The simulated forest dissolved into particles of light, and in the blink of an eye, the students felt themselves pulled back to reality. The gentle hum of the academy’s simulation pods faded, and they blinked as they adjusted to the bright lights of the control room. One by one, the students sat up, looking around, feeling both the physical and mental exhaustion of the intense test they had just survived.As the doors to the simulation pods opened, Dante emerged, calm and composed as if he’d just taken a simple stroll rather than battled through hordes of monsters. He glanced around the room, noting the looks of surprise, admiration, and—most noticeably—respect that lingered on the faces of his classmates.The usual whispers and banter among the students were absent. Instead, they regarded Dante in awe. Those who had witnessed his strength firsthand during the test were particularly silent, their expressions a mix of disbelief and newfound admiration.Elijah, who had previously dismis

The following morning, students gathered eagerly in the academy’s courtyard, their faces filled with anticipation. This mission had sparked excitement throughout the school, and everyone waited anxiously to hear who would be selected to assist the Hunter Association.Miss Sapphire stood at the front, a list in hand. Her gaze swept over the crowd before she began.“The following students have been chosen to represent our academy and assist with the C-rank gate,” she announced. Her voice was calm but carried a note of seriousness that underscored the importance of the task.She began calling names, each one met with a ripple of murmurs and excited smiles.“Elijah Noland,” she read, her eyes briefly meeting his as he stepped forward confidently, his expression smug.“Aria Windstrider,” she continued, and Aria walked forward with her usual cool composure, her gaze focused and unwavering.Several other students’ names followed, each stepping forward to join the group, their expressions a m

The streets were quieter now, the echoes of roars and battle sounds growing distant as Dante, Aria, and Marcus led another group of civilians to safety. Dante’s focus remained steady, his gaze scanning the area for any sign of threats, while Aria coordinated the movement of the group with calm precision.As they rounded another corner, Marcus took the lead, his defensive stance reassuring to the nervous civilians. “Stay close, everyone,” he murmured, glancing over his shoulder. “We’re almost to the safe zone.”Dante stayed silent, only giving a brief nod when Marcus looked back at him, but his expression conveyed a sense of calm that seemed to settle the group. Though he spoke little, his presence exuded a quiet strength that reassured those around him.Suddenly, a shrill scream echoed from a side street. Dante’s head snapped toward the sound, his eyes narrowing. Without a word, he motioned to Aria and Marcus, who understood immediately.“Go,” Marcus said, stepping up to guard the civ

The air was thick with the scent of blood and smoke. The town lay in ruins, houses reduced to rubble, and the streets painted with the crimson of the fallen. In the heart of the chaos, a massive, mutated A-rank Ogre stood tall, its grotesque body covered in jagged, bone-like protrusions. Its red eyes gleamed with mindless rage, its breath reeking of decay. Behind the Ogre, huddled in the corner of a crumbling building, a family of four clung to each other. Seeing Dante gave them a sliver of hope, despite knowing he is just a student of an Academy. They also heard the announcement telling the students to retreat because stronger monsters were coming out.Dante exhaled, gripping his sword tighter. His stance was firm, but his instincts screamed at him—this was no ordinary monster. The Ogre let out a guttural roar and charged, each step shaking the earth beneath them. Dante barely had time to react as a massive fist came hurtling toward him. He twisted his body, dodging just in time, but

Aria was worried, and if not for the hunters’ arrival, she would have headed off to look for Dante. She couldn't believe she had allowed him to face danger alone. Marcus tried to assure her that everything would be alright, but the beautiful girl remained anxious."How could he be so stupid to go back there?" Elijah muttered, his anger toward Dante growing."Why are you all just standing here?" Miss Sapphire had just arrived. She was supposed to escort the students but had been called away for an emergency, so another teacher had taken her place."Dante still hasn't returned," the teacher who had escorted the students answered.Miss Sapphire scanned the area, and sure enough, the handsome boy was nowhere to be found. "I thought there was an announcement instructing all students to retreat.""Yes, but clearly, one of your students thinks he's a hero," a teacher from Golden Lion Academy stepped forward, his students standing behind him.Howard wore a smug expression, knowing that their