Tom Harris handed me the Silverhawk Knights Order's business card.
"…As I mentioned before…"
"I know," I cut him off, glancing at the glossy emblem printed in silver ink. "But people change their minds all the time, right? Honestly speaking, trying to tough it out alone, especially in our line of work, where life expectancy is already short, isn't exactly a long-term strategy. Sure, there are perks to going solo, but you have to admit, missing out on Fissure Explorations is one hell of a wasted opportunity."
In this world, there existed a rift known as The Fissure, a strange space that hung between dimensions. It was a world between worlds, crawling with monsters. To erase a Fissure, every single creature inside it had to be exterminated. And the rewards? Pure gold. Each Fissure carried a profit anywhere between eight hundred thousand and nine million dollars. Whether you were a Hunter or a Knight, even participating once meant fame, recognition, and a fat paycheck.
Tom gave me that look again, the kind that said he couldn't believe what I'd pulled off. "Give it another thought. When paired with a Knight, a Heavenly Gifted Hunter like you shines even brighter. Oh, and by the way, did you really take down that Skeleton Soldier using that mace?"
I nodded. "Yeah. It's a quality weapon for sure, but… my family's always had strong constitutions."
Tom blinked, half impressed, half doubtful. "Oh… if you say so."
In today's world, abilities like Mana Utilization and Mana Affinity divided people into clear classes. The normal stayed within human limits, but the exceptional, those born with talent, defied logic.
Those with high Mana Affinity didn't need lessons to absorb Mana. Breathing was enough. Given time, they evolved into something beyond human. Supermen.
A few Hunters fell into that category, though most lacked the control of true Knights. Still, that raw gift of power made them enviable among regular citizens.
"Alright, I'll think about it," I told Tom, standing up. "Now, excuse me. I'm short on time."
There were still ten minutes left on the clock, but honestly, I'd had enough talking for one day.
Tom smiled faintly. "If you change your mind, give us a call. The Silverhawk Knights Order is known for treating our people well, Knight or Hunter, doesn't matter."
Maybe it was the nature of my Wolf Form, fast, agile, and built for hunting, but even after hitting Trait Level 4, my body didn't grow much larger. Instead, the air around me grew sharper, heavier. The aura I carried now matched that of a tiger on the prowl. Hunting became easier too, no need to rely on doping anymore.
Most Low-Tier monsters died from a single strike. I'd sneak into the brush, wait for movement, and the moment something entered my range… I'd launch forward. My fangs found their throats before they even realized they were being hunted. One hit. One kill.
My newest active skill, Whirlwind Dash, made it almost unfair. Two kills a day, minimum.
Even today, I prowled the Low-Tier ground in my Wolf Form, drifting through the forest. My nose was ridiculously sharp, and the way it translated scents wasn't vague. it was exact.
[Southeast, 680 meters. Humans, Three presences.]
That's how precise it was. Thanks to that system assist, I'd hunted over ten monsters in the last three days.
Humans again?
The Low-Tier hunting ground was crowded compared to the beginner zones. Encounters like this weren't rare. I grumbled under my breath and prepared to leave quietly when.
"Today's luck is good."
The sudden voice froze me. It came from somewhere close, too close.
Panicking, I scanned the area. Around two hundred meters away, I sensed movement. No scent. That was weird. I shifted instantly, letting the wolf fade, and stood up in human form just in time.
"It's a human," I muttered, exhaling in relief.
A girl and a man appeared through the trees. The girl looked young, barely out of high school but her poise and sharp eyes made her seem far older. The man beside her was huge, wrapped in a formal three-piece suit that looked absurd in this place.
"Well, hello there," the girl said, studying me curiously before offering a nod. "I'm Claire Reynolds, a Low-Tier Knight."
Her bob-cut hair brushed against her jawline as she smiled faintly. Elegant, calm, but her presence carried weight.
"Ah, hello."
I shook her hand, careful to appear casual. If I'd stayed in Wolf Form, this could've ended badly. Meeting her face-to-face as a human was the safer play.
"And this," she added, "is Jack Doyle, a Low-Tier Hunter."
Jack bowed slightly. "Nice to meet you. I'm Jack Doyle, Low-Tier Hunter."
I blinked, caught off guard. He looked more like a high-ranking Knight than a low-tier anything. But I kept that thought to myself.
"Were you hunting?" Claire asked, her tone soft but analytical. "Your stealth is impressive. And I don't see any specialized gear on you."
"Yeah," I said, shrugging. "It's better to erase all traces when tracking prey. Kind of like how you've erased your scent with that bracelet."
Her eyes widened slightly, surprised I noticed.
"You've got a sharp eye," she admitted. "By the way, I didn't catch your name."
"Ethan Walker. Low-Tier Hunter."
Her demeanor shifted immediately. The warmth drained from her voice.
"…Is it safe for a Low-Tier to move alone like this?"
"I'm still alive, aren't I?"
She nodded curtly. The interest was gone. "Fine. Do whatever you've been doing. Seems to work for you."
She snorted softly and turned away. For someone her age, she carried herself like a jaded veteran. I frowned, shaking my head before heading in the opposite direction.
That's when the alert hit.
[Eastward, 500 meters. A Troll in a Ravenous State.]
"Oh, shit."
A Troll. Towering over three meters tall, with skin like cracked tree bark and movements far too quick for its size.
Worse, this one was Ravenous.
That meant it devoured everything it killed, growing stronger with each meal. In a low-tier hunting zone like this, that was a nightmare. There was nothing here strong enough to stop it. Given time, it could rival a Mid-Tier monster.
"Wait!" I called out, sprinting back toward Claire and Jack.
She turned, eyes flashing with irritation. "What the…hey, hands off!"
"There's a monster up ahead," I warned, grabbing her shoulder. "We need to move. Now."
Jack stepped between us defensively. "What's your problem?"
Even though he was bigger, the moment I glared, he faltered. He knew I wasn't bluffing.
"Seriously, we have to…"
"Fu. Only a trashy Low-Tier Hunter like you would think of running from …
Her words died as a low, guttural growl rolled through the forest.
The Troll emerged, massive and grotesque, its face twisted like burnt wood, its breath steaming in the cold air. Its gaze locked on us hungry.
Claire froze, her sword trembling slightly. I could see the fear creeping in despite her posture.
"Jack!" she yelled.
He stuttered, panic setting in. "I…I got it!"
Without warning, he bolted, running so fast he blurred. His speed had to be Trait-enhanced.
The Troll roared again, furious one of its meals had escaped.
"Fuu…" Claire inhaled sharply. Her sword flared blue as she channeled Mana into it, a Mana Blade.
'That's not enough,' I thought grimly.
Even before the fight started, I could tell she'd lose. Her grip was shaking. Fear had already taken root.
I wanted to help, but I had no weapon, my steel mace was back in the cave. I'd planned to hunt as a Wolf today.
'Time to run.'
I turned to leave when the system lit up in front of me.
[Condition Complete: Encountering an Overwhelmingly Stronger Monster.]
– The host has encountered a monster with near-zero chance of victory. All stats +1.
– Orc Warrior Form unlocked. Monster Form stats adjusted accordingly.
– Skill unlocked: Warrior of Reversal
► Active Skill: Warrior of Reversal [Level F]
– Available in all Monster Forms.
– Strength +200%, Endurance +100%, pain resistance increased.
– Duration: 5 minutes (Human Form: 1 minute).
– Based on Orc Warrior Form stats.
– Cooldown: 24 hours.
I stared at the window, heartbeat pounding, the Troll's roar shaking the ground beneath me.
A new form. A new power.
And a girl about to die right in front of me.
Guess I don't have a choice.