The Hunter Association's evaluation hall was packed.
Rivan stood near the entrance, hands in his pockets, wishing the floor would swallow him whole.
Why is everyone staring…?
Hunters of all ranks were gathered—some confident, some curious, some openly skeptical. A large digital screen hovered above the arena floor, ready to record every result.
Lina nudged him with her elbow.
"Relax. You look like you're about to fight the floor."
"I would prefer that," Rivan muttered.
Aria stood beside them, arms crossed.
"This evaluation isn't ordinary. The Association doesn't call people in unless they're suspicious."
Rivan sighed.
"Great. I'm officially suspicious."
---
The Examiner Appears
The room quieted as a tall man walked onto the platform.
Sharp eyes.
Calm steps.
An overwhelming aura.
Someone whispered, "That's Examiner Kael… an S-rank."
Rivan froze.
An S-rank examiner… for me?
Kael glanced across the crowd before his eyes landed on Rivan.
"You," Kael said. "Step forward."
Rivan obeyed, ignoring the murmurs.
Kael tapped a device, and a holographic barrier rose around the arena.
"This evaluation will test reaction speed, mana response, and combat instinct," Kael announced. "No lethal force."
Lina leaned forward, whispering,
"Hey, don't accidentally defeat an S-rank, okay?"
Rivan whispered back,
"I don't think that's an option."
---
Reaction Test
A drone appeared, firing small energy bolts.
"Begin."
The first bolt shot toward Rivan.
He dodged.
Then another.
And another.
His body moved before his thoughts, flowing naturally.
[Agility Check Passed]
The crowd murmured.
"He's fast…"
"Wasn't he F-rank?"
Kael's eyes narrowed.
---
Mana Response
Next, Kael released a low-pressure aura wave.
Rivan felt his chest tighten—but didn't collapse.
Instead, something inside him adjusted.
The system flashed briefly:
[Passive Adaptation Detected]
Rivan stayed standing.
The room went silent.
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"…Interesting."
---
Combat Instinct Test
A training construct rose from the floor—humanoid, armored.
"Engage."
The construct charged.
Rivan dodged, countered, struck weak points instinctively.
No flashy moves.
Just efficiency.
He disarmed the construct and pushed it back.
The machine shut down.
Evaluation complete.
Silence.
Then whispers exploded across the room.
"That was clean…"
"He didn't hesitate at all."
Kael stepped closer to Rivan.
"You've never received formal combat training."
Rivan nodded.
"That's correct."
Kael stared at him for a long moment.
"…Yet your instincts are those of a veteran."
Rivan felt a chill.
Does he sense the system?
---
The Verdict
Kael turned to the crowd.
"Rivan Arken will be temporarily reclassified."
Gasps filled the hall.
"From F-rank to—"
Lina leaned forward.
"—PLEASE SAY SOMETHING COOL!"
Kael continued calmly.
"D-rank. Under observation."
The room erupted.
Rivan blinked.
D-rank…?
Not high—but not the weakest anymore.
Lina jumped in the air.
"YOU'RE NOT F-RANK ANYMORE!"
Aria smiled quietly.
"Well done."
Kael lowered his voice so only Rivan could hear.
"This is not your limit," he said. "And you know it."
Rivan met his gaze.
"Yes."
Kael turned away.
"But understand this," he added. "Power attracts enemies. Be careful who notices you."
The system chimed softly:
[Milestone Reached: Official Recognition]
New path unlocked.]
Rivan clenched his fist.
The weakest hunter was gone.
But the road ahead—
Was far more dangerous.