Chapter 114 — The Gathering Storm
The hall was already brimming with energy long before the host stepped onto the stage. Thousands of eyes glimmered beneath the radiant crystal-lights suspended overhead, each pair carrying the hunger of ambition, fear of failure, or the raw spark of survival. Moon and Kai had arrived standing quietly near the edges before drifting toward the crowd.
Ruby, Minji, James, Sam Thomas, Taejin, even the brooding figure known only as Rejected Winter—all of them were gathered in one corner .
"There they are," Moon murmured, his tone casual but sharp-eyed as always. He nudged Kai lightly and motioned with his chin.
Kai didn't answer, but his gaze swept over the group before they moved closer.
Just as the both reached them, the host stepped forward, a tall figure draped in ceremonial robes that shimmered like starlight. He raised a hand, and silence rolled through the hall like a tide. His eyes scanned the audience with the weight of a man who carried not just words—but the destiny of a race.
And then, his voice thundered:
"Brothers, sisters, hunters of the next generation—look around you. This hall, this gathering, is not just another ceremony. It is a milestone, a reminder, and a challenge.
For centuries, humanity has survived on the edge of a knife. We stand between annihilation and survival, between despair and hope. The Ashura race—the devourers of worlds—has declared direct war upon us. They see us not as equals, but as prey. To them, humanity is fragile, temporary, and expendable. And now, even the dragons—once revered as neutral keepers of balance—have begun to lend their weight to the Ashura cause, indirectly fueling their strength. What was once a distant threat is now at our doorstep.
But let me tell you this: humanity has never bowed to despair. Even when the heavens seemed stacked against us, we found allies. The Gandharva race, blessed with wisdom and ancient knowledge, has stood beside us, lending strength where it matters most. Yet ask yourselves—how long can that last? How long can we depend on another race to fight battles that are ours to face? Sooner or later, the weight of destiny will fall back into human hands. And when it does, will we be ready?
That, hunters, is why you are here. You are not just competitors, not just warriors seeking fame. You are the future. You are humanity's next hope."
Applause erupted, echoing through the marble pillars. Yet amidst the thunderous approval, Kai and Moon exchanged glances.
They weren't fools. The thing was James had already whispered to them in private. Humanity, once again, playing the victim card. The host's words might sway the crowd, but not them.
Kai's lips curled faintly. Manipulation through fear and hope. Classic. He had studied about this war too deeply to be deceived.
The truth was far uglier.
Long before the war, humans and Ashura had clashed over countless borders, galaxies rich with resources both races claimed as theirs. Small skirmishes had become routine. But then came the Pani Territory War. Humans had emerged victorious, yes, but instead of following interspecies law—kill swiftly or release prisoners—they chose cruelty. Fifteen thousand Ashura soldiers and fifteen generals had been captured. The council had given a direct order: release them. But the human officer in command disobeyed. He tortured them, slaughtered them, and spat on the very code that kept the multiverse from burning in endless chaos.
When Ashura demanded their release, they were met with silence. And when the bodies were finally returned, mutilated and broken, it was no surprise that the Ashura abandoned the petty border games and declared all-out war.
And yet here they stand, Kai thought bitterly, preaching righteousness as if they were the wronged party.
Moon gave him a sidelong look, sensing his brother's thoughts but saying nothing.
The host, unaware of—or perhaps indifferent to—the quiet defiance of two boys in the crowd, continued with renewed vigor.
"This tournament, this trial—it is not simply about victory. It is about placement, about proving that humanity can no longer be dismissed. If even one among you breaks into the Top Five, the effect will ripple across the multiverse. Rankings are more than numbers. They shape perception. Perception shapes alliances. And alliances build futures.
The countless lower races—workers, traders, the unseen hands that uphold civilizations—watch these tournaments. They do not ask who has the most ancient bloodline. They ask: Who rises? Who deserves loyalty? If humanity rises, they will follow us. Our workforce will swell. Our economy will flourish. And a strong economy does not merely buy comfort—it builds armies, fleets, weapons, survival."
The hall shook with cheers again, but Kai folded his arms. They shout like zealots, blind to the truth.
Then the host raised his hand once more, his tone shifting from fiery to solemn.
"But listen well—this is not only about the top five. Every placement matters. Every rank pushes the boundary of what humanity can become. The more hunters we push into the Top 300, the more doors we unlock. Those who achieve this gain entry to the Academy of the Divine Seal, where ancient resources lie waiting. Rare materials. Divine manuals. Forgotten legacies. And when these treasures return, humanity will rise even higher. Wealth, credits, power—yes. But above all: progress."
He paused, letting the words sink in, before declaring with thunderous force:
"So fight not for yourself. Fight not just for pride. Fight for humanity! For every strike you land, every rank you climb, is another step away from extinction and another step toward our ascension as leaders of the multiverse itself!"
The crowd roared. Banners shook. The air itself seemed to vibrate with fervor.
Kai, however, remained unmoved. I didn't come here to be a pawn in humanity's grand game. I came to learn the rules. To see this system with my own eyes.
Moon smirked faintly, sensing his brother's disinterest.
" Well, at least this will be fun."
And then came the true purpose of the gathering.
The host straightened and spoke with precise clarity:
"This is how it shall begin. Over one trillion hunters will participate this year. The first phase will transport each of you to barren zones at the very edge of the Multi Verse. There, artificial planets—each five times the size of Jupiter—await. Every planet will hold five hundred hunters.
To pass Phase One, you must gather fifty points. The rules are simple:
Defeat someone weaker than you: 1 point.
Defeat an equal: 2 points.
Defeat someone stronger: 3 points.
Those who survive will advance to Phase Two: One in Five. Five hunters placed into a single arena. Only one walks out. Betrayal, deception, alliances, manipulation—everything is permitted.
From there, Phase Three begins: Two versus Two. Each of you paired with another of similar performance. Trust them—or don't. The choice will decide your fate.
And finally… Phase Four. The duels. Ten rounds. One against one. The crucible where hunters are truly born."
His voice dropped low, reverent, and dangerous.
"And at the end, the rankings will decide more than just glory. They will decide the fate of humanity."
To be continued…