The Strongest Hunters.
That was the name of the novel I was reincarnated into. A world where Awakeners humans blessed with unique skills and powers banded together to fight monsters and evil organizations threatening humanity.
I still remembered the first few chapters of the novel. A small team of hunters united under the Dawn Clan banner and grew into legends. Now, standing in this bustling plaza surrounded by aspiring hunters, it was strange to think I was inside that very story.
And even stranger that I might die before the first arc began.
"Hey, are you even listening to me?"
Ruby's voice snapped me back to reality.
Me and Mrs. Ruby...uh, I mean Ruby continued our conversation as we waited in line for the entrance ceremony. Though, to be honest, it was mostly a one-sided conversation I'd been forced into.
She had the energy of a thunderstorm and the attention span of a squirrel.
"Anyway," she continued, "I tried to clear a dungeon named The Frostfang Den. It wasn't supposed to exist in the original novel, but it suddenly appeared last week."
That caught my attention.
An unrecorded dungeon? That shouldn't be possible unless the timeline had already shifted.
Ruby sighed and rubbed her neck. "I tried going solo, but the monsters were on a completely different level. I had to retreat before I froze to death. After that, I heard the Dawn Clan was holding this ceremony to recruit new hunters. So here I am!"
"Oh," I muttered simply, nodding to avoid sounding uninterested.
Truth was, I'd been trying to avoid any situation that might lead to a fight. I knew my limits. With my low stats, I was basically walking monster bait.
Before I could respond, a heavy punch landed beside us close enough that I could feel the shockwave in my chest.
A large, muscular man with dark brown hair stood in front of Ruby, veins popping across his arms. "You tried to solo The Frostfang Den by yourself?" he barked. "Are you crazy? That dungeon's no place for a newbie like you!"
Ruby froze for half a second, then immediately snapped back. "Hey! Who are you to tell me what to do?"
I quietly took a step back.
I already knew where this was heading. A fight between an overconfident rookie and a prideful meathead? That was my cue to get out of the splash zone.
If even one stray hit landed on me, I was done for.
The muscular guy scoffed. "The Dawn Clan's the most powerful around here. Why would they accept a newbie like you? Go home before you embarrass yourself."
Ruby clenched her fists, glaring up at him like a furious cat. "They don't care about levels! Anyone can take the trials if they've got guts!"
"Oh yeah?" the man smirked, clearly enjoying how red her face was getting.
I mentally sighed. Why am I always surrounded by walking disasters?
Just when it looked like fists were about to fly, another voice cut through the tension.
"What's going on here?"
A tall man in a black coat approached, his expression calm but authoritative. The noisy crowd instantly quieted down.
The muscular guy pointed at Ruby. "This girlie here tried to clear The Frostfang Den solo! She's got a death wish. I'm just warning her."
The newcomer raised an eyebrow. "That so? Well, that's her choice. If she wants to take the trial, she's free to do so. That's what this ceremony is for to test courage, not babysit egos."
The muscular guy stiffened. "I–I wasn't.."
"Enough," the black-coated man interrupted. His eyes swept across us like a hawk's. "If you want to stay, keep quiet. Otherwise, I can remove you both right now."
Ruby and the muscular guy immediately straightened and chorused, "N-No, sir!"
The man nodded once, clearly satisfied, then turned to address the crowd. "Everyone, prepare yourselves. The gates to the trial are opening."
A low rumble filled the air as a massive iron gate ahead of us began to creak open, revealing a dimly lit hall lined with glowing runes. The chatter of hundreds of aspiring hunters echoed in excitement and fear.
"Finally," Ruby said, grinning from ear to ear. "Let's go in, Hiro!"
I hesitated, staring at the entrance. My instincts screamed danger, but… this was also my quest. The system had been quiet for days, and I needed progress.
I nodded reluctantly. "Alright. But no more fights, okay?"
She smirked. "No promises."
As we walked through the gate, the air changed colder, heavier, filled with mana that prickled against my skin.
My heart thudded loudly in my chest. The trial had officially begun.
Around us, holographic symbols flickered to life, projecting rules in midair:
> [Welcome to the Dawn Clan's Initiation Trials]
– Only those who pass will earn the title of Hunter.
– Survival, skill, and teamwork will be tested.
– Death is possible. Proceed at your own risk.
I swallowed hard. Death is possible.
Yeah, no pressure.
Ruby punched my shoulder lightly. "You nervous?"
"More like regretting my life choices," I muttered.
She laughed, the sound echoing down the hall.
Despite everything, a part of me couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. Maybe this was what I'd been missing the feeling of being alive, even if it was dangerous.
The Frostfang Den… the trials… the Dawn Clan.
Everything was happening faster than I expected, and something in my gut told me this wasn't just an initiation.
There was something bigger waiting beyond those gates.
Still, I took a deep breath and stepped forward.
And just like that, my peaceful life was over.