Chapter 23

The van rumbled to a stop, its engine growling to silence. The anticipation within the Silver Fangs grew palpable as they prepared to embark on their next mission. Amelia, their leader, turned in her seat, her eyes shining with determination.

"Lock and load," she commanded, her voice resonating with authority. The metallic clinks of weapons being readied filled the air as James, the stoic swordsman, sheathed his katana with practiced precision. The van doors swung open, and one by one, the hunters jumped out onto the ground, their senses heightened and their hearts ablaze with anticipation.

Ray stepped forward; his gaze fixed on the ominous archway that loomed before him. Its dark, foreboding presence sent a chill down his spine. As he approached, he could feel an invisible force, like a shroud of ethereal energy, radiating from the archway. A wave of cold pressure washed over him, causing him to involuntarily shudder.

"Woah," Ray exclaimed, still feeling the remnants of the cold pressure. It was an unfamiliar sensation that caught him off guard.

Ray nodded, rubbing his arms to dispel the lingering chill. "Yeah, it caught me off guard. What is it?"

Felix leaned in, his voice carrying a tinge of excitement. "That, my friend, is mana. It's the essence of magic that permeates dungeons, monsters, and even hunters themselves. The pressure you felt is a side effect of the mana's influence. It weakens the attacks of weaker hunters when faced with stronger foes, like an invisible debuff. It's what makes crossing ranks in battle such a challenge."

Ray's eyes widened with realization. "So, that's why fighting stronger monsters or hunters can be so difficult. Their mana weakens our attacks and slows us down." Ray absorbed the information, his curiosity piqued. "But if that's the case, why am I only feeling it now? I've fought stronger monsters and been in dungeons before."

James, the composed and wise magic swordsman, joined the conversation. "Indeed, mana sensitivity plays a crucial role. It's a hunter's sixth sense, allowing us to perceive and gauge the strength of others based on their mana presence. It's something you might have experienced before without realizing it. But now, you'll learn to detect and differentiate mana levels, helping you make better decisions in battle."

Ray absorbed their words, a newfound understanding of the intricacies of the hunter's world settling within him. The weight of his D rank status felt heavier, as he began to grasp the significance of the challenges that lay ahead.

"But I'm a D rank hunter. Shouldn't I be able to handle myself?" Ray questioned, a hint of doubt creeping into his voice.

Felix chuckled, but James quickly intervened. "Don't mind him. Even experienced hunters like us approach dungeons as a team. Solo raids are incredibly risky, especially in dungeons beyond our current ranks. It's crucial to respect the dangers and difficulties they present. Your hunter rank designates the highest-ranked dungeon you're permitted to raid with a minimum team of three. Solo ventures usually require tackling dungeons at least two ranks lower than your own."

Amelia's voice, filled with determination and authority, interrupted their conversation. "Alright, team, get into formation. It's time to face what awaits us."

The Silver Fangs swiftly arranged themselves, their movements synchronized as they assumed their designated positions. Ray found himself standing at the left vanguard, shoulder to shoulder with James, a sense of camaraderie and trust blossoming among them.

"Remember, Ray, as we fight, do not break formation," Amelia reminded him, her voice resolute and unwavering.

With her guidance and the unity forged within their ranks, the Silver Fangs took their first steps into the heart of the dungeon. The air grew heavy with anticipation and the promise of battle.

As they continued their descent into the treacherous depths of the dungeon, their footsteps reverberated through the winding corridors, carrying an eerie echo that seemed to whisper of ancient secrets and untold dangers lurking ahead. Rays' heart pounded in his chest, a mix of excitement and trepidation filling his veins.

With every step, the atmosphere grew heavier, the air thick with a sense of impending doom. The walls of the dungeon seemed to close in on them, creating a claustrophobic sensation that heightened their awareness. Ray felt that cold pressure press on his body again getting colder and colder as he descended further and further. Adrenaline rushed through his body as the air began to slow and the tension increased.

Amidst the darkness, illuminated only by the flickering glow of their torches, they finally reached the entrance of the first chamber. A heavy, iron door loomed before them, its surface marred with scratches and stains of past battles. Rays' grip tightened around the hilt of his sword, his muscles tensing in anticipation.

Amelia, the Silver Fang leader, glanced at her comrades, her voice steady and determined. "We've trained for this moment. Remember your formations, trust your instincts, and stay together. We are the Silver Fangs, and we will conquer whatever lies beyond that door."

The group nodded in unison.

With a synchronized movement, they pushed open the heavy door, revealing the chamber beyond. A cold gust of wind swept through the room, carrying with it a haunting melody that sent shivers down their spines. Before them stood a horde of imps charged towards them, their grotesque forms writhing with malevolence. Ray and his comrades sprang into action, their movements coordinated and precise. Blades clashed with claws, spells crackled through the air, and bullets whizzed past, finding their marks.