Chapter 1: The Magic of the Chest System

The world had changed. Ten years ago, rifts tore open the sky, unlocking the doors to new dimensions. Monsters invaded Earth, pushing humanity to the brink of extinction. Then came the Hunters—people with supernatural abilities who could fight these creatures.

Cities established new rules, society evolved, and only those with power mattered.

But Aiden Cross was at the very bottom.

He had no ability, no talent—just an ordinary man struggling to survive in the slums of Neo-Tokyo. While others grew stronger, he remained stagnant.

But today, everything was about to change.

First Encounter with the System

[Ding! Chest System Activated!]

Aiden's eyes widened as a blue holographic screen flashed before him. His heart pounded as the words registered in his mind.

[Welcome, Host! You have obtained the Chest System. Complete tasks, earn rewards, and shape your destiny!]

"What… What is this nonsense?" Aiden muttered, his voice trembling slightly.

[First Mission: Open your first chest!]

As soon as the system spoke, a small, glowing chest appeared, floating in the air. Aiden hesitated before reaching out and lifting its lid.

[Congratulations! You have received: Basic Hunter's Physique!]

A strange energy surged through his body. His muscles tightened, his vision sharpened, and his previously thin frame now felt toned and powerful.

Aiden clenched his fists, feeling a newfound strength coursing through his veins.

"This… is real?"

First Battle – The Beginning of a Hunter

[Next Mission: Kill a monster and steal its skill!]

As Aiden was still processing the system's message, a low growl echoed through the alleyway. Emerging from the shadows was a Lesser Nightfang—a low-level monster resembling a mutated wolf. Its blood-red eyes locked onto him.

Aiden's heartbeat quickened. He had no weapon, no experience, no skills—just a mission.

And system missions always came with rewards.

Quickly scanning his surroundings, his eyes fell on a large trash container nearby. He rushed over and grabbed an old metal pipe, its cold weight reassuring in his grip.

The Nightfang lunged.

Aiden barely dodged to the side, but the monster was too fast. A sharp pain flared in his shoulder as its claws grazed him. Yet, instead of overwhelming pain, he felt a strange heat coursing through his veins.

The system's physique upgrade was already making a difference.

"Now it's my turn!" Aiden shouted.

With all his might, he swung the pipe straight at the Nightfang's head. The creature yelped and staggered back. Aiden could feel his body reacting faster, his movements sharper—this was the system's power at work.

He couldn't waste this opportunity.

Charging forward, he delivered another forceful blow, striking the monster's skull with precision. The Nightfang collapsed, motionless.

[Congratulations! You have defeated a Lesser Nightfang!]

[New Skill Acquired: Nightfang's Agility!]

New Skill – A Glimpse of Power

Aiden's eyes sparkled with excitement as his body underwent another transformation. A strange lightness filled his limbs—his reflexes felt sharper, his body more responsive.

"This… is amazing!" Aiden flexed his fingers before turning to a nearby building. Testing his new ability, he took a running start and leaped.

His foot landed against the wall, and for a brief moment, he remained suspended before propelling himself higher.

"Damn… This is next-level!"

Trying again, he jumped effortlessly, scaling the wall in just a few strides. His body felt weightless, his speed unmatched compared to before.

"I'm not just some ordinary guy anymore. I'm a Hunter now."

For the first time, Aiden felt the thrill of power.

This was just the beginning.