Who Could Have Predicted This Outcome? Part 3

In our world, all essential needs are provided for Demon Hunters so that they can stand against demons.

Now, everything revolves around them—our hopes for survival, for the future…

Only they can save our world.

One in every hundred people in South Korea is a Hunter, but not everyone manages to become one. Only those gifted with demonic blood have a chance against demons themselves.

E-rank warriors typically have low demonic power—around 5%.

If someone has 10% demonic power in their blood, they are already considered a D-rank Hunter. Such individuals can usually fight against weak demons—those that crawl on all fours—without suffering losses.

C-rank Hunters possess 15% demonic blood and can already turn their blood to their advantage. These soldiers manipulate their blood to protect their bodies, but their abilities are not as developed as those of higher ranks.

B-ranks are part of the powerful combat units tasked with clearing territories of standard demons. Their main strength lies in their numbers—there are about 500 such fighters in our military structure, and 350 in the Hunter Association.

A-rank warriors number only 100 in Seoul's population. These individuals can transform their blood into melee weapons. Their limitation compared to S-rank fighters is that their weapons are their hands—they cannot manifest weapons separate from their bodies.

The strongest warriors of humanity—the S-ranks. In Korea, only about 20 active S-rank Hunters exist. These individuals are exceptional, true weapons of war capable of handling powerful demons. They have around 25–30% demonic blood in their veins.

It is not uncommon to see them on television. In fact, about half of them continue their careers in the business sector to avoid risking their lives in dangerous raids.

S-rank Hunters are revered, almost worshiped. The government provides them with everything they need to keep fighting. These are the current realities. Ordinary people, lacking demonic power, see them as saviors.

With this knowledge in mind, I couldn't understand where my 50% demonic power fit in. I couldn't believe that number—it was an excessive amount of power. Even more so, it was an enormous responsibility.

The two men in black suits interrogating me fell into deep thought.

"We still know very little about demonic powers. According to the investigation into your mother's murder, no demonic flesh was found in her. At least, that's what the forensic report states."

"So they examined a dead person's, my mother's body… How inhumane!"

"Of course. Nowadays, demons are indistinguishable from humans. Every day, cases arise where they gain people's trust before devouring them."

"Don't accuse my parents of demonic intentions!"

I gritted my teeth and shouted at them.

"We're not accusing anyone, Ki-hyun. Yours is a unique case in all of human history. We are trying to figure out what you are. Based on your father's records, little is known about his life. He was born on the day demons appeared in this world. According to the data, your father is also human. Given the results, there are two possibilities—either you are a half-blood or a new kind of human, one who has set a record for demonic blood."

"And what does that mean?"

I sat there, scowling, hating these people for accusing my parents of demonic heritage. My parents… the kindest people on earth. I won't forgive anyone who speaks ill of them!

"Mr. Lee Ki-hyun, we are members of the Demon Hunter Association. Right now, for your own safety, we are offering you a choice. Join our ranks and become a new member of the S-rank society. Protect our world from demons. Otherwise, humanity will have no choice but to erase you from existence."

A choice without a choice… So this is how fate decided to play with my life. If only I had known things would turn out this way, I would never have taken that test.

On the other hand, the luxurious life of an S-rank… Many people dream of becoming one of them.

I have no other choice. I don't want my life to end like this. My parents… they didn't die for me to meet my end so easily. I want to know the truth—I want to find out what happened to them… and who killed my mother.

"I accept," I lifted my gaze to them, my blue eyes filled with determination. "But on one condition—I want to know everything about my parents."

"Hmph, you dare to make demands? But given your circumstances and background, life wouldn't have been easy for anyone. Don't worry, we prepared for this conversation in advance. We were ready for every response you could give, every step you might take. Now, the Head of the Association wishes to meet you face to face."

"The Head..? What does he want from me?"

"Undoubtedly, you are the first case of a person with 50% demonic blood. To clarify your future in the Association, you need to have a discussion with the Head himself."

The Head of the Hunter Association, Kang Su-won—probably the most influential person in all of Asia. On par with the President, his words carry the same weight.

They gave me freshly washed clothes while my old ones were left for examination. Though they allowed me to live, these people still did not trust me.

We traveled in a luxurious private car. Upon arrival, I gazed up at the Association's headquarters—a 200-meter-tall skyscraper bustling with activity. Thousands of people worked there to support and develop the Hunters' way of life.

I never thought I'd one day stand in front of this building.

"Let's go," said one of the men in black suits. "The Head is waiting."

As I stepped forward with them, a thought crossed my mind.

"By the way, you never told me your names."

"Our apologies. My name is Park Jin-ho, an A-rank investigator. My colleague is Cho Kyung-su. We all started as Demon Hunters, but after being noticed by the Head, we became investigators. Our job is to protect the Green Zone from human-demons."

"Hmm, and how are these human-demons? How strong are they? I heard they have unique abilities—something like manipulating parts of their bodies."

Jin-ho stopped and looked at me. His firm gaze warned me not to underestimate the enemy's strength.

"They are terrifyingly powerful."