2: Original Timeline (2)

With the strategy that the government issued, they gave all the resources they had to nurture those people, and the progress of getting rid of the gates was steady because of those people who were able to implement the strategy effectively.

These people who have made significant contributions to getting rid of the gates and monsters are called hunters. They were the heroes that emerged during this crisis, risking their lives to protect the community from the threat of gates and monsters.

Their bravery and dedication inspired others to join their ranks, creating a united front against the common enemy.

However, these so called heroes are also monsters themselves. They only willingly came under the roof of the government when they were in a state of confusion.

When they are certain of what to do, they will eventually break away and continue their own agendas, leaving the community vulnerable once again.

Their unpredictable nature makes them a double-edged sword in the fight against gates and monsters.

The first hunter to publicly leave the government was a hot issue at the time. The opinions were divided, with some thinking that the hunters should have their own right to decide, while others branded them as traitors for biting the hands that feed them.

Despite the initial consequences of leaving the government, this didn't stop the hunters from leaving. It only made their resolve to go there and continue their own path even stronger.

The hunters that are free from the government started establishing their own guilds and creating their own rules and regulations to govern themselves.

This newfound independence allowed them to take on more dangerous missions and explore uncharted territories without the restrictions imposed by the government.

While all of this was happening, Laurel was still in her hospital room, lying on the bed as she watched all that happened in the outside world through the TV.

She felt detached from that world, as if she were only watching some kind of movie, but she knew too well that wasn't the case.

As she watched the increasing number of hunters awaken, she was still in her hospital.

She felt pathetic watching others gain strength while she was there, lying on her bed with machines supporting her fragile life.

She eventually recovered from her injuries, coping in the hospital for over six months, but her new body was weak.

Her body might have been healthier compared to others in the past, but with her current body, it is weak compared to the current world.

When she was getting ready for discharge, the TV was on like usual when her eyes caught sight of a familiar face on the TV.

Her eyes widen in shock when she realizes that it was Luka.

She almost didn't recognize him. Compared to the last time she saw him, he looks somber and dreadful.

The heavy bags under his eyes and the vacant stare made her heart ache. She couldn't help but wonder what had happened to him since they last met.

His hair was also longer than she last remembered.

She watched as Luka was chased by reporters, pointing their microphones as they threw him some sensitive questions. Flashes from cameras illuminated his tired face, capturing the moment of his public downfall.

The indifferent expression on his face remained as he ignored the reports as he boarded the car.

Laurel reads the caption, and her eyes widen.

Breaking news! Another S-rank hunter has decided to leave the government once again!

"Luka is an S-rank hunter?" she mutters in disbelief.

With this sudden discovery of his lover's new identity, Laurel stepped out of the hospital for the first time since the world had changed.

The place might have still looked the same, but she can feel that it is now different.

For the past few days since she was discharged from the hospital, Laurel has always lived in their house, with constant professional guards staying by her side in case gates or monsters appeared.

The only thing that kept her company was searching on the internet about Luka. She saw in there his achievements and contributions.

She felt proud of him.

He was a hero.

However, her initial joy dissipated as she realized that Luka's current standing compared to her own was much higher.

She can't meet him easily anymore.

She was devastated by this, but an opportunity came to light.

With his father's connection, their family was invited to a ball, where she found out that Luka would attend.

She was excited to meet him again, but her initial joy was shattered when she was standing in front of him.

She thought Luka would be happy to see her like he usually does, but the twinkle in his eyes when he saw her in the past is now looking at her coldly, like she was a pebble in the side streets.

She was taken aback by his current demeanor, but she tried to understand him.

She tried to act like normal, but he was not the same.

He was cold like a glacier, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.

They were in an awkward state when she found out that Luka was attending the ball in hopes of gathering investors to help him establish his own guild.

Laurel saw this as an opportunity to rekindle their relationship.

She became his investor.

This gave them more opportunity to meet up, and she somehow felt like some of their past connections were coming back to life.

Laurel was determined to support Luka in his endeavors and make things right between them.

He started calling her name once again.

His voice might not be as sweet as before, but it was enough.

At some point, an arrangement was made.

Laurel and Luka's engagement was made.

Laurel was anxious when her father brought it up when they had dinner with Luka and her whole family, but he didn't complain.

She was happy when he was okay with it.

She felt like she was on cloud nine, but who would have thought it was the start of her suffering?

The news of the engagement of the S-rank hunter Luka was publicized throughout the whole country; there was a buzz.

The fact that the S-rank hunter was engaged with an unawakened was ridicule for many.

They were against it.

Threats started coming her way, and assassination attempts were made on her life.

The situation quickly escalated, and she realized the consequences of being in a relationship with someone as high-profile as Luka.

She was scared that she couldn't step outside her house without worrying about her life.

She was lonely and sad that he was never there when she was in danger.

But she knew she couldn't blame him. He was busy with his life as an S-rank hunter as well as a guild master of his own guild.

All she could do was support him.

Despite the danger and backlash, she refused to end her relationship with Luka. She believed in their love and was determined to fight for it, no matter the cost.

When she was married to Luka at last, she was happy that their love persisted.

She was happy that she didn't give up on them, but how come life is so cruel?

She was bound to him by their union, but she was not given the chance to savor it, as a few days later, after their wedding, Laurel was stabbed through her heart on their honeymoon.