Chapter 13: 'The Journey Begins'

As the clock ticked, reminding him of the approaching hunter exam, Alex's resolve remained unshaken.

He would face the challenges that awaited him with unwavering fervor, for he carried not only his dreams but also the aspirations of those who believed in him.

With a final, resolute breath, Alex left his home, closing the door behind him. The path to becoming a hunter stretched out before him, like an uncharted road, and he walked it with determination and purpose.

As Alex stepped outside his home, a remarkable transformation had taken place within him. His countenance radiated a sense of calm, akin to the tranquil surface of a serene sea.

His eyes, however, betrayed a different story. They sparkled with a wisdom that belied his age, reflecting a deep understanding of the world around him.

Taking a moment to survey his neighborhood, he couldn't help but notice the familiar surroundings.

Despite the ever-present threat of monsters and the post-catastrophe world they lived in, the neighborhood appeared unchanged.

It was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, persisting amidst adversity.

His gaze fell upon the row of houses that lined the street, each consisting of six paired homes facing each other.

Among them, Alex's home stood as one of these pairings. However, in the aftermath of the catastrophes, homes had taken on a newfound significance, becoming sacred places for those who had managed to secure them.

The value of these homes had skyrocketed, much like a rocket soaring into the sky.

In a world where monsters roamed and danger lurked around every corner, the sanctuary of a home held immeasurable worth.

It was a symbol of safety, a fortress against the chaos that had consumed much of America.

This transformation wasn't exclusive to Alex's neighborhood; it reverberated across the entire landscape. Even in a sprawling metropolis like New York, the dynamics remained the same.

The closer one ventured toward the city center, the more opulent and lavish the surroundings became.

The innermost parts of the city were a haven of security and prosperity, shielded from many of the perils of the post-catastrophe world.

It was a stark contrast to the outskirts, where homes like Alex's were located—30 km away from the Hunter Association, which was also in the center, residing on the outer fringes of New York.

This geographical divide mirrored the societal disparities that had arisen in the post-catastrophe world.

Those living on the outskirts, like Alex and his family, faced a daily struggle for survival, battling the constant threat of monsters and the harsh realities of life. In contrast, the privileged few residing in the city center enjoyed relative safety and comfort.

As Alex embarked on his journey toward the Hunter Association, he couldn't help but reflect on these disparities.

His home was a humble abode in a world fraught with challenges, and the path that lay ahead was fraught with uncertainty.

Yet, he walked in with a determined spirit, ready to confront whatever obstacles came his way, all in pursuit of his dream of becoming a hunter and making a better life for himself and his family.

Alex made his way to the cab station, a decision that would expedite his journey to the Hunter Association. As he arrived at the station, he could see the distinctive lineup of cabs awaiting passengers.

Approaching one of the cabs, he was greeted by the cab driver, who inquired about his intended destination. "Sir, where would you like to go?" asked the cab driver, his tone polite and accommodating.

Without hesitation, Alex conveyed his destination to the driver, stating, "Hunter Association, inner city."

The cab that Alex had booked was no ordinary vehicle; it was a mana-driven car. In the wake of the apocalyptic events that had reshaped the world, many sectors of society had been profoundly affected, particularly by the introduction of mana upon its contact with Earth.

As part of a formal alliance between the World Hunter Association and the distant planet of 'Dravus', known as the planet of Dwarves, a significant number of dwarves had migrated to Earth. Their arrival brought with it a wave of ingenious craftsmanship that would transform Earth's industries.

The connection between Earth and the distant planet 'Dravus' might seem like a complex phenomenon, but in reality, it can be explained quite simply.

It all revolves around the existence of specialized gates, known as the 'purple gates,' which distinguish themselves from the others in a unique way.

These 'purple gates' are a select set of gateways that don't lead to dungeons like the majority of other gates. Instead, they serve a distinct purpose – connecting various planets, with 'Dravus' being just one of them.

Imagine these gates as cosmic portals, each with its own destination. While most gates are pathways to dungeons teeming with monsters and challenges, the 'purple gates' offer something entirely different.

They create a bridge between worlds, allowing for interplanetary travel. In the case of 'Dravus,' it's one of those fortunate planets that Earth has formed a connection with through these purple gates. These gates open up a realm of possibilities, from trade and cultural exchange to the sharing of knowledge and resources.

There is always hope in even the darkest of times. Just like that, this interplanetary connection marks a significant shift in the world's dynamics, as Earth begins to interact with civilizations and cultures beyond its own boundaries.

It's a testament to the profound changes brought about by the awakening of mana, opening doors not only to dungeons but to the vastness of the cosmos itself.

The shift from an industrial age to a mana-driven age had begun, marked by a growing reliance on mana stones as alternatives to conventional natural fuels.

This paradigm shift promised not only greater sustainability but also harnessed the immense potential of mana as a boundless source of power.

For Alex, embarking on a journey in a mana-driven cab was a subtle reminder of the changes that had occurred in the wake of the catastrophes and the subsequent awakening of mana, setting the stage for a future where possibilities were as boundless as the mana itself.

As the use of natural fuel decreased, Earth's environment began to undergo a rapid transformation.

One of the most significant changes was the increase in oxygen levels, which had a direct and positive impact on reducing global warming.

However, this shift towards mana as a primary energy source also had its consequences. Mana-driven transportation, like the cab that Alex booked, became notably more expensive.

Consequently, cab drivers tended to avoid shorter trips to minimize costs, which explained the driver's inquiry about the destination.

Despite the potential toll of entering the inner city, the cab driver wore a joyful expression.

"Sir, everything is in order, but you'll need to pay the toll for entering the city center."

"No problem, we can proceed." With that, Alex set off on his journey towards the Hunter Association, embarking on a path that would bring him closer to the heart of the inner city, where his dream of becoming a hunter would take another significant step toward realization.