OLANDERS

In a world where magical beasts roam the land and hunters are humanity’s last line of defense, the Philippines has become a patchwork of sanctuaries and danger zones. Hunters are classified into ranks—E to the legendary S. The higher the rank, the greater the strength, magical prowess, and fame. Yet for Joshua "Josh" Villanueva, life at the lowest rung, below even E Rank, is bleak. Talentless, cursed, and constantly overlooked, he is mocked as "The Forgotten Hunter."

Josh hails from the slums of Tondo, Manila, a region teetering between safety and chaos. Struggling to make ends meet, he risks his life as a scavenger in low-level dungeons that appear across the archipelago. Despite countless failures, a strange relic buried in the ruins of Corregidor Island chooses him during one harrowing expedition. Little does Josh know, this ancient artifact—called the *Diwata’s Heirloom*—possesses a dormant, forbidden power tied to the country’s ancient myths and gods.

As the relic awakens, Josh begins to unlock abilities unlike any hunter has ever seen. His newfound power stems not from conventional training or talent but from unraveling the secrets of precolonial lore. To rise through the ranks, he must journey across the Philippines: from the enchanted forests of Siquijor to the volcanic depths of Mayon, all while navigating alliances, rivalries, and the whispers of a prophecy surrounding the return of a forgotten god.

But the cost of power is steep, and as Josh climbs the hunter ranks—E, D, C, B, A, and beyond—he discovers the true meaning of strength lies not just in defeating monsters but in uniting a fractured people against an impending cataclysm.

---

ASCENSION : Forgotten Hunter

The once-quiet streets of Quezon City erupted into chaos as Hunters gathered near the HAP headquarters—a towering edifice of gleaming glass and steel that dominated the city skyline. Josh had spent three years sharpening his skills, but now he stood at the heart of a brewing storm. This wasn't just any meeting; it was a collision of power, ambition, and authority.

The **Hunters Association of the Philippines** (HAP), an organization tasked with maintaining order in the chaotic world of Hunters, had convened its top guild leaders for an emergency assembly. Representing the government's Authority Hunters, HAP enforced regulations and sanctioned dungeon expeditions. But beneath its polished exterior was a battlefield of politics and rivalries.

1. **Phoenix Vanguard**: A top-tier guild led by the enigmatic **S-Ranker, Alyssa Reyes**, whose control over flame magic earned her the title *Inferno Sovereign*. Known for their offensive prowess, Phoenix Vanguard was notorious for dominating dungeon expeditions.

2. **Ironclad Sentinels**: Headed by the unyielding **S-Ranker, Marco de la Cruz**, nicknamed the *Fortress of the East*. This guild specialized in defense and support, forming unbreakable lines in battle.

3. **Stormcall Alliance**: A powerhouse guild with a flair for unpredictability, led by **S-Ranker, Isidro "Stormfist" Morales**, whose lightning-imbued martial arts made him both terrifying and awe-inspiring.

4. **Shadowfang Syndicate**: A guild shrouded in mystery, where assassins and rogues thrived. Its leader, **Alyster Natividad**, an A-Ranker, was cunning and calculative, often underestimated due to his lack of flashy power. Rumors of an S-Ranker hidden in their ranks swirled among Hunters.

5. **Ethereal Blades**: Masters of precision and speed, this guild followed **S-Ranker, Victoria Lamatan**, the *Phantom Edge*, renowned for her ability to slice through enemies before they realized she had moved.

**The Powerhouses of the Philippines**

Among the guilds, the top three were **Phoenix Vanguard**, **Ironclad Sentinels**, and **Stormcall Alliance**. Together, their leaders formed the triad of power that stood as the backbone of the Hunters Association.

But beneath the surface, tensions simmered. Each guild had its own agenda, and the Authority Hunters, the government's elite task force, loomed over them all, led by **General Salvador Ramos**, a retired S-Ranker whose authority extended over all Hunters in the country.

Josh's presence at the assembly drew uneasy stares. He was an unranked freelancer with no ties to any guild, yet his exploits in the dungeons had caught the attention of HAP. Whispers circulated about the *rogue Hunter with a glowing relic*, sparking interest and suspicion in equal measure.

"An unranked Hunter?" Alyssa Reyes's voice cut through the murmurs. Her fiery gaze locked onto Josh. "Why is he here?"

General Ramos raised a hand, silencing the room. "This is not a debate. The dungeon incursions are increasing, and we need every capable Hunter we can find. Whether he joins a guild or remains a freelancer, his skills will be tested."

Josh stepped forward, meeting Alyssa's glare without flinching. "I'm not here to prove myself to you," he said, his voice steady. "I'm here because I have a mission. If you want to challenge me, go ahead. But don't waste my time."

The tension in the room was palpable. Marco de la Cruz let out a low chuckle, crossing his arms. "He's got guts, I'll give him that," he said. "Let's see if he can back it up."

Clashing Titans