I gripped the steering wheel tightly as I sped toward the Hunter Association's headquarters. The world blurred past while my thoughts churned in chaos. This world had no room for the weak. Cruelty, arrogance, and oppression ruled everything. For those without power, survival was nothing but a distant dream. That was why I had forged myself into something stronger—someone no one could crush.
I hadn't always been like this. Once, I was frail, insignificant—a nobody. But I changed. I shattered my limits and clawed my way to strength in this merciless world. Behind that transformation lay a trail of struggle, pain, sacrifice… and an unshakable resolve to become unstoppable.
Lost in thought, I pulled up to the Association's towering gates. Two guards spotted me and approached immediately.
"Sir, come with us. We'll take you to the restricted area," one of them said, his tone sharp but professional.
"Alright, let's go," I replied, keeping my voice steady.
The Association's secret facility was hidden underground—a fortress that only the invited could enter. My footsteps echoed in the dimly lit corridor as I descended the stairs. Then, a familiar figure stepped into view—Mr. Maxim, the Association's overseer.
"Ryan! Congratulations!" His voice boomed with pride. "You've conquered Threat Level 10 something no one's ever done before!"
"Thanks," I said calmly, though his enthusiasm made me shift uncomfortably.
He flashed a grin. "Come on, let's head to the Hunters' Conference Room."
"After you," I nodded.
**The Conference Room
As I stepped into the Hunters' Conference Room, I felt the weight of every gaze in the place. The room was packed—everyone was already there. Late again. With a quiet sigh, I slipped into a corner seat.
Eight hunters filled the room, their presence heavy with unspoken strength. Not all were familiar, but a few I knew well.
There was Kaito, the Japanese samurai—his swordsmanship was nearly as good as mine, which was saying something.
Then there was Captain Jackson, a genuinely good guy who got along with everyone. But in a fight, he was a beast. A former pro boxer, he'd cleared Threat Level 7 by pummeling a massive python into submission with just a few bone-crushing punches.
And then… there was Grace. The one person I'd rather avoid. Ever since I cleared Threat Level 10, she had been stuck to me like glue, acting like my personal cheerleader. It was exhausting. Still, I couldn't deny her skill—she was a martial arts master and wielded a spear with deadly precision.
As I drifted into thought, a voice called from behind. "Ryan, why're you hiding out here all alone?"
I turned, startled. "Grace? And… who's this?"
Grace beamed. "This is my friend Nora. She's a wizard with a blade."
"Nice to meet you, Nora. I'm Ryan," I said, offering a handshake.
Nora took my hand, her eyes bright with excitement. "The pleasure's mine, Ryan. I saw your last fight—you were unreal for someone your age."
I shrugged. "Just pushing my limits, that's all."
Grace jumped in, her voice brimming with energy. "No, you were incredible! Even Captain Jackson couldn't crack Threat Level 10, but you breezed through it in ten minutes!"
Nora nodded. "I've been with the Association for five years, been on all sorts of missions. But this was the first time I'd seen them gather so many people for one job. And those brutal tests they were putting us through? Something big was going on."
I leaned in slightly. "From what I heard, the place we're headed to has already swallowed four teams. None came back. That's why they're sending fighters like us alongside the military this time."
Grace's eyes widened. "That dangerous? No wonder they've put together such a heavy-hitting crew."
**The Briefing
Suddenly, General Maxim's voice echoed through the room, commanding attention. He called all the hunters to line up in front of him. We fell into place, joined by the Special Forces unit. Their captain, Mr. Daniel, wasted no time making himself known.
"Why are we stuck with these criminals?" he sneered. "My team could handle this mission solo."
The hunters, myself included, shot him glares that could cut through steel.
Maxim stayed calm, but his voice carried a steely edge. "No, Daniel. Your team can't do this alone. Four missions have gone to that place before, and not one person returned. That's why we're sending our best hunters and the military together this time."
Daniel shut up, but I couldn't shake the feeling he'd be trouble later.
Maxim addressed the group. "Your team has twenty members: eight hunters, ten Special Forces operatives, one doctor, and one scientist. You'll be given a supply bag with two oxygen masks and other essential gear."
---
**The Mission Begins
After the briefing, we geared up and headed to the Association's rooftop. Two helicopters waited, their blades slicing through the air. Grace tugged at my sleeve, pointing excitedly. "Ryan, look! Even President William of Russia came to see us off!"
The president wished us luck, his words heavy with the weight of the mission ahead. One by one, we boarded the helicopters. Before I climbed in, he pulled me aside.
"We're lucky to have a hunter as strong as you on this mission, Ryan," he said, his tone earnest.
"Thanks," I replied, then added, "But my condition—will it be honored?"
"Absolutely," he assured me. "No need to worry. Good luck, Ryan."
With that, I climbed the helicopter . The engines roared to life, and our team lifted off, bound for the unknown dangers of Siberia.