The SSS-Rank Dungeon Crisis
In the grand halls of Celestis Guild and Aetheris Guild, tension filled the air. The Guild Masters of both guilds sat in silence, processing the shocking news—Zaren had joined Arcanum Guild.
"How did this happen?" the Celestis Guild Master muttered under his breath.
"And who is this new S-Rank hunter who joined with him?" the Aetheris Guild Master questioned, his brows furrowed in deep concern.
Both of them knew that Zaren's power was monstrous, and his presence in Arcanum Guild would shift the balance of strength among the three guilds.
---
Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of the city, Zaren stood outside a small shop, his voice breaking the peaceful morning silence.
"Corvin! Let's go for training!" he shouted eagerly.
A moment later, the door creaked open, revealing Corvin, his hair messy and his eyes heavy with sleep. He yawned, stretching his arms before rubbing his eyes lazily.
"Dude… don't you remember? We're in a guild now." Corvin's voice was laced with exhaustion. "We have guild missions to complete. We won't have enough time to train like before."
Zaren's eyes widened in realization before his lips curled into an excited grin. "Oh yeah! That's right! Then let's go to the guild!"
Corvin sighed but smiled as well. "Fine, let's go."
---
As they entered the Arcanum Guild Hall, an unsettling atmosphere greeted them. Hunters gathered in clusters, their faces tense and worried. Even experienced A-Rank and B-Rank hunters murmured nervously among themselves.
Zaren and Corvin exchanged confused glances. Something was wrong.
A loud bang echoed through the hall as the Guild Master entered, his presence commanding instant attention.
"Attention, everyone! Listen carefully—I have urgent news!" His voice boomed across the hall.
Silence fell as all eyes locked onto him.
The Guild Master took a deep breath before delivering the shocking announcement. "A neighboring kingdom—Velmora—has requested our aid."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"Their kingdom is facing a grave disaster. An SSS-Rank Dungeon has appeared within their lands. They sent their best hunters—A-Rank, S-Rank, and even SS-Rank hunters—to clear it, but…"
He paused, his expression darkening.
"…they were all wiped out."
The room tensed further. Even the toughest hunters felt a chill at the news.
"Now, the kingdom's king has personally requested our nation's help. Our king Alaric has given direct orders—we must send our strongest hunters from every guild to handle this crisis."
Murmurs spread among the A-Rank and B-Rank hunters.
"Thank God we weren't chosen for this mission," one whispered.
"Yeah, SSS-Rank Dungeons are a death trap. Only SS and S-Rank hunters stand a chance."
The Guild Master continued, "Our team will consist of the following: Myself, Vice Guild Master Maria, Hunter Zaren, and Hunter Corvin. Additionally, from the other two guilds, their Guild Masters and Vice Guild Masters will join us."
The tension in the room shifted. A-Rank and B-Rank hunters sighed in relief, while Zaren and Corvin, in contrast, lit up with excitement.
"Bro, this is exactly what I wanted!" Corvin grinned.
"Same here! Our first big mission!" Zaren added, his excitement barely contained.
However, as the two celebrated, Maria stood at a distance, quietly observing Zaren. A soft, unreadable expression crossed her face as she thought to herself, So… this raid will be with Zaren…
Zaren, sensing her gaze, turned toward her. Maria quickly averted her eyes, but a faint blush dusted her cheeks.
Zaren felt a slight warmth on his face as well. Why did she look away? he wondered.
Noticing this, Corvin smirked and nudged him playfully. "Bro, what are you gonna do now? Thinking about asking her on a date?"
Zaren's face turned bright red. "N-No! I don't like her!" he stammered in protest.
Corvin burst into laughter. "Yeah, yeah, sure. You're totally not blushing right now."
Zaren groaned, covering his face with his hand.
---
Meanwhile, at Celestis Guild…
The Guild Master of Celestis sat at his desk, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the wood. Across from him, the Aetheris Guild Master had a grim expression.
"This isn't just an ordinary Dungeon." The Aetheris Guild Master broke the silence.
The Celestis Guild Master nodded. "SSS-Rank Dungeons are the stuff of nightmares. Even SS-Rank hunters struggle against them. And we don't even know what kind of monster lurks inside."
Both men exchanged uneasy glances. They knew the risk, but they had no choice. Their best hunters had to go.
---
At the Royal Palace…
Inside a grand throne room, the king Alaric of the kingdom sat upon his golden throne, deep in thought.
Before him lay a document—the hunter profiles of Zaren and Corvin.
His eyes scanned over Zaren's details. "An SS-Rank hunter…" he murmured to himself.
A slow smile spread across his lips. "Interesting. Very interesting."
He leaned back in his throne, fingers steepled beneath his chin.
"Let's see if this boy is as strong as they say."