Monster Hunter Predator

Orin stepped into the examination room. It was vast and empty, the only movement coming from the laser mechanisms scanning him from different angles. His sharp silver-gray eyes scanned the surroundings. No one was here. He had expected instructors or at least some form of guidance, but the silence made him uneasy.

Unbeknownst to him, people were watching.

Inside a high-tech monitoring room filled with screens and equipment, a young woman sat in front of an advanced computer, her fingers moving rapidly over the controls. She had short black hair tied up in a ponytail, clear-cut features, and sharp, observant eyes. The two-star silver badge on her uniform indicated her rank, yet even she was taken aback by what she saw on the screen.

"Quick, call the supervisor!" she shouted, her voice urgent.

Behind her, a middle-aged man with short graying hair, wearing a similar two-star silver badge, turned to her in confusion. The hunter examination process was highly advanced, automated to perfection. Why would they need the supervisor?

Moments later, a tall woman entered the room, exuding authority. Her long silver hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes were sharp as a blade. Unlike the others, her badge gleamed gold with a single star. She was a Level 7 Hunter.

"What's going on?" she asked, glancing at the screen.

The young woman pointed at the monitor.

________________________________________

WARNING: UNKNOWN OBJECT DETECTED

ERROR: UNABLE TO DETECT VITALS

ERROR: UNABLE TO DETECT ENERGY CORE

________________________________________

The supervisor's brows furrowed. "Impossible," she muttered.

The technology used in hunter examinations was the most advanced in human civilization, developed to read and analyze even the most powerful innate hunters. And yet, it failed to detect this boy?

"Show me the examination room," she ordered.

The screen switched, revealing Orin standing there with his arms crossed, looking around impatiently. He was real. He was there. But for some reason, the system couldn't recognize him.

The three of them exchanged looks, shock evident on their faces.

"I guess this one will be tested the old way," the supervisor finally said. "I'll leave this to you."

The middle-aged man nodded and left the room.

Orin was growing restless when the doors slid open, and the man walked in. His presence was calm yet commanding.

"My name is Benet," he said. "I will be conducting your examination personally. Attack me with all your strength."

Orin cracked his knuckles. "Are you sure?"

Benet nodded. "Don't hold back."

Without hesitation, Orin took a deep breath, his muscles compressing, his body hardening like tempered steel. His feet dug into the ground, and in an instant, he launched forward, fist swinging with full force. The air around his punch cracked as he drove it toward Benet.

Benet activated his Level 3 energy shield, a translucent barrier forming in front of him.

Boom!

The shield shattered instantly, and the punch stopped only centimeters from Benet's stomach.

Orin staggered back, his arm twisted unnaturally from the force. He frowned, flexing his fingers. His bones were clearly broken, but no pain registered.

Benet looked at his own hand. The shockwave from the punch had numbed it. He grinned.

"Nice punch. You broke a Level 3 shield. You pass the first test."

Orin didn't look satisfied. "What's next?"

Benet's smile faded. "Now, I need to see your energy manipulation."

Orin scratched the back of his head. "I can't use energy."

Benet studied him for a moment before sighing. "That limits your options, but based on your raw strength alone, you qualify as a Level 2 Hunter."

Orin nodded. That was expected.

Benet gestured toward the far wall. A door slid open, revealing a corridor leading to another section. The words THIRD TEST were displayed in bold letters.

"Follow me," Benet said.

The next room was massive, filled with other applicants under different banners. Young men and women stood in groups of twos and threes, whispering about the upcoming test. Some were tense, others excited.

"Is everyone here?" Benet asked. "Let's not waste time."

They entered elevators that led to the rooftop, where a massive airship hovered above. One by one, the hunters boarded.

Inside, the airship was state-of-the-art. Sleek metal walls, reinforced glass windows, and holographic displays showing real-time maps of the hunting grounds. Large seats lined the walls, and weapons were stored in locked compartments.

A man stood at the front of the ship, arms crossed. He was middle-aged, with a scar running down his cheek. His one-star golden badge signified his high rank.

"Welcome everyone," he said. "The final test will take place in a controlled monster-hunting zone."

Murmurs filled the air.

"Everyone's under different banners possessing different professions. You will face monsters from Level one to three. Higher-ranked hunters will oversee the exam to ensure safety."

"Do we have to work in teams?" someone asked.

The man smirked. "That's up to you. Teamwork isn't mandatory, but it's recommended, not everyone here has fighting abilities so it'd be better to cooperate. This test doesn't determine your rank, but it helps us evaluate your real-world capabilities."

As he continued explaining, Benet's gaze shifted to Orin.

His hand… it's already healed?

Benet narrowed his eyes. Orin didn't seem to have used any healing potions. The only ones capable of using that kind of expansive of potions were high-level innate hunters as life saving means.

Orin, however, wasn't concerned about anything but the upcoming hunt.

Finally. Real combat.

Even if this test didn't affect his rank, this was a golden opportunity to experience real battle and he couldn't wait.

The airship finally descended, its engines humming as it hovered above the landing platform of a massive military base. The base was heavily fortified but only equipped with Level 2 and lower military technology. Towering metal walls surrounded the perimeter, reinforced with automatic turrets and energy barriers. Watchtowers stood at each corner, scanning the surroundings with outdated but still effective sensors. Large mechanical gates marked the entrance, flanked by steel-plated guard posts.

Inside, the base was purely functional gray steel structures, barracks, weapon storage units, and training grounds stretched across the landscape. There were no advanced war machines or high-tech weaponry; everything was standard military gear designed for lower-ranked hunters. The most advanced feature was the massive holographic map at the center of the base, displaying the terrain and monster zones in real time.

As the airship doors opened, the hunters stepped out one by one, their boots clanking against the reinforced metal floor. A cold wind blew through the base, carrying the distant scent of blood and steel. The entire place was eerily silent, devoid of personnel.

Then, suddenly, a bright green light flickered in the middle of the courtyard. A projection materialized, revealing a thin old man with wild white hair standing on end. His green robe swayed slightly despite the absence of wind, and the two-star golden badge on his chest glowed faintly. His sharp eyes, filled with wisdom and experience, scanned the group.

"Welcome to the Monster Hunter Fortress," his voice boomed, echoing across the silent base. "This is the final examination. Your task is simple. wipe out every monster in the designated hunting zone. Only then will you be considered qualified."

The hunters exchanged glances, some excited, others tense.

"How long this takes depends entirely on your strength," the old man continued, his voice firm but laced with amusement. "Survive, hunt, and prove yourself."

Without another word, his projection flickered and vanished.