Chapter 1: The Weakest Hunter
More than a decade ago, the world as we knew it changed forever. The fabric of reality was torn apart, and a series of pathways appeared, connecting our world to another dimension. These pathways, known as the "Gates," ushered in untold horrors from the other side. Bizarre creatures, known as "Magic Beasts," began to pour through the Gates, wreaking havoc on our world.
The Magic Beasts were unlike anything humanity had ever seen. They came in all shapes and sizes, with abilities that defied explanation. Some could breathe fire, while others could manipulate the very fabric of reality. They were the stuff of nightmares, and humanity was powerless against them.
That was when the Hunters appeared.
Some humans awakened to abilities that allowed them to combat the Magic Beasts. These individuals were known as "Hunters," and they were the only ones who could protect humanity from the monsters.
The magic coursing through each Hunter determined their rank, which was classified into a strict hierarchy:
- E-Rank: The lowest level, considered the weakest of all Hunters.
- D-Rank: A slight step up from E-Rank, but still considered relatively weak.
- C-Rank: A moderate level of strength, but still far from the top.
- B-Rank: A significant increase in power, with Hunters at this level considered formidable opponents.
- A-Rank: The highest level of strength among mortal Hunters.
- S-Rank: A legendary level of power, with only a handful of Hunters reaching this rank.
And then there were the special titles:
- National Hunter: A title given to Hunters who have achieved a level of strength and recognition on a national scale.
- Legendary Hunter: A title reserved for Hunters who have achieved unparalleled strength and fame.
- Apex Hunter: A title given to Hunters who have surpassed even the Legendary Hunters in terms of strength and ability.
- Demi-God Hunter: A title given to Hunters who have achieved a level of strength and power that is beyond human comprehension.
- Semi-God Hunter: A title reserved for Hunters who have transcended even the Demi-God Hunters, possessing abilities that are nearly divine.
- God Rank Hunter: A title given to Hunters who have achieved true godhood, possessing unparalleled strength and power.
- Omnipotence Hunter: A title reserved for Hunters who have achieved absolute omnipotence, possessing limitless power and ability to manipulate reality itself.
- Beyond Hunter: A title given to Hunters who have surpassed even the Omnipotence Hunters, possessing abilities that defy human understanding.
- Infinite/Limitless Hunter: A title reserved for Hunters who have achieved true infinity, possessing limitless strength and power.
Joon Oh Kim was an E-Rank Hunter, the weakest of the weak. He had received his evaluation when he was just a teenager, and the result had been devastating. While his friends and peers had awakened to powerful abilities, Joon had been left with almost nothing.
The evaluation process was simple. Hunters-to-be would enter a special room, where they would be exposed to a small amount of magic. The magic would then react to the individual's abilities, determining their rank.
Joon remembered the day of his evaluation like it was yesterday. He had been so nervous, so excited to discover his true potential. But as he entered the evaluation room, he felt a strange sensation, like his body was being drained of all energy.
The result had been an E-Rank, the lowest possible ranking. Joon had been devastated. He had always dreamed of becoming a powerful Hunter, of protecting humanity from the Magic Beasts.
But now, he was nothing more than a weak, insignificant Hunter.
Joon's life had been a struggle ever since. He had to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet, all while trying to survive in a world filled with monsters. He had almost died twice, both times while trying to complete missions for the Hunter's Guild.
The Guild was an organization that governed the Hunters, providing them with missions, training, and support. But the Guild was also ruthless, willing to sacrifice weaker Hunters like Joon for the greater good.
Joon's family relied on him for financial support. His mother was hospitalized with a serious illness, and his younger sister and brother needed tuition for school. His elder sister was a single mother, struggling to make ends meet, and Joon's brother-in-law was unemployed.
The pressure was crushing Joon, forcing him to take on more and more missions, even if it meant risking his life. He needed the money, no matter how small the pay.
As Joon walked through the streets of Seoul, he couldn't help but feel a sense of despair. He was trapped in a never-ending cycle of poverty and danger, with no escape in sight.
But Joon refused to give up. He had to keep fighting, no matter how weak he was. He had to provide for his family, no matter the cost.