Chapter 2: The Journey Begins

The two stepped out to find themselves at the edge of a small town.

The buildings were made of brick and stone, simple in design, reflecting a quiet rural life. The streets were narrow, partly paved, carrying the scent of dust and freshly baked bread. At the town’s center stretched a modest market, wooden stalls lined up haphazardly, where merchants displayed their humble goods.

Near the massive dungeon gate, an old wooden sign hung, its faded letters carved roughly into the surface:

“Hunters’ Training Zone – The Blue Dungeon.”

⸻

L (her crimson eyes glinting as she surveyed the place, her voice low but laced with curiosity):

“So this is it…?”

Y (arms crossed as he studied the town):

“A small hunters’ town. This dungeon is mostly used by beginners—for training, and for gathering basic resources.”

A group of young hunters passed by, carrying cheap leather gear and worn short swords. Their laughter rang through the air as they exchanged jokes, swaggering with misplaced confidence despite their frail appearance. There was no trace of seasoned hunters here, nor of any real danger.

L (coldly, as she watched them):

“Pathetically weak… No wonder the dungeon wasn’t crowded.”

Y (smiling faintly as his gaze shifted to the stone gate):

“True… but for us, it was a good place to rest and train for two months.”

⸻

Before leaving the village, L turned to him, her expression calm but serious.

L:

“I suggest you check the Hunters’ Guild—if you want to become an official hunter.”

Y (nodding without hesitation):

“Good idea.”

The two made their way through the market, heading toward the guild building, its faded metal sign swaying above a heavy wooden door.

⸻

Inside, the Hunters’ Guild was modest to the point of austerity; no decorations, no grandeur—just a practical hall.

L approached the clerk seated behind a wooden desk.

L (with steady confidence):

“I want a re-evaluation… and we want to register a new hunter.”

Clerk (rising politely):

“Of course. This way, please.”

He led them to a circular stone platform where a shimmering orb pulsed faintly at its center, then turned first to L.

Clerk:

“Re-evaluation… What is your current rank?”

L (flatly):

“A.”

Clerk (gesturing to the orb):

“Place your hand on the orb and channel your magic, if you would.”

L placed her hand lightly on the surface. Instantly, a scarlet glow burst forth, surging with tremendous magical power. The clerk’s eyes widened in astonishment as he read the data streaming across a small magical slate.

Clerk (raising a brow, incredulous):

“My apologies, miss… When was the last time you had your stats re-evaluated?”

L (indifferent):

“About six months ago.”

Clerk (glancing back at the slate):

“That explains it… Your stats have tripled compared to the usual growth rate. Quite the record. You qualify for promotion to Rank S, but… such advancement can only be processed at officially recognized capitals.”

The clerk gestured toward Y.

Clerk: “Now, it’s your turn.”

Without hesitation, Y placed his hand on the orb.

The clerk began to read the results, but suddenly paused, surprise flickering across his face before he spoke in a formal tone:

Clerk:

“Your classification and rank will now be determined. The classification helps you develop your abilities and find a team, should you choose to.”

He explained steadily:

“Ranks begin at E, the lowest, and climb to S, the highest. Some nations prefer colors instead of letters. Based on this evaluation, we’ll determine your level and rank… but unfortunately, no one can obtain Rank S from here.”

Then he extended his hand politely.

Clerk: “You may receive a Hunter’s Manual—it will aid you.”

Y (calmly):

“I already have one.”

He produced an old book. The clerk took it, and the moment his eyes fell upon it, they widened in shock.

Clerk (struggling to contain his reaction):

“This… This is ancient—one of the oldest in existence. It dates back over five hundred years! How did you—”

He cut himself short, retreating in embarrassment as he returned the book.

Clerk:

“My apologies… I have no right to ask that.”

But as he looked back at the results, his expression darkened.

Clerk:

“This is strange… Your magic levels are far below average, yet the rest of your stats are unusually high.”

He cleared his throat, then spoke respectfully:

Clerk:

“I’m sorry, but you do not meet the requirements to register as a hunter here. In our town, the evaluation system is tailored to beginners, and magic is the primary standard. Other regions, however, use more diverse methods of assessment.”

⸻

L lifted her head sharply, her tone cutting:

L: “There must be a mistake. Y is my equal—no, stronger than me. It’s impossible for him to be rejected.”

In the corner of the hall, a strange girl silently observed, her gaze fixed intently on Y, tense with interest.

The clerk lowered his voice, as though afraid to be overheard.

Clerk:

“I’m sorry… but those are the rules. He might be accepted elsewhere, but here… there’s nothing we can do.”

⸻

L stepped out of the building, her strides firm, her eyes sharp. Y followed quietly behind.

L (her voice low, tinged with disappointment):

“So even the guilds can’t recognize your strength…”

Y (lifting his eyes to the sky):

“I expected this. Other nations have better systems of evaluation. For now, there’s nothing we can do.”

Then he added calmly:

“Magic is important here because they rely on it to protect the village… and I can respect that.”

L raised her hand to shade her crimson eyes from the sun, staring out toward the road stretching far into the horizon.

L:

“Where to now?”

Y (quietly):

“I want to find Aleef.”

She blinked in surprise.

L:

“Aleef? … I thought you were searching for your sisters.”

Y:

“Yes, that’s true.”

L (curious):

“Then… why?”

Y:

“This world resembles the game we used to play. Fighting without magic… the mechanics of skills… everything feels the same.”

L (raising a brow, unimpressed):

“That’s hardly a reason.”

Y (smiling faintly):

“I agree. But it’s strange—and I want to confirm something.”

L:

“And what does Aleef have to do with that?”

Y:

“My appearance… it’s exactly as it was in the game. That could mean everyone who was transported here… had their forms altered too.”

Her eyes widened slightly in realization.

L:

“Are you suggesting… one of your sisters was Aleef?”

Y (nodding once):

“Only Anna. As for Aris… I’m certain she remained human.”

Then, in a quiet voice, almost to himself:

“This world… it feels far too familiar.”

L turned her face aside, her tone brisk and pragmatic.

L:

“We can discuss this later. For now, let’s move. I know the road to Aleef.”

⸻

At the bend of the road, between the shadows of old trees, a girl stood still. Her features were half-hidden beneath a dark hood, her eyes shifting with an unsettling glow between green and gray.

Her gaze locked onto Y and L as if she were seeing them for the first time in ages.

Her whisper was barely audible, laced with venom and despair:

“Why… of all people… are you the one still alive?”

“Why is it you that I see here… and with that vampire?”

She fell silent, then her eyes widened as though the truth had finally dawned on her. With bitterness trembling in her voice, she muttered:

“Now I understand… Everything that happened… it was all because of you.”