Chapter 2: Rise and Secrets
2.1. Kaito's Team and First Hunter ExperiencesEnzo joining Kaito's team as a hunter marked a new beginning both for him and the group. Although the members were still amazed by Enzo's transformation in the Crimson Shadow Dungeon, they deeply respected his power. Especially Haru, whose leg wound had fully healed, was almost grateful to Enzo as if he were a hero. "Enzo-san, you're truly incredible," Haru often said, eyes shining. "When you saved me... and defeated that Shadow Bear. It was like you swallowed its power and made it your own." Enzo would just nod and murmur, "Infinite Drive. As Sensei Hiroshi said, that's the name of this power."
Kaito's team was one of many small hunter groups in Tokyo. Kaito himself was a D-level, burly man with a thick beard who always spoke loudly but had a heart of gold. His experience and practical intelligence had saved the team from many dangers. The team also included Akari (C-level), a silent female hunter known for her sharp sniper skills. Akari usually stayed in the background, but her shots always hit their target. Her cool-headedness and analytical thinking gave the team a strategic edge. Lastly, there was Ren (D-level), a cheerful, large man who used his energy to create shields. Ren was the team's morale booster; his jokes and optimism brought smiles even during tense moments. They became Enzo's first real hunter family, learning to trust each other amid the harsh realities of battle.
Their first missions were again E-rank dungeons, but this time Enzo fought as a hunter on the front lines, not just as a carrier. This new role brought fresh challenges. Initially, he struggled to control his power. When he absorbed energy from a Shadow Rat, sometimes he would overflow with energy, his body trembling uncontrollably. Other times, he couldn't fully pull the power and grew exhausted fighting with the creature's energy. Hiroshi's lessons echoed in his mind: "Control, Enzo. Control is everything. Think of your power like a river. You can release it, but you must direct it, or it will drag you along."
Once, in the "Green Swamp" E-class dungeon, they faced a pack of Shadow Wolves lying in ambush among dense vegetation. Enzo panicked and absorbed a wolf's power uncontrollably. The energy he absorbed was so intense his body trembled violently, and the blue glow in his eyes intensified. The wild energy coursing through his veins tried to take over. Kaito shouted, "Enzo, calm down! Don't lose yourself! Balance your power!" His voice echoed through the swamp's murmurs. Enzo regained himself and managed to balance his power. The storm within him slowly calmed, and the glow in his eyes returned to normal. This event reminded him of the dangers as well as the potential of his power; Infinite Drive could be a weapon of destruction if misused.
With every dungeon raid, Enzo learned something new: creatures' weak points, hidden passages, deadly traps, the importance of teamwork, and each member's role. Akari's quiet observations, Ren's strategic shield use, and Kaito's leadership helped Enzo better understand his abilities. With each successful absorption, his power steadily increased. Rising from E to D, then to C-level was his biggest leap since defeating the Shadow Bear in the Crimson Shadow Dungeon. At this level, his physical strength and speed grew tremendously. His aura became more distinct and intense; not only he but those around him could feel his growing power. This was not just a level up, but a sign that he was beginning to establish his place in the hunter world.
2.2. Entry to the Hunter World and First RivalsEnzo's rise began attracting attention from Tokyo's hunter guilds. Rising from C to B level so quickly was rare; most hunters spent years reaching these ranks. Rumors spread: "The white-haired hunter," "Infinite Power Enzo," "Mysterious rise." These whispers brought admiration but also jealousy and competition. The hunter world was a ruthless arena; every new star threatening the hierarchy.
Especially notable was Kenji, the young and ambitious leader of the "Iron Claw" guild, an A-level hunter. Kenji was one of Tokyo's strongest young hunters. His dark hair, sharp gaze, and proud demeanor stood out. Known for his ruthless and skilled sword techniques, Kenji saw Enzo's sudden rise as a threat to his position. He had clawed his way up through sheer effort and couldn't accept someone like Enzo rising so fast.
One day, Kenji and his team encountered Enzo's team in the B-class dungeon "Crystal Caves." The dungeon was filled with giant crystal pillars shining with reflected light. Despite the beauty, deadly danger lurked; the creatures wore crystal armor and could camouflage perfectly.
"Look who's here," Kenji sneered, his voice echoing through the caves. "The former carrier and his team. I heard you found a new trick, Enzo. Let's see if you're really that strong, or just lucky." Kenji's team consisted of more experienced, higher-level hunters. Kenji himself was known for fast, deadly sword skills; his sword could cut through the crystal creatures' armor.
In the depths of the dungeon, a silent competition began between the two teams—who would slay more monsters, who would claim more valuable resources. Tension grew. During a battle, Kenji's team faced a massive Crystal Golem, a towering creature made of crystals. It was incredibly durable; even Kenji's strongest strikes only left minor scratches.
"Damn it! This thing's too tough! Nothing works!" Kenji shouted in frustration. His team struggled as the Golem's every blow shook the ground.
Enzo sensed the crystal aura protecting the Golem. It was an energy shield making it almost invincible. Instinctively, he tried to absorb the Golem's power. Touching the armor, nothing happened at first; the Golem's power was like a mountain. Gathering all his willpower, Enzo focused on pulling the energy. His eyes glowed brighter, hair shimmered, and his aura intensified. His body trembled against the Golem's resistance.
Slowly, cracks appeared in the crystal armor. Small shards fell as purple energy streamed from the Golem to Enzo. Kenji and his team watched in shock; they had never seen such power. As the Golem's power drained, its movements slowed and its massive body started to stagger. Finally, it shattered into a pile of crystals. Enzo was breathless. This was the strongest being he had absorbed so far. He pushed his limits—and succeeded.
This event completely changed Kenji's view of Enzo. He no longer saw him just as a rival, but as a potential threat and a power deserving respect. Kenji approached Enzo, face full of surprise. "Wow… really… incredible. I've never seen such power." After this, Enzo's fame spread quickly in Tokyo. He was no longer just "the white-haired hunter," but also "Enzo the Golem Swallower." This marked his rise to A-level, and his name began to be spoken with respect among hunter guilds.
2.3. The Depths of the Dungeons and the Gods' CluesAs Enzo's power grew, Hiroshi started sending him to tougher dungeons. Sensei Hiroshi believed the dungeons were not just monster nests, but contained clues left by the Gods for humanity. "Dungeons are more than a test, Enzo," Hiroshi would say in his quiet temple. "They are messages from the Gods. If we can read them right, we might understand their true intentions. Perhaps this trial is to prepare humanity for something greater." Hiroshi's philosophy pushed Enzo to develop not only as a hunter but also as an explorer and researcher.
Enzo and Kaito's team began entering A-class dungeons—larger, more complex, and more dangerous. Inside were creatures never seen before, mind-bending illusions, and deadly traps. Each dungeon felt like a fragment of another dimension or reality, with its own unique ecosystem and atmosphere.
In an A-class dungeon called the "Forgotten Temple," Enzo's team discovered a massive circular chamber covered in ancient inscriptions. The room glowed with faint mystical light, and the inscriptions were written in an unknown language, but symbols shimmered and moved as if alive. Approaching the inscriptions, Enzo's "Infinite Drive" power reacted. His eyes glowed intensely, and he sensed a powerful, ancient energy radiating from the carvings.
"What's happening, Enzo?" Kaito asked anxiously. Akari and Ren looked around tensely.
Enzo tried to absorb the energy from the inscriptions. This was different from absorbing a monster's power. The energy was purer, older, and more complex; it felt like it came from the universe itself. As he absorbed, visions flooded his mind uncontrollably: stars, galaxies, gigantic god-like luminous beings, and a dark, shapeless destructive force devouring reality. Was this a vision about the origin of the divine power gifted to humanity? Or a clue to the true purpose of the dungeons? While the images raced, a whisper echoed in his ears, like a choir of thousands of voices: "Preparation… For the Great Awakening…"
When the vision ended, Enzo collapsed, drenched in sweat. His headache was like his brain might burst. "Preparation," he whispered hoarsely. "The Gods are preparing us for something… the Great Awakening."
Hiroshi listened carefully to Enzo's account, his face deeply thoughtful. "So it is… Preparation. This is something I have long suspected. Dungeons are not just a test, but possibly a training ground to ready humanity against a greater threat. Maybe the Gods are preparing us to face an enemy they created or encountered." Hiroshi flipped an old book page. "Ancient texts mention the 'Great Awakening.' A cosmic catastrophe threatening all realities. Perhaps dungeons are a warning of this threat."
This discovery completely changed Enzo's view of dungeons. He was no longer just hunting monsters, but trying to unravel the Gods' secrets and understand humanity's fate. Each new dungeon became a piece of a puzzle.
2.4. Personal Challenges and the Dark Side of PowerAs Enzo's power grew, so did his personal challenges. The limitless growth brought by "Infinite Drive" could also lead to uncontrollable desire for power. Sometimes, when absorbing a creature's power, the beast's wild instincts tried to seep into Enzo's mind—rage, aggression, and uncontrollable hunger. It was not just physical growth but a spiritual battle. Enzo had to fight the mental echoes of every creature he absorbed.
Once, in an S-class dungeon, they faced a massive creature called the "Shadow Dragon." It lived deep inside a lava-filled cave. Its skin was coal black, eyes glowing like burning embers, and its breath was a corrosive acidic vapor. The dragon was incredibly powerful, challenging the team; Kaito's sword couldn't even scratch its scales, Akari's arrows ricocheted off, and Ren's shields cracked under its attacks.
When Enzo started absorbing the dragon's power, its wild, destructive energy flooded his mind. The pure rage and desire for destruction turned his blue eyes into a dangerous red glow. His aura darkened and threatened everything around him. Enzo wanted to absorb the dragon's power fully; it was irresistibly tempting.
"Enzo! Don't lose control!" Kaito's voice barely pierced through the dragon's roar and lava's rumble. "Don't let that power consume you!"
Enzo struggled against the wild urge. Fully absorbing the dragon's power could make him invincible but also cost him his identity. Hiroshi's words echoed: "Power is like a sword, Enzo. It protects but can also cut you. If you can't control it, it will consume you. Remember, you are Enzo. Power must serve you, not the other way around."
With one last effort, Enzo focused on absorbing only part of the dragon's power, releasing the rest without harm. The dragon weakened and collapsed, its fury subsiding. Enzo was breathless and trembling, but the red glow slowly faded back to blue. It was a victory—not only defeating the dragon but mastering the dark desire inside.
This experience painfully taught Enzo the dark side of power. He understood he had to be mentally strong, not just physically. Afterward, he focused more on meditation and mental discipline, practicing Hiroshi's breathing exercises daily to calm his mind. He vowed always to keep control while using his power. This was a key step in his rise from A-level to S-level; true strength lay not only in physical might but in mental and spiritual discipline.
2.5. First Major Boss Battle: The Rise of the DevastatorUpon reaching S-level, Hiroshi assigned Enzo a new, tougher mission: clearing the "Devastator's Dungeon." This was a newly appeared S-class dungeon with a boss monster of immense destructive power. It posed a huge threat to the city; the dungeon's energy had even started affecting Tokyo's power grid.
"This will be your real test, Enzo," Hiroshi said gravely. "The Devastator is dangerous not only physically but mentally. Its aura can cloud even the bravest hunter's mind. To defeat it, you must use not only your power but your will and intelligence. This will be a turning point for you."
Enzo entered the dungeon with Kaito's team. The interior was unlike others—filled with ruins of destroyed buildings, as if once a living city. The air smelled of smoke and dust. The creatures weren't fantasy beasts but deformed, suffering humanoids with vacant eyes and scars. This suggested the dungeon had belonged to a city and its inhabitants were once human. This stirred Enzo's sense of justice.
Deep inside, a massive, muscular figure stood. Towering to the ceiling, its body was covered in burn scars, skin charred like coal, eyes burning red with pure destructive energy. This was the Devastator. The air trembled around him, and the ground cracked.
The Devastator roared upon seeing Enzo and the team, shaking the dungeon walls and instilling fear. Kaito and others attacked, but their blows barely affected him. The Devastator unleashed waves of pure destructive energy that even Ren's shields couldn't withstand, and Akari's arrows vanished on his armor.
Enzo felt the Devastator's energy—a power unlike any he had absorbed before. Pure, uncontrolled destruction boiling like a volcano. He tried to absorb it, but the power shook his body violently. The blue glow in his eyes dimmed, and even his Infinite Drive faltered.
"So strong!" Enzo gritted his teeth, barely dodging an attack.
Hiroshi's words came to mind: "Use your will and intelligence, not just your power." Dodging attacks, Enzo searched for the Devastator's weak point. The monster wielded its power uncontrollably, which could be a flaw. Instead of absorbing the energy, Enzo tried to balance it, using his Infinite Drive to absorb and transform the destructive waves inside him. This was incredibly difficult, like holding a storm in his palm.
The Devastator, surprised, attacked more fiercely. But Enzo was determined. As he absorbed the destructive energy, his aura grew stronger. The energy transformed within him, granting him a new skill: energy manipulation. He could now bend, direct, and transform absorbed energy as he wished.
Enzo released the converted energy as a pure blue wave back at the Devastator. The monster staggered, hit by its own power. Seizing the moment, Enzo struck with all his might, his fists charged not only with physical strength but the absorbed and transformed energy.
The battle was long and exhausting. The dungeon shook with the Devastator's roars and Enzo's energy blasts. Kaito's team supported him with distraction attacks, but this was Enzo's fight. With a final blow, Enzo defeated the Devastator. Its energy depleted, the monster collapsed, turning to dust. Enzo was exhausted and in pain but savoring victory. This fight proved his strength at the S-level and granted him a new ability—energy manipulation, one of the greatest potentials of his power.
The dungeon's destruction ceased with the Devastator's defeat. Enzo was no longer just a hunter but humanity's hope. His rise echoed throughout Tokyo and the world. Yet, this was only the beginning. The mysteries behind the dungeons, the Gods' true intentions, and humanity's fate awaited him on greater adventures and challenges. Enzo was steadily advancing toward becoming the universe's strongest hunter.