The Journey to the SSS-Rank Dungeon

As the hunters approached Velmora, the towering kingdom gates came into view.

Zaren turned to Varric, his eyes narrowing.

"Is that the kingdom we're supposed to help?"

Varric nodded. "Yes. Let's head to the gate."

Meanwhile, Corvin clenched his fists, his heart racing with excitement.

"This is my first real raid. I'll prove myself to the older S and SS-rank hunters!"

As they reached the gate, they noticed it looked exactly like Elyria's. A guard stepped forward, raising his hand.

"Stop! State your identity and purpose."

Mario, the Guild Master of Arcanum, pulled out his guild ID and presented it to the soldier.

"Your king has summoned us to assist with the SSS-rank dungeon."

The soldier's eyes widened in shock.

"Apologies for stopping you, sir. Please, enter!"

As the group stepped inside, Zaren took note of something important.

"So… a guild ID is just as important as a citizen's ID."

The kingdom was lively, with bustling markets, colorful stalls, and new foods that even Elyria didn't have.

Suddenly, a loud growl echoed.

Everyone turned to Corvin, whose stomach betrayed him. He blushed as everyone stared.

"S-Should we eat something first?"

A collective sigh went through the group.

Zaren chuckled. "Alright, let's grab something to eat first."

Varric smiled. "Sounds like a plan."

Even Mario and Maria nodded. "Fine, let's eat first."

---

At the Restaurant

They entered a grand, luxurious restaurant. The moment they stepped inside, the entire place fell silent as locals stared at them.

After settling at a large group table, a waiter approached.

"What would you like to eat, sir?"

The hunters placed their orders. As they waited, an uneasy silence settled over them—until Mario broke it.

"If we had met the king first, we'd be heading straight to the dungeon right after. This is the strongest gate I've ever encountered. The monsters inside must be terrifying."

Zaren leaned forward. "What kind of monsters do SSS-rank dungeons have?"

Mario sighed. "Boss monsters like Demon Lords, Titans, and high-ranked Orcs. And judging from the situation… this one might be the worst we've ever faced."

Zaren's said. "If that's the case… which of our neighboring kingdoms have the strongest hunters like Celestis rank hunters?"

The Celestis Guild members suddenly tensed.

"Celestis… rank… hunters?" Mario muttered.

A chill ran through the table.

Varric spoke in a low tone. "Our neighboring kingdoms have SSS-rank and even SSS+ rank hunters. But… a Celestis-rank hunter?" He sighed. "There hasn't been one in centuries."

Zaren raised an eyebrow. "Centuries?"

Varric nodded. "The last Celestis-rank hunter was Crimson. He was… a monster in human form. Instead of protecting humanity, he turned against it. He wanted to become something beyond human—something beyond a hunter."

Zaren could sense the fear in Varric's voice.

"Every SSS, SS, and SSS+ rank hunter at the time fought against him. They risked their lives, but… they couldn't defeat him. They only managed to seal him away in his homeland—the Emberfall Kingdom."

Mario added, "It's been 300 years since then. None of us were born when it happened, but the legend remains. That's why no one has reached Celestis rank since."

Varric continued, "In the present, there are only two SSS+ rank hunters—Jaxon from Dwarvenhold and Finn from Doryos. Their kingdoms are the most powerful right now because of them."

Zaren nodded. "That means… I could become an SSS or SSS+ rank hunter. Maybe even a Celestis-rank hunter."

A voice rang in his head.

[Lumis, the System]

"Yes, sir? What do you need?"

Zaren asked, "If I wanted to reach Celestis rank, how long would it take?"

Lumis responded, "Sir, you must enhance all of your abilities. However… your power is not limited. You have the potential to surpass even Celestis rank."

Zaren's eyes widened. "More powerful… than a Celestis-rank hunter?"

Realizing he was speaking out loud, he quickly laughed awkwardly, but the other hunters still looked at him suspiciously.

After their meal, they made their way to the King's Palace.

---

Meeting King Caspian

The Velmora Palace was massive, golden, and glorious. As they stepped inside, a majestic figure stood from his throne.

"Welcome, hunters of Elyria. I am King Caspian. Thank you for coming to our aid in this dire time."

Mario stepped forward and knelt.

"Your Majesty, we are honored. Can you provide us with any details about the dungeon?"

King Caspian's face darkened.

"That… is the problem. Every hunter we've sent for information… never returned."

Mario's eyes widened. "None?"

Caspian shook his head. "Not a single one. We know nothing about this dungeon."

Mario let out a slow breath, then smiled. "Understood. We'll handle it ourselves."

The king's expression softened. "Thank you… I trust you will succeed."

As the hunters turned to leave, Caspian suddenly stopped them.

His gaze landed on Zaren.

"Wait. You… I don't recognize you. Who are you, boy?"

Zaren straightened. "I'm a new hunter, Your Majesty."

Caspian studied him for a moment, then nodded.

"I see… Then, thank you for helping Velmora in our time of need."

With that, the hunters left the palace and prepared for the raid.

---

They reached the kingdom gates, their bodies tense with anticipation.

A soldier shouted, "Open the gates!"

The massive doors groaned, revealing the wilderness beyond.

As the hunters stepped outside, heading toward the SSS-rank Dungeon, Zaren's fists clenched.

"Now… the real battle begins."

(Chapter 12 Fin)