In the aftermath of the Catastrophe, humanity had scrambled to organize its defenses. Across the globe, associations were formed to recruit and manage the awakened—those who had gained extraordinary powers. These organizations, known as Hunter Associations, became the backbone of survival. In India, every major city had its own association, serving as a haven for awakened humans and a hub for monster hunting operations.
The associations provided a structured way for awakened individuals to earn a living. By hunting monsters and retrieving valuable parts, hunters could sell them for profit, securing a better future for themselves. It was a system that balanced survival with opportunity.
Rahul knew that if he was to truly move forward, he needed to become a part of this system. The Hyper Unique System had given him strength, but to thrive in this new world, he needed resources, allies, and recognition. The first step was clear: he had to obtain his Hunter ID.
The local Hunter Association headquarters loomed ahead, a massive structure reinforced with steel and adorned with glowing runes that hummed with protective energy. Inside, awakened individuals bustled about, their weapons gleaming and their expressions determined.
Rahul approached the reception desk, where a stern-looking woman eyed him skeptically. "Name?" she asked, her tone brisk.
"Rahul," he replied, his voice steady. "I’m here to register and take the hunter’s exam."
The woman nodded and handed him a form. "Fill this out and proceed to the testing chamber. If you pass, you’ll receive your ID and be eligible to enter rifts and undertake missions."
Rahul filled out the form quickly, his hands trembling slightly with anticipation. This was it—the first real step toward reclaiming his life and carving out a new destiny. As he entered the testing chamber, he felt the familiar buzz of the system activating, its voice calm and supportive:
"New Mission: Complete the Hunter’s Exam. Objective: Demonstrate combat ability and system proficiency. Reward: Hunter ID, Access to Rift Missions."
The room was vast and circular, its walls lined with observers and evaluators. At its center stood a holographic projection of a beast—a simulated version of the monsters he had already faced. The system identified it as a Simulated Aranya Rakshasi, a spider-like creature with razor-sharp legs and venomous fangs.
Rahul took a deep breath, his grip tightening on his weapon. The observers watched intently as the creature charged at him, its legs clattering ominously against the floor. This wasn’t just a test of strength; it was a test of his resolve, his strategy, and his ability to wield the Hyper Unique System to its fullest potential.
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The spider lunged, its venomous fangs glinting ominously under the arena’s artificial lights. Rahul sidestepped, narrowly avoiding its attack. His Hyper Unique System lit up, scanning the creature.
"Target: Simulated Aranya Rakshasi. Weakness: Abdomen (chitin is thinner). Recommended Strategy: Strike abdomen during jump phases."
The system’s guidance was invaluable. As the spider leaped into the air, Rahul rolled beneath it and delivered a powerful blow to its exposed underbelly. The creature shrieked, stumbling slightly before regaining its balance.
The battle raged on. Rahul dodged its venomous webbing, counterattacking whenever an opening appeared. The system kept feeding him data—attack patterns, weak points, and strategies. With one final strike to its abdomen, the spider collapsed, disintegrating into shimmering fragments of light.
The system chimed: "Simulated Beast Defeated. Reward: New Skill Unlocked: Spider Web Silk and Jumping Ability."
Rahul’s eyes widened. The Hyper Unique System had granted him rewards even from a simulated beast. He tested the Spider Web Silk, creating a sticky thread from his palm. It was strong and flexible, perfect for immobilizing enemies or traversing difficult terrain. The Jumping Ability boosted his agility, allowing him to leap great distances with ease.
As he exited the test chamber, a murmur rippled through the observers. It was unheard of for someone to gain rewards from the simulated beasts. Rahul couldn’t help but notice the puzzled expressions on the evaluators’ faces.
Back at the reception desk, the stern woman looked at him with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Congratulations," she said. "You’ve passed the exam and earned your Hunter ID. But before we finalize your registration, you’ll need to undergo a level assessment."
"Level assessment?" Rahul asked.
She nodded, gesturing toward a glowing pillar in the corner of the room. "We need to measure your rank. The Association uses a standardized ranking system to classify hunters based on their power and abilities. Step onto the platform, and it will analyze your energy signature."
Rahul approached the pillar, his heart pounding. This was the moment that would determine his standing among the hunters. As he placed his hands on the glowing surface, the pillar hummed softly, scanning him. The system displayed his stats briefly before the pillar emitted a loud chime.
A holographic display appeared above the pillar, showcasing the result:
Rank: C (Potential: S)
Gasps filled the room. A C-rank was respectable for a new hunter, but the notation of S-potential was exceedingly rare. It signified that Rahul’s abilities, once fully developed, could rival the strongest hunters in the world.
The receptionist’s stern demeanor softened, replaced by a hint of awe. "You’ve got potential," she said, handing him his freshly printed Hunter ID. "Make sure you live up to it."
Rahul took the ID, his fingers brushing over the embossed lettering. This small card was more than just a piece of plastic; it was his key to a new life.
As he left the headquarters, the weight of his achievements began to sink in. The Hyper Unique System had already set him apart, granting him abilities no one else possessed. But this was just the beginning. The road ahead would be filled with challenges, dangers, and opportunities.
Rahul looked at the horizon, determination etched on his face. He had taken his first step into a larger world, and there was no turning back now.