The night over Seoul was restless. Clouds rolled low across the horizon, swallowing the moon in heavy shadows that carried a strange metallic scent. Sung Jinwoo stood at the highest point of the Hunter Association headquarters, his gaze fixed on the energy readings displayed across the floating System panels that had appeared once more before him. The lines flickered and pulsed with unstable mana signatures that spanned entire regions.
He could feel it, deep within his veins—the shift. It was not the quiet pulse of an S Rank or even the steady rumble of an ES Rank surge. This was far heavier, far more ancient. The System itself seemed unsettled, as though preparing to reveal something long buried.
Behind him, Cha Hae-In approached quietly, her aura gentle yet bright against the darkness. "It's happening again, isn't it?" she asked softly.
Jinwoo didn't turn. His eyes stayed on the sky as streaks of crimson light briefly tore through the clouds. "Yes. The next wave has started moving. The SS Rank signatures are forming. This time, they aren't scattered. They're converging in a single pattern."
Cha Hae-In frowned. "Like a formation?"
"Yes. Someone is directing them."
Inside the operations hall below, hunters from every guild worked through the night. Monitors flickered with constant alerts, showing mana breaches opening across the Pacific, North America, and Northern Europe. The readings were consistent—each one stronger than any S Rank ever recorded.
Baek Yoonho slammed his hand on a console. "These readings can't be right! An SS Rank breach hasn't been seen in years, and now we're seeing multiple at once?"
Jinwoo descended the stairs with calm steps, shadows trailing like smoke behind him. "It's not an error," he said. "They're real. Five SS Rank entities and three S Rank entities are approaching this plane. The gates will stabilize within three days."
A murmur spread through the room. Some hunters exchanged uneasy glances, others whispered prayers.
Beru's insect-like wings twitched as he materialized beside Jinwoo. "My king, I sense their presence as well. The air itself grows sharp. They are not like the others. Their strength carries the essence of the ancient realms."
Jinwoo nodded slightly. "That confirms it. These beasts are not from this world. They're crossing from the Nexus Realm."
The mention of that name silenced everyone. The Nexus Realm was the central domain between dimensions—the birthplace of balance, but also of ruin. Only beings beyond the comprehension of normal hunters existed there.
Igris stepped forward, his crimson armor gleaming faintly. "Master, if these entities are truly from the Nexus, then they are testing our defenses. Agnorath's influence is spreading faster than anticipated."
Cha Hae-In's expression darkened. "You mean he's using the Nexus as a gateway?"
Jinwoo answered quietly. "Yes. He's pushing through the weaker boundaries first. By the time these beasts arrive fully, they'll have carved an open path between worlds."
For a moment, the room fell into silence. The humming of mana generators and the distant thunder were the only sounds that remained. Then Jinwoo straightened, eyes glowing faintly violet.
"Prepare every Shadow Knight under my command," he ordered. "I want observation squads stationed at every potential breach point. No engagement unless absolutely necessary. We learn their behavior first."
Beru saluted with a hiss. "As you command, my king."
Jinwoo's sister, Jinah, entered the hall with medical personnel following her. Her tone was firm, though her concern was evident. "Oppa, if what you're saying is true, then the world needs to evacuate high-risk zones immediately. I've already contacted the government liaison."
Jinwoo gave her a faint smile. "Good. But keep calm. We can't cause panic before we understand what's coming."
From across the hall, Go Gun-Hee's successor, Director Nam, approached with urgency. "Hunter Sung, do you believe these breaches will center around Seoul?"
"Not just Seoul," Jinwoo replied. "Three in Asia, one in America, one near the Atlantic. The energy converges around ley lines. Seoul happens to sit directly above the largest one."
Nam swallowed hard. "Then the first strike will happen here."
Jinwoo's gaze hardened. "Exactly. That's why we can't afford mistakes."
---
As the night deepened, Jinwoo stood alone on the balcony again. The wind brushed against his coat, carrying with it the whispers of power from beyond the stars. He could almost feel Agnorath's presence pressing faintly against his mind—distant, but deliberate.
In a shadowed realm beyond space, Agnorath opened his burning eyes. His aura pulsed like molten energy, shaking the black ground beneath him.
System Message: Agnorath – Current Rank: XX Rank → Approaching XXX Threshold
His power coiled around the dimensional rift like a serpent. "Soon, Sung Jinwoo. You climb toward your precious SS Rank, but you still do not see the scope of my design."
He extended his hand toward the spectral image of the five SS Rank beasts and three S Rank commanders, each bound by chains of crimson mana. "Go. Stir his world. Let him believe he is prepared."
---
The following morning, Jinwoo awoke in his home for the first time in weeks. His sister had prepared breakfast, and his son sat across from him, studying quietly. The scent of normal life filled the air, a small reminder of what he was fighting to protect.
For a moment, he allowed himself peace.
Then, a faint pulse vibrated through his wrist—the System's notification.
System Message: Rank Progress – S (100%) → Preparing Advancement Trial for SS Threshold
He exhaled slowly. "It's beginning."
Cha Hae-In, sensing the shift, appeared at the doorway. "You feel it too?"
He nodded. "Yes. My advancement trial has been unlocked. It won't be long before the real battle starts."
She met his gaze, eyes steady. "Then we'll face it together, as we always have."
Jinwoo smiled faintly. "Always."
Outside, the horizon glowed faintly red. The air trembled, and five massive distortions began to form above distant cities. The world was on the edge of its next great storm.
And deep in his chest, Jinwoo felt his power stir—calling him toward the inevitable.