Chapter 8: Lyra Selene, the S-Rank Star

Kael Ardyn ventured deeper into the dungeon, heart pounding with each step. Suddenly, a piercing scream echoed through the corridors. He froze, listening intently.

A massive, armored monster had cornered a group of fledgling hunters. Kael’s pulse quickened. He knew he couldn’t face it alone—but before he could act, a flash of silver caught his eye.

Blades danced through the dim light, slicing the monster with lethal precision. Kael’s jaw dropped as he watched the figure move—swift, graceful, and deadly. The monster fell in mere moments, leaving a stunned silence behind.

Lyra Selene, the S-Rank hunter he had heard of in whispers, stood tall, her silver hair glinting in the dungeon’s light. She sheathed her twin swords with a calm, practiced motion, her eyes scanning the survivors.

Kael felt a mixture of awe and envy. She was everything he aspired to be—strong, confident, unstoppable.

One of the terrified hunters whispered, “That… that was amazing. She’s an S-Rank!”

Kael nodded silently, gripping his sword tighter. “I will get stronger… like her,” he promised himself.

As the survivors thanked Lyra, her gaze briefly met Kael’s. There was a subtle acknowledgment there, a flicker of recognition that did not go unnoticed. Kael’s heart raced. Was it respect? Curiosity? He didn’t know, but it fueled him.

After the group left, Kael approached the spot where she had stood. “Wait!” he called. Lyra turned, her expression calm yet piercing.

“I need to learn… I need to be strong,” Kael said, voice trembling slightly but resolute.

Lyra studied him for a moment. “Strength comes from more than skill. You must survive, endure, and adapt. Talent alone will not save you.”

Kael nodded, determination burning in his chest. “I understand. I’ll train, I’ll fight, I’ll survive. I won’t be weak again.”

Lyra’s lips curved into the faintest smile. “Then perhaps I will see you again. Don’t waste your potential.”

As she vanished down the corridor, Kael watched, feeling both inspired and challenged. She had set a standard for him, a goal to reach. Every step he took from that moment would be toward matching her strength, and perhaps, earning her respect.

Kael clenched his fists, the dungeon’s shadows surrounding him. The path ahead was dangerous, but the sight of Lyra Selene had ignited a fire within him. He would not falter. He would rise.

For Kael Ardyn, the journey of becoming a true hunter had just taken a decisive turn.