Chapter 1

Kael approached a red-skinned orc slumped behind a stone pillar.

Red orcs were rare among Class-C stronger than the usual green ones. His gut twisted when he noticed the slight rise and fall of its chest. It was still breathing, recovering fast some wound are quickly healing.

Kael froze his heart is filled with terror.

If this thing stood up now… their whole crew could be wiped out. They had no combat gear, no weapons beyond knives and crowbars. They weren't hunters they were laborers.

He looked around. No one had noticed yet.

The orc panted, thick fingers twitching toward a massive stone club nearby, and it slowly tried to stand up.

Kael's heart raced.

He didn't able to think his years of practice made his instinct took over.

With a fluid motion, he lunged full force forward, drove his knife deep into the orc's throat, and twisted.

The monster convulsed, choked once, then fell still.

Kael stepped back, breathing hard. His hand shook.

And then—

> Ding!

[Level Up!]

Name: Kael

Level: 4

Profession: Farmer – 1★

Mana Rank: F (80/80)

Strength: 15

Endurance: 15

Defense:10

Agility: 9

Attribute Points: 4

> Passive Skill:

– Subspace Storage – (Can store up to 100,000 tons. Time is frozen inside.)

> Skills:

– Nurture [F] – Accelerate plant growth x5 (Mana cost: 10)

Kael stood there, stunned.

"Level… 4?"

His voice trembled. He hadn't even reached Level 2 for six months. But now after just one kill he jumped three levels?

After 6 months working as a monster corpse handler he manage to be able to level up.

6 months ago.

"Hey, Kael! Are you ready for tomorrow? It's our big day we're finally becoming hunters!" Anthony grinned from ear to ear, his excitement almost overflowing.

"Yeah, dude, calm down," Kael said with a smirk. "We all know I, the Great Kael, will awaken with a powerful five-star combat profession and S-rank mana stats."

He laughed, clearly joking, as he nudged

Anthony is his best friend since high school.

"Hahaha! You're seriously full of yourself, Kael," Anthony said, grinning. "You do remember there are only six S-ranks in the whole country, right? And the last one showed up eight years ago! Even hitting A-rank would make every guild in the Philippines fight just to get you."

"Yeah, bro... even if I only awaken with a two-star combat profession and C-rank mana same as dad , I'd still be happy," Kael said, his tone turning serious. "As long as it's enough to provide for my four siblings… and let Mom finally quit those two jobs she works just to keep us going."

He looked down at his hands rough and covered in calluses from years of sword training. Slowly, he clenched his fist, the weight of his dream burning in his chest.

"I have to awaken with a combat profession," he whispered to himself.

"I must."

After school, Kael walked home to their small, rundown two-story house. It wasn't much just 50 square meters but it was theirs. His father had managed to buy it years ago, back when prices were still climbing. Now, a house like that would cost for more than a hundred million. Land was rare, and homes had become luxuries.

His father was once a C-rank hunter, A senior hunter that have more than 29 years of experience, until five years ago when he was badly injured during a monster tide at the frontlines. Since then, he'd been in a coma, hooked to machines and silent ever since.

Kael opened the door and was immediately greeted by the sound of little feet rushing toward him.

"Big bro!" his three younger brothers shouted in unison, their faces lighting up with excitement. Inside, the smell of food filled the air his sister was already busy in the small kitchen, preparing their dinner.

All of his siblings had stopped attending school this year just to support him through college and give him a shot at becoming an awakener.

Their mother was still out, working overtime as a dishwasher at a nearby restaurant. She rarely came home before midnight.

His younger brother Mel quickly grabbed Kael's backpack.

"I got it, bro! I'll put this in your room," Mel said cheerfully as he dashed upstairs.

"Big bro, let's eat!" called his sister Maya, seventeen and already taking care of the entire household. She had stopped going to school last year and now handled all the cooking, cleaning, and looked after the younger kids.

Sitting at the table were the always-cheerful twin brothers Luke and Duke, both brimming with excitement.

"Big big bro!" Duke beamed. "Are you gonna become a superhero tomorrow? Sis Maya said it's your graduation!"

"Yeah!" Luke added, eyes sparkling. "Are you gonna be like Sword Saint Jayson or the Necromancer Si-Woo from Korea?"

Kael let out a half-hearted chuckle and flexed his arm jokingly.

"Of course! Look at these biceps I've trained so hard, there's no way I won't become a strong hunter."

But deep down, he said to himself:

"I have to become a hunter for them.

"Hahaha! Bro, once you become a hero, can we eat meat every day?" Duke asked, eyes wide with hope.

Kael laughed and patted both twins on the head.

"Not just meat—you can eat all the sweets you want. I'll buy you anything once I make it big."

"Oi, stop bothering big bro!" Maya scolded gently as she set down a bowl in front of him. "Kael, eat your dinner. I added extra meat to your soup, and more eggs too Mom said you need strength for tomorrow."

Kael smiled warmly, his heart full.

"Hahaha… Thanks, Maya."

Next day graduation

"Kael, you bastard! You actually look amazing today!"

Anthony's voice boomed from across the crowd, earning a few surprised looks as he pushed his way toward his best friend.

Kael grinned. "Of course I do. This is the day I've been waiting for the day I finally start chasing my dream."

Anthony let out a loud, mocking laugh and clapped him on the back. "Bro, don't be dramatic. We both got good grades, and you've got the highest physical stats in our whole batch. Even the teachers are betting you'll awaken a combat class. You've got this."

The two stood out in the crowd not just because of their loud banter, but because they both looked majestic.

Anthony stood tall at 193 cm, with elegant blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. Being Wasian half-Filipino, half Italian he carried a sharp, noble look. His father was an A-rank hunter and the guild master of Blue Dragon Guild, one of the largest mid-tier guilds in the country. Everyone expected Anthony to inherit the position someday.

Kael, though from a poor family, was no less striking. He stood at 186 cm, with a strong build from years of training. His dark black hair stood out under th6yyyyyy666yyyyyyyyyyy6h6--hhhhhh-y tooke morning sun, and his sharp, slightly chinky eyes gave him a quiet intensity. Despite everything, he had a natural charm and presence that turned heads.

As the two chatted, several girls nearby couldn't help but admire them.

"Kael's so handsome and smart," one girl whispered. "Did you know he's ranked No. 1 in monster research for the whole school?"

"Not just that," another added. "He deadlifted 450 kilograms last week and he's not even an awakener yet!"

"That's like a D-rank hunter's strength," two more girls gasped.

But then came a new voice cool and a bit smug.

"Tsk. You girls are too shortsighted," said Cindy, adjusting her glasses. "Young Master Anthony is the real prize. He's the sole heir of Blue Dragon Guild over two thousand hunters under its name and a billions of dollars revenue worth every year."

"Yeah, and he's humble too," another girl chimed in. "Tall, rich, polite... he doesn't even flaunt his status."

"I talked to him once!" said a girl with blushing cheeks. "He's so well-spoken and charming. Do you think I have a chance if I confess? ."

"Keep dreaming, girls," scoffed Shiella, one of the school's top beauties. "A guy like Anthony? You better be drop-dead gorgeous and awaken at least a three-star profession with C-class mana if you want a shot."

"For me I think kael is my type, he's not just good looking he's polite, smart, hardworking and handsome" Selena chime in (One of the most beautyful girl, she look at kael, but coincidentally kael look back and smile when he notice.

Selena blushes so much, and the girls are teasing her.

Nearby, a group of boys overheard the conversation and not everyone was thrilled.

"Tch. Blue Dragon? My dad's guild could crush them," said Rowel, son of the White Tiger Guild's master. "And Kael? He's just a dirt-poor loser."- Rowel is chasing Selena for years now but there's no any progress he didn't even get a date with her.

His loud voice drew attention from the crowd.

Selena is not just the campus bele she's also the daughter of Amarifo group the biggest company in the Philippines who process Mana crystal into electricity.

She's practically a heiress.

Kael and Anthony heard it clearly but said nothing. Rowel wanted a scene, and they both knew it.

Despite being from a well-known as young master of white tiger guild and having good looks, Rowel was known for being lazy, arrogant, and full of himself. Most students stayed away from him, though he still had a group of followers hoping to leech off his status.

"You know his dad's still sleeping like a baby for years now right?" muttered Rodney, one of Rowel's lackeys. "And his mom's just a dishwasher. Works at one of our family's restaurantsnow

The crowd began to murmur.

"I tried to ignore you since today's important… but you have no right to insult my parents."

Kael's voice was low, but the anger in it was clear.

He stepped forward, fists clenched, his body tense ready to throw a punch.

Rowel looked at the whispering students, then smiled mockingly at Kael.

But before he could move, Anthony's hand landed on his shoulder, firm and steady, holding him back.

"Not here," Anthony muttered under his breath. "He's not worth it."

"Not today, Kael," he said, his voice low but firm.

"He's not worth it. You've got bigger things ahead. Don't let him drag you down."

Kael took a deep breath, reminding himself

He wouldn't let today be ruined.

Today… was his awakening.

Slowly, he lowered his fists… and bowed his head, forcing the anger down.

"Rowel, stop this already! Why are you always picking on Kael?" Selena snapped, her voice sharp with anger. She was pissed and clearly not in the mood to hold back.

"Tsk! What do you even see in that loser? Remember this, Selena a loser will always be a loser. The only man who deserves you… is me, Rowel Montano."

"Yeah, Young Master Rowel is the only one worthy here," chimed Rodney with a smug grin, arms crossed like he'd already won something.

"Of course," Mark added, another one of Rowel's lackeys, clearly trying to score points. "White Tiger is one of the strongest mid-tier guilds. They don't have an S-rank yet, but once they do, they'll shoot straight into the majors. And guess what? Rowel promised I could join them after graduation doesn't matter what my class or rank is."

A murmur of agreement followed from the crowd students who clearly hoped that kissing up to Rowel would land them a spot too.

"See, Selena? They all agree with me," Rowel said smugly, spreading his arms as if the world had already chosen sides.

But Selena didn't even blink.

"I'd never agree to be with you even if you were the last guy in the world." Selena walk out of the scene with her group of girls of campus beauties.

"Pfft—"

Kael and Anthony couldn't hold back their laughter.

They tried to stifle it, but the smirks on their faces said it all—mocking and amused.

"Y-Youuu…!" Rowel snarled, his face twisting in anger.

He stormed toward them, fists clenched, fury in every step.

Behind him, his lackeys tensed up, already preparing forceremony cracking knuckles.

The commotion quickly drew attention.

More and more students turned to watch, whispering and gasping.

A fight… right before the awakening ceremony?

Before they can even start fighting.

A loud boom echoed through the coliseum as a spiral of wind magic shot into the sky, twisting into a glowing green vortex. The crowd fell into instant silence, eyes drawn to the phenomenon like moths to a flame.

Floating above the awakening platform was a man wreathed in wind James Zapharo, Vice Guild Master of the Azure Guild, one of the Four Major Guilds in the Philippines.

He stood tall and composed, long silver hair flowing like silk in the wind. His piercing blue-green eyes scanned the crowd with quiet confidence. Pointed ears peeked out from behind his hair, revealing his half-elf bloodline. Even motionless, he radiated a calm, untouchable storm of power.

"That's James… the Wind Tyrant of Azure," a student whispered, their voice barely above a breath.

"He's even more intimidating in person..." another said, eyes wide.

But the awe hadn't ended.

Flanking him in the sky were two more figures both radiating presence enough to silence even the boldest voices in the arena.

To his left, a towering figure in black armor with a massive greatsword strapped across his back Ramon, the Hero of the Frontlines. His cape fluttered behind him as he floated down with a calm but overwhelming presence.

"T-That's Ramon the former vice guild master of crimson lion!" someone gasped.

"He's the team leader of the party who cleared the Berserker SSS rank Gate 15 years ago,with his guild he manage to clear it !"

The Americans failed to raid that gate multiple times, even with there's S rankers teams, he raised it before the boss of the gate turn into a divine rank monster.

"Level 150 a max A-Rank. People say he's as strong as or stronger than S ranker who's level 300 since he was contracted with earth spirit."

Clearly befitting of the title of the one arm wall and Heroes of the fronline title.

"He's a living legend comparable to Victor"

And then… she descended.

Like a goddess stepping from the heavens, Mayumi floated gently to James's right.

Her long black hair danced behind her in slow motion, catching the sunlight like strands of obsidian. She wore pure white robes trimmed with gold, and around her fingertips floated soft threads of glowing mana like golden silk drifting on air.

The crowd stared, stunned into breathless silence.

"Is that... Mayumi?"

"The Empress?"

"The current youngest S-rank in the Philippines … Guild Master of Empress Guild..."

"She's even more beautiful than the rumors."

"No. That's not beauty… that's divine."

Her expression was serene, almost otherworldly, and her gentle aura only made her look even more untouchable. Though she stood beside two terrifying powerhouses, the eyes of the crowd were drawn to her like a magnet.

Even Rowel's mouth twitched, his arrogance faltering.

"She's like… a saint."

"No wonder she leads the Empress Guild. I heard she awakened as S-rank at seventeen!"

"And she rejected every major guild to build her own."

People weren't just staring they were captivated.

No one dared move. No one even whispered anymore.

It was as if time itself had paused for her entrance.

As the last whispers of wind settled, Ramon took a single step forward midair then let out a fraction of his mana.

It hit like a tidal wave.

A thick, oppressive brown aura surged outward, swallowing the air with sheer weight. It rolled over the entire coliseum like a landslide dense, crushing, and ancient.

BOOM.

The pressure dropped instantly, as if gravity had doubled. Students across the arena gasped for air, their knees buckling under the invisible weight.

"G-Gah!"

"I can't… stand!"

"What is this pressure?!"

One by one, dozens collapsed to their knees, some falling flat against the stone floor, trembling.

Others clutched their chests, wide-eyed in panic their instincts screaming at them to run, as if a predator had entered the room.

"This… this is death," a girl whispered, pale with fear. "It feels like I'll die just by standing near him..."

"I can't breathe..." another sobbed, holding onto their friend.

"Is this what a max A-rank power feels like?! No… this is more way more feels like a God descending to the earth!"

Amid the chaos, only a handful remained standing Kael, his legs locked in place, heart pounding in his chest. Anthony, gritting his teeth and sweating bullets. Even Rowel, prideful as ever, wobbled slightly but managed to hold his footing, his expression twisted in barely-contained fear.

A few other top students remained upright, their bodies trembling but unmoved, eyes wide in disbelief.

And then Ramon smiled.

Not cruelly. Not arrogantly.

But with the warm gentleness of a grandfather proud of a promising harvest.

"Good," he said, his deep voice resonating like thunder over the silent arena.

"Those of you still standing… not bad. Seems my trip today wasn't a waste after all."

He raised a hand, and just like that, the suffocating pressure vanished. The thick brown aura faded, and air returned to the lungs of the crowd like a gift from heaven.

Everyone gasped in relief.

"I thought I was going to die..."

"He wasn't even serious…"

"That was just a sliver of his power?"

The crowd looked up at Ramon with awe, reverence, and newfound fear.

Still smiling, he floated gently down beside James and Mayumi.

Then, raising his voice for all to hear, he declared:

"Now then… let's begin the ceremony."

* According to the history earth was paradise for humans hundred years ago, most of the country live in peace. "

It all began in 2030 December 31 a meteorites hit earth, That's when the first monster invasion struck Earth.

The global population, once 9.8 billion, plummeted to just 800 million in the first three months.

The world teetered on the brink of extinction.

Just when all hope seemed lost, certain humans awakened mysterious powers.

They were called Hunters humanity's last defense against the monsters.

Thanks to their strength, mankind was able to push back and reclaim bits of land.

But even the strongest Hunters were powerless against the terrifying God-tier monsters that walked the earth.

Entire nations vanished.

Out of 190 countries, only 30 survived.

One of the few remaining nations was the Philippines where Kael lives today.

The country owes its survival to a single man:

Victor, the Thunder Mage the strongest S-rank Hunter in Philippine history.

Without him, the nation would've fallen like the rest.

Victor, our national hero, died 50 years ago in 2081 during the legendary Battle of Mindanao.

At that time, six God-tier beasts attempted to invade Luzon, threatening to wipe out what little remained of the Filipino people. Victor stood alone and fought them all.

The battle raged for two days and one night, shaking the heavens and tearing the land apart.

In the end, Victor emerged victorious... but gravely wounded.

That battle left Mindanao a barren wastel and scorched, shattered, and uninhabitable to this day.

Even now, only 17% of the Earth's surface has been reclaimed by humanity.

The remaining 83% is still ruled by monsters.

And that's exactly why the world is counting on your generation to push forward and reclaim what was lost.

"That's why we need you to make progress... and restore peace to this world,"

the old man said firmly, his voice echoing through the assembly hall.

He stood tall despite his age around his late 60s with only one arm and a single sharp eye.

Scars peeked out from beneath his shirt, reminders of the countless battles he fought on the frontlines during monster tides.

He was the Hero Ramon recognizes around the world for his heroic deed.

Name:Ramon

Class: Blade Warden

Stars: ★★★ (3-Star Class)

Mana Rank: A

Level :150

He was known as "Hero of the Frontlines" or "The One-Armed Wall"

"Monsters still roam the Earth.

New rifts appear every single day.

That's why we need a new Victor someone who will liberate this world once and for all."