the ways of this world and see how its warriors fight. But know this—if the creatures of the Shadowrealm have returned in force, it means the war is far from over."
Kang Wo Hu's expression became more serious, her playful demeanor fading slightly.
Kang Wo Hu:
"I figured as much. But don't worry. You've got me on your side, and the Hunters don't back down from a fight."
She stood up, stretching her arms above her head.
Kang Wo Hu:
"Tomorrow, I'll take you to the Hunters Guild and introduce you. You'll see for yourself how things work now. Who knows, maybe you'll even be impressed."
Mordryn watched her, still not entirely convinced. The idea of fighting monsters without magic was still foreign to him, but if these Hunters had been doing it for centuries, perhaps there was something to learn.
Mordryn (thinking):
"The world may have changed, but the threat remains the same. If I am to stop it, I will need to understand how things work here."
As Kang Wo Hu disappeared into the next room, Mordryn stared out the window once again, watching the world beyond. He had been thrust into a future that was both strange and familiar, and though much had been forgotten, the danger of the Shadowrealm was as real as ever.
But this time, he would not fight alone.
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End of Chapter 6