The Gathering in the City of Lights

As the date of the international tournament neared, Ji-Hoon's excitement grew, and any hint of nervousness vanished.

For weeks, he had been training rigorously, honing his skills and pushing his limits to prepare for the ultimate test—the chance to compete against the world's finest hunters in the heart of Paris, the city of lights, and prove himself on the grandest stage.

His enhanced Voidblade, a weapon bestowed with ancient power, crackled with energy as he practiced his forms. The blade, once a simple weapon, now hummed with a mysterious force that coursed through Ji-Hoon's veins.

It was a testament to the remarkable journey he had undertaken, unlocking hidden potential and embracing the legacy of the Voidblade masters who came before him.

Paris, the city of romance and art, had been chosen as the host for the prestigious international tournament. Its iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, added a sense of grandeur to the event.

For Ji-Hoon and his teammates, the thought of competing in such a storied city filled them with awe and determination.

Upon their arrival in the enchanting city, Ji-Hoon and his team marveled at the beauty of Paris, finding time to immerse themselves in its rich culture and history.

They wandered through charming streets, explored quaint cafes, and indulged in the city's delectable cuisine. The Eiffel Tower loomed majestically in the distance, serving as a reminder of the grandeur of the event they were about to participate in.

The team took every opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Paris. They strolled along the Seine, marveling at the elegant architecture and the artistry that seemed to permeate every corner of the city.

The scent of freshly baked croissants and the sound of street musicians filled the air, adding to the enchanting ambiance.

During their free time, Ji-Hoon and his friends ventured into quaint cafes, savoring rich espresso and delicate pastries.

They explored the Louvre, losing themselves in the vast collection of art that spanned centuries. Each moment spent in Paris added to the sense of wonder and excitement

In the days leading up to the tournament, an elegant gathering event was organized, welcoming all participants from around the world.

The grand ballroom of a luxurious hotel buzzed with excitement, as top-ranked hunters from various countries mingled, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and friendly competition.

As Nathan Frost entered the gathering, a hush fell over the room, and all eyes turned to the world's number one-ranked hunter academy student.

He had earned his reputation through years of hard work, dedication, and unmatched talent. With his ability to manipulate absolute zero, he could freeze the air around him and control ice with unparalleled precision.

Tall and imposing, Nathan had an air of quiet confidence that demanded respect. His piercing blue eyes seemed to hold the secrets of his extraordinary abilities, and his silver hair added to the aura of mystery surrounding him.

Clad in a sleek, form-fitting suit, he exuded a sense of both power and elegance that set him apart from the rest.

Hunters from different corners of the world surrounded him, eager to catch a glimpse of the man who had become a legend in their community.

Some were aspiring to improve their own ice manipulation skills, while others simply sought inspiration from the best.

Ji-Hoon observed Nathan from a distance, admiring the poise and confidence with which he carried himself. It was clear why he held the top spot among all the hunters.

Despite the attention, Nathan remained humble and approachable, taking the time to engage in conversations with fellow participants.

Ji-Hoon felt a twinge of excitement and anticipation at the possibility of facing Nathan in the tournament, knowing that such a battle would be the ultimate test of his skills.

In the midst of the gathering, Ji-Hoon's attention was soon captured by a grand entrance. Princess Isabella Windsor, hailing from the royal family of England, made her way into the ballroom.

Her presence exuded elegance and grace, and she was a vision of beauty that left everyone mesmerized, including Ji-Hoon. The hall seemed to hush as all eyes turned to the princess.

Her chestnut-brown hair cascaded down her back in cascades of silk, and a crown adorned with exquisite jewels sparkled atop her head.

Her eyes, a striking shade of deep blue, glinted with intelligence and curiosity as she took in her surroundings. It was evident that she carried herself not just as a royal but as someone who had earned her place among the world's top-ranked hunters.

Ji-Hoon had seen his fair share of impressive individuals during his time as a hunter, but there was something about Princess Isabella that set her apart.

It wasn't just her royal lineage that drew people in, but the way she carried herself with confidence and humility.

As she made her way through the crowd, hunters from different nations approached her, eager to strike up conversations and gain insights into her abilities.

Princess Isabella greeted each of them with warmth and genuine interest, putting even the most nervous participants at ease. Her ability to make others feel valued and heard was a skill in itself, one that Ji-Hoon admired.

Despite her royal status, Princess Isabella treated every hunter as an equal. She engaged in discussions about their unique abilities, exchanging knowledge and experiences without a hint of superiority.

It was evident that she respected the art of hunting and appreciated the diverse talents that each participant brought to the tournament.

As Ji-Hoon observed from afar, he couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue. He wondered about the abilities she possessed, as her aura seemed to radiate an air of mystery and power.

Rumors had circulated about her extraordinary skills, with some saying that her royal bloodline aura held the potential for tremendous force.

As the crowd swirled around Princess Isabella, Ji-Hoon found himself hesitating to approach her.

It wasn't just because of her status; he wasn't sure how to engage with someone of such prominence, especially when he knew that she was acquainted with some of the world's most elite hunters.

However, Ji-Hoon's curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to take the chance. He approached Princess Isabella with a sense of trepidation but also excitement at the prospect of learning from someone of her caliber.

"Princess Isabella," he began, bowing respectfully. "It's an honor to meet you."

She smiled warmly, acknowledging his greeting. "The honor is mine," she replied in a soft, melodious voice. "I've heard about your remarkable abilities."

Surprised that she knew about him, Ji-Hoon nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Princess. Your skills, too, have left quite an impression on everyone here."

Princess Isabella's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Ah, the tales of my abilities seem to have preceded me," she said with a hint of playfulness.

"But it's all part of the camaraderie and friendly competition that makes these gatherings so special."

Ji-Hoon found himself relaxing in her presence, feeling at ease despite his initial nervousness. They continued their conversation, exchanging stories of their journeys as hunters, the challenges they had faced, and the triumphs they had achieved.

Princess Isabella shared anecdotes of her training with renowned mentors, and Ji-Hoon opened up about the trials he had encountered during his quest to master the Voidblade.

As they spoke, Ji-Hoon couldn't help but admire Princess Isabella's humility and genuine interest in others. Despite her royal lineage and impressive abilities, she displayed a down-to-earth nature that made her approachable and relatable.

With a regal aura, Princess Isabella mingled with the hunters, her captivating charm and intelligence catching the eyes of all who crossed her path.

Despite her royal lineage, she approached the gathering with humility, treating every hunter as an equal. Her abilities, enveloped in the royal bloodline aura, were rumored to be nothing short of extraordinary, making her a force to be reckoned with.

Ji-Hoon was intrigued by her abilities and hoped to witness her skills firsthand in the tournament.

Meiying Zhuang's reputation preceded her, and Ji-Hoon had heard of her achievements long before they met in person.

As the best-ranked hunter academy student from Asia, she was a force to be reckoned with, not just because of her pyrokinetic abilities, but also because of her radiant and confident presence that demanded attention and respect.

Her arrival at the gathering was met with whispered admiration from the hunters around her. Clad in a traditional yet modern qipao, her attire reflected her Asian heritage with a touch of contemporary elegance.

The scarlet silk hugged her figure gracefully, and the high slit on one side allowed for ease of movement while adding a hint of allure. The intricate embroidery, reminiscent of dancing flames, shimmered under the chandeliers, further accentuating her connection with fire.

Her jet-black hair cascaded down her back, adorned with delicate golden pins that held it in place.

Her eyes, like pools of warm amber, carried both wisdom and determination. Every step she took exuded purpose, and the confidence in her stance made her a captivating sight to behold.

Ji-Hoon found himself drawn to Meiying, not just because of her impressive abilities, but also because of the friendly aura she emanated.

As he approached her to introduce himself, he couldn't help but feel a hint of nervousness, but he quickly quelled it, reminding himself that he was here to learn, connect, and grow as a hunter.

"Hello, Meiying," Ji-Hoon greeted with a warm smile. "I'm Ji-Hoon, from the Korean hunter academy. Your pyrokinetic abilities are renowned, and it's an honor to meet you."

Meiying returned the smile, and her eyes sparkled with genuine interest. "Hello, Ji-Hoon," she replied graciously. "I've heard about your impressive skills. It seems we both have much to look forward to in the tournament."

However, as the gathering progressed, a tense atmosphere began to develop between Ji-Hoon and Ivan Volkov. Ivan had noticed Ji-Hoon as the person he had met in Korea—the very person who had humiliated him during a chance encounter.

His anger simmered beneath the surface, fueled by resentment and a thirst for revenge. Ji-Hoon, on the other hand, remained composed and nonchalant, refusing to give

Ivan the attention he sought.

As Ivan approached Ji-Hoon, the crowd seemed to hold its breath, sensing the brewing tension between the two formidable hunters.

"You," Ivan growled, "I remember you from Korea. Don't think I've forgotten what you did."

Ji-Hoon turned to face Ivan, his expression cool and unwavering. "I don't know what you're talking about," he replied calmly, his voice cutting through the tension.

Ivan's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tense with frustration. "You embarrassed me in front of my colleagues, and now you act as if it means nothing?" he spat.

Ji-Hoon sighed inwardly, not wanting to engage in unnecessary conflict. "We're here for the tournament," he said, his tone still composed. "Let's focus on that."

But Ivan wasn't so easily deterred. His anger flared, and it seemed as if he might lose his composure.

However, he took a deep breath, mastering his emotions, and decided to heed Meiying's earlier advice to save the rivalry for the tournament.

As the tension lingered, Meiying stepped in, diffusing the situation with her calm and authoritative demeanor.

"We're all here to compete and showcase our abilities," she said, her voice carrying weight and understanding. "Let's save the rivalry for the battles ahead."

Her words resonated with everyone present, and the atmosphere eased back into a more friendly and cooperative spirit.

Ji-Hoon acknowledged Meiying with a nod of gratitude, realizing that he had made a formidable ally in her. He couldn't help but admire her ability to handle such situations with grace and maturity.

As the evening progressed, Ji-Hoon and his team enjoyed the gathering, meeting other top-ranked hunters from around the world.

Alexandre Beaumont's elemental ward abilities impressed everyone with their defensive prowess, and Gabriel Silva's manipulation of sound waves in his Samba Serenade left the crowd in awe.

The gathering became an occasion for hunters to bond, learn from each other, and appreciate the diverse range of talents that the world had to offer.

Despite the tense encounter with Ivan, Ji-Hoon felt a sense of unity among the participants. They were all hunters, driven by a shared passion for the art, and the tournament ahead would be a testament to their skills, determination, and sportsmanship.

In the grand ballroom of Paris, under the dazzling chandeliers and amidst the whispers of excitement, Ji-Hoon realized that this international tournament was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of their shared journey as hunters and the chance to forge lifelong bonds that transcended borders and language.

Little did they know that the battles that awaited them in the tournament would be unforgettable and life-changing, pushing their limits and shaping the course of their destinies in ways they could never have imagined. The stage was set, and the world's finest hunters were ready to leave their mark on the city of lights.