… He had been on the brink of life and death too many times …

Twenty years ago, mysterious gates suddenly appeared all over the world, linking this world to another. From these gates, terrifying creatures emerged—monsters from an unknown realm called Dungeons. As humanity was thrown into despair, people with supernatural powers began to awaken. This phenomenon was called "Awakening."

Those who awakened started calling themselves Hunters—gifts from the gods and the last hope of mankind. Their duty was to hunt down monsters, clear Dungeons, and close the gates by defeating the Dungeon Bosses.

Over time, being a Hunter became one of the most coveted professions. Not only were Hunters seen as heroes, but they also became superstars. The treasures found in Dungeons were sold at high prices by the government, making the job incredibly lucrative.

With fame and fortune at stake, many dreamed of becoming Hunters—including Noah.

Since graduating high school, Noah had worked as a Hunter. But not by choice. His circumstances forced him into this life.

To pay for his younger sister's hospital bills, Noah had no choice but to take the dangerous path of a Hunter, constantly risking his life.

Two weeks had passed since he was hospitalized after getting injured in an E-Rank Dungeon raid. Technically, he was a Hunter, but his strength was no different from an ordinary human.

Noah had no special powers or combat skills. While others returned from Dungeons unscathed, he was always the only one who barely made it out alive.

---

The sky was clear today. A crowd had already gathered, waiting for the gate to open. Having just been discharged from the hospital, Noah immediately started looking for work. He joined a party preparing to raid a Dungeon under the supervision of the Hunter Association—the governing body that oversaw all Hunters and Guilds.

"You're here, kid?" a middle-aged man greeted Noah as he approached the group. Noah forced a smile, trying to return the man's friendliness.

"I couldn't miss out on the fun after being unemployed for over two weeks," he said, chuckling.

The man laughed along. "If I were you, I would've quit being a Hunter already. You must have some insane luck to still be alive, considering your strength is no better than a regular human's. I envy you!" He slapped Noah's back, still laughing.

Noah just smiled bitterly.

Being a Hunter was a dangerous job. He had faced death countless times. If it weren't for the money, he would've quit long ago and found a normal job. But regular jobs didn't pay enough—not even close. He needed a fortune to cover his sister's medical expenses.

So he shut out the voices around him. Ignored the people who mocked him. The only thing that separated him from ordinary humans was the fact that he had awakened.

He was the only person in the world with strength lower than E-Rank.

A F-Rank Hunter.

The weakest Hunter in the world. That's what they called him.

And all he could do was stay silent and smile, pretending it didn't bother him.

Silence was the best option.

"Alright, everyone! Gather up! We're heading in!"

---

Noah clenched the Monster Crystal in his hand. His gaze drifted to his teammates, who were still fighting off monsters.

"Once again, I could only take down a single E-Rank monster…"

His calm eyes filled with envy as he watched the others fight. Meanwhile, a Healer tended to his wounds.

The moment they entered the Dungeon, they were greeted by E-Rank monsters. Noah managed to defeat one—but ended up severely injured right after.

For a single E-Rank Monster Crystal, he had risked his life. It wasn't worth it. Not even close. But taking down higher-rank monsters with F-Rank strength and bare hands was impossible.

"Is there really a reason for you to keep going?"

Noah flinched at the question before letting out an awkward laugh. "If I quit, I'd probably die of boredom."

There was no way he would admit the real reason. He didn't want anyone's pity.

The Healer treating him frowned. "If you keep this up, you'll be fighting in the afterlife soon."

She sighed before adding, "Have you ever thought about the people who worry about you?"

Before Noah could answer, the Party Leader shouted,

"We're approaching the Boss Room!"

Noah forced himself to stand. He had come this far—there was no turning back now.

But as he was about to follow the others, Naomi grabbed his wrist.

"Just stay here," she pleaded. "You're going to get even more hurt—or worse, you might die."

"But I've made it this far. There's no way I'm stopping now."

He could feel Naomi tightening her grip.

"Then… I'll give you my share of the payment," she whispered. "Please, don't go."