Chapter 5: The Hunter’s Code

The quiet hum of the streetlights above buzzed like a chorus in Allen's ears as he trudged alongside Emma. The battle in the alley left him drained, but the surge of raw energy he'd unleashed lingered in his mind. The System's cold, detached voice still echoed, a reminder that he wasn't normal anymore.

"You're too quiet," Emma said, her tone sharp. "That's not like you. What's going on in that head of yours?"

Allen sighed. "I don't know what's happening to me. That power back there it wasn't normal."

Emma rolled her eyes. "You just found out you've got some crazy hidden potential. Congrats, welcome to the Hunter world. But that doesn't mean you have to do everything alone."

"I don't want you getting hurt," Allen admitted, his voice low.

Emma stopped, grabbing his arm and spinning him around to face her. "Listen to me. You're my best friend for a long time. I've fought beside you since we were kids. Don't you dare shut me out."

For a moment, the tension melted. Allen gave her a faint smile. "Alright, alright. I get it, I will try."

"Good." Emma released his arm and started walking again. "Now let's get you some decent gear. You can't fight with that junk sword anymore."

***

The Hunter's Market was alive with activity. Rows of vendors displayed weapons, armor, potions, and enchanted items under glowing banners. The air smelled of leather and metal, mingled with the faint aroma of fried dumplings from a nearby food stall.

Emma led Allen through the crowd, her eyes sharp as she scanned the stalls. "We'll get you something decent without breaking the bank. What's your budget?"

"Uh…" Allen hesitated. "Around 200 credits."

Emma groaned. "That's barely enough for a stick and a prayer. Alright, let's make it work."

They stopped at a stall run by an older man with a long scar running down his cheek. His inventory consisted of secondhand weapons, most of which had seen better days.

"What's your deal, kid?" the man asked, eyeing Allen.

"Lightning user," Emma answered for him, leaning on the counter. "Got anything for him?"

The man rummaged through his stock before pulling out a slender blade with faint etchings along its surface. "Stormfang," he said. "It's old, but it channels lightning pretty well. 180 credits."

Allen picked up the sword, feeling the weight in his hand. The blade seemed to hum faintly as he held it.

"I'll take it," he said, handing over the credits.

Emma raised an eyebrow. "Not bad. But you're still going to need armor."

"Next time," Allen said with a smirk.

As they left the market, Allen's System chimed again.

[System Alert: Priority Quest Unlocked.]

[Emergency Dungeon Breach Detected: Location – Sanlitun District.]

Objective: Assist in containment. Reward: 1,000 EXP.]

Allen froze, his blood running cold. Dungeon breaches were rare and dangerous, spilling monsters into the real world. They often left devastation in their wake.

"What's wrong?" Emma asked, noticing his change in demeanor.

"Dungeon breach," Allen said, his voice grim. "Sanlitun District."

Emma's eyes widened. "That's close. We need to move now."

When they arrived at Sanlitun, chaos had already erupted. Hunters and law enforcement worked together to evacuate civilians as a swirling portal of black and red energy crackled in the middle of the street. Dozens of low-level monsters wolf-like creatures with glowing red eyes and jagged teeth poured through the portal, attacking anything in sight.

"Stay back," a C-rank Hunter ordered, holding the line with a shield and spear.

"We're Hunters!" Emma shouted, showing her ID. "Let us help!"

The man hesitated, then nodded. "Fine, but don't get yourselves killed!"

Allen unsheathed Stormfang, the blade sparking to life as his electricity flowed through it. Emma stood beside him, her hands glowing with healing energy.

"Ready?" she asked.

"Let's do this," Allen replied.

***

The first wave of monsters charged. Allen dashed forward, his upgraded agility allowing him to weave between their attacks. He swung Stormfang in a wide arc, releasing a burst of lightning that electrocuted several creatures at once.

[Monster Defeated: 20 EXP Gained.]

Emma stayed behind him, casting healing spells to support the other Hunters while occasionally lashing out with her acidic touch.

"Allen, behind you!" she shouted.

He turned just in time to see a larger wolf barreling toward him. Reacting instinctively, he raised his hand and unleashed Chain Lightning. The attack arced between multiple enemies, frying them in an instant.

The System chimed:

[Skill Level Up: Chain Lightning – Level 2.]

Allen grinned. "This is getting easier."

But his confidence was short-lived. The ground trembled, and a massive figure emerged from the portal a towering beast covered in jagged spikes and glowing red veins.

[Boss: Rift Alpha – Level 15.]

The C-rank Hunters cursed, falling back to regroup.

"Allen," Emma said, her voice trembling slightly. "We can't take that thing."

"We don't have a choice," he said, gripping Stormfang tightly.

The Rift Alpha roared, its eyes locking onto Allen. It lunged forward, its massive claws tearing through the pavement.

Allen dodged, barely avoiding the attack. He countered with a lightning bolt, but the beast shrugged it off as if it were nothing.

"Emma, I need a plan!" he shouted, dodging another swipe.

Emma's eyes darted around, analyzing the battlefield. "The spikes on its back they're channeling energy from the portal! We need to take those out first!"

Allen nodded, dashing toward the beast's flank. He leaped onto its back, using Stormfang to slice through one of the glowing spikes. The beast howled in pain, thrashing wildly.

"Hurry up!" Emma yelled, sending a healing spell to a downed Hunter.

Allen gritted his teeth, using every ounce of strength to hold on. With a surge of lightning, he destroyed the remaining spikes, causing the beast to stagger.

"Now's our chance!" Emma shouted.

Allen jumped down, landing in front of the weakened Alpha. Summoning all his energy, he raised Stormfang high and unleashed a devastating strike. Lightning engulfed the blade as it cleaved through the beast, reducing it to ash.

[Boss Defeated: 2,000 EXP Gained.]

[Level Up! Current Level: 7.]

The portal began to collapse, its energy dissipating. The surviving Hunters cheered, but Allen couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.

Emma approached, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You did it."

"Actually I couldn't have done it without your help," Allen corrected.

As they walked away from the battlefield, a new notification appeared:

[Hidden Quest Progress: The Forgotten Path – Step 2 Unlocked.]

Objective: Seek the Forgotten Shrine.]