The headquarters of Iron Legion stood like a fortress in the western district of Virelden.
Thick stone walls.
Training arenas.
Weapon halls.
And hundreds of warriors moving through the compound.
It was the largest warrior guild on the continent of Valtheris.
At the main gate, a massive iron banner waved in the wind.
A crimson wolf emblem.
The symbol of Iron Legion.
Standing in front of the gate was Kael Varyn.
He looked up at the enormous building.
"…This place is huge."
Behind him stood the Myth Rank warrior Valerian the Titan.
"Of course it is."
Valerian crossed his arms.
"We train warriors who fight world-ending monsters."
Kael nodded slowly.
"Sounds intense."
Valerian smirked.
"It is."
They entered the guild courtyard.
Hundreds of hunters were training.
Some fought with swords.
Others practiced elemental techniques.
Massive training dummies were shattered across the field.
The moment Kael stepped inside, dozens of hunters turned to look at him.
Whispers spread quickly.
"That's him."
"The dungeon boss slayer."
"The new berserker recruit."
Kael scratched his head.
"…I feel like I'm being watched."
Valerian laughed.
"You are."
Then he pointed toward the central arena.
"Every new recruit must pass one test."
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"A test?"
Valerian nodded.
"A duel."
The courtyard became quiet.
A tall warrior stepped into the arena.
He carried two large axes and wore heavy combat armor.
"This is Ronan Blackforge."
Rank: D Rank
Valerian spoke calmly.
"He's been in the guild for five years."
Ronan grinned at Kael.
"So you're the new berserker."
Kael walked into the arena.
"Guess so."
Ronan planted his axes on his shoulders.
"Let's see if the rumors are true."
Hunters gathered around the arena walls.
Even Valerian stood watching.
Ronan picked up his axes.
"Ready?"
Kael nodded.
"Ready."
Valerian raised his hand.
"Begin."
Ronan charged instantly.
His speed shocked Kael.
The axes swung toward him with brutal force.
CLANG.
Kael blocked using the fragment of the Worldbreaker Gauntlets.
The impact shook the arena floor.
Ronan smiled.
"Not bad."
He attacked again.
Faster.
Harder.
Axes blurred through the air.
Kael activated Battle Instinct.
The system flashed.
Battle Instinct Active
Enemy movement prediction increased.
Suddenly the attacks looked slower.
Kael stepped aside.
One punch.
BOOM.
Ronan slid backward across the arena.
The crowd gasped.
"He pushed Ronan back?"
Ronan laughed.
"Good!"
He slammed both axes into the ground.
Spirit energy surged around him.
"Let's get serious."
He rushed forward again.
This time Kael activated another skill.
Skill Activated
⚔ Titan Grip
Power surged through his arms.
The gauntlets glowed.
When Ronan's axe struck again—
Kael grabbed the weapon.
Bare-handed.
The arena went silent.
Ronan's eyes widened.
"…You're kidding."
Kael twisted the axe.
Then punched.
BOOM.
Ronan crashed into the arena wall.
Dust exploded into the air.
The duel was over.
Valerian raised his hand.
"Enough."
Ronan slowly stood up, rubbing his chest.
"…Alright."
He laughed.
"I surrender."
The crowd erupted.
Some hunters cheered.
Others looked stunned.
"An E Rank just defeated Ronan!"
Valerian looked pleased.
He turned toward Kael.
"Welcome to Iron Legion."
Kael smiled.
But suddenly—
The system flashed again.
Warning
Unknown energy detected.
At the edge of the courtyard…
A dark portal flickered open.
The temperature dropped instantly.
Black mist spilled into the arena.
Valerian's expression changed.
"…Everyone back."
From the portal stepped a tall figure wearing dark armor.
Purple energy swirled around his body.
His eyes glowed with void energy.
A Void Human.
From the forbidden continent known as Umbraxis.
The stranger looked around the arena calmly.
Then his gaze stopped on Kael.
He smiled.
"So…"
"You're the one who awakened the berserker relic."
The system flashed urgently.
Danger
Enemy Bloodline Detected:
Void Human
Hybrid Variant
Valerian stepped forward.
"State your name."
The stranger bowed slightly.
"My name is Kaelen Dusk."
His eyes glowed darker.
"And I've come to challenge the new berserker."
He pointed directly at Kael.
"Let's see if you're worth the attention you're getting."
The courtyard went silent.
Because everyone present knew one thing.
Void Humans were among the most dangerous bloodlines in the world.
And this one…
Was a hybrid.