"Why are you vanishing?!" Lee Seung shouted in panic as he watched the fading figure of his clone. Just then, a bluish screen flickered before his eyes:
[When the energy of the subject's clone gets depleted, it vanishes and takes time to regenerate.]
Lee Seung exhaled a sigh of relief. "Oh, so it's not permanent…" he muttered, sinking into the soft cushions of his worn-out white sofa. He kept his eyes locked on the clone until it dissolved into shimmering particles that disappeared in the air. As the last trace vanished, the screen updated:
[Cooldown: five hours]
He threw his head back and stared at the ceiling. "A few hours ago, I thought I wouldn't be alone anymore… only to find out there's a time limit. Life really knows how to throw curveballs." His voice trailed off into silence as he closed his eyes, lost in thought.
Three weeks later…
The silence in Lee Seung's small, cluttered apartment was shattered by a notification on his phone. An unread message popped up from an unknown sender:
Notice: Your apartment will be demolished in four days.
His eyes widened as he quickly checked his bank account balance. The numbers glared back at him:
[Balance: 1,200,000 won]
(About $906)
Lee Seung slumped onto the floor, clutching his head. He had been scraping by, earning only a few thousand dollars from sporadic 'jobs' at Woosung Industries. Despite working three times during those weeks, he barely managed to cover his daily expenses. The money drained faster than it came in, leaving him teetering on the edge of desperation.
'I could have saved enough to rent another place if I hadn't dipped into my earnings… But what choice did I have? I need to eat,' he thought bitterly, staring at the dim lightbulb above.
With a deep sigh, he grabbed his jacket and left the apartment. The sun was already low in the sky, casting long shadows across the narrow streets as he made his way through the neighborhood. His steps echoed faintly as he walked past familiar stores and alleyways, the warm breeze brushing against his face.
As he approached Mr. Song's shop, the bustling sounds of the city faded into the background. The old wooden door creaked as he pushed it open, a bell chiming softly above him. The shop's warm interior was a comforting contrast to the chaotic world outside. Shelves lined with various knick-knacks, herbs, and snacks gave the place a cozy, lived-in feel.
Mr. Song, the elderly owner, looked up from behind the counter as Lee Seung entered. "Ah, Seung-ah, you look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders. Sit, sit," he said, motioning to a small wooden table by the window.
Lee Seung offered a weak smile as he sat down heavily. "It's nothing, ahjussi. Just… the government has sent a notice. The building will be demolished in four days."
Mr. Song joined him at the table, sliding a cup of hot coffee across. "Why don't you move in with me, eh? It's better than worrying about being homeless," Mr. Song offered with genuine concern.
Lee Seung shook his head, forcing a smile. "No, ahjussi. I'll figure something out before the deadline. I just need to… I don't know, maybe go back to part-time jobs or find another way. I just..."
Mr. Song chuckled softly, though his tone was laced with worry. "You? Earn enough in four days? Resume a part-time job? The money you'd make wouldn't even cover a storage unit, let alone rent." He leaned closer, lowering his voice, "Listen, kid, just—"
Ding!
Lee Seung's phone vibrated in his pocket, interrupting the conversation. Without glancing at the caller ID, he answered, "Hello, who's this?"
The voice on the other end was soft, professional. "I'm calling from Hanyang Hospital…"
Lee Seung's heart skipped a beat. His expression turned tense as he gripped the phone tighter. "Oh… really? Alright, I'll come by and sign the forms. Yes, I'll be there soon."
He hung up, staring blankly at the screen, his thoughts racing. The news weighed heavily on his chest, and his hands trembled slightly as he tried to regain composure. Turning to Mr. Song, he forced another smile. "It was just a call from school. I need to handle some paperwork."
Before Mr. Song could ask further, Lee Seung quickly left the shop, his mind spiraling. Within minutes, he was at Hanyang Hospital, his face pale and taut with anxiety. The fluorescent lights overhead buzzed faintly as he marched through the corridors, heading straight to the reception desk.
"Excuse me, I'm here to see the doctor," he said, his voice steady but strained.
The receptionist, recognizing his face, directed him to the second floor. As he stepped into the doctor's office, a pang of familiarity hit him. The scent of antiseptic, the faint hum of medical equipment—he knew this place all too well. Six years ago, after their parents passed away, this same hospital became his sister's lifeline when she was admitted for food poisoning. She had spent their meager earnings to ensure he had decent meals, secretly consuming spoiled leftovers herself until it took a toll on her health.
The doctor, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes behind thick glasses, handed him a stack of papers. "The government's support for your sister ends now that you've turned sixteen. Can you manage her medical expenses from here on out? Or you need some help?"
Lee Seung nodded mechanically, barely hearing the words. "Yes, I can… Please show me where to sign."
He scrawled his signature on each form, the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. When he finished, he glanced up, a spark of desperation in his eyes. "Is there any chance to cure her? Completely?"
The doctor hesitated. "There is… but—"
"Tell me, doctor. How can I cure her illness? I'll do anything."
---
The rhythmic beeping of the life support machine echoed in the small, sterile ward. Lee Seung stood at his sister's bedside, watching her pale face as she lay unconscious, her fragile frame nearly swallowed by the thick blankets. He gently took her cold hand, squeezing it as a tear slid down his cheek.
"Soon, I'll have a chance to bring you back. I've missed you so much. You risked everything for me… now it's my turn." His voice wavered, but determination burned in his eyes.
After leaving the hospital, he hailed a taxi and pulled out his phone, his fingers trembling as he typed "Hunter Wiki" into the browser.
> Information:
[Six years ago, mysterious portals appeared worldwide, unleashing monstrous beings resistant to conventional weapons. Humanity was on the brink of collapse until extraterrestrial beings provided advanced technology, giving birth to superhumans—metahumans. These metahumans, initially trained soldiers, managed to push back the monsters and stabilize society. However, many soldiers vanished into the portals during their missions. The survivors formed the World Hunter Association, responsible for protecting humanity against remaining threats.]
Lee Seung felt a shiver run down his spine as he read. 'This is insane. But if there's even a chance… I'll take it. I'm not just a bodyguard—I have abilities. Real abilities. And a metahuman doesn't run when faced with danger. If the cure for my sister's illness lies within a monster's body, then I'll become a Hunter.'
The taxi pulled up in front of a gleaming skyscraper with glass walls reflecting the city's lights. Lee Seung handed the driver the fare and stepped out, his heart pounding as he gazed up at the towering structure.
"This is it… the Hunter Centre."
His footsteps echoed on the pavement as he walked toward the entrance. Here, people like him registered to become Hunters—those willing to risk everything to face the monsters head-on. He wasn't sure what awaited him inside, but he was ready to find out. For his sister, for the life they once had, and for a future that might finally offer hope.
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"Here I am... the Hunter Centre," Lee Seung whispered, his gaze lifting to the top of the skyscraper. He clenched his backpack tightly, steeling himself as he took a deep breath and moved forward.
The lobby buzzed with activity. Just like at the Awakening Company, Hunter managers were scattered around, talking in hushed tones with prospective applicants or inspecting the array of gear displayed behind glass cases. Lee Seung's heart thudded in his chest as he stepped inside, his nerves spiking with each passing second.
'I hope I get approached by one this time,' he thought, feeling an odd mix of anxiety and excitement twist in his stomach. As he entered the gleaming atrium, a sense of panic seized him. He was only sixteen, yet here he was, attempting something that could change—or end—his life in a heartbeat.
Becoming a Hunter?!
Kids his age were either holed up in tutoring centers or helping their parents run family businesses. Meanwhile, he was about to dive headfirst into a world where life and death played a constant game of tug-of-war. The magnitude of his decision settled on his shoulders like a heavy burden.
His eyes scanned the area, pausing at a counter tagged Vanguard Venture. It was only a few meters away, surrounded by various weapons gleaming under the lights—swords, snipers, shotguns, and more. Seung's gaze lingered on the guns, watching a young woman carefully testing one with a steady hand.
'In no time, I'll actually need one of those,' he thought, sighing quietly. The mere thought of holding such a deadly tool in his hand felt surreal. He sighed again and turned his attention to the signs hanging above each section. "Where is the examination room? Oh… there it is—the waiting spot," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
A large screen above him flickered with the words For Applying Hunters, and though no one else was seated in that section, he made his way over and sat down. The minutes ticked by agonizingly slowly until one of the examiners finally appeared, beckoning him forward with a curt nod.
"The examination will begin in a few minutes. Please wait inside," the examiner said, his tone void of any warmth.
Lee Seung hesitated for a split second, his feet rooted to the floor as his mind raced. 'What if I have to fight real monsters in there? Or they shoot lasers at me to test my resistivity?' He shook his head sharply, forcing those thoughts out of his mind. 'Oh hell, let's see how it turns out in the end.'
With a surge of determination, he gripped the door handle and pushed it open with more force than necessary. The door swung inward, and he stepped into a room filled with tense silence.
His breath hitched as his eyes took in the sight before him—a sea of faces, each one more intimidating than the last. Rough-looking men with scars marring their skin, women with eyes sharp as daggers, and a few calm figures who somehow appeared the most threatening of all. They all looked like seasoned veterans, nothing like the naive, wide-eyed kid he felt like.
"Come inside, please," a deep, gravelly voice urged, snapping him out of his daze. Lee Seung swallowed hard, forcing himself to move. His legs felt like lead as he walked past the rows of fierce competitors, trying—and failing—to mask the fear bubbling in his chest.
'So many people…' he thought, shivering slightly as if their stares were knives cutting through his resolve. He mentally kicked himself. 'Taking this exam should've been the last thing I thought of. What if I have to fight one of these monsters disguised as people? I...'
"Hey, Mister! Move it!" A man in a black suit barked, slamming his hand down on the table in front of him. The loud bang made Lee Seung jump, his heart racing even faster. The man's tone softened as he forced a smile, though the sharpness in his eyes remained. "Sit down, will you?"
* * *
"Good day, everyone. I am Yoo Soohyun, a B-rank Hunter, and I'll be your examiner for today," a stern voice cut through the air as a man stepped to the front of the room. His expression was as cold as his voice, and the sharp lines of his face made him look even more unapproachable.
Beside Lee Seung, a man muttered under his breath, "Why's he so stiff and scary? I bet crybabies like you would wet their pants just hearing him talk."
Lee Seung clenched his jaw, but he couldn't deny how accurate that description was. The tension in the room thickened as Yoo Soohyun's gaze swept over the crowd, his brows furrowing.
"All of you should listen carefully because I won't repeat myself," he began. "This examination is divided into two sections: a written section and a speed-thinking section. The written portion will test your fighting experience and decision-making in various scenarios. The speed-thinking test will evaluate your ability to react under pressure. Your overall performance determines your rank as a Hunter. And one last thing—" Yoo Soohyun's voice dropped to a low growl, "—I have zero tolerance for cheating. Break the rules, and you'll never get a chance to become a Hunter again."
The room fell into an uneasy silence as his words sank in.
"Now, the examination will begin."
* * *
At Star High School…
The chatter in the classroom died down as Miss Kim walked to the front, her notes neatly stacked in her arms. "I hope everyone learned a lot from the excursion. Did you?" she asked, her voice bright and cheerful.
"Yes, Miss Kim!" the students chorused back, their enthusiasm filling the room.
Miss Kim smiled warmly, but her expression faltered slightly as she noticed an empty seat at the back of the class. Her eyes lingered there for a moment before she asked, "How long has it been since Seung last came to school?"
Murmurs rippled through the room. 'Who knows?' 'Why would she ask us?' 'Who cares about him?' the students whispered among themselves.
Kang Jinhu, leaning back in his seat with a smirk, called out loudly, "Miss Kim, it seems no one here has anything to say. Maybe it's because Seung practically doesn't exist in our class."
Miss Kim's smile wavered as she ignored the remark and left the room, her thoughts troubled. 'It's unlike him to skip class this often…'
* * *
Back at the Hunter Centre, Lee Seung stared blankly at his question paper, his pen rolling idly between his fingers. His mind was a total blank, no answers forming despite the questions being right in front of him.
Ten minutes had already passed, yet his sheet was still empty.
His eyes drifted back to the first question:
In a dense forest, you encounter a wounded animal. Describe your approach to assessing the situation and deciding whether to intervene, considering factors like safety, ethics, and conservation.
The words swam on the page, jumbling together as anxiety clawed at his chest. Fighting experience? Survival strategies? He had none of that.
The second question wasn't any better:
You stumble upon a hidden cave rumored to house a rare and dangerous creature. How do you proceed in investigating the cave while ensuring your safety and minimizing harm to the creature and its habitat?
Lee Seung dropped his pen with a clatter, burying his face in his hands. 'I have zero experience in this. How am I supposed to answer these?'
When the fast-thinking section began, it didn't feel any different from the written portion—just a barrage of scenarios that left him more and more clueless. His confidence crumbled with every passing minute. 'This is ridiculous. I couldn't answer a single question.'
Finally, the examination ended, and they were all guided back to the waiting room. Lee Seung's hands fidgeted in his lap as he waited, the tension gnawing at him as he glanced around at the other participants. Most of them looked unfazed, while he felt like he was on the verge of collapsing.
Eventually, the examiners returned.
"When I call your name, please step forward," Yoo Soohyun announced, scanning the list in his hand.
...
"Lee Seung."
His name echoed in the room, and his heart nearly leapt out of his chest. He forced his trembling legs to carry him to the front, where a malachite bracelet was handed to him. The digital display flickered to life, revealing his rank:
F-rank Hunter.
Lee Seung stared at the glowing letters, his thoughts swirling. 'F-rank? Well… I can't say I'm surprised,' he mused, hiding a disappointed sigh. Stuffing the bracelet into his bag, he headed back to the lobby, knowing he couldn't dwell on it for long.
Just as he was about to leave the building, a tall man with golden hair styled neatly in a chestnut hue approached him, extending a business card. "Hello, I'm Choi Minho, a Hunter manager. I noticed you're new, and I'm looking to recruit for my guild. Are you interested?"
Lee Seung blinked in surprise, staring at the card before slowly accepting it. "Ye-yes, sir. I'm interested," he stammered, bowing slightly out of habit.
Choi Minho smiled warmly, exuding a relaxed confidence that immediately put Lee Seung at ease. "Great. When would you like to meet up to discuss the contract? How about tonight?"
"Tonight works for me," Lee Seung replied, still slightly dazed by how quickly things were moving.
"Perfect. I'll text you the venue shortly," Choi Minho said as he pulled out his phone. "Mind giving me your number?"
After exchanging contact information, Lee Seung bid him farewell and walked out of the building, his thoughts a jumbled mess. He decided to walk home, letting the cool evening breeze calm his nerves. This was just the beginning, he reminded himself. If he couldn't handle the weight of being a Hunter now, what would he do when faced with real monsters?
His steps grew steadier with each stride. 'Whether I like it or not, I've chosen this path. No more being a crybaby, no more getting bullied. I've become a... HUNTER.'
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