The Rise of the SSS Rank Hunter

The entire room was silent, filled with disbelief. An SSS rank hunter? A hunter who had cleared just one SSS-rank dungeon and already achieved such a level of strength? The right-hand man of the king ran toward the throne room in a hurry, and the king himself stood up in shock.

"A new SSS-rank hunter... This hasn't happened in centuries," the king muttered to himself, his eyes widening.

Maria, Varric, and Noric all turned toward Zaren, their faces a mix of astonishment and curiosity.

"Hey Zaren, how did you gain this much power?" Noric asked, his voice filled with awe.

Varric stepped forward and addressed everyone. "If Zaren is now an SSS-rank hunter, that means he is the strongest in our kingdom. That also means he is the rightful candidate to become the new Guild Master of Arcunam Guild, now that Mario is gone."

Silence filled the room as everyone processed Varric's words. Zaren, however, lowered his head slightly before shaking it.

"I'm not comfortable with being a guild master," he said firmly. "Maria, you should take the position instead."

Maria's eyes widened in shock. "Me? But Zaren—this is your chance! You can lead your own guild!"

Zaren gave a small smile and shook his head again. "I'm not fit for the job, but you are. You've always been reliable, and you care about your comrades. I trust you with it."

Maria's face turned slightly red as she blushed. "If you say so, then... I accept."

Before anyone could speak further, the king's right-hand man ran back into the hall, slightly out of breath. "Hunter Zaren, the king requests your presence immediately."

Zaren, slightly confused but keeping a straight face, nodded and followed him back to the throne room. This time, he was alone with the king.

The king looked at him intently before speaking. "Zaren, do you want to stay in our kingdom permanently? Leave your past behind and become part of Velmora?"

Zaren's eyes widened at the unexpected offer. He looked down, thinking about his homeland, his friends, and most importantly—Brannor, Corvin's father. He clenched his fists.

"I'm honored by your offer, Your Majesty, but I must decline," Zaren said firmly. "I have friends in my kingdom. I have people I cannot leave behind. And... I have someone I need to answer to."

The king observed him for a moment before smiling with satisfaction. "As expected of you, Zaren. You are loyal to your people. That is a rare quality among hunters."

Zaren gave a small smile in return. "May I take my leave now, Your Majesty?"

The king nodded. "Yes, you may."

---

Meanwhile, in the Dwarvenhold Kingdom

In a grand chamber lined with stone walls and glowing runes, a powerful hunter named Jaxon sat at his table. He was the strongest hunter in Dwarvenhold—an SSS+ rank hunter.

A man entered the room hurriedly and kneeled before him. "Sir, news has arrived from Velmora. A new SSS-rank hunter has appeared. His name is Zaren."

Jaxon smirked as he leaned back in his chair. "Oh? So that's the case... This hunter, Zaren—I have a feeling he will someday surpass even my rank."

A dangerous glint appeared in his eyes as he spoke. "Things are about to get interesting."

---

Meanwhile, in the Doryos Kingdom

A massive, wealthy kingdom stood under the golden sunlight. Within its royal chambers, another SSS+ rank hunter, Finn, sat upon a luxurious throne-like chair. He was draped in gold-trimmed robes, his sharp eyes glowing with interest.

As a servant whispered the latest news to him, Finn chuckled. "A new SSS-rank hunter? In Elyria, of all places? Hmm… something new is coming. I can feel it."

His lips curled into a knowing smile as he looked toward the horizon. "The world is about to change."

(Chapter 15 Fin )