The car glided out of the quiet residential lane, leaving our neighborhood of cream-colored houses and mana-lit fences behind. The morning sun washed everything in gold, reflecting off windows and rooftops. Vellorin's outer ring always felt peaceful—children running, mana-lamps humming softly, and garden gates decorated with carved sigils to keep beasts away.
I leaned my head against the window. The vibration was steady—comforting.
Rin rested in Mom's lap, giggling every time we hit a bump. Arin sat beside me, knee bouncing as she watched the scenery flash by.
Dad drove with one hand on the wheel, his red eye scanning the road with the same calm focus he used in everything.
I wanted to stay quiet… But the world outside was too alive. And there was too much I didn't understand.
So I asked:
"Can you tell me more about… how all this works? The world. Hunters. Everything."
Dad didn't turn around. He didn't need to.
He simply began speaking.
The City of Vellorin
"The city is divided by function," Dad said. "What you see now is the residential ring—safe, quiet, low-level mana fields. Perfect for families. Perfect for raising children."
I looked outside.
Wide sidewalks. Tree-lined streets. Even the air felt clean.
Arin added, "This area barely gets small beasts. Last one was a red-core fox two years ago."
Rin raised his hand dramatically. "I WOULD HAVE BEATEN IT!"
"No," Arin said.
"Yes!"
Dad continued without reacting.
"We're heading toward the middle ring. Shops, markets, VR stores, artifact repair shops, and basic guild halls. More mana flow. More noise."
And right on cue, the buildings shifted.
The houses turned into storefronts. Mana-screens flickered with hunter rankings. Street vendors roasted mana-infused snacks. People bustled through the sidewalks with glowing bags and rune-marked wristbands.
It felt alive. Too alive.
Arin nudged me. "The best food stalls are here. When school ends, Rin drags me here every week."
Rin raised both hands proudly. "I LIKE FRIED MANA-FISH."
Dad sighed. Mom laughed. I smiled a little.
Hunter Association—What They Are
As we passed a wide intersection, Dad continued:
"The Hunter Association is the second greatest power in the nation after the army. They exist to maintain balance—between people, mana, and monsters."
Arin added, "They control gates, guild rankings, dungeon entry permits, hunting squads—basically everything."
Dad nodded. "They regulate awakenings, monitor cores, stabilize dungeons, and train new hunters. Without them, cities like Vellorin would fall within months."
I swallowed.
"What about the army?" I asked.
"They protect borders and wage wars," Dad said. "Hunters protect cities from monsters and mana anomalies. Two different responsibilities. Two different strengths."
Rin whispered loudly, "Papa used to be scary in the Association."
Arin smirked. "He still is."
Dad ignored the comment again.
The Association's Structure
As we approached the inner district, buildings grew taller—sleek mana-glass towers stretching toward the sky.
Dad spoke as we drove:
"The Association has five main divisions."
1. The Gate Division
"They monitor dungeons, measure mana pressure, and handle dungeon break predictions."
Arin added, "They're the ones who scream when mana storms happen in Sevaria."
2. Beast Regulation Division
"Tracks monster migration, catalogs new species, and handles beast-related threats."
Rin pressed his face to the window. "LIKE LIZARD BEASTS!"
"Yes," Dad said flatly.
3. Hunter Licensing Division
"Where we're going today. They record awakeners, check body condition, scan cores, and rank hunters."
My stomach tightened. That was for me.
4. Guild Management Division
"They regulate guilds like mine—the Devils Guild. Approve missions. Handle disputes. Discipline violations."
Arin whispered, "Dad used to scare rookies into following rules."
"Needed to," Dad said. "Rules keep people alive."
5. Research & Healing Division
"Study monster cores, artifact blueprints, mana storms, and rare affinities. They also train healers."
"They almost cried when Rin set their curtain on fire," Arin muttered.
"That was ONE TIME!" Rin shouted.
Dad sighed.
Entering the Central District
The smooth road curved uphill, revealing the towering heart of Vellorin.
Mana-lines ran along the streets like glowing rivers—blue, green, and sometimes violet where energy pooled. The buildings were lined with reinforced stone and mana-crystal windows designed to endure low-tier beast attacks.
People walked with purpose here. Hunters in uniform. Guild members displaying insignias. Students in training coats.
I felt small. Very small.
Dad's voice softened.
"You will get used to it."
The Nation—Thryon
We stopped at a man-light crossing. Dad continued talking as the crystal pillars flicked from red to green.
"Thryon is considered the safest kingdom in Aeren Thalla, but it isn't because we have the strongest hunters."
I blinked. "Then why?"
"Because we have the most disciplined ones."
Arin nodded. "Even our nobles train."
"Merit is valued more than bloodline," Dad said. "A child from a poor house can surpass a noble if they work harder."
My chest tightened at that.
Because for once… I wasn't starting half-dead. I was starting a family.
Father's Rank & Advancement
Dad kept driving.
"I've been Blue-core for twelve years. A-tier hunter. Advancement gets harder the higher you go."
"Because mana density increases?" Arin guessed.
"Because the mind must handle more," Dad corrected. "Children advance fast at first because they have time and no pressure. But adults… lose both."
Mom hummed. "Cores grow slower when hearts grow heavier."
Dad nodded.
Arin looked between us. "Liam can catch up too. Right?"
Dad's expression softened.
"Liam learned our entire language in one month. His IQ is exceptional. If he trains properly, he can catch up to you in two years—maybe less."
Arin choked on air. "HE—WHAT—I TRAINED THREE YEARS—"
Dad's laugh was small but real.
"Talent works differently for everyone. Arin, you awakened earlier than some nobles. Your progress is above average. You are intelligent—just not like Liam."
She groaned dramatically.
Rin leaned in close to me. "Liam is scary smart."
I nudged him gently. "Not that smart."
"VERY smart."
I didn't argue.
Rin's Future
Dad smiled in the rearview mirror.
"And Rin… awakened early, has dual affinities, compatible ones at that. Mischievous, but a good future."
Rin puffed with pride. "I'm STRONG."
"You're loud," Arin corrected.
"I'm BOTH!"
Mom kissed his cheek. "Our little storm."
Rin giggled into her shoulder.
I stared at her—really stared.
She was glowing. Laughing. Her face was open and alive.
They said she never fully recovered after I disappeared. She smiled weakly, spoke softly, and avoided sunlight.
But now…
It was like she had been reborn too.
Because I was here.
My chest tightened in a way I wasn't ready for.
Arriving at the Hunter Association
The car turned onto a broad avenue lined with tall mana-crystal pillars. The Hunter Association building rose ahead—a massive white-stone structure carved with runes, banners fluttering at its sides.
The steps were crowded with hunters, trainees, and guild members.
I swallowed hard.
Dad parked the car and turned to me.
"You're with me," he said gently. "You don't need to do anything. I'll handle it."
Mom squeezed my hand. Arin squeezed my shoulder. Rin held my sleeve.
And for the first time since waking in this world…
I wasn't terrified.
I was curious.