Monster Hunter Predator

The dim glow of a single overhead light cast long shadows across the small office. The detective sat at his desk, his sharp eyes locked onto the glowing report in his hands. Holographic screens flickered above the cluttered surface, displaying security footage, case notes, and classified files. His face, usually unreadable, was frozen in something rare shock. Near the window, his partner leaned against the wall, arms crossed, observing him carefully. Outside, the megacity pulsed with life, but inside, the tension was thick.

"It's the Red Seal, isn't it?" she finally spoke.

The detective blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. His grip on the report tightened. "Yes... this case actually got a Red Seal." His partner didn't react. She had expected this.

"I talked to the nurse who took care of the kid. She mentioned something strange. His body changed… improved." The detective frowned. That wasn't normal. Not for an Earthling.

"Are you saying he's an Innate?"

She hesitated before shaking her head. "I don't know. But his father was definitely someone beyond expectations. If he was targeted and a Red Seal was placed on his case… someone powerful wanted him dead." She exhaled, glancing toward the city skyline. "But we're just Earthlings. There's nothing we can do. We follow orders."

The detective clenched his jaw. He had seen plenty of Red Seal cases before, but this one felt different. "Doesn't that mean the kid might be in danger?"

His partner smirked. "I already tracked him. He sold everything and took the underground super train to Nexus-9." The detective leaned forward. "That place is massive."

"Biggest city in the world. Almost a billion people. If he wants to disappear, he's already a ghost."

Meanwhile in The underground super train sliced through the landscape at hyper-speed, the outside world reduced to streaks of neon light. Inside, the futuristic interior glowed softly, lined with metallic panels, floating holographic screens, and AI attendants moving between silent passengers. Each seat was a private pod, built for comfort and isolation.

Orin leaned back, resting his head against the cushioned headrest. He took a slow sip of his cola, feeling the icy chill against his fingers. A small holographic interface flickered to life beside him, recognizing his presence.

"Hello, sir! This is your train assistant. Need any help with your destination?"

Orin blinked at the glowing AI icon before muttering, "Tell me about Nexus-9." A transparent screen materialized, displaying an extensive data sheet.

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Homeland continent has many big cities with hundreds of millions of people. but the most famous are Novastra, Veydris, Zeraphis, Nexus-9, Eonspire, Draxion, Solmara, Kaelis Prime, Ophirion, Velmora.

Nexus-9: The Largest City on the Homeland Continent

Population: ~980 million (Earthlings & Innates)

Major Factions: Corporate Alliances, Underground Syndicates, Government Sectors

Notable Entity: Monster Hunter Union

Operates inside & outside human territories

Specializes in monster hunting and city protection

High-level security zones and classified research districts

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Orin scrolled through the information, absorbing as much as he could. Nexus-9 was enormous, a place where laws were different, where power dictated survival. He wasn't here for leisure—he needed to stay low and eventually join the Monster Hunter Union. There's also kaelis prime, the second largest and the home of more than 600 million the famous assassin's temple.

"Show me the cheapest apartments in the eastern sector."

The AI processed his request, pulling up listings. Most were surprisingly modern yet absurdly cheap. He didn't need to read why—the eastern sector was constantly attacked by monsters. Real estate prices had plummeted to attract desperate tenants. Orin smirked. "I'll take one." He confirmed the selection and arranged a meeting with the landlord.

The train decelerated smoothly, its automated doors hissing open. A flood of passengers stepped out, moving through the massive underground terminal. As Orin ascended the grand staircase leading outside, the full scale of Nexus-9 came into view.

Towering skyscrapers pierced the sky, their surfaces covered in moving holographic ads. Flying vehicles crisscrossed the skyline, leaving faint neon trails in their wake. Below, the layered streets pulsed with life, people of all backgrounds, both Earthlings and Innates, moving through the crowded walkways. Massive holographic billboards projected news updates and propaganda from various factions.

Orin scanned the area, activating his wrist-mounted ID to confirm his location. A voice crackled through his earpiece. "Mr. Orin, I'm in front of the station. Where are you?"

"I'm coming," Orin replied. A sleek hover-car pulled up. A fat young man in an expensive silk suit stepped out, gold accessories weighing down his thick fingers. His confident smirk screamed wealth and arrogance.

"Hello, Mr. Orin! Let's not waste time. Let's talk business."

The hover-car glided smoothly through the city streets before arriving at an unexpected location. Instead of a cheap apartment, Orin found himself staring at a massive high-tech residence.

The landlord rubbed the back of his neck. "We, uh, ran out of Earthling apartments. That was my mistake. But since you've already paid, you'll stay here for now. Don't worry, we won't charge extra. This place usually costs 25,000 units per month." He handed him a key and left.

Orin narrowed his eyes. That was far too convenient. He walked Inside, the house AI activated.

"Welcome, sir. My name is Seren. This residence is part of the Monster Hunter Union's infrastructure and offers high-level security."

Reinforced walls, shockproof windows, automated turrets

Personal training grounds, weapons storage

Secure AI network monitored by the Monster Hunter Union

Orin knew that getting such an expansive house can't be just a coincidence.

Next he went downstairs and a reinforced metal door slid open, revealing a massive underground training chamber. The space stretched over 200 meters wide, walls lined with reinforced plating capable of withstanding explosions. Training stations, combat dummies, weapon racks, and holographic simulation panels lined the space.

A mechanical voice echoed through the chamber: "Welcome to Level 5 Hunter's Fortress. Initiating Core analysis..." Orin approached the control panel.

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"Error. Unable to detect Hunter's core."

"Error. Unable to detect Hunter level. Please select the training level manually."

"Error. Unable to detect Hunter's vitals."

"It is recommended to select Real-World Training due to inability to detect Hunter's state."

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Orin frowned staring at the message. His heart wasn't beating, yet he was alive. The system couldn't recognize him. He clenched his fists.

He ordered "Select: Real-World Training. Level One."