PASSAGE 4: THE HUNTERS

Two months had flown by in a blur of adrenaline and dust. My new life as a bagger had settled into a steady rhythm. I now belonged to a dedicated raid party – a ragtag bunch, but mine nonetheless. We had six raids under our belts, each one a baptism by fire (well, not literally for me, thankfully).

Our motley crew consisted of four E-Tier Vanguards – the frontline fighters, shields against the monstrous denizens of the rifts. Backing them up were three D-Tier hunters – a versatile mix with no specialization. Then came the muscle: two Reapers, masters of swift and deadly takedowns, and a lone Guardian, our iron wall against overwhelming attacks. Leading the charge was Ms. Selena, our C-Tier party leader. A Wind User Enchanter, she could manipulate the very air around us, granting tactical advantages during raids.

This motley crew, however, was limited by the powerhouses they served – the Hunter's Embassy. Their assessment restricted us to D and E-Tier rifts, a far cry from the legendary clashes Ms. Selena craved. The woman harbored grand ambitions, her heart set on a bigger league.

In this new world, brute force and fancy weaponry were no longer the sole pillars of national power. A nation's true strength was measured by the number of powerful Hunters it possessed. The more S-Tier Hunters a country boasted, the higher it climbed on the global stage. The United Arab Emirates and the United States were locked in a fierce S-Tier arms race, each nation wielding a staggering 21 champions. China followed closely behind with 18.

The Philippines, thankfully, weren't entirely without hope. We held our heads high with three S-Tier Hunters, each a legend in their own right. They were the guild masters of the three major guilds in the Philippines, and their names echoed with awe:

* Leon Montemayor, of the Crimson Lion Guild, the S-Tier Fire Enchanter. Legend whispered of his ability to summon roaring lions sculpted from pure flame.

* Axel Ramos, Guild master of the Island Fangs, the S-Tier Guardian. They said his strength surpassed a thousand men; some even claimed he'd once lifted a mountain to fell a Rift boss.

* And finally, Karrie Ramos, the Guild master of the Talonwood guild, the undisputed queen of S-Tier Salvators, not just in the Philippines, but arguably in all of Asia. Even Elias Hawk, the American reaper extraordinaire, had recognized her talent, offering her a fortune to join his elite guild. But Karrie, a woman of unwavering patriotism, had refused. Protecting her homeland was a higher calling than any amount of money, a decision that earned her the respect and admiration of the entire nation.

These three S-Tier Hunters weren't just powerhouses; they were the modern-day heroes of the Philippines, the stuff of legends, and the brightest stars in the Philippine firmament. Collectively known as "The Three Rays," a name echoing the three stars that adorned the national flag, they were celebrities whose fame transcended the Hunter world. Joining their elite guilds was no easy feat. Hunters who dared to dream of such an honor had to prove their mettle by participating in and surviving at least ten successful A-Tier rift raids – a monumental undertaking that only the most skilled and battle-tested could achieve.

This was the ambition that burned brightly in Ms. Selena's eyes. It wasn't just about the potential financial rewards, although a comfortable life wouldn't hurt. More importantly, she craved a place amongst the legends, a chance to etch her name into the annals of Hunter history. But she was a pragmatist. With their current power limitations, tackling high-tier rifts was a bridge too far. Still, she wouldn't let her dreams fester. Leading a ragtag team of D and E-Tier hunters was a stepping stone, a way to hone her skills and build a reputation. Every raid, every challenge overcome, was a rung on the ladder that might one day lead her to the illustrious halls of The Three Rays. As for me, Alaric Cruz, the Untouched bagger, I was a mere speck in this grand scheme. Yet, the glow of Ms. Selena's ambition ignited a spark within me as well. Even on the fringes of the Hunter world, a flicker of hope dared to bloom. Perhaps, someday, my own legend would begin.

The insistent trill of my phone ripped me from a dreamless sleep. Squinting at the screen, I recognized Ms. Selena's number. A surge of adrenaline jolted me awake. It was raid time.

"Hey Alaric," her voice crackled through the receiver. "E-Tier rift just popped near Baclaran Church. You in?"

An E-Tier rift? Perfect timing! My mom's birthday loomed on the horizon, and I needed a cake worthy of her awesomeness. "Of course!" I practically shouted, excitement bubbling in my chest. "What time?"

"Be there sharp at five. Don't be late," she warned before hanging up.

Nodding eagerly, a grin plastered across my face, I sprang into action. An E-Tier rift was practically a walk in the park – the perfect way to score some quick cash for the perfect cake. Throwing essentials into my bag, I dashed out the door.

Reaching the church with fifteen minutes to spare, I found myself amidst a crowd of curious onlookers, snapping pictures of the shimmering rift that pulsed menacingly above the church steps. Three stoic embassy agents manned the perimeter, instantly ushering me through once they spotted me. They recognized me by now, a familiar face on the fringes of the raid party. But even after multiple raids, whispers followed me: "Who's that guy?" "Is he a Hunter?"

I chuckled to myself. They weren't wrong. Unlike the others, clad in their magically enhanced armor and wielding weapons that screamed power, I was decidedly… un-Hunterly. Just me, my trusty bag, and a normal set of clothes.

Despite entering first, I found the rest of the team already assembled. Greetings and playful jabs flew my way for being "fashionably late." Shiny magical armor gleamed under the afternoon sun, a stark contrast to my mundane attire. The embassy agents also hovered nearby, finalizing preparations with a practiced efficiency. Their presence always instilled a sense of comfort, a silent promise that everything would run smoothly.

"Ms. Selena, ready to rumble?" I asked with a mock salute, earning a playful pinch on my cheek. Laughter rippled through the group. An E-Tier rift – a quick in-and-out job, perfect for keeping the mood light.

Ms. Selena, however, shot me a playful glare. "Seriously, Alaric? Shouldn't I be asking you that?"

More laughter. We were a well-oiled machine at this point, and even a simple E-Tier rift held a certain camaraderie. With a final nod from Ms. Selena, we stepped into the shimmering portal, ready to face whatever awaited us on the other side. The rift pulsed, swallowing us whole. The familiar rush of disorientation washed over me as we were transported to the heart of another dimension, another challenge. This time, for a cake.