Hunter Ascension: Reberu

The vast blue sky stretched endlessly above the academy, accompanied by a gentle breeze that carried a refreshing touch.

Inside a classroom filled with talented students, a teacher stood before the whiteboard, passionately explaining how to become a better Cursed Hunter. At the back of the classroom, the academy's emblem hung on the wall—a symbol of hope for those who sought to conquer a world plagued by curses.

However, beneath the serious atmosphere of learning, mocking laughter and whispered insults filled the air.

"Teacher, why are you still teaching us this? We're already skilled enough," one student spoke with an arrogant tone.

"Yeah! You should just teach Dzeth instead. He's the weakest hunter in this class," another added with a chuckle.

Dzeth, sitting at the far end of the room, kept his head down. His fingers tightened around his notebook. Their words were nothing new—he was used to them.

"He doesn't even have a Hunter Technique, right? What's the point of being in this academy if he has no Hunter technique?"

"Maybe he's just a regular human!"

Laughter grew louder.

Their teacher, noticing the situation, slammed his hand against the desk.

BAM!

"Silence!" his voice boomed, forcing the entire class into momentary silence. "Never underestimate anyone! A true hunter is not only measured by their technique but also by their courage!"

Though the teacher had reprimanded them, the whispers of mockery continued behind his back. Dzeth clenched his pen tightly but said nothing.

Because they were right.

He had no Hunter Technique.

In a world infested with cursed creatures—where every hunter relied on their unique abilities to survive—Dzeth was nothing more than a powerless human.

-

At the School Field

Suddenly, a small tremor shook the school building.

BOOM!

The students inside the classroom rushed to the windows.

On the school field, a massive, dark creature slithered across the green grass. Its long body resembled that of a giant leech, with rows of sharp teeth protruding from its grotesque mouth.

"A Cursed Leech…" one student whispered.

The creature was a Grade B Curse—strong enough to kill an ordinary human in an instant.

However, standing before the creature was a lone man wielding a long spear.

His black robe fluttered in the wind. His eyes remained calm, yet his presence radiated an overwhelming pressure.

"That's an S-Grade Hunter!" someone shouted in excitement.

With a single flash of his spear, the man's weapon pierced through the head of the Cursed Leech, and within a heartbeat—the creature vanished as if it had never existed.

The students were in awe. They cheered.

But Dzeth only watched in silence.

-

The Next Day

The sun had just risen, its golden rays illuminating the path to the Hunter Academy.

Dzeth walked slowly, his hands tucked into his pockets. His heart remained heavy after what had happened yesterday.

He wanted to be strong.

He wanted to be like that S-Grade Hunter.

But how was that even possible?

Without a Cursed Technique, he was nothing but a weak human among monsters.

"Oi, Dzeth!"

A voice called out to him.

In front of him stood a young man with reddish-brown hair and sharp, confident eyes. His body was well-built, and he wore the academy uniform in his own style—his sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

He was Hwang Hawk.

A Grade D Hunter who was considered strong. Some even claimed he was almost on par with a Grade C Hunter.

"What are you doing here?" Hwang asked, his tone laced with mockery. "Isn't it boring to come to the academy when you don't even have a Hunter Technique?"

Dzeth held back his emotions, not wanting to cause trouble.

"I'm just here to learn," he replied.

Hwang scoffed. "Learn? For what? So you can become strong?"

He let out a cruel laugh. "Keep dreaming, Dzeth. You'll never be like us. You—"

Ignoring him, Dzeth continued walking towards the academy.

"Pathetic bastard…" Hwang muttered.

WHAM!

Without warning, Hwang struck Dzeth's eye using Beast Hunter Technique.

For a moment, Dzeth's vision blurred from the impact of Hwang's hand, which had transformed into that of a bear's. The force sent him staggering backward, almost making him fall.

However, he steadied himself, refusing to show weakness.

The other students who had witnessed the incident remained silent.

They all knew that Dzeth had no chance if this fight continued.

The pain in his eye was unbearable, and within moments, Dzeth collapsed into unconsciousness.

Chapter 1 End..