The Hunter Guild was far busier than usual.
Hunters rushed in and out of the massive building, some carrying blood-stained weapons while others discussed their next raid. Mission boards were packed with requests from every corner of the city.
Standing in front of the Guild entrance...
...was Rayan.
After weeks of nonstop training and clearing Dungeon after Dungeon, he had finally completed almost every requirement needed to challenge the First Trial.
The Towers.
A place every Hunter dreamed of climbing.
But reaching them wasn't simple.
Before a rookie Hunter could participate in the First Trial, the Hunter Association required them to prove themselves by surviving multiple Dungeon raids.
Several C-Rank Dungeons.
Several B-Rank Dungeons.
And finally...
At least one A-Rank Dungeon.
Only then would a Hunter receive permission to take the First Trial.
Rayan had already completed every requirement.
Only the final A-Rank Dungeon remained.
A Guild employee walked toward him while checking a tablet.
"Rayan?"
"Yes."
"We've reviewed your Hunter profile."
"Considering your current level and your recent Dungeon records, the Association has approved your participation."
Rayan's eyes lit up.
"So... I can enter the A-Rank Dungeon?"
The employee nodded.
"Yes."
"...But not alone."
He continued,
"Association rules don't allow rookie Hunters to enter an A-Rank Dungeon without an experienced raid team."
"So we've assigned you to a Guild."
He turned the tablet toward Rayan.
Guild Assigned
Bullseye Guild
Members: 13
Raid Type: Exploration & Elimination
Temporary Position: Part-Time Hunter
"They'll be entering an A-Rank Dungeon today."
"You'll accompany them."
"If everything goes well..."
"...you'll qualify for the First Trial."
Rayan accepted the Guild Badge.
"...Understood."
---
Half an hour later...
A gigantic stone gate stood before them.
Blue mana flowed across its surface like water.
Above it floated glowing words.
A-Rank Dungeon
Around thirteen Hunters gathered before the entrance.
Some sharpened their swords.
Others checked potions and arrows.
Their leader, a tall man carrying a black bow, looked around.
"Everyone ready?"
The team answered together.
"Yes!"
The leader's eyes stopped on Rayan.
"So..."
"You're the temporary Hunter?"
Rayan nodded.
"Yes."
The man observed him for a few seconds before speaking calmly.
"As long as you don't get in our way..."
"...we won't have any problems."
Without waiting for an answer...
He turned around.
"Move out."
The Dungeon swallowed them whole.
---
The inside was darker than Rayan expected.
Ancient stone walls stretched endlessly into the distance.
Water dripped from the ceiling.
The air smelled damp.
Only the torches carried by the Hunters illuminated the path ahead.
Rayan quietly walked at the back of the group.
His eyes constantly scanned his surroundings.
This Dungeon feels... strange.
Suddenly—
THUD!
A loud sound echoed behind him.
Several heavy supply bags crashed onto the ground.
One young man had fallen to his knees.
"...Ah..."
Without hesitation...
Rayan walked over.
"You okay?"
The boy looked up in surprise.
"...Yeah."
"Thanks."
Rayan helped him collect the scattered supplies.
While doing so...
He couldn't help but notice something.
The boy looked exhausted.
His clothes were worn out.
Dark circles surrounded his eyes.
And judging by how thin he was...
It looked like he hadn't eaten properly in days.
Before Rayan could ask—
"HEY!!"
A loud shout echoed through the tunnel.
A bulky Hunter glared at the young man.
"Gio!"
"Can't you even carry a few bags properly?!"
"If those supplies break..."
"Who's going to pay for them?"
Gio immediately lowered his head.
"...I'm sorry."
The Hunter clicked his tongue.
"Tch."
"Worthless."
Before he could continue...
Rayan stepped between them.
"It was an accident."
The Hunter stared at him.
"...You're the rookie?"
Rayan remained silent.
After a few seconds...
The Hunter simply scoffed.
"Whatever."
He walked away.
---
Rayan looked back at the boy.
"You alright?"
The boy nodded weakly.
"...Thanks."
"My name's Gio."
"Rayan."
The two shook hands.
"So..."
"What's your class?"
Gio smiled bitterly.
"...Decoy."
Rayan blinked.
"Decoy?"
Gio nodded.
"My ability attracts nearby monsters."
"The moment I activate it..."
"...every monster within range starts chasing me."
He laughed softly.
"...Pretty useless, right?"
Rayan didn't laugh.
"And your level?"
"...Level 10."
Rayan looked at him quietly before smiling.
"You've survived until Level 10 with an ability like that."
"...That's impressive."
For the first time...
Gio smiled.
A real smile.
—End of Part 1—
To be continued....