Raelen opened his eyes to a bright, unfamiliar sky. The air was crisp, filled with sounds he hadn’t heard in eons—bustling laughter, voices calling out, the rumbling of carriages, and the hum of unfamiliar machinery. He was lying on a soft patch of grass beneath a tree, surrounded by vast greenery broken by towering, glittering structures that reached far into the sky. People moved around him, each dressed in strange yet captivating clothing, their expressions filled with purpose as they hurried down paths lined with metallic stones.

Raelen sat up, taking in the sights around him, his mind processing the unfamiliar yet invigorating landscape. This world felt more alive, more chaotic, and more free-spirited than the one he had left behind.

Before he could gather his thoughts, a voice echoed in his mind.

*"Raelen."*

It was the goddess.

He closed his eyes, reaching inward as her presence washed over him. *“Goddess. I’m here… but where exactly is ‘here’?”*

A soft chuckle echoed in his mind, her voice both familiar and filled with a warmth that felt like sunlight. *“You’re on Earth—but not the Earth you remember. I’ve placed you in a dimension where society has advanced, evolved… and become far more unpredictable.”*

He glanced around again, eyes drawn to the unusual metal carriages without horses, the flashing billboards depicting strange images, and the vast technological structures that seemed to pulse with energy. *“This… is Earth?”*

*“Yes,”* she affirmed. *“But in this world, threats lurk in ways you have yet to understand. Gates have opened, bringing forth creatures and dangers from other dimensions, and humanity has learned to adapt, creating a new hierarchy of power. To protect themselves, they created Hunters—individuals capable of extraordinary feats who defend against these threats.”*

Raelen’s mind raced, digesting her words. *“And you placed me here to protect this world?”*

*“Yes,”* she said gently. *“But not just that. In this world, your powers and knowledge will need to grow again. To aid you, I have imbued you with a system—a conduit that will help you regain your strength and abilities over time, as well as guide you in learning the ways of this new society.”*

Raelen nodded slowly, piecing it together. *“I see. You intend for me to start over, to learn from the ground up.”*

*“Precisely. You may be powerful, Raelen, but even your knowledge has limits in a place as unpredictable as this. And… there is another reason.”*

He felt her voice lower, taking on a more serious tone. *“Your task will not be simple. The two outer gods have begun their advance, sending demigods and champions across multiverses. Their reach is vast, and the realms they control are innumerable.”*

Raelen’s eyes narrowed. *“Then they’re already here.”*

*“Yes. Their presence has seeped into this world. While humanity battles against the creatures from Gates, the true threat remains in the shadows, waiting to strike. That is where you come in.”*

Raelen felt a surge of energy ripple through him as her words settled. He understood. This was a world on the brink, and she had chosen him as its protector.

*“I will not let you down.”*

*“I know you won’t,”* she replied softly. *“But be cautious, Raelen. Your bloodline is your greatest strength, but it also makes you a target. And in this world, you must learn to live as they do—blend in, grow, and bide your time until the moment is right.”*

He nodded, a faint smile forming. *“Understood. And… thank you. For everything.”*

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The goddess’s presence faded, leaving Raelen alone once more. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words and the enormity of his task settle upon him. But for the first time in a long while, he felt… hopeful.

Standing, he took his first steps forward, ready to immerse himself in this new world.

---

As Raelen moved through the city, his gaze swept over the unfamiliar sights and sounds, taking in every detail. Neon signs blazed with vibrant colors, markets bustled with strange trinkets, and people of all ages walked with confidence, some bearing symbols he recognized from the goddess’s words—Hunters. Those who had risen above the rest to protect humanity.

His thoughts were interrupted by a group of teenagers rushing past, laughing and chattering loudly.

“Did you see the ranking board? There’s a new S-Class hunter in the city!” one of them exclaimed, nearly bumping into Raelen.

“S-Class, huh?” Raelen murmured to himself, intrigued. He followed their path to a large, holographic board in the city center, displaying names, ranks, and images of individuals exuding strength and charisma. He squinted at the top-ranked Hunters, wondering how his powers would measure against theirs.

Just then, a young man with a slight frame and wide eyes approached him. “Hey, you’re new around here, aren’t you?”

Raelen nodded. “You could say that.”

The young man smiled, extending a hand. “Name’s Taro. I help newcomers get familiar with the city, especially the academy. You planning to join?”

Raelen’s gaze flickered with interest. “The Hunters Academy?”

Taro’s grin widened. “Yep! It’s where all Hunters start. Well, the ones serious about ranking up, anyway.”

Raelen shook Taro’s hand, deciding this connection might be useful. “Raelen.”

Taro led him through the city streets, pointing out various landmarks, his enthusiasm contagious. “So, where are you from, Raelen? You seem… different.”

Raelen chuckled, choosing his words carefully. “Let’s just say I’m from a place far, far away.”

Taro laughed, oblivious to the truth. “Well, you’re in for a surprise then. The academy is tough, especially with all the Gates appearing. But it’s worth it. You get a ranking, prestige, and if you’re lucky, you might get chosen for elite missions.”

As they reached the academy’s gates, Raelen felt a twinge of excitement. The sprawling campus was lined with high walls, intricate stonework, and an aura of ancient strength. He could sense the faint echoes of power, the marks left by past battles.

“Here we are!” Taro said proudly. “Welcome to the Hunters Academy!”

Raelen looked up at the towering structure, feeling a strange mix of nostalgia and anticipation. He had trained for centuries, fought wars, and even faced gods—but this, somehow, felt like a new beginning. And he welcomed it.

---

The entrance ceremony was a spectacle. Hundreds of prospective Hunters filled the grand hall, each one brimming with ambition. The academy’s headmaster, a tall, imposing woman with silver hair and a piercing gaze, addressed the crowd with authority.

“Welcome, Hunters-to-be. You have come here to earn your place, to prove your worth in a world that demands strength, resilience, and resolve.”

Raelen listened intently, absorbing every word. He noticed how others around him responded to her presence—a mix of awe and intimidation. She continued, her voice unwavering.

“Every year, we lose candidates. Not because they lack talent, but because they lack conviction. This is not a place for the weak-willed. You will be pushed, tested, and—if necessary—broken. Only those who rise from the ashes will walk away as true Hunters.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd, a palpable tension settling over them. Raelen could feel the undercurrent of fear and excitement mingling, and he couldn’t help but smile. *This,* he thought, *was exactly what he had come for.*

After the speech, they were divided into groups for orientation. Raelen found himself paired with a diverse set of individuals, each one unique in both appearance and demeanor. As they introduced themselves, he took careful note of their abilities, gauging potential allies and rivals.

One of them, a tall girl with jet-black hair and piercing green eyes, caught his attention. Her name was Kaelin, and she carried herself with a quiet confidence that hinted at hidden strength.

“What’s your story, Raelen?” she asked, her tone both curious and challenging.

Raelen shrugged, meeting her gaze with a grin. “Just here to learn, same as everyone else.”

She smirked, clearly unconvinced. “You don’t look like the type who’s ‘just here to learn.’ I’ll be watching you.”

He chuckled, enjoying the friendly rivalry. “Likewise.”

As the day continued, they were led through various training grounds, each one more intense than the last. The academy’s instructors were relentless, pushing them to their limits with physical and mental exercises designed to weed out the unworthy.

By the time night fell, Raelen was both exhausted and exhilarated. He had sparred with some of the most promising candidates, experienced the intensity of the academy’s regimen, and even caught a glimpse of his potential rivals. As he lay in bed, his thoughts drifted to the goddess’s words, her warnings about the looming threats.

*“This is only the beginning,”* he murmured to himself, a flicker of determination in his eyes.

He had come here with a purpose, and he would see it through.