"Welco to the Demon Hunters' Association."
Before sat the very Head of the Association. It was humbling to see a man of his stature sit at an ordinary table with a warm smile.
He appeared to be in his fifties, his silver hair complenting his broad, strong physique. A deep scar ran across his neck, a silent testant to past battles.
"Greetings... My na is Lee Ki-hyun. I'm not sure what to say about myself..."
"No need to worry," he chuckled. "My na is Kang Su-won. I've heard that you're the first officially recognized human to possess such imnse power in your veins."
"Yes... At least, that's what they tell ."
"Amazing. Tell , have you ever used your power before?"
I shook my head. "I don't even know how to."
Su-won rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"I see... You really are full of surprises. But tell , why did you decide to undergo a demonic blood analysis now, of all tis?"
"I was looking for a job, and a friend suggested I get tested. Though, to be honest, I wasn't particularly eager to beco a Hunter..."
"Not eager to join? Perhaps it has sothing to do with your past?"
I nodded.
"Well, young Lee, you look just like Yeon-ho. I've crossed paths with your father many tis."
"You knew my father?!"
"Do you want to know more about him? I understand... Losing your parents as an only child must be difficult. Listen, Ki-hyun, I can tell you everything I know about them. In addition, I'll grant you full access to their files."
"How generous of you... I assu you want sothing in return?"
"No, no, this isn't about money! Lee Yeon-ho, you are the first person capable of being classified as an SSS-rank Hunter."
"SSS-rank? That's a thing?"
"Yes. We've developed ranking classifications for every scenario. Truthfully, no Hunters in this world even hold an SS-rank, but that's not an issue. What do you say to my offer?"
"If I understand correctly, I have no choice? If I refuse, you'll label an enemy of humanity and eliminate ?"
The old man simply smiled. "That's precisely why you should join us. Prove your humanity. Help us eradicate the demons."
"This world... Master Kang, no offense, but I don't think we could wipe out the demons even in a hundred years. There are just too many of them."
"This world is filled with breathtaking wonders. Nature, animals, people—we are all part of the system that Earth created. It is our duty to protect it, no matter the cost! These demons are nothing more than parasites that must be exterminated. You're right; their numbers have grown. But with your help, we can end them faster!"
"But... I don't feel my power. How am I supposed to fight demons?"
A bitter feeling welled up inside . People called special because of my demonic heritage, yet I couldn't even believe it myself. I was too weak...
"We will do everything in our power to awaken it! Your strength is the key to a door we couldn't open."
The last hope...
"Why do you think I'm so special?"
"You could be a miracle. Humanity needs people like you. Your father was an inspiration to many. Who else but his son could surpass him? Fight, boy! Fight to save humanity! Fight so your children can live in peace! You will stand alongside the strongest warriors, battling for a common cause. You may not understand it now, may not even trust people... but soon, you will find your own reason to fight."
A reason to fight...? I have no parents, no family. I am alone in this world filled with death.
Father, why did you fight? Was it really to save humanity? Or was it for Mother? For us?
Mother, your death was unfair. You were the most beautiful person in the world, but demons don't distinguish between good and evil.
All my life, I thought I could drown my anger in sorrow. I believed I could never stand against the demons.
But now, when this power—the power to fight back—is within my reach, I see myself in a different light...
I want justice.
Mother, forgive for disobeying you once more, but now I have a chance to be soone different. A chance for a new life.
I hope you two will be proud of in heaven.
"I accept," I declared with unwavering resolve. "Make a warrior."
Su-won, montarily taken aback, soon broke into a wide smile and extended his hand.
"Welco to the Hunters, humanity's first SSS-rank."
I grasped his calloused hand firmly.
If becoming a Demon Hunter will lead to the truth about my parents, then so be it.
A long road of training, learning, and preparation for real battles lay ahead. I would et new comrades and allies, all for the sake of a single righteous cause.
I wonder... what kind of world is the world of Hunters?
...
anwhile, on the other side of the city, in the Orange Zone, warriors clashed against a towering demon. The air reeked of blood and decay.
Corpses of both demons and humans littered the battlefield, their stench forcing so soldiers to retch.
A military helicopter hovered overhead, its blades cutting through the smoke-filled sky.
"This thing won't go down!" one Hunter shouted into his radio.
"I've lost too much blood... I can't summon my weapon anymore..."
"Reinhardt, it's your turn!"
"Yes, sir!" a warrior responded, lunging forward from behind the demon.
Blood surged from his palm, materializing into a massive battle axe. With every ounce of his strength, he swung, the air itself splitting apart under the force of his attack.
His grip tightened until his knuckles turned white—he was determined to end the demon in one strike.
The axe struck the monster's back—shattering instantly.
The demon didn't so much as flinch.
"No way...! It's not even a Blood Moon tonight! How is it this strong—?!"
Before he could finish, crimson wings erupted from the monster's spine, slicing Reinhardt into shreds.
"Reinhardt!"
"What's happening down there?!" a voice crackled from the helicopter's radio.
The battlefield was shrouded in a red haze. One of the Hunters collapsed, unable to endure the overwhelming stench of rot.
"I'm launching the missile!"
The Hunters scattered, abandoning their fallen comrade. For their squad, sacrificing one mber was the price of taking down a high-class demon.
The missile streaked through the sky, striking the demon dead on. A fiery explosion consud the battlefield, filling the air with dust and smoke.
But as the smoke cleared, their blood ran cold.
The demon stood unhard.
"No... That's impossible! Even a high-class demon should've died from that! What the hell is this thing?!"
The creature's entire body was drenched in crimson, its wings dripping with fresh blood. Its grotesque, twisted head hung upside-down, its glowing eyes fixed on its prey. Its long claws flexed nacingly before it lunged at the remaining Hunters.
Monts later, the wreckage of a downed helicopter burned among the ruins of a collapsed building.
The squad had been torn apart.
Their bodies were brutally dismbered and bore the deep, rciless gashes of the demon's four-clawed hands.
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