✅ Episode 1
The world had changed.
Long ago, a great war between ancient beings shattered the balance of existence. From the ruins of that battle, unstable regions known as zones emerged — places overflowing with chaotic energy and twisted monsters.
To survive, humanity created warriors known as Hunters, trained to venture into these zones, slay the beasts within, and protect what remained of civilization.
Today, one boy stood silently in front of the massive steel gates of the Hunters Academy — the starting point of that journey.
Aethera Luminari.
He was twenty-five. No powers. No family background. Nothing special on the surface. Yet, here he was, among hundreds trying to survive in a world filled with monsters and chaos.
His hands were clenched, hidden in his pockets. His eyes fixed on the academy's crest.
Then, a voice called out.
"Yo! You okay? You look like someone about to get executed."
Aethera blinked and turned. A cheerful boy, slightly shorter and wearing slightly worn-out gear, stood beside him.
"I'm Rio! Just got here too. What's your name?"
"…Aethera," he replied after a pause.
"Cool name! Sounds like some hidden boss or something. You nervous?"
Aethera gave a small shrug.
Rio grinned. "Don't worry. We'll figure it out. Together."
Without waiting for a reply, he patted Aethera's shoulder and walked toward the main building.
Aethera followed in silence.
Inside, the large auditorium buzzed with voices. Students of all kinds — rich, common, talented, quiet — gathered under the same roof. Some had swords glowing faintly with energy. Others carried relics or wore enchanted armor.
A sudden cold silence spread as a tall man in a black coat walked onto the stage. His presence alone made the room go quiet.
"I am Kael Varin," he said, his voice sharp and cold. "Instructor of Class 3A."
No greetings. No welcome speeches.
"Starting tomorrow, your training begins. This is not a school for dreamers. You'll face real monsters in real zones. Those who survive — become Hunters. Those who don't — die or go home broken."
The tension in the room thickened. Even the more confident students sat up straighter.
"You'll be divided into five-member squads. Each team must survive a live field mission before mid-term. That is your minimum requirement to stay in this academy."
Aethera's heart beat faster.
He had made it through the entrance exam — barely.
But this was different.
This was life and death.
That night, while most students rested, Aethera lay awake in his bed. The dorm was quiet. Outside, wind howled through the academy walls.
What if I don't belong here?
He stared at the ceiling, feeling a strange emptiness. Then suddenly — warmth.
A soft pulse spread from his chest, like a ripple in still water.
A whisper echoed faintly in his mind.
"Not yet… but soon."
His eyes widened. He sat up, heart pounding.
What was that?
There was no answer.
But deep down, he knew —
Something inside him had started to awaken.
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