The world had changed.
Ten years ago, the first Rift tore open the sky above Tokyo. From its glowing depths, monsters surged into the world, bringing chaos and death. In response, some humans awakened mysterious powers—*Hunters*. They became the last hope against extinction.
But not all awakenings were equal.
Kai Draven was an E-Rank Hunter. No flashy skills. No superhuman strength. Just enough power to not die immediately—most of the time.
His sister, Lia, lay in a hospital bed, breathing through machines they couldn't afford without his hunter earnings. So Kai took whatever job came his way, no matter how dangerous or demeaning.
Today, it was a "harmless" F-Rank dungeon in the slums of Zone 12.
"Stay behind, rookie," growled Marcus, the C-Rank team leader. "Don't slow us down."
Kai said nothing. He was used to it.
The dungeon looked routine—dusty corridors, stale air, faint growling from deeper within. They cut down a few goblins. Nothing odd—until they reached a vast chamber with a massive stone door.
"What the hell is this?" murmured one hunter.
Kai rolled, narrowly avoiding the strike. His body reacted faster than he could think. He dashed forward, slashing at its leg with a dagger. Sparks flew.
-20 HP
He grinned. It was working.
Minutes passed like hours. Dodging. Striking. Bleeding. Then, with a final scream, Kai drove the dagger into the statue's glowing eye.
A massive crack split the stone. It fell, crumbling into dust.
Silence.
Then:
[QUEST COMPLETE]
You have survived the Trial of Blood.
Reward unlocked: Skill – Bloodbound
Level Up x3
Hidden Class evolving…
Kai gasped as light engulfed him.
When he opened his eyes, he stood outside the dungeon. The sun was rising. His hands trembled—not from fear, but power.
[Congratulations, Kai Draven. You have begun your Bloody Ascension.]
He looked up at the sky, eyes burning red.
"I won't be weak ever again."