He staggered down the hallway, leaning against the walls, gasping for air. His face was covered in blood and his right arm was broken.— Why…?— Why!?The anguish grew with every second.— Why am I so weak?
He could see his family scattered across the living room floor; he had never seen so much blood. A werewolf-like creature held his mother's severed head between its teeth.
— Damn monster!
He grabbed a kitchen knife and charged, adrenaline surging through his veins.He was only a child. He didn't deserve this.His vision began to darken, and then…
.. .. . .
BZZZZBZZZZ
He reached out and turned off the alarm. For several minutes, he simply stared at the white ceiling. Even though it was still early, he could already hear the neighbors' music box through the thin walls of his cheap apartment — the only place a Rank-E Hunter's salary could afford.He believed life would get better once he became a Hunter.But he soon learned it wasn't that simple.
Maybe he wasn't the weakest in his rank, but parties rarely chose him. Once, they even picked an old man in a wheelchair over him.Complaining wouldn't change anything.
BZZZZBZZZZ
He grabbed his phone — an unknown number, but he answered anyway.— Mr. Luzena, your rent is overdue!— I'll pay, just give me a little more time.— It's already been two months! I'll have to evict you.Kaen scratched his neck and took a deep breath.— It's not easy to find parties for the Dark Zones.— That's not my problem! Figure it out!The call ended.
Kaen rubbed his forehead. He needed to find Hunter work as soon as possible.He had never been a good student — always getting into trouble, with mediocre grades. When he failed to get into a good college, becoming a Hunter seemed like his only option.Passing the exam had been a miracle. But had it really been?
He scrolled through job listings, but most required Rank-D or Rank-C Hunters. It was as if Rank E no longer existed.Finding nothing, he turned off his phone and went to shower.
. . .
The sky was overcast and the newspaper predicted rain. Kaen wore his old black jacket; he didn't care about appearances.
It was impressive how the world had adapted. Enormous portals with grinning skulls now appeared every day around the globe.
Twenty years ago, the first Dark Zone appeared in the center of a major city. After days of chaos, the authorities contained it and the first survivors came out… with extraordinary abilities.Since then, these zones have never stopped appearing.
Kaen walked aimlessly through the streets, like a lone wolf. Who would want to approach someone like him?Only one person in this world ever had. Her name was…
— Mirella!
He startled when she suddenly appeared.— Hey, how are you?
She was his opposite in every way — wearing a long blue dress and a red ribbon in her hair. Despite being the same age as Kaen, her energy made her seem childlike.
— I'm… fine, I think.His voice sounded empty.
Mirella slipped an arm around his shoulders as if they were old comrades.— Such a beautiful day, and you're making that face.— What's wrong with my face?He sounded embarrassed.— Changing the subject, do you know what day it is?Kaen honestly had no idea. He scratched his chin, making a funny face.— Seriously? You forgot again?Mirella frowned.— I've been very busy.A weak excuse… it wasn't the first time.— Liar!She pouted.
— Still having trouble finding raid parties? That's strange… the news says there are many Rank-E Dark Zones.— It's not that simple…
The words hit his chest. Since becoming a Hunter, almost no one wanted to take him. And the few who did swore they would never invite him again, calling him "useless."Before leaving his village, he had promised to become a Rank-S Hunter in the capital. Everyone had laughed at him. Even so, he persevered.Was this really his destiny?
He knew he had been useless in his first raids. But why wouldn't anyone give him another chance?These thoughts tormented him every day.
— Hey, Kaen… why did you want to become a Hunter?The question brought him back.— What else could I be? High-rank Hunters have fame, money, and a good life.Mirella's smile vanished. She gave him a light smack on the shoulder.— Dummy, I know you're not that shallow.
Suddenly, she grabbed his arm, making him blush.— Let's go get some coffee. My treat.
Kaen stiffened.— Mirella… tell me the truth. Did you go back to… that job?Her smile disappeared.— You know I need money for Mom's medicine.
Kaen squeezed her arm without realizing it.— I'll help you! You don't need to go back to that.She avoided his gaze.— Really? You can't even pay your rent…
The words hurt more than they should have. Kaen let go of her arm. Silence fell between them, broken only by distant thunder.
But it wasn't just thunder.
The sky tore open with a grotesque rift of light. The clouds darkened instantly, as if time itself held its breath. Mirella and Kaen looked up as a deafening roar shook the ground.
A portal.
It floated in the air like shattered glass frozen in time. A violent wind burst out, tearing signs, bags, and even people from the ground. Screams filled the whirlwind.
Kaen grabbed Mirella, but she began to rise.The wind pulled her as if the portal had chosen her.
— No! Mirella!
He clung to her arm with all his strength.But it wasn't enough.His body trembled. His feet slid across the cracked asphalt.
— Kaen!
His fingers slipped. In an instant, Mirella was swallowed by the portal's distorted light.
— MIRELLA!!!
The wind died, but the portal remained.Kaen collapsed to his knees, his heart pounding.Again.Once more, he had been too weak to protect someone he loved.
But there, facing the horror, something inside him ignited.
Heat. Pain.A promise.
— I will save you… even if I have to walk through hell.
The portal still swirled like liquid glass.His last chance.
People shouted for him to stop. A police officer grabbed his arm.— It's too dangerous!— But I'm a Hunter!— What rank?— Rank E.— Idiot! That's a Rank-B or Rank-C gate! Real Hunters are on the way!
Kaen knew it. But they wouldn't arrive in time.
— I know! But she's in there, and I'm going in!
He broke free and ran.Each step grew heavier.The world fell silent.
And he jumped.Passing through the portal.