After a few hours and minutes had passed, Ethan and Aster were at the train station. The train station looked a bit like our modern world's own. Aster and Ethan stood at the waiting area where every passenger waited for the next train to their specific location.
"This is it, son," Ethan said calmly and relaxed. "Goodbye."
"Yeah," Aster replied, his voice even and detached. "Thanks for the guidance."
"Since I've already told you about the town you should head to and where to find the Hunter Association, just take care," Ethan said calmly. "I wish you the best, because the road ahead isn't an easy one."
Aster listened calmly and carefully, his expression unchanged. He didn't say a word, his eyes fixed on Ethan.
Aster then brought his hand forward to Ethan, expecting a handshake from him. "We'd often share a handshake as a way to celebrate special moments or just to acknowledge each other's presence when I was younger," Aster said calmly. "It's a simple gesture that brings us together."
Ethan's smile widened gently, and he also gave Aster a handshake. They shook hands, their grip firm.
Then the train came, making a loud "Toot Toot!" sound as it appeared. It looked like a modern train, with sleek designs and a shiny surface. People at the train station started going to the train.
The train itself, despite looking like a modern world train, was powered by magic. Inside the train engines, magic was used to move it. There were two blue crystals, one in front of the train and one behind it.
Aster then turned and walked slowly and calmly to the train. Ethan didn't go but watched his son going.
Aster entered the train and sat down in one of the seats beside the window. The inside of the train also looked like a modern train, with plenty of seats and places for people to stand when the seats were full.
Ethan saw Aster and waved him goodbye. Aster, seeing Ethan waving, also waved back.
The door of the train started to close, and it made a "Toot Toot!" sound as it prepared to depart. The crystals in front of and behind the train started to turn on, glowing with a soft blue light.
As the train started moving along the railway tracks, Ethan turned and started going, his eyes fixed on the train as it disappeared into the distance.
Aster sat calmly in his seat, his eyes fixed on the scenery outside the window. He was lost in thought, his mind analyzing the journey ahead.
The train moved smoothly, its magic-powered engines humming quietly. Aster's thoughts were calm and collected, his mind focused on his goal.
As the train continued on its journey, Aster's calm demeanor remained unchanged. He was a picture of serenity, his emotions hidden beneath his calm exterior.
The train ride was uneventful, with Aster sitting quietly in his seat. He didn't read or sleep, but instead stared out the window, lost in thought and observing want was outside.
After an hour and few minute had passed, Ethan and Aster were at the train station. The train station looked a bit like our modern world's own. Aster and Ethan stood at the waiting area where every passenger waited for the next train to their specific location.
"This is it, son," Ethan said calmly and relaxed. "Goodbye."
"Yeah," Aster replied, his voice even and detached. "Thanks for the guidance."
"Since I've already told you about the town you should head to and where to find the Hunter Association, just take care," Ethan said calmly. "I wish you the best, because the road ahead isn't an easy one."
Aster listened calmly and carefully, his expression unchanged. He didn't say a word, his eyes fixed on Ethan.
Aster then brought his hand forward to Ethan, expecting a handshake from him. "We'd often share a handshake as a way to celebrate special moments or just to acknowledge each other's presence when I was younger," Aster said calmly. "It's a simple gesture that brings us together."
Ethan's smile widened gently, and he also gave Aster a handshake. They shook hands, their grip firm.
Then the train came, making a loud "Toot Toot!" sound as it appeared. It looked like a modern train, with sleek designs and a shiny surface. People at the train station started going to the train.
The train itself, despite looking like a modern world train, was powered by magic. Inside the train engines, magic was used to move it. There were two blue crystals, one in front of the train and one behind it.
Aster then turned and walked slowly and calmly to the train. Ethan didn't go but watched his son going.
Aster entered the train and sat down in one of the seats beside the window. The inside of the train also looked like a modern train, with plenty of seats and places for people to stand when the seats were full.
Ethan saw Aster and waved him goodbye. Aster, seeing Ethan waving, also waved back.
The door of the train started to close, and it made a "Toot Toot!" sound as it prepared to depart. The crystals in front of and behind the train started to turn on, glowing with a soft blue light.
As the train started moving along the railway tracks, Ethan turned and started going, his eyes fixed on the train as it disappeared into the distance.
Aster sat calmly in his seat, his eyes fixed on the scenery outside the window. He was lost in thought, his mind analyzing the journey ahead.
The train moved smoothly, its magic-powered engines humming quietly. Aster's thoughts were calm and collected, his mind focused on his goal.
As the train continued on its journey, Aster's calm demeanor remained unchanged. He was a picture of serenity, his emotions hidden beneath his calm exterior.
The train ride was uneventful, with Aster sitting quietly in his seat. He didn't read or sleep, but instead stared out the window, lost in thought and observing what was outside.
The train passed by many towns, then passed through some tunnels and even stopped at stations to pick up passengers as hours passed. Aster just looked out, observing the whole thing. Finally, after what seemed like hours, the train arrived at its destination.
"Good day, ladies and gentlemen. We've arrived in the lovely town of Emberlyn. If you're disembarking here, please gather your belongings and we'll be happy to see you off," a voice said, coming from the train.
Aster stood up, his movements calm and controlled. This was his destination. He picked up his bag and exited the train, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Other people who were also arriving there also came out.
The town was bustling with activity, people moving quickly and efficiently. Each house was bigger than the ones Aster used to live in, and people were plenty. Roads were there, and lots of modern cars were there using the road. The cars looked like modern cars but were powered with magic. There were crystals in front of and behind the cars to help them move. The crystals were blue.
But some expensive horse carriages were there, which were well-designed. The roads looked like modern roads too, and there were things that were used to replace traffic lights. They were hand signs on it. For the stop, there was a sign-board hand meaning stop, and it was red. And the second one was a sign-board hand gesture that was about close, meaning "Get ready to move." And it was yellow. And lastly, there was a palm closed making a fist that means, "Go" and it was green. It was from top to down, just like the modern world, and drivers followed this to prevent crashing and promote safe driving.
Aster's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the sights and sounds of the town. Aster walked as he observed the town, Emberlyn. At the streets, a car stopped, and people were getting in, as Aster saw that he knew what that meant.
As Aster was heading towards the area where people usually stood to catch vehicles to their destinations, he heard screams coming from far in front of him.
"We are all going to die! Aaaaaaaaaaargh! We need the hunters! Where the hell are they!" People started crying and screaming, running back towards Aster's direction as they passed behind him. Some even got down from their vehicles and joined the chaos.
Then, the monster appeared – a big, tall cat chasing after the fleeing crowd. The cat's fur was a mix of black and white, and it seemed to possess a feminine appearance.
The cat ran towards Aster's direction, noticing that he didn't move but stood there, emotionless and calm. "Oh, see this insect standing there as if it's nothing to him," the cat thought.
Aster knew the cat was coming towards him, but his expression remained unchanged. "Dad mentioned that this town has monsters, unlike my hometown. Some of these monsters resemble humans, possessing human-like features, and a few are even capable of articulate speech," Aster thought.
The cat was incredibly fast and strong, jumping from a distance to reach Aster's location. It stood in front of Aster, its eyes blazing with anger.
"You're just another pathetic prey, thinking you can brush off my actions like they're nothing," the cat said, its voice dripping with malice. "You strut around, calm and collected, just to show off in front of your own kind. And why? Because those pitiful humans label me an E-rank monster, the weakest of the weak. How quaint. How utterly amusing. But let me tell you, I take pleasure in slaughtering preys like you with my bare hands, simply because I can. And you know what? No one can stop me. No one dares to. You're nothing but playthings to me, and your fear is my entertainment."
"An E-rank, I see," Aster thought. "Given that, I can conclude matters here without any issues."
"You are killing people for fun, huh," Aster said calmly, his voice devoid of emotion. "And you're also an E-rank."
The cat's eyes narrowed, misunderstanding Aster's tone. "Are you making fun of me?" it growled. "You are going to be my next prey."
The cat brought out its paws, ready to kill Aster. "I can't wait to hear you screaming in pain. It is so satisfying to watch," it said, its voice filled with sadistic pleasure.
Aster then gave a little slap to the cat's face. Despite the seemingly gentle nature of the action, the cat's head was ripped from its body, flying far away and crashing into houses like they were made of glass.
Aster then used his finger to hit the cat's stomach, pushing it backwards before the blood could splash on him.
People stopped screaming, calming down as they witnessed Aster killing the monster. They began to murmur among themselves.
"Who is this person?" one of them asked. "I have never heard of him before."
"Is he a hunter?" another person wondered. "If he is, then I have never heard of him before."
"Either way, he's pretty strong," someone else commented.
The people's gossip didn't bother Aster. He acted like it was nothing to him, his expression remaining calm and collected.
A big black, expensive-looking car came forward to Aster, its magic-powered engine humming quietly as the two blue crystals in front of and behind the car glowed softly. The car stopped beside Aster, and the glass window rolled down, revealing a man dressed in a sleek black coat, looking like a professional agent.
"You're not in our hunters database," the man said, his voice firm but polite. "What's your clearance level and mission objective?"
"I'm heading to the Hunter's Association," Aster replied calmly, his expression unchanged.
The agent's eyes narrowed slightly, then nodded. "Is that so? Step into the vehicle, we're affiliated with the Hunter Association. Your safety is our priority. I'll escort you to the designated location."
Aster opened the door of the car and got inside. The agent turned the car around and started driving on the roads. As they drove, minutes passed, and finally, they stopped in front of a big compound that was part of the town. A huge line of people stood outside the compound, waiting to enter.
"This is the Vanguard Hunter's Guild," the agent said calmly, giving Aster a brief overview. "Would you like an escort to Headquarters?"
"Sure," Aster replied, his face devoid of emotion as he gazed out the window at the people standing outside.
"As long as I don't have to wait and join the line, I will accept the escort." Aster thought.
The car then moved inside the Association, heading towards the headquarters. The compound was vast, covering an area of 700,000 square meters. It consisted of multiple buildings and structures, including training facilities such as dungeons, simulation rooms, combat training areas, arenas, and many more.
There were also classrooms and lecture halls for new hunters, dormitories for every hunter, cafeterias and dining areas, large bathtubs for different genders, and wellness areas. Administration offices and support areas, medical facilities, research facilities, recreational spaces such as parks, gardens, gyms, and entertainment areas were also part of the compound.
Additionally, there were armory and equipment stores, a monitoring and surveillance center, and many more spaces. The Vanguard Hunter's Guild was indeed a comprehensive organization, providing everything a hunter might need.
As the car stopped, Aster got out, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He was ready to begin his journey as a hunter.
The agent got out of the car and stood beside Aster. "Follow me," he said, leading Aster towards the headquarters.
Aster followed the agent, his expression unchanged. He was focused on his goal, and nothing seemed to distract him.
In an office, two bodyguards stood outside the door, preventing people from entering. The bodyguard on the left had white skin, while the one on the right had dark skin. Both had hair that reached their ears, styled differently. They wore well-tailored black suits with the Hunter's Guild logo on the right side, featuring a bold, red and black shield with a crossed sword and arrow.
Inside the office, the space was spacious with a sleek, modern design that reflected the Hunter Association's professional and efficient image. The walls were adorned with certificates, awards, and plaques recognizing the person's achievements and contributions to the Association.
Behind a sturdy, large wooden desk, a man sat in a leather-bound chair. He wore the same dress code as the bodyguards, but his coat was open, revealing a red tie. Aster sat across from him, calm and collected.
"Welcome! I'm the Vice Chairman here at the Hunter's Guild," the man said with a smile. "Our Chairman is often tied up with important matters, but I'm more than happy to assist you. I've heard from my clients how you effortlessly took down an E-rank monster while just walking through town. Impressive!"
"That's right," Aster replied calmly. "I was looking for the Hunter Association and I saw a monster causing chaos in town. To prevent further disruption, I neutralized the monster."
The Vice Chairman nodded, his smile still intact. "I'd appreciate it if you could tell me your full name and what brings you to the Hunter Association. Are you interested in joining The Vanguard Guild or perhaps looking to undergo training to become a Hunter?"
"I'm Aster Theodoros," Aster replied. "I'll be training to become a hunter."
The Vice Chairman's smile grew wider. "Consider joining our guild and becoming a valued member. You're welcome to train with us, and we believe you have considerable potential. Defeating an E-rank monster, despite being the weakest classification, is well within your reach. We'd be delighted to have you on board."
"I'll consider it," Aster said calmly, his expression unchanged. "For now, my priority is training to become a hunter."
The Vice Chairman's words became more persuasive. "I don't mind, but think it through. This is one of the most reputable Hunter Associations globally, and joining our guild would provide you with unparalleled opportunities and resources. We'd be happy to have you as a member."
Aster thought to himself, "He's just trying to convince me to join the guild. But I'm not planning to join any guild."
"I will take that into consideration," Aster said calmly.
The Vice Chairman continued, "As you're interested in training to become a hunter, I'd like to explain our ranking system. We categorize hunters from A to E, having effectively phased out the S rank due to its unattainability. Only a few have ever reached it, but now it's unlikely, and we consider it unrealistic."
Aster listened carefully, his expression unchanged.
"Now, are you prepared to undergo an assessment to determine your current abilities and suitable rank?" the Vice Chairman asked.
Aster thought for a second before responding, "I'm ready."
The Vice Chairman clapped his hands, and the two bodyguards entered the room. "Take him to get his abilities evaluated," he instructed.
The bodyguards nodded, and the Vice Chairman turned to Aster. "Please follow them. They'll escort you to the assessment area where your abilities will be evaluated, and a suitable rank will be determined. After the assessment, you'll receive a classification and a uniform corresponding to your rank."
Aster thought to himself, "This sounds like a rigid system. I'm not sure I agree with their approach."
Without a word, Aster got up and followed the bodyguards, his expression calm and collected.
.....
The evaluation room was a specialized testing facility designed to assess the abilities of hunters. It was a large, secure space with a glass barrier separating the hunters from the evaluators. The glass shield, fueled with magic, protected the evaluators from any potential harm, allowing them to safely assess the hunters' abilities.
Aster stood at the designated area near the white orb, a large, round device that would test his power. The orb was at the height of the hunters, and its surface seemed to glow with an otherworldly energy.
"Please prepare yourself," the female evaluator said gently and calmly. "Simply place your hand on the orb, and we'll assess your abilities to determine a suitable ranking based on your magical or physical capabilities."
The two evaluators, a male and female, both wore a white top with a black coat attached to it, looking like modern scientists. They stood behind the glass barrier, surrounded by advanced technology and magical devices that would measure and analyze Aster's powers.
"If you're concerned that your magical or physical abilities might be too powerful, rest assured that the orb's design should mitigate any potential issues," the male evaluator said reassuringly. "Crafted by one of the most powerful gods, it possesses more than an infinite capacity, far exceeding even divine abilities - both physical and magical. Therefore, it should safely accommodate your powers without causing chaos or destruction, regardless of their origin or magnitude."
Aster thought to himself, "It seems to have a capacity beyond infinite magical and physical abilities. Still, I see a potential risk of it exploding when I touch it, even if I use only a fraction of my power, far less than a Graham's number's worth." He wasn't lying, and his expression remained calm and collected.
Aster was familiar with the ranking system and had a specific goal in mind. "I'm not aiming for S-rank; instead, I'm looking at the A-E range, with C-rank being my target," he thought. "A mid-tier rank suits me well, as it allows for a relatively low profile without being too obscure. It seems like a balanced approach for a normal life." He thought
The female evaluator urged Aster to proceed. "Please place your hand on the orb now, so we can proceed efficiently. We're aiming to move forward without any unnecessary delays."
Aster thought about the qualifications for a C-rank and how he could achieve it. "I'm unfamiliar with the specific requirements, but I can adapt. I could instantly scan multiple dimensions, timelines, and fictional realities to gather the necessary information. However, a more discreet approach might be preferable: I can simply intend to be a C-rank, and the orb will likely facilitate the classification without issue, maintaining an extremely low output of less than a Graham's number of my power, thus avoiding any potential overload."
With his plan in mind, Aster raised his hand and placed it on the white orb. As he did so, the orb's color changed to black with a mix of purple. The evaluators checked the machines, and the physical abilities started rising to a medium level. Then, the orb became white again, and Aster removed his hand.
The male evaluator smiled. "Congratulations, you are a C-rank hunter."
The female evaluator clapped for Aster. "It appears that your abilities lean more towards the physical abilities, rather than magic. Achieving a C-rank through physical prowess alone is relatively rare among hunters, making your potential classification quite notable."
Aster thought to himself, "That's because my magical abilities, even at a an extremely low fraction of my potential, would be overwhelming in this world. I've been relying on physical abilities up to this point, and that should be sufficient."
The male evaluator explained the next steps. "We'll be conducting some standard measurements, including height and weight, to ensure you receive a properly fitting Hunter's uniform. I've been informed that you'll be training here, so this will help us get you set up."
Aster's expression remained calm.
The male evaluator came to the glass in front of him and touched it. As he touched it, his palm on the glass made it turn green and a print of his palm was on the glass. Then, the glass pushed open by itself and moved sideways, giving the male evaluator space to go through.
The male evaluator passed through the opening and approached Aster. He took a small black device with a button on it from the pocket of his coat and pressed the button. The device scanned Aster's whole body, from head to toe.
"Thank you for taking the time to have your body measurements scanned," the male evaluator said kindly. "I'm pleased to inform you that the process is now complete. You're welcome to step out, and I extend my warm congratulations on becoming a hunter."
"Sure. Thanks," Aster replied calmly.
As he walked towards the door, Aster thought to himself, "The utilization of machines and magic in the current manner indicates that the equipment employed in conjunction with magic was likely not developed by the inhabitants of this place. During the evaluation of my abilities for ranking purposes, he stated that the orb was crafted by the gods themselves. This suggests that the machines in question were probably not created by the local population or this place, but rather by the gods associated with this realm.
Aster opened the door and saw the white-skinned bodyguard standing there, holding a room key. The key was a small, metal card with the number "170" prominently displayed on it.
"Please, take this," the bodyguard said calmly and gently. "This is your room number where you'll be staying during your time here. Your belongings have already been arranged in your room, so you can settle in right away."
Aster stared at the key for a second before taking it. "I've just arrived, so I'm not familiar with the layout," he said calmly. "Can you show me to my room?"
The bodyguard nodded, realizing what Aster said was true. "Very well, please follow me," he replied.
Aster followed the bodyguard, his expression calm and collected. As they walked, he thought to himself, "I'll need to get familiar with the layout and the rules of this place. It's essential to understand the dynamics and potential threats or opportunities."
The dormitory consisted of four buildings, each with at least 120 individual rooms. There were eight rooms on each floor, and the floors were segregated by gender. Male students resided on the lower floors (floors 1-7), while female students occupied the upper floors (floors 8-15). A strict rule prohibited boys from entering the girls' living area after 8 p.m.
Aster and the bodyguard walked down the hallway on the 7th floor of the second building. They passed the first door and arrived at the second door, which had "170" written on it. The bodyguard turned to Aster and said calmly, "This is your room. I'll be leaving now."
Aster spoke up, his tone calm and collected. "One more thing. I would like to observe this place further to familiarize myself with the surroundings."
The bodyguard replied, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Of course, please be assured that you'll be safe here. However, I do need to remind you that the premises are under surveillance for everyone's security."
"Alright," Aster responded calmly.
With the key in hand, Aster opened the door and entered his room, closing the door behind him. The room was furnished with a comfortable bed, adorned with crisp white sheets and plush pillows. A spacious wooden wardrobe stood against one wall, looking beautiful and modern. Above the bed, a ceiling fan hung from the ceiling, its blades slowly rotating to circulate the air and create a gentle breeze.
Aster observed the room, his expression calm and collected. "This room is similar to my room at home," he thought to himself.
As he stood there, Aster's mind began to strategize his next move. "I will be departing soon. Given the Hunter's Association's vast size and the fact that this place is under surveillance, I will proceed at my own pace and avoid acting impulsively," he thought, his face emotionless.
With a clear plan in mind, Aster turned and opened the door, ready to take the next step in his journey as a hunter. He stepped out into the hallway, his calm and collected demeanor unwavering as he began to explore his new surroundings.
....
Few hours had passed, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, the evening sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant hues. The Class B compound, a designated area within the Hunter's Association complex, bustled with activity. Hunters from various classes walked by, some clad in hunting attire, while others wore the distinctive uniforms of the Hunter's Association.
The uniforms were a testament to the organization's style, with girls donning long-sleeved crimson blouses with white collars and cuffs, paired with red skirts adorned with delicate white trim and intricate patterns. The boys' uniforms were equally impressive, featuring bold red jackets with the Hunter's Guild logo, white trim, and golden buttons.
Aster walked with a steady, calm pace, his expressionless face a mask of serenity. As he navigated the compound, he thought to himself, "It took some time to get familiar with the place, given its size. I managed to gather some basic information from people. I've located my classroom and seen what the uniforms look like. I also met my Professor for Class C, and she mentioned a few names from the class."
As he turned a corner, he spotted a dungeon situated in an open area, designated for training, assessments, or other activities. An invisible barrier, allowing only people to pass through, surrounded the dungeon. Aster could hear the sounds of fierce battles and clashes emanating from within.
"I've observed this location and seen many dungeons, but I haven't entered one before," Aster thought, his analytical mind processing the information. "I'm unfamiliar with the monsters and other aspects. I'll enter the Class B dungeon and attempt to observe while persuading the hunters inside to allow me to explore further. I could wait until the next day to visit the Class C dungeon for my class, but exploring the Class B dungeon might provide valuable insights into dungeon operations and functionality."
With a calculated stride, Aster approached the dungeon entrance.
As Aster entered the dungeon, the dark and eerie atmosphere enveloped him. Despite the darkness, he could see his surroundings, and the sounds of battles and clashes echoed through the air. He observed his environment, taking note of the details.
After a few minutes of walking, the fights grew closer, and Aster could see what was happening. A beautiful girl with striking features and long, black and purple hair stood at the center of the battle. Her eyes were a deep, black-purple color, and her skin had a warm, porcelain glow. She wore the female Hunter's uniform, a long-sleeved crimson blouse with white collars and cuffs, paired with a red skirt adorned with delicate white trim and intricate patterns.
The girl was fighting alongside a group of dark and black shadow soldiers, their forms fluid and adaptable, with glowing blue veins pulsing with energy. They clashed with hologram monsters, giant masculine ogres and black wolves with dark blue eyes that seemed cold and evil.
Aster watched, his expression calm and expressionless. The girl noticed him and turned, her face giving no hint of surprise, but her voice was stern. "You are a hunter, right? But I'm afraid I won't be leaving now, so perhaps you can take your leave. I'll handle this alone."
Aster replied, his tone calm, "I'm not a hunter that's part of this guild. I'm here to observe as a newcomer. I want to learn about the dungeon's operations and see how it functions."
The girl's expression remained stern, her face giving no emotion, but her voice was laced with skepticism. "I see you're new here and want to observe. Then what makes you think you can just waltz in and observe without any issues or repercussions?"
Aster's tone remained flat, "I've observed many dungeons from the outside. I want to see the inside workings. Perhaps I can learn something that will be useful for my own benefit."
The girl raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What's your rank?"
"I'm C-rank," Aster replied, his tone calm.
The girl's expression didn't change, but her voice took on a slightly different tone. "I'm also C-rank. You're the new student the Professor told me about, and the one who one-shot the E-rank monster causing chaos in town this morning."
Aster's face remained expressionless, but his mind was racing. "Really? You've heard of that. Has the rest of the class been made aware of it as well?" He asked.
The girl's response was calm and measured, "Just me. No one else."
Aster's thoughts turned inward, "The only people who knew were the Vice Chairman and his agents. How she knows is unclear. Was she present when I defeated the E-rank monster, or did a Hunter Association member see it and spread the news? Alternatively, was she informed by the Vice Chairman, and if so, does that imply a connection between them?"
The girl's thoughts were also racing, "Despite his calm tone, he seems reluctant to let that information be widely known."
The girl's voice cut through Aster's thoughts, her tone stern, "I suppose you've made your point clear. You're welcome to stay and observe, but I expect you to keep a safe distance and not hinder my progress. Don't anticipate any preferential treatment simply because you're curious. You're also on your own if things go awry; I won't be there to bail you out. If your goal is to learn more about the dungeon, be aware that as a C-rank, the monsters will pose a significant challenge. For your safety, it's best you stay behind while I clear the path."
Aster nodded, his face still expressionless. "I'll keep that in mind."
As they continued through the dungeon, a massive wolf suddenly appeared, towering over Aster, the girl, and her dark soldiers. The girl didn't flinch, instead, she stretched out her hand, closing her fist. In an instant, she was behind the giant wolf, and a hole appeared in its stomach. The hologram wolf then disappeared.
"Before you inquire further, let me clarify: this monster is below C-rank, making it a relatively trivial target, even for those of our standing," the girl said, her voice calm but stern. "It's worth noting that C-ranks like ourselves can dispatch it with ease. Additionally, these entities aren't tangible creatures; they're simulations designed to assess the skills of hunters in training. The gods themselves created this technology, referring to it as a hologram."
Aster listened intently, his expression calm and expressionless. "So, the gods did create it," he thought to himself.
The path was clear, and the girl and her dark soldiers moved forward. Aster followed behind her, calmly and expressionless. The girl then made her dark shadows retreat, and they entered her shadow.
"I don't require my army to eliminate inferior opponents," she thought. "I can handle it personally, which will also conserve stamina and reduce the need for maintenance in the long run."
As they continued walking, an oga appeared with a sharp, curly, short knife. The oga walked towards the girl calmly, but the girl didn't react, instead, she remained calm and prepared. The oga disappeared, and the girl knew where it would be. She turned to Aster, and the oga was already behind him, ready to stab his neck.
Aster remained calm and expressionless, not turning to block the attack. Instead, he moved his neck slightly to dodge the knife's trajectory. He then held the oga's hand and threw the monster in front of him. As it was about to land, Aster quickly brought his hand forward, punching its stomach. The oga fell down, and its hologram vanished.
"That's not particularly praiseworthy, but well done nonetheless," the girl said, her voice calm but stern. "A C-rank such as yourself should be capable of dispatching this monster with ease, perhaps even striking it down with a single, decisive blow."
"I'm aware," Aster replied, his tone flat. "You've mentioned that previously."
The girl's expression remained stern, but her voice took on a slightly warning tone. "Well done. Let's maintain a steady pace; I won't be held back. The dungeon is extensive, so conserve your energy and avoid exhaustion."
Aster nodded, his face still expressionless. "Alright."
As they continued forward, Aster thought to himself, "She's trying to maintain a distance, but I'm not sure what her true intentions are. I'll need to keep a close eye on her and assess her abilities."
The girl, on the other hand, thought, "He's more capable than I expected, but his calm demeanor is unnerving. I'll need to stay vigilant and not underestimate him."
As they continued through the dungeon, the monsters grew stronger, reaching B-rank in strength. The girl struggled to keep up, and the dungeon shook with the intensity of the battles. Aster watched, his expression calm and collected, as the girl fought with precision and skill.
Eventually, they completed the dungeon and emerged into the evening air. The sun had set, and the compound was deserted, except for the two of them. The girl was sweating, her uniform dirty and disheveled, while Aster remained clean and unruffled.
"I expect you've taken note of a few key points," the girl said, her voice stern but measured.
"Yeah, I did," Aster replied, his tone flat.
The girl thought to herself, "I can hardly believe I held a conversation with him. He shows promise in resourcefulness and adaptability, but his assistance isn't necessary."
As they stood there, a bodyguard approached them. It was the dark-skinned bodyguard from before, and he eyed them with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.
"What brings you hunters here, at this late hour?" the bodyguard asked, his voice calm but laced with a hint of suspicion.
The girl didn't respond, and the bodyguard's gaze lingered on her before turning to Aster. "You're the newcomer, right? Go home," he said, his tone firm but not unkind.
And then, turning to the girl, "You, come with me."
The girl sighed, her expression resigned, and followed the bodyguard without a word. Aster watched them go, his mind working overtime to analyze the situation.
"Based on their actions, it appears the bodyguard is familiar with her, treating her like someone of significance," Aster thought to himself. "It's possible the girl has a connection with them."
With that, Aster turned and walked away, heading towards his room. His expression remained calm and collected, but his mind was already racing with possibilities and strategies.