Chapter 9: The Hunter Training Begins
Mon and Bert arrived at the Hunter Association Philippines (HAP) Training Center, a massive facility designed to turn newly awakened individuals into proper hunters. The place was bustling with over a hundred applicants, some looking excited, while others were clearly nervous.
As the two brothers stepped inside, a massive figure—the same 7-foot tall, muscle-bound man who had shoved them earlier—was standing at the front of the registration line, his arms crossed with a smug grin on his face. His presence alone was intimidating, exuding confidence and arrogance.
Bert whispered, "Tsk, ang yabang talaga ni kuya mo, parang trip niyang mang-intimidate ng mga baguhan."
Mon sighed, "Ignore him. Guys like that either back up their talk or get humbled fast."
Week 1: Hunter Schooling (Knowledge Phase)
The first week was purely theoretical training, held in a massive lecture hall. Several elite hunters served as instructors, teaching the fundamentals of dungeon gates, ranking systems, and combat formations.
Mon paid close attention, taking mental notes. He had always been a strategist, and he knew knowledge could be as deadly as any weapon.
Bert, on the other hand, was struggling to stay awake, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, obviously bored.
During one lesson, the instructor asked, "Can anyone explain the importance of Dungeon Break Protocols?"
Mon raised his hand and confidently answered, "If a dungeon break occurs, it means monsters are free to roam the real world. The priority is evacuation, followed by sealing or clearing the gate before the break fully escalates."
The instructor nodded in approval. "Correct. Dungeon breaks are the greatest threat to human civilization. Never underestimate them."
At the end of the week, a written exam was conducted.
Mon scored in the top 10, earning the recognition of the instructors.
Bert barely passed, rubbing the back of his head while groaning, "Pshh, as if written exams ever helped in a fight."
Mon smirked, "Just don't complain when I end up giving the orders in a raid."
Week 2: Combat Training (Physical Phase)
The real training began. Every morning, they were forced to undergo intense physical conditioning—long-distance runs, endurance drills, and reaction speed tests.
Bert, despite his complaints, quickly excelled in speed and close-quarters combat, while Mon focused on stamina and ranged accuracy.
Weapon Specialization
Trainees were allowed to choose weapons suited to their skills.
Mon picked Dual Handguns – He preferred precision and mobility, practicing movement-based shooting. He spent hours refining his aim and even experimented with quick draws using his Dimensional Storage.
Bert picked Dual Daggers – He focused on assassination techniques, utilizing his speed to deliver lethal strikes. His Domain Expansion skill made him a natural predator in close combat.
Skill Enhancement
Each trainee trained their awakened skills.
Mon tested his Dimensional Storage creatively
He practiced pulling out weapons mid-fight for seamless transitions.
He experimented with storing and throwing explosives (which surprised even the instructors).
He wondered if he could store magic-based attacks, but no one had tried it before.
Bert refined his Domain Expansion
He learned that once enemies entered his domain, their power dropped significantly, making even stronger opponents feel sluggish.
The instructors cautioned him that the skill might have hidden drawbacks.
Mock Battles
Sparring sessions began.
One day, the arrogant 7-foot man challenged random trainees. He crushed them one by one.
When Mon was called, the crowd grew excited.
The match started, and Mon kept his cool-headed composure. The giant lunged, aiming to overpower Mon with brute strength.
But Mon didn't fight directly.
Instead, he used Dimensional Storage to suddenly swap his position with a stored object, dodging at the last second. The crowd gasped.
The giant growled, "What kind of cheap trick—"
Mon pulled out a loaded handgun in an instant, aiming at his opponent's forehead. "Bang. You're dead."
The match ended before a punch even landed. The crowd exploded in laughter and cheers.
Bert laughed, "Hah! Ampaw nga 'yan sabi ko eh!"
The 7-foot man walked away, fuming in embarrassment.
Week 3: Sparring Matches & Final Dungeon Exam
One-on-One Sparring
Mon fought against a long-range marksman, learning to counter snipers and gunfighters.
Bert fought a heavy-weapon user, dodging massive hammer swings and using his Domain Expansion to turn the tide.
Team vs. Team Battles
Trainees were grouped into 5-man teams to simulate dungeon raids.
Mon's team had to fight in tight formations while Bert's team relied on speed and assassinations.
Final Exam: Dungeon Raid
The last test involved clearing an actual E-Rank Dungeon.
Mon's team entered a goblin nest.
He strategized their movements, leading his team through the cave while covering them from the back.
When a mini-boss ogre appeared, Mon quickly stored an enemy goblin in his Dimensional Storage, then released it in front of the ogre to create a distraction before delivering a clean headshot.
His leadership impressed the instructors.
Bert's team fought mutated kobolds.
His Domain Expansion crippled the monsters, reducing their strength while he cut through them like a phantom.
His movements were so fast that even his teammates had trouble keeping up.
The instructors noticed his assassin-like talent.
Results & Conclusion
After three weeks, the final rankings were announced.
Mon and Bert both ranked among the top 10 trainees.
They received their Hunter License, officially becoming registered hunters.
As they left the training center, Bert grinned, "Finally! No more schooling, just hunting!"
Mon smirked, "Don't celebrate too early. This was just the tutorial."
With their Hunter Licenses in hand, they were now ready to take on real dungeon gates.
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Next Chapter Teaser
Mon and Bert's first official dungeon mission as licensed hunters! Will they join a guild, go solo, or start their own team?
What do you think? Do we need to tweak anything?