The sun was setting behind the skyscrapers of Manila, casting long shadows across the bustling city streets. In the midst of the crowd, Mark Fernandez weaved through the people with practiced ease, his worn-out backpack bouncing against his shoulders. His body ached from the day's training, but the thought of his mother and sister waiting at home kept him moving.
"Another failed hunt, huh?" a voice called out as Mark approached the entrance to the Hunter Association's local branch. He looked up to see Jad Ponesto leaning against the wall, his arms crossed and a smug grin plastered on his face.
Mark forced a smile. "Yeah, the dungeon was tougher than expected. Almost didn't make it out."
Jad scoffed. "Figures. You're still an E-rank, after all. Weakest Hunter in Manila. Surprised you're still alive."
Mark's fists tightened, but he kept his composure. He was used to the taunts. After all, it was true. In a world where Hunters wielded incredible power, he was barely scraping by as the weakest among them. Yet, quitting wasn't an option. His mother's medical bills were piling up, and his little sister needed school supplies.
"I'm heading out on another raid tomorrow," Jad continued. "You should just quit before you get yourself killed." With a mocking laugh, he walked away, leaving Mark standing there in silence.
Shaking off the sting of Jad's words, Mark entered the building. He approached the mission counter where Mae Ramos, the kind-hearted receptionist, greeted him with a worried look.
"Mark! You're hurt again?" she exclaimed, noticing the gash on his arm.
Mark glanced down, surprised by the blood seeping through his shirt. "Ah, it's just a scratch. Nothing serious."
Mae's eyes softened with sympathy. "You don't have to push yourself this hard, you know."
Mark's smile faltered. "I… don't have a choice."
He handed her the loot from his latest dungeon run—just a few low-grade monster cores. Not enough to make a difference. Mae's expression turned sad as she calculated his earnings.
"That's only 1,500 pesos…" she murmured. "Mark, this isn't enough for—"
"I'll make it work," Mark interrupted, forcing himself to sound cheerful. "Thanks, Mae. I'll see you tomorrow."
As he turned to leave, a commotion erupted near the mission board. A group of high-ranking Hunters marched in, exuding an aura of power and confidence. Al Reign led the group, his charismatic smile captivating everyone's attention. Behind him were Erwin Tomparang, his loyal right-hand man, and Andrei Huertas, the renowned S-rank Hunter whose presence demanded respect.
"Looks like they're taking on that new A-rank dungeon," Mae whispered. "It's supposed to be extremely dangerous."
Mark's heart raced as he watched them. To stand among Hunters like them, to be strong enough to protect his family without fear—that was his dream. Yet, the gap between them was immeasurable.
Suddenly, Al's gaze locked onto Mark. For a moment, his smile twisted into a look of disdain before he turned away, leading his team out of the building.
"They're so powerful," Mark muttered under his breath, clenching his fists. "If only… if only I were stronger."
That night, Mark stood on the rooftop of his apartment building, looking out over the sprawling city. His body ached, his wallet was empty, and his heart felt heavy with frustration. But his resolve remained unbroken.
"I won't give up," he whispered to the wind. "No matter what, I'll become stronger. I'll protect them… I'll protect my family."
As he turned to leave, the sky above the city rippled, and a blinding light erupted from the horizon. A massive Rift tore open the fabric of reality, its ominous glow illuminating the night.
Mark's eyes widened. He'd never seen a Rift that huge before. The ground trembled as the air filled with the distant roars of monstrous creatures.
The city's alarms blared, and the Hunter Association's emergency broadcast echoed across Manila.
"Warning! An S-rank Rift has appeared! All Hunters are to report immediately! Civilians are advised to evacuate!"
Mark's heart pounded in his chest. An S-rank Rift meant disaster. Only the strongest Hunters could hope to survive such a dungeon. And yet, something inside him stirred—a feeling he couldn't explain.
"I have to help… somehow," he whispered, his feet already moving.
Unbeknownst to him, destiny was calling. The weakest Hunter in Manila was about to embark on a journey that would change his life forever.
End of Chapter 1