After a fierce battle against the Revka beasts, Zokaro and Diaz finally managed to defeat them. However, what made the situation even more dangerous was that not all of the Revka beasts had appeared yet.
Zokaro decided to keep moving forward—doing so would only strengthen his power further.
Diaz was collecting Heart Gem Stones from the defeated beasts. After gathering them all into a bag, Zokaro turned toward him with a fiery look in his eyes and said,
— Let's keep going... We'll clear this entire dungeon by ourselves.
Diaz was astonished. He saw how powerful Zokaro truly was—his level and abilities were enough for him to become a full-fledged Hunter.
Walking beside him, Diaz asked quickly,
— Zokaro... may I ask you something?
Zokaro gave him a sidelong glance.
— Yes. Ask whatever you like.
Diaz gripped the bag tightly, his gaze sharp.
— You're strong... so why aren't you a Hunter? Did you perhaps break the law?
Zokaro scratched the back of his head.
— Honestly... my power can't be detected—it can't be measured. That's why I'm here.
Diaz's eyes widened, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. Zokaro kept walking but noticed Diaz had stopped, so he turned and asked,
— What's wrong? Why did you stop walking?
Diaz looked at him in shock.
— You said your power can't be sensed... but the device just detected your strength earlier—it showed Level 30.
Zokaro smiled faintly.
— And do you really think my level is only thirty after that battle?... The device can only sense a small fraction of my true power.
Diaz was still confused by Zokaro's words, but at the same time, he felt happy.
— I guess the reason you're not a Hunter... is so that we could meet, and you could help me—a hidden twist of fate.
A faint smile of warmth appeared on Zokaro's face.
— Maybe... Besides, I've never really talked with a companion the way I'm talking with you now.
The two continued on their way, entering the forest. Zokaro's steps and senses were fully alert—he was cautious of any ambush. Meanwhile, Diaz's forehead was covered in sweat; he began trembling, his breathing growing heavier.
A terrifying sound echoed behind the trees—swift, wind-like movements whispered through the forest, blending sound and motion. Zokaro knew the beasts were avoiding him... but targeting Diaz, who walked behind him.
He stepped back beside Diaz, and in an instant, a roaring gust slashed through the air. Zokaro narrowly dodged it—his eyes widened, his expression shifting—but the beast vanished into the tall yellow grass behind the trees.
The movements were fast, wind rushing between the trunks. Zokaro tracked every sound, relying on his sharpened senses—his reactions swift and precise.
He thought cautiously: Damn it. With their agility, they leap between trees in the blink of an eye. I need to prepare for close, quick counterattacks.
Suddenly, the Ratio System screen appeared before him, displaying new data and a mission.
---
System: Ratio
Revka beasts excel in high-speed movement between trees and deadly assassination strikes.
Number: 48
Eliminate them all to gain 14,400 points, and absorb 10% of each beast's power upon defeat.
---
With a sharp gaze and a tilted smile, Zokaro stood firm.
— Alright... let's begin our battle.
The attacks came from slanted angles—each movement blending seamlessly into the next. The Revka beasts moved in tight, rapid coordination, circling around Zokaro and Diaz.
In an instant, the yellow grass stirred beneath them—a Revka beast lunged from behind Diaz. Spinning with blinding speed, Zokaro gripped his Demon Fang Dagger and slashed, cutting the creature clean in half.
The attacks grew fiercer—razor-like claws slicing through the air, tearing apart everything nearby.
Zokaro shouted sharply,
— Get down, Diaz!
Diaz dropped instantly as Zokaro blocked a flurry of attacks, parrying each strike with fast, precise counter-moves.
— Damn it, their coordination and speed... they're limiting my movements!
The fight became more intense. Zokaro's eyes darted toward a tall tree to his right. He sprinted toward it, kicked off the trunk, and leapt between branches at incredible speed.
The clash of blades and roars filled the air—Zokaro's movements were like lightning, cutting down one beast after another. Two lunged at him from above; he spun midair, cleaving them in half with a single, straight strike.
Two more followed—he launched from another tree, twisting through the air, slicing them apart in a flash.
His rhythm quickened—each movement clean and deadly. One by one, the Revka beasts fell to his synchronized slashes and swift footwork.
The last five beasts dropped to the ground, surrounding him. Zokaro stood ready, every muscle focused, every move pre-planned.
They dashed forward in perfect unison. Zokaro gripped his dagger tight, darted left and right in a straight cutting line, and tore all five beasts into shreds.
Breathing heavily, Zokaro exhaled in relief. Diaz stood up quickly, saying,
— You're amazing, my friend Zokaro!
Zokaro turned toward him with a calm smile.
— Not that amazing.
Then Diaz said,
— If we could find the Bow Stone, we could raise our power level even higher.
Zokaro looked at him, puzzled.
— The Bow Stone raises a Hunter's level?... Does such a thing really exist?
Diaz blinked in surprise.
— You didn't know? It's extremely rare. I want to find one to increase my strength... and it's worth millions.
Zokaro's eyes widened.
— Worth millions?... If you get your hands on one, it could boost your power to the top tier. So that's why you enter dungeons, risking your life.
Diaz lowered his head slightly.
— Yes... If my level rises, I can grow stronger and become a high-ranked Hunter. But if I ever tried to sell it, they'd seize it from me—and throw me in prison for breaking the law.
Zokaro was deep in thought, his face tense and eyes sharp.
> "Damn it… No matter how much I try to change, the law will always punish me for breaking the Hunter Code. There's no escape from it… So, I'll just have to become stronger! Once I reach the top, no system will ever stand in my way. Anyone who dares challenge me… I'll crush them."
He turned toward Diaz with a confident smirk.
> "Listen, Diaz. From today on, let's hunt monsters together. I have a journey tomorrow—will you come with me? We'll earn more money and search for the Blue Stone side by side."
Diaz's eyes trembled, tears beginning to well up. He tried to hold them back but couldn't. As he regained his composure, Zokaro suddenly asked:
> "Diaz, how old are you?"
Diaz answered firmly:
> "Eighteen."
Zokaro froze. Countless thoughts raced through his mind.
> "Damn… Even in this modern age, some still sacrifice everything for their families. A boy of eighteen risking his life just because he's poor… No government help, no mercy. Damn these laws… I'll shatter them myself."
He clenched his fist tightly and declared:
> "Listen, Diaz. Let's move. We need to finish this cave fast and get out."
Diaz nodded and followed him cautiously.
Then suddenly—they both stopped. A foul, bloody scent filled the air.
They crept closer until they saw it: a massive gorilla-like beast with long, blade-like fingers gleaming with sharpness.
---
System: Ratio
> Warning: This is the King of the Rafka Beasts.
Fast, deadly in assassinations, and capable of ranged attacks.
Defeat him to earn +500 bonus points.
Power Level: 360.
> Congratulations! You've defeated the Rafka beasts.
Reward: 14,400 points.
Power increased by +288.
Current Power: 1170.
Open your new reward!
---
Zokaro (smirking):
> "I've grown stronger… I've surpassed the rank E hunters. I might even be close to rank D now. Looks like it's time to become truly powerful."
> "The gift? Let's open it."
System: Ratio
> New Upgrade: Your level has reached Intermediate.
You can now strengthen your army and generals to fight alongside you.
General Haidar: Power 500, Lv.1 — Upgrade cost: 800 points.
100 Soldiers: Each soldier's power: 10, Lv.1 — Upgrade cost: 1500 points.
> Summon Command: "Warrior Army of Ratio, Rise!"
---
Zokaro:
> "Incredible… An entire army under my command, and a general whose strength is nearly half of mine. Looks like it's time… for battle."
---
The King of the Rafka Beasts roared, his voice shaking the ground.
> "Delicious flesh!"
Zokaro pointed toward Diaz.
> "Hide behind that tree!"
He gripped his dagger tightly, his eyes blazing, as white smoke—like an aura—rose from his body.
The beast advanced with thunderous steps, growling:
> "Who are you? Your energy feels strange… yet I sense no power worthy of that confidence. You killed my followers? Then your death will be my meal!"
He lunged forward at lightning speed.
Zokaro dodged gracefully—every slash sliced through the air like a blade of wind.
> "Amazing…" Zokaro thought. "Even stronger than the Yellow Demon King… yet I feel no fear."
He counterattacked with his dagger, but the blade didn't even scratch the monster.
Startled, he muttered:
> "What the—?! Impossible!"
---
Ratio System:
> You cannot damage the target with your current weapon.
The beast's level exceeds that of your dagger.
---
Zokaro's eyes ignited with a blue flame.
> "Damn you!"
He hurled the dagger aside, clenched his fists, and dashed forward with insane speed—zigzagging left and right, performing flips and evasive spins.
Then, in a flash, he launched a circular punch straight into the beast's face, sending it crashing into a massive tree. The ground trembled.
Moments later, the King of Rafka let out a furious roar. Both Diaz and Zokaro turned their heads, startled.
A gust of wind—sharp as blades—swept past Zokaro.
Had he reacted a second slower, he would have been torn apart.
Before he could even breathe, two more beasts emerged from the shadows, their bodies radiating a bloodthirsty aura.
Zokaro grinned confidently.
> "Heh… Looks like the real fight starts now."