Chapter 1: Awakening
Eight years ago, the world was forever changed when "Gates" began to appear across the globe. These portals led to "Dungeons," realms inhabited by ferocious, magical beasts known as "Monsters." These creatures wreaked havoc on human populations, leaving destruction and death in their wake.
However, as the years passed, humans with magical abilities began to emerge. These individuals, known as "Hunters," took it upon themselves to battle the monsters and protect humanity. With their existence, the fear that once gripped the world began to dissipate.
Seoul High School for Arts was abuzz with excitement as the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day and the beginning of a new chapter in the students' lives. The third-year students, now 18 years old, were eligible to undergo the "Awakening" process, a ritual that would unlock their latent magical abilities.
As the students poured out of their classrooms, the hallways erupted into chaos. Friends congratulated each other, and the air was electric with anticipation.
"I'm going to get an S-Rank ability, I just know it!" one student exclaimed.
"I'll be the next Lee Minsuk!" another shouted, referencing the famous Hunter. "I'll get a beast-like ability for sure!"
The students gathered outside the school building, where agents from the government's Hunter Administration were waiting. The agents, dressed in black suits, directed the students to line up in rows.
At the front of each row, a large, blue, translucent crystal pulsed with energy. These were the Awakening Crystals, capable of drawing out a person's latent magical power.
"Listen up!" one of the agents barked, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "Today is the day you'll be awakened. Today, your futures will be decided! We agents can only wish you luck. Now, let's begin! Those of you at the start of each row, place your hand on the magical crystal before you."
The students hesitated for a moment before reaching out to touch the crystals. As soon as they made contact, a strange aura began to envelop them.
The agent continued, "Good! That aura is your latent magical energy being awakened. Soon, a holographic image will appear above your crystals, displaying your awakened abilities."
The students watched in awe as translucent screens materialized above the crystals, displaying their abilities.
[NAME: HOI JONG-WOO
ABILITY: TRANSFORMATION (C+)
ALLOWS USER TO TRANSFORM INTO BEAST TYPE MONSTER.]
One student, Hoi Jong-woo, pumped his fist in excitement. "Yes! I got an ability similar to Lee Minsuk's!"
As the students continued to discover their abilities, one individual's screen caught everyone's attention:
[NAME: KIM DONGHYUN
ABILITY: CHRONO MANIPULATION (A)
ALLOWS USER TO MANIPULATE TIME.]
The crowd erupted into cheers and gasps, amazed by Kim Donghyun's exceptionally rare A-Rank ability.
Finally, it was Min Cheonhwa's turn. He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and placed his hand on the crystal. A surge of energy coursed through his body, and he felt his strength increasing.
A blue screen appeared above the crystal, displaying his ability:
[NAME: MIN CHEONHWA
ABILITY: PUNCH (E)-MAKES THE USER'S PUNCHES MORE POWERFUL THAN A REGULAR HUMAN.]
Min Cheonhwa's face fell as he read the screen. He had awakened one of the weakest skills known to mankind. A sense of disappointment and disdain washed over him.
Chapter 1 fin