Uno was left feeling unsettled. The dungeon in City B had been mysteriously cleaned out, yet no records showed any hunter making a claim or logging the coordinates. How was this possible?

It was well-known that special abilities were strictly monitored and regulated. Every hunter obtained theirs through a standardized examination, where they received chemical injections to awaken any latent powers unique to each individual. These abilities formed the bedrock of the Hunter system, setting them apart from regular individuals.

It went without saying that any person displaying special abilities without being an officially registered hunter would be deemed a ‘dungeon monster.’ The government’s firm stance on this matter was well-known by every single human being.

The order was clear: kill on sight.

“I’m not certain, but there’s a 53% probability,” Professor Grish said, crossing her legs as she leaned back in her chair, her voice crisp and matter-of-fact.

Uno turned his gaze toward her, arms propped against his desk.

“Consider the case of invasive species,” she explained, her gaze fixed on Uno. “Take carp, for instance. They outcompete native fish, disturbing the water and disrupting habitats, ultimately changing the entire ecosystem. It’s possible that monsters behave similarly, seeking to expand their territory in the same way.” Her voice remained crisp and detached, her eyes gleaming with clinical precision.

It made sense, but Uno couldn’t shake off a nagging feeling of unease. He recalled the moment at the plaza when something had passed him by, causing an overwhelming presence that sent warning signals through his entire body. This was no ordinary monster. This presence had heft, a profound gravity that refused to be ignored. He hadn’t forgotten. And now… it gnawed at him.

Professor Grish broke his thoughts with a flick of papers onto his desk. “Applications from City B. As usual, most have opted to apply online.”

Uno glanced at the stack, already annoyed. “I told you. I’m not attending.”

“Mm, yes, yes,” she said, rolling her eyes. “But would it kill you to skim them? I just want your first impressions. It’ll make selecting candidates for the guild easier.”

Uno sighed inwardly, but refrained from objecting. He absentmindedly flipped through the pile of applications until a particular face snagged his attention. He paused, scrutinizing the familiar features in surprise.

A familiar profile stared back at him from the page. His eyes scanned the details listed.

Name: Lev

Age: 22 years old

Location: City B

Height: 175 cm

“…Phone thief,” Uno muttered under his breath.

Professor Grish’s natural inclination for gossip got the better of her. She peered over Uno’s shoulder, taking in the photo with a curious hum. “Quite the looker,” she observed, raising an eyebrow. “Hm, he looks like the mayor. His son, maybe?”

Uno’s brow furrowed. “I don’t know. Don’t care. What matters is….this guy has my phone.”

Professor Grish laughed softly, intrigued. “Interesting. I like him already.”

Uno’s eyes lingered on the picture, his glare heavy. “When is it again?”

Professor Grish blinked, then her expression shifted into a slow, knowing smile. “Two days from now. 10 a.m. sharp.”

Excitement sparked in her eyes as she typed something quickly on her phone.

—————————————–

“Did they recognize you?” Arthur asked, voice tight, like he already dreaded the answer.

Lev leaned back on the bench, casually licking his ice cream. “Relax. I spared no one.”

Arthur’s face darkened. “…You cleared the whole dungeon, didn’t you?”

Lev smirked. “And efficiently, I might add.”

Arthur groaned, rubbing his face. “You’re supposed to lay low, not scream ‘look at me’ by doing something only a guild could pull off.”

“They’ll never suspect me,” Lev said, smug. “I mean, look at me. Do I look like I clear dungeons for breakfast?”

Arthur stared at him, deadpan. “…Yes, boss. Exactly like that.”

Lev chuckled, licking his ice cream. “Then maybe they should be grateful.”

Arthur muttered under his breath, “Grateful… until they put a blade through our necks.”

Lev only leaned back, arrogance gleaming in his eyes. “Please. They’ll never catch me.”

Meanwhile, Chichi had no recollection of what happened before she was taken by unknown men. She was now resting peacefully at home with her grandmother, unaware of how close she had come to danger.

Arthur, however, wasn’t at ease. So much for laying low. Lev just did whatever he pleased. If he kept this up, the humans might discover what they really were.

Should they just go back to the dungeon? No. They’d come this far already. They just needed to stick to the plan.

To join the Hunter Association.

Days had passed, and finally, the formal opening for the aspirant hunters commenced.

Lev showed up in nothing more than a plain shirt and pants. He stood in the seventh line, second in place, right behind a tall man.

The other humans in line seemed to be familiar with each other, chatting amicably and exchanging greetings. Lev, however, remained detached, merely observing the camaraderie without any apparent interest.

Before long, the chatter grew louder. A group of men in sleek dri-fit shirts and khaki pants sauntered up to the front.

“Woah, he actually came?” someone whispered.

“Damn, his presence is off the charts. You reckon I can be like him after this exam?”

Lev followed their gazes then froze.

There he was.

The face he’d once seen in Arthur’s phone. The strongest hunter.

Lev swallowed down a grin. A thrill ran up his spine. The very human who dared rumble through his dungeon now stood within arm’s reach. He hadn’t expected to meet him this soon.

Uno stood with a stoic expression, seemingly unaffected by the muttering of the hunters beside him. But as their gazes landed on Lev, the whispering abruptly ceased. A chuckle echoed through the group, followed by a few sideways glances among them. One of the hunters leaned in close to Uno and whispered something in his ear, prompting a subtle shift in Uno’s demeanor.

Uno turned, his gaze locking onto Lev with a glare so sharp it nearly cut air.

Uno’s gaze shifted towards Lev, and he shot him a hard glare, causing Lev to feel a pang of surprise. Could it be that Uno recognized him? No, it was an unlikely possibility. If Uno knew who Lev really was, there would have been some sort of upheaval or reaction already.

So why was he staring at him like that?

Before Lev could think further, the screech of a microphone cut through the room, snapping everyone into stiff silence.

“Good morning, everyone! I warmly welcome each and every one of you who have come here today to participate in the 48th Hunter Examination.”

A middle-aged man’s voice echoed across the hall. “Your decision to embark on this journey is a courageous and strong one. Know that each challenge you face brings you closer to the rewards that await those who are ready to embrace the trials that lie ahead. Wishing you all the best of luck!”

After the speech, members of the Hunter Association stepped forward, distributing sleek magnetic wristbands to each of them. 

He frowned as it automatically conformed to his skin, tightening with a faint hum. The band’s surface flickered to life. Its small screen glowing with soft blue light, displaying a number.

LV-005572

A holographic panel flickered above it, displaying his profile picture and demographics. Lev poked at the projection. It split then snapped back together.

“Hi, I’m Annacia,” said the woman with short blonde hair standing at the front, her voice warm yet authoritative. “I’ll be your coordinator throughout the Hunter Examination.”

She gestured toward a large screen ahead. “Your ID number corresponds to your team assignment. Please check the monitor to see which group you’ve been placed in. Team leaders will be announced shortly. Until then, feel free to explore the facility and get acquainted but stay within bounds.”

With that, murmurs rose again as aspirants glanced at their bands, scanning for numbers on the board and sizing up their future teammates.

Lev lifted his gaze towards the monitor screen and spotted his team assignment amongst the list of names. His eyes immediately found it: Team Emerald.

After that, he slipped away from the crowd, heading to a quieter corner of the orientation hall. He sat on the edge of a white stair, alone, letting the noise of the others blur into the background.

Until a shadow fell across him. Lev tilted his head up only to find Uno standing there.

“My phone,” Uno said flatly. “Where is it?”