My hands tightened around the steering wheel as I drove toward the Hunter Association headquarters. The sky outside reflected faintly on the glass, the world passing by in silence.
Inside my mind, only one thought echoed—
"There's no place for the weak in this world. In a society of cruelty, arrogance, and oppression, the weak cannot survive. That's why I had to become strong… strong enough that no one could dominate me again."
Once, I too was weak. But I changed. I broke past my limits. Struggle, pain, tears, sacrifice, and unyielding determination—these shaped me into what I am today: a powerful existence.
My thoughts shattered as the massive gates of the Association loomed ahead. I parked. Clack! Two guards rushed forward.
— "Sir, please follow us. We'll take you to the Association's secret chamber."
— "Alright. Lead the way."
The underground chamber was restricted—only the invited could enter. As I stepped inside, Mr. Maksim appeared before me.
— "Hey, Ryan! Congratulations. You've completed Threat Level 10, something no one else has ever achieved."
— "Thanks. I appreciate the praise."
— "Come. Let's head to the Hunters' Conference Room."
— "Sure."
Hunters' Conference Room
The door opened with a low "grrrk!" and the lights flickered on. Everyone was already there.
"Damn… late again."
I sighed, walking to one side and sitting down.
Eight hunters in total, including me. I didn't know all of them, but a few were familiar faces:
Kaito — the Japanese samurai. His swordsmanship was nearly on par with mine.
Captain Jackson — friendly, easy to get along with, but ruthless in battle. Once a professional boxer. He had cleared Threat Level 7, killing a giant python with just a few punches.
And then… Grace. Someone I'd rather avoid. Ever since I cleared Level 10, she's been trailing me like a fan, driving me crazy. Still, her skills were undeniable—martial arts, and a spear as her weapon of choice.
Suddenly, a voice came from behind—
— "Ryan! What are you doing here?"
I turned, startled.
— "Grace? And who's this with you?"
— "This is Nora, my friend. She's skilled with the sword."
— "Ah, I see. Hi Nora, I'm Ryan. Nice to meet you."
— "Hello, Ryan. Pleasure's mine. I watched your fight yesterday. For your age… you're far stronger than I expected."
— "It's nothing. I just kept pushing past my limits."
Grace grinned—
— "Don't be modest. Even our captain couldn't pass Threat Level 10, but you crushed it in ten minutes."
Nora nodded—
— "For your information, I've been with the Association for five years. I've gone on countless missions. But this time feels different. I've never seen so many people gathered for a single mission."
I leaned back, voice low—
— "From what I've heard, the place we're heading… soldiers were sent there four times. Not one of them returned. That's why they're sending us—hunters—this time."
Grace crossed her arms, whispering—
— "So it really must be a terrifying place… no wonder they're building such a dangerous team."
General Maksim's Call
Suddenly, a voice thundered over the speakers—
"All Hunters, assemble before me!"
We gathered. Alongside us stood members of the Special Forces, their captain Mr. Daniel glaring at us.
He sneered—
— "Why send us with these criminals? We can complete this mission alone."
The air grew heavy. Every eye turned toward him.
Mr. Maksim stood silent for a moment, then spoke gravely—
— "No, Daniel. This mission has been attempted four times. No one returned. This time, we need more than soldiers—we need powerful individuals."
Daniel fell silent, but the look in his eyes… venomous.
"That man… he'll be trouble later."
Maksim continued—
— "Your team will have twenty members in total. Eight hunters, ten Special Forces, one doctor, and one scientist. Each of you will carry a bag with two oxygen masks and essential supplies."
Farewell
Preparations complete, we stepped onto the rooftop. "Whup! Whup! Whup!" The helicopters roared, blades slicing the cold air.
Grace leaned closer, pointing—
— "Ryan, look. Even the President of Russia, Mr. William, is here to see us off."
The President approached, his expression solemn.
— "We are lucky, Ryan. With someone like you, this mission has a chance."
I narrowed my eyes—
— "And the condition I set… it will be fulfilled, right?"
— "Of course. You need not worry. All the best, Ryan."
I nodded, stepping into the helicopter. "Thud!" The door shut.
Snowstorm outside. Silence inside. Twenty of us, heading straight toward Siberia—toward a place no one had ever returned from.
The air grew heavier. My heart pounded.
"This… is where it truly begins."