Dominance over the Weak

Lan Tian sat on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Gramps didn't seem happy at all… He sighed, rubbing his temples. I haven't been giving him much time lately.

In my past life, I spent so much time with him, but this time… things are different. I don't have the luxury to relax. I have to become stronger—faster.

But strength alone won't be enough. I need money. A lot of it.

His fists clenched as determination filled his eyes. I need to earn an insane amount of money and hire an A-rank or higher healer. No matter what, I'll cure Gramps' cancer this time.

Next Day..

Lan Tian walked into the Hunter Association building, stretching his arms.

"So, Lan Tian, what are we doing here? We came so Early ," Uncle Shin grumbled.

Lan Tian smirked. "I'm here to apply for a D-rank hunter certificate."

Uncle Shin choked on his own breath. "Are you mad?! You need to be level 30 for that!"

Lan Tian sighed. "Uncle Shin, your knowledge sucks? Don't you know that hidden professions have exceptions? We can apply for D-rank starting from level 25."

Uncle Shin raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, but you're only level 23—"

Lan Tian grinned. "Did you forget? I have a Super Hidden profession. That makes me special."

Uncle Shin's face twitched. This brat is getting cocky.

As they approached the receptionist desk, a polite-looking woman greeted them.

"Hello, sir. How can I help you?"

Lan Tian confidently placed his hand on the counter. "I'm here to apply for D-rank."

The receptionist blinked in surprise. "Excuse me, sir, but it hasn't been that long since you became a hunter. Are you saying you're already level 30?"

Lan Tian shook his head. "Nope. I'm level 23."

The receptionist's eyes widened. Level 23 already?! He's so young! Just how talented is he?!

Then, as if her brain was still processing, she mumbled, "But… that's still not level 30…"

Lan Tian smirked. "Yeah, but I'm a Super Hidden profession holder. I get special treatment."

The receptionist nearly dropped her pen. "Super Hidden profession…?!"

Before she could react further, a deep voice interrupted.

"No need to inform anyone."

Everyone turned as a tall man with a commanding aura approached.

"Ah! Association Leader! What are you doing here?!" the receptionist gasped.

Hunter Association Leader, Dong June, glanced at Lan Tian with interest. "I came here for someone else—a hidden ranker applying for A-rank. But…" His gaze sharpened. "Looks like I accidentally found something even more valuable."

Mohammad Khalil, the hunter standing beside him, scowled. "Leader, what do you mean by that? There's no way this nobody is more important than me."

Dong June chuckled. "Can't you see the difference? You're 27 years old. It took you years to reach A-rank. Meanwhile, this young boy is already becoming a D-ranker at his age."

Lan Tian's eye twitched. They're seriously having a whole debate about my worth in front of me… like I'm some legendary artifact they just discovered.

But then, as he looked closer at Mohammad Khalil, his heart skipped a beat.

Wait a minute… I know this guy.

A memory from his past life surfaced.

This guy… He's the future powerhouse who will dominate the world alongside me. One of my strongest party members.

Lan Tian's eyes narrowed slightly. So, he's here… That means fate is already moving.

Lan Tian extended his hand toward Association Leader Dong June, who smiled and offered a firm handshake.

"So, young man, what's your name?" Dong June asked.

"Umm… Sir, my name is Kim Lan Tian Hao. You can just call me Lan Tian."

Dong June nodded. "Alright, Mr. Lan… I have a feeling we'll be working together quite a lot in the future."

Lan Tian smiled, but his mind drifted back to his past life…

— In Lan Tian's past life… —

Lan Tian had just been promoted to an S-rank hunter.

"Sir… It's impossible for me… I'm just a new S-rank hunter. How could I possibly clear an S-rank dungeon alone?"

A familiar voice responded with certainty.

"Lan Tian, you're underestimating yourself."

Lan Tian turned in shock. The Association Leader…?!

"Sir… Are you sure I can do this?"

Dong June's expression was calm but firm. "Be confident, Lan Tian."

— Back to the present… —

Lan Tian's eyes sharpened as he returned to reality. So it's starting already, huh?

Turning to Mohammad Khalil, he extended his hand for a handshake.

But Khalil just scoffed and crossed his arms. "You're not worthy of shaking hands with me."

Uncle Shin: "..."

The receptionist: "..."

Lan Tian: Hah?! This dude really thinks he's in a martial arts drama?!

Lan Tian burst into laughter, holding his stomach. "Hahaha! You're always the same, Khalil!"

Everyone around him froze, eyebrows raised. What does he mean by that?

Realizing he had said too much, Lan Tian quickly shut his mouth and waved his hands. "Ahaha… sorry, sorry! Just a joke."

Dong June narrowed his eyes with amusement but let it slide. "It's fine."

Then, a quiet but firm voice slipped into Lan Tian's ear.

"Ahm... Ahm... Hey, you brat. Weren't you going to introduce me?"

Lan Tian's spine stiffened. The voice was dangerously low—so low that only he could hear it.

Uncle Shin was standing beside him, arms crossed, looking like he was ready to break Lan Tian's kneecaps if he ignored him any longer.

Lan Tian swallowed. Why does this old man always threaten my legs?

He cleared his throat and quickly turned to the others. "Ahem! Let me introduce someone important. This is Uncle Shin. He's, uh... a very wise and respectable senior."

Uncle Shin gave a satisfied nod but muttered under his breath, "Hmph. Lucky for you, brat."

Khalil smirked. "At least you know how to respect your elders."

Lan Tian shot him a playful grin. "Oh, don't worry, Khalil. One day, I'll make you call me 'big bro.'"

Khalil scoffed, arms crossed. "Tch. Keep dreaming."

Dong June chuckled, shaking his head. "I have a feeling this won't be a boring day."

Dong June crossed his arms and sighed. "Lan Tian, I think we're just wasting time here."

Lan Tian raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Wasting time? So, does that mean I pass?"

Dong June smirked. "Nice try. You need to pass the test first. After all, applying for D-rank at level 23 is unheard of."

Lan Tian shrugged. "Well, I am special."

Dong June ignored his cocky remark and gestured toward the test room. "Your test will be…"

Inside the Test Room

Lan Tian stood in front of a massive iron gate. It creaked open, revealing a towering E-rank monster—a level 22 mutated bear. Its sharp claws dug into the ground, and its eyes burned with rage.

Uncle Shin whistled from the viewing area. "A mutated bear, huh? Not bad for a test."

Khalil scoffed. "He's only level 23. Let's see how fast he gets smacked."

The test examiner announced, "Lan Tian, the objective is simple—defeat the monster as quickly as possible. Show us what you've got."

Lan Tian grinned, stretching his arms. "Perfect timing. I have a new skill to test ."

The mutated bear roared, slamming its claws against the floor, ready to charge.

Lan Tian smirked. "Let's test this out."

DING!

[Skill Activated: Dominance Over The weak]