Monster Hunter Predator

The training room adjusted itself, shifting its layout to accommodate different exercises. Weightlifting stations lined one side, while a long 180-meter passage stretched out for sprint tests. In the corner, a gravity training zone pulsed with a low hum, its settings adjustable to increase resistance. A core energy testing station stood nearby, though it remained inactive. The reinforced punching bag and a punch machine were positioned at the center, both designed to handle immense force. Along the far wall, weapon racks gleamed under bright lights, filled with an array of blades, firearms, and experimental combat tools and more...

Orin stepped toward the punch machine, exhaling slowly. He planted his feet, clenched his fist, and let all his strength explode into the strike. Boom! The machine trembled slightly before emitting a robotic voice.

______________________________________________________

"Ding: New data recorded."

"Punch Power: 3600 units. Data has been synced with your personal ID watch."

______________________________________________________

He rolled his shoulder, satisfied but not entirely impressed. Turning to the weightlifting area, he positioned himself under a loaded bar, gripping it firmly. With a controlled breath, he lifted, muscles tensing under the strain.

A small display flickered to life, analyzing his performance before delivering a summary.

______________________________________________________

"Ding: New recorded. Max Weight Lifted: 250kg."

"Conclusion: Level 1 Hunter detected."

"Recommended Daily Training Plan for Level 1 Hunters:"

5 miles full-speed running

30 minutes of boxing

Weightlifting Plan - Level 1

______________________________________________________

Orin stared at the data on his watch, his silver eyes narrowing in thought. He wasn't aiming to remain at this level. But one thing he wanted to test was energy levels.

He stepped into the energy testing capsule, feeling a faint hum as the machine activated. A soft mechanical voice followed.

"Ding: Energy Levels—0."

"Ding: Deactivating energy-related training."

Instantly, every core energy training mechanism in the room vanished, fading into the walls or retracting into hidden compartments. In their place, additional physical training equipment deployed—more weightlifting stations, reinforced punching targets, and new endurance-testing mechanisms. The change was immediate and unmistakable.

Orin exhaled sharply, gripping his wrist as he processed what just happened. "Seren, what does this mean?"

The AI assistant responded without hesitation. "You have a special physical condition. Without a core, there is no energy. Core energy training is useless for you. However, your physical strength is slightly stronger than the average Earthling. It is recommended to follow the assigned physical training plan for your safety."

Orin's expression hardened. "Are you telling me to forget about becoming a hunter?"

Seren's voice remained neutral. "Lacking a core means you are classified as an Earthling. Your physical capabilities place you at entry-level hunter status, but without a core, there is no chance of developing special abilities required for survival in the wilderness."

Orin clenched his fists. "What if I have the ability to regenerate from deadly injuries?"

A brief pause. Then the AI replied, "That ability is not recorded in the Monster Hunter database. However, if your body is capable of rapid regeneration, it suggests you possess enhanced physical attributes. This would allow you to recover quickly from physical training, meaning your growth rate could exceed normal limits. Intense training breaks the body, and with accelerated recovery, you would experience faster results. It is possible to level up as a hunter."

Orin's heart pounded. So I can still get stronger? His grip tightened as determination filled his eyes. Then I'll make up for everything with sheer strength.

threw himself into the new training plan the AI had generated for him—a regimen far more brutal than before. His feet pounded again a running machine the size of a room, pushing himself to full speed, sweat dripping down his face as he forced his body beyond its limits. Every step burned, every muscle screamed for rest, but he refused to slow down. His breath came in ragged gasps, his vision blurred slightly, but he pushed harder.

When the running was done, he staggered to the boxing station. The reinforced punching bag stood firm, waiting. He clenched his fists and drove them into the dense material, each strike harder than the last. His knuckles throbbed, the repeated impact sending sharp jolts of pain up his arms, but he welcomed it. Faster. Stronger. He moved with relentless aggression, sweat and pain mixing into a singular drive to push forward.

Next was the fast-response training. Red lights flashed unpredictably, and he had to react instantly, dodging, blocking, striking—each movement sharper, quicker, fueled by raw instinct. His body was growing sluggish, exhaustion creeping in, but he didn't stop. Every missed reaction sent a small electric shock through him, forcing him to stay alert.

Then came the weightlifting. He positioned himself under the heavy bar, gripping it tightly. He gritted his teeth and heaved. 300 kilograms. His arms trembled, veins bulging as he lifted, locking his elbows, forcing his muscles to comply. The moment he dropped the weight back onto the rack, he felt something inside him burn—an unrelenting hunger gnawing at his insides.

Five hours passed. His body was beyond exhaustion, but something else had changed. His breathing had deepened, his skin was covered in sweat, and his vision seemed sharper despite the fatigue. He felt hungry. But this wasn't normal hunger—it was something deeper, something urgent. His stomach twisted painfully, demanding food. He wiped his forehead, looking down at his trembling hands.

His reflection in the nearby panel caught his attention—his eyes had turned red.

"Hey, Seren... why am I so hungry?" His voice came out hoarse.

The AI responded immediately. "Your body is undergoing accelerated physical adaptation. Due to intense muscle breakdown and the rapid recovery process, you are consuming more energy than a normal hunter at your level. Your regenerative ability is enhancing the effects of training, but it comes at a cost—your body requires significantly more nutrients to sustain itself."

Orin exhaled sharply, rubbing his stomach. "So I just need to eat more?"

"Correct. Without sufficient nutrients, your body will begin consuming itself to fuel regeneration. It is recommended you eat immediately."

He didn't need to hear more. He marched straight to the kitchen, his hunger driving him forward like an instinctual force. The kitchen was sleek, futuristic, equipped with the best technology. The metallic counters gleamed under soft neon lights, and an automatic cooking system stood ready at his command. Multiple storage units lined the walls, each compartment labeled with different food categories.

But his focus was on the fridge.

A massive, reinforced steel door slid open the moment he approached. The moment it did, a mechanical voice greeted him. "Welcome to the Hunter's Fridge! What would y—"

"Shut up, I'm hungry." He cut it off, stepping inside.

The inside was stocked with every type of food imaginable, but Orin didn't waste time. He grabbed raw meat—thick, red cuts—and bit into them without hesitation. The taste was rich, the blood still fresh, but he didn't care. His body demanded food, and he gave it what it needed. Bite after bite, he devoured three kilograms of meat within half an hour.

Yet, the hunger didn't fade.

His breathing had slowed, his body recovering quickly, but the gnawing emptiness in his stomach remained. He wiped his mouth, frowning. "Seren, why am I still hungry?"

The AI responded, "The meat you consumed is regular animal meat—nutrient-rich but insufficient for a special hunter of your level. It is recommended you consume Level 1 Beast Meat, as it contains the necessary elements to fully restore your energy."

Orin froze mid-bite. The realization hit him like a shockwave. Beast meat?

He set down the remaining scraps and turned toward the special storage unit labeled HUNTER SUPPLY. Inside were vacuum-sealed portions of monster flesh—thicker, darker, and radiating a faint energy. He grabbed a portion and sank his teeth into it. The moment he swallowed, a strange warmth spread through his body. The hunger eased almost instantly.

As he continued chewing, something the AI had said earlier replayed in his mind. "Special Hunter level?"

Seren acknowledged the question. "Yes. Hunter levels range from Level 1 to Level 10. Currently, there are no recorded Level 10 hunters. However, there exists a special category known as 'S Hunters.' These individuals can be at any level between 1 and 10 but possess unique traits that set them apart from standard hunters."

Orin paused mid-chew, his brows furrowing. "What's so special about Level 1?"

Seren continued, "Certain hunters are born with rare traits that make them highly efficient in combat, survival, or other specialized skills. For example, the famous hunter 'Blaze'—a title officially recognized by the Monster Hunter Union. He is classified as an 'S Hunter' at Level 8, meaning he surpasses all standard Level 8 hunters. His recorded ability is his control over fire Energy—his attacks are comparable to a nuclear explosion."

Orin suddenly choked on his food. He coughed violently, hitting his chest as the information sank in.

A nuclear explosion? His eyes were wide. What kind of monsters are we talking about?