Hunter Ascension: Reberu

The night air was cold, and the dim moonlight cast long shadows across the forest. Dzeth stepped out of the cave, his body bruised but still standing firm. His battle with the bat curses had ended, but something far more dangerous was waiting for him.

Somewhere hidden from sight, Razou continued analyzing data on Dzeth Takahashi. But as soon as he read the details of Dzeth's rank, his eyes widened in shock.

"Grade D?"

His fingers froze over the keyboard.

"This makes no sense… A Grade D Hunter defeating an Emperor Cursed? This… is impossible."

Meanwhile, at the Hunter Academy, Dzeth met with Akanza and told him about the mysterious man who had attacked him.

Akanza furrowed his brows.

"A Hunter attacking another Hunter? If that's the case… one of the few who do things like that is Razou."

Dzeth gritted his teeth. He had suspected something like this, but Akanza's confirmation solidified his thoughts.

-

A Challenge from the Shadows

As Dzeth made his way home from the academy that evening, he suddenly stopped.

In the distance, a figure stood.

Razou.

His sharp eyes locked onto Dzeth's gaze. With a small smirk, he spoke:

"See you at the Midnight Forest."

And with that, he vanished into the darkness.

Back at home, Dzeth wasted no time. He researched everything he could about Razou and Movement Hunter Technique. From what he found, Razou was one of the fastest Hunters ever recorded. His ability allowed him to change movement directions in ways that defied physics, making him nearly impossible to hit.

Instead of resting, Dzeth chose to train until sundown. His body moved with precision, his muscles burned with exhaustion, yet he refused to stop.

-

First Battle - Midnight Forest Duel

The forest was silent. The night breeze carried a cold chill as Dzeth arrived at the designated location.

SWOOSH!

A shadow flickered before him. Razou, calm and composed, stretched his fingers.

"I want to see for myself if you're as strong as they say."

Without warning, Razou activated Awakening: Universe Movement.

For a brief moment, his body flickered—then he disappeared.

Dzeth barely had time to react before a sharp gust of wind brushed past his face. A strike had nearly hit him.

"Tch. You dodged," Razou muttered before vanishing again.

He reappeared from multiple directions, attacking relentlessly. Every time Dzeth tried to counter, Razou was already somewhere else.

"Too slow."

A powerful kick struck Dzeth's ribs, sending him crashing into a tree trunk.

He groaned in pain but forced himself back up. He had fought faster opponents before—but Razou wasn't just fast. If he didn't find a way to adapt, he would never land a hit.

"Boring." Razou vanished once more, reappearing above him with a devastating punch.

Dzeth rolled to the side, dodging while analyzing.

He needed a strategy.

Closing his eyes briefly, he activated Future Sight.

When he opened them again, Razou was already attacking but this time, Dzeth saw it coming.

Ten seconds ahead.

Dodging just in time, he twisted his body and counterattacked. But Razou only smirked and effortlessly slipped past his strike.

"You think you can keep up?"

Dzeth barely had time to respond before a crushing blow landed on his back. His vision darkened.

-

Second Battle - Awakening at Razou's Base

Razou stood over Dzeth's fallen body.

"Tsk. I thought you were stronger."

Turning away, he disappeared into the shadows.

At his base, Razou turned on his computer to review the data. But just as he opened the screen—

"Yo. Sorry, I passed out for a bit."

Razou spun around instantly.

Standing at the entrance of his base, Dzeth smiled casually.

"You… how?!"

Cracking his neck, Dzeth walked forward.

"Round two."

-

Final Battle - Duel Outside the Base

This time, the fight was different.

Dzeth wasn't just dodging—he was attacking relentlessly, laughing as he fought. His spirit burned brightly, his eyes filled with confidence.

Razou, who had dominated earlier, now felt the pressure.

"What's happening to him?!"

Then, he realized Dzeth wasn't getting tired.

"Getting exhausted already, Razou?" Dzeth taunted while effortlessly dodging.

Razou gritted his teeth. He now understood—Dzeth had activated Limitless Stamina.

Razou's attacks were slowing down. Meanwhile, Dzeth was only getting faster.

"Damn it!" Razou attempted to retreat and regroup, but Dzeth was already there, waiting.

"Nowhere to run."

Dzeth's hands glowed brightly as he fused Maximum Positive and Negative Reversal. But this time, there was something different.

A deep purple energy formed in his hands.

"INFINITY PURPLE!"

A massive energy blast erupted, shaking the forest. Razou collapsed, unable to move.

Dzeth stood over him, taking a deep breath.

"You're strong, Razou… but I won't lose."

Razou coughed, struggling to sit up. He looked at Dzeth with a mix of frustration and admiration.

"You really are something else… Fine. I'll acknowledge you."

Dzeth smirked, offering his hand.

"I don't need your acknowledgment. I just need to keep moving forward."

Razou hesitated before grabbing Dzeth's hand, pulling himself up.

"Hmph. Next time, I won't go easy on you."

"I'm counting on it," Dzeth replied, his grin unwavering.

-

Season 1 Finale

The next morning, the academy was filled with cheers.

As Dzeth stepped in, he was greeted with applause. His friends, including Hwang, waited at the entrance.

Hwang smirked but patted his shoulder.

"You really did it, huh?"

Akanza gave a small smile.

"You never stop surprising us."

Finally, their teacher stepped forward with an official document in hand.

"Dzeth Takahashi… You have proven your strength. Starting today, I officially promote you to Hunter Grade C."

Dzeth grinned.

This was just the beginning.

-

Season 1 End.