A Hunter's Curiosity
The Hunter Association Headquarters in Seoul was a fortress of glass and steel, built to withstand calamity-level threats. Its gleaming exterior housed state-of-the-art facilities used to evaluate, train, and manage the nation's hunters.
Today, however, the focus wasn't on hunters.
It was on one man.
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Kael Ardyn walked through the sterile white halls, his steel-gray eyes sweeping over the modern architecture and holographic displays. Flanked by Seo Mirae, Director Kim Seung-Ho, and a team of security hunters, Kael remained calm and composed, observing everything with quiet curiosity.
The modern world was unlike anything he had known.
Yet, he adapted quickly, taking note of every detail.
Behind the one-way mirror, hunters and researchers watched his every move.
"Is that really him?" one of the researchers whispered. "The guy from the Halla Mountain gate?"
"Yeah," another replied. "They say he claimed to be a king. A demigod or something."
The first researcher shook his head. "Crazy."
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Inside the evaluation chamber, the lead researcher—a young woman named Han Ji-Eun—approached Director Seung-Ho with a tablet in hand.
"Director Kim," Ji-Eun began, her tone professional. "We've prepared the evaluation protocols as requested. Strength tests, mana readings, combat simulation… everything is ready."
Seung-Ho nodded. "Good. Let's begin."
Ji-Eun glanced at Kael, who stood silently, his presence commanding despite his worn armor and quiet demeanor.
"So," Ji-Eun said, trying to break the tension. "You're the Apostle, huh?"
Kael inclined his head slightly. "I am Kael Ardyn."
Ji-Eun blinked, surprised by his calm and formal tone. "Right. Well… we'll start with some basic tests. Strength, speed, endurance. Standard procedure."
Kael simply nodded. "Proceed."
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The first test was physical strength.
Kael was led to a strength assessment chamber, where a series of weighted objects awaited him—each one increasing in mass and density.
Mirae and Seung-Ho stood behind a reinforced glass window, watching Kael's performance.
Ji-Eun adjusted her tablet display, tracking the weight measurements.
"How much does that one weigh?" Mirae asked as Kael approached the first object.
"500 kilograms," Ji-Eun replied.
Kael gripped the object with both hands and lifted it with minimal effort, setting it down gently before moving on to the next one.
"He's not even using mana," Ji-Eun whispered to herself.
The weights continued to increase—700 kilograms, 900 kilograms, 1,100 kilograms. Kael lifted each one with graceful precision, his movements calm and deliberate.
Seung-Ho's expression remained impassive, but Mirae noticed a flicker of curiosity in his gaze.
"He doesn't look tired," Mirae observed.
"He's not human," Seung-Ho muttered.
"Not entirely," Mirae agreed. "But even hunters would be feeling the strain by now."
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Next came the mana evaluation.
Kael placed his hand on a circular mana scanner, a device designed to measure mana reserves and control.
The device hummed to life, projecting a holographic display above it.
The readings began to fluctuate—wild spikes of energy followed by periods of suppression.
Ji-Eun frowned. "That's… strange."
"What's strange?" Mirae asked, leaning closer to the display.
"His mana levels are unstable," Ji-Eun explained. "It's like… he's holding something back. Or… something is restricting his power."
Seung-Ho narrowed his eyes. "Explain."
Ji-Eun tapped her tablet. "It's hard to say. But based on these readings… he's not at full strength."
Kael, standing on the other side of the glass, heard every word.
'Of course I am not at full strength.'
His connection to the Pantheon Gods had been severed when he was cast through the dimensional rift. Without their direct blessing, his Divine Authority and Holy Powers were greatly diminished.
But his soul—the core of his power—remained unbroken.
.
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As the tests continued, Kael began to take note of the differences in technology between this world and his own.
'They rely heavily on tools and devices to measure power. In my world, strength was determined by battle.'
Despite his weakened state, Kael knew one thing for certain.
'I will regain my power. In time.'
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The final test of the day involved a combat simulation.
Kael was led to a training arena, where he would face a series of automated mana constructs—simulated enemies designed to test a hunter's combat skills.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Ji-Eun asked. "We don't know what he's capable of."
Seung-Ho's gaze didn't waver. "That's exactly why we're doing this."
Mirae crossed her arms, her eyes locked on Kael through the glass.
"I want to see what he can do."
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Kael stepped into the arena, his sword, Celestiarum, resting at his side.
The automated constructs activated, their mana-infused weapons glowing with energy.
A voice crackled over the intercom.
"Whenever you're ready, Kael."
Kael drew Celestiarum, the sword's runes faintly glowing as it tasted the air once more.
He took a calm stance, his posture relaxed but ready.
'I have fought gods and monsters. Let me see what this world considers a challenge.'
With a faint smile, Kael whispered to himself.
"Faith endures."
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The combat simulation arena was a wide, reinforced chamber made of mana-infused steel and enchanted glass, designed to withstand the violent clashes of S-rank hunters.
Kael stepped into the center of the arena, his footsteps echoing in the silence.
Above him, holographic displays projected data and stats, while a group of hunters and researchers watched from behind the observation window.
Seo Mirae stood at the front, her sharp eyes focused on Kael. Behind her, Director Kim Seung-Ho watched in silence, his arms crossed over his chest.
"You sure this is a good idea?" Tae-Min asked, his voice low. "We don't even know what he's capable of."
Mirae didn't respond immediately. Her gaze lingered on Kael's calm, composed figure.
"He's been calm this whole time," Mirae said quietly. "Too calm. I want to see what happens when he's pushed."
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The automated mana constructs activated, their eyes glowing with blue light. These constructs, shaped like humanoid warriors, wielded mana-infused weapons designed to simulate various types of enemies.
"Begin the simulation," Seung-Ho ordered.
The first construct charged forward, its blade humming with energy.
Kael remained still, watching the approaching construct with calm detachment.
The construct swung its sword in a wide arc, aiming for Kael's neck.
Kael moved.
In a single, fluid motion, Kael sidestepped the attack, his footwork precise and economical. His movements were graceful and efficient, like a dancer moving through battle.
His hand rested on the hilt of Celestiarum, but he didn't draw the blade.
Instead, he closed the distance between himself and the construct with a few measured steps. His left hand shot out, grabbing the construct's wrist with a vice-like grip.
With a swift, controlled twist, Kael disarmed the construct, the mana blade falling to the ground with a metallic clang.
The construct reacted, swinging its free arm toward Kael's head.
Kael ducked, avoiding the strike with effortless grace, and drove his elbow into the construct's chest plate, denting the metal.
The construct staggered backward, its movements jerky and uncoordinated.
Kael straightened, his expression calm.
"Is that all?" he murmured.
From behind the observation window, Ji-Eun's eyes widened.
"Did he just… disarm the construct without drawing his sword?"
"Yeah," Tae-Min muttered. "And he made it look easy."
Mirae's brow furrowed. "He's holding back."
Seung-Ho nodded slowly. "He doesn't see these constructs as a threat."
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The simulation ramped up.
Three more constructs entered the arena, each one wielding different weapons—a spear, a shield, and a dual-bladed staff.
Kael's eyes flickered over each opponent, analyzing their stances and weapons.
The spear-wielding construct lunged first, aiming for Kael's chest.
Kael sidestepped again, this time grabbing the spear shaft and using the construct's momentum against it. He twisted the spear, snapping it in two, and spun around to face the second construct.
The shield-wielding construct charged, trying to ram Kael with its shield.
Kael didn't retreat.
Instead, he stepped into the charge, redirecting the force by placing his hand on the shield's edge and twisting his body. The construct stumbled past him, off-balance.
In one smooth motion, Kael drew Celestiarum.
The silver blade gleamed faintly, its runes pulsing with dormant energy.
Kael spun, bringing the sword down in a precise arc, slicing through the construct's armored plating as if it were paper.
The construct collapsed to the ground, sparks flying from its damaged core.
The final construct—the one wielding the dual-bladed staff—circled Kael cautiously.
Kael watched its movements, noting the way it spun the staff in a defensive pattern.
'It's testing me,' Kael thought. 'Good.'
The construct lunged, its staff spinning in a blur of blue mana light.
Kael stepped forward to meet it, his sword moving with blinding speed.
Their weapons clashed, sending a shockwave through the arena.
Kael pivoted on his back foot, using the force of the impact to spin around and deliver a precise slash to the construct's leg joints.
The construct faltered, its balance compromised.
Kael didn't give it a chance to recover.
He closed the distance in an instant, grabbing the staff and yanking it free from the construct's grip.
With a final, decisive strike, Kael drove Celestiarum into the construct's core, ending the fight.
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The arena fell silent.
Kael stood in the center, his breathing steady, Celestiarum resting at his side.
Behind the observation window, the researchers stared in stunned silence.
"That wasn't… normal," Ji-Eun whispered. "He didn't fight like a hunter. He fought like…"
"Like a soldier," Mirae finished.
"A seasoned warrior," Seung-Ho added, his tone thoughtful. "He fights like someone who's seen hundreds of battles."
Mirae nodded slowly, her gaze fixed on Kael.
"And won."
Kael sheathed Celestiarum and turned toward the observation window.
His steel-gray eyes locked onto Mirae's.
For a moment, there was only silence.
Then, Kael spoke, his voice calm but resonant.
"Is that sufficient?"
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The arena remained silent, save for the faint crackle of mana energy dissipating from the fallen constructs.
Kael stood in the center of the chamber, his sword sheathed and his posture relaxed, as though the battle had been nothing more than a brief exercise.
Behind the observation window, the atmosphere was tense.
Seo Mirae watched him carefully, her mind racing.
'That wasn't just a display of skill. That was something else entirely.'
Kael's movements had been precise, controlled, and devastatingly efficient. There had been no wasted motion, no unnecessary flourishes. Every strike had been made with intent to kill.
"He's dangerous," Dae-Sung muttered, breaking the silence. "Even in a weakened state."
Tae-Min, still watching through the glass, let out a low whistle. "I don't think I've ever seen anyone move like that. Not even S-rank hunters."
Mirae nodded slowly, her gaze never leaving Kael.
"He's a warrior," she said quietly. "Not a hunter. A warrior from another world."
Director Kim Seung-Ho's expression remained impassive, but there was a glint of curiosity in his sharp eyes.
"Run the combat analysis," he ordered Ji-Eun.
The lead researcher nodded, tapping on her tablet to pull up the simulation data. A series of graphs and charts appeared on the holographic display, showing Kael's reaction times, combat efficiency, and mana usage.
Ji-Eun frowned as she studied the data.
"That can't be right," she murmured.
"What is it?" Seung-Ho asked.
"His reaction times… they're faster than what we've recorded for most S-rank hunters," Ji-Eun explained. "And his combat efficiency is off the charts. He didn't just beat the constructs—he dismantled them with minimal effort."
Tae-Min glanced at the display, eyebrows raised. "What about his mana usage?"
Ji-Eun shook her head. "That's the strange part. He barely used any mana at all. It's almost like… he's holding back."
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Seung-Ho's gaze returned to Kael.
"You're holding back," he said, his voice calm but direct.
Kael glanced up at the observation window, his steel-gray eyes meeting Seung-Ho's without flinching.
"Yes," Kael replied.
Mirae narrowed her eyes. "Why?"
Kael's expression remained calm. "Because I wanted to see what this world considers a challenge."
The words hung heavily in the air.
Tae-Min blinked. "Did he just—"
"Yeah," Dae-Sung muttered. "He did."
Kael stepped forward, his footsteps echoing in the silent arena.
As he approached the observation window, his gaze remained steady, scanning the faces of those watching him.
"You fight differently from the warriors I knew," Kael said, his voice calm but thoughtful. "Your strength lies in your tools and techniques. But you lack something crucial."
Mirae tilted her head. "And what's that?"
Kael's gaze softened slightly.
"Conviction."
Mirae frowned. "Conviction?"
Kael nodded. "The warriors I fought beside, and the enemies I faced, they fought with everything they had. They fought because their lives, their homes, their gods depended on it."
He gestured to the fallen constructs. "These… machines… are lifeless. They cannot understand the weight of battle. The meaning of sacrifice."
Mirae's eyes flickered with understanding. She had seen hunters lose their lives in gates and ruins, often because they underestimated the enemy or lacked the will to push through.
"Do you think we lack conviction?" she asked.
Kael's expression remained neutral. "Some of you do. But not all."
His gaze lingered on Mirae for a moment longer before shifting to Seung-Ho.
"You, however," Kael said, addressing the director, "are different."
Seung-Ho raised an eyebrow. "And how's that?"
Kael's lips curled into a faint smile. "You've seen death. You've walked through it and survived. You know what it means to endure."
Seung-Ho's eyes narrowed, a flicker of recognition passing through his gaze.
Ji-Eun cleared her throat, breaking the tension.
"So… what do we do with him now?" she asked, glancing at Seung-Ho.
The director remained silent for a moment, lost in thought.
Finally, he sighed. "We'll run more tests. Psychological evaluations. Mana analysis. I want a full profile on him."
Ji-Eun nodded, making notes on her tablet.
"And after that?" Mirae asked.
Seung-Ho glanced at Kael, his expression thoughtful.
"After that, we see where he fits in."
As the staff began to disperse, Kael stood alone in the arena, his thoughts drifting to the past.
'Conviction…'
He recalled the Grail Knights of Eredhyn, his most loyal warriors—each one chosen by the gods to embody a divine concept.
They had fought with unbreakable faith.
And they had all fallen.
Kael closed his eyes briefly, the weight of loss settling in his chest.
'I will endure,' he reminded himself.
When he opened his eyes, his steel-gray gaze was steady once more.
From the observation window, Mirae watched him quietly.
'Who are you, Kael Ardyn?'