I, Lucian Blackthorne—son of the Dark Emperor and future ruler of the Underworld—stand as a witness to our family's enduring legacy. My father, Maximilian Blackthorne, the revered family head and National Hunter, has already conquered the formidable 5 SS Rank gate. Our lineage is notorious for producing monstrous power in every generation. While being a National Hunter secures support and funding from governments worldwide, it also paints a target on our backs, branding us as enemies of the world.

The Hunter Association holds the Blackthorne name in high esteem, honoring our ceaseless contributions to shielding humankind from demons. My father, known across the realms as the Dark Emperor, earned his title through extraordinary martial arts and unparalleled sword techniques. Though there is no formal ranking among National Hunters, it is universally acknowledged that the Dark Emperor is the mightiest among the ten National Hunters scattered across the globe. Our family maintains cordial relations with various countries and the Association, even as we face rivalry from other National and S Rank hunters.

(The story now unfolds...)

After emerging from the newly cleared 6 SS Rank dungeon, the Dark Emperor proclaimed,

"We have vanquished the Boss Monster."

Ignatius Emberlord, the Inferno Monarch—one of our esteemed National Hunters—retorted with respectful admiration,

"Our victory is owed to your leadership and the strategic genius of our Grand Tactician."

Sebastian Stratagem, the Grand Tactician, interjected with characteristic humility,

"Do not lavish all the praise on me; the success of this gate was a collective achievement, forged by every member of our team."

Our elite force comprises four National Hunters—the Dark Emperor, the Inferno Monarch, the Sacred Restorer, and the Grand Tactician—bolstered by five formidable S Rank hunters, united in our mission to defend humanity.

(After clearing the gate, the Dark Emperor returned to the estate.)

Seraphina Blackthorne, the family's enigmatic mistress, greeted him warmly as she approached.

Seraphina: "So, how was today's raid, my dear?"

The Dark Emperor replied with a measured tone,

Dark Emperor: "The raid went well, though it was quite exhausting."

Young Lucian Blackthorne stepped forward, bowing his head respectfully.

Lucian: "I greet you, Father."

Maximilian Blackthorne, the family head, interjected sharply,

Maximilian: "Lucian, curb your formalities—we are not living in those bygone eras."

Lucian’s eyes flashed with determination as he responded,

Lucian: "I may only be ten, but I understand how the world works, Father."

A slight smirk played on the Dark Emperor’s lips as he regarded his son.

Dark Emperor: "Very well, my son—you are on the right path. Now, tell me, how goes your martial arts training?"

Lucian hesitated a moment before admitting,

Lucian: "It’s still in its infancy, but soon I’ll wield power on par with an S Rank hunter."

Seraphina’s gaze softened as she whispered while clasping Lucian’s hand,

Seraphina: "In a few years, when you emerge, the world will tremble beneath the weight of our legacy."

(It was known that no successor of the Blackthorne family would be revealed to the world until he reached S Rank.)

Their conversation was abruptly shattered by a sudden, thunderous noise outside the estate. Maximilian rushed out, only to find the front garden reduced to smoldering ruins by heavenly flames—a signature display of the Inferno Monarch’s executive skill.

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From the conflagration emerged eight National Hunters:

Inferno Monarch

Arcane Sovereign, the 9th-class magician

Beast Monarch, the King of Beasts

Silent Reaper, also known as the Assassination Master

Sword Saint, the master of blades

Thunder Sovereign

Martial Saint

Beast Monarch laughed coldly, proclaiming,

Beast Monarch: "Ha! Today will be the end of the Blackthorne family!"

The Dark Emperor addressed Seraphina quietly,

Dark Emperor: "It seems they have grown envious of our power. But worry not—I will show them the true meaning of the Blackthorne legacy."

Seraphina tightened her grip on Lucian’s hand.

Seraphina: "Go ahead, dear—I will protect Lucian."

(Though she possessed strength comparable to that of a National Hunter, Seraphina had never enrolled in the Hunter Association, and her true power remained a secret.)

With a graceful step, the Dark Emperor vanished in a swirl of shadows, teleporting to confront the intruders. As the National Hunters began their calculated assault, the Silent Reaper advanced toward Seraphina with his lethal executive skill—a maneuver that, despite its reputation, was no match for the Blackthorne legacy.

Before the Dark Emperor could intervene, the Martial Saint and Sword Saint engaged him with a relentless series of sword techniques executed with murderous intent. Meanwhile, Arcane Sovereign flanked Beast Monarch and Inferno Monarch, while Thunder Sovereign, Martial Saint, and Sword Saint coordinated their assault in a formation reminiscent of an SS Rank gate designed to combat a boss monster.

The Dark Emperor unleashed the first form of his signature technique—Obsidian Genesis—and in a swift, decisive strike, he felled Thunder Sovereign. The sight of his adversary's swift downfall caused the Martial Saint and Sword Saint to hesitate momentarily, only to re-engage with renewed fury as Inferno Monarch and Beast Monarch joined the fray.

Switching tactics, the Dark Emperor activated the second form, Midnight Veil—a technique that cloaked his intent by plunging the battlefield into darkness. With this shroud, both the Martial Saint and Sword Saint were swiftly dispatched.

Though the Blackthorne family might have claimed victory over the National Hunters, the presence of powerful magicians complicated matters. The Dark Emperor, formidable though he was, could not dispatch a National-level hunter indefinitely.

Arcane Sovereign then revealed his trump card—a formidable S Rank artifact known as The Decima Vitae Relic, capable of reviving a person up to ten times. Thunder Sovereign, Beast Monarch, Inferno Monarch, Sword Saint, and Martial Saint had already succumbed twice.

Beast Monarch jeered, "Not even four hours have passed since completing the SS Rank gate, yet he’s already restored most of his mana. What a monster!"

Arcane Sovereign countered coolly,

Arcane Sovereign: "Do not worry—he will not endure for long."

Indeed, the Dark Emperor was nearing his limit.

Elsewhere on the battlefield, Seraphina engaged the Silent Reaper. Despite having severed his body several times, his regenerative prowess seemed insurmountable. Driven to the brink, Seraphina and Lucian managed to evade his relentless pursuit, only for the magician to track her location and relay it to the Silent Reaper.

Though Lucian had mastered only five forms of the Dark Emperor’s legendary technique, The Blackthorne Eclipse, he struggled to muster enough mana to unleash its full potential. When the Silent Reaper arrived at the designated location, Seraphina and Lucian launched a surprise counterattack. Lucian activated the fifth form—Eclipse of Desolation, a devastating strike that extinguished hope as though devouring every last ray of light.

The Silent Reaper fell, but not before he managed to poison Seraphina with a dagger coated in high-grade demonic venom—one that could only be countered by a saintess. As the venom spread slowly through her body, Seraphina’s strength waned. In her final moments, she whispered to Lucian:

Seraphina (with a weak smile): "Do not worry about me, my son. Protect the legacy of the Blackthorne family. We may have lost this battle, but as long as you live, our name will endure. Seek out your father—he has something for you."

Lucian’s tears flowed freely as he replied,

Lucian (voice trembling): "I swear, I will take revenge on those bastards and continue the legacy of Blackthorne."

Summoning his resolve, Lucian raced to his father, who lay nearly lifeless amidst the chaos. The clamor of the returning National Hunters filled the air as Lucian knelt beside Maximilian. Though his father’s breathing had stilled, a faint, otherworldly voice reached Lucian’s ears:

Voice (faint yet resolute): "Son... take this key. Open the Chamber of Blackthorne. Gather all that is precious, and flee for now. Do not contact anyone the Hunters’ Battalion and the Hunter Association are aware of this plan to annilate Blackthrone. Grow strong, and rule this world as all our forefathers did."

In that poignant moment, the legacy of the Blackthorne family—steeped in darkness, honor, and relentless determination—was passed down once more to a young warrior destined to reshape the world.