Chapter 8

In the dimly lit room, black smoke began to gather in the center, writhing and swirling like a living entity. The shadows expanded, darkening the air, before pulling together into a single, solid form. The figure that emerged was Drix, now clad in casual clothes: a black hoodie, jeans, and sneakers that seemed out of place for someone who had just slain dragons. His glowing violet eyes dimmed slightly as he adjusted his hood, brushing off stray wisps of shadow still clinging to him.

Behind him, four distinct shadows moved closer, their dark forms shifting with purpose. From the side of one of the shadows, a small, insectoid head materialized—Beru's, the former insect monarch. His mandibles clicked as his glowing, eerie eyes focused on Drix.

"My Liege," Beru said, his voice sharp and buzzing with irritation. "Why didn't you send me to dispose of those insects? Surely such trivial pests are unworthy of your time!"

Beru's mandibles twitched as he continued to rant. "To let them disturb your peace—it is unacceptable! Allow me to eradicate—no, obliterate—any and all who dare crawl before you!"

Drix, unfazed by the rambling, walked past the shadows and toward the door, ignoring Beru entirely. The shadows parted respectfully as he moved, their forms bowing slightly before dissolving back into the dark corners of the room.

As Drix stepped into the living room, he found his parents seated on the couch, their faces pale with shock as they watched the news. The television displayed footage of the battle from earlier—dragons rampaging through the city, only to be mercilessly cut down by a shadowy figure clad in ominous black armor. The news anchors spoke in hushed, fearful tones, speculating on the identity of the mysterious figure who had saved the city.

"That... That can't be real," his mother murmured, her hand clutching her chest. "Those creatures... they were like something out of a nightmare. And that man... Who was he? What was he?"

Drix's father leaned forward, shaking his head. "I don't know, but whoever he is, he saved us all. Did you see the way he fought those monsters? It was like watching a god. I've never seen anything like it in my life."

Drix quietly entered the room, his casual demeanor at odds with the chaos shown on the screen. "What's going on?" he asked, feigning curiosity as he glanced at the TV.

His mother looked up, startled by his sudden presence. "Oh, Drix! Look at this—it's unbelievable. Dragons, of all things! And that man in black... he just... destroyed them! Like they were nothing!"

His father chimed in, his voice still tinged with disbelief. "They're saying he used... shadows or something. Did you see this? It's all over the news."

Drix furrowed his brow, playing along with their shock. "Really? Dragons? And some guy fought them? That's insane..." He let out a low whistle, as if impressed. "Well, at least it seems like the city's safe now. Do you think those gates will keep opening?"

His mother sighed, rubbing her temples. "I don't know, but I hope not. I can't imagine what would happen if more of those things appeared."

Drix nodded, glancing at the hallway leading to his sister's room. "At least my sister's sleeping peacefully through all this. That's a relief."

His father grunted in agreement. "Yeah."

Drix stretched and yawned, keeping his expression calm. "Well, I think I'm gonna head to bed. Long day and all."

"Good idea," his mother said, her eyes flicking back to the screen. "Hopefully, we'll all wake up to better news tomorrow."

Drix offered a small smile before turning away, his steps unhurried as he walked back toward his room. Once inside, his expression hardened. With a thought, his aura surged, filling the room with an oppressive darkness. Shadows began to churn and rise, forming countless figures—hundreds, then thousands of soldiers, their forms flickering between humanoid and monstrous.

"You know your orders," Drix said, his voice cold and commanding.

The soldiers knelt silently, their dark forms blending seamlessly with the room. Without a sound, they dispersed, spreading out to create an impenetrable perimeter around the house. Their presence was undetectable, yet any who dared approach with ill intent would find themselves paralyzed with fear, consumed by the deathly aura emanating from the shadows.

Satisfied, Drix lay on his bed, he closed his eyes, the faint glow of his power receding as he drifted into a calm, undisturbed sleep.

A few days passed, and the world had begun to shift in ways no one had anticipated. The city was still recovering from the battle against the dragons, but the true center of attention was now the colossal crystal Drix had summoned. It stood tall and unyielding in the middle of the devastated area, surrounded by military officials and researchers. Thousands of soldiers formed a perimeter around it, keeping curious civilians and opportunists at bay.

Speculation and rumors ran rampant. Was it a gift from the mysterious armored figure? Was it alien technology? Or something divine? Scientists and researchers approached the crystal with equal parts caution and wonder, studying its smooth, glowing surface. Despite their best efforts to understand it, the crystal defied all known technology.

It wasn't long before the first incident occurred. A researcher, while analyzing the crystal's energy, accidentally touched it with the palm of their hand. To everyone's shock, their body began to glow faintly, and in moments, they collapsed to the ground, writhing in pain. When they stood back up, their eyes were glowing with newfound power—they had awakened. The first of many.

Word spread like wildfire. People across the globe learned of the crystal's ability to awaken latent abilities in humans. Government officials and scientists began conducting experiments, using volunteers to touch the crystal under controlled conditions. The results were astonishing. While only a fraction of those who came in contact with the crystal were successfully awakened, those who did gained extraordinary powers: enhanced strength, control over elements, supernatural senses, and more.

The site quickly became the most important location in the world. Officials established a military base around the crystal, complete with research facilities and training grounds for the newly awakened. Crowds began to gather outside the perimeter, desperate for a chance to touch the crystal and awaken their own powers.

Every country on Earth wanted the crystal. Offers to buy it flooded in—astronomical amounts of money from nations desperate to secure its power for themselves. But the officials in charge decided that it was too dangerous to keep in one place. They planned to divide the crystal into pieces and distribute them across allied nations, ensuring no single country could monopolize its power.

However, their plans quickly fell apart.

No matter what they tried, the crystal remained unbreakable. High-powered lasers, explosives, drills, and even newly awakened individuals with incredible strength—all failed. The crystal stood firm, impervious to any attempt to divide or damage it.

This discovery only heightened tensions. People began to flock to the site, believing the crystal was their only chance to awaken. Long lines formed outside the perimeter, with hopefuls begging for a turn to touch it. But the officials, overwhelmed by the sheer number of people, began charging exorbitant fees for access. Only the wealthy could afford to approach the crystal, and even then, there was no guarantee of success.

Frustration among the public grew quickly. Protests erupted outside the military base, with people demanding free access to the crystal.

"This isn't yours to control!" shouted one protester.

"You have no right to decide who gets powers and who doesn't!" yelled another.

The crowds grew larger with each passing day, chanting and rallying against the officials. They argued that the crystal wasn't owned by any government and that it should be accessible to everyone. Yet, despite the unrest, the military maintained strict control, citing security concerns and the need to regulate the crystal's use.

The protests showed no signs of slowing down, and tensions between civilians and officials reached a boiling point. The crystal, once a symbol of hope and change, was now at the center of controversy and conflict.

---

Protests erupted across the country. The crowds weren't just waiting for their turn at the crystal—they demanded answers. They wanted equal access to its power. Some shouted that the crystal belonged to the people, while others argued that only the chosen should be allowed to awaken. Rumors about the crystal's cost and conditions swirled—was there a hidden price, a sacrifice to be made, or perhaps only certain bloodlines could awaken? The authorities remained silent, unable to provide clear answers, and the pressure mounted.

President Josefina R. Santiago observed the growing unrest with increasing concern. She knew the situation needed to be addressed swiftly. The people were restless, and the world was watching. Internationally, countries were already considering acquiring portions of the crystal, raising fears that the Philippines might be left behind or that power would fall into the wrong hands.

Santiago understood that only a decisive, transparent response could calm the public and restore stability. She called for an emergency live broadcast.

---

The cameras flickered to life, and the room buzzed with anticipation. President Santiago appeared on the screen, her expression calm but resolute. Behind her, the Philippine flag fluttered in the wind, a symbol of national unity.

"People of the Philippines," she began, her voice commanding. "I stand before you today to address the growing concerns surrounding the mysterious white crystal. I understand the uncertainty and frustration many of you are feeling. But today, I have important news to share."

"Let me begin by saying this—the crystal is not an object of ownership. It is not something to be bought, traded, or hoarded. It is a gift. A gift to humanity. But like all gifts, it comes with great responsibility."

As she spoke, the screen shifted to show the crystal's location, surrounded by thousands of citizens and military personnel. The camera zoomed in on the crowds outside the designated area, eagerly waiting for their turn to awaken.

"We understand the desire to gain power, the desire to protect yourselves and your loved ones. But it is not the crystal itself that will make you strong—it is your resolve, your spirit, and your actions that will define your true strength." Santiago's gaze was unwavering. "Therefore, we are establishing the World Hunter Association (WHA) here in the Philippines, with the full support of our government."

The crowd outside her office erupted in a mixture of applause and murmurs. The camera captured the reactions of the citizens, who looked to one another in curiosity. Could this be the solution they had been waiting for?

"The WHA will serve as a neutral organization, one that is open to all who wish to protect our country and our world from the growing threats we now face. While the crystal can grant extraordinary power, not everyone will awaken. Only those who have the potential to handle it will be chosen. But do not worry—if you do not awaken, the WHA will train and support you with resources, knowledge, and guidance."

Santiago's voice softened, taking on a motherly tone as she spoke directly to the people.

"We cannot allow ourselves to be divided by greed and ambition. The WHA will provide a path for everyone to walk, but it is up to each of us to decide how we use the power we awaken. If you seek to protect this world, to fight the monsters that threaten us, to bring hope to those who need it most—then we welcome you. But if you seek to use this gift for selfish reasons, to dominate or exploit others, the WHA will not tolerate such actions."

Her words hung in the air, balancing firmness with compassion. It was clear that she was not just addressing the practicalities of the crystal but also the moral responsibility that came with it.

"Tomorrow, we begin the first wave of official registrations for the World Hunter Association. Anyone who wishes to join will be given the opportunity, provided they meet the necessary criteria. You do not need to be from a specific region, nor do you need to belong to a particular class. All who seek to protect this nation and the world are welcome."

As she spoke, a montage of images flashed across the screen, showing people from various backgrounds awakening their powers. These individuals now stood in uniform, ready to serve under the WHA banner.

"But know this—while the crystal is a tool for awakening, it is the heart and soul of each individual that will determine their true strength. The WHA will be your path forward, but your actions will speak louder than any rank or title."

---

As the broadcast ended, the air was thick with mixed emotions. Some cheered in support, relieved that there was now an official stance on the matter. Others remained skeptical—could the WHA truly remain impartial, or would it ultimately be shaped by power and corruption? Regardless, the president had spoken, and the world was watching.

The following day, the World Hunter Association's registration began. There was no cost to join, and the crystal was not to be used for profit, only for the betterment of humanity. But despite this announcement, a new wave of questions emerged. People were still searching for answers about the mysterious figure who had killed the dragons and left the crystal in the Philippines. Theories were rampant—some believed the figure was a guardian, others feared he was preparing humanity for a greater trial. Some even wondered if the crystal was a weapon, a harbinger of something far worse to come.

President Santiago knew that she could not ignore the theories surrounding the figure's actions. She scheduled another urgent address.

---

The cameras flickered to life once more. This time, President Santiago's demeanor was even more solemn, her voice calm but with an edge of urgency.

"People of the Philippines, and citizens of the world," she began, her voice steady. "The figure who dispatched the dragons and left the crystal has sparked much speculation. While we do not have all the answers, it is clear that his actions were deliberate and powerful. We know that the crystal is not just a random occurrence—it is a catalyst. And while we are still learning its true nature, we cannot afford to ignore the possibility that this may be a test, a preparation for a greater challenge yet to come."

Santiago paused, her eyes focused as if contemplating the gravity of her words. "Some believe the figure is a protector. Others fear he may be preparing us for conflict. We do not yet know his true intentions, but we must be cautious in our approach. Whatever his purpose, we must stand united."

"Until we know more, the WHA will continue to work with our allies around the world to understand the full potential of the crystal and the true nature of the figure who left it. We must remain calm, focused, and united. Together, we will face whatever comes."

Her words resonated deeply, a call for global cooperation amidst the uncertainty. The world, now more than ever, needed to come together.

---

The world had changed drastically in just a few weeks. News of the crystal's miraculous properties spread like wildfire, and the World Hunter Association (WHA) quickly rose to prominence as a symbol of hope and order. The towering fortress housing the crystal became a pilgrimage site, guarded day and night by soldiers and the first awakened hunters.

The awakening process was simple: individuals would approach the crystal and place their hand on its surface. In that moment, the system would appear before them, visible to everyone nearby. The glowing interface would display their name, rank, and class, assigning them a role based on their latent abilities.

A line stretched endlessly outside the WHA fortress, filled with people desperate to awaken. Whispers spread through the crowd as yet another individual stepped forward, nervous but resolute.

The man, mid-30s with a rugged look, hesitated as his hand hovered over the radiant crystal. Soldiers stood nearby, ensuring order, while researchers and WHA officials observed the scene. Finally, the man placed his palm on the surface.

The crystal pulsed with light, and the air grew heavy. Gasps rippled through the crowd as the system materialized in front of him, visible to all:

> [Name: Victor Hargrove]

[Rank: B+]

[Class: Blademaster]

Cheers erupted from the onlookers. B+ was a rare rank, just a step below what was considered the highest: A. As Victor stepped back, a WHA officer approached him, handing him a choice:

"You've awakened with an impressive rank. Will you join the WHA or serve your nation as a hunter? The decision is yours."

Victor hesitated. Joining the WHA meant becoming part of a global organization with resources and influence, but his loyalty to his country weighed heavily on him. "I'll serve my homeland," he said finally, earning nods of respect from the crowd.

The system's ranking scale had quickly become a topic of fascination. Most people awakened at E- or D, and even C ranks were celebrated. But the rare few who achieved B+ or higher were hailed as prodigies.

E- to C: The majority of awakened fell into this range. They gained enhanced physical abilities or minor elemental powers, enough to take on smaller monsters but not much else.

B to B+: These ranks were considered elite, often granted powerful abilities capable of turning the tide in battle.

A: The pinnacle of human potential, or so everyone believed. Only a handful had achieved this rank, and they were already becoming legends.

For now, no one had reached beyond A rank. Many speculated that it was the highest rank possible, but whispers of something greater—something unknown—lingered in the background.

The WHA's leadership remained committed to fairness, ensuring that everyone had an equal opportunity to awaken, regardless of wealth or status. They also promised that the crystal wouldn't be monopolized by any one nation. However, access to the crystal wasn't free.

To maintain order and fund the WHA's operations, a small fee was required to access the crystal. This sparked controversy and protests in some regions, with people arguing that the artifact belonged to humanity as a whole.

In response, the WHA introduced a new policy: those unable to pay could undergo testing to prove their dedication and be granted free access. This compromise helped quell the unrest, though tensions still lingered.

Within the WHA fortress, Director Marcus leaned back in his chair, studying a live feed of the awakening process. A young woman had just touched the crystal, her rank appearing as A-.

"Another one," he murmured, steepling his fingers. "The frequency of higher ranks is increasing."

One of his advisors, a stern-looking woman named Dr. Elise Turner, nodded.

"But why only up to A?" Marcus asked. "What's stopping it from going further?"

Elise hesitated. "We still don't fully understand the crystal's origins or its limits. For now, A seems to be the peak... but there could be more. Something beyond even A."

Far from the WHA's fortress, Drix lounged on a rooftop, watching the news on a small tablet. Clips of people awakening played on repeat, showing the awe and celebration that followed each new rank announcement.

Beru materialized beside him, clicking his mandibles. "Liege, they celebrate like children for ranks that mean nothing to us. A rank? Laughable."

Drix smirked, his casual attire at odds with the power radiating from him. "Let them have their moment, Beru. For them, it's a big deal. They're trying to survive."

"But this crystal," Beru continued, his tone disdainful. "It's your creation, yet they act as though they own it. Shall I—"

"No," Drix interrupted, his voice calm but firm. "I gave it to them for a reason. Let them build their little systems and associations. They'll need it soon enough."

---

As days passed, reports of gates appearing in other countries became more frequent. Smaller nations, lacking the resources to handle the threats, pleaded for assistance from the WHA.

A particularly gate opened in Southeast Asia, spilling out monsters that overran several towns before local hunters could respond. The WHA dispatched teams of awakened hunters to assist, showcasing their coordination and power on a global stage.

The newly awakened, though still inexperienced, proved their worth. Together, they managed to close the gate, earning widespread admiration.

The WHA's influence continued to grow, with more countries joining its ranks and recognizing it as the central authority for dealing with gates. Hunters were given the freedom to choose whether to join the WHA or serve their nations, ensuring that loyalty to one's homeland wasn't compromised.

However, cracks were beginning to show. Rivalries between nations over access to the crystal simmered beneath the surface, and some awakened hunters began to question the WHA's true motives.

For now, though, humanity remained united in its fight for survival. The crystal, the gates, and the monsters had forced the world to change, and there was no turning back.

---

Althea Perzin, a 22-year-old university student,She has a long black hair, wearing a white shirt and a black lace bra, her nails are painted black. Her eyes are a light brown, and she has a soft, delicate appearance. The lighting is soft and warmth, She has a slender figure, with long, graceful legs and arms. Her clothing suggests a casual, yet stylish aesthetic. She had never been interested in the craze surrounding the crystal. She'd watched the news, heard the rumors, and yet, she was nothing special—just an average student with no particular ambition beyond her studies. But when her friends urged her to come and see it for herself, curiosity tugged at her, and she decided to visit..

The site where the crystal had appeared had become a focal point for the curious. Lines of people waited for their turn, touching the crystal in hopes of awakening their latent powers.

Althea stood there, watching the masses. She had never believed that the crystal could do anything for her. She had never felt particularly strong. Maybe it was the thought of being part of something historic, or maybe it was the allure of the unknown. But when her turn came, she stepped up to the crystal, feeling the air around her hum with energy.

Without a second thought, she reached out and placed her hand against the cold surface of the crystal.

In an instant, her vision blurred, and a strange, overwhelming sensation surged through her body.

---

[System Notification]

> [Awakening Complete]

[Name: Althea Perzin]

[Rank: S]

[Class: Elemental Warden]

---

Her mind raced as the information flickered in front of her. She blinked, looking at the floating screen in disbelief. [Rank: S]

Her heart skipped a beat. She pulled her hand away, looking around to see if anyone else had witnessed it. The whispers of the crowd grew louder.

S-ranked? What does that even mean?

Althea had heard of A-ranked hunters. They were powerful, revered individuals, and the highest tier of abilities that anyone could dream of. But S-rank? No one had ever mentioned anything higher than A. Was it a mistake?

The moment she pulled away, a surge of power exploded outward, causing the ground beneath her feet to crack. A powerful gust of wind enveloped her, swirling violently as her hands glowed with an ethereal energy. Her heart pounded in her chest.

---

The moment Althea power erupted, it wasn't just her that noticed. Cameras, drones, and sensors captured the phenomenon from every angle. News stations scrambled to report on what was happening.

The world was stunned. News outlets across the globe reported the incredible event: a young woman had awakened with a rank higher than anyone had ever seen.

"S-ranked? Is that even possible?" reporters exclaimed. "No one has ever heard of a rank higher than A!"

The conversation quickly shifted to the implications. If someone like Althea had awakened at S-rank, could more individuals awaken to this level? Was there a hidden hierarchy of ranks that had never been revealed? No one knew, and the world was left in uncertainty.

---

The World Hunter Association (WHA), the largest international organization dedicated to managing hunters and overseeing gate-related crises, issued an urgent statement.

"We are closely monitoring the situation regarding the S-ranked awakening of Althea Perzin. The WHA has dispatched a team to offer her guidance and training, as her powers exceed anything we have seen in known records. We request that all hunters and military forces assist in gathering information on this new, unknown rank."

Meanwhile, military officials and researchers scrambled to analyze the event. Was Althea an anomaly? Would there be more S-ranked hunters in the future? The very idea of someone more powerful than the A-ranked hunters was enough to send shockwaves through governments and institutions worldwide.

The next day, Althea was approached by numerous organizations, eager to recruit her. Many governments, private organizations, and even military factions sent their representatives to meet with her. They all offered her wealth, power, and resources, hoping to bring her under their control.

But Althea wasn't interested in any of it. She felt a deep sense of responsibility, one that was far greater than any offer. She didn't want to serve a nation or be bound by the weight of any contract. She wanted to protect those who needed it most, and the World Hunter Association seemed to be the best place to do that.

In a public announcement, she revealed her decision:

"I have chosen to join the World Hunter Association," Althea said, her voice steady and firm. "While I respect my country, I believe that the world must stand together against the coming threats. My goal is to help humanity, not for fame or power, but because it's the right thing to do."

Her announcement was met with mixed reactions. While some praised her for her selflessness, others questioned why she would not serve her country directly. But Althea stood by her decision, knowing in her heart that her powers were not just for personal gain—they were for the survival of everyone.

The World Hunter Association was headquartered in the Philippines, and they had become a central hub of operations. Their influence was growing, and the organization offered her the perfect platform to make a difference. Here, she could work alongside others who shared her ideals and use her powers to protect humanity on a global scale.

S-ranked became the new subject of global debate. Was it an isolated case, or was there a possibility that more individuals could awaken to this level? No one could answer that question yet. But what was clear was that Althea's awakening was more than just an event—it was a new era.

The world now faced an uncertain future, and Althea's role as one of the first S-ranked hunters would define the next stage of humanity's fight against the gates and the monsters that threatened their existence.