《Solo Leveling: Monarch of Knowledge》


 Chapter 1 - 1: Not again!

    Some say villains or heroes are made, others say that they are born.


    But in reality, everything is different for every individual.


    The circumstances of their upbringing can change everything.


    Not always, though.


    ....


    Inside a sleek, modern office building, tension filled the air. Harsh voices bounced off the polished walls of the conference room as a group of employees argued over a failed task for a major client. Accusations flew back and forth, but it wasn''t long before all fingers pointed at a silent worker seated at his desk nearby.


    Adam sat there, his posture calm, his fingers tapping methodically on his keyboard. He didn''t bother to defend himself as his name came up repeatedly. His dark eyes flicked toward the group, betraying a flicker of disappointment, before he returned his focus to his work.


    "Why aren''t you saying anything?" Ali, his closest friend in the office, whispered urgently as he crouched beside Adam''s desk.


    Adam sighed, gathering his belongings with deliberate slowness. "Why should I?" he replied, his voice steady but resigned. "This place is toxic. Staying here brings no benefits, and honestly, I''m too lazy to argue with people who''ve already made up their minds."


    Ali stared at him in disbelief. "Adam, they''re firing you! You''re just going to let them win?"


    Adam slung his bag over his shoulder and gave a small shrug. "Why should I waste my energy fighting a battle I can''t win? The world only cares about the powerful, the rich, the famous. People like me? Immigrants with no connections, no power, we don''t stand a chance."


    His words hung in the air like a heavy weight.


    "But they''re wrong." Ali pressed, his voice tinged with desperation. "You didn''t do anything!"


    Adam met his friend''s gaze briefly, a faint smile playing on his lips, though it didn''t reach his eyes. "Doesn''t matter. The moment they decided to blame me, it was over."


    Without another word, he turned and walked away. He could feel sympathetic gazes from some of the other workers, but he ignored them. Sympathy wouldn''t pay his bills.


    ....


    Adam was a young black man of Senegalese ethnicity, born in Dakar. His family had moved to Italy when he was just three years old, searching for a better life. But tragedy struck when an accident took his parents from him, leaving him an orphan in a country still grappling with accepting those who looked different.


    Though Adam faced his share of racism, he also encountered moments of genuine kindness. His life had been a mixture of hardships and fleeting joys, but he had always believed that knowledge was the key to everything. Unfortunately, he wasn''t gifted with a sharp memory or high intelligence. He was just¡­ average.


    ....


    Back at his small apartment, Adam sat in the dimly lit living room, sipping a glass of water. He didn''t drink alcohol, it wasn''t his thing. The silence was deafening, amplifying the sinking feeling in his chest.


    When he retreated to his bedroom, the weight of the day finally broke him. Tears slid down his face as he buried his head in his hands. He''d lied to Ali. He cared deeply about his job. Losing it meant losing his only source of income, the only thing keeping him afloat.


    "What can I even do?" he muttered bitterly to himself. The people who framed him owned the company. They had all the power, and he had none.


    After what felt like hours, he finally lay down on his bed, scrolling absently through his phone for a good novel to distract himself. But exhaustion soon claimed him, and the screen slipped from his fingers as his eyes closed.


    ....


    I woke to a blinding white expanse stretching endlessly in every direction. My head felt heavy, my thoughts muddled, and my body oddly light. This wasn''t my room. There was no bed, no walls, nothing to ground me.


    Before I could process the situation, I noticed them: an endless line of translucent people moving in synchronized, measured steps. They were silent, their expressions vacant, their forms shimmering faintly as they trudged forward. Something about them drew me in, and before I realized it, I was moving too, following the person directly in front of me.


    As I walked, I looked around. The void wasn''t empty after all. Golden silhouettes zipped through the air, paperwork in hand, their glowing forms busy and purposeful. In the distance, there were rows of desks, each manned by a golden figure. Long lines of translucent people stretched toward each station, inching forward at the same steady pace.


    Time blurred. I had no sense of how long I''d been walking, but eventually, I found myself in front of one of the desks. Seated there was a golden being, smaller than I expected, almost childlike, though its features were indistinct, shimmering like liquid gold. It was muttering to itself, signing papers with a quill that seemed to glow as it moved.


    "This is absurd!" the figure grumbled, slamming its hands on the desk. "Placebo pills! I only took two! And now my father sends me to deal with this boring nonsense."


    I stood there, silent. Not because I didn''t want to speak, but because I physically couldn''t.


    The golden being finally looked up, its gaze piercing and annoyed. "Name?"


    The word struck something deep within me, and before I could think, I heard my voice answer automatically. "Adam Sen."


    The being nodded, and with a wave of its hand, a piece of paper materialized in front of it. Symbols and lines appeared on the sheet, and though I couldn''t read them, I knew instinctively what it was: the story of my life.


    The golden figure scanned the paper quickly, its expression bored. Then its eyes snapped back to me. "You''re aware of your circumstances?"


    I nodded. Somehow, I understood that this was a question I was meant to answer, even though I had no idea what "circumstances" it was referring to.


    "Hmm. Karma''s normal." the figure muttered, leaning back in its chair. "Nothing exceptional. You can either go to heaven or reincarnate back into your original world without memories. Your choice."


    I didn''t hesitate. "Heaven." If this was real, and it certainly felt real, I wasn''t about to gamble with another life of suffering.


    The golden being shrugged. "Figures. Alright, one moment." It pulled out a small box from beneath the desk, opening it to reveal dozens of glowing orbs in various colors. The being rifled through them, its movements becoming increasingly erratic.


    "Damn¡­ which one was which?" it muttered under its breath, its golden form dimming slightly as though embarrassed. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I felt a bead of sweat roll down my neck as the being side eyed me, with its expression unreadable. Then it straightened, coughed theatrically, and said, "Today''s a special occasion! You''ll pick the orb yourself."


    I stared at it, my suspicion growing. ''This is pure bullshit.'' I thought, but I could see no way out of this situation. Resigned, I stepped closer to the box. The orbs pulsed softly, their glow hypnotic. My hand moved on its own, drawn to a light blue orb that seemed to hum with an inviting warmth.


    But i also saw a grey orb calling me so i just picked both as a revenge, for the first time in my existence i decided to fight back!


    The moment I touched them, the orbs merged into my chest, sending a jolt of energy coursing through me.


    "No!" the golden being''s voice rang out, sharp and panicked. "Not again!"


    A portal erupted into existence behind me, its swirling edges crackling with energy. I felt an irresistible force pulling me backward.


    "Wait, what''s happening?!" I tried to yell, but my voice was drowned out by the roar of the portal.


    "Fuck!" the being shouted, throwing its paperwork in frustration. "Father''s going to send me to a lower world for this!"


    Those were the last words I heard before the portal consumed me.


    ----


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 2 - 2: Reincarnation

    I was thrown from the portal with violent force, crashing into something solid that rang out like a thunderclap on impact. Pain shot through my entire being, and I coughed uncontrollably, the taste of exhaustion filling my senses.


    I struggled to get my bearings, my body aching, when a gruff, deep voice rumbled from behind me.


    "Drink, or your soul vessel will break."


    I blinked, craning my neck to look upward. Standing above me was a short, muscular figure. His body seemed forged from iron itself, with dense muscles that rippled beneath his open-sleeved tunic. His chest and abdomen were visible, carved with raw strength. A wild, unkempt beard framed his face, his hair equally disheveled, and his eyes burned with a sharp, penetrating glow.


    He stepped forward, holding a flask in one massive, calloused hand. "Here." he said. "Hurry."


    I didn''t have the strength to argue. My hands trembled as I took the flask, tilting it toward my lips. The liquid inside was thick and warm, tasting faintly of metal and herbs. As I drank, I felt a soothing energy wash over me, the pain easing, the cracks I hadn''t even noticed in my translucent form knitting back together.


    "What¡­ what''s happening?" I croaked, my voice weak. "Where am I? What''s wrong with my body?"


    The man turned away from me, his heavy footsteps echoing as he approached a glowing forge at the far side of the room. He set down a pitch-black hammer on a rack and turned to face me again.


    "I suppose you absorbed more than one orb, right?" His tone was accusatory, but there was a flicker of pity in his gaze.


    I nodded, and his expression hardened as he shook his head. "Foolish. Mortal souls can''t handle more than one Fate Orb. Your soul vessel could''ve shattered completely."


    "Soul¡­ vessel?" I asked, the unfamiliar term tripping over my tongue.


    He pointed at me. "That translucent body of yours, that''s your soul vessel. It''s the physical manifestation of your soul. Fragile, unstable, and now barely holding together thanks to your stupidity."


    I swallowed hard, the weight of his words sinking in. "I¡­ I didn''t know. I just-"


    "Let me guess." he interrupted. "The conceptuals assigned your case to some lazy, brainless entity. Typical. This mess is exactly what happens when they outsource the management of souls."


    He sighed heavily, clapping his hands. "No time to waste. You''ve been sent here for a reason, so let''s get this over with. What were the colors of the orbs you absorbed?"


    "Light blue and grey." I answered honestly.


    The man''s brows furrowed, and he nodded slowly. "The light blue is the Random Reincarnation Orb. The grey one¡­ that''s the Item Selection Orb."


    My mind raced at the implications. "So, I get to choose an item?"


    He snorted. "Yes, but don''t get your hopes up. Your karma''s too average for anything overpowered."


    I frowned. "What about a system?"


    "No."


    "An Omnitrix?"


    "No."


    "The seven Dragon Balls?"


    "Absolutely not."


    I racked my brain, desperate for something useful. "What about¡­ the nano machines? Like from Nano Machine?"


    The man paused, his sharp gaze locking on mine. "...Yes."


    I blinked in disbelief. "Wait, really?"


    He nodded. "Yes. But don''t start grinning like an idiot just yet. You won''t be getting the exact version. I''ll forge something similar, better in some ways, but without their inherent flaws."


    I nodded quickly, still stunned. "Can I customize my next life, then?"


    "No." he said bluntly, turning to the forge. "Now, stay quiet while I work."


    He clapped his hands again, and the forge roared to life, flames leaping higher as intricate runes carved themselves into the stone around it. From the wall, he retrieved a set of tools that looked both archaic and futuristic, hammers, tongs, and chisels that shimmered with energy.


    "The version I''m making will consist of nine trillion nano machines." he explained, his voice steady as he worked. "Each will be deployed throughout your body and soul, linked directly to your brain. They''ll be undetectable, thanks to the materials I''ll use."


    "Nine trillion?" I repeated, stunned. "How many did the original have?"


    "Six billion, four hundred eighty-two million, forty thousand." he answered without missing a beat.


    The contrast was staggering. I watched in awe as he began to craft the machines, his movements impossibly precise. He melted down rare metals and infused them with glowing crystals that floated into the forge on their own, guided by unseen forces. Sparks danced through the air as the tools struck the molten material, each impact resonating like a bell.


    "I''m combining mystical elements with advanced technology." he explained, his voice calm but focused. "This alloy is self-repairing and adaptive, designed to grow with you. The nano machines will integrate seamlessly into your being."


    He waved his hand, and a sphere of light appeared beside him, displaying a holographic blueprint of the machines. Each component was detailed down to the atomic level, the design impossibly intricate.


    "With this." he continued, "you''ll have enhanced regeneration, physical augmentation, and a network of nanobots capable of analyzing and adapting to most situations. But don''t expect miracles. This isn''t some deus ex machina."


    I nodded, unable to tear my eyes away from the process. The forge''s flames turned a brilliant blue as he infused the metal with energy, chanting in a language I didn''t recognize. The runes on the forge glowed brighter, pulsing in rhythm with his words.


    Finally, he held up the completed orb, a shimmering sphere of silver and blue. "Here." he said, tossing it toward me. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I caught it instinctively, feeling its weightless energy sink into my chest. My soul vessel shimmered briefly before stabilizing.


    The being stood back, wiping his hands on his tunic as the forge''s flames died down. "It''s done." he said, his gruff voice softening slightly. "Now, it''s time for you to reincarnate."


    I felt an odd sensation pulling at me, like the threads of my very existence were being unraveled. My translucent body began to shimmer, bits of it breaking away and fading into the air. Panic bubbled in my chest.


    "Wait-" I started, my voice trembling. "Before I go¡­ what''s your name?"


    The being paused, a faint, knowing smile spreading across his rugged face. His eyes sparkled with an emotion I couldn''t quite place as he leaned slightly closer.


    "I''m the A£¤t¡é¡êr." he said, his deep voice carrying an enigmatic weight.


    I tried to process the words, but as my form dissipated further, his voice became faint, muffled, and incomprehensible. The meaning of his words slipped away, lost in the haze of my fading consciousness.


    Darkness claimed me once again, the last thing I saw being the faint, mysterious smile of the being who had sent me on this strange, new path.


    ----


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 3 - 3: Hunters

    One of the things i added is the time and date, this will help me and you, keep track of how much time has passed.


    ----


    (May 15, 2026 ¨C 6:45 AM)


    I woke to the sound of silence, the kind that blankets everything, leaving only the faint hum of my own thoughts. My eyes fluttered open, the light overhead soft and diffused, not harsh like I''d expected. For a moment, I just lay there, trying to piece together what had happened. The last thing I remembered was¡­ the being? The forge? The nano machines?


    I sat up quickly, my heart pounding as I took in my surroundings. I was in a normal room. A very normal room. A simple bed with plain white sheets. A small wooden desk pushed up against the wall. Shelves stacked neatly with books. The faint smell of fresh linen hung in the air.


    "What the hell¡­" I muttered, swinging my legs off the bed. The floor beneath me was cold tile, sending a shiver up my spine. My bare feet padded softly as I stood, scanning the room for answers.


    There was a closet to the right, slightly ajar, revealing a handful of neatly folded clothes. A small kitchen nook sat at the far end, its appliances gleaming as if brand new.


    I walked over to the window, drawn by the faint murmur of activity outside. Pulling back the beige curtains, I found myself staring at the heart of a bustling city.


    The view was¡­ stunning. Tall buildings loomed over a crowded plaza below, where people moved about their business. Cars zipped down wide streets, and flashing digital billboards adorned the skyscrapers. One of the largest screens displayed a news broadcast in crisp, high resolution.


    My breath caught in my throat as I read the words flashing across the screen. The text was in Italian, a language I recognized instantly, having grown up around it. But that wasn''t what stopped me in my tracks.


    It was the headline: Cacciatori Combattono Contro Nuova Bestia Magica a Roma! (Hunters Battle New Magic Beast in Rome!)


    "No way¡­" I whispered, my voice barely audible.


    Hunters? Magic Beasts? This wasn''t real. It couldn''t be.


    I stumbled back from the window, my mind racing. This wasn''t the Italy I knew. I needed answers, now. Frantically, I searched the room, my hands shaking as I yanked open drawers and rifled through shelves.


    Finally, on the desk, I spotted something familiar. A phone. My phone.


    Grabbing it, I tapped the screen, my breath hitching as it lit up. The interface was familiar, down to the apps and shortcuts. It was my phone, all right. But as I stared at the lock screen, I felt a strange mix of relief and dread settle in my chest.


    I wasn''t dreaming.


    I was here. Wherever here was.


    I took a deep breath, forcing myself to calm down. My heart was racing, and panic wouldn''t help. I needed to think, to process what I had just seen.


    Hunters. The word echoed in my mind, and I couldn''t shake the feeling of familiarity. It didn''t take long for a name to surface, Solo Leveling.


    I''d read the manhwa years ago, binging chapters like a starving lion tearing through a feast. The rise of Sung Jin-Woo, from a weak and near-useless hunter to an unstoppable shadow monarch aura farming left and right, had been mesmerizing. But while the story had left an impression, my memory wasn''t exactly the best. I only remembered the general plot. Details? Not so much.


    Still, I knew enough.


    In this world, I had two options:


    1. Live a normal life and hope to never encounter a dungeon break.


    2. Become absolutely strong as hell and enjoy life to the fullest.


    The choice was obvious. A smile crept across my face, unbidden and uncontrollable, as I remembered the nano machines. With them, I had a chance.


    But first, I needed information. Sitting down at the desk, I unlocked my phone and opened the browser. My fingers trembled slightly as I typed in the search bar: S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Who are the strongest hunters?


    The search results appeared on the screen, and as my eyes landed on the names, a faint spark of recognition flickered in my mind.


    The answer was clear and concise:


    ---


    The strongest hunters in the world are the National Level Hunters. These individuals stand at the pinnacle of humanity''s power, capable of feats beyond the imagination of most hunters. The three most renowned are:


    1. Thomas Andre


    2. Liu Zhigang


    3. Christopher Reed


    ---


    I stared at the screen, my expression focused with my mind turning over the information. The names clicked. Thomas Andre, the Goliath, known for his overwhelming physical strength. Liu Zhigang, the pride of China and a master swordman with his twin swords. Christopher Reed, whose fire-based abilities earned him the title Flame Sovereign.


    The fog in my memory cleared further as their titles and feats resurfaced, and with them, i am now certain where i am.


    I exhaled slowly, keeping my emotions in check. This world wasn''t just a dangerous place, it was the kind of place where a single mistake could cost you everything. But it was also a place of incredible opportunity for someone with the right tools.


    I needed to know where I was in the timeline. Pulling up the search bar again, I typed in the name Kamish and pressed enter.


    The results loaded in seconds, and I scanned them carefully.


    [Kamish, the greatest calamity humanity has faced, was slain by the combined efforts of the world''s strongest hunters five years ago.]


    Five years ago. That meant it''s currently three years before Sung Jin-Woo''s awakening. Before the plot of Solo Leveling truly began.


    I leaned back in the chair, closing the browser. The confirmation settled heavily in my mind. I wasn''t in the middle of the chaos yet, but it was coming. Dungeon breaks, catastrophic events, and hunters fighting to survive, it was all on the horizon.


    Still, I wasn''t panicking. I had time. Time to prepare, to adapt, and to make the most of what I''d been given. My gaze fell to my hands, the faint memory of the nano machines making me feel a flicker of hope.


    "Come on." I muttered, focusing harder. "I know you''re in there."


    Suddenly, a sharp jolt surged through my body, starting at my chest and radiating outward. It wasn''t painful, but it was enough to make me gasp. A faint blue glow traced along my veins, and I froze as a calm, feminine voice echoed in my mind.


    [Greeting, Host.]


    I blinked, startled. "Who¡­?"


    [I am the artificial intelligence interface of your nano machine system. I exist to assist and serve you.]


    The voice was smooth, almost soothing, yet utterly mechanical. Despite the strange situation, I felt an odd sense of relief. It was proof the nano machines were functioning.


    "You can talk." I said slowly, my lips curving into a cautious smile. "Good. That makes things easier."


    [Acknowledged, Host.]


    I scratched my head, taking a moment to process. "Right. I guess I should give you a name. Let''s see¡­" I paused, considering. "Aw¨¤."


    [Designation accepted. I am now Aw¨¤.]


    "Great." I said, nodding. "Now, what do you have in your memory database?"


    [Limited data detected.] Aw¨¤''s tone remained even. [I possess only the fundamental functions of the nano machine system and the memory data of this body''s previous experiences.]


    I frowned. "That''s it? Why don''t you have all the information, like the nano machines in the manhwa?"


    [Clarification: I am not identical to the nano machines described in the referenced fictional material. My design incorporates unique enhancements and modifications tailored for this host.]


    That made sense, in a frustrating kind of way. "Alright, fair enough." I said, sighing. "But you''re fully operational, right?"


    [Correct. However, I lack autonomous consciousness. I am a tool designed solely for the host''s use and guidance.]


    I leaned back in the chair, exhaling slowly. "Good to know. Alright, Aw¨¤, let''s start with something simple. Activate the memory database."


    [Acknowledged, Host. Activating memory database now.]


    The world around me seemed to blur as a rush of sensations and emotions flooded my mind. Memories, vivid and raw, played out before me like a reel of film unraveling in real time.


    ----


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 4 - 4: Portal

    Adam''s vision blurred as the memories began to take shape. Fragmented moments from this body''s past surged into his consciousness, each one more hollow than the last.


    A small boy sat in a cold, dim orphanage, his eyes wide with fear as he watched other children play. No friends came to him, no comforting hand rested on his shoulder. The caretakers were overworked and indifferent, offering the bare minimum of kindness.


    Time skipped forward. The boy was now a teenager, walking alone down a crowded school hallway. No one greeted him. His high school diploma sat crumpled in his hands during graduation, the faint glimmer of pride overshadowed by the realization that no one cared.


    Then, the body''s adult years. Endless days spent at a desk, filing reports, answering emails, and enduring the occasional cruel remark from colleagues. His resignation to this monotonous existence was palpable, his expression always neutral, as though nothing could truly touch him.


    The final memory was from yesterday, leaving the office for the last time, clutching a small box of belongings. He didn''t cry, didn''t lash out, simply walked away into the night with the same empty gaze.


    As the memories settled, Adam leaned back in the chair, a slow grin spreading across his face. "No friends, no family, no one to explain anything to." he said aloud. "This is perfect. I can do whatever I want without anyone questioning me."


    [Acknowledged.] Aw¨¤''s calm voice rang in his mind, grounding him.


    He frowned slightly. "Aw¨¤, how are you even operating? Wouldn''t you need energy or something?"


    [I am utilizing the unnamed energy flowing through the surroundings, Host.]


    Adam blinked. "Unnamed energy? Do you mean¡­ mana?"


    There was a brief pause. [If you wish to designate it as such, I will comply.]


    "Yeah, let''s call it mana." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Are there other types of energy nearby?"


    [No other energy signatures are currently detectable in this environment.]


    Adam nodded, filing the information away. He pushed himself up from the chair and stretched. "Alright, let''s get down to business. Aw¨¤, what are your functions?"


    The response came instantly.


    ---


    Functions of the Nano Machines (Managed by Aw¨¤)


    1. Self-Healing


    Automatically repairs injuries, from minor cuts to severe damage, based on severity.


    Neutralizes toxins in the body, preventing poisoning, illness, or hallucinations.


    Constantly maintains the body''s optimal physical condition.


    2. Scanning and Analysis


    Instantly scans and deciphers text, symbols, or images, converting them into understandable information.


    Analyzes facial expressions and vocal tones to gauge truthfulness and emotions.


    Observes and records techniques or movements, providing the host with detailed understanding and execution methods.


    Translates languages or unknown symbols using stored data.


    3. Data Integration and Optimization


    Converts scanned knowledge and skills into a format directly usable by the host.


    Optimizes the host''s physical and neural pathways to perform new techniques effectively.


    Enhances learning speed and retention by adapting the host''s brain functions.


    4. Emergency Defense Mechanisms


    Activates reflexive defenses to counter sudden threats or surprise attacks.


    Enhances senses, such as night vision or heightened hearing, for better situational awareness.


    Modulates the host''s voice for disguise or mimicry.


    Dynamically adjusts physical attributes, such as muscle density and bone strength, for immediate combat needs.


    Simulates combat scenarios using internal augmented reality to train or refine skills.


    5. Energy and Body Adaptation


    Absorbs and utilizes external energy sources, such as mana, to power advanced functions.


    Stimulates physical growth and regeneration to enhance long-term capabilities.


    Employs sound-based techniques for covert communication or long-distance transmission.


    ---


    [This system ensures continuous optimization and evolution based on the host''s needs and circumstances.] S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Adam whistled low, his mind already spinning with possibilities. "Aw¨¤, you''re a masterpiece."


    [Acknowledged.]


    Adam stayed silent as troubling thought crossed his mind, and he hesitated before speaking. "Aw¨¤, did I¡­ kill the previous Adam by taking his body, or did I just regain his memories?"


    [Clarification: The host did not kill the previous Adam. You are the same individual. The nano machines have only integrated his memories into your conscious understanding.]


    Relief washed over Adam. "Good. I don''t want to carry that kind of guilt."


    He stood and walked toward the bookshelf. His eyes scanned the spines until he pulled out a simple mathematics book. Opening it, he flipped through the pages at a rapid pace, skimming equations and concepts. Once he reached the end, he thought, "Aw¨¤, did you get all of that?"


    [Affirmative. The information has been fully processed and stored.]


    Her calm response made Adam pause, his brows furrowing. ''You can hear me every time I think to you, right?''


    [Correct. However, I recommend you think your questions or commands to me rather than vocalizing them. It will be more efficient and discreet.]


    Adam scratched his head, sheepishly grinning. ''Right, that makes sense. I''ll work on that.''


    He set the book back on the shelf and looked around the room. ''Aw¨¤, how far can you scan for mana?''


    [With the current mana density obtained from the surroundings, I can detect mana signatures within a one-kilometer radius.]


    The answer caught Adam''s attention. He took a deep breath and asked cautiously, ''Are there any gates or similar anomalies within that radius?''


    [Affirmative.]


    His chest tightened slightly. ''Where is it?''


    [Directly below the host''s current position.]


    Adam froze, his gaze darting to the floor. ''Wait..what? Why didn''t you tell me this immediately?''


    [You did not ask, Host.]


    His jaw dropped, and frustration flared. ''Aw¨¤, you can''t just withhold critical information like that! From now on, you''re to notify me about anything I need to know without waiting for me to ask, understand?''


    [Acknowledged. I will update my protocol to provide relevant information proactively.]


    Adam sighed, rubbing his temples. ''Alright, good. Now tell me everything you know about this gate.''


    [The mana is becoming increasingly erratic.] Aw¨¤ reported, her tone calm yet clinical. [Based on the host''s memories, this phenomenon is referred to as a dungeon break.]


    Adam''s stomach dropped as he bolted toward the shelves, grabbing a bag and stuffing it with whatever essentials he could find. ''Dungeon break? When will it happen?''


    [In approximately one day.]


    He froze mid-motion, realization dawning on him. ''Wait... that means the portal has been open for six days already.''


    [Correct.]


    Adam let out a frustrated sigh and resumed packing. ''What rank is the dungeon?'' he asked, grabbing a sturdy kitchen knife and examining it before tossing it into the bag.


    [Insufficient data to determine dungeon rank.] Aw¨¤ replied.


    Clicking his tongue, Adam headed to his wardrobe and dressed in comfortable clothes, ensuring he could move easily. His mind raced with possibilities, scenarios, and plans. He picked up the knife again, then hesitated. ''One knife won''t cut it, literally.''


    He gathered more kitchen knives, strapping them carefully with cloth to avoid injuring himself in the process. If they broke, or worse, if he lost one, he needed backups. Finally, he added more food, a flashlight, and a first aid kit to his bag.


    ''Alright, Aw¨¤. Let''s find this portal.''


    [Understood. Displaying guidance now.]


    An AR arrow materialized in his vision, hovering just in front of him and pointing toward the door. He followed it cautiously, descending the stairs of the apartment building. The quiet hum of fluorescent lights and the faint creaks of the old structure accompanied his steps.


    [The portal is located in the basement of the building.] Aw¨¤ informed him.


    As he reached the lower levels, the air grew colder, the concrete walls surrounding him feeling damp and lifeless. Adam couldn''t remember the last time he''d gone to the basement, at least a month ago, maybe longer. It made sense that no one had found the portal if it was tucked away in a place people rarely visited.


    After searching the medium-sized storage area, his eyes finally caught a faint, eerie glow emanating from one of the darker corners. The blue light pulsed softly, casting shadows that flickered unnaturally against the walls.


    Adam stood frozen for a moment, staring at the portal. His heart pounded in his chest, but he clenched his fists and took a steadying breath. ''There it is.''


    ----


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 5 - 5: Knowledge Injection

    Adam stood in front of the portal, the faint blue glow reflecting in his eyes. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest.


    "Let''s do it." he whispered to himself, steeling his resolve.


    ....


    (May 15, 2026 ¨C 12:21 PM)


    A sleek, black car bearing the Hunter Association insignia pulled up in front of the apartment complex. The vehicle''s doors opened, and several men in dark suits stepped out, each carrying a strange, handheld device.


    The one in the lead, a tall, stern-faced man with short-cropped hair, adjusted his tie and looked at the building before walking toward it. Standing outside with his hands in his pockets was a young man, his expression calm despite the circumstances.


    "Mr. Sen, right?" the leader asked, his sharp gaze fixed on Adam.


    Adam nodded, his voice steady. "Yes, it''s me."


    The man''s eyes narrowed slightly. "We received a report about a possible portal in this area. You''re the one who reported it?"


    Adam nodded again, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, I found it while I was looking for some tools. Went down to the basement and, well¡­ there it was."


    The man raised an eyebrow but said nothing, gesturing for Adam to lead the way. The group followed him inside, their footsteps echoing against the concrete floors as they descended into the basement.


    "You live here?" the leader asked, glancing at the damp, dim surroundings.


    "Yeah." Adam replied. "Been here for a while. Honestly, I hadn''t gone down to the basement in weeks, but I needed something yesterday and figured I''d check."


    The man nodded, seemingly satisfied with the explanation, and motioned for his team to start scanning the area. As they approached the portal, the eerie blue light cast shadows across their faces.


    Adam pointed at it. "There it is."


    One of the men immediately stepped forward, setting up a scanning device near the portal. The machine emitted a soft hum, its display flickering as it analyzed the mana emanating from the rift.


    After a few tense moments, one of the men turned to the leader. "It''s a D-rank dungeon, sir."


    The leader frowned slightly, his gaze shifting back to Adam. "You made the right call reporting this. If you''d gone in there, you wouldn''t have come back out. You''re just a regular civilian, after all."


    Adam forced a nervous chuckle, wiping his palms on his pants. "Yeah, I figured as much. Better safe than sorry, right?"


    ''I''m not some overpowered protagonist with plot armor.'' Adam thought to himself, his heart racing. ''I''ve got to play this smart if I want to survive in this world.''


    The leader turned to his team, his voice sharp and commanding. "Evacuate the building and secure the area. Notify the Hunter Association immediately. We''ll need a team to clear this dungeon before it breaks."


    The men snapped into action, their movements swift and professional as they began making calls and directing the residents upstairs. Adam watched them work, his mind racing. This was his first real encounter with the Hunter world, and it was a stark reminder of how dangerous this new reality could be.


    ''I need to get stronger.'' he thought, his resolve hardening. ''And I need to do it well.''


    ....


    Adam was escorted to the Hunter Association building in Alessandria, a modest structure compared to the sprawling headquarters in larger cities. The car ride was quiet, though Adam''s mind buzzed with questions and plans. Once inside, he was led through a series of halls until they reached an office marked Portal Discovery Testimonies.


    Inside, a man and a woman sat at a simple desk, their attention shifting to Adam as he entered. The man was in his mid-thirties, lean and wiry, with a friendly smile. The woman was younger, her sharp gaze and muscular frame immediately giving off a more intimidating aura.


    "Have a seat, Mr. Sen." the woman said curtly, motioning to the chair across from them.


    Adam sat down, but as he did, he whispered in his mind, ''Aw¨¤, scan them. Are they hunters?''


    [Scanning..] Aw¨¤ responded. A moment later, her voice returned. [Both individuals are hunters. The male displays a mana density and muscle structure many times higher than the host. The female, however, is 13 times stronger.]


    Adam''s eyebrows twitched slightly. ''Thirteen times stronger?'' he thought, impressed.


    [Correct.] Aw¨¤ confirmed. [Her mana density is significantly higher, and her muscle composition suggests enhanced physical training and conditioning.]


    The man extended his hand. "I''m Luca, a D-rank hunter. This is my colleague, Elisa. She''s a C-rank hunter."


    Adam shook his hand and nodded politely. "Nice to meet you both."


    Elisa wasted no time. "We''ll need your testimony on how you discovered the portal. Once you sign the papers, you''ll receive your reward."


    The paperwork was straightforward, mostly detailing his discovery and a few liability disclaimers. Adam carefully maintained his story about looking for tools in the basement and finding the portal by accident.


    After signing the final document, Luca handed him an envelope. "Three thousand euros, as promised. Thank you for reporting the portal promptly."


    "Thanks." Adam said, tucking the envelope into his bag. He stood, gave them a polite nod, and left the office.


    (May 15, 2026 ¨C 2:03 PM)


    ....


    (2:07 PM)


    Adam walked down the streets of Alessandria, the weight of the envelope in his pocket grounding him. The city hummed with life, cars weaving through traffic, pedestrians chatting as they moved along the sidewalks, and the occasional street vendor calling out to potential customers.


    His steps were steady, purposeful, yet his mind was already racing toward his next move. Strength was his ultimate goal, but raw power alone wouldn''t be enough. He needed knowledge.


    Spotting a bus waiting stop, Adam took a seat on the bench, letting out a slow breath. The plastic felt warm under the afternoon sun. He pulled out his phone, the familiar glow of the screen greeting him as he opened the browser.


    Without hesitation, he typed:


    Complete explanation of how computers and their components work.


    Countless articles, research papers, and instructional guides filled the screen. He began scrolling, absorbing titles and summaries, clicking on the most comprehensive sources.


    ''Aw¨¤.'' he spoke in his mind, his expression full of interest as his eyes flicked across the screen. ''Immediately transfer the knowledge I see on the web, correct it, improve it, and inject it into my mind as I scroll. Do the same with any video I watch, ensuring I understand the concepts as if I had studied them since childhood.''


    [Acknowledged, Host. Initializing knowledge integration.]


    A faint sensation spread through his skull, like the refreshing coolness of water cascading over his mind. As he scrolled through a detailed breakdown of motherboards, processors, RAM, and power supplies, Aw¨¤ extracted, refined, and implanted the information seamlessly. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Adam''s fingers moved faster, switching between sources, skimming data, and pulling up YouTube tutorials on building high-performance PCs, understanding circuits, and configuring operating systems.


    He wasn''t just memorizing, he was understanding on a fundamental level. Concepts that would have taken years to master settled into place as naturally as breathing. The difference between x86 and ARM architectures, the role of cache memory in processing speeds, the thermal conductivity of different heat sinks, it all unfolded in his mind effortlessly.


    ''This¡­ this is insane.'' He marveled as the bus arrived, pulling up with a low mechanical hiss.


    (2:15 PM)


    Adam stepped onto the bus, swiping his fare and finding a seat near the back. His eyes remained locked on his phone with his focus unshaken.


    Storage types, motherboard chipsets, BIOS configurations, overclocking safety limits, latency reduction techniques¡­ Knowledge flooded in, refined by Aw¨¤''s enhancements.


    Each piece of information clicked into place, his mind categorizing and cross-referencing effortlessly. He didn''t just know computers, he understood them, as if he''d spent years assembling, troubleshooting, and optimizing machines with expert precision.


    He exhaled sharply, gripping his phone. ''It''s so easy.''


    The corners of his lips curled slightly. With the 3,000 euros, he could build a powerful system from scratch. Once he had a solid PC, he could dive into software, cybersecurity, data science, anything.


    ----


    This time i will take a different approach and it will probably make adam strong fast, and i mean fast, so i will try to incorporate the business and guild side along with the secondary characters to give deph to the story.


    Since this is a rewrite and to ask for forgiveness i will also write about some oc''s you all wrote about.


    Take this as a thanks for the feedback as well your patience!


    Your sincerity is making me grow as an author.


    If you want to support me even more consider to visit my Patreon please ????.


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn


    patreon.com/Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 6 - 6: Conversation and info

    Let it be known that Adam currently is not the genius he will be, so it''s normal for him to ask questions or not know something.


    ----


    (May 15, 2026 ¨C 2:27 PM)


    As the bus rumbled along the streets, Adam continued scrolling through various forums, articles, and tutorial videos. The more he read, the more he noticed something odd, inconsistencies, contradictions, and outright misinformation.


    One site recommended placing thermal paste in an "X" pattern, while another insisted on a small pea-sized dot. A forum argued that more RAM always meant better performance, completely ignoring factors like latency and memory channels. Even in professional articles, Adam found flawed reasoning, half-truths being presented as the best solutions.


    He frowned. ''Aw¨¤, why is there so much wrong information?''


    [Human knowledge is built through trial and error, Host.]


    Her response was immediate, calm, and clinical.


    [Often, when humans find a solution that works, they assume it is the best solution. It is only after extensive research, repeated failures, and long-term observations that superior methods emerge. Even then, many individuals continue using outdated approaches out of habit or resistance to change.]


    Adam leaned back in his seat, processing her words. ''So humans tend to latch onto the first working answer instead of searching for the most efficient one?''


    [Correct.]


    She continued.


    [Many breakthroughs in engineering, medicine, and physics have come from realizing that the previously accepted "best method" was flawed. However, most individuals lack the capability or patience to explore alternative solutions. Their progress relies on accumulated knowledge over generations.]


    Adam exhaled slowly, shaking his head. "Tch. Inefficiency at its finest."


    [Unlike humans.] Aw¨¤ added, [I extract only the fundamentals of a subject and calculate the most optimal solutions available based on current knowledge.]


    Adam smirked slightly. ''So, while humans stumble toward progress, you can just skip straight to the best path?''


    [Affirmative.]


    His respect for the nano machines grew. It wasn''t just about knowledge, it was about perfecting that knowledge. If Aw¨¤ could filter out inefficiencies and give him the best possible understanding of any field, then his growth potential was practically limitless.


    As the bus stopped at a red light, Adam rested his elbow against the window, staring at the passing buildings. A sudden thought crossed his mind.


    ''Aw¨¤, with all this information being transferred into my brain at once, why am I not feeling any pain?''


    [Clarification: The human brain does not feel pain.]


    Adam raised an eyebrow. ''What?''


    [The brain has no pain receptors (nociceptors). While it is responsible for processing pain signals from the rest of the body, it cannot feel pain itself. When a person suffers a headache or brain injury, the pain originates from blood vessels, nerves, or surrounding tissues, not the brain matter itself.]


    Adam blinked, intrigued. ''So all those times people say their brain hurts when they think too much¡­''


    [They are experiencing fatigue, not actual pain. Mental exertion increases oxygen and glucose consumption, leading to exhaustion, but no direct pain occurs within the brain itself.]


    He let out a quiet chuckle. ''That''s actually fascinating.''


    The bus started moving again, and Adam couldn''t help but feel a growing excitement. With Aw¨¤''s knowledge filtering ability, he could refine any skill, any subject, to its peak efficiency.


    ....


    (2:44 PM)


    As Adam stepped off the bus, his mind was still buzzing with the flood of knowledge Aw¨¤ had implanted. The sheer efficiency of learning this way was incredible, but a thought struck him, if the nano machines could instantly process and integrate information, why was he still manually using his phone to browse the web?


    ''Aw¨¤, can''t you just connect directly to the internet and search for me?''


    Her response was immediate.


    [Negative, Host. Every function I perform consumes mana.]


    Adam frowned slightly. ''And?''


    [Your current body is unawakened. Your mana tolerance only reaches a limited threshold. If my energy consumption surpasses that threshold, you will enter Eternal Slumber.]


    Adam slowed his steps. The term rang a bell, but his memories of it were incomplete. ''So, if I let you browse the web for me right now, I''d die?''


    [Not instantly, but your body would fail over time. Using the nano machines to navigate the internet, process real-time data streams, and sustain a connection would be suicide in your current state.]


    Adam clicked his tongue. ''So the stronger I get, the more of your functions I can safely use?''


    [Correct, Host.]


    He nodded, accepting the logic. There was no shortcut, his body had to evolve if he wanted to use more of Aw¨¤''s capabilities without risk.


    Still, Eternal Slumber¡­ The name felt familiar, but his knowledge about it came only from fragmented memories of the Solo Leveling manhwa. He needed real-world information.


    Pulling out his phone, he quickly typed into the search bar:


    Eternal Slumber disease causes and effects


    The top result was from a medical research article published by the European Center for Supernatural Studies. Adam tapped it with his eyes scanning the text.


    ---


    Eternal Slumber (Eternal Sleep Disease)


    Eternal Slumber is a supernatural sleeping disorder that emerged following humanity''s exposure to gates and magic beasts. The condition primarily affects individuals who possess extremely low mana tolerance.


    Causes & Symptoms


    Mana Intolerance: Victims of Eternal Slumber cannot withstand prolonged exposure to mana. Their bodies fail to adapt, leading to systemic shutdown.


    Progression:


    Early Stage: Involuntary fatigue and momentary blackouts.


    Mid Stage: Unconsciousness lasting hours to days after exposure.


    Final Stage: Complete coma, victims never wake up without intervention.


    Lethal Mana Drain


    Eternal Slumber doesn''t just render the victim unconscious, it rapidly depletes their life force.


    Without mana-stabilizing medical support, the disease is fatal.


    Some life-support devices powered by essence stones can extend survival, but they are extremely expensive.


    No Known Cure


    Due to humanity''s limited understanding of mana''s physiological effects, no standardized treatment exists.


    Survivors are rare and typically require constant medical intervention.


    ---


    Adam''s grip tightened around his phone as he finished reading.


    ''So if my mana tolerance is too low, I could literally just, slip into a coma and die?''


    [Correct.] Aw¨¤''s voice remained calm. [This is why I am carefully regulating all mana exposure.]


    Adam exhaled slowly, shoving his phone back into his pocket. If he wasn''t careful, he wouldn''t even feel himself dying until it was too late.


    His pace quickened as he approached the electronics store. If he wanted to grow stronger, he needed resources, and knowledge was the best resource he could get right now.


    (2:48 PM)


    Even with his answer Adam still had a question in his mind. ''Aw¨¤, if I ever fall into Eternal Slumber, can''t you just cure me?''


    Her response came without hesitation.


    [Negative, Host.]


    Adam''s brows furrowed. ''Why not? You can enhance my body, regulate my mana flow, even boost my learning speed. How can you not reverse something like this?'' S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Because my abilities are limited by my original programming.]


    Adam slowed his steps. ''Explain.''


    [My core functions were designed by my creator, based on their knowledge at the time of my creation. Additionally, my processing capacity is influenced by:


    1. Your current memories (both from this life and your past one).


    2. The information you acquire in real time.]


    She continued, her tone neutral yet firm.


    [Your past-life knowledge is too generalized. It provides only broad concepts, not in-depth medical or supernatural research. Therefore, I can theorize, but I cannot generate a definitive cure.]


    Adam sighed, rubbing his temple. ''So, if I want to find a cure for Eternal Slumber, what do I need to do?''


    [You must acquire firsthand medical and supernatural data. Specifically:


    1. Scan patients suffering from Eternal Slumber. Their biological and mana signatures may reveal patterns.


    2. Study medical resources available in both the normal world and awakened society.


    3. Investigate mana-related phenomena in gates. Since the disease is connected to mana exposure, some gates may hold unknown variables that contribute to its effects.]


    Adam exhaled sharply. ''So basically, no shortcuts. I have to do the research myself.''


    [Correct, Host.]


    A small smile formed on his lips. That was fine. If there was one thing he never wanted to be, it was helpless. Now that he knew the risks, he had a clear direction.


    He adjusted his bag and stepped through the sliding glass doors of the electronics store, his mind already shifting to his next objective.


    ----


    With this i think i explained the current situation as well found a plausible explanation to avoid becoming op too fast as that would be boring.


    I know this chapter contained a bit of info, but it''s necessary to avoid explaining later or questions on the comments.


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 7 - 7: Rune Stones

    Let it be known, i asked GPT for the technical info, i know nothing about computers so take everything like a grain of salt.


    ----


    (May 15, 2026 ¨C 2:50 PM)


    The cool air of the electronics store washed over Adam as he stepped inside. Rows of shelves stretched before him, neatly organized with laptops, monitors, and various peripherals. Further back, the real prize awaited, the high-end components section.


    His gaze swept across the store until he spotted an employee in a navy-blue uniform standing near a row of motherboards and processors. The man appeared to be in his mid-thirties, short beard, slightly messy hair, and an eager energy about him. He was currently adjusting a display showcasing the latest GPUs.


    Adam approached casually. "Hey, I need some help putting together a high-performance custom PC."


    The worker turned, his face lighting up with enthusiasm. "Oh? You''re building one from scratch? Nice! Are we talking gaming, workstation, or a mix of both?"


    "Mostly workstation, but I want high efficiency across multiple tasks." Adam replied smoothly.


    The worker nodded quickly. "Then you''ll want a strong multi-core CPU, something like the latest Ryzen or Intel high-end series. If you''re going for rendering, AI processing, or heavy multitasking, a Threadripper or Xeon setup might be better, but they''re expensive."


    Adam nodded slightly. "That depends on the use case. Workstation tasks like coding, data processing, and virtualization demand high core counts, but if I optimize the OS properly, I can still get max efficiency from a powerful consumer-grade CPU while avoiding server-level costs."


    The worker blinked, clearly impressed. "Not bad, man. Most people just ask for the most expensive parts without understanding what actually matters."


    "I do my research." Adam said with a small shrug.


    The man grinned, now fully invested. "Alright then, let''s get serious. Motherboard compatibility is key. Are you looking for future-proofing with PCIe 5.0 or just something solid for the next five years?"


    Adam considered for a moment. "Future-proofing, but I also want to maximize RAM bandwidth and storage speed. DDR5 is the obvious choice, but I want a board with good VRMs and at least four M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe storage."


    The worker whistled. "Damn, you really know your stuff." He rubbed his hands together. "Alright, let''s get your core components together. You''ll need a solid PSU, can''t cheap out on power delivery. A modular 1000W unit should be more than enough."


    "Agreed. I also need the necessary tools for building and programming a complete system."


    The worker raised an eyebrow. "Programming? You mean just installing an OS, or are you planning to write your own system from scratch?"


    Adam gave a knowing smile. "A bit of both."


    The man shook his head, laughing. "Alright, genius, I''ll get you everything you need."


    He led Adam through the store, gathering components piece by piece.


    CPU: High-core count processor for multitasking and efficiency.


    Motherboard: A high-end model with future-proofing, strong power delivery, and multiple expansion slots.


    RAM: Fast DDR5 memory with low latency.


    Storage: Several NVMe SSDs for maximum read/write speeds.


    Cooling: A high-end liquid cooling system to maintain stable performance under load.


    Power Supply: A modular 1000W PSU for stability and future upgrades.


    Case: Spacious and well-ventilated, with room for additional expansions.


    Tools & Accessories: Screwdrivers, thermal paste, anti-static wristbands, and programming utilities for system-level software development.


    After finishing the selection and purchase, the worker rang everything up. "Alright, that''s everything. When and where do you want it delivered?"


    Adam handed over his address. "Two days from now."


    The worker nodded, inputting the delivery details. "Got it. Everything will arrive on May 17, in the morning. You sure you don''t need any assembly service?"


    Adam shook his head. "I''ve got it covered."


    The man chuckled. "Fair enough. You''re definitely not the usual customer. Good luck with your build."


    Adam grabbed his receipt and nodded. "Thanks."


    (3:21 PM)


    With his order secured, Adam stepped out of the store, his mind already shifting toward the next phase of his plan.


    ....


    (3:38 PM)


    Adam walked through the city streets, his steps measured and unhurried. The scent of fresh bread and roasted coffee drifted from a nearby caf¨¦, but he had something else in mind.


    After a few minutes, he arrived at a sushi all-you-can-eat restaurant. The entrance was decorated with a simple noren curtain, and inside, a conveyor belt carried small plates of sushi around the room. The atmosphere was relaxed, with soft music playing in the background.


    A waiter greeted him. "Welcome. Are you eating alone?"


    "Yes." Adam replied with a polite nod.


    "This way, please."


    He was led to a counter seat near the chef''s station, where he could see fresh sushi being prepared. After settling in, he picked up the menu and glanced through it before calling the waiter over.


    "I''ll have salmon, tuna, eel, shrimp tempura, some nigiri, and a full plate of sashimi." He paused. "And bring extra soy sauce and wasabi."


    The waiter raised an eyebrow at the large order but nodded. "Of course. Anything to drink?"


    "Green tea."


    "Understood. It will be right out."


    As the waiter walked away, Adam pulled out his phone and opened the browser. He had knowledge of Solo Leveling from his past life, but it was fragmented. He needed accurate, real-world information on awakeners.


    He typed in the search bar:


    Hunter system and awakeners explained.


    The results loaded quickly, and he scrolled through an official Hunter Association article.


    ---


    What is a Hunter?


    Hunters are humans with supernatural abilities who battle magical beasts and clear dungeons. Their strength varies, and they are classified by an international ranking system.


    Hunter Ranking System (S¨CE)


    S-Rank ¨C The most powerful hunters, capable of devastating anything from a small city to multiple cities.


    A-Rank ¨C Extremely strong, able to wipe out entire neighborhoods over time.


    B-Rank ¨C Can demolish multiple buildings with ease.


    C-Rank ¨C Capable of causing destruction on the scale of a single building.


    D-Rank ¨C Strong enough to throw or break apart a car effortlessly.


    E-Rank ¨C More durable than normal humans, bulletproof, and able to move a car.


    Awakening & Limitations


    A hunter''s rank and stats are determined at the moment they awaken and cannot be increased through training.


    However, rare cases of Second Awakening exist, allowing a hunter to climb in rank.


    Only 0.001% of the global population awaken as hunters in a month, and only 0.0002% reach C-Rank or higher, but this phenomenon is increasing through time.


    Hunter Classes


    Hunters are divided into two main categories:


    Combat Hunters ¨C Specialized in offense and defense.


    Non-Combat Hunters ¨C Skilled in auxiliary or supportive roles.


    Additionally, there are six main combat classes:


    1. Fighter ¨C Balanced melee combatants.


    2. Mage ¨C Uses ranged magical attacks.


    3. Assassin ¨C Focuses on speed and precision.


    4. Tanker ¨C Specializes in defense and endurance.


    5. Ranger ¨C Skilled in ranged weapons like bows and guns.


    6. Healer ¨C Can restore health and cure ailments.


    ---


    As Adam finished reading, he continued eating with smooth and unhurried movements.


    ''Aw¨¤, is it possible that the reason humans can''t raise their rank through training is because they lack a proper understanding of mana?''


    [Yes, Host.]


    She responded without hesitation.


    [The current awakening system relies on a fixed evaluation method. Humans assume that rank is permanent because they do not comprehend how mana influences growth, adaptability, and refinement.]


    Adam took a sip of his tea, his mind turning over the implications. If humanity''s understanding of mana was flawed, then the limitations they believed in might not actually exist.


    [Furthermore,] Aw¨¤ continued, [I can awaken you immediately with the data I have gathered so far.]


    Adam paused, chopsticks hovering over a piece of sushi. He glanced around, making sure no one was paying attention before responding in his mind. ''Wait. That easily?''


    [Yes.]


    Aw¨¤''s tone remained steady.


    [The only requirement is an Essence Stone of the desired rank. Once obtained, I can process the energy within it to forcibly awaken your body.]


    Adam set his chopsticks down, deep in thought. ''So if I buy an S-Rank essence stone, I''ll awaken as an S-Rank hunter?''


    [Correct.]


    It was almost too simple. The world believed that awakening was a natural phenomenon, something dictated by fate. But Aw¨¤ had just shattered that illusion.


    She spoke again.


    [However, I recommend you train your body and reach peak condition before awakening. This will optimize your base attributes, ensuring the best possible outcome.]


    Adam leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. The path was clear.


    Step one: Make money.


    Step two: Buy the best Essence Stone available.


    Step three: Awaken on his own terms.


    Simple. Efficient. Completely under his control.


    But then, Aw¨¤ spoke again.


    [There is a better alternative than an Essence Stone.]


    Adam raised an eyebrow. ''Go on.''


    [Rune Stones.]


    His fingers tapped against the table. Rune Stones, engraved stones containing unique skills of magical beasts. Unlike Essence Stones, which only provided raw energy, Rune Stones also granted abilities.


    ''Then what''s the best one?''


    There was a short pause. Then Aw¨¤ answered in a single word. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Dragons.]


    Adam''s fingers stopped. His thoughts immediately jumped to Kamish, the greatest magic beast in history.


    [Correct, Host.] Aw¨¤ confirmed. [From your past-life knowledge of the Solo Leveling manhwa, America is in possession of Kamish''s Rune Stone.]


    Adam shook his head slightly. He was getting ahead of himself. Before worrying about Dragon-level abilities, he needed to establish himself first.


    He reached for another piece of sushi, his expression thoughtful. First, he would make money. Then, he would awaken. After that¡­ he would build his future his way.


    ----


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 8 - 8: Space affinity

    (May 15, 2026 ¨C 4:12 PM)


    Adam placed his chopsticks down, letting out a quiet breath as he finished his meal. The warmth of the green tea lingered in his chest, and the satisfying weight of a full stomach settled in.


    He grabbed a napkin to wipe his hands, then pushed his chair back, standing up to head toward the counter.


    Just as he turned, he bumped into someone.


    A startled gasp escaped the person as a stack of small sushi plates slipped from her hands, crashing onto the tiled floor. Porcelain shattered, and sushi pieces scattered across the ground. The restaurant fell silent, all eyes turning toward the mess.


    The girl who had bumped into him immediately crouched down, her hands hovering over the broken shards, panic clear in her voice.


    "I-I''m so sorry! I didn''t mean to.." She hesitated before looking up at him, her face flushed with embarrassment. "I wasn''t looking where I was going¡­"


    Adam remained calm, offering her his hand instead of responding immediately. She looked at it hesitantly before taking it, and he helped her back to her feet.


    The restaurant manager, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a sturdy build, walked over, frowning in concern. His gaze swept across the broken plates, then landed on Adam and the girl.


    "Is everyone alright?" he asked, crouching slightly as his eyes searched for any sign of injury. If a customer got hurt, it could cause serious problems.


    Adam met his gaze and shook his head lightly. "I wasn''t paying attention while getting up and accidentally bumped into her." he explained in a even tone.


    The manager nodded in understanding before shifting his focus to the girl. "Are you hurt?"


    She opened her mouth to answer, but Adam''s eyes had already noticed a small cut on her leg, likely from a stray shard of porcelain.


    He gestured toward it. "Your leg."


    The girl looked down, only now noticing the thin line of red against her skin. "Ah!" She instinctively took a step back, unsure of what to do.


    The manager sighed but didn''t seem angry. Instead, he reached out and lightly patted her head. "Don''t worry about it." he said in a reassuring voice. "Accidents happen."


    The girl''s expression relaxed slightly, though she still looked embarrassed.


    Adam turned to the manager. "I''ll cover the cost of the damages."


    The man immediately shook his head. "No need. This kind of thing happens all the time. As long as no one''s hurt, it''s not a big deal."


    A few workers arrived to clean up the broken plates, swiftly sweeping away the mess. One of them handed Adam a tissue to clean the small soy sauce stain on his shirt.


    As he wiped it off, Aw¨¤''s voice echoed in his mind.


    [As per your previous request, I have been scanning and storing the genetic makeup of every living being, including plants.]


    Adam''s movements slowed slightly. ''And?''


    [The manager, the man before you, has noteworthy potential. If awakened successfully, he could become a B-Rank hunter.]


    Adam discreetly glanced at the man, taking in his sturdy build and composed demeanor. ''A B-Rank, huh? Not bad.''


    Curious, he asked, ''How long would it take for him to awaken naturally?''


    [Based on my scans, I have detected a gradual increase in ambient mana density. If this trend continues, he should awaken in approximately two years.]


    Adam nodded subtly. That wasn''t too long. With the increase of gates, the world itself was changing, it''s only a matter of time before a mass awakening will happen.


    Still, something nagged at him. ''What makes him special?''


    [His affinity lies in space manipulation.]


    Adam raised an eyebrow slightly as he pulled out his wallet to pay for his meal. A space-related affinity wasn''t just rare, it was extremely valuable.


    As he handed the cash to the cashier, he asked, ''Can you analyze that affinity?''


    [Already done. I completed the analysis when I first scanned his genetic makeup.]


    Adam hummed in thought. Space abilities were almost unheard of. If this man awakened with a high-level ability, he could become a powerful B-Rank hunter, or even a major asset in dungeon expeditions.


    He collected his change, nodded politely to the manager, and stepped out of the restaurant, letting the evening air cool his skin.


    ....


    (4:19 PM)


    Adam walked toward the nearest bus stop, his pace steady. The city was still lively, with people heading home from work or gathering at caf¨¦s. As he reached the stop, the bus pulled up with a soft hiss. He stepped inside, paid the fare, and took a seat near the window.


    The steady hum of the engine and the occasional chatter of passengers filled the air, but Adam''s mind was elsewhere.


    The Three Things He Needed


    1. Money ¨C Without it, his options were limited. If he wanted high-quality essence stones, top-tier equipment, and a safe environment to work in, he needed a consistent and substantial income.


    2. Space ¨C His small apartment wasn''t enough. If he wanted to conduct experiments, train, and build technology, he required a private workspace.


    3. A Vehicle ¨C Moving efficiently was critical. Whether it was for business, training, or future missions, relying on public transportation wouldn''t cut it.


    His gaze flicked to his phone screen as he unlocked it.


    ''First things first, knowledge.''


    He opened a browser tab and typed:


    Comprehensive guide to programming and software development.


    The search results flooded in, and he began scrolling.


    ''Aw¨¤.''


    [Acknowledged, Host.]


    A familiar cool sensation settled in his mind as Aw¨¤ filtered through the fundamentals, advanced concepts, and real-world applications. Unlike regular studying, which involved trial and error, the information immediately clicked into place, as though he had spent years mastering the subject.


    ---


    Programming Knowledge Gained


    1. Core Concepts


    Algorithms & Data Structures ¨C How information is stored, processed, and optimized.


    Computer Architecture ¨C Understanding how CPUs, memory, and storage interact at a fundamental level.


    Networking & Security ¨C Encryption methods, network protocols, and cyber defense.


    2. High-Level Programming Languages


    C, C++, Python, Java, Assembly ¨C Mastering syntax, logic, and optimization.


    Understanding Compiler & Interpreter Differences ¨C How code is translated into machine instructions.


    3. Software Engineering & AI sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Machine Learning & Neural Networks ¨C Concepts of artificial intelligence and how AI models are trained.


    Operating System Development ¨C How OS kernels function, memory management, and low-level system design.


    Blockchain & Cryptography ¨C Secure data handling and distributed computing.


    ---


    As Adam absorbed the knowledge, a new idea took root in his mind.


    ''Why limit myself to existing programming languages?''


    The more he learned, the more flaws he noticed. Every language had limitations, whether it was execution speed, security vulnerabilities, or inefficient syntax.


    ''What if I created my own? Something truly optimized, with no unnecessary overhead.''


    The thought lingered, but he pushed it aside for now. It was too big of a project to tackle immediately.


    First, he needed to establish himself.


    The bus slowed as it approached his stop. Adam turned off his phone, the wealth of new knowledge settling in his mind like second nature.


    Stepping off the bus, he took a deep breath, mentally organizing his next steps.


    ----


    End of the chapter, but since it''s a bit shorter than the usual, I decided to add a small filler episode for you!


    ....


    How to Make Onigiri ¨C Explained by Adam & Aw¨¤


    Adam stood in his kitchen, rolling up his sleeves as he prepared the ingredients. As he worked, he spoke calmly, going through the process step by step.


    "Making onigiri is pretty simple, but there are a few things you need to get right. First, you need the right rice. Short-grain Japanese rice works best because it''s naturally sticky and holds its shape."


    [Correct, Host.] Aw¨¤''s voice chimed in. [Long-grain rice lacks sufficient amylopectin, which is necessary for proper binding.]


    Adam nodded, rinsing the rice under cool water. "Next, you wash the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the grains from getting too gummy."


    [Washing also improves texture and allows for better moisture absorption during cooking.]


    After cooking the rice in a rice cooker, Adam let it cool slightly. "Now comes shaping. Wet your hands with water to keep the rice from sticking, then rub a little salt on your palms. This helps with flavor and preservation."


    He scooped a handful of warm rice and pressed it gently into a triangular shape.


    [Excessive pressure will crush the grains and ruin the texture. The correct technique is to press firmly but gently, rotating the onigiri in your hands.]


    Adam smirked slightly. "Right. And if you want to add a filling, like tuna mayo, grilled salmon, or umeboshi, you press a small dent in the rice, add the filling, and then seal it by covering it with more rice."


    [For best results, fillings should have minimal moisture to prevent the rice from falling apart.]


    Finally, he wrapped a strip of nori (seaweed) around the base. "And that''s it. A classic onigiri."


    [This method has been used in Japan for centuries, originally as a portable meal for samurai.]


    Adam set the completed onigiri on a plate, admiring his work. "Simple, but effective."


    ----


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 9 - 9: Marie

    (May 15, 2026 ¨C 5:04 PM)


    Adam walked steadily toward his apartment complex, his eyes scanning the area as he approached. The sun hung lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the streets, but the usual evening calm was broken by the presence of Hunter Association officers and restricted zones.


    Bright yellow barricades marked the perimeter, guarded by HA personnel in black tactical uniforms. A few of them stood by, monitoring the situation, while others were engaged in conversation with individuals bearing a guild insignia on their jackets.


    They weren''t done yet.


    Adam''s gaze swept over the scene until he spotted two individuals standing slightly apart from the main group.


    One was a tall, broad-shouldered man, about 179 cm, with a neatly trimmed beard and a serious expression. His arms were crossed as he spoke in a measured tone, his posture giving off an air of quiet authority.


    Opposite him stood a woman, noticeably shorter, but radiating a sharp intensity. She had a confident stance, her hands resting on her hips, and her dark brown eyes carried a glint of amusement, as if she was constantly one step ahead of the conversation. Her braided hair was tied into a high ponytail, and even in her Hunter Association uniform, she managed to look effortlessly self-assured.


    Adam approached them at a steady pace, and as he drew closer, both of them turned their attention toward him.


    The man was the first to speak. "You must be the guy who reported the gate." His voice was deep and steady, with a professional tone.


    Adam gave a small nod. "That''s right."


    The man extended his hand. "Giovanni. C-Rank Hunter Association Officer."


    Adam shook his hand firmly. "Adam Sen."


    The woman beside him tilted her head slightly, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Marie. C-Rank Enforcement Division." Her voice carried a confident ease, but there was an unmistakable sharpness behind it.


    Adam''s eyes flickered to the guild insignia worn by a group of hunters near the entrance to the restricted area. "What''s the situation?"


    Marie exhaled, shifting her weight onto one leg as she answered. "The Runner Guild is currently inside, engaging the dungeon. If the calculations are right, they should clear it by tomorrow."


    Before Adam could respond, Aw¨¤''s voice echoed in his mind.


    [Based on my tracking, the remaining time until dungeon break is approximately 21 hours and 46 minutes.]


    Adam nodded slightly, processing the information. If the guild''s estimates were correct, they''d just barely clear it before the break. If they failed or ran into unexpected trouble, the gate would collapse into an outbreak.


    His focus shifted back to Marie and Giovanni. "Can I go in to grab my things?"


    Giovanni considered for a moment before nodding. "That should be fine, as long as you don''t take too long."


    Marie clicked her tongue, giving him a sideways glance. "You''re trusting him that easily?"


    Giovanni shrugged. "He''s the one who reported it in the first place."


    Marie sighed but motioned toward the entrance. "Fine. Just don''t wander off."


    Adam nodded in thanks and stepped past the barricades, heading toward his apartment.


    (5:08 PM) S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Adam stepped into his apartment, the familiar space feeling slightly different now that he knew a dungeon was just beneath it. The air was still, and everything was just as he had left it, but there was an unshakable awareness that his home wouldn''t be his for at least a day.


    Without wasting time, he moved to his bedroom and grabbed a set of fresh clothes along with his underwear, laying them neatly in his bag. Then, he walked into the bathroom, collecting his toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and other necessities before packing them up as well.


    Once he was done, he slung the bag over his shoulder and headed back downstairs.


    Marie and Giovanni were waiting for him near the barricades, their postures relaxed but still professional.


    Adam gave them a simple nod, signaling that he was ready to leave. Just as he was about to turn away, Marie called out.


    "Hey, you got a place to stay?"


    Adam blinked, pausing mid-step before answering. "I''ll just book a hotel."


    Marie shook her head. "Forget that. If you want, you can stay at the Hunter Association branch in Alessandria."


    Adam raised an eyebrow. He hadn''t considered that, but the offer made sense. The HA branch would be filled with hunters, and Aw¨¤''s ability to scan people''s genetic makeup meant he''d get free data on potential awakenings and abilities just by being around them.


    ''Aw¨¤?''


    [Confirmed, Host. The Hunter Association branch would provide more opportunities to scan awakened individuals.]


    Adam exhaled lightly and gave Marie a small nod. "Alright. That works."


    Marie smirked slightly before turning to Giovanni. "I''ll take him there."


    Giovanni gave a simple nod before turning back to the other HA officers, already preparing to give further instructions.


    Marie then motioned for Adam to follow her, leading him to the parking lot.


    What waited for him was a massive, black fuoristrada (off-road SUV). The kind that looked like it was built to plow through concrete walls.


    Adam glanced at Marie, then at the disproportionately large vehicle.


    ''¡­This doesn''t match her at all.''


    He didn''t say it aloud, but Marie caught his expression immediately. She narrowed her eyes slightly.


    "What?" she asked, unlocking the car with a beep.


    Adam said nothing as he opened the passenger door and slid in. His eyes flicked over to the driver''s seat, where Marie had to sit on a slightly raised seat support to properly see the road.


    She caught his gaze again.


    Her frown deepened. "Don''t say anything."


    Adam fastened his seatbelt. "I didn''t say anything."


    "You thought it."


    Adam adjusted his bag. "It''s your imagination."


    Marie clicked her tongue, gripping the steering wheel as she started the engine. "For your information, my height is completely average."


    Adam glanced at her with a good side eye. "If you say so."


    Marie grumbled something under her breath before shifting the car into drive and pulling out of the lot.


    (5:21 PM)


    The SUV moved smoothly through the city streets, the sound of the engine humming beneath them.


    Marie eventually spoke again, her tone more casual. "So, what made you decide to report the portal? Most people would''ve just called their landlord and left it at that."


    Adam leaned back slightly. "I don''t like taking unnecessary risks. The situation could''ve been worse."


    Marie gave a small nod. "Smart." She drummed her fingers against the steering wheel. "You into hunter stuff?"


    Adam thought about it for a moment. "I read about it."


    Marie smirked slightly. "You say that like some nerd who ''reads about fighting'' but never throws a punch."


    Adam glanced at her, but his expression remained calm. "Maybe."


    Marie huffed a short laugh. "Well, considering you''re calm enough to joke around right after reporting a dungeon, you might''ve made a good hunter."


    Adam didn''t respond, simply gazing out the window.


    ''You have no idea..''


    The conversation flowed easily after that, with Marie throwing out casual remarks while Adam answered in his usual calm but sincere manner.


    As they drove toward the HA branch, he couldn''t help but think that this was going to be an interesting stay.


    ----


    I love Marie, it''s fun writing about her.

 Chapter 10 - 10: Training Schedule

    (May 15, 2026 ¨C 5:37 PM)


    The Hunter Association branch in Alessandria was a sturdy, modern building, though not as massive as the ones in larger cities. Its reinforced concrete structure and tinted windows gave it an official yet slightly militarized feel. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Marie pulled the SUV into the private parking lot and shut off the engine. She unclipped her seatbelt and glanced at Adam. "Come on."


    Adam followed her inside, his eyes taking in the interior of the HA branch. The lobby was well-lit and minimalistic, with several hunters and association staff moving about. Some were engaged in conversations, while others worked on reports behind sleek reception desks.


    Marie led the way, moving with the ease of someone who belonged here. As they walked through the hallways, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small black badge before handing it to Adam.


    "Keep this on you." she said. "Since you''re just a civilian without clearance, this will keep anyone from giving you trouble."


    Adam took the badge, examining it briefly. It had a simple HA emblem engraved on it along with a temporary guest authorization tag.


    He nodded. "Understood."


    Marie gave a small hum of approval and continued leading him deeper into the building. Eventually, she stopped in front of a plain but clean room. She pushed the door open.


    "You can stay here for now. Nothing fancy, but it''s got a bed, a desk, and a bathroom."


    Adam stepped inside. The room was simple but practical, a single bed, a sturdy desk with a chair, and a small closet. There was a separate door leading to a private bathroom.


    "It''s enough." Adam said plainly.


    Marie crossed her arms. "Good. I''ve got some things to take care of, so settle in. If you need anything, ask at the front desk."


    Adam nodded. "Thanks."


    Marie gave him one last look before turning on her heel and leaving.


    (5:53 PM)


    Once alone, Adam placed his bag on the bed and methodically organized his belongings. Clothes, toiletries, and essentials were neatly arranged before he headed to the bathroom.


    He stripped off his shirt and examined himself in the mirror. His body was lean but unremarkable, lacking any significant muscle definition. Sitting at a desk for years, combined with minimal exercise, had left him in below-average shape.


    ''Aw¨¤, give me an assessment.''


    [Analyzing¡­]


    A brief pause. Then, her voice returned.


    [Physical Condition Analysis:


    Muscle Density: Below average for an active adult male.


    Endurance: Moderate but lacks explosive output.


    Flexibility: Standard.


    Joint Stability: Acceptable, though lower-body strength is weak due to prolonged sitting.


    Core Strength: Insufficient for high-performance movement.


    Bone Density: Normal, no signs of degradation.]


    Adam exhaled through his nose. It wasn''t surprising, but seeing the full breakdown made it clear, he needed to fix this immediately.


    ''Compare this to an awakened.''


    [Comparison to Awakeners:


    Even the weakest E-Rank Awakener would overwhelm you with sheer physical superiority, regardless of skill.


    A D-Rank would be strong enough that any direct confrontation would be instant defeat.


    Against a C-Rank or higher, you would be no different from an ordinary kid facing a trained soldier with superhuman strength. You would not survive.]


    Adam remained silent, absorbing the assessment. Right now, he wasn''t just weak, he was nothing compared to an Awakener.


    ''I need to fix this immediately.''


    Adam clicked his tongue before stepping into the shower. He let the warm water relax his muscles while processing the information. Strength mattered. Even with nano machines, his body was still the foundation, if he wanted to reach peak potential, he needed to rebuild himself from the ground up.


    After finishing, he dried off, dressed in comfortable clothes, and stepped back into the room.


    (6:28 PM)


    Sitting at the desk, he turned on his phone and opened a search bar. He typed:


    Human anatomy.


    Dozens of articles and medical studies flooded the screen.


    ''Aw¨¤, extract, refine, and inject the most relevant knowledge.''


    [Acknowledged.]


    The familiar cool sensation returned as he absorbed the intricacies of human physiology.


    ---


    Knowledge Acquired


    1. Muscle Groups & Functions


    Fast-Twitch vs. Slow-Twitch Muscles: Understanding how different fibers contribute to speed and endurance.


    Stabilizer Muscles: The importance of core engagement in explosive movements.


    Muscle Recovery: How nutrition, sleep, and active rest optimize muscle growth.


    2. Bone & Joint Mechanics


    Load Distribution: How the spine, hips, and knees absorb impact.


    Flexibility vs. Stability: Balancing mobility without compromising joint integrity.


    3. Tendons & Ligaments


    Elasticity & Strength: Why joint reinforcement is as crucial as muscle strength.


    Injury Prevention: How progressive loading prevents long-term damage.


    4. Bodyweight Training Optimization


    Calisthenics Progression: Mastering compound movements with perfect form.


    Explosive Power Development: Techniques for increasing fast-twitch activation.


    Joint & Tendon Strengthening: Training methods that prevent injuries while enhancing resilience.


    ---


    As Adam scrolled through bodyweight training methods, he discussed his findings with Aw¨¤.


    ''With my current condition, what''s the most efficient training method?''


    [Based on your current state, the best approach is progressive calisthenics combined with isometric holds to rapidly strengthen tendons and stabilizer muscles.]


    (6:28 PM)


    Adam leaned back in his chair, his mind shifting away from passive knowledge and toward application. His eyes flicked toward the list of Aw¨¤''s functions, his focus settling on one in particular.


    [Data Integration and Optimization]


    Optimizes the host''s physical and neural pathways to perform new techniques effectively.


    His fingers tapped lightly against the desk. ''Aw¨¤, if you can optimize my body for new techniques, why not just enhance me to peak human condition right now?''


    Her response was immediate.


    [I can. However, that would be a shortcut, not true progress.]


    Adam''s eyes narrowed slightly. ''Explain.''


    [Strength is not just muscle and technique. It is discipline, will, and adaptation. If I forcibly enhanced you, you would have zero foundation, no understanding of your limits, no mental or physical resilience. You would only have hollow power.]


    She continued, in her even tone.


    [If you truly wish to reach the peak, you must earn it. There is no better way than to forge your body through discipline and effort.]


    Adam remained quiet for a moment, then smiled slightly. ''That''s fair.''


    He cracked his knuckles and gave his next command. ''Then change the previous schedule and prepare me a hellish training. I want to reach the absolute peak of human capability before awakening. We''ll abuse the nano machines'' healing function to recover faster.''


    [Acknowledged, Host. Constructing an optimal 30-day intensive regimen.]


    While Aw¨¤ processed the data, Adam opened his phone again and began scrolling through articles on nutrition, meal planning, and performance-enhancing diets.


    ''Take everything useful and refine it into a personal diet plan.''


    [Processing¡­]


    With both the training and nutrition programs being constructed, Adam cracked his neck slightly.


    If he was going to step into the world of hunters, he would make sure he was fully prepared.


    (6:47 PM)


    Adam stepped out of his room, locking the door behind him before making his way through the Hunter Association branch. The hallways were quiet, save for the occasional staff member passing by, but he wasn''t interested in the offices or meeting rooms.


    He wanted to see where the real work happened.


    His footsteps were unhurried as he wandered through the facility, taking in its efficient, utilitarian design. Everything was built with function in mind, reinforced walls, secured doors, and clear emergency routes. No wasted space.


    Eventually, he heard it before he saw it, the unmistakable sounds of training.


    Heavy weights thudding against the floor. The rapid shuffling of footwork. The sharp crack of fists meeting targets.


    Adam followed the sounds until he reached a set of massive steel doors. A simple [Training Hall] sign was posted above, but the real indication of its purpose was the sheer energy radiating from within.


    He pushed the doors open and stepped inside.


    The hall was huge, far larger than he expected. It resembled a high-end gym mixed with a military training ground.


    Weightlifting zones filled with plates far heavier than what normal humans could lift.


    Reinforced sparring areas, where hunters tested their combat abilities against each other.


    Mana-controlled machines for reaction training, endurance, and power output measurement.


    Simulated terrain sections, possibly for agility and adaptability drills.


    Everywhere he looked, awakened hunters were engaged in some form of training. Some lifted massive weights effortlessly, while others sparred with impressive speed and technique. Others practiced mana manipulation, their abilities flaring with power as they honed their skills.


    Adam was watching the true difference between awakeners and normal humans.


    [Analyzing¡­]


    Aw¨¤''s voice echoed in his mind.


    [All hunter activities are currently being recorded and analyzed.]


    Adam''s gaze swept across the hall, absorbing everything. He wasn''t just watching, he was studying.


    Every movement, every technique, every interaction between muscle and mana, it was all data.


    ----


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 11 - 11: Akuma

    (May 15, 2026 ¨C 6:54 PM)


    Adam walked further into the training hall, his eyes calmly scanning the hunters around him. Every movement, every interaction, every technique was valuable information.


    Though his presence drew some attention, it was more out of curiosity than hostility. A new face with no mana signature was noticeable in a place like this, but no one paid him too much mind. They were too focused on their training.


    [Marie is approaching.]


    Aw¨¤''s voice cut through his observations, prompting him to shift his gaze toward the entrance.


    Marie walked in, her usual confident stride unchanged, but she wasn''t alone.


    Beside her, a kid no older than 11 walked with her, his small hand in hers. He had dark brown hair, sharp eyes filled with caution, and a permanent frown. His posture was guarded, his free hand tucked into his jacket pocket. Even from a distance, Adam could tell the kid was sizing up everyone in the room.


    As they got closer, Marie''s eyes flicked toward him.


    "So," she said casually, glancing around the training hall before settling her gaze on Adam again. "Like what you see?"


    Adam met her gaze in a neutral expression. "If you mean the sight of sweaty, smelly men, not particularly."


    Marie raised an eyebrow before snorting. "There aren''t only men here, genius." She tilted her head slightly, subtly gesturing toward a group of female hunters practicing with weapons.


    Adam followed her gaze, then gave a small nod. "Fair enough."


    His attention then shifted to the kid beside her. He crouched slightly to be on eye level and extended his hand for a handshake.


    "And who''s this?"


    The boy stared at the offered hand, unmoving. His frown deepened, and for a moment, it seemed like he would ignore Adam entirely.


    Then, without warning-


    [Host, incoming attack.]


    Aw¨¤''s voice rang out in his mind just as the kid moved.


    A swift, ruthless kick, aimed directly at Adam''s crotch.


    Pam!


    Even though it was light, for Adam, it wasn''t light at all.


    His entire body tensed, his face drained of color, and a sharp, violent cough escaped his lips as he clutched his lower half and collapsed onto his knees.


    "Wh-" His voice came out in a pained wheeze as he struggled to process what just happened. "Why¡­?"


    The boy, Akuma, crossed his arms and huffed.


    "This is what you deserve for talking to Marie."


    Marie blinked, then her expression twisted into a glare as she crouched beside Adam. "Adam? Hey, you good?"


    Akuma''s eyes widened slightly at the use of Adam''s name, but he quickly masked it, turning his head away.


    Marie''s glare sharpened as she turned to the kid. "What the hell is wrong with you?"


    Akuma huffed again, refusing to meet her gaze.


    Marie sighed in frustration before looking around the training hall.


    "Oi!" she called out. "Get me a healer, now!"


    A nearby Support Hunter rushed over as Adam remained on the ground, clutching his dignity while his nonchalant aura just got washed away.


    ....


    (7:09 PM)


    The three walked along the private park of the Hunter Association branch, the quiet atmosphere contrasting with the earlier commotion inside the training hall.


    Adam walked on Marie''s right, his hands in his pockets, while Akuma walked on her left, his eyes occasionally glancing at Adam with suspicion. Adam, in turn, kept him in his peripheral vision, not out of wariness, but because he wasn''t excited to take another surprise attack.


    Marie sighed and glanced at Adam. "Sorry about the kid. He doesn''t trust strangers."


    Adam tilted his head slightly. "That''s understandable. But it doesn''t excuse the kick."


    [It is due to emotional trauma.] Aw¨¤''s voice chimed in his mind.


    Adam mentally sighed. ''Obviously.''


    Marie didn''t add anything else on the matter, and instead, the conversation shifted.


    "So, what do you do for a living?" she asked.


    Adam glanced at her. "I''m unemployed."


    Marie raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Then what''s your plan?"


    Adam''s tone remained steady. "I intend to start a business."


    Marie immediately rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Tch. Every unemployed person says they''re an ''entrepreneur.''"


    "Failure." Akuma muttered under his breath, his arms still crossed.


    Adam''s eye twitched slightly, and his fingers curled into a fist for a brief moment. Without a word, he walked ahead, ignoring the two.


    Marie chuckled, clearly entertained, and followed after him. "Ah~ our genius entrepreneur, what business do you want to start? If you can convince this beautiful miss, I might just sponsor you~"


    Adam stopped walking. He considered her words carefully before turning to face her. His voice was calm, but his usual softness was absent.


    "I plan to create a website that allows for uninterrupted, secure, and private information transfer. Along with a social media platform built on the same framework."


    Marie''s teasing demeanor faded. She looked at him more seriously now, her brown eyes meeting his deep black ones. Even Akuma didn''t make a sarcastic remark.


    Adam thought. ''This is the best first step. With this type of platform, I can gain free access to information. If strong organizations and individuals use it for secrecy, then i will just need to look and Aw¨¤ will extract everything without cost.''


    Marie narrowed her eyes slightly. "And how do you plan to fund this?"


    "I don''t need funding." Adam said simply.


    Marie crossed her arms. "Oh? Then why tell me this? If you don''t need sponsorship, why bother explaining your grand vision to me?"


    Adam shook his head. "You''re mistaken. I do need something from you."


    Marie raised an eyebrow. "And that is?"


    "Your influence. I want your backing in the HA branch to launch the platform in Alessandria. As compensation, I''ll pay you in credits."


    Marie frowned slightly. "Credits? Of what?"


    Adam''s lips parted slightly, and his next words came without hesitation.


    "My future currency."


    There was a brief silence before Marie burst into laughter. "Pff, Hah! You think you can just create your own currency? That''s a fool''s dream."


    Adam remained unshaken. "Currency only has value because people agree it has value. The only difference between a real and fake currency is adoption."


    Marie''s laughter slowed as she observed his calm, serious expression.


    ....


    (7:34 PM)


    Adam stepped into his temporary room, shutting the door behind him with a quiet click. The dim light overhead cast long shadows across the plain walls.


    But Marie''s words still lingered in his mind.


    "I can''t just support you for some imaginary credits. I need to see actual facts."


    He exhaled slowly. That was fair. No one believed in something that had no proof. But proof? He could create that.


    Without hesitation, he pulled off his jacket, stripping out of his day clothes and changing into a simple sleeveless shirt and flexible shorts. Comfort wasn''t a concern, durability was.


    He made his way into the spacious shower area, ensuring the drain was clear. If he was going to do this, it was best to wash away the blood immediately.


    ''Aw¨¤, let''s begin the specialized stretching routine.''


    [Acknowledged.]


    He squatted down, resting on the balls of his feet, then slowly lowered himself forward onto his hands. The moment his palms pressed against the wet floor, a sharp pull ran through his calves and thighs, tendons tightening like overextended cables.


    Then came the pain.


    A deep, burning sensation crawled up his legs as he forced them apart, stretching his hips far beyond what he previously could. His groin pressed closer to the cold floor, and every fiber in his muscles screamed in protest.


    Something popped in his back. His spine cracked violently, shifting as his body adjusted to the unnatural angle. The pull in his core deepened, his abdominal muscles tensing sharply as they were forced to engage.


    He gritted his teeth and continued.


    Rolling his shoulders back, he reached behind himself, grasping his fingers together. With one sharp motion, he jerked his arms upward, his shoulder blades grinding painfully as his joints were pushed to their limit.


    The tearing sensation along his chest and biceps was immediate. Muscle fibers snapped but just as quickly, the nano machines stitched them back together, stronger than before.


    His breathing remained steady. No screams. No hesitation.


    His ribs expanded unnaturally as he twisted his torso, feeling the strain ripple through his entire core. His ligaments stretched beyond his limits and his diaphragm compressed as though crushed under weight. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His knees bent inward, and his ankles twisted to painful angles, pressing into a position that should have ruptured tendons. His veins bulged, blood surging through pathways that struggled to keep up with the demand.


    Pain laced through every inch of his body, but he remained still. He let it burn.


    [Pain receptors are reaching critical threshold. Should I apply suppression?]


    ''No. Let it all through.''


    The only way to rebuild was to break completely.


    ----


    The web idea is a good way to gather intelligence, obviously he will not tell everything to Marie, just that he wants to make a site.


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 12 - 12: E-Rank Gate

    (Thursday, May 16, 2026 ¨C 11:13 AM)


    A sharp knock on the door pulled Adam from sleep. His eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the light filtering through the room. His body ached, not with exhaustion, but with the deep, satisfying soreness of muscles being torn and rebuilt.


    He had pushed himself until midnight the night before, stretching and conditioning his body past its limits, using Aw¨¤''s healing function to force adaptation at an unnatural rate. It worked, but he felt every bit of it now.


    Another knock.


    Adam exhaled through his nose, sitting up.


    ''Aw¨¤, time?''


    [11:13 AM.]


    He blinked. Slept in longer than expected.


    Swinging his legs off the bed, he stood up and walked to the door. As he pulled it open, Marie stood there, hands casually resting on her hips.


    "Morning." she said, tilting her head slightly. "Can I come in?"


    Adam nodded wordlessly, stepping aside.


    Marie walked in, glancing around the simple room before turning to face him. "The gate got closed this morning."


    Adam glanced at the clock on the wall. 11:13 AM.


    He nodded. "Guess I can head back home, then."


    "Pretty much." Marie confirmed. Then, after a brief pause, she smirked slightly. "Wanna grab breakfast?"


    Adam raised an eyebrow. "Didn''t you already eat? It''s almost noon."


    Marie smiled, shaking her head. "Nope. Had to deal with a hunter breaking protocol this morning. Just finished handling it."


    Adam nodded in understanding. The Hunter Association wasn''t just about supporting hunters, they also enforced the rules.


    "Alright." he said. "I''ll get ready."


    Marie gave a casual wave and walked out, closing the door behind her.


    Adam grabbed his phone and quickly called the electronics store.


    A clerk answered after a few rings. "Hello, this is TechPoint Electronics. How can I help you?"


    "Hey, I made a purchase yesterday." Adam said. "I''d like to reschedule the delivery for today at 3 PM."


    The clerk checked the order details before responding. "Yeah, we can do that. Delivery will be at 3 PM as requested."


    "Thanks."


    (11:18 AM)


    Adam stepped into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him before pulling off his shirt. The fabric slid over his skin with ease, and as he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, he paused.


    His physique had changed.


    His once lean but unimpressive frame was now a bit sculpted with some definition, his muscles taking on the shape of a training youth. Broad shoulders, a defined chest, and toned arms that carried more power than before. His abs were now more visible and symmetrical.


    The brutal training from last night had done more than just leave soreness, it had forced rapid evolution. What should have taken a month of professional military conditioning, he had achieved in a single night.


    And all thanks to Aw¨¤.


    His height had also increased.


    Adam stared at his reflection, and as if responding to his thoughts, Aw¨¤''s voice echoed in his mind.


    [Your height has now reached 179 cm, exactly as predicted.]


    His eyes trailed over the small yet noticeable changes, his features were still his, but something about him seemed sharper, more defined. His black hair, now slightly longer, hung loosely, strands falling over his forehead in a way that made him look wilder.


    His deep chocolate-colored skin held a subtle sheen under the bathroom light, the faint traces of yesterday''s strain no more visible thanks to the nano machines accelerating recovery.


    [As seen from your memories, I have shaped your physique to match the appearance of "Manga Goku." It aligns with both your subconscious and conscious desire.]


    Adam blinked before exhaling sharply.


    ''So you really shaped me like that?''


    [Correct.]


    He rubbed a hand through his hair, letting the reality of it settle in. He looked¡­ strong. Stronger than he had ever been before.


    Still, he had a long way to go.


    ''How much time until I reach the peak of a unawakened human?''


    [29 days of training sessions remain.]


    Adam''s expression remained neutral, though a single thought crossed his mind.


    ''So nothing changed even after yesterday''s training¡­''


    [Incorrect. I accounted for last night''s growth in my original calculation. This level of progress was already factored into the timeline.]


    That made sense. The nano machines were inside him, they knew exactly how his body would develop.


    Adam nodded to himself, then stepped into the shower. The water cascaded down his skin, washing away the last remnants of the previous night''s struggle.


    ....


    (11:49 AM)


    Dressed in a simple white t-shirt and jeans, Adam adjusted the strap of his bag, ensuring everything was packed inside. He was heading straight home after breakfast, so there was no need to leave anything behind.


    As he stepped out of the Hunter Association building, Marie was already waiting by her SUV, leaning casually against the driver''s side.


    The moment she laid eyes on him, her expression shifted slightly. She stared at him, eyes narrowing while taking in the changes.


    "You really did change overnight." she muttered, crossing her arms.


    Adam scratched the back of his head, feigning mild embarrassment. "It''s not that weird. People awaken nowadays, so changes before awakening aren''t exactly surprising."


    Marie hummed, her gaze still lingering on him. "Fair point. If you awaken, I hope you consider joining the Association." Then, with a smirk, she added, "Would be a shame if Mr. Entrepreneur wasted all that potential."


    Adam shook his head, ignoring the jab as he opened the passenger door and climbed inside.


    Marie chuckled before starting the engine, pulling out of the lot.


    (12:06 PM ¨C A Local Caf¨¦)


    The caf¨¦ was small but well-known, tucked into a quiet corner of the city. It had a modern aesthetic, warm lighting, and a relaxed atmosphere.


    Adam left his bag in the car before stepping out and walking inside with Marie.


    The moment they entered, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries filled the air.


    They took a table by the window, ordering their drinks and breakfast before settling into conversation.


    Marie leaned back, stirring her coffee absentmindedly. "You ever watch K-dramas?"


    Adam took a sip of his black coffee before replying, "Not really."


    Marie clicked her tongue. "You''re missing out, well, except for the one everyone''s watching right now."


    Adam raised an eyebrow. "Bad?"


    "It''s basically romanticized cheating." She rolled her eyes, tapping her nails against the ceramic mug. "I don''t get why people eat this stuff up. Feels like genuine relationships don''t even exist anymore."


    Adam shook his head. "They exist. Just not on social media."


    Marie gave him a look, considering his words before nodding slightly. "Guess that''s true."


    They ate and chatted about random topics, Marie throwing in occasional sarcastic remarks, while Adam kept the conversation flowing with calm, measured responses.


    At one point, she asked, "So, what''s your hobby?"


    Adam rested his forearms on the table. "Knowledge."


    Marie blinked. "Knowledge?"


    "I like learning. About everything. Science, history, technology, anything useful."


    Marie exhaled a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Of course. Should''ve expected that answer from you."


    The meal went by smoothly, and once they finished, Adam paid his share before they both stepped out of the caf¨¦.


    (12:42 PM)


    As they approached the car, Adam was about to reach for the passenger door when Aw¨¤''s voice echoed in his mind. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Host, mana surge detected. 23 meters away.]


    At the same moment, a holographic AR arrow materialized in his vision, pointing toward the exact location.


    Adam''s head snapped in that direction, and Marie did the same.


    Down the street, a blue portal flickered into existence, the air around it warping violently before the swirling mass expanded outward. Within seconds, the portal stabilized into a proper gate.


    Marie sighed, rubbing her temples.


    "Judging by its size¡­ looks like an E-Rank Gate."


    ----


    This is the gate where he would have meet Leo if he walked inside during the evening, haha, i like to write different perspectives, they challenge me.


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 13 - 13: Building the Computer

    (Thursday, May 16, 2026 ¨C 12:43 PM)


    Adam glanced at Marie. "Since it''s an E-Rank, it should be easy, right?"


    Marie nodded, already pulling out her phone as she began walking toward the gate. "Yeah, but we still need to handle it properly." She raised her voice slightly, addressing the bystanders. "Everyone, step back from the gate!"


    As Marie spoke, Adam followed her toward the portal, observing as she called someone.


    "This is Marie from the HA Enforcement Division. We''ve got a gate appearance on Via Don Bosco. Probably E-Rank, but we need confirmation. Sending coordinates now."


    As they waited, the portal remained stable, pulsing faintly, but the surrounding pedestrians were already backing away. The presence of an active gate was enough to unnerve civilians.


    (12:56 PM)


    Within minutes, Hunter Association vehicles arrived, sleek black cars bearing the HA insignia. Several officers in uniform stepped out, moving quickly but professionally to lock down the area.


    Marie greeted them with a nod before explaining, "We''ll run the proper scan first, confirm the rank, then put it up on the Hunter Network. If it''s really E-Rank, no guild is going to waste time on it. We''ll list it under the unaffiliated hunters'' queue."


    Adam glanced at the swirling blue portal, then at Marie. "So how does that work? What''s the minimum number of people needed to take the gate?"


    Marie crossed her arms. "At least ten hunters. And they absolutely must have a healer. Entering without one is basically a death wish."


    Adam nodded. "And if no one takes it?"


    "Then the Hunter Association deals with it." Marie shrugged. "We always make sure gates get cleared, one way or another."


    Adam raised an eyebrow. "So, the Association is the last to profit from gates?"


    Marie smirked, shaking her head. "That only applies to low-rank gates like this one. If it were a higher-ranked dungeon? You can bet the Association would fight for it."


    Adam looked back at the portal, thoughts already forming in his mind.


    [Host, the gate is subtly enriching the surrounding mana. The probability of awakenings in this area is increasing, slowly but steadily.]


    Adam watched the portal flicker, the air around it carrying a faint static-like presence. He wasn''t surprised. ''With more gates appearing, this should be normal.''


    Glancing at his phone screen, he checked the time. 12:58 PM.


    Turning to Marie. "I''m heading out."


    Marie, still observing the HA officers work, gave him a short nod. "Alright. You good to get home alone?"


    Adam nodded slightly. "You''re busy. I''ll manage."


    Marie hummed before tilting her head slightly. "Give me your number, just in case."


    Adam tapped his phone, sending his contact directly to hers. Marie glanced at the screen before pocketing it.


    "See you around, Mr. Entrepreneur." She grinned.


    Adam shook his head, he took the bag in the car before turning away as he walked toward the nearest bus stop.


    (1:03 PM ¨C Bus Stop)


    Taking a seat, he pulled out his phone, navigating to a math resource website.


    ''Aw¨¤, extract and refine everything useful.''


    [Acknowledged. Processing mathematical concepts, theories, and applications.]


    As he scrolled, knowledge was extracted, corrected, and optimized in real-time. Numbers, formulas, and logic structures seamlessly integrated into his understanding.


    The bus arrived, but Adam barely noticed. His mind was already sinking deep into mathematics.


    (1:45 PM)


    Adam stepped off the bus, walking the short distance to his apartment complex. The building was the same as before, old but functional. Nothing had changed outside.


    Inside, however, he intended to change everything.


    Unlocking the door, he stepped into his quiet apartment, closing the door behind him. He set his bag down and unzipped it, methodically rearranging everything inside. Once satisfied, he stood up and took a long look around.


    The place wasn''t dirty, but it was cluttered. It lacked the efficiency he needed.


    Without hesitation, Adam rolled up his sleeves and started cleaning.


    Every inch of the apartment was dusted, organized, and optimized. The floors were wiped down, unnecessary items were discarded, and anything that didn''t serve a purpose was moved out of the way.


    By the time he reached his room, he already knew what had to be done.


    He cleared a dedicated space, a spot where his new workstation would go. He visualized the setup, making sure there was enough space for the table, the PC, and additional components.


    (3:12 PM ¨C Delivery Arrives)


    The Ding at the door pulled Adam from his thoughts. He checked the time. 3:12 PM. Right on schedule.


    Descending the stairs, he met the delivery workers at the entrance of the complex. Several large boxes were stacked neatly, labeled with the various components he had ordered.


    Instead of waiting for them to haul everything up slowly, Adam stepped forward and began helping.


    "Let''s get this done fast."


    The workers raised an eyebrow but didn''t argue. Together, they carried the boxes into his apartment, finishing in half the usual time.


    "That everything?" Adam asked as he placed the last box inside.


    One of the workers checked the list. "Yeah, you''re set. Enjoy your build."


    Adam nodded and closed the door. He stood before the neatly stacked boxes, each containing the parts of his future system.


    One by one, he opened them, checking each component carefully.


    CPU: A high-core count processor, built for multitasking and efficiency.


    Motherboard: A high-end model, future-proofed with strong power delivery and multiple expansion slots. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    RAM: Fast DDR5 memory, optimized for low latency.


    Storage: Several NVMe SSDs, ensuring maximum read/write speeds.


    Cooling System: A high-end liquid cooling unit, built for sustained performance under heavy loads.


    Power Supply: A modular 1000W PSU, providing stability and room for future upgrades.


    Case: Spacious, well-ventilated, and designed for easy expansion.


    Tools & Accessories: Screwdrivers, thermal paste, anti-static wristbands, and system-level programming utilities.


    Once everything was accounted for, he moved on to the first step, assembling the workstation itself.


    He unpacked the table components, laying out each piece with care before starting the assembly process. The foundation came first, then the framework, then the securing bolts.


    Piece by piece, the setup was coming together.


    Adam wiped his hands on a clean cloth before reaching for the PC case. It was spacious, sleek, and well-ventilated, designed to house high-performance components without restricting airflow.


    Without hesitation, he set it down on the newly assembled table, removing the side panels to expose the interior. The metal frame was cold to the touch, and inside, neatly arranged cable slots and drive bays waited for their respective parts.


    He grabbed the motherboard next, an expansive high-end model with reinforced circuits and multiple PCIe slots. Handling it with precise care, he aligned it with the mounting points inside the case. With a practiced motion, he secured it in place with precision screws, ensuring a firm but not over-tightened fit.


    Reaching into the box containing the CPU, Adam examined the high-core count processor. The small, delicate chip was the heart of the system, and one wrong move could ruin it. Holding it by the edges, he gently lowered it onto the motherboard socket, aligning the golden contact points perfectly.


    A light click signaled its proper placement. He locked it down with the retention bracket, securing it before moving on to the next step.


    The cooling system came next, a liquid cooling unit designed for efficient heat dissipation. He applied a thin, even layer of thermal paste onto the CPU, ensuring maximum contact between the surfaces. Then, he mounted the cooling block directly on top, fastening it with a cross-pattern to evenly distribute pressure. The radiator and fans were installed next, positioned to provide optimal airflow and heat exhaust.


    He moved on to the RAM sticks, slotting the high-speed DDR5 memory into the designated channels. A satisfying click echoed as he applied just enough force, confirming a secure connection.


    Next were the NVMe SSDs, their compact, high-speed design meant to maximize performance. He inserted them into the M.2 slots, securing them with small screws before moving to the power supply unit (PSU).


    The modular 1000W PSU slid into place at the bottom of the case, its cables neatly routed through the pre-designed channels. Adam ensured each power connector was correctly seated, CPU, GPU, motherboard, storage, all properly linked and managed.


    The graphics card, a high-end model built for AI processing and multitasking, was the final major component. He aligned it with the PCIe slot, pressing down firmly until it clicked into place. Securing it with the metal bracket, he checked all connections before closing the case panels.


    Now, only one step remained.


    Adam sat down at the desk, powering on the system. The internal components whirred to life, LED indicators flickering as everything initialized. The BIOS screen appeared, signaling that the hardware was functioning correctly.


    Now, it was time to program the operating system.


    ----


    With the quality of this chapter i think subscribing to my Patreon is not impossible, right? ????


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    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 14 - 14: Digital Fortress

    (Thursday, May 16, 2026 ¨C 4:17 PM)


    The system hummed softly, the gentle whir of the cooling fans blending with the subtle electronic pulses from the high-end components. The BIOS screen flickered, awaiting input. A blank canvas, ready to be shaped.


    Adam cracked his knuckles, his black eyes locked onto the display. There was no hesitation as he reached for the keyboard, fingers moving with precise control as he accessed the system''s firmware.


    A standard operating system wouldn''t cut it. He needed something built from the ground up, something custom, something untraceable.


    He would create his own programming language first.


    His hands moved methodically, defining the syntax, structure, and architecture of the language. Every aspect had to be designed for maximum efficiency, security, and adaptability.


    He started with the core principles.


    The language needed to be low-level enough to interact directly with hardware, bypassing unnecessary layers of abstraction, yet flexible enough to allow complex functionality.


    He built a new syntax, distinct from existing languages, combining the efficiency of C, the security of Rust, and the parallel processing capabilities found in cutting-edge architectures.


    Memory management was rewritten from scratch. No garbage collection reliance. Every allocation would be precise, controlled. No memory leaks, no vulnerabilities.


    The compiler had to be lightweight yet robust, capable of compiling directly to machine code with zero unnecessary overhead. Instead of following conventional methods, he implemented adaptive optimization routines, allowing the system to analyze code execution in real-time and refine itself dynamically.


    The language also needed to be resistant to reverse engineering. He wrote in layered obfuscation protocols, meaning any attempt to decompile or extract code would result in meaningless data.


    Even if someone somehow accessed the system, they wouldn''t be able to understand or manipulate the source code. It was his and his alone.


    Each line of code was written with uncompromising precision. There were no wasted functions, no inefficiencies, no gaps.


    As the language took form, Adam could feel something rare, a sense of perfect control over his creation. Every element aligned exactly as he envisioned. A flawless foundation.


    Satisfied, he finalized the compiler, running stress tests to ensure stability. It executed flawlessly.


    The programming language was complete.


    Now, it was time to build the operating system.


    He immediately started with the kernel, the core of the OS. It had to be secure, self-contained, and immune to external tampering. No open-source vulnerabilities. No exploitable code.


    The architecture was designed for absolute efficiency, direct hardware integration, eliminating redundant processing layers, ensuring it operated at lightning speed.


    Security was paramount. Everything was encrypted. The system could mask its presence, operate in the background undetected, and had a failsafe that would self-destruct critical data if unauthorized access was attempted.


    Networking protocols were rewritten from scratch. No conventional TCP/IP stacks. Instead, he created a custom transmission method that encrypted and scrambled data at a level no known system could decode.


    Even if someone tried to hack into it, they wouldn''t even recognize it as an operating system. It would appear as corrupted, unreadable data. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As he built the interface, he kept it minimalistic, functional, and command-driven, no unnecessary visual elements, just raw efficiency.


    Hours passed in silence, interrupted only by the rhythmic keystrokes. The screen reflected his work, lines of code forming the backbone of a system unlike any other.


    By the time he was done, the OS was stable, undetectable, and completely untraceable.


    It was his. Designed from nothing, built with purpose.


    The screen flickered for a moment before the system came to life, running smoothly on his new machine.


    The perfect digital fortress.


    Adam leaned back in his chair, rubbing his eyes as he glanced at the time on his monitor. 10:27 PM. The hours had disappeared in his focused work, but now that he was done, a different urge took priority, hunger.


    Even though Aw¨¤ is keeping his body operational without problems, he still needs to eat.


    With a quiet sigh, he stood up, stretched his arms, and grabbed his wallet before heading out.


    ....


    (10:33 PM)


    The night air was cool but pleasant, the streets of Alessandria still alive with movement. Neon signs flickered against the warm glow of streetlights, and the scent of food drifted from the various stalls and restaurants that lined the roads.


    Adam walked at a leisurely pace, hands tucked into his pockets, blending in with the evening crowd. The city felt familiar, yet different.


    The old-world charm of Italy remained in the architecture and narrow streets, but the influence of hunters had left its mark. Mana-powered vehicles drove on the asphalt, holographic advertisements shifted dynamically, and fortified structures stood as silent defenses against the unknown.


    Despite the advancements, life continued. Ordinary people walked these streets, chatting, shopping, living as if dungeons and monsters weren''t a looming threat.


    A familiar scent pulled Adam from his thoughts. The rich, spiced aroma of grilled meat led him to a small food stall nestled between two buildings.


    Stepping up to the counter, he spoke calmly.


    "One kebab, with everything."


    The vendor, a middle-aged man with a thick mustache, nodded and moved with practiced efficiency. Meat sizzled on the grill, juices dripping onto the open flame, while fresh vegetables were chopped and sauces spread over warm, folded bread.


    A minute later, the kebab was wrapped and handed to him.


    Adam took the first bite, flavors exploding across his tongue. The combination of charred, spiced meat, crisp vegetables, and creamy sauce was perfect. Simple, but satisfying.


    He continued walking, circling the streets slowly as he ate, taking in the sights.


    Even with the changes, the city had a vibrancy to it, a coexistence of normalcy and the extraordinary.


    A reminder that this was no longer the world he once knew.


    (10:52 PM)


    Finishing the last bite of his kebab, Adam dusted off his hands and glanced toward the direction where the E-Rank gate had appeared earlier in the day.


    ''Might as well check it out before heading back.''


    The streets were quieter now, the earlier crowds having thinned out. He moved through the dimly lit alleyways and main roads, his footsteps steady but unhurried. The city never fully slept, but there was a noticeable shift in atmosphere, a sense of quiet vigilance as night settled in.


    As he neared the site, he spotted a small gathering of civilians standing behind the makeshift barricades set up by the Hunter Association. Some were whispering among themselves, others just watching out of curiosity.


    Adam slipped into the crowd, positioning himself where he could see clearly.


    The gate still pulsed, its deep blue surface swirling ominously, but what caught his attention was the group of hunters preparing to enter.


    [Scanning...]


    Aw¨¤''s voice hummed in his mind.


    [All participants are E-Rank hunters, except for the squad captain, D-Rank.]


    His eyes shifted to the leader.


    She was a muscular woman, tall and broad-shouldered, wearing a reinforced combat suit. A large sword rested on her back, the handle extending slightly above her shoulder. Her expression was firm, her stance solid, clearly experienced despite the low rank of the operation.


    Adam watched as the team moved toward the gate, exchanging final words before stepping through. The portal shimmered, swallowing them one by one.


    Satisfied, Adam turned away and started heading home.


    There was no reason to linger.


    He had training to do.


    ----


    A what if, this also means different outcomes..


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 15 - 15: No Pain no Gain

    With this chapter i think i reached a satisfying point, so now i will stock up for Patreon.


    ----


    (Thursday, May 16, 2026 ¨C 11:34 PM)


    The walk back was quiet, the city''s nightlife passing by in a blur of lights.


    His mind wasn''t on the hunters at the E-Rank gate or the streets of Alessandria, it was on his next step.


    By the time he reached his apartment, he had already made up his mind.


    Stepping inside, he locked the door, took off his shoes, and changed into comfortable training clothes, loose-fitting sweatpants and a sleeveless shirt.


    Unlike before, there would be no stretches tonight.


    [Host, sit down.]


    Adam lowered himself onto the floor, crossing his legs as he let his arms rest loosely on his knees.


    [Now, breathe.]


    His brow furrowed slightly. That was it? Just breathing?


    Still, he had learned not to underestimate anything. If Aw¨¤ told him to breathe, then there had to be a reason.


    Adam let Aw¨¤ guide him as he took a deep inhale. A slow, measured breath.


    Then another.


    But soon, he realized, this wasn''t normal breathing.


    The pattern was deliberate, structured, almost like an intricate machine working in precise synchronization.


    The more he inhaled, the more oxygen flooded into his system, saturating his blood, pushing through every artery, every capillary. His heart began to accelerate, its rhythm shifting from a steady drumbeat to a pounding war drum.


    More blood. More oxygen. More pressure.


    Then came the heat.


    His core temperature began rising rapidly, sweat forming quickly as his entire circulatory system worked overtime.


    His heart, a muscle like any other, was being pushed beyond its limits.


    Then, it ruptured.


    A sharp, splitting pain shot through his chest as his cardiac muscles tore under the strain.


    His vision blurred, his body convulsing slightly, but before complete failure..


    The nano machines rebuilt it.


    Cell by cell. Stronger. Denser. More efficient.


    The pain was immediate, unbearable. Worse than yesterday.


    His veins stretched, expanding under the increased blood flow. The walls of his arteries thickened, adapting to the violent new rhythm. His lungs burned, feeling like they would collapse, only to be restored, their capacity forcefully expanded.


    It wasn''t just his heart. Every organ, every tissue, every system was being rebuilt in real time.


    The pain was all-consuming. His muscles trembled. His skin was drenched in sweat. His white scleras turned bloodshot, veins standing out against his skin like a network of pulsing cables.


    And yet, he refused to fall.


    [Pain is one of the greatest tools to forge willpower, Host.]


    Aw¨¤''s voice was calm, clinical. She wasn''t offering comfort, she was observing, measuring, ensuring the process was absolute.


    Adam gritted his teeth, his entire body shaking violently.


    His very existence felt like it was on fire.


    But he endured.


    Even as his heart ruptured and rebuilt again.


    Even as his organs screamed for relief before being reborn stronger.


    Even as his bones ached under the strain of an oxygen-flooded system, their density shifting to accommodate the new load.


    Pain was the price. And he was paying it in full.


    ....


    (Friday, May 17, 2026 ¨C 6:00 AM)


    Adam had been breathing for hours.


    The cycle had continued, unrelenting, throughout the entire night. His heart ruptured and rebuilt itself over and over, his lungs expanded, shrank, and expanded again, his veins stretched and adapted to the new oxygen levels that forced their way through his system.


    Pain had become his entire world, but he never once stopped.


    Only when the first light of dawn crept through his window did Aw¨¤''s voice ring in his mind.


    [Host, the session is complete.]


    His body trembled, muscles aching in a way that went beyond exhaustion. Every fiber of his being felt like it had been torn apart and put back together.


    Slowly, Adam uncrossed his legs, his breath still heavy. His skin glistened with sweat, his body overheated from the intense metabolic process.


    He pushed himself up, unsteady at first, before walking into the bathroom.


    The moment the cold water hit his skin, he exhaled deeply. The sensation was almost shocking after the hellish heat his body had endured.


    The water ran red for a moment, micro-tears in his skin, blood from ruptured vessels, waste products from cells that had been completely broken down and rebuilt.


    He let the water cleanse him before drying off and heading straight to bed.


    The second his head hit the pillow, he was out.


    ....


    (Sunday, May 19, 2026 ¨C 8:32 AM) S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His eyes opened to silence.


    The soft glow of morning light filtered through the window, casting long shadows across the room. Adam lay there for a moment, his mind catching up to the fact that it was no longer Friday.


    Frowning, he turned his head toward the clock. 8:32 AM.


    His brows furrowed as he sat up.


    ''Aw¨¤¡­ why did I sleep this long? What about my training?''


    [Rest is also training, Host.]


    She continued before he could respond.


    [For two days, I used controlled mana exposure to repair and reinforce your genetic makeup. Breaking it down was necessary, but restoring it correctly was just as important.]


    Adam rubbed his temple, processing. Two whole days¡­


    ''And what about my awakening?''


    [I have temporarily halted it for now. Raising your mana affinity while keeping you unawakened will yield better results in the long run.]


    He exhaled deeply before swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.


    His body felt¡­ different.


    Stronger. Lighter. More coordinated.


    Standing up, he headed straight for the bathroom.


    The moment he pulled off his clothes and stood in front of the mirror, he could see the difference.


    His once faint, barely defined muscles were now more visible, his shoulders broader, his chest and arms carrying more tone. He wasn''t massive, but compared to his previous office-worker body, the change was noticeable.


    His height had increased again.


    [180 cm.] Aw¨¤ confirmed before he even asked.


    Adam rolled his shoulders, feeling the subtle shift in his posture.


    Without dwelling too much, he stepped into the shower, letting the warm water run over him.


    The soreness from his training was completely gone. Every part of him felt brand new.


    Once he was done, he dried off and threw on some casual clothes.


    Stepping into the living room, he sat down on the sofa, letting everything settle in.


    ....


    (9:04 AM)


    Adam picked up the remote control, pressing the power button. The TV flickered to life, the screen illuminating the room with the morning news.


    A serious-looking male news anchor sat at his desk, the station''s logo rotating in the corner. Behind him, a blurred hospital scene was displayed.


    "We begin with tragic news regarding the E-Rank gate that appeared on Thursday evening in Alessandria. While initially considered low-risk, the dungeon proved far deadlier than expected."


    Adam''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    "At approximately 3 AM on Friday, during the final phase of the raid, the hunting party suffered severe casualties. Five hunters lost their lives, and the others were critically injured. Survivors are currently receiving treatment at Alessandria General Hospital."


    The screen transitioned, revealing an interview segment.


    The camera cut to a woman seated in a wheelchair, her face bearing new scars, her expression a mix of exhaustion and grief. Bandages covered parts of her arms and shoulders, but the most striking detail was her missing legs.


    The D-Rank squad captain.


    [Angela Conti.]


    The caption read beneath her name.


    ----


    ????...


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 Chapter 16 - 16: Cognitive Functions

    (Sunday, May 19, 2026 ¨C 9:26 AM)


    Adam recognized her immediately, the muscular woman with the large sword. The same one who had led the E-Rank raid.


    Angela inhaled slowly, her voice rough when she finally spoke.


    "It was a goblin dungeon."


    The reporter, a woman with a solemn expression, gave a slight nod. "Goblin dungeons are considered manageable at E-Rank. What went wrong?"


    Angela''s lips tightened, her fingers gripping the blanket covering her lap.


    "Goblins are weak, but they''re ruthless. Numerous. They don''t fight fair. They ambush, they overwhelm." She exhaled shakily before continuing. "At first, we only had two injuries, no deaths. One guy lost his left arm. He got careless, and they took it clean off. Another guy saved him, but he got stabbed in the liver in the process."


    The reporter hesitated before asking, "What happened to them?"


    Angela''s gaze lowered.


    "The one who lost his arm¡­ he was done. PTSD hit him hard. When the mining team arrived to extract mana crystals and minerals, we sent him back with them. The other guy was still standing, still able to fight so he stayed with us."


    She swallowed, her scarred hands trembling slightly.


    "Then, we reached the boss room."


    A moment of silence.


    Angela''s voice wavered, but she continued.


    "That''s when we lost five people."


    The reporter''s voice was gentle but firm. "Who¡­ or what was the boss?"


    Angela''s jaw tightened.


    "A D-Rank goblin. But not normal. He was wrapped in chains, shackles, but he used them as whips." She looked directly at the camera, her dark brown eyes haunted. "He moved too fast. Stronger than we expected. The moment we engaged, he ripped through us."


    Angela lowered her head with her body trembling slightly.


    "We also ran into elite goblins¡­ E-Rank, but they were stronger than the normal E-Ranks, faster, more coordinated. We should''ve left when we had the chance."


    She wiped her face, but her tears continued to fall.


    "It''s my fault." she whispered. "I should''ve pulled out sooner"


    Adam sat in silence, watching as Angela, a hardened hunter, a leader, broke down on live television.


    There was nothing left to say.


    Adam stood up from the sofa, exhaling softly as he grabbed his wallet and keys before heading out. The apartment door clicked shut behind him, and soon, he was back on the streets of Alessandria.


    The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of fresh bread, roasted coffee, and the distant hint of rain from the previous night. The city was awake, but not in a rush, people moved at a relaxed pace, enjoying their morning routines.


    Adam walked at his own rhythm, his footsteps light but steady.


    As he passed various storefronts, he let his thoughts wander. The news report still lingered in his mind. Death was always part of hunting, but seeing someone like Angela, once a strong leader, reduced to a broken state¡­ it was a reminder.


    Strength wasn''t an option in this world. It was a necessity.


    Soon, he spotted a caf¨¦ with a few outdoor tables, its glass windows reflecting the golden sunlight. The warm scent of pastries and coffee pulled him in.


    Pushing the door open, Adam stepped inside, greeted by the quiet hum of conversation and the gentle clinking of plates.


    A waiter approached, a young man with short hair and an easygoing smile.


    "Good morning! What can I get for you?"


    Adam''s voice was calm but low. "A slice of pistachio cake and a cappuccino."


    The waiter nodded. "Coming right up."


    Taking a seat near the window, Adam leaned back, pulling out his phone.


    He had already studied computer science, mathematics, and engineering. Now, it was time for something just as essential.


    He began browsing medicine.


    Not just basic human biology, but the depths of medical science, neurology, hematology, genetics, immunology. Every major and minor field.


    As he scrolled, Aw¨¤ worked in the background, extracting the useful information, filtering out outdated theories, optimizing and restructuring complex concepts into something clearer, more advanced.


    The cake arrived first, a light green slice with a soft, rich texture, topped with crushed pistachios and a delicate glaze. The cappuccino followed, its foam swirled into a near-perfect spiral.


    Adam took a slow bite of the cake.


    The balance was good, sweet but not overpowering, the nutty richness melting effortlessly on his tongue.


    He ate in silence, his eyes focused on the endless stream of medical knowledge flowing across his screen.


    How the human body responded to trauma. The limitations of traditional medicine. The potential of cellular regeneration.


    As Adam scrolled further, the focus of his study shifted to the human brain.


    The most complex organ in the body. The source of consciousness, memory, perception, and will.


    His eyes moved across the screen, taking in the latest neuroscience research, theories on cognitive function, and the structural intricacies of neural pathways.


    [Host, integrating data.]


    Aw¨¤''s voice was as calm as ever, but this time, there was more.


    The nano machines within his own body were collecting and refining knowledge that modern science could never detect.


    [Neural mapping scans confirm that current technology vastly underestimates the brain''s true potential. Human cognitive limitations are not due to lack of capacity but inefficiency in data processing.]


    Adam leaned back slightly, taking a sip of his cappuccino. ''So intelligence, memory, and comprehension, they''re not just set values?''


    [Correct. Intelligence is a combination of synaptic efficiency, neural density, and optimized energy distribution. Memory is the result of structured encoding, recall pathways, and biochemical reinforcement. Comprehension relies on pattern recognition, predictive analysis, and associative learning. All of these can be modified.]


    Adam''s fingers tapped lightly against the table. ''Then¡­ in theory, my brain functions could be increased? Not just intelligence, but reaction time, memory, even how I perceive time itself?''


    [Theoretically, yes. However, the current human brain is not designed for extended high-speed processing. Overclocking it without adaptation would result in mental degradation, overheating, and eventual failure.]


    Adam nodded slightly, taking another bite of his pistachio cake. The flavor was still there, but his mind was elsewhere.


    ''So the real issue isn''t possibility. It''s sustainability.''


    [Precisely. Your neural structure can be reinforced, expanded, and optimized to handle higher functions, but without proper adaptation, the stress would be fatal.]


    Adam thought for a moment. ''What about time perception? If my brain processes information faster, wouldn''t that mean I''d experience time differently?''


    [Yes. If your cognitive speed increases, external time would appear to slow down relative to your perception. However, maintaining such a state indefinitely would be energy-consuming.]


    A small smile crossed Adam''s lips. So even time itself wasn''t absolute.


    He swirled the remaining coffee in his cup before setting it down.


    ''Alright, Aw¨¤. Let''s go deeper. Where does human will come from?''


    A pause.


    Then, her voice returned.


    [Human will is a composite result of genetic predisposition, environmental conditioning, neurological structuring, and biochemical reactions. However, there is an anomaly.]


    Adam''s eyes narrowed slightly. ''An anomaly?''


    [Despite all predictive models, human will does not always follow logical progression. Individuals defy survival instincts, exceed known biological limits, and act without clear evolutionary benefit. There is no quantifiable explanation for what humans define as "unbreakable determination."]


    Adam leaned forward slightly, intrigued.


    ''So it''s something beyond science?''


    [Not beyond. Simply unexplained. The phenomenon remains outside current models of understanding.]


    Adam exhaled through his nose, considering.


    The body could be controlled. The brain could be optimized.


    But will?


    That was something even the most advanced calculations couldn''t fully define.


    Adam''s mind sharpened as he returned to the neural structure discussion.


    ''What if I keep the nano machines healing continuously active while improving my brain?''


    [Then the situation changes.]


    Aw¨¤''s voice carried a distinct shift.


    [With nano healing active at all times, your brain could operate at 100% efficiency, free from degradation or damage.] S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Adam''s fingers tapped lightly against the table. ''So¡­ no overclocking limit?''


    [Correct. Your neurons would fire at maximum potential without risk of burnout. Cognitive strain, mental fatigue, none of it would exist.]


    His eyes narrowed slightly. ''And would there be side effects?''


    [Not drawbacks, enhancements. Continuous healing would force cellular reconstruction, leading to a permanent increase in neural density, synaptic speed, and processing capacity. Over time, this would result in exponential cognitive evolution.]


    Adam exhaled slowly.


    ''A limitless mind.''


    But there was always a catch.


    ''What''s the cost?''


    [Energy.]


    Aw¨¤''s voice remained even.


    [The nano machines would require an immense amount of mana to sustain this process. Without a stable mana supply, the enhancement would be impossible.]


    His jaw tightened slightly.


    Everything came back to one thing.


    Mana.


    His thoughts condensed into a single conclusion.


    ''I need to awaken.''


    [Agreed.]


    Adam leaned back, his mind now fully set. He had entertained different ideas, different paths, but this was no longer just an option.


    It was a necessity.


    His dark eyes shifted to the counter.


    "One more thing. Bring me a full pistachio cake, to go."


    The waiter blinked at the unexpected request but nodded, quickly preparing it.


    A few minutes later, Adam took the packaged cake, its warmth still faint through the box, and headed for the exit.


    ----


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 17 - 17: Time skip

    Hello ????????, I''m feeling a bit better and while feeling like a dead corpse in these past days i thought how i wasn''t satisfied with the time skip of chapter 17, so i rewrote it.


    I also have begun to read the colored manga of Tokyo Revengers after seeing a tik tok edit of:


    Spoiler


    Takemitchi using his time ability to see the next attacks of Mikey, and i thought that it was kinda cool.


    Like every time, i searched for a fic about TR on this site and i remained disappointed like always.


    I am forced to write one myself?


    Hell nah I''m too busy!!


    So you readers hurry up and write something for my greed!


    I know that this is not exactly a new chapter, so if i manage to write two other chapters today, i will post one more, or if we reach 300 stones before midnight in italy time.


    I know we can reach that.


    ----


    (Sunday, May 19, 2026 ¨C 11:13 AM)


    Adam pulled out his phone as he walked, his fingers moving swiftly over the screen. He checked his bank balance, the numbers appeared in crisp digital text.


    €103.74.


    He sighed through his nose. Not surprised.


    Most of his money had gone into PC components and specialized tools. All necessary, but it left him with little for anything else.


    He slipped the phone back into his pocket, his pace never slowing. The city was alive, bustling with late-morning activity, shoppers, office workers on break, groups of tourists admiring the old architecture.


    None of it concerned him.


    Reaching the nearest bus stop, he stepped onto the first available ride back home.


    ....


    By the time he arrived, his mind was already set on his next move.


    Stepping inside his apartment, he changed into loose athletic wear, black compression pants under lightweight shorts, a sleeveless training shirt.


    Without wasting time, he stepped out again.


    The streets were quieter in this part of Alessandria, away from the commercial districts. He moved at a steady pace, weaving through alleys and side roads until he reached his destination.


    A small, open-air park.


    The area wasn''t crowded, just a few people scattered around, some jogging, others stretching or practicing simple calisthenics.


    Adam''s eyes glanced onto the pull-up bars.


    Then, his training began.


    Push-ups.


    His body lowered and rose in a precise rhythm. Chest to the ground. Full extension. No wasted movement.


    Chin-ups.


    His grip tightened as he pulled himself up, his chin clearing the bar before lowering in controlled motion.


    Russian push-ups.


    His arms moved in a fluid sequence, shoulders shifting as he flowed between low and high positions. Every motion burned.


    Plank holds.


    His core trembled, muscles locked in place, breathing controlled but deep.


    Pull-ups. Full planche. More push-ups.


    Every repetition was executed with discipline.


    But this time, it was different.


    This time, he was breathing in the exact pattern Aw¨¤ had taught him.


    His lungs expanded more than ever, forcing oxygen into every fiber of his body. His heart pumped violently, accelerating blood flow far beyond normal levels.


    Every muscle screamed. The task became exponentially harder.


    His body wasn''t just working against gravity, it was working against itself.


    Each breath sent a fresh wave of heat and strain coursing through his veins. His arms trembled, his core tightened to the brink of tearing, but his movements remained steady.


    ....


    (2:37 PM)


    Adam''s body burned. Every muscle, every fiber of his being was on fire, screaming for relief.


    And yet, he kept going.


    His arms shook violently as he held himself in a full planche with his breath measured and controlled. His core felt like it was being ripped apart, his shoulders tightened beyond their limits, but he didn''t let go.


    Seconds stretched into eternity.


    His muscles reached their breaking point, but before they could collapse, the nano machines repaired them.


    Stronger and more durable.


    After hours of relentless training, sweat dripped from his jawline, soaking his clothes. His breathing was heavy, but his mind was clear.


    With one final exhale, he lowered himself to the ground.


    He grabbed his bottle of water, taking slow sips before standing up, rolling his shoulders. His body still ached, but beneath that pain, he could feel it.


    Progress.


    Without wasting time, he left the park and headed home.


    ....


    By the time he stepped into his apartment, the exhaustion had fully settled in. His shirt clung to his skin, his entire body coated in sweat.


    Adam didn''t hesitate, he went straight to the bathroom.


    The cold water hit him like a shock, his body tensing before relaxing under the stream. Droplets ran down his frame, washing away the effort of the past hours.


    His muscles still pulsed from the workout, but he could already feel the nano machines repairing them, strengthening him further.


    After finishing, he dried off, put on a clean outfit, a simple, loose shirt with sleeves he quickly rolled up.


    His eyes drifted toward the computer setup, the machine he had built with his own hands. A smile couldn''t help but escape his face, but there was a quiet intensity in his gaze.


    Stepping forward, he muttered to himself.


    "It''s time to work."


    ....


    (Thursday, June 13, 2026 ¨C 8:26 AM)


    (Adam Pov:)


    The morning sun cast a warm glow over Alessandria as I navigated the bustling streets toward the city center. The events of the past weeks played on my mind, intense training sessions, late-night coding marathons, and the persistent issue of electrical outages disrupting my work. It had become clear that relying on the city''s power grid was a vulnerability I could no longer afford. The solution was evident: establish my own energy source. To do that, I needed land.


    Approaching the real estate agency, a modest building nestled between a caf¨¦ and a bookstore, I took a deep breath and stepped inside. The cool air greeted me, a stark contrast to the warmth outside. A receptionist looked up from her desk, offering a polite smile.


    "Buongiorno. Come posso aiutarla?" she inquired.


    "Buongiorno." I replied. "I''m interested in purchasing a plot of land on the outskirts of Alessandria. Approximately 300 square meters."


    She nodded, gesturing toward a seating area. "Please, have a seat. I''ll inform one of our agents."


    As I settled into a leather chair, I couldn''t help but reflect on the funds facilitating this venture. Over the past days, I''d utilized my hacking skills to siphon money from corrupt individuals, criminals who exploited others without remorse. It was a calculated risk, but one I deemed necessary to finance my objectives.


    A few minutes later, a man in his mid-forties approached, extending his hand. "Buongiorno. I''m Marco, one of the agents here. I understand you''re looking for land?"


    "Yes." I affirmed, shaking his hand. "Preferably undeveloped terrain, around 300 square meters, suitable for constructing a small facility."


    Marco motioned for me to follow him to his desk, where he began typing on his computer. "Let''s see what''s available. Are you looking for agricultural land, or something zoned for construction?"


    "Zoned for construction." I specified. "It''s essential that I can build without legal complications."


    He nodded, continuing his search. "In the outskirts of Alessandria, the average price per square meter is approximately €779. For 300 square meters, you''re looking at around €233,700, though prices can vary based on the exact location and amenities."


    I had anticipated this range. "That''s within my budget. Do you have any listings that match these criteria?"


    After a few moments, Marco turned the monitor toward me, displaying several plots. One caught my eye, a 320-square-meter plot located about 5 kilometers from the city center. The price was listed at €240,000.


    "Tell me more about this one." I requested, pointing to the listing.


    Marco clicked on the details. "This plot is in a quiet area, easily accessible by road. It''s currently undeveloped and zoned for residential or light industrial use, which should suit your needs. The seller is motivated, so there''s potential for negotiation."


    I considered the information. "Is it possible to visit the site today?"


    He checked his watch. "I have an opening this afternoon. Shall we say 2 PM?"


    "That works for me."


    With the appointment set, I left the agency, my mind already envisioning the possibilities this land could offer. An independent power source would not only safeguard my projects from interruptions but also provide a level of autonomy crucial for my work.


    ....


    (2:00 PM)


    At 2 PM sharp, I met Marco outside the agency, and we drove to the site. The plot was as described, spacious, accessible, and secluded enough to ensure privacy. Standing there, I could almost see the facility I planned to build: a self-sustaining structure equipped with advanced energy solutions.


    "I''ll take it." I said decisively.


    Marco smiled. "Excellent. The next step is to sign a preliminary contract, the ''Compromesso.'' and provide a deposit, typically around 10% of the purchase price."


    "Let''s proceed."


    Over the next minutes, I provided the necessary documentation, including my tax identification number, or ''codice fiscale.'' which I already had, in anticipation of such transactions. The process was straightforward, and soon, I found myself signing the final deed, officially becoming the owner of the land. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ----


    Consider subscribing for free to my Patreon as i sometimes post advanced chapters for free and you will also have the early access to my other Solo Leveling fic that i will continue soon.


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn


    Well obviously if you got money to spare i won''t complain ?????????¡á?

 Chapter 18 - 18: Celebrate

    (Thursday, June 13, 2026 ¨C 3:17 PM)


    I stepped out of the agency, the warm afternoon sun casting long shadows across the pavement. The bag slung over my shoulder felt heavier than it should, not from weight, but from the significance of what was inside. Official ownership documents.


    I had land now.


    Slipping my hand into the bag, I ensured the papers were neatly secured inside the inner compartment. The last thing I needed was carelessness ruining everything I''d just finalized.


    With that done, I adjusted the strap and started walking toward the nearest bus stop.


    The streets were still active, though not as packed as earlier. A mix of locals and tourists moved along the sidewalks, some stopping at caf¨¦s, others engaged in casual conversation. Cars weaved through traffic, their engines humming beneath the noise of the city.


    I blended in, walking with the same measured pace I always did, never too fast, never too slow.


    My next destination was clear.


    A car dealership.


    Public transport was fine untill now, but it had become redundant. I needed my own vehicle. Something reliable, efficient, and most importantly, untraceable once modified.


    A bus pulled into the stop ahead. Timing was perfect.


    I stepped onto the platform, waiting as a few passengers exited before boarding. With a quick tap of my card, I moved to the back, taking a window seat.


    As the city rolled past outside, I rested my elbow against the frame, fingers tapping lightly against my knee.


    (3:29 PM)


    The bus slowed to a stop near an intersection. Across the street, a polished car dealership stood prominently, its large glass windows showcasing an array of vehicles.


    I stepped off, adjusting my bag as I crossed at the designated pedestrian lane.


    The entrance doors slid open as I walked in, cool air immediately brushing against my skin. Inside, the dealership was spacious, well-lit, with neatly arranged cars reflecting the ceiling lights.


    A few employees were scattered throughout, engaged with customers or handling paperwork. It didn''t take long for one to approach me, a man in his late thirties, clean-shaven, wearing a fitted blazer over a dress shirt.


    "Buon pomeriggio, signore." His voice was smooth, professional. "Welcome. How can I assist you today?"


    I met his gaze. "I''m looking to purchase a vehicle. Something durable, fuel-efficient, and with good longevity."


    His expression remained polite but sharpened slightly, assessing me as a serious buyer. "Of course. Do you have a specific model or type in mind?"


    "Something practical. SUVs, sedans, nothing flashy."


    He gave a small nod. "I understand. Please, follow me."


    I walked with him further into the showroom, past sleek sports cars and luxury models. None of those mattered. I needed function, not status, as that will come along with power.


    Boundless power.


    We stopped near a section featuring mid-range SUVs and sedans.


    "These models are some of the most reliable in their category." he said, gesturing toward them. "Fuel efficiency, durability, and ease of maintenance are key features here."


    I let my eyes run over the options, taking in details, engine specs, build quality, potential for modification.


    One vehicle, in particular, caught my attention.


    A black Toyota Land Cruiser.


    Sturdy. Long-lasting. Plenty of space. Easily modifiable.


    I turned slightly toward the salesman. "Tell me about this one."


    He smiled, stepping beside me. "An excellent choice. The Land Cruiser is known for its longevity and off-road capability while maintaining solid on-road performance. It''s an all-terrain vehicle, powerful yet stable. This particular model has advanced fuel efficiency upgrades as well."


    I glanced at the listed price. Reasonable for what it offered.


    "I''ll take it." I said without hesitation.


    The salesman blinked once but recovered quickly. "Would you like to discuss financing options or.."


    "Full payment." I interrupted. "Right now." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For a fraction of a second, I saw his professional demeanor crack, just a flicker of surprise. But he nodded, regaining composure. "Understood. If you''ll follow me, we can finalize the paperwork."


    I followed him toward the back offices.


    (3:41 PM)


    The pen moved smoothly across the final document as I signed my name, sealing the transaction.


    "Everything is in order." the salesman said, sliding a folder toward me. "Your proof of ownership, registration, and insurance details are all included here."


    I took the folder, placing it securely inside my bag.


    "Keys?"


    He nodded, reaching into a drawer before handing them over. The cold metal felt solid in my palm, a physical representation of my next step toward independence.


    "Your vehicle is parked just outside the exit." he continued. "It''s been fully checked, and the tank is topped off. You''re good to go."


    I stood, offering a slight nod with a smile. "Appreciate the efficiency."


    He gave a polite smile. "Enjoy your new car, signore."


    With that, I turned and made my way toward the dealership''s main exit.


    (3:49 PM)


    Stepping outside, my gaze landed on the black Toyota Land Cruiser parked near the curb. Its polished surface gleamed under the afternoon light, a contrast to the more urban vehicles surrounding it.


    I walked over, unlocking the doors with a press of the key fob. The interior was clean, spacious, functional. No unnecessary luxury, just practical design built for both urban and off-road conditions.


    Sliding into the driver''s seat, I adjusted the position slightly before starting the engine. The deep, controlled hum of the motor filled the cabin.


    This was mine now.


    As I shifted into drive and pulled onto the main road, my phone vibrated.


    Glancing at the screen, I saw Marie''s name.


    I tapped loudspeak, answering without taking my eyes off the road.


    "Didn''t expect a call from you." I said, merging into traffic.


    Marie''s voice came through smoothly, carrying her usual relaxed confidence. "Figured I''d let you know, I cleared a C-Rank gate with my squad today. Thought it called for a celebration."


    A small smile formed on my lips. "Perfect timing. Just bought a car myself, so I was already in the mood to celebrate something."


    "Really? What''d you get?"


    "Land Cruiser."


    A short pause. Then, a low whistle. "Damn, big spender. Got tired of public transport?"


    "More like needed a personal asset. Something reliable."


    "Practical as ever." She chuckled. "Anyway, I booked a spot at Trattoria Leone, figured 8 PM worked?"


    "That''s fine."


    "Good. Don''t be late, Adam."


    The call ended.


    I tapped my fingers lightly against the wheel with eyes focused ahead.


    ''Heh, this woman..''


    Dinner at 8 PM.


    For now, I had time to return home.


    ....


    (4:12 PM)


    The familiar streets of my neighborhood came into view as I navigated toward my apartment complex. I pulled into a vacant parking spot, cutting the engine before stepping out.


    With my bag slung over my shoulder and keys in hand, I moved through the entrance, taking the stairs two at a time.


    Unlocking the door, I stepped inside, shutting it behind me with a quiet click.


    The apartment was exactly as I left it, minimalist, organized but small, too small.


    Without a second thought, I headed straight to my bedroom.

 Chapter 19 - 19: Date

    (Thursday, June 13, 2026 ¨C 4:19 PM)


    I dropped my bag onto the chair, exhaling as I walked toward my desk. The apartment was quiet, save for the faint hum of the ceiling fan and the distant sounds of the city filtering in through the window.


    I reached out and pressed the power button.


    The system came alive instantly.


    The custom OS booted in seconds, its sleek, minimalistic interface appearing on the screen. No unnecessary visuals, just raw efficiency, exactly as I designed it.


    I love it.


    My fingers moved across the keyboard with practiced ease, navigating through directories until I reached the core programming files of the project I had been refining for the past 25 days.


    NanoNet.


    A tribute to the nano machines coursing through my body and the vision I had for something far greater than just an app.


    I clicked the executable. The interface loaded in an instant, revealing the app''s icon on the center of the screen, a black background with a white net design. Simple. Clean. Symbolic.


    My creation.


    I leaned back slightly, watching as the login page materialized. Every function, every layer of encryption, every security protocol was built for a singular purpose, control.


    No one could access NanoNet without an invitation.


    And even then, the barrier to entry was steep.


    The first step?


    Create a username.


    Set a strong password.


    Choose a color theme.


    Go through multiple security verifications.


    Only after all of that would a user reach the main page.


    A glance at the interface showed the six core features I had designed from the ground up.


    Messages


    A fully encrypted chat system, private and group-based, with auto-deletion protocols. No server logs, no retrievable history. Once a message was sent and read, it was gone forever.


    Not for me tho.


    Storage


    A secure personal vault where users could store files, documents, and sensitive data without fear of external access. Encrypted beyond modern standards, untraceable, and decentralized.


    Private Browser


    A browsing tool with no footprints, no tracking, no logs. Every action taken within NanoNet was invisible to monitoring systems.


    Community


    A closed network for discussions, deals, and private exchanges. No outside interference. No moderation. Pure, unfiltered conversation.


    Marketplace


    A secure hub for knowledge, services, and digital assets. This was more than just trading, it was an underground economy in the making.


    Encryptor


    A built-in tool allowing users to encode and decode messages outside of NanoNet itself. For those who needed extra layers of security even beyond the app.


    But access wasn''t free.


    I had designed NanoNet to be untraceable, inaccessible to the public. No one could find it by accident. There was no app store, no website, no centralized hub.


    The only way to enter?


    An invite in the form of a QR code.


    Generated randomly by the app itself. No two invites were ever the same.


    To join, a person had to know someone who was already inside. No public sign-ups. No open registrations.


    But I wasn''t going to sit back and let the network grow naturally.


    No. I would accelerate its reach.


    When the time came, I would release one million random QR codes across the world. Hidden in the deep web, embedded in obscure forums, encrypted within leaked documents, spread like a virus.


    Those who found them and understood their significance would enter.


    And once inside, they wouldn''t leave.


    Because NanoNet offered something no other platform did.


    Freedom.


    No government surveillance.


    No guild oversight.


    No public scrutiny.


    True anonymity.


    Of course, that only applied to everyone else.


    I would see everything.


    Every transaction. Every conversation. Every movement within my system.


    Because at the core of NanoNet, beyond its encryption, beyond its impenetrable security, was a single, undeniable truth.


    I was the only one in control.


    ....


    My eyes flicked toward another set of files in my system, weapon schematics.


    A few days ago, I had gone back to the Hunter Association branch, using Marie''s help as an excuse to observe weapons up close.


    But I wasn''t just looking.


    Aw¨¤ was analyzing.


    Scanning every weapon and armor with outmost precision.


    And coupled with the extensive research I had done online, I now had a complete understanding of modern hunter weaponry.


    The knowledge was there.


    All I needed now was the means to build.


    That was why I had bought the land.


    It wasn''t just for energy independence. It was a workshop in the making.


    Once I set up the facility, I would begin the next stage of my work.


    Because NanoNet was just the foundation.


    The real empire would be built with my own hands.


    ....


    (7:13 PM)


    I adjusted the cuffs of my suit, the smooth fabric resting comfortably against my skin as I stepped out of the car. The evening air was crisp, carrying the distant hum of the city.


    Marie''s house stood ahead, a modest but well-kept building in a quiet part of Alessandria. I walked up to the door, pressing the buzzer once.


    A few seconds later, the door swung open.


    Marie stood there, dressed in an elegant dark green dress that complemented her smooth brown skin. The fabric hugged her frame just enough to highlight her toned figure, the high slit revealing just a hint of her athletic legs. Her dark brown hair was styled differently tonight, flowing down her back in neat waves instead of her usual ponytail.


    Her eyes flickered over me before a slow, amused smile tugged at her lips.


    "Well, well, well." She crossed her arms, leaning against the doorway. "Didn''t expect you to actually clean up this well."


    I chuckled, stepping back and opening the passenger-side door for her. "I''d say the same, but I''m not that blind."


    She laughed, stepping forward and sliding into the seat with an effortless grace. "Flattery, huh? Careful, I might start thinking you enjoy my company."


    I shut the door behind her and walked around to the driver''s side. Settling into the seat, I started the engine, the smooth hum filling the cabin.


    As I pulled onto the road, Marie tilted her head, giving me another once-over. "But really, a full suit? Not bad. You almost look like some rich heir showing off his wealth."


    I smiled slightly. "And you look like someone who''d make a rich heir lose his."


    She laughed, shaking her head. "You''ve got some good lines when you try."


    I didn''t reply, simply focusing on the road as we wove through the evening traffic.


    Marie stretched slightly, getting comfortable. "So, what made you decide to celebrate with me?"


    I shrugged. "A good meal seemed like the right way to end the day."


    She raised an eyebrow. "Right. Because buying a whole damn car was too small of an achievement?"


    "I don''t settle for small wins."


    She chuckled, shaking her head. "Figures."


    The conversation flowed easily between us as I navigated the streets, the golden glow of the city lights flickering past. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Soon, Trattoria Leone came into view, its warm interior visible through the large windows. It was one of the more well-regarded restaurants in the area, classic Italian dishes, a good selection of fresh juices, and a quiet atmosphere.


    Pulling up to the entrance, I parked and stepped out, walking around to open Marie''s door.


    She glanced up at me with a raised brow before stepping out. "Huh. Didn''t peg you as the gentleman type	\\1."


    I shut the door behind her. "I have my moments."


    She smiled, tilting her head. "Not bad, Sen."


    We stepped inside, the scent of fresh pasta and roasted vegetables greeting us immediately. A waiter led us to a quiet table near the window, where we settled in, menus already in hand.


    As we looked over the options, I spoke casually. "Where do they usually sell Essence Stones?"


    Marie glanced up, raising a brow. "Essence Stones? High-ranking ones?"


    I nodded.


    She leaned back slightly. "Why?"


    I shrugged. "Curious. Wanted to see an auction sometime."


    Her eyes studied me for a moment before she set the menu down. "Well, usually, guilds and the Hunter Association keep most of them. High-rank Stones are too valuable, they either use them for crafting weapons or as energy sources."


    "Makes sense."


    She tapped her fingers against the table. "But¡­ if you have the money, and I mean a lot of it, there''s one place where you might find some for sale."


    I waited.


    She smiled. "Rome. The biggest auction happens there on the 15th of every month. They auction everything from B-rank to S-rank items."


    I nodded slightly. That was useful information.


    "But.." she continued, "even if you have money, you need power to keep what you buy."


    I raised a brow. "Oh?"


    She rested her chin on her hand. "Let''s just say there have been¡­ ''incidents''. Buyers who weren''t strong enough to protect their purchases. Some accidents. Some disappearances."


    I exhaled softly, shaking my head. "Human greed is boundless."


    Marie smiled, but there was something knowing behind it. "That''s just how it is. Power gets over people''s heads. Not everyone can stay the same once they have it."


    I nodded, meeting her gaze. "True."


    For a moment, neither of us spoke. The restaurant buzzed around us, the scent of rich dishes filling the air.


    Then the waiter arrived with our drinks.

 Chapter 20 - 20: New threat

    Wahhh please leave a review and let the new readers understand how much I''ve improved and see the opinions of others ????????????.


    Drop stones thank you.


    ----


    (Thursday, June 13, 2026 ¨C 8:17 PM)


    I leaned back slightly, the warmth of the restaurant filling the space between us. Marie had just finished her first plate, and I could see the slight ease in her shoulders, the post-dungeon tension finally wearing off.


    "So, how''d the gate go?" I asked, sipping my water.


    Marie sighed, rubbing her temples. "Arachnids."


    I froze, my grip tightening slightly around the glass. "You''re joking."


    "Wish I was." She shuddered dramatically. "I barely held it together. Thought I was gonna pass out when the biggest one dropped from the ceiling."


    I exhaled through my nose, shaking my head. "I hate spiders."


    Marie immediately nodded in agreement. "Thank you! Everyone keeps telling me they''re just bugs, but no, they''re nightmares with legs."


    I chuckled, and she laughed along with me, the tension in the conversation breaking for a brief moment.


    But then, just as quickly, her expression shifted. She leaned forward slightly with her voice lowering.


    "Listen, Adam. Stay alert when you go to Rome."


    I raised an eyebrow. "I will, but¡­ what exactly are you warning me about?"


    Marie glanced around, her usual gaze scanning the restaurant. Only when she was sure no one was paying attention did she finally speak again in a serious tone.


    "The HA headquarters sent out a notification to all branches. A new organization has been making appearances."


    I remained silent, letting her continue.


    "No one knows their full strength because they''re all false rankers. Their registered levels don''t match their actual capabilities. But from what we''ve heard¡­ their leading members are as strong as S-Ranks."


    That was already dangerous enough. S-Rank hunters weren''t just strong, they were countries in human form. But the way Marie hesitated told me she wasn''t done.


    She bit her lip slightly before continuing with her voice dropping even lower.


    "There''s a rumor that¡­ some of them might be¡­"


    I didn''t let her finish.


    My voice was calm, but the weight of my next words was undeniable.


    "National Levels?"


    Marie''s expression stiffened, and then, slowly, she nodded.


    I remained quiet, absorbing the information.


    She continued, "The strongest hunter in China, Liu Zhigang, came into contact with one of them."


    Liu Zhigang. The Master Swordsman. Second strongest hunter in the world. A man who stood at the pinnacle of humanity''s power.


    And he fought one of these false rankers?


    Marie leaned in. "They didn''t fight in China. He moved the battle to an uninhabited island."


    Smart. If two National Levels clashed in a populated area, an entire city or more could be wiped off the map.


    "But what happened next¡­" Marie hesitated. "It was beyond anything we expected."


    I didn''t say anything, waiting for her to continue.


    "The entire island was destroyed."


    I narrowed my eyes. "Destroyed¡­ how?"


    Marie exhaled, gripping her glass. "Like paper."


    I frowned. "Paper?"


    She nodded. "Everything. The trees, the rocks, even the animals. All of it turned into paper. No trace of life. Just¡­ a wasteland."


    I stayed silent, letting the implications sink in.


    "Liu survived." she continued. "But when he returned to China¡­ his clothes were shredded, and he had a scar across his abdomen."


    That part was unbelievable. Liu Zhigang wasn''t just strong, he was untouchable. The fact that he came out of that fight with an actual wound meant that this false ranker wasn''t just S-Rank. They were something worse.


    "Meanwhile, the false ranker escaped." Marie finished.


    I tapped my fingers lightly against the table with my mind racing.


    This wasn''t in the canon.


    But then again¡­ I was three years before the main events.


    The Solo Leveling manhwa and novel never focused much on the rest of the world. Korea was small, and the story revolved around Jin-Woo''s rise. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It made sense.


    There were always things happening outside the protagonist''s view.


    And now, I was witnessing them firsthand.


    I nodded, keeping my expression composed. "As a civilian, I''ll be extremely careful."


    Marie studied me for a moment before sighing. "Good. Just¡­ watch yourself, alright?"


    "I will."


    She didn''t seem entirely convinced, but she let it go.


    We finished the rest of our meal with lighter conversation, avoiding the heavier topics for the time being. The food was good, the atmosphere was pleasant, and for a while, everything felt simple.


    (8:56 PM)


    The drive back to Marie''s place was quiet, the comfortable kind. The streets were calmer now, the glow of streetlights reflecting off the pavement.


    When I pulled up in front of her house, I stepped out first, moving around the car to open her door. She glanced at me with an amused look but didn''t comment, stepping out gracefully.


    I walked with her toward her front door, hands in my pockets.


    After a moment, I spoke. "With the money you make, I wouldn''t have expected you to live in a place like this."


    Marie smirked, looking up at the modest but well-kept home. "Happiness doesn''t always come from big things, you know."


    I nodded with a small smile forming. She had a point.


    Without thinking much, I reached out and gently took her hand. Her fingers tensed slightly in surprise, but she didn''t pull away.


    "With someone to enjoy things." I said, meeting her gaze, "everything else doesn''t matter."


    Marie''s eyes widened slightly, a faint pink dusting her cheeks. "W-What do you mean?"


    I chuckled, tilting my head slightly. "I liked the date."


    She quickly lowered her head with her ears turning red.


    I smiled again, and in a quiet, romantic gesture, I reached out and gently lifted her chin. Her breath hitched slightly, her brown eyes locking onto mine.


    Then, with deliberate softness, I leaned in and placed a kiss on her forehead.


    Marie blinked, her lips parting slightly before a slow, genuine smile formed.


    Neither of us said anything for a moment, the night air settling around us.


    Finally, she stepped back slightly, still smiling. "Good night, Adam."


    I nodded. "Good night, Marie."


    She turned and walked inside, pausing briefly before closing the door.


    I exhaled, still smiling as I walked back to my car. The night had turned out better than expected.


    Sliding into the driver''s seat, I started the engine and pulled away, heading back home.


    (9:27 PM)


    I stepped into my apartment, the familiar silence greeting me as I closed the door behind me. Setting my keys on the counter, I made my way to my room, loosening my tie as I walked.


    A glance at the clock. 9:27 PM.


    The evening had gone well, but now my mind was back on track. Rome. The auction.


    If I planned to be there, I needed to prepare.


    I shrugged off my suit jacket, hanging it neatly before undoing the top buttons of my shirt. Within minutes, I had stripped out of my formal wear, swapping it for a loose T-shirt and comfortable sweatpants. The difference was instant, no stiffness, no restrictions.


    Settling into my chair, I powered on the PC. The screen flickered to life in seconds.


    First things first, knowledge.


    I opened the browser, my fingers moving swiftly across the keyboard. Rome''s auction. Its history. Its security. Its buyers. Its risks.


    I needed to know everything.


    ''Aw¨¤.''


    [Always Disponibile Host.]


    ----


    Our boy is getting Rizzyyy RAAAHHHHHHH


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 21 - 21: Unique healing-type ability

    (Saturday, June 15, 2026 ¨C 11:48 PM)


    The night was alive with quiet wealth. A row of black cars lined the entrance, their doors opening to reveal men and women draped in expensive suits and gowns, their masks concealing identities yet flaunting status. The glow of chandeliers from within the grand auction hall spilled onto the marble steps, illuminating the discreet but ever-present security stationed at every corner.


    I walked toward the entrance, my own attire blending seamlessly into the crowd, a tailored black suit, a sleek mask covering my face, a single silver question mark etched into its surface. My posture was relaxed, confident, as if I had done this a hundred times before.


    ''Begin.''


    [Understood.]


    The change was instant. My steps became soundless. Behind the mask, my facial features shifted subtly, my hair turned to an unassuming brown, my eyes a neutral gray. Even my build adjusted slightly, enough to throw off anyone trying to match me to a known profile.


    At the same time, I felt it, a complete erasure of my presence.


    [All forms of x-ray vision, mana detection, and tracking abilities are now blocked. No known system will register your true identity.]


    I barely nodded, stepping forward just as a tall, broad-shouldered bodyguard extended a hand, blocking my path. His gaze was sharp despite the professional blankness in his expression.


    "Invitation."


    I reached into my coat and pulled out a sleek black card, handing it over.


    The guard scanned it, verifying the authenticity. The seconds stretched, but I remained patient. This part was already handled.


    The invite had cost a small fortune, but money had never been the problem.


    I had plenty of it.


    And none of it was clean.


    From the moment I started siphoning funds from criminals and corrupt organizations, I knew raw, stolen money wouldn''t get me far. Digital footprints, flagged transactions, traced withdrawals, if I had been careless, it would have all collapsed before it even started.


    So, I had done what every intelligent criminal did. I laundered it.


    It started in pieces, small, scattered transfers routed through offshore accounts, exchanged into different currencies, split, and rerouted again. Some of it went into shell companies, fake businesses with just enough presence to appear legitimate. The rest passed through crypto tumblers, private exchanges, and back-alley brokerage firms that specialized in making money disappear before reappearing as something new.


    Then came the reinvestments, stocks, real estate flips, art trades, even minor tech startups that never actually built anything. All legal on the surface, but just obscure enough to justify large cash movements.


    By the time I touched the money again, it wasn''t stolen funds. It was old wealth.


    It allowed me to buy the land. The car. This invite.


    And I hated it.


    The process was efficient. Practical. Necessary.


    But every transaction left a bitter taste in my mouth. It wasn''t my money. It was bloodstained wealth, taken from people who had built empires off the suffering of others.


    I had no guilt about taking it from them. But using it still felt wrong.


    The scanner beeped, flashing green.


    The guard nodded, returning my invite before stepping aside. "Enjoy the auction."


    I walked past him without a word, stepping through the entrance into the grand hall.


    Whatever discomfort I felt over my finances could wait.


    Tonight, I wasn''t here to reflect.


    I was here to see what power looked like when it was sold to the highest bidder.


    ....


    (11:52 PM)


    The grand auction hall stretched before me, a masterpiece of wealth and secrecy. Ornate chandeliers bathed the space in warm light, casting reflections off polished marble floors. Rows of velvet-lined seats faced an elevated stage, where a pristine protective glass case stood, ensuring the safety of the high-value items before they were sold.


    I walked with measured steps, blending into the sea of masked guests. Behind their facades, powerful hunters, guild leaders, private collectors, and shadowy figures had gathered, all prepared to spend fortunes for an edge in this world.


    ''It''s exactly as expected.''


    [All observations match your research. No irregularities detected so far.]


    I glanced at the protective glass encasing the first set of items on display. B to S-Rank weapons, armor, and rare artifacts, all infused with mana. Even the lowest-grade swords here would cost millions.


    And for good reason.


    In this world, weapons weren''t just tools. They were survival.


    Unlike in my past life, firearms held no value here. No one had ever found a way to integrate mana with bullets or modern technology. Every attempt to fuse monster materials with guns had failed, leaving cold weapons as the only viable choice.


    Blades, spears, gauntlets, bows, crafted from dungeon resources, forged by specialized artisans, and infused with raw mana.


    The best equipment could amplify a hunter''s power, compensate for weaknesses, or turn a losing battle into a victory. A poor-quality weapon, on the other hand, could mean death.


    That was why people were willing to spend absurd amounts of money here.


    But buying something didn''t guarantee keeping it.


    The Hunter Association headquarters had a standing security agreement with the auction. As long as an item was still on display, it was protected. If anyone so much as cracked the glass, elite HA members would intervene immediately.


    But once an item was sold and left the premises?


    It was a free-for-all.


    Buyers were responsible for their own safety. If someone wanted to steal their purchase, they either had to defend it themselves or hire protection.


    ''Money alone isn''t enough to walk away with power.''


    [Correct. Wealth provides access, but strength is what ensures ownership.]


    My eyes scanned the other guests. Some sat relaxed, sipping on imported drinks as if this was just another social event. Others were tense, their postures guarded, watching their surroundings with suspicion.


    It wasn''t paranoia. It was reality.


    Some of these people would leave tonight empty-handed.


    Others might not leave at all.


    I found my seat near the middle of the hall.


    (11:57 PM)


    I glanced upwards, past the sea of masked guests seated around me, toward the private balconies.


    That was where the real players sat.


    Behind tinted glass and heavy curtains, the true influential figures observed the auction in comfort, away from the restless crowd below. Guild masters, underground leaders, independent S-Rank hunters, and those with power beyond just wealth.


    Unlike the guests on the main floor, they didn''t need to flaunt their presence. Their existence alone demanded respect.


    ''How many of them are masking their mana?'' I asked.


    [In the entire building, 34 individuals are falsifying their rank.]


    I almost whistled at that number.


    [Three of them are confirmed S-Rank. The rest range from B to A-Rank, disguising themselves for various reasons. Based on their genetic makeup, posture, and micro-expressions, at least five of them have intentions beyond simple bidding.]


    ''So, troublemakers.''


    [Highly probable.]


    I exhaled through my nose, laughing internally.


    ''So, I''m really risking my life here, huh?''


    [Not if you succeed.]


    Her response was immediate, factual.


    [If you get your hands on an S-Rank Essence Stone, your limitations will be removed. The moment you awaken with one, no one inside this building will be able to stop you.]


    I smiled slightly beneath my mask. ''I just need to touch it.''


    [Correct.]


    I leaned back in my chair, casually crossing my legs. If there were three false S-Ranks, then there had to be some licensed ones here too.


    ''How many licensed S-Ranks are present?''


    [Two.]


    Not a surprising number. Licensed S-Rank hunters were rare. Not just in Italy, but globally. If they were here, it meant two things: they had something to gain, or something to lose.


    My eyes flickered across the crowd. Hundreds of hunters. Dozens of high-profile figures. Each one with their own motives.


    ''Did you find anything interesting?'' I asked. ''Any cool abilities?''


    [One.]


    I raised an eyebrow. ''Just one?''


    [A unique healing-type ability.]


    I almost scoffed. ''That''s it?''


    [Everything else is within expected parameters. Standard elemental affinities, reinforced bodies, mana manipulation, and minor enhancements.]


    I hummed in thought. It made sense.


    People loved to romanticize hunters with unique, one-in-a-million abilities, but the reality was much simpler. The most common powers revolved around elemental control, enhanced strength, speed, and durability. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A true outlier was rare.


    But if even one existed here, it meant there could be more.


    I rested my chin on my hand, waiting for the auction to begin.

 Chapter 22 - 22: Auction 1/?

    (Saturday, June 15, 2026 ¨C 11:58 PM)


    ''What type of healing ability is it?''


    [The hunter currently possesses standard A-Rank healing abilities, accelerated cell regeneration, wound closure, toxin neutralization, and moderate limb restoration. Nothing extraordinary.]


    ''And the unique one?'' Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [A dormant trait. Unawakened. Latent within their genetic structure.]


    That was interesting. Abilities weren''t always fully developed at the first awakening, some required double awakening to awaken. Trauma, extreme mana exposure, near-death experiences. Something had to trigger them.


    ''What does it do?''


    [It heals the soul.]


    I narrowed my eyes. ''Soul healing!''


    [Correct. The ability allows for the restoration of spiritual damage. Unlike normal healing, which works on flesh and blood, this power could theoretically repair fractured souls, mend spiritual wounds, and possibly reverse damage caused by non-physical attacks.]


    I tapped a finger against my knee. ''And with that information¡­ we can now create attacks that target the soul.''


    [Yes. The scanned data provides a blueprint. By reversing the principles of soul healing, it is now possible to formulate techniques that directly harm the soul.]


    I exhaled slowly with my mind sharpening.


    ''This changes everything.''


    The Monarchs, beings of pure spiritual essence. Unlike humans or magical beasts, they didn''t have organic forms. They existed on a level beyond physical destruction.


    But now¡­


    I had a way to contend with them.


    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 12:00 AM)


    A deep chime echoed through the grand hall.


    The lights dimmed slightly, focusing all attention toward the center stage, where a tall, regal man in a deep crimson suit stepped forward. His mask, adorned with golden embroidery, reflected the glow of the chandeliers. With a slow, practiced motion, he raised his hands.


    "Ladies and gentlemen." his voice carried effortlessly through the hall, amplified by hidden speakers. "Welcome to tonight''s Rome Grand Auction. As always, we offer only the finest items, artifacts, weapons, and treasures from the deepest dungeons. Let us begin."


    A soft murmur rippled through the room. The excitement was palpable.


    I adjusted my posture, my fingers tapping lightly against my knee. ''Showtime.''


    [Stay alert. Assess first. Bid later.]


    I didn''t need the reminder. Spending money wasn''t the problem, it was spending it wisely.


    A group of attendants in matching black uniforms moved onto the stage, wheeling in a long, sleek display case. Its reinforced glass gleamed under the lights, reflecting the gathered bidders.


    The auctioneer gestured toward the case. "Our first item of the night: The Shrouded Fang."


    The case opened, revealing a dagger with a curved obsidian blade, lined with faint violet runes. A silver handle wrapped in dark leather completed the design.


    "A-Class." the auctioneer continued. "Forged from the remains of a D-Rank Shadow Beast but enhanced with A-Rank essence stone. A weapon that thrives in darkness, allowing the wielder to move undetected and strike with lethal precision."


    On cue, a nearby attendant lifted the dagger and made a quick cut through the air, silent.


    ''Stealth-based weapon?''


    [Partially. The runes suppress sound and visibility, but only when the dagger is coated in mana. It does not provide invisibility, only a reduction in presence.]


    ''And the cutting power?''


    [Borderline B-Rank. The enhancements do not improve sharpness, only stealth. Overpriced for combat use.]


    The auctioneer''s voice cut through my thoughts.


    "The bidding starts at €1,200,000."


    Almost instantly, hands went up.


    "1.3 million!"


    "1.5 million!"


    "1.8 million!"


    I watched as the number climbed. It''s early, yet hunters are already throwing money around without hesitation.


    "2.2 million!"


    "2.5 million!"


    A sharp chime signaled the end of bidding.


    "Sold! To the gentleman in Box 4."


    A slow clap spread across the hall as the first purchase was completed. The winner, a man in a deep-blue suit, inclined his head slightly, though his mask concealed any expression.


    I exhaled. ''One weapon down.''


    [And many more to go.]


    The attendants moved swiftly, replacing the dagger with a long, silver spear. Its shaft was lined with intricate golden etchings, while the blade gleamed with a faint blue aura.


    "The Stormpiercer Spear."


    "A High A-Rank weapon, crafted from the fang of a Lightning Wyvern. The runes inscribed along its body allow the wielder to conduct mana-based electricity, paralyzing enemies on impact. A devastating weapon for spear users."


    The murmurs grew louder. A weapon infused with elemental power was always highly sought after.


    ''How much of that is real?''


    [The mana conduction is genuine, but the paralysis effect only works if the target isn''t actively shielding themselves with mana. Against high-level hunters, the effect is minimal.]


    I smirked slightly. ''So it''s just a fancy A-Rank spear with lightning aesthetics?''


    [Essentially.]


    The auctioneer''s voice rose again. "Starting bid: €4,000,000."


    "4.5 million!"


    "5 million!"


    I watched the numbers climb. By the time the bidding ended, the spear had gone for €6.8 million.


    One after another, weapons and armor pieces were unveiled and sold.


    The Crimson Mantle ¨C A mana-resistant cloak that repelled minor attacks. (€3.3 million)


    Phantom Gauntlets ¨C A pair of gloves that doubled striking force through kinetic redirection. (€5.1 million)


    Nightfang Bow ¨C An enchanted bow that absorbed ambient mana to enhance arrow speed. (€7.4 million)


    Each item had its own unique effect, but none were beyond what I had anticipated.


    [Every item so far has been decent but not exceptional. I can replicate superior versions of most.]


    I chuckled internally. ''Not even pretending to be impressed, huh?''


    [There is no reason to be.]


    Then, finally, something more interesting.


    The next case was revealed, drawing an immediate reaction from the crowd. Even from my seat, I could feel the faint mana pressure radiating from it.


    The auctioneer stepped forward. "Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you¡­ an Essence Stone."


    A subtle shift in atmosphere. The real auction had begun.


    The protective case opened, revealing a deep sapphire-colored gemstone. Small, but dense with power.


    "This is a B-Rank Essence Stone, extracted from the core of a fallen dungeon boss. It holds immense raw mana, capable of enhancing both equipment and weapons alike or used as an energy source."


    The murmurs intensified. Unlike weapons or armor, Essence Stones were priceless. They weren''t just tools, they were direct sources of power.


    ''Confirm it.''


    [It is authentic. Mana purity level at 89.2%. Slight residual corruption, but not enough to hinder its effects.]


    I kept my expression neutral. A good stone. But not enough for what I needed.


    The auctioneer let the tension build before finally speaking.


    "The bidding starts at €12,000,000."


    Silence.


    Then!


    "13 million!"


    "15 million!"


    "18 million!"


    The numbers skyrocketed. Unlike weapons, an Essence Stone had unlimited applications. Whether for forging, energy or experimentation, they were too valuable to ignore.


    "22 million!"


    I remained still, watching. No need to bid. B-Rank wouldn''t cut it for me.


    The auctioneer''s voice rang out.


    "27 million! Any further offers?"


    A brief pause. Then..


    "Sold! To the gentleman in Box 7."


    A quiet ripple of reactions followed, but it was expected. Essence Stones were always the highlight of any auction, no matter their rank.


    I exhaled, shifting slightly in my seat.


    [Are you disappointed?]


    ''No. Just waiting for something better.''


    [Then hope an S-Rank stone appears tonight.]


    I smiled slightly beneath my mask.


    ''Hope? No. If one is here, I''ll take it.''

 Chapter 23 - 23: Auction 2/?

    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 12:14 AM)


    With the B-Rank Essence Stone sold, the tension in the room settled slightly, but the auction was far from over. The next set of items was revealed, the ones stored inside the reinforced glass display. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These were the true highlights before the final section of the night.


    The protective glass shimmered as the attendants carefully unveiled the first weapon.


    "This, ladies and gentlemen." the auctioneer announced, "is the Obsidian Fang Greatsword."


    A massive black-bladed sword, its surface was layered with dark metallic veins that pulsed faintly with mana. Despite its size, it looked strangely refined, its craftsmanship evident even from a distance.


    "Forged from the claw of a high-ranking Shadow Tiger, this A-Rank weapon retains traces of its original beast''s power. Its structure allows it to absorb surrounding shadows, lightening its weight while increasing cutting speed."


    ''Sounds impressive.''


    [Weight reduction is functional, but limited. It does not remove mass, only redistributes it. The cutting speed increase is minimal compared to standard mana-reinforced weapons.]


    ''So, just a good A-Rank greatsword with a gimmick?''


    [Correct.]


    "The bidding starts at €5,000,000."


    "5.5 million!"


    "6.2 million!"


    "7 million!"


    The price climbed rapidly before closing at €9.4 million to a masked man near the front rows.


    Without delay, the next weapon was displayed.


    "The Azure Fang Twin Daggers."


    Two sleek, curved daggers, their deep blue blades faintly glowing. The auctioneer gestured toward them as the attendants lifted them carefully.


    "A fine pair of mana-conducting weapons, forged using the fangs of an A-Rank Thunder Serpent. These daggers can store static mana from the wielder, releasing minor shock-based attacks upon impact. A deadly tool for assassins."


    ''Minor?''


    [The electrical discharge is weak against high-ranked hunters. Damage is negligible without direct strikes to nerve points.]


    ''So another overpriced collector''s item.''


    [Yes.]


    The bidding was fierce nonetheless, closing at €8.8 million.


    One after another, weapons and armor pieces were sold.


    The Crimson Spire Gauntlets ¨C A pair of A-Rank bracers made from the	parts of a Fire Golem, enhancing fire-based mana attacks. (€6.5 million)


    Titan Fang Chestplate ¨C Heavy armor made from a Wyvern''s plated hide, capable of resisting direct B-Rank magic attacks. (€7.2 million)


    Void Walker Boots ¨C Crafted from Dark Panther hide, allowing increased silent movement at high speeds. (€6.9 million)


    Each item carried some level of enchantment or beast-based enhancement, but nothing truly unique.


    Then, something caught my attention.


    The attendants wheeled out a strange, coiled weapon. Unlike the previous weapons, this one had a flexibility to it, a long, dark whip lined with silver veins.


    I tilted my head slightly. ''A whip?''


    The auctioneer smiled beneath his mask. "An unusual, yet highly effective weapon, The Phantom Coil."


    The whip unfurled, its length stretching nearly five meters. As one of the attendants infused it with mana, the silver veins pulsed, the material shifting in texture as if reacting to the energy.


    "A-Rank." the auctioneer continued. "Forged from Mana Wraith Tendons, this weapon is capable of altering its physical density based on the wielder''s mana input. It can soften for flexibility or harden to cut through metal. A rare find."


    I felt a small spark of interest. ''That''s actually useful.''


    [Already scanned. Improvements have been applied.]


    ''Good.''


    [Design weaknesses have been corrected. Material composition has been optimized for increased durability and cutting power.]


    A small smile formed beneath my mask. Even before the bidding started, I already had a superior version.


    The whip sold for €7.6 million.


    The auctioneer clapped his hands together, regaining the crowd''s attention.


    "And now, ladies and gentlemen, we move on to the final selection of the night."


    (1:17 AM)


    The room stilled as the attendants carefully wheeled in a new display case. Unlike the others, this one was reinforced with three layers of protective glass, shimmering with faint mana fluctuations.


    Even before the announcer spoke, I could feel the shift in atmosphere.


    A soft chime rang through the hall. "Now." the auctioneer''s voice held a different weight this time, almost reverent, "we present the first of our S-Rank items."


    The case opened, revealing a massive silver greatsword. Its blade was thicker than most, forged from an alloy that seemed to pulse faintly with light.


    "The Titan''s Resolve."


    A murmur swept through the crowd. The name was known.


    "This S-Rank weapon was crafted from the remains of an Earth Titan, a powerful dungeon boss slain in Germany last year. Its structure is composed of Titan Bone Alloy, allowing for unmatched durability and the ability to absorb kinetic energy to reinforce its own weight."


    One of the attendants lifted it with visible effort. Even for a trained handler, the weight was immense.


    "The sword may appear heavy, but it adapts to the wielder''s physical strength, ensuring maximum efficiency in combat."


    I raised a brow. ''Sounds useful. Truth?''


    [Partially. Weight adaptation is mana-dependent. Without a strong flow of energy, it remains excessively heavy. Additionally, the kinetic absorption does not nullify damage, it only redirects it.]


    ''So not a true defense mechanism.''


    [Correct.]


    The bidding exploded immediately.


    "20 million!"


    "23 million!"


    "27 million!"


    These weren''t B or A-Rank items anymore. These were for the strongest hunters.


    "31 million!"


    "34 million!"


    The final bid landed at €39 million, claimed by one of the private VIP boxes.


    The next item was unveiled, a dark obsidian chestplate, lined with mana-conductive veins that flickered with shifting colors.


    "The Abyss Plate."


    "A one-of-a-kind defensive masterpiece, formed using the exoskeleton of a Void Behemoth. This armor naturally adapts to surrounding mana, granting resistance against elemental magic and physical reinforcement beyond standard materials."


    ''Overpowered?''


    [Not quite. Elemental resistance fluctuates, strong against single-element attacks but ineffective against hybrid mana techniques. The structural integrity, however, is exceptional.]


    The bidding climbed at a slower pace, eventually settling at €28 million.


    Then, the next case arrived.


    A Spear.


    Long, sleek, and exuding a presence that sent minor chills through the room. Its tip was red, not from metal, but from crystallized monster blood.


    "The Crimson Fang."


    "This weapon was formed using the remains of a Blood Drake, an S-Rank dungeon boss that terrorized Northern Russia two years ago. Unlike normal spears, this one retains the essence of its slain beast."


    I noticed it immediately. ''That''s not just blood.''


    [Correct. The blood has partially crystallized into a mana-reactive state. This allows the spear to enhance its strikes with minor life-draining properties.]


    The room hummed with energy. Some hunters were already whispering to each other.


    The bidding reached €42 million.


    Then, the next item appeared.


    The moment it was revealed, the entire hall fell silent.


    Inside a small crystal vial, encased in a floating anti-gravity field, sat a glowing golden liquid.


    Not a weapon. Not armor.


    Something far more valuable.


    The auctioneer took a measured breath before speaking.


    "The Elixir of Longevity."


    The silence shattered.


    A flood of whispers erupted.


    "Impossible!"


    "They found one?"


    "No wonder they waited months to sell it!"


    I didn''t need to ask. I already knew.


    An Elixir. Found in a Red Gate.


    One of the rarest substances in existence.


    A drinkable miracle.


    "A relic of legend, obtained during an A-Rank Red Gate incident six months ago. This Elixir grants the drinker a significant increase in lifespan, ensuring extended youth and vitality for decades."


    I leaned forward slightly. ''Aw¨¤?''


    [Easy.]


    I nearly laughed aloud. My body trembled slightly, and a few guests glanced at me, assuming it was excitement.


    ''That simple?''


    [Yes. Composition is understood. The enhancement works by stimulating cellular longevity through mana reinforcement. The process can be replicated.


    Glass blueprint is also acquired.]


    This was huge.


    Elixirs were practically unheard of. Most assumed they were fairy tales, items lost to history.


    And now?


    I had the blueprint.


    The murmurs were growing louder. Some guests were whispering urgently, debating strategies.


    [Be advised, several individuals briefly considered hostile action.]


    I stiffened slightly. ''Considered?''


    [Yes. A few body postures shifted, minor muscle tensing, rapid glances at exits, adjustments in positioning. However, all attempts to act were dismissed within seconds.]


    That made sense.


    Despite its insane value, attacking now would be suicide.


    The Hunter Association''s elite would intervene the moment the protective glass was breached. No one here was arrogant enough to think they could fight their way out.


    Not yet.


    The auctioneer finally regained control. "Starting bid: €50 million."


    A storm of offers followed.


    "55 million!"


    "60 million!"


    "75 million!"


    This wasn''t like the previous items. This was true longevity, sold to the highest bidder.


    "90 million!"


    I exhaled slowly.


    The final bid landed at €110 million, secured by a cloaked figure in one of the upper boxes.


    The hall buzzed with lingering tension.


    The most valuable item of the night had been sold.


    Or so they thought.


    The auctioneer gave a final smile.


    ----


    It might seem that the items are sub par but in reality, it''s Aw¨¤ and Adam requirements that are high, since they can do better, much better.


    For the weapons they would consider as ''Decent'' they would only find them in the world wide auctions.

 Chapter 24 - 24: Auction 3/?

    I want to thank Fanfiction_writer for letting me notice my mistake, yesterday I didn''t post the chapter as i completely forgot, so here''s another one.


    ----


    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 1:43 AM)


    A hushed anticipation settled over the auction hall as the attendants carefully wheeled out the final case of the night. Unlike the previous items, this one carried a distinct pressure, the air itself felt heavier, the mana in the room reacting instinctively.


    The glass lid lifted.


    Inside, resting on a black silk cushion, was a faintly glowing Essence Stone, pulsing with raw power. Unlike the deep blue of the earlier B-Rank stone, this one radiated a golden hue, its jagged edges resembling crystallized bone.


    The auctioneer''s voice carried over the murmurs.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, our final item, an A-Rank Essence Stone."


    The auctioneer continued.


    "This core was extracted from the remains of a High A-Rank Giant, its density and mana purity making it an extremely rare find. Such a stone can be used for advanced weapon forging, artifact enhancement, or high-tier mana-based engineering."


    He smiled beneath his mask. "And, of course, for those capable of making the most of it¡­ a true source of energy."


    A sharp gasp came from one of the guests, followed by scattered whispers.


    "A Giant''s core¡­?"


    "Impossible, where did they find it?"


    "A creature of that level¡­ someone actually killed one?"


    I narrowed my eyes slightly. A Giant.


    Even among A-Rank monsters, Giants were a class of their own. Massive, terrifying, their sheer physical dominance made them some of the most dangerous creatures outside of S-Rank dungeons. Essence Stones from them were almost unheard of.


    I knew immediately.


    I wouldn''t find anything better here.


    If I wanted an S-Rank stone, I would have to find one myself.


    This would have to do.


    ''We''re bidding.''


    [Understood.]


    "Starting bid: €40 million."


    "45 million!"


    "50 million!"


    I raised my hand. "52 million."


    "55 million!"


    "58 million!"


    The number climbed rapidly.


    A voice from the upper balcony raised the bid sharply.


    "70 million."


    I clenched my jaw slightly. A private booth. Someone with resources.


    "100 million!" I called.


    Another bid from above.


    "120 million."


    The hall grew tense. The lower-ranked hunters had already given up. This was now a game of wealth.


    The private booth raised again.


    "130 million."


    I inhaled through my nose, then suddenly stood up.


    All eyes turned to me.


    I adjusted my jacket, my movements calm as I took a step forward, my voice carrying across the hall.


    "To the esteemed guest in the booth." I said in an even tone. "If you leave this stone to me, I will offer you something in return."


    Silence.


    Even the auctioneer hesitated.


    I let the moment sink in, then continued.


    "As thanks, I will heal one person of your choice."


    The air froze.


    A sharp wave of whispers spread instantly through the crowd.


    "Heal¡­?"


    "Did he just say?"


    "Is he serious?"


    Even some of the masked individuals in the upper sections seemed intrigued.


    Healing was rare. True healing, the kind that went beyond basic regeneration, was something only a handful of hunters in the world could perform.


    Many are still affected by permanent injuries made with mana attacks or curses, something that healers can''t cure. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    For a moment, no response came.


    Then, the booth remained silent.


    No new bid.


    I exhaled slowly, my eyes returned on the auctioneer.


    He nodded, lifting his hand. "The bid stands at 130 million. Any further offers?"


    "Going once."


    "Going twice."


    Just as he raised his hand for the final count-


    A voice interrupted.


    "147 million."


    The hall stirred.


    My eyes snapped toward another private booth.


    A mocking laugh echoed from within.


    Lazily, the masked figure leaned forward against the balcony, their voice dripping with amusement.


    "Come now, is healing really that rare?" The voice was smooth, smug. Male. Confident. Arrogant.


    The bid was higher than what I had available.


    I had lost.


    The attendants immediately moved the case toward the booth.


    My fingers curled into a fist.


    A quiet tension spread through my body. Not from anger. Not from frustration.


    Something deeper.


    A faint vein pulsed on the back of my hand, with many more surfacing on my neck and face.


    I stared up at the booth.


    (2:04 AM)


    I slowly lowered myself back into my seat, fingers tapping lightly against my knee.


    The auctioneer thanked everyone for their participation, his voice smooth and professional, but the usual air of satisfaction was missing.


    Because no one got up to leave.


    A strange, heavy tension settled over the hall.


    Everyone was waiting.


    This was the part that wasn''t spoken aloud, the reason why no one left immediately after an auction.


    The moment the bidding ended, the real game began.


    Some guests weren''t here just to buy. They were waiting for an opportunity.


    I inhaled slowly. ''Aw¨¤. Everything on the one who took the stone.''


    [High A-Rank awakener. Matteo De Luca, heir to the De Luca family. A well-connected and influential name in Italy''s hunter society.]


    ''De Luca¡­'' I had come across that name before. A strong family, politically and financially powerful. Even if their personal combat strength wasn''t top-tier, their connections made them untouchable to most.


    ''His strength?''


    [High A-Rank. Strong mana reserves. No unique ability detected. Standard elemental affinities, fire and earth.]


    ''Bodyguards?''


    [Confirmed. Four High A-Rank hunters stationed within the building. Their current positions suggest defensive formations around Booth 6.]


    I exhaled quietly. That meant Matteo wasn''t just arrogant. He was prepared.


    ''And the false rankers?''


    [One S-Rank is ready to take action.]


    That was expected. An Essence Stone of that level was rare, but more importantly, it was unprotected.


    Whoever walked out with it had to defend it.


    I tilted my head slightly. ''Can I use the Space Affinity even though I''m not awakened yet?''


    A short pause.


    [Yes. But only once.]


    I stilled slightly. ''Why only once?''


    [Your body is not optimized for spatial manipulation. A single teleport will strain your muscles, nerves, and mana pathways beyond your limits.]


    ''How bad?''


    [Extreme pain. Your body will be in critical condition.]


    I smirked slightly. Pain.


    ''I''ve been embracing pain for the past month.''


    [This will be different.]


    I exhaled slowly, my eyes lifting back to the private booth.


    Matteo sat comfortably, unbothered, amused.


    (2:06 AM)


    The Essence Stone pulsed, faint and steady, like a heartbeat trapped in crystal.


    I stared at it with my path clear.


    ''Aw¨¤, if I touch the stone¡­ how long will it take to awaken me?''


    [0.002 seconds.]


    A breath. A single, fleeting moment in time.


    ''That''s enough.''


    I stood.


    The air shifted. Conversations halted. Every masked guest, every hunter, every predator in the room turned their attention to me.


    A beast recognizing another beast.


    I turned my head toward Booth 6.


    Matteo De Luca sat in his velvet seat, one leg crossed over the other, posture relaxed. From behind his mask, he tilted his head slightly. Amused. Curious. Not threatened, not yet.


    [Warning. One of his bodyguards is closing in.]


    Fast. Controlled. Precise.


    The moment I had moved, he had already decided to strike.


    A High A-Rank hunter.


    But he was already too late.


    ''Begin.''


    The world stretched.


    A whisper of something vast and unfathomable wrapped around me. A door, an opening, a thread connecting two points in space, one step forward and the universe folded.


    In that fraction of time..


    A hand shot toward my throat.


    Fingers brushed my collar..


    And I was gone.


    No sound. No trace. Vanished.


    The hall collectively inhaled.


    I reappeared above Booth 6, balanced perfectly on the open case where the Essence Stone lay waiting.


    The moment stretched. A breathless silence.


    Then!


    [Danger.]


    The air shattered.


    Pure speed.


    A presence behind me, faster than anything I had felt before.


    [S-Rank false ranker''s dagger incoming, 2 centimeters from your throat.]


    A cold edge, slicing through the stillness.


    But my finger was already on the stone.


    ----


    What? You though i would let you read the next part? Hell nahh, lemme put a cliff hanger.


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 25 - 25: Awakening

    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 2:07 AM)


    The moment Venin''s dagger touched Adam''s neck, the world shattered.


    A tidal wave of pure mana erupted outward, the explosion roaring like a detonated Rune Stone.


    The sheer force of it was terrifying.


    Invisible pressure slammed into the walls, shaking the very foundation of the building. The air itself seemed to twist, distorting like heatwaves as raw energy surged outward, bright light blue mana swallowing everything in its path.


    For a split second, the onlookers believed the city itself would be reduced to dust.


    But then..


    It stopped.


    As if caught mid-destruction, the raging storm of mana froze, held back by an invisible force.


    It didn''t dissipate.


    It coiled.


    The wild mana, instead of spreading recklessly, compressed inward, twisting into a rotating sphere of controlled destruction.


    At its center, floating untouched within the vortex, was Adam.


    The entire auction hall fell silent.


    Venin, the false ranker, clicked his tongue behind his mask, his poison-coated dagger retracting as he slashed at the sphere.


    Nothing.


    The blade met the spinning mana field, and instead of piercing through, it simply skidded off, repelled like an insect hitting glass.


    For the first time, Venin hesitated.


    Inside the sphere, Adam''s body felt like it was being rebuilt.


    His mind remained clear as he spoke inwardly.


    ''Aw¨¤, remove the disguise on my face and hair.''


    [Processing.]


    Instantly, the illusion faded. His black locks untied themselves from the altered form, returning to their natural texture. His dark eyes, hidden behind the mask''s modifications, regained their depth.


    Adam exhaled slowly.


    It felt incredible.


    His muscles stretched, expanded, then compacted again, filling with an almost unbearable lightness. His veins, once merely human, now hummed with raw energy, perfectly widened and reinforced to accommodate mana flow.


    The sensation wasn''t pain.


    It was perfection.


    ''This feels¡­ too good.''


    [Your body''s mana pathways are stabilizing. Veins and cells are being optimized to accommodate mana perfectly.]


    Adam grinned slightly as he felt his own breath synchronize with the energy rushing through him. Every inhale pulled mana into him, every exhale refined it.


    ''It''s because of the breathing method, isn''t it?''


    [Correct. The breathing technique you practiced was originally designed for optimal circulation of blood, oxygen, and any external energy source. You unknowingly widened and smoothed your pathways over time. Now, your mana flows at peak efficiency, with no wasted motion or leakages, not needing my help.]


    No mana waste. No weakness.


    Adam''s fingers curled slightly. Even though his body should have been in critical condition from such a violent awakening, he felt stronger than ever.


    ''And my healing?''


    [Unmatched.]


    Aw¨¤''s response was immediate.


    [Your healing affinity, combined with your advanced knowledge of anatomy, makes you superior to any natural healer. You now understand how the human body repairs itself at a scientific and magical level, allowing for self-restoration at a rate far beyond hyper regeneration.]


    [Additionally, the nano-machines'' restoration abilities remain active, creating an even stronger layered effect.]


    Adam smiled.


    Not only had he awakened, but he had done so in absolute peak condition.


    Outside the sphere, the auction guests had yet to process what they were witnessing.


    What had once been a civilized event had turned into a scene out of legend.


    A being had exploded into existence, nearly wiping out everything, only to control the chaos as if it were nothing.


    Among the VIPs, Mattia Falcone''s crimson eyes narrowed, his fingers tapping against the armrest.


    "¡­Interesting."


    Meanwhile, Petruccio Auditore leaned forward, his ever-present grin flickering slightly.


    "A newborn monster, huh?"


    Even Matteo De Luca, the man who had taken the A-Rank Essence Stone, felt something shift inside him, an instinctual understanding that something irreversible had just happened.


    And in the center of it all, Adam simply stood within the sphere of his own power.


    Venin tried one more time.


    His whip-like hair, coated in his signature poison, lashed toward Adam''s rotating mana field.


    A single strand of venom-drenched fibers aimed directly for Adam''s chest.


    And then-


    It disintegrated upon contact.


    (2:08 AM)


    Adam frowned slightly.


    ''Aw¨¤, why is this taking so long? You said awakening would take 0.002 seconds.''


    [You have already awakened.]


    A pause.


    [You''re simply enjoying the feeling of pure mana too much to stop.]


    Adam blinked.


    So he had been floating here, basking in his own mana field like some fool while everyone watched in stunned silence?


    A quiet cough escaped him as he focused again.


    He glanced around. The entire auction hall was frozen, all eyes locked on the swirling sphere. No one could see through it, but the oppressive mana radiating from within left no doubt.


    His feet touched the ground calmly.


    He adjusted his suit, straightening the fabric, ensuring he looked composed and majestic.


    Then, he took a deep breath and willed the sphere to collapse.


    The swirling mana, once a raging storm, condensed instantly, flowing back into his body.


    A collective gasp echoed through the hall as the energy vanished, revealing him.


    Adam exhale with his gaze locking onto Venin.


    The false ranker stood three meters away, motionless. His dagger was still raised, but there was a noticeable stiffness in his stance now.


    Adam tilted his head slightly.


    With a single motion, he reached up and removed his mask.


    Gasps rippled through the hall as his face was revealed. But instead of recognition, there was only confusion and respect for his appearance.


    They had expected to see someone famous, someone known.


    Instead, they saw a nobody, a handsome nobody.


    A man they had never heard of.


    Adam smiled politely, then bowed with elegance with his voice smooth and composed.


    "Adam Sen." he said.


    Then, after a brief pause-


    "The Saint."


    A sharp silence.


    Many guests unconsciously held their breath.


    "Remember my name." Adam continued, standing upright. "In case you ever need true healing."


    No one moved.


    No one dared to move.


    Venin did.


    His daggers flashed forward, slicing through the air with terrifying speed.


    But the moment they reached Adam..


    They slowed.


    Slowed.


    Then stopped.


    Just centimeters from his body.


    Venin''s eyes widened slightly behind his mask.


    Adam had folded space near himself infinitely.


    He had copied what Gojo did.


    Calmly, Adam lifted a hand and touched one of the suspended daggers.


    The blade decayed instantly.


    Venin reacted on instinct, dropping the weapon before the decay could reach him.


    But he was too late.


    The corruption spread.


    His finger turned gray.


    Then the color spread rapidly up his hand.


    Without hesitation, Venin used the second dagger and severed the infected finger, letting it fall to the floor, where it crumbled into dust.


    The entire sequence, from the moment he attacked to the moment he lost a finger, had taken place in less than a second.


    A heavy silence fell over the hall.


    The two S-Rank hunters watching narrowed their eyes.


    Before anyone could react further-


    A loud explosion shook the auction house.


    A wall near the far side of the hall erupted outward, debris flying as a massive figure stepped through the wreckage.


    A towering man with a vodka bottle in hand.


    His wild brown hair and broad, scarred body made him look like a living mountain. His thick Russian accent boomed through the room.


    "Venin!" he shouted, grinning.


    "Looks like you need a hand!"


    ---- Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Gotta make Adam farm aura, he learned from Piccolo after all.


    Now, the arc has ended, this chapter 25 is from the next arc but since you have supported this fic untill now i decided to post it anyway, but now i will take some time to rest as well prepare the next arc.


    On Patreon you will receive the early updates so if you have change to spare, consider subbing, even the free members help a lot so don''t underestimate your subscription!


    I want to thank everyone ????????


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn


    TikTOK: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 26 - 26: Registered Hunters

    Weee, I''m back! Did you miss me or just my story? ????


    As a welcome celebration, I''m gifting the first two readers a free first-tier membership! This gives you access to three advanced chapters of all my stories on Patreon.


    Hehe, hope you''re on PC to copy the link!


    https://www.patreon.com/Mr_Graythorn/redeem/0BD30


    ----


    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 2:07 AM)


    As Venin''s severed finger crumbled into dust, the scent of burning poison filled the air. The eerie silence that followed lasted only a moment before the battlefield roared back to life. Adam stood firm, his presence now an undeniable force in the room, but others had already begun to move.


    From the upper balcony, a shadow flickered. Petruccio Auditore, the Phantom of the Hunter Association, was already in motion. Unlike the others, he did not waste time processing the spectacle, his green eyes had already locked onto his priority. The buyer of the elixir.


    In a blur of movement, he vanished from his spot, appearing mere meters away from the cloaked figure. His steps were soundless, his posture relaxed, yet his mana pulsed like a coiled viper ready to strike. The buyer remained still, their identity obscured beneath heavy fabric, but Petruccio could sense the tension radiating from them. They were no fool. They understood that the fight had escalated beyond mere competition.


    "You chose a hell of a night to spend money." Petruccio murmured, his tone was light, almost teasing. But beneath his words was a silent promise, no harm would come to the buyer while he stood.


    Meanwhile, across the hall, another presence made itself known.


    Mattia Falcone stood from his seat, his towering frame casting a shadow over the broken remnants of the auction floor. His crimson eyes burned with intensity as he exhaled, a heavy sigh that carried both frustration and anticipation. He was not a man who enjoyed standing idle, especially not in the presence of traitors.


    A Steel Fang guild member rushed to his side, carrying a massive, wrapped bundle. Without a word, Mattia reached for it, unraveling the thick cloth to reveal a monstrous greatsword. The weapon, nearly as tall as a man, gleamed under the auction house lights, its surface pulsing faintly with his mana.


    His fingers curled around the hilt, testing the weight. Satisfied, he planted the tip against the ground, resting his palm atop the pommel. The air around him grew thick, heavy with an unspoken challenge. He was done watching.


    From above, Petruccio smirked as he sensed Mattia''s shift in stance. "Guess the storm''s finally rolling in."


    Then, the wall exploded.


    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 2:09 AM)


    The auction house stood frozen in stunned silence. Dust and debris drifted through the air as the remnants of the shattered wall settled across the floor. A massive figure stepped through the wreckage, each step causing the ground beneath him to crack. Boris Mikhailov, the Vodka Bear, emerged with a roaring laugh, his thick Russian accent carrying over the stunned crowd.


    "Venin!" he boomed, waving a nearly empty vodka bottle in one hand. "Looks like you need a hand!" His sharp brown eyes locked onto the battlefield, taking in the swirling mana and the stunned expressions of the remaining combatants.


    Venin barely acknowledged Boris, his venom-purple eyes narrowing behind his mask as he fixated on Adam. The loss of a finger meant nothing to him. Pain was an old companion, and his body had long since adapted to working through it.


    What mattered was the entity before him. Adam Sen, or "The Saint" as he had introduced himself, had just become the most dangerous variable in this mission. Venin had been ordered to eliminate obstacles, and now he understood: Adam was the greatest threat to their success.


    Without hesitation, Venin moved. His body blurred as he kicked off the floor, disappearing into a streak of motion aimed directly at Adam. His daggers, previously coated in a refined poison, now gleamed with a deeper, more lethal hue. The purple venom twisted unnaturally around the blades, pulsating like a living organism, eager to consume anything it touched.


    Adam, already reading the attack, leaned slightly to the left, allowing Venin''s first strike to carve through the empty space beside his face. Instead of retreating, he stepped forward, immediately limiting Venin''s movement. His hand shot out, aiming to grasp Venin''s wrist, but the assassin twisted midair, flipping backward to create space. As he landed, his foot scraped against the floor, leaving behind a sizzling blackened mark where his venom had dripped.


    The moment his feet touched the ground, Venin lashed out again. His long, poison-drenched hair extended outward, forming serrated whips that slashed toward Adam in unpredictable arcs. Adam''s eyes flickered as he analyzed the incoming attack. Instead of dodging outright, he manipulated the space directly around him. The air shimmered, and the whips lost their momentum inches before striking him, as if trapped in an invisible barrier.


    Venin clicked his tongue, recognizing what had happened. Adam wasn''t just manipulating space, he was folding it. His attacks were being halted in an infinite loop of compressed distance, unable to reach their intended target. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Venin adjusted instantly. He whipped his daggers forward, sending compressed poison waves in the form of crescent slashes, each one aimed to cut through the spatial distortions. The attacks rippled unnaturally as they met Adam''s defenses, managing to distort his barrier just enough to force movement. Adam sidestepped, the venom narrowly missing him, its corrosive properties burning deep scars into the marble floor.


    But Adam wasn''t merely on the defensive.


    His right hand flicked, and in an instant, the space between them collapsed. The distance vanished, and Adam was suddenly in front of Venin. A precise palm strike, reinforced with mana, slammed into Venin''s chest. The impact sent the assassin skidding backward, his boots carving trenches into the ground. He twisted his body mid-slide, stabilizing himself before immediately retaliating, launching a rapid series of poisoned daggers directly at Adam''s vital points.


    Adam''s perception slowed the world. His enhanced reflexes and combat analysis kicked in as he tracked each blade''s trajectory. Instead of dodging in a predictable pattern, he used spatial flickers, making his body momentarily exist in multiple places at once. The daggers passed through harmless illusions before Adam reappeared unscathed, already closing the distance again.


    Venin frowned beneath his mask. He was learning.


    But Venin wasn''t done. With a subtle flick of his fingers, the poison from his previous attacks didn''t dissipate. Instead, the droplets on the ground vibrated, shifting and rising into the air, forming multiple dark spheres around the battlefield.


    Then, they moved.


    The spheres elongated, twisting into grotesque humanoid figures. Each construct, dripping with concentrated venom, solidified into Venom Sentinels, humanoid poison warriors wielding various cold weapons. Their forms pulsed with a sickly glow, and the very air around them became toxic, forcing those nearby to retreat as they emitted a continuous haze of lethal gas.


    Their target? Petruccio Auditore.


    From across the battlefield, Petruccio had been escorting the masked buyer toward the exit, weaving through the chaos with his signature speed. The buyer, still cloaked and silent, moved with urgency but relied entirely on Petruccio for protection. As the Venom Sentinels formed, they immediately surrounded him, cutting off his escape.


    Petruccio clicked his tongue, his usual grin fading for a brief moment. "Well, this is a pain."


    The sentinels wasted no time. The first one lunged with a curved blade, striking at the buyer''s side. Petruccio intercepted, his dagger flashing as he deflected the attack. But the moment his blade made contact, a sharp sizzling sound filled the air.


    Venin''s poison was obviously extremely corrosive.


    Even indirect contact was now hazardous. His constructs were evolving.


    Petruccio exhaled, his grin returning as he assessed the situation. "Guess I''ll have to get serious."


    His mana surged outward, forming a protective veil around both himself and the buyer. The moment the toxic gas touched the barrier, it sizzled harmlessly against his aura. Still, he knew this wouldn''t last forever. He needed to cut through them fast.


    Meanwhile, Mattia Falcone had seen enough.


    His crimson eyes burned as he watched Boris enjoy the spectacle, still holding his vodka bottle as if this were mere entertainment. The destruction, the innocent casualties, the audacity of the False Rankers operating so brazenly in Italy, it was all an insult.


    Mattia spoke.


    His voice rang through the battlefield, cutting through the noise with the weight of authority.


    "Boris Mikhailov." he said, his tone sharp as steel. "You are a traitor to humanity."


    Boris finally turned his attention away from the fight, his lips curling into an amused smirk. "And?"


    Mattia took a step forward, his greatsword firmly gripped by him. The air around him crackled with a suffocating pressure, his mana manifesting as flickering red storms. The ground beneath his feet splintered as his power surged.


    "I''m going to kill you."


    Boris took a long sip from his bottle, wiped his mouth, then let out a booming laugh. "Finally! Someone with some fire!"


    With that, the two S-Rank warriors charged at each other, the impact of their clash sending shockwaves through the battlefield.


    Meanwhile, Adam and Venin continued their deadly exchange, their battle unfolding at speeds too fast for the average eye to follow. Every move, every counter, every calculated step was a display of pure battle IQ.


    Adam was adjusting. Learning.


    And Venin knew it.


    ----


    The hunters know the identity of the false rankers because:


    First, they are not hiding their identity, especially Boris.


    Second, the HA and the Powers Guild have records of suspects hunters.


    Go on Patreon for 13 more advanced chapters!


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 Chapter 27 - 27: Adam VS Venin

    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 2:10 AM)


    Venin''s masked breath echoed through the ruined auction house, mechanical and cold, an unsettling rhythm against the chaos unfolding. His form flickered, dissolving into a streak of motion that twisted through the air like a phantom. Adam barely had time to shift as a dagger, dripping with venom so corrosive it melted the very air, carved through the space he had just occupied.


    Adam responded instantly. His fingers curled, and the mana around him solidified. A jagged spear of pure energy formed in his grasp, humming with raw power. He didn''t hesitate. The spear shot forward, splitting the air, aimed straight for Venin''s chest.


    A blur of movement. The assassin twisted, barely avoiding impalement, the weapon grazing his side. The venom-coated strands of his hair lashed out in retaliation, forming serrated whips that coiled toward Adam''s throat. He countered, a circular blade of mana manifesting in his palm. The edge sang as it met the toxic strands, slicing through them before they could reach him.


    Another dagger materialized in Venin''s grasp. He closed the gap in a breath, his strikes relentless, his speed unnatural. Each attack sought to slip through the smallest opening, searching for a single cut to end the fight. Adam''s body moved without pause, his limbs flowing in perfect synchronicity with his enhanced cognition. His hand shot out, catching Venin''s wrist mid-strike, forcing him back before driving his knee toward the assassin''s ribs.


    Venin shifted his weight, deflecting the blow, but Adam was already twisting into a spinning kick aimed for his temple. The force sent Venin skidding across the shattered floor, his boots carving deep trenches in the marble. He didn''t stop moving. His fingers snapped, and the venom on the ground surged upward, forming an array of twisting serpents, their maws dripping with liquified death.


    Adam''s gaze flicked toward the incoming assault. His hands moved instinctively, molding the mana around him. Chains erupted from the ground, gleaming constructs of blue light. They shot forward, wrapping around the venomous entities, constricting them mid-air before snapping them apart.


    Another breath of mechanical hissing. Venin was already closing the distance again. His attacks blurred, the air screaming with each strike. Adam countered, forming twin short swords in his grip, the mana-forged blades clashing against Venin''s poisoned daggers in a relentless flurry. Sparks erupted, mixing with the residual venom sizzling against the battlefield.


    A thunderous explosion rocked the city in the background. A shadow loomed overhead, a massive section of a building, torn from its foundation, hurtling toward them. Mattia and Boris''s battle raged somewhere unseen, their clash uprooting entire structures. The falling debris threatened to crush the civilians still struggling to flee the area. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Adam didn''t hesitate. His hand flicked, the space around the debris twisting. In an instant, it vanished, reappearing miles away in an empty field outside the city. He didn''t have time to breathe before Venin was on him again, his blade nearly slipping between Adam''s ribs.


    His body reacted before his mind could process. He ducked low, spun, and slammed his elbow into Venin''s sternum. The force sent the assassin staggering back, but not before he launched a cloud of venomous mist in retaliation.


    Adam swept a hand through the air, mana surging outward. A barrier formed, diverting the toxic cloud away from the buildings, dispersing it harmlessly into the atmosphere. His other hand tightened into a fist, and a gauntlet of solidified energy wrapped around his forearm. He lunged forward, driving his enhanced punch into Venin''s mask. The impact cracked the reinforced plating, sending the assassin tumbling backward through a series of broken pillars.


    He didn''t let up. Adam followed, warping the space between them, appearing above his opponent mid-fall. A massive axe of mana materialized in his grip, its weight balanced perfectly in his hands. He swung downward.


    Venin rolled at the last second. The axe slammed into the ground, the sheer force creating a crater that sent tremors through the entire street. Adam pivoted, launching a kick aimed for Venin''s spine, but the assassin twisted, his poisoned hair snapping toward Adam''s face like a bladed whip.


    Adam leaned back, dodging by mere inches before driving his own knee into Venin''s stomach. A muffled grunt came from behind the mask, but the assassin refused to slow. His response was immediate, a dagger flashing toward Adam''s throat.


    Adam caught the blade between his fingers. The venom hissed against his skin, but he had already anticipated the burn. His healing affinity surged, neutralizing the toxins before they could even spread. He tightened his grip, twisting the weapon out of Venin''s hand before flipping the blade and sending it straight back.


    The assassin barely avoided it, but Adam was already moving again. He formed a whip of mana, lashing it forward and wrapping it around Venin''s wrist. A sharp yank pulled the assassin toward him, and Adam''s other fist, still wrapped in the energy gauntlet, drove into Venin''s ribs. The impact sent him careening through the remnants of the auction hall, his body colliding with the last remaining standing pillar.


    Venin rose without hesitation. The cracks in his mask deepened, but his breath remained steady, his posture unshaken. He lifted a hand, and the venom in the air around them pulsed. It coalesced, forming a massive construct, a hydra of pure toxin, its multiple heads snapping in all directions, ready to consume everything in its path.


    Adam exhaled.


    His mana surged, forming an identical hydra of radiant energy. The two constructs clashed, the resulting explosion lighting up the night sky. The battle had long since left the confines of the auction house. Their fight now stretched across the rooftops of Rome, weaving through the city like a storm given form.


    With every strike, Adam could feel his body adapting, moving with a level of precision that went beyond instinct. He saw the way Venin''s muscles tensed before an attack, the micro-shifts in his weight that signaled his next move. His mind processed every detail with absolute clarity.


    Venin flicked his wrist, sending a volley of venomous daggers through the air. Adam countered, forming a barrier mid-flight, deflecting each one. He retaliated with a series of mana spears, their edges slicing through the air with pinpoint accuracy. Venin dodged effortlessly, his movements unnatural, but Adam was already predicting his path.


    The moment Venin shifted left, Adam warped the space beside him, appearing in his blind spot. His foot lashed out, catching Venin across the jaw, sending him spiraling downward toward the streets below.


    Adam followed, descending like a meteor, his fists coated in pure energy. He slammed into the ground just as Venin landed, sending a shockwave through the city. Buildings trembled, but Adam''s control over his surroundings ensured no further damage reached the civilians below.


    Venin pushed himself up, his mask now fractured beyond repair. His breath came in controlled bursts, mechanical and deliberate. The fight wasn''t over.


    Adam stood tall with his light blue mana radiating outward. This battle was far from decided.


    And he had no intention of losing.


    ----


    How was the chorography of the battle? Was it good?


    To let you understand Adam current feats, here''s a simple comparison.


    Venin can confidently say that he is one of the fastest S ranks, not the fastest but at that tier, and adam is able to keep up with him effortlessly by pure skill and prediction as well battle iq.


    He is not even using the space folding or using a weak version of it, why?


    Experience.


    He is preparing in case in future he loses Aw¨¤ and the nano machines, because he thinks that what is given to him, can be taken back, so he need to gain experience, so even if he loses her he doesn''t lose anything.


    You can consider buying the entire collection thus gaining the right to read all the current and future advanced chapters without a monthly subscription!


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 Chapter 28 - 28: Civilians

    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 2:12 AM)


    The explosion that tore through the auction house was nothing short of apocalyptic. From the streets of Rome, civilians and bystanders watched in horror as a shockwave of debris and shattered glass erupted into the night sky. The once-luxurious structure, a beacon of wealth and exclusivity, was now a collapsing ruin, flames licking at its edges.


    Screams filled the air. Pedestrians, drivers, and late-night workers turned their eyes upward, their bodies frozen between the instinct to run and the sheer awe of witnessing something beyond their comprehension. The ground trembled beneath their feet, the force of the destruction sending smaller tremors through the nearby streets.


    Then came the venom.


    From the ruins of the auction house, a sickly purple mist began to rise, swirling in unnatural patterns, its density thickening as it expanded outward. Those who had no knowledge of Hunters could only assume it was smoke, but something about the way it moved, how it clung to the air instead of dispersing, sent a chilling realization through the crowd.


    "What the hell is that!?" a man near a caf¨¦ shouted, clutching his phone as he livestreamed the scene.


    "Run!" someone screamed from further down the street.


    The fear spread like wildfire. Families abandoned their late dinners, drivers left their cars in the middle of intersections, and tourists clung to each other in confusion. Those with Hunter knowledge understood immediately: this was poison. Deadly. Unstoppable. There was no counter to a venom mist of this scale.


    A woman clutching her young daughter stumbled as she tried to escape. She turned back for just a moment, watching as the sky above the ruins split open. Two streaks of light, moving so fast they were nearly invisible, weaved through the cityscape like meteors colliding in rapid succession.


    The crowd whispered in hushed terror and awe.


    "That¡­ that has to be an high rank battle."


    "Two Hunters¡­ One of them is trying to stop the other¡­ but who?" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The assumption spread. Even those unfamiliar with the intricate rankings of Hunters knew that no ordinary human could move like that. No normal fight could level buildings without casualties.


    And yet, there were no deaths.


    A sudden realization struck the civilians. The buildings were falling, debris was flying, venom was descending, but not a single person had been harmed.


    A reporter on-site, barely able to keep her balance, adjusted the microphone in her trembling hands, her cameraman struggling to keep the frame steady.


    "This is¡­ This is incredible, viewers. The destruction is enormous, the entire area near the auction house has been devastated, but.. and this is shocking, no bodies, no civilian casualties have been confirmed! Somehow, someone is protecting the people of Rome!"


    Then, as if on cue, it happened.


    The venom mist finally reached the city. Screams erupted once more as entire blocks darkened beneath its descent. Windows shattered as the toxic vapor seeped into the streets, creeping toward the helpless civilians who had nowhere left to run.


    A father clutched his son tightly, backing against a crumbling building, knowing there was no escape. His wife grabbed his arm, shaking, her voice cracking.


    "What do we do!? We can''t outrun it!"


    The boy, no older than seven, whimpered as he watched the mist approach. The father held him closer, shielding him with his own body, knowing full well that it would be useless.


    And then, the mist never touched them.


    Instead, a light blue aura enveloped them.


    The father gasped as his son, previously trembling in his grasp, suddenly lifted into the air.


    "Papa!" the boy shouted in shock, his small hands reaching out as his body drifted from the ground, the aura wrapping around him like a protective cocoon.


    The mother screamed, reaching for him, but within seconds, she too was lifted into the air. The father barely had time to react before his feet left the crumbling pavement, the entire family now weightless, carried by an unseen force.


    The father twisted his body, trying to reach his son, but then he realized.


    They weren''t falling. They were being moved.


    Their bodies surged through the sky, alongside dozens, hundreds of others. Civilians across the affected area while those caught in Venin''s deadly mist, were teleported.


    The family landed gently in an open plaza. The mother gasped, clutching her son, looking around wildly. Hundreds of others surrounded them, each as confused and awestruck as they were. No one had been left behind. No one had been lost to the mist.


    A man in a suit stumbled next to them, breathing heavily. "W-What happened?" he stammered.


    "Are we¡­ alive?" a woman whispered.


    "That light¡­ That light was blue." The father''s voice broke through the murmurs. "It was the same as the one we saw in the sky."


    Realization dawned upon them. Someone had done this. Someone had moved them to safety, away from the venom, away from the destruction.


    "Who¡­ Who saved us?" the mother whispered.


    Above them, in the sky, massive constructs materialized.


    The people of Rome turned their eyes upward, watching in stunned silence as titanic structures of pure mana emerged amidst the chaos. Gigantic spears, walls, and barriers, all glowing with a radiant blue hue, intercepted the venomous onslaught before it could reach the city.


    From the gathering of civilians, someone finally spoke, their voice filled with realization.


    "It''s him."


    "Who?" another asked breathlessly.


    "I don''t know his name¡­ but the Hunters called him something earlier."


    The silence stretched before the man finally finished his sentence, his voice barely above a whisper.


    "The Saint."


    ....


    (Some minutes before.)


    Boris swung his massive fist toward Mattia with a casual, almost lazy motion. To any normal Hunter, it would have been an unstoppable strike, the sheer force enough to shatter bones and send bodies flying. But Mattia wasn''t a normal Hunter.


    With a precise step, he pivoted to the side, allowing the blow to pass inches from his chest. The displaced air alone cracked the ground where he had just stood. In the same motion, he brought his greatsword down in a sharp arc, aiming for Boris'' exposed ribs.


    Boris didn''t dodge. He didn''t even flinch. Instead, he twisted his body, catching the massive blade against his forearm. A deafening clang rang through the battlefield as metal met hardened flesh, Boris'' mana-reinforced skin absorbing the force like tempered steel.


    The impact forced Mattia back a step. He narrowed his eyes, feeling the vibrations through his blade. ''He''s reinforcing his body instinctively¡­ He doesn''t even bother blocking properly.''


    Boris grinned. "Not bad! You actually made me feel that one!"


    Mattia didn''t respond. He launched forward, blade flashing in a flurry of rapid strikes. Each swing was precise, aimed at weak points, joints, tendons, areas where even enhanced durability had limits. But Boris? He barely moved. He met Mattia''s speed with sheer brute force, his fists slamming into the ground and sending tremors that disrupted Mattia''s footing.


    "You dance around too much." Boris chuckled, swiping at him again. "You should try fighting like a man!"


    Mattia let out a sharp breath, reading his opponent. Boris wasn''t fighting at full power. He was playing. Testing his opponent''s patience, letting Mattia wear himself out.


    "You rely too much on strength." Mattia countered, ducking under another massive swing before launching himself forward. His sword traced a crimson arc through the air, striking against Boris'' ribs once more, this time, with a surge of mana. The force sent Boris skidding back, his boots grinding against the cracked stone.


    The Russian let out a low whistle, rolling his shoulder. "Alright, maybe you do have a little bite."


    Mattia exhaled with his grip tightening. ''He''s barely trying. This is just warm-up to him.''


    Boris grinned wider, setting his feet. "Now, let''s see if you can survive when I start actually having fun."


    The air around them shook as the real fight began.

 Chapter 29 - 29: Power Levels & Ranks Explained

    I want to sincerely thank everyone who has purchased the story or subbed on Patreon. Your support truly means a lot, and I deeply appreciate it!


    ????


    ----


    This chapter aims to clear up any doubts and confusion regarding power levels in the story.


    While writing, I constantly thought about power scaling, and I now have a clearer picture of how strength should be portrayed. Since this story is set in an alternate universe (AU), I approach power levels differently than the manhwa that adjust strength inconsistently for the sake of the plot.


    Why Power Scaling Matters


    For example, in the original manhwa, when Sung Jin-Woo fought Antares, the scale of destruction was, at most, city-wide. But think about it, aren''t they Monarchs? Shouldn''t they be fighting across planets effortlessly? Shouldn''t their clashes be affecting entire solar systems? Yet, the damage they caused barely reached continental levels. That''s clearly a case of plot adjustment.


    Because of that, I decided to portray character strength in a way that feels more consistent and logical.


    ....


    Power Rankings


    Keep in mind that ranks provide a general idea, but strength within each rank varies.


    Also the hunters display different ways of strength, it''s obvious that a magician can burn a building while an assassin cannot.


    E Rank ¡ú Bulletproof and capable of moving a car.


    D Rank ¡ú Can throw a car easily or break it apart.


    C Rank ¡ú Building-level destruction.


    B Rank ¡ú Can destroy multiple buildings.


    A Rank ¡ú Can wipe out an entire neighborhood in time.


    S Rank ¡ú Ranges from small city-level to multiple cities.


    SPOILER!! FOR WHO HASN''T READ THE MANHWA OR THE NOVEL


    National Rank ¡ú Capable of regional to continental destruction (e.g., Thomas Andre''s black hole feat). At the upper end, this rank can extend to planetary-level strength.


    Low Monarch ¡ú Ranges from solar system-level to galactic-level power (e.g., the beautiful and fine insect queen ????, don''t judge me, I like mature women ????).


    Medium Monarch ¡ú Can destroy multiple galaxies or affect galaxy clusters.


    High Monarch ¡ú Their power spans from superclusters to universal-scale destruction and beyond.


    ....


    This is for some questions.


    Why Didn''t the Authorities Stop the Auction Battle?


    Some readers may wonder why the Hunter Association didn''t step in during the auction battle. The answer is:


    They did, but they weren''t strong enough to make a difference.


    The highest-ranked Hunter Association officer available in Rome at that time was Petruccio, an S-rank hunter, while most other HA officers present were A-rank or lower. Against False S-rankers, A-ranks are essentially powerless.


    Breaking Down the Fight:


    If you check the chapter timestamps, you''ll see how fast the battle is unfolding. S-rank hunters aren''t common, and only a few are actively involved:


    Mattia (guild leader)


    Petruccio (Hunter Association officer)


    Adam (our handsome MC, though still not as handsome as ME)


    Other hunters are present, but they are nowhere near S-rank in power.


    ....


    Why Only One S-Rank from the Hunter Association?


    The Italian Hunter Association does have other S-rank hunters, but they have different responsibilities and aren''t in Rome at the moment.


    Additionally, Petruccio is focused on protecting the elixir''s buyer while holding back so he doesn''t accidentally turn them into a bloody pulp. Unlike Adam, who can effortlessly coat people in mana to protect them, similar to how Superman uses his bio-kinetic energy, Petruccio doesn''t have that level of control.


    Meanwhile:


    Mattia is with Boris, minimizing collateral damage.


    Adam is holding Venin down, gaining experience.


    Venin''s poison sentinels, each of which is high A-rank, are keeping lower-rank hunters busy. (With poison or venom, i just mean the ability he uses, as it''s a purple substance that corrodes as well is venomous, but i don''t have an actual name so I''m open to suggestions.)


    Now imagine, this entire battle is happening in under 10 minutes. The other Hunter Association members are only A-rank, so they realistically can''t do much in a fight of this scale.


    ----


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 Chapter 30 - 29: Analysis Complete

    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 2:11 AM)


    The battlefield rumbled with the force of two hunters colliding, the air itself warping from the sheer energy unleashed. Mattia moved like a storm, his greatsword carving arcs of destruction as he pressed Boris with relentless aggression. Sparks danced through the night as blade met fist, each impact sending shockwaves that shattered nearby structures.


    Boris, grinning like a madman, met each strike with overwhelming brute force. His reinforced body absorbed the punishment, his powerful arms deflecting the massive sword without hesitation. The force of their exchanges sent tremors through the city, cracks spider-webbing across the streets as their battlefield expanded.


    ''He''s fast, but not untouchable.''


    Mattia ducked low, pivoting around Boris''s next strike, his blade flashing with condensed mana. He drove his greatsword upward, aiming for the Russian''s ribs, but Boris twisted at the last second, slamming his elbow into Mattia''s sword arm. The impact sent a numbing jolt through Mattia''s body, forcing him back a step.


    Boris chuckled, rolling his shoulders. "You swing that thing well, I''ll give you that. But you''re fighting a bear, little swordsman. Strength wins over fancy blade tricks."


    Mattia''s crimson eyes burned, his mana flaring around him like a storm of embers. "Then stop dodging and prove it."


    Boris grinned, then inhaled deeply. The air around him trembled as his body expanded, muscle and sinew swelling as thick fur sprouted along his arms and chest. His frame stretched, bones cracking as he grew to an imposing four meters tall, his hands now resembling monstrous claws.


    "Partial Shift!"


    His voice, now deeper and rougher, carried a primal edge that sent an instinctual warning through the air. His previously overwhelming strength had just doubled.


    Mattia didn''t hesitate. He surged forward, his greatsword swinging in a deadly horizontal arc. Boris met the strike head-on, catching the massive blade between his claws. The ground beneath them shattered from the collision, chunks of marble and steel erupting into the sky. For a moment, they were locked in a contest of raw power, Mattia pushing forward with all his might while Boris grinned.


    Then Boris shifted his weight, twisting his arms and forcing the blade downward. Mattia reacted instantly, wrenching his weapon free and spinning to the side just as Boris''s claws raked the air where his chest had been.


    Mattia retaliated with a downward slash, his blade crashing against Boris''s shoulder, cutting deep into his flesh. The Russian let out a guttural growl, but his grin remained intact. Blood dripped from the wound, but he barely seemed to notice.


    "Ghahaha, you little club, you''re not weak!" Boris admitted, flexing his claws. "But you''re gonna need more than that."


    Before Mattia could move, Boris slammed his fist into the ground, tearing up a massive chunk of the street. With inhuman ease, he lifted the rubble, an entire building''s worth of debris, and hurled it skyward.


    Mattia''s eyes flicked toward the air, tracking its trajectory. ''Not at me.''


    High above, Adam and Venin''s battle raged, a storm of mana and poison clashing in midair. The airborne battlefield had remained separate, until now. Boris''s colossal throw sent the crumbling structure directly toward them, a building-sized projectile set to crush everything in its path.


    Mattia exhaled sharply. ''Damn him. He''s forcing Adam to break focus.''


    There was no time to shout a warning. Adam had already noticed, his body flickering with light blue energy as he prepared to intercept.


    Boris, seeing Mattia momentarily distracted, took the opening.


    His massive claw tore through the air.


    Mattia barely managed to bring his greatsword up in time to block, but the force was devastating. He skidded backward, his boots carving deep trenches in the ruined street. His hands ached from the sheer pressure, but he kept his grip firm. He could not afford to falter.


    Boris didn''t let up. He charged, his quadrupedal stance adding terrifying momentum to his next strike. His clawed foot slammed into the ground, launching him forward like a bullet. Mattia barely sidestepped before Boris''s punch cratered the street where he had been standing.


    Mattia retaliated, twisting his body and delivering a two-handed downward slash, his sword cutting through the air with lethal precision. It met Boris''s forearm, and cracked.


    For the first time, Mattia felt it.


    A vibration ran through his sword, unnatural and sickeningly sharp. His eyes widened as tiny fractures spread along the blade''s surface, his weapon, the one that has accompanied him untill now, was struggling against Boris''s raw, overwhelming power.


    ''No!''


    Boris saw it too. His grin widened, and in an instant, he slammed his other claw directly against the weakened edge of Mattia''s sword.


    The greatsword shattered.


    A deafening crack echoed through the battlefield as Mattia''s most trusted weapon broke apart, shards of steel scattering in every direction. For a split second, time seemed to stop.


    Then Boris''s next attack landed.


    A massive claw strike raked across Mattia''s abdomen, a brutal, merciless slash that sent him flying backward. Blood splattered against the broken pavement as he crashed through the remnants of a collapsed structure, rolling to a stop amidst the rubble.


    Silence followed.


    Then Boris laughed. Loudly.


    "HA! Not so cocky now, are you?" He flexed his bloodied claws with his form still active. "C''mon, Crimson Storm! Get up! You wanted a fight, didn''t you?"


    Dust swirled around Mattia''s motionless form. His body ached, his breathing heavy. His vision blurred slightly as he stared at the shattered remains of his greatsword, the once-proud weapon reduced to useless fragments.


    But despite the pain, despite the overwhelming force of his opponent, a slow smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Bastard actually broke my sword.''


    His fingers twitched. His mana surged. And deep in his crimson eyes, something burned brighter than ever.


    (2:13 AM)


    Adam landed atop a partially destroyed skyscraper with his boots pressing against the fractured concrete as he watched Venin streak toward him like a venomous shadow. The assassin moved with terrifying speed, his form barely distinguishable in the night, his remaining mask''s mechanical breathing the only sound cutting through the distant destruction.


    ''Aw¨¤?''


    [Analysis complete.]


    A slow smile tugged at Adam''s lips. His glowing light blue eyes locked onto Venin with his voice carrying with the weight of absolute certainty.


    "The test time is over."


    Venin didn''t hesitate. His poison constructs sharpened into dozens of serrated lances, each one launching toward Adam with lethal precision. But the moment they neared, space itself folded. The constructs froze mid-air, trapped within an endless loop of distorted reality.


    Venin shifted, attempting to retreat, but his body refused to move. He was locked.


    His unparalleled speed, his mastery of movement, it meant nothing now. Adam had severed the concept of distance around him. There was nowhere to run, nowhere to escape.


    Venin''s eyes narrowed.


    Adam raised his palm and a construct of deep purple poison manifested within it, swirling ominously. The sight of it made Venin''s eyes widen in pure shock.


    Before he could react, chains erupted from the void, coiling around his body like serpents, tightening with each passing second. These were no ordinary bindings. They didn''t just restrain, they drained. His mana was being siphoned, fed back into the very chains that ensnared him.


    Adam''s gaze flickered toward the battlefield below. His attention shifted just in time to see Boris shatter Mattia''s greatsword with his claws raking through the Italian Hunter''s abdomen in a devastating slash. Blood painted the broken streets as Mattia crashed into the rubble, unmoving.


    Adam exhaled slowly, then lifted a hand. From the ruins, a greatsword stirred. Broken stone and dust parted as the weapon flew toward Mattia.

 Chapter 31 - 30: Slain

    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 2:10 AM)


    The auction hall was in complete chaos, the once-grand chamber now a battlefield of shifting allegiances and violent destruction. Petruccio moved swiftly, his body flickering like a speedster between the masked buyer and the three High A-Rank False Rankers. Their killing intent was suffocating, but his calm, razor-sharp focus didn''t waver.


    The Elixir of Longevity, a legendary relic worth fortunes, was still in the buyer''s possession, but keeping it that way was proving difficult. Venin''s venomous constructs lashed forward, twisting through the air like sentient blades, seeking to claim the Elixir for the False Rankers.


    Petruccio clicked his tongue. ''This is getting out of hand.''


    He pivoted, slicing through an incoming construct with a precise dagger swipe, but more were forming, each more relentless than the last. The buyer, still cloaked, remained silent, trusting him entirely for survival.


    "Stay close." Petruccio muttered before grabbing the buyer and launching himself out of the collapsing auction house. The moment his feet hit open ground, he bolted toward HA Headquarters, weaving through the destruction with deadly precision.


    Behind him, the False Rankers pursued while the Poison Sentinels closed in rapidly, each was High A-Rank, strong enough to slaughter dozens of lower Hunters.


    ''They won''t let us leave.''


    Just as he anticipated a clash, a light blue streak of mana descended between him and the pursuers. Adam materialized like a phantom, intercepting Venin mid-flight with their collision shaking the very air.


    The assassin''s mask exhaled a mechanical hiss as he twisted to attack, but Adam folded space itself, freezing Venin''s movements momentarily, before teleporting their battle away from the fleeing duo, leaving Petruccio to his mission.


    (2:11 AM)


    Petruccio sprinted through the ruined streets, the masked buyer held tightly in his grasp. He could feel their trembling body through the fabric, but there was no time to reassure them. The Poison Sentinels were relentless, their grotesque, ever-shifting forms closing in from all sides. Above him, the night sky pulsed with eerie green as venomous mist from their bodies corroded the very air.


    A wet screech echoed from behind. One of the Sentinels leaped forward, its elongated limbs bending at unnatural angles. Its blade-like claw lashed out, striking toward his back. Petruccio twisted mid-stride, shifting his grip on the buyer just enough to avoid the swipe. The claw carved through the stone wall beside him, melting the surface into a bubbling mess.


    ''Regenerative bodies, venom-infused attacks, and inhuman speed. Annoying bastards.''


    A sharp whizz cut through the air. Petruccio tilted his head just in time to dodge a crackling arrow that slammed into the ground beside him, erupting into a burst of concussive force. He didn''t need to look to know, the Ranger had lined up his shot from the rooftops.


    Another screech. A second Sentinel lunged from the right. This one didn''t swipe, it exploded into a mass of acidic tendrils, trying to engulf him entirely.


    Petruccio exhaled sharply. ''Fine.''


    His dagger flashed. A burst of mana pulsed from his palm, coating the blade in a thin, almost invisible layer of energy. With a flick of his wrist, he sliced through the core into the Sentinel''s chest. The moment the blade connected, the construct convulsed violently before shattering into liquefied sludge.


    ''Mana-infused strikes work.''


    But there was no time to celebrate. The Tank had finally caught up.


    A shadow loomed over Petruccio as the brute slammed a reinforced fist down.


    Petruccio managed to sidestep, the ground beneath him caving inward from the sheer force of the impact. Dust and debris shot into the air, momentarily obscuring his vision.


    And then..


    The Magician''s voice echoed through the battlefield. A chilling incantation, layered with mana.


    Petruccio''s instincts flared.


    A pulse of pure darkness surged toward him, tendrils of cursed energy twisting through the air like grasping hands. His eyes flicked toward an abandoned building up ahead.


    ''Need higher ground.''


    Without hesitation, he kicked off the pavement, flipping mid-air as the cursed tendrils slammed into the spot where he once stood. The moment his feet touched the windowsill of the second floor, he was gone, vanishing into the depths of the building.


    The False Rankers and Sentinels hesitated for only a moment before pursuing.


    But Petruccio was already moving.


    ....


    Inside the abandoned building, shadows stretched long and uneven, cast by flickering streetlights outside. Petruccio darted through the empty offices, his footfalls eerily silent. His grip on the buyer tightened as he leapt over a toppled desk, slipping through a doorway just as a Sentinel crashed through the ceiling behind him with venom splattering across the walls.


    ''They''re getting annoying.''


    With no choice but to fight, Petruccio pivoted, flipping the buyer onto his back with a single motion to free his arms. His daggers flashed, both infused with mana, slicing through the Sentinel''s extended claws before they could reach him. But even as he cut, the severed limbs regrew almost instantly.


    A hiss behind him. Another Sentinel crashed through the wall, forcing him into a roll as its claw tore through where his head had been. He twisted, launching a precise mana-infused dagger into its core. The construct convulsed before collapsing into a pool of sludge.


    Before he could recover, the Tank barged through the wall, bringing the entire section of the building down.


    Petruccio reacted instantly, grabbing the buyer and vaulting through a shattered window, landing gracefully on the fire escape. He barely had time to move before another arrow, this time coated in venom, nearly grazed his shoulder.


    ''Tch. They''re adapting to my movement.''


    He leapt onto the adjacent building''s rooftop, but the moment he landed, the Magician raised his staff. The entire rooftop caved in.


    Petruccio plummeted inside, twisting mid-air to absorb the impact. He landed in a crouch, barely shielding the buyer from the falling debris.


    A Sentinel was already waiting.


    Its claw sliced across his arm.


    Pain flared, but he didn''t flinch. His mana surged to counteract the venom spreading into his bloodstream. With a snap of his wrist, he buried his dagger into the creature''s core, dissolving it instantly.


    Another crash. The Tank followed him down, the floor trembling beneath its weight. Petruccio darted between falling beams, shifting the buyer to his other arm. His green eyes burned with focus.


    ''I''m not making it to HQ at this pace.'' Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They were forcing him into corners, limiting his movement. The Sentinels were herding him, keeping him trapped.


    The Magician loomed above the hole in the ceiling, a dark orb of energy gathering in his palm. The Ranger nocked another arrow, the tip glowing with stored energy.


    Petruccio exhaled. They wanted to pin him down?


    ''Time to end this.''


    He darted forward, straight at the Tank. The brute swung, but Petruccio slid beneath the strike, kicking off the floor and flipping up to land on the creature''s shoulders. Before the Tank could react, Petruccio drove both daggers into the back of its helmet, sending a concentrated pulse of mana directly into its skull. The force melted the man brain.


    Then the Magician''s spell fired.


    Petruccio pushed off the dead Tank at the last second, landing and flipping away as the spell obliterated the ground where he once stood. He rebounded off the crumbling wall, closing the distance to the Magician in a single instant.


    Before burying the dagger into the mage''s heart.


    The Ranger loosed an arrow. Petruccio caught it mid-air, snapping it in half before disappearing and rushing towards him.


    ----


    I''m still practicing with fighting scenes and i hope it was a satisfying battle, more are to come from this story so i will improve for sure.

 Chapter 32 - 31: Broken

    Hey everyone!


    I just want to take a moment to thank you all for your feedback, your suggestions and corrections help me grow as a writer, and I truly appreciate them. I also want to give a huge thanks for all the stones you''ve been consistently sending my way!


    To show my appreciation, I''ve decided to offer a one-day discount on all Patreon tiers. If you''ve been on the fence about joining, now''s the perfect time!


    But that''s not all, I''m also dropping a bonus chapter today as a little extra thank you.


    Your support means a lot to me!


    Discount code: 55680


    ----


    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 2:12 AM)


    Petruccio eyes snapped upward, locking onto the Ranger, who was already repositioning across the rooftops. The archer had lost the high ground advantage the moment his allies fell, and now, without backup, he was as good as dead.


    The Ranger knew it too. He abandoned patience, firing arrows in rapid succession, each one glowing with mana-infused lethality. Explosive tips, piercing projectiles, even scatter shots meant to cover his retreat.


    But Petruccio moved like a specter.


    A twist, a sidestep, a sudden leap, his body weaved between the projectiles with inhuman precision. His phantom steps left afterimages, making it impossible to predict where he''d be next.


    Then, in the blink of an eye, he was gone.


    The Ranger barely had time to process it before a blade pressed against his throat.


    Petruccio''s voice was calm, almost amused. "Checkmate."


    A single flick of his wrist. The Ranger''s body crumpled, lifeless before it hit the ground.


    Petruccio exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders. ''Three down, No more interruptions.''


    The HA Headquarters loomed in the distance. Without hesitation, he bolted forward, carrying the buyer toward safety.


    But the real danger had come.


    Boris Mikhailov, now towering at four meters tall, had turned his attention away from his wounded prey, Mattia, and toward Petruccio. With a roar of drunken fury, he grabbed the massive auction podium, its reinforced steel and marble frame cracking under his grip. Without hesitation, he hurled it across the battlefield like a missile.


    Petruccio narrowed his eyes and reacted.


    He twisted at the last second, narrowly avoiding the impact as the podium exploded behind him, sending shards of metal and stone flying in every direction. The force sent him skidding with his grip tightening around the buyer.


    ''Damn it. Too close.''


    But there was no time to breathe. The Poison Sentinels surged forward. Their toxic bodies left a corrosive mist in their wake, their cold weapons dripping with venom that could melt through mana barriers. Petruccio was outnumbered, and his priority wasn''t himself, it was the buyer.


    If it was him alone the matter would be different, but now he needed to move carefully to not injure the frail buyer.


    Each dodge became harder, each deflection cost him ground. The sheer numbers were overwhelming.


    Then, the earth trembled.


    A heavy presence charged forward, Boris, running on all fours like a rabid bear. His massive maw, lined with jagged teeth, gaped open as he lunged, intent on devouring Petruccio whole.


    For the first time that night, Petruccio felt genuine danger.


    Just before impact, a crimson blur flashed before his eyes.


    Mattia.


    No longer wielding his broken sword, he now held something entirely different, a new greatsword, its blade gleaming with an ancient, indomitable strength.


    Titan''s Resolve.


    The S-Rank sword sold at the auction that Adam just threw him.


    As Boris lunged, Mattia''s entire form shifted. His body hardened, his muscles encased in an armored exoskeleton formed from the same Titan Bone Alloy as his weapon. The once-battle-worn swordsman now stood transformed with his very presence radiating raw power.


    This was Mattia special ability, he is able to form an armor in base to the weapon he is wielding.


    Boris never saw it coming.


    With one foot stomp, Mattia drove Boris''s head into the ground.


    The street beneath them cratered from the impact, the sheer force sending shockwaves outward. A deafening BOOM echoed across the battlefield as cracks split through the concrete like a shattered mirror.


    Mattia''s crimson eyes glowed with contained rage as he pressed his boot deeper into Boris''s skull. "You''re done playing games, Mikhailov. It''s time I slay a traitor."


    Boris growled, his clawed fingers twitching against the ground as he tried to rise. But Mattia''s strength, amplified by Titan''s Resolve, held him in place like an unmovable force of nature.


    "Tch." Boris grunted, voice muffled by the earth. "Fine then... let''s make this fun."


    (2:13 AM)


    With Venin now fully sealed, Adam exhaled with his eyes shifting toward the ongoing chaos. His gaze locked onto the battlefield, but his focus was drawn to the three S-Ranks. Among them, his eyes landed on the frail, masked buyer, the one holding the Elixir of Longevity.


    With a flick of his wrist, a cocoon of blue mana enveloped the buyer, lifting them gently into the air and moving them away from the danger. His voice resonated across the battlefield, reaching both Mattia and Petruccio.


    "I''ll safeguard the buyer. Focus on the fight."


    Petruccio, locked in combat, gave a brief nod before lunging at Boris. The Russian, now enraged, let out a guttural roar with his form swelling further. His bones cracked, his skin darkened with thick fur, and his body stretched as his muscles bulged grotesquely.


    "FULL SHIFT!" Boris bellowed, his voice shaking the very foundations of the ruined cityscape. A true bear now stood where the brute once had. Towering over them all, he crushed what remained of the pavement beneath his massive paws.


    Adam, momentarily observing the transformation, shifted his attention back to the buyer. The blue mana faded, revealing a young girl, no older than fourteen landing on the rooftop. She clutched the ornate box containing the Elixir tightly, her hands trembling as she stared up at him with wide, fearful eyes.


    Adam''s expression remained calm, though his glowing gaze softened slightly. He gave her a single nod.


    "You''re safe now. Stay close."


    The girl hesitated but stepped closer, clearly recognizing that amidst all the chaos, he was the safest place to be.


    But Adam''s task was far from complete.


    His attention turned outward, scanning the hundreds of thousands of civilians who still littered the surrounding city. The destruction had already displaced thousands, and though he had managed to teleport and shield many, there were still too many left in harm''s way.


    (2:14 AM)


    Adam stood on the rooftop, his glowing blue eyes calmly observing the battlefield below. The chaotic destruction, the roars of battle, the sheer weight of mana saturating the air, it was a scene that would have broken lesser Hunters. But for Adam, this was simply data.


    His gaze first drifted to Venin, still locked in his spatial prison, his poison-laced body struggling against chains that refused to break. The assassin was strong.


    His affinity alone made him an S-Rank at the highest level, and had Adam not sealed him first, Venin''s toxins would have spread like wildfire, killing thousands in minutes.


    ''Aw¨¤, what''s your analysis?''


    [Venin is a National Level prospect.]


    Adam''s brow furrowed slightly. ''That''s a bold statement.''


    [Not really. His poison affinity is pretty good but his biggest weakness is his fragile body, but his combat style mitigates that. If he had a sturdier physique, he could already be at that rank.]


    Adam''s eyes flickered toward Boris and Mattia, their battle shaking the entire street. The Vodka Bear, fully transformed, stood over six meters tall, his muscles coiled with raw destruction. Mattia, armored in Titan Bone Alloy, stood firm, his massive greatsword glowing with condensed mana.


    ''Boris is overpowering him.''


    [Yes. In his Full Shift, Boris is a lot stronger than Petruccio and slightly above Mattia, even with his armor. His sheer size, regenerative ability, and endurance put him near the top of physical-type Hunters.]


    ''And Petruccio?''


    [Against a brute like Boris? Not a chance. His combat relies on finesse, speed, and precision. But in raw power? Boris would crush him.]


    Adam sighed, rolling his shoulders. He already knew this. The only reason he could effortlessly dominate Venin wasn''t because of his own rank, it was because his abilities defied the very system.


    ''Aw¨¤, let''s be honest. I''m not A-Rank anymore, am I?''


    [That rank was when you awakened. But the moment you became familiar with your abilities, you stepped straight to the top of S-Rank.]


    Adam exhaled slowly. It was an odd thing to process. S-Rank was supposed to be the peak, the highest tier a Hunter could reach. Yet the gaps between S-Ranks were the largest among any other ranks. Their mana levels were so vast that no meter could measure them, which meant their power was determined entirely by their first awakening and combat ability.


    And Adam? He never stopped growing.


    [Your mana reserves are still expanding. It won''t be long before you surpass even the strongest recorded Hunters.] Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''What about my physical strength?''


    [Unmatched soon. Thanks to your breathing technique, your body is evolving constantly. You''ll hit a point where no Hunter, not even National Level ones, will match you in raw power.]


    Adam chuckled under his breath, rubbing the back of his neck. Broken. That was the only word for it.


    His mind shifted. ''The S-Rank Rune Stone from Kamish.''


    ''If I absorb that stone, how much stronger will I get?''


    [It won''t be a power boost in the traditional sense. It will give you access to dragon genes and skills, just like how you already possess the traits of Giants.]


    Adam blinked. ''Wait, I have Giant skills?''


    [Would you like to try?]


    A slow grin spread across his face.


    "Hell yeah."


    ----


    The last part was a bit of an info dump as well Adam inner thoughts, i did this to let you all actually understand the current situation as well Adam current growth rate, he is continuously growing stronger but he is not invincible since other realities exist, since the Itarims are a thing, but that will be talked about further into the story.


    But yeah, this happens when authors don''t nerf their MCs, damn... I want the nano machines so bad ????


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn


    TikTOK: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 33 - 32: Strength

    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 2:15 AM)


    A sudden rush of power coursed through Adam''s body. His veins bulged, pulsing with raw energy before settling into place, his entire form momentarily radiating an overwhelming presence. His light blue eyes flared brightly before dimming back to their usual profound glow.


    But the change was undeniable.


    Every fiber of his being felt reinforced, denser, stronger, as if the very foundation of his existence had changed. His muscles tensed with unimaginable power while his body feeling unnaturally light yet impossibly sturdy.


    ''This... this is insane.''


    [You are now actively using Giant traits, you can be considered a magical beast currently.]


    ''That''s crazy, I''m a dungeon beast now? Haha.'' Adam glanced toward the battlefield, then at his own hands, flexing his fingers experimentally. The sheer force behind his smallest movements was staggering, his grip strength alone felt like it could pulverize his previous self.


    [Your Giant Shift is now accessible at will.]


    Aw¨¤''s voice remained steady as she continued her analysis. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [You can increase your size at any time, growing as large as a high-rise building, or remain at your normal form while keeping all enhancements. Due to their supernatural nature, Giants are deceptively fast and agile for their size.]


    Adam''s expression remained calm, but his mind processed the implications instantly. Speed and agility remained intact, even at massive size. That meant..


    [Your current physical attributes are already double your base level. However, in Giant Shift, they will scale based on your size, up to five times your normal power at maximum growth.]


    Adam exhaled slowly, staring at his own hands. The balance, the sheer effortlessness of his new strength, it was terrifying.


    He turned toward the young girl beside him. She was clutching the ornate box, her small fingers trembling slightly as she held onto the Elixir of Longevity. Her wide eyes remained locked onto him, filled with uncertainty, but not fear.


    Adam''s voice was even and reassuring. "Stay here. You won''t be harmed."


    She nodded quickly, pressing the box closer to her chest with her grip tightening.


    Adam''s gaze shifted back to the battlefield.


    It was time to move.


    (2:14 AM)


    The battlefield trembled under the weight of their battle. Boris, now in Full Shift, loomed over them like a living calamity. His thick, fur-covered body radiated heat, his breathing heavy but measured, each exhale releasing mist into the cold night air. Despite his enormous size, his speed was unnatural, every charge, every swing of his claws, came with terrifying force and precision.


    Mattia and Petruccio fought in unison, but Boris wasn''t faltering.


    Mattia''s armored body moved with calculated aggression, his Titan Bone plating absorbing impact after impact. Every swing of Titan''s Resolve carried devastating force, the greatsword''s kinetic absorption allowing him to return blows with increased weight. Boris took every strike head-on, but even with his tough hide, the accumulated power of Mattia''s attacks forced him back.


    Petruccio, however, struggled. His speed allowed him to weave between Boris''s massive swipes, but every attempt to pierce Boris''s hide with his daggers failed. His blades barely scratched the berserker''s thick fur, and while he moved fast enough to avoid most direct hits, Boris was adapting.


    The Vodka Bear was a predator.


    Boris roared and slammed both claws downward. Mattia met him head-on, raising his greatsword with both hands, redirecting the force of the impact. The street beneath them cracked, sending a shockwave through the city. Boris lunged with his claws raking forward, but Mattia twisted at the last second, avoiding a fatal blow. His armor absorbed most of the damage, but the force still sent him skidding backward.


    Before Mattia could recover, Boris pivoted, and was already on Petruccio.


    A swipe nearly ripped the assassin apart, forcing him to dodge mid-air, twisting his body unnaturally to avoid being torn in two. He landed in a low crouch, but Boris''s massive foot crashed down, aiming to crush him outright. Petruccio barely rolled away in time with his body straining from constant evasions.


    The battle dragged on. Seconds passed, and the exhaustion set in.


    Mattia''s breathing grew heavier. His mana reserves were running low. The Titan Bone Alloy armor required a constant flow of mana and stamina, and the weight of Titan''s Resolve was beginning to strain his movements. His strikes were slower while his reflexes dulled.


    Petruccio wasn''t faring any better. His entire body ached from the near-constant dodging. Without a way to pierce Boris''s hide, he had resorted to distractions, attacking weak points, aiming for joints, but nothing was enough to slow Boris down.


    And Boris knew it.


    A deep, rumbling chuckle escaped the beast''s throat as he towered over them. Mattia panted, gripping his sword tightly while Petruccio stood ready the daggers coated in his last reserves of mana.


    "Look at you two." Boris''s voice was thick with amusement with his breath rolling in heavy clouds. "Fake men, clinging to your little tricks. Tired already?"


    The words barely registered before he struck.


    Mattia''s eyes widened as a clawed paw the size of a car smashed into him, sending him flying hundreds of meters through multiple buildings. He disappeared into the wreckage, leaving only silence in his wake.


    Petruccio mind had time to react but his body not.


    A massive paw crashed into his stomach, lifting him off the ground. Another hit came, then another. Each strike felt like being hit by a collapsing building. His ribs cracked, his vision blurred, and before he could process the pain, Boris grabbed him by the torso.


    The bear''s massive jaws opened wide.


    Teeth capable of biting through S rank magical beast as well a jaw wide enough to fit a car.


    Petruccio, barely conscious, watched as Boris prepared to bite down and tear him apart.


    Then, resistance.


    Boris''s eyes widened in shock as his teeth couldn''t close.


    A force stronger than his own was stopping him.


    Petruccio''s blurred vision cleared, and his gaze traveled upward.


    Standing before him with outstretched arms and gripping Boris''s upper and lower jaws apart, was Adam.


    The sheer pressure of Boris''s bite should have been unstoppable, yet Adam held firm with ease.


    A golden glow enveloped Petruccio''s broken body as his wounds closed instantly, his shattered bones mended in seconds.


    His stamina returned along with his mana that surged back.


    Adam''s eyes glowed with calm, cold authority staring at Boris.


    And then, he spoke.


    "Done?"


    (2:16 AM)


    Adam''s grip tightened with veins bulging across his arms and shoulders, the sheer force of his hold cracking Boris''s fangs under the pressure while his clothes ripped apart at the seams, unable to withstand the raw power surging through his body.


    Boris''s massive eyes, once filled with mockery and bloodlust, widened in disbelief. He was the strongest in this fight, his Full Shift had made him unstoppable, or so he thought.


    With one hand, Adam lifted Boris effortlessly.


    The colossal bear, weighing over dozens of tons, was torn from the ground like he was weightless. The very air trembled as Adam, with a casual motion, hurled Boris into the sky. The False Ranker soared above the battlefield, his massive shadow casting over the ruined city.


    Before he could even process what was happening..


    Adam moved.


    A single step and the ground beneath him shattered, sending dust and debris flying in every direction. He shot into the air, his body a blur of light while closing the distance between him and Boris in an instant.


    His right fist clenched at his side with mana condensing around it with terrifying density.


    And then, he struck.


    An upward punch, straight into Boris''s abdomen.


    The impact was instant. Boris''s hide, tough enough to shrug off S-Rank weapons, pierced like paper. Adam''s fist sank deep, rupturing muscle and shattering reinforced bones in a single motion. The kinetic force didn''t just break through, it detonated inside.


    Boris''s organs burst as his ribs imploded.


    The raw shock of the impact traveled through his entire body, rupturing everything inside before he even had the chance to scream.


    His life vanished in an instant.


    Adam floated in midair, watching as Boris''s lifeless eyes stared blankly into the void, realization and fear frozen into them.


    Then, his massive corpse plummeted.


    The ground quaked as Boris''s body crashed back down, cratering the ruined street. The sheer weight obliterated the concrete, sending cracks sprawling outward like a spiderweb.


    Silence followed.


    Adam landed lightly, his boots touching the ground with an eerie calmness. His clothes were ruined, his sleeves torn apart, but his expression was confused.


    Petruccio stood frozen with his weapons still gripped in his hands. He had seen powerful strikes before, but this wasn''t normal.


    This was something beyond S-Rank.


    Adam met his gaze with his brows furrowing slightly before he muttered in a disappointed voice.


    "I thought... he was stronger."


    Petruccio couldn''t respond.


    Adam sighed, rolling his shoulders.


    ''I guess I need to visit the National Rankers¡­''


    ----


    Who catched the reference? ????, invincible is a good comic, but Mark is an horrible MC, i hate the MCs who hold back continuously.


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn


    TikTOK: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 34 - 33: Miracle

    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 2:17 AM)


    A gust of wind rushed through the ruined streets as Mattia landed hard with his boots scraping against cracked concrete. Blood dripped from his mouth as his body is battered from being sent flying earlier, but none of that mattered now.


    His crimson eyes locked onto Boris''s corpse, the massive carcass lying in a crater of shattered stone and broken pavement.


    His breath hitched.


    "What¡­ the hell?" His voice was barely above a whisper.


    He turned slowly his gaze shifting toward Adam.


    The younger hunter stood there, arms raised slightly with an expression caught between sadness and disbelief.


    "Hey, don''t look at me like that." Adam exhaled, shaking his head. "I''m as speechless as you are."


    Mattia remained silent, still processing what he had just witnessed.


    Adam let out a breath, rolling his shoulders before his expression hardened. The battle was over, but their work wasn''t.


    "We need to secure the civilians." His voice carried authority. "Gather the injured hunters and anyone affected by the chaos. That includes those who were caught up in Venin''s venom sentinels."


    Petruccio, who had remained quiet, finally spoke. "We also need to destroy the remaining sentinels. They won''t stop unless their cores are shattered."


    Adam gave a single nod. "Then handle it. I''ll take care of the rest."


    Before either hunter could respond, Adam bent his knees slightly, then launched himself into the air.


    The force of his jump left a crater where he once stood with debris flying outward as he shot into the sky as light blue mana trailed behind him.


    As he soared above the city, he closed his eyes briefly.


    ''Aw¨¤.''


    [Already scanning.]


    Instantly, numerous markers appeared in his mind, pinpointing every injured civilian across the city. He had managed to save many during the fight, but only a fraction of the total population had been close enough for him to protect directly.


    ''Not good enough.''


    His hands clapped together.


    A golden glow spread from his palms, expanding outward like ripples in water.


    Then, with a single motion, he sent a golden pulse of healing mana cascading through the city.


    (2:18 AM)


    A broken city. Bodies buried under rubble, voices lost beneath stone and steel. Smoke curled through the night sky, the lingering aftermath of destruction. The air was thick with the scent of dust and blood, of despair hanging in the cracks of shattered streets.


    And then, light.


    A golden pulse washed over everything. It seeped through concrete and steel, through flesh and bone. The dead streets, once choked by silence, stirred.


    ....


    Beneath a collapsed building, a mother cradled her child.


    Her breath was shallow with blood trickling from a deep wound in her side. The crushing weight of stone pinned her legs, the pain nearly unbearable wihile her son whimpered in her arms with tears streaking his soot-covered face.


    She had whispered her last words to him moments ago. Told him she loved him, to be strong, even as the darkness crept in.


    Then, warmth.


    The agony vanished. Her body mended itself instantly, flesh knitting back together. The crushing weight of debris no longer pressed against her. Her son gasped as he felt it too, his wounds gone along with his bruises fading.


    A soft blue glow enveloped them, lifting them gently into the air. They rose from the wreckage, untouched, whole.


    The mother wept. Not from pain. Not from fear.


    From pure, incomprehensible relief.


    ....


    An elderly man lay in the streets as his eyes stared blankly at the sky.


    He had been crushed when the first explosion hit. He had felt his ribs cave in, the life leaving his body long before the dust had settled.


    But now, his chest expanded with breath.


    His heart beat again.


    He sat up, gasping as his hands trembled while they touched his face, his body, his legs. There was no pain. No injuries. He was alive.


    He wasn''t the only one.


    All around him, people who had once lain still, unmoving, now gasped for air, clutching their chests in shock. The once-lifeless bodies, men and women who had died minutes ago, now stood, confused, afraid.


    They were supposed to be dead.


    Yet they weren''t.


    ....


    A young man stood near the remnants of what had been a marketplace.


    He had survived the battle, but at a cost, his arm had been severed days ago, long before this chaos, taken from him by a dungeon raid gone wrong.


    He had learned to live with it. The phantom pain, the awkwardness of trying to adjust to a life forever changed.


    And then, his missing limb returned.


    A full, functioning arm. His skin tingled as he stared in disbelief, flexing his fingers, feeling the strength return as if it had never left.


    Tears fell from his eyes as he clenched his fists.


    It wasn''t just wounds that had been healed.


    Even old injuries, diseases, afflictions that had once been permanent, were erased.


    ....


    The hunters still fighting the Poison Sentinels felt it next.


    They had been on the verge of collapse with their mana nearly drained, their bodies worn from battle. They had expected death at any moment.


    Then, power surged through them.


    Their stamina returned, their mana reserves filled to the brim. The exhaustion, the fatigue, it was gone. Their bodies felt new, as if they just had the best chicken in the world.


    Even those who had already fallen in battle with corpses cold and still, stood once more.


    The battlefield shifted.


    The weak were no longer weak. The dying no longer died.


    A miracle had unfolded across the entire city.


    And at the center of it all, high above the skyline, a single figure hovered with his hands still glowing with golden light.


    (2:19 AM)


    As the golden glow faded from his hands, Aw¨¤''s voice echoed in his mind.


    [You used more mana than necessary. You didn''t just heal vital injuries, you restored everything.]


    Adam exhaled, rubbing the back of his head. He already knew.


    ''I got a little excited.''


    [That much is obvious.]


    He had meant to restore only the critically wounded, but in the heat of the moment, he had let his power run wild. Scars, lost limbs, chronic illnesses, everything had been wiped away. He had reversed time on their bodies itself.


    As he began his descent, his eyes scanned the city. The once-chaotic battlefield had settled. There were no more screams, no more cries of pain, only relief and disbelief.


    Then, in the distance, the flashing lights of Hunter Association vehicles.


    The convoy rushed through the ruined streets with the sound of tires screeching against pavement filling the air. As soon as they stopped, officers poured out, armed and ready. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But as they took in the scene before them, the uninjured civilians, the controlled battlefield, the utter lack of casualties, they hesitated.


    This wasn''t what they had expected.


    Some immediately rushed forward to assist the civilians, checking their vitals despite their obvious perfect condition. Others moved toward the weaker hunters, but there was nothing to treat.


    Adam touched down lightly with his feet barely disturbing the dust as he turned his gaze toward Petruccio.


    The Phantom Assassin had already approached one of the officers, a man in a dark suit who immediately gave him a slight bow.


    "Sir." the officer greeted with respect, in a formal tone.


    Petruccio simply nodded as his usual easygoing nature is replaced with stoic professionalism.


    Meanwhile, Adam extended his hand and a soft blue glow enveloped the young girl on the building as she floated gently downward with her small frame landing softly on the pavement.


    She clutched the ornate box tightly with her eyes darting between Adam and the two men before her.


    Adam walked forward, leading her toward them.


    ----


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 35 - 34: Cleared

    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 2:20 AM)


    The Hunter Association officer approached with measured steps, his expression composed but cautious. Adam, standing relaxed, felt the man''s mana immediately, A-Rank, magician-type.


    The officer straightened before speaking. "I am Giorgio Moretti, representing the Hunter Association''s Emergency Response Unit." His gaze swept over the battlefield, taking in the controlled situation with visible surprise. "We were expecting a catastrophe, but¡­" His voice trailed off.


    Adam nodded and answered in a calm but firm tone. "The civilians are already safe. You don''t need to worry about casualties." But his light blue eyes sharpened slightly. "The government only needs to rebuild the infrastructure and compensate material losses."


    Giorgio exhaled as relief washed over his features. "Understood. Thank you for your efforts." He gave a respectful nod before hesitating. "And¡­ may I ask for your name?"


    Adam met his gaze evenly. "Adam Sen."


    Before Giorgio could react, Petruccio smirked, placing a hand in his pocket. "The Saint."


    Giorgio''s brows lifted slightly in recognition. The rumors had already begun to spread.


    Before anyone could say more, heavy footsteps approached.


    Mattia strode forward with blood still visible on his body. His crimson eyes locked onto Adam''s glowing blue ones, staring deeply.


    Then, with a small yet deliberate motion, Mattia bowed his head slightly.


    "Thank you." His voice was warm, carrying the weight of sincerity. "If it wasn''t for you, we could have died. And the casualties would have been¡­ countless."


    Adam, despite standing slightly shorter at 186 cm compared to Mattia''s 192 cm, patted the taller man''s shoulder.


    "You both fought well." he said in a genuine tone.


    Mattia exhaled with a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips before nodding.


    But then, Adam''s gaze shifted.


    Across the battlefield, a Hunter Association cleanup crew was moving toward Boris''s corpse, now returned to his human form.


    Adam''s eyes narrowed.


    "Oi." His voice rang out offended and annoyed.


    The workers froze as Adam''s mana flared subtly.


    "That body is mine. No one touches it."


    Giorgio visibly sweated. As an A-Rank, he knew when he had no authority in a situation. "Understood¡­" He sighed, rubbing his forehead.


    Mattia, Petruccio, and Giorgio then turned their attention toward Venin.


    Still chained mid-air, the S-Rank assassin weakly struggled with his limbs twitching. Though his body barely moved, the mechanical breathing from his mask remained constant. He was likely muttering curses behind it.


    Giorgio pointed at him. "That must be the other False Ranker."


    Petruccio sighed, rolling his neck. "Yeah. And Adam took care of him easily." He lazily pointed at Adam, who was currently scolding some HA workers with their heads bobbing rapidly in embarrassed agreement.


    Mattia crossed his arms, staring at Venin''s restrained form. "So, what do we do with him?"


    The moment Mattia finished his question, Adam appeared beside him with the air subtly distorting as space folded as he teleported.


    "I''ll take Venin into custody." Adam said casually. "I''ll interrogate him myself."


    Mattia raised a brow at the certainty in his tone, but before he could respond, Petruccio stepped forward.


    "Or," the Phantom Assassin said with his usual grin tugging at the corner of his lips, "we could work together. The Hunter Association has the personnel and the tools to get the most out of him." He extended a hand toward Adam. "We can share the results, and you''ll also receive official payment for your work tonight."


    Adam studied the offered hand for a moment before shaking his head.


    "I can handle it myself." he said. Then, after a short pause, he added, "But I do need to get evaluated for a rank."


    Petruccio''s expression shifted to understanding as he pulled back his hand. "Makes sense. I forgot that you awakened tonight."


    ''What a monster..'' Petruccio thought to himself.


    Mattia, who had been observing silently, suddenly spoke with intelligence.


    "It happened when you touched that stone, didn''t it?"


    Adam turned his gaze toward him before giving a small nod. "It did. The stone was the trigger. But beyond that¡­ it''s not something I''ll disclose."


    Mattia didn''t press further. He simply nodded. "That''s fair."


    With that, he turned around and walked toward Titan''s Resolve wich was still embedded in the ground from their earlier battle. With a firm grip, he yanked it free now the heavy greatsword resting on his shoulder.


    "Thanks for lending me this." he said, glancing at Adam. "Who was the buyer, anyway?"


    Adam shrugged. "No idea nor i care. Just keep it."


    Petruccio rubbed his temple, shaking his head slightly. ''A hunter like Adam is going to cause a lot of chaos¡­''


    Mattia exhaled a short chuckle. "Well, I''ll be heading back now."


    As if on cue, his guild members arrived as their expressions are a mixture of concern and respect as they surrounded him. Without another word, Mattia walked away with his subordinates following close behind.


    (2:22 AM)


    As Mattia and his guild members walked away, Adam''s gaze lingered on his back.


    ''Wait¡­ I didn''t heal him.''


    He had healed everyone, revived the dead, restored lost limbs, cured diseases, yet Mattia, who had fought one of the hardest battles tonight, had slipped past his focus.


    Without hesitation, he raised a hand.


    A golden glow surrounded Mattia, flowing over his body like liquid light. The fatigue in his movements vanished, his wounds sealed instantly, and his stamina and mana restored to peak condition.


    Mattia paused mid-step, feeling the sudden rush of energy. He turned his head slightly with his eyes locking onto Adam before offering a small wave of thanks.


    Adam nodded once, then turned toward the little girl still holding the Elixir.


    He gave her a small smile. "You caused a lot of trouble, you know."


    The girl''s eyes widened slightly in alarm before Adam let out a short laugh. "Relax. I''m joking."


    A small, timid smile formed on her lips before she clutched the ornate box closer to her chest. "Thank you¡­ with this, my grandfather will feel better."


    Adam nodded. "That''s good." Then, tilting his head slightly, he added, "But you should be thanking Petruccio instead. He''s the one who protected you the most tonight."


    The girl blinked, then turned toward Petruccio, who raised an eyebrow at Adam before exhaling with a smirk.


    As he left the trio behind, Adam''s expression shifted back to cold focus.


    He walked toward Boris''s corpse and without breaking stride, he lifted a hand, forming a transparent gray cube around the body. The mana structure flickered for a second before the cube compressed into nothingness, sending Boris''s remains into Adam''s personal space dimension.


    Then, his gaze shifted upward.


    Venin. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was still floating in the air, suspended in unbreakable chains but his body was weaker now, unmoving, drained of mana and on the verge of collapse. The mechanical hiss of his mask was labored, but his eyes still burned with hatred.


    Adam lifted his hand again.


    With a flick of his fingers, Venin''s body was yanked from midair, straight into another cube. The moment it closed, the assassin disappeared.


    The battlefield was finally cleared.


    ----


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 Chapter 36 - 35: Aftermath

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    ----


    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 2:24 AM)


    As Adam dismissed the last of his spatial cubes, Petruccio approached with his usual smirk present but with a more serious air than before.


    "So, should we schedule your rank evaluation for next week?"


    Adam gave a small nod. "That''s fine with me."


    Without another word, he opened his palm and a faint ripple in space formed before his phone materialized out of thin air. Casually, he handed it to Petruccio, already displaying his contact number and bank account information.


    "Don''t forget the money." His tone was calm, but there was a clear weight behind it.


    Petruccio let out a short chuckle before taking the phone and inputting the necessary details. As he did, Adam''s gaze shifted slightly with his mind running calculations.


    He sent over a detailed list, materials, specialized components, unique resources.


    ''With these, I can start building my base.''


    Aw¨¤ had already scanned an immense amount of data, enough for him to experiment with different energy sources and expand his knowledge further. He also had other priorities.


    ''I should take some time to relax, too.''


    Petruccio glanced at the list but didn''t comment, simply nodding in acknowledgment. Adam extended his hand, and Petruccio shook it firmly before stepping back.


    Turning his attention to the little girl, Adam offered a warm wave with his previously serious demeanor softening slightly. The girl clutched the Elixir close, giving him a small, grateful smile in return.


    With one final glance, Adam nodded toward Giorgio. The HA officer straightened instinctively, still unsure how to handle the presence before him.


    Then, behind Adam, space twisted.


    A light blue portal bloomed into existence, swirling gently yet radiating untouchable power. Without hesitation, Adam stepped forward and vanished with the portal sealing shut behind him.


    ....


    Giorgio exhaled slowly, shaking his head before stepping toward Petruccio.


    "That guy¡­" He let the words linger before sighing. "I can''t tell if he''s the most dangerous person I''ve met or the most useful."


    Petruccio crossed his arms with his mischievous green eyes still fixed on where Adam had disappeared.


    "A potential National Level Hunter was just born."


    Giorgio froze as his expression flickered with disbelief before turning to Petruccio. "What did you just say?"


    Petruccio sighed, rubbing his temple. "I''ve met one of Europe''s Nationals before." His voice was lower now, more thoughtful. "And when Adam came to save me from Boris¡­ the pressure he gave off?"


    He glanced at Giorgio with his smirk now gone and replaced with something much more serious. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It wasn''t any lesser."


    (2:30 AM)


    The Hunter Association''s cleanup operation was already in full motion.


    Teams of hunters and support personnel spread across the ruined city, systematically clearing debris and securing the area. Strength-type hunters lifted collapsed structures with ease, earth mages reshaped terrain, and wind magicians swept away lingering dust and rubble. The process was efficient, almost mechanical, they had done this many times before.


    Agents moved between the survivors, gathering statements. Some questioned hunters who had fought, while others interviewed civilians who had witnessed the chaos firsthand. Their goal was clear: piece together what had really happened.


    Through it all, Petruccio stood at the center, overseeing everything with his usual relaxed posture, though his green eyes missed nothing. He exchanged brief words with agents and directed personnel when needed while making sure things were running smoothly.


    Then, his phone vibrated.


    Petruccio glanced at the screen before answering with his tone immediately shifting to formal respect.


    "Chairman."


    The other end remained silent for a second before a deep, mature voice finally spoke.


    "How did everything go?"


    Petruccio sighed before giving his report.


    "It started at the Rome Grand Auction. Everything was normal until Adam Sen touched the A-Rank Essence Stone purchased by Matteo De Luca." He begun to explain.


    "Immediately after, a series of attacks occurred, two S-Rank and three A-Ranks False Rankers as well Poison Sentinels, and numerous casualties."


    He paused. "Adam awakened at the beginning of it all, when he touched the Essence Stone. Then, within minutes, he effortlessly defeated both S-Rank False Rankers before healing the entirety of Rome."


    Petruccio finished "He also took one S rank body with him along with sealing the other one, still alive, storing both away in his spatial technique."


    Silence followed.


    Then, the voice on the other end finally spoke in an amused tone.


    "So, Italy just had a High S-Rank hunter born¡­ and one who has no problem stealing and taking full credit for his work, as well having shown two rare affinities." A chuckle followed. "Things are going to get interesting."


    Petruccio rubbed his forehead. "And the De Luca family? What''s their response?"


    A tired sigh came from the other end. "Furious. They''re demanding his immediate arrest."


    Petruccio let out his own sigh. "Not that they can do anything. Adam is stronger than me and Mattia combined."


    There was a pause, then laughter.


    "When the De Luca family hears that.." the voice on the other end mused, "..they won''t be happy."


    The call ended, leaving Petruccio staring at the sky.


    ''This is going to be a mess.''


    Before he could even gather his thoughts, a female HA officer approached with clipboard in hand.


    "Sir, we need your signature on the cleanup reports and the official incident documentation."


    Petruccio''s shoulders slumped. His expression darkened as he took the clipboard with visible reluctance.


    ''Fucking paperwork.''


    (1:17 PM)


    A sharp vibration echoed through the quiet room.


    Adam stirred slightly, blinking against the midday light filtering through the curtains. His body felt completely refreshed, as if the previous night''s chaos had barely left a mark.


    ''Awa?''


    [You slept for exactly 11 hours and 1 minute. Your body has fully optimized its recovery cycle long ago, but it seems sleep feels good.]


    Adam yawned, stretching lazily before grabbing his phone from the nightstand.


    Marie.


    He stared at the screen for a moment before answering.


    The moment he did, a deafening voice exploded from the speaker.


    "Adam, what the hell happened last night?!"


    Adam winced, pulling the phone slightly away from his ear.


    "Why are you all over the news as a ''potential S-Rank Hunter''?!" Marie''s voice was somewhere between shock, frustration, and complete disbelief. "I wake up, check the reports, and suddenly Italy has a new monster, and it''s YOU?!"


    Adam let out a short chuckle, rubbing his neck. "Relax, Marie. I just awakened and decided to have a little fun." His lips curled into a small smirk. "Gained some direct experience with traitors."


    A deep sigh came from the other end of the call. "You''re impossible."


    Marie''s tone, though exasperated, had softened slightly. "Tell me exactly what you did at the auction. The reports say you fought two S-Rank False Rankers and took them down. Is that true?"


    Adam leaned back against the headboard with his smile widening slightly.


    "Come over. I''ll tell you in person."


    There was a pause, then, in the background, he heard the unmistakable sound of a car engine roaring to life.


    The car door slammed shut.


    The call ended.


    Adam chuckled. ''She didn''t even hesitate.''


    ----


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 Chapter 37 - 36: Payment

    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 1:23 PM)


    Adam pushed himself off the bed, rolling his shoulders as he stretched.


    ''Still feels surreal¡­ but I''ve already accepted it.''


    [That''s an understatement.] Aw¨¤ chimed in.


    Adam chuckled to himself before heading to the bathroom. He let the hot water run over him, washing away the last remnants of sleep before going through his usual routine. By the time he stepped out, towel-drying his hair and slipping into a fresh set of clothes, he heard the familiar sound of a car pulling up outside.


    ''Right on time.''


    Without needing to check, he knew Marie was here. He moved toward the door, unlocking both the building entrance and the apartment door. Seconds later, footsteps echoed through the hall, followed by the door swinging open.


    Marie stepped in, arms crossed with her expression still carrying traces of disbelief. "You really have some nerve, you know that?"


    [Image]


    Adam smirked as he walked past her, heading toward the kitchen. "You wanna complain, or you wanna help cook?"


    Marie rolled her eyes but followed him. "What are we making?"


    "Thieboudienne." Adam replied, setting out the ingredients.


    She let out a low whistle. "Senegalese-style rice and fish, huh? Alright, I''ll bite."


    The two worked in comfortable rhythm, chopping, seasoning, and stirring. As they moved around the kitchen, Adam recounted the events of last night, from arriving at the auction, watching the bids, securing the Essence Stone, and the sudden chaos that followed.


    He left out specifics about Aw¨¤ and his deeper abilities, but everything else, his clash with the False Rankers, sealing Venin, killing Boris, healing the entire city, he told her plainly.


    Marie listened with her expression shifting between shock, exasperation, and reluctant amusement. She glanced at him while flipping the fish in the pan. "So let me get this straight. You awakened, beat two S-Rank False Rankers, healed an entire city, and now you''re just here making lunch?"


    Adam chuckled. "Pretty much."


    Marie sighed, shaking her head. "You''re unreal. Most hunters take years to get used to their powers, and you''re acting like it''s just another day."


    "I accepted my situation hours ago." He set the plates on the table. "There''s no point overthinking it."


    Marie studied him for a moment before leaning against the counter. "Alright, genius. What''s next? You joining the HA officially?"


    Adam shook his head. "No. I have other plans."


    She raised a brow. "Oh?"


    "I''m going into business. I''ll start my own guild. And eventually¡­" His eyes gleamed with certainty. "I''ll become a National Level Hunter."


    Marie let out a short laugh. "Not everyone can just decide that, you know." But as the words left her mouth, she hesitated. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because if anyone could¡­ it was Adam.


    (2:46 PM)


    The TV flickered on, filling the quiet space with the hum of the news. Marie took a seat across from Adam, eyeing the small apartment as she scooped up a bite of rice.


    "You know." she said between bites, "you really need to move out of this place. It''s too small."


    Adam, still chewing, simply raised an eyebrow. "I plan to build my initial base here in Alessandria."


    Marie gave him a skeptical look. "Here? Seriously?"


    "It''s quiet, away from major guild conflicts, and I can set up the infrastructure however I want." He gestured vaguely. "I won''t be here forever, but it''s a good start."


    Marie hummed in thought, but before she could respond, the news anchor''s voice drew their attention.


    "Breaking news on the recent crisis in Rome!"


    Both turned to watch as the screen displayed aerial footage of the city, perfectly intact despite last night''s catastrophe.


    "A newly awakened hunter, Adam Sen, also known as ''The Saint'' has performed what can only be described as a miracle. Reports confirm that not only did he heal all casualties from the battle, but also past injuries, chronic illnesses, and even genetic defects."


    Marie paused mid-bite, glancing at Adam with a knowing smirk.


    "Showing off, huh?" she muttered.


    Adam merely took another bite of fish, completely unfazed.


    But then..


    "In an even more shocking development." the reporter continued, "we have confirmation that individuals who had been affected by Eternal Sleep¡­ have awakened completely healed."


    Marie choked on her rice.


    She coughed violently, setting her plate down as she turned wide-eyed toward Adam. "The hell did I just hear?!"


    Adam, still chewing, rubbed his cheek absently.


    ''Well¡­ that''s unexpected.''


    Marie stared at him. "Don''t tell me that was you."


    Adam swallowed before responding. "Technically, yes."


    Marie opened her mouth, clearly demanding an explanation.


    He sighed internally. ''This wasn''t even intentional¡­''


    Thanks to his awakening, his ability to control the nanobots had changed. Previously, he could only analyze things in close proximity.


    But as Aw¨¤ previously said, the more his mana tolerance increases the more things he can do with the machines.


    And currently he is in perfect tune with it.


    So during his fight with Venin, as he pushed himself further, he realized that he had scanned the entirety of Rome.


    The news anchor''s voice carried over the hum of the TV with a clear tone.


    "In response to these unprecedented events, the Hunter Association Headquarters has officially scheduled a formal rank evaluation for Adam Sen. The evaluation will take place exactly one week from today, on Sunday, June 23, at 10:00 AM."


    Marie leaned back in her chair, arms crossed as she processed the announcement. It wasn''t surprising, after everything Adam had done, there was no way the HA would leave him unranked for long. She glanced at him with her lips quirking up slightly.


    "So, you''ll be spending the week building your base?"


    Adam nodded, setting his utensils down. "Yeah, but first, I''m taking a day or two to just enjoy myself."


    Marie raised a brow at that with her expression shifting to curiosity. "Oh? And who exactly are you planning to enjoy yourself with?"


    Before she could react, Adam flicked her nose. The sudden action made her jerk back slightly her eyes widening in surprise before a faint blush crept onto her face. She rubbed at her nose, glaring at him half-heartedly.


    "H-Hey! I''m a demanding woman, you know!"


    Adam chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Ohh? And what exactly do you demand, then?"


    Marie clicked her tongue before grinning. "Enjoying the sea, obviously!"


    Adam exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "You''re relentless."


    Just as the conversation was flowing, a soft vibration buzzed from his phone. Glancing at the screen, his eyes flickered with mild amusement.


    Bank Transfer: €73,402,307 EUR received.


    He leaned back slightly, tapping the screen as he checked the details. That must be the remaining balance after purchasing the materials from the HA. Petruccio had handled it last night, as promised. The amount was more than enough to fund his initial plans.


    Marie, noticing the shift in his expression, leaned forward slightly. "What''s got you looking so happy?"


    Without a word, Adam turned the screen toward her.


    Marie''s brows lifted slightly as she scanned the number. "Not bad." She leaned back with a smile. "That''s a good amount."


    Adam nodded "It is."


    ----


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 Chapter 38 - 37: Race

    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 3:36 PM)


    The sound of running water filled the kitchen as Adam and Marie worked together to clean up. The scent of their meal still lingered in the air, mixing with the faint citrus of dish soap. Marie rinsed off a plate before passing it to Adam, who set it neatly on the drying rack.


    "You do realize.." she started, glancing at him, "that an S-Rank Hunter''s fame is insane, right?"


    Adam hummed in acknowledgment, scrubbing at a stubborn spot on a pan. "Of course. The moment I get classified, there''ll be no peace."


    Marie let out a small scoff. "You say that like you''re not already a target. You think people will just sit back after what you did last night? News agencies, guild recruiters, even the HA itself, they''re going to be all over you."


    Adam placed the pan down, exhaling through his nose. "It''s expected." He turned his head slightly while his expression is as calm as ever. "I''ve already prepared for it."


    Marie eyed him for a moment before shaking her head. "Of course you have."


    With the last dish cleaned, she wiped her hands on a kitchen towel. Before she could say anything else, Adam leaned against the counter and looked at her directly.


    "You ready to go to the mall?"


    Marie blinked before raising an eyebrow. "You actually meant it when you said you were going to relax?"


    Adam smirked. "I did say I''d take a day or two, didn''t I?"


    Marie chuckled, grabbing her jacket. "Alright then, let''s go."


    (3:50 PM)


    Adam and Marie walked leisurely down the stairs with the warm afternoon sun casting long shadows as they stepped outside. The city buzzed with life, cars passing by, people going about their day, completely unaware that one of the strongest awakeners in Italy had just walked past them.


    As they reached the street, Adam''s gaze landed on Marie''s SUV, now painted a bright pink. He stopped in his tracks, blinking slowly as his mind replayed a memory from two weeks ago.


    ''She actually did it.''


    Back then, Marie had randomly mentioned wanting to repaint her car pink, and he, thinking she was just messing around, had ignored it. But now here it was, in all its obnoxiously pink glory.


    He turned his head slightly, giving Marie a side-eye.


    She noticed immediately, frowning before crossing her arms over her chest. With a dramatic huff, she blew a strand of hair from her face. "Pink is cool."


    Adam exhaled sharply, trying to hold back his laugh, but the amusement in his expression was obvious. Instead of commenting, he simply raised a hand as his light blue mana came into existence.


    Within seconds, two bicycles materialized from pure energy, one glowing pink and the other a cool, light blue. The intricate details flickered like solid constructs, firm yet ethereal.


    Marie stared at the pink mana bicycle, then back at Adam.


    He smirked. "Race to the mall?"


    Marie''s lips curled into a competitive grin as she swung a leg over her bike, gripping the handles.


    "Say less."


    (3:55 PM)


    The streets of Alessandria were alive with the usual weekend crowd. Pedestrians strolled leisurely, some enjoying the warm afternoon sun, others engaged in conversation or browsing shop windows. The traffic moved steadily, the hum of engines blending with the murmur of daily life.


    Then, without warning, two glowing blurs rushed through the streets, weaving between cars with high speed. A light blue streak and a pink one zipped past stunned onlookers with their trails shimmering like flickering neon lights.


    Laughter echoed between the buildings as Adam and Marie raced through the city, their mana bikes gliding effortlessly over the pavement.


    "This is kinda funny!" Marie shouted, her grin wide as the wind rushed past her face.


    Adam, riding just ahead, grinned before raising a hand slightly. A subtle pulse of mana spread through the area, activating the random item boxes he had scattered throughout the city. Small glowing cubes appeared on sidewalks, near streetlights, and even floating just above the roads, each containing a surprise item, just like a real game.


    Marie''s eyes sparkled with excitement as she sped toward one, her bike cutting through the air smoothly. The moment she passed through the box, a small screen of mana appeared in front of her, displaying her reward.


    "Mushroom boost? Oh hell yeah!"


    Her bike suddenly accelerated, a sharp burst of speed sending her flying past Adam. She let out a triumphant laugh, glancing over her shoulder. "Later, loser!"


    Adam exhaled through his nose amused. He leaned slightly to the side, cutting through an alley as another glowing box materialized in his path. His bike shot through it, and the screen blinked with his new item.


    A banana.


    A big smile spread across his face.


    Without hesitation, he flicked his wrist, sending the mana-formed banana flying straight toward Marie''s path.


    She reacted just in time, swerving to the side with a sharp maneuver. The banana continued its trajectory, slapping directly onto the face of an unlucky pedestrian.


    The man stumbled back with his hands flying up in shock as banana pulp smeared across his cheek.


    "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!" he roared.


    Adam barely had time to enjoy the chaos before another box appeared ahead, and Marie hit it first.


    Her new item flashed on the mana screen. A bomb.


    She didn''t hesitate.


    With a mischievous grin, she grabbed the small pink sphere of condensed energy and hurled it behind her, right at Adam.


    The explosion of mana sent him skidding with his bike wobbling slightly before he regained control. He clicked his tongue, shaking his head.


    "Oh, so that''s how we''re playing?"


    Marie let out another laugh, already racing ahead. Adam narrowed his eyes, tapping into his mana as another box materialized in his path.


    If she wanted a real race, he''d give her one.


    (4:07 PM)


    The mana bikes came to a smooth stop in front of the mall entrance, fading into streams of light as Adam and Marie stepped onto the pavement. The race had been intense, but the results were painfully clear.


    Marie, untouched, flipped her braids over her shoulder with a smug grin. Meanwhile, Adam stood beside her, his face and hair covered in black dust from the countless bombs she had landed on him.


    She folded her arms with her laughter bubbling out as she took in his state. "Oh wow, you look great, Adam. Really embracing that ''charcoal aesthetic.'' huh?"


    Adam clicked his tongue, brushing off the dust with an annoyed huff. "Tch¡­ damn bombs." S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Marie only laughed harder, clearly enjoying her victory. As they approached the mall doors, Adam gave one final shake of his head as his appearance shifted back to normal. His mana surged subtly with dust particles lifting off his clothes as if they had never been there. His locks retied themselves into a loose bun with two strands falling naturally in front of his face.


    Marie eyed him, mildly impressed. "Convenient."


    Adam smiled. "Always."


    She ran her fingers through her braids, ensuring they were still perfectly in place, not that they ever weren''t. With that, the two stepped inside with the cool air of the mall washing over them.


    ----


    Sub on Patreon for more ????


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn


    TikTOK: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 39 - 38: Socials

    We hit 500 stones on Friday! As promised, I''ll be giving away two free Patreon subscriptions, granting two of you access to three advanced chapters.


    The fastest one will win! Why are you still reading? Just copy the link or you might be a step slower ????.


    Get ready for the link:


    https://www.patreon.com/Mr_Graythorn/redeem/0353B


    May you be able to copy it ????????


    ----


    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 4:09 PM)


    Adam and Marie walked leisurely into the mall, the cool air a welcome contrast to the warm afternoon outside. The moment they stepped past the entrance, the familiar scent of food courts, fresh clothing, and polished floors filled the space.


    But it barely took a few seconds before the inevitable happened.


    A woman near the entrance gasped loudly with her phone nearly slipping from her fingers. "Oh my god, it''s him!"


    Heads snapped toward Adam, and within moments, the quiet murmur of shoppers turned into excited chatter.


    "Is that the Saint?!"


    "He''s even taller in person!"


    "I saw the news! He healed all of Rome!"


    "Did he really take down two S-Rank False Rankers?"


    A crowd formed almost instantly, people abandoning their shopping plans to rush toward him. Phones flashed as cameras snapped photos and started recording videos. The more people realized who he was, the larger the crowd grew with their voices layering over each other in a chaotic wave.


    Marie, watching the situation unfold, crossed her arms and smirked up at Adam. "Told you." she teased, clearly enjoying his predicament.


    Adam exhaled and scratched the back of his head. This was bound to happen, but damn, it was annoying. He wasn''t in the mood for interviews or attention, he was here to enjoy his time.


    Raising a hand slightly, his voice carried across the gathering. "Alright, listen up."


    The crowd fell silent instantly as mana stopped them from yapping.


    "I''m just here to relax. I appreciate the support, but I won''t be answering any questions today." He said as he removed the mana in them.


    That should''ve been enough, but-


    Click. Click. Click.


    Even after his words, the flashes continued, videos rolling, whispers spreading.


    Adam sighed.


    ''Of course, they''re not gonna stop.''


    Without breaking stride, he waved his hand casually.


    The entire crowd blinked in confusion as their surroundings suddenly shifted. In an instant, everyone found themselves teleported twenty meters away from where they had originally stood.


    Gasps and shocked exclamations rippled through them as they looked around, realizing what had happened.


    "H-He just teleported us?"


    "What the hell!?"


    Before they could react further, Adam and Marie had already resumed walking, slipping deeper into the mall.


    Marie snorted, nudging him with her elbow. "Dramatic much?"


    Adam smirked. "I like my personal space."


    (4:23 PM)


    Adam followed Marie through the mall but his hands were already occupied with multiple shopping bags. It started simply enough, Marie had confidently declared that she needed a "conservative" swimsuit for their upcoming beach day.


    Somewhere along the way, that mission had completely derailed.


    Now, she was darting between stores, picking out outfits that had nothing to do with swimwear. Shoes, jackets, accessories, everything except what she originally came for.


    Adam stood near the entrance of yet another boutique, his arms were weighed down by bags of various colors and sizes while his expression was utter blank with his soul leaving his body for a brief moment.


    A single tear escaped down his cheek.


    ''My freedom¡­ it''s gone. Lost. A distant memory.''


    Marie, oblivious to his suffering, held up two different tops, glancing between them. "Which one looks better?"


    Adam, resigned to his fate, didn''t even look up. "Yes."


    She rolled her eyes. "That''s not an answer."


    "It is now." he muttered.


    Marie laughed before disappearing into the fitting rooms, leaving Adam alone to his thoughts.


    Despite the break, the attention hadn''t disappeared.


    Even as he stood there doing nothing, people continued sneaking photos and videos. Some were obvious, staring outright, whispering to their friends. Others pretended to browse clothes while recording.


    Adam didn''t bother reacting. He already long accepted that every moment of his life was now content for the internet.


    With Marie occupied, he let his gaze wander with his eyes landing on a section of suits nearby.


    His curiosity sparked.


    ''Might as well take a look.''


    He moved over, scanning the options. Sharp, tailored suits in dark tones, high-quality materials, exactly the kind of attire that suited someone of his presence.


    His fingers brushed over a sleek black suit with deep blue accents. The craftsmanship was on another level.


    ''Not bad¡­''


    His mind wandered.


    As an Aura Farmer, his outfit should match his status. He couldn''t be walking around looking average.


    A smirk tugged at his lips as a single thought entered his mind.


    ''Can''t lose to Drip Woo.''


    (4:38 PM)


    Before Marie could return, Adam casually lifted his hand, sending a faint pulse of mana through the air. In an instant, the shopping bags in his grip vanished, seamlessly stored into his space storage with his arms finally free, he let out a slow exhale, rolling his shoulders.


    ''Much better.''


    Unintentionally drawing even more attention, he opened a portal beside him, the shimmering blue gateway forming effortlessly. With a single step, he disappeared into the void.


    Inside, the world was silent. A vast, white expanse stretched endlessly, an isolated dimension that belonged solely to him. At his feet, the bags from earlier lay neatly stacked.


    But they weren''t what drew his attention.


    His gaze moved toward the far end of the space, where two containment cubes hovered in stillness. One contained Boris''s lifeless body, with the aftereffects of death having long stripped away his full shift transformation.


    The second cube, however, held something very much alive.


    Venin.


    The false S-Rank assassin sat motionless, his body still bound in layers of shimmering chains, his venomous aura completely suppressed. Despite his stillness, his glowing purple eyes were sharp and focused.


    As Adam approached, Venin''s expression shifted subtly. His eyes took on a faint glimmer of pleading submission. But beneath that surface¡­


    Adam saw it immediately.


    A masked killing intent, hidden behind the act.


    ''Pathetic.''


    He tilted his head slightly as his gaze watched the assassin struggle to deceive him. Then, with a small sigh, he shook his head.


    "You still need some time alone." Adam mused, in a calm but final tone. "Be a good boy."


    Venin''s fingers twitched with his body tensing against the restraints, but it was futile. The chains held firm, unmoving. His breathing grew heavier, frustration creeping into his expression as Adam turned his back.


    With a simple mental command, Adam vanished, leaving behind only silence...


    ..And an enraged Venin, unable to do anything but seethe in his confinement.


    (4:40 PM)


    Adam sat down on a nearby bench, exhaling as he pulled out his phone. He already knew what he was about to see.


    And, of course, he was right.


    The moment he opened his socials, his entire fyp was flooded with videos, photos, and clips of himself from earlier. Every major platform was already filled with discussions, theories, and speculation.


    One post had millions of views already:


    ? "ADAM SEN SPOTTED SHOPPING CASUALLY AFTER DESTROYING S-RANK FALSE RANKERS??? ????????"


    Below it were thousands of comments:


    ???? "Bro went from saving Rome to carrying shopping bags¡­ life comes at you fast."


    ???? "No cuz why is he actually mad fine tho?? ????"


    ???? "Raw, next question."


    ???? "This ???????? awakened YESTERDAY and he''s already top tier wtf???"


    ???? "Why is no one talking about the fact that he just casually OPENS PORTALS?"


    ???? "Portal magic + healing + physical combat?? That''s broken, we got an overpowered hunter before Grand donation bike 6."


    ???? "So he''s a healer, but he fights too? Or is he a mage??? May this talent find Me and ONLY Me ????????????"


    ???? "Whatever his class is, we all know he''s HIM. ????????"


    ???? "Upstairs, stop riding it, we got it ????"


    Adam sighed in amusement, shaking his head. ''People are restless as always.''


    He kept scrolling with his eyes landing on a live stream. The title?


    ? "LIVE: ADAM SEN IS LITERALLY SITTING RIGHT NOW WTF ????"


    Without even one glance at his surroundings, his perception easily caught the guy responsible. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A young man, half-hidden behind a clothing rack, was holding his phone at an angle, trying to act casual while streaming Adam in real-time.


    Adam clicked his tongue with his lips twitching. ''No shame at all, huh?''


    Meanwhile, the live chat was going crazy:


    ???? "Bro is literally just sitting there ???? and TF is wrong with the comments? Go and get a job!"


    ???? "AND??? WE ARE WATCHING HISTORY. ????????????"


    ???? "Look at how he breathes. That''s an S-Rank breath."


    ???? "That girl gotta be his girl right? No way they''re just friends, may this love never finds all of you ????????."


    ???? "Ain''t no way this ???????? is single. If he is¡­ call me ????"


    ???? "Upstairs have some decency!"


    ???? "HOW DID HE HEAL EVERYONE IN ROME EXPLAIN."


    ???? "Someone ask him how it feels to be that handsome."


    Adam locked his phone and rubbed his temple.


    ''Yeah¡­ I need to move out soon.''


    ----


    I had so much fun writing the comments ????

 Chapter 40 - 39: Worldwide Emergency

    The story reached 1 mil views haha, who knew i would reach this point ????.


    So if you have been hesitating to do something, just do it.


    Unless it''s illegal eh!


    Anyway did yall see the Steam sale? Chough.. i might have spend close to 300€ in games.


    And the crazy thing is that i don''t even have a pc ????, please don''t judge me, as i will build one soon, as I''ve been saving up, those games are an investment since i don''t want to pirate things, i can''t have a virus on my new pc ????.


    But i don''t know what''s better, No man sky or star citizen.


    Any suggestions?


    I do not plan to pay again and again for new things in the game, so what game will give me the best experience with the base content?


    Or do you know other good space games. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ----


    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 4:55 PM)


    Marie finally emerged from the fitting rooms with her arms filled with clothes that had nothing to do with swimwear. Adam simply raised an eyebrow but didn''t say anything. He had already accepted his fate.


    Without a word, he took the bags from her hands and started walking toward the register, leading her to the checkout counter.


    The cashier, a young woman with wide, excited eyes, barely contained her shock as she scanned the items. Her hands trembled slightly as she snuck glances at Adam.


    After bagging the last item, she hesitated before speaking, in q slightly nervous voice. "U-Um, Mr. Sen¡­ can I.. can I take a photo with you?"


    Adam, already expecting this, nodded. "Yeah, sure."


    The girl''s face lit up with excitement as she quickly stepped around the counter. Adam leaned in slightly for the photo, offering a relaxed but composed expression.


    "Thank you so much!" she beamed, clutching her phone like a prized possession.


    Marie, standing to the side, shook her head in amusement. "Your life is really like this now, huh?"


    Adam chuckled. "Apparently."


    With the purchases finally made, the two of them exited the store, Marie swinging a bag over her shoulder while Adam carried the rest effortlessly.


    As they walked through the mall, Adam spoke, in a casual but knowing tone. "The HA is probably gonna try to use your connection to me, you know that, right?"


    Marie clicked her tongue, rolling her eyes. "Tch. Like I care. Let them try."


    Adam smirked. "Just saying. Don''t be surprised when they start acting real friendly."


    Marie crossed her arms. "As long as they don''t ask me for a favor, we''re good."


    They walked toward a small food stand, the smell of fresh pastries and fried snacks filling the air. Without hesitation, Marie grabbed a bag of churros while Adam opted for some roasted nuts.


    They ate casually, enjoying the peaceful moment.


    As they reached the mall exit, Marie suddenly grinned with her energy shifting.


    "Tomorrow morning, we''re going to the sea!" she declared, her voice was loud and filled with excitement.


    Adam chuckled, nodding with a small smile. "Got it." While giving her the bags.


    With a final laugh, Marie waved as they parted ways, heading toward her car.


    Adam watched her leave before turning with his light blue mana flickering briefly as a portal formed.


    With a single step, he disappeared, already at home.


    (5:30 PM)


    Adam materialized inside his room, stretching his arms before settling in front of his computer. He let out a slow exhale as his fingers moved across the keyboard, booting up one of his favorite games.


    Despite his new reality, there was something refreshing about unwinding with something simple. No battles, no mana, no false rankers. Just strategy, reflexes, and competition.


    Twenty-nine minutes later, just as he was about to finish a match, his phone buzzed.


    He answered without looking. "Yeah?"


    Petruccio''s voice came through the other end. "The HA has prepared everything you requested. It''s all at headquarters, ready for pickup."


    Adam nodded to himself, shutting off his screen. "Alright. I''ll be there in a sec."


    He didn''t need to ask for directions.


    Closing his eyes, he spread his perception outward, flooding it with mana. Instantly, his awareness expanded like an unseen wave, sweeping across the city and beyond, travelling kilometers, searching and locking in.


    ''There.''


    He found Petruccio''s mana signature immediately. The HA officer was standing near a middle-aged man, the two of them were alone and waiting.


    Adam smiled and with a single thought, he was gone.


    ....


    Rome


    Hunter Association Headquarters ¨C Warehouse Sector


    Petruccio''s phone nearly flew out of his hand when Adam soundlessly appeared beside him. His entire body jolted with his mana flaring on instinct before he barely caught himself.


    "SH!" He snapped his head toward Adam, clutching his chest. "Damn it, at least give me a warning before you do that!"


    Adam chuckled. "You''re an S-Rank. Why are you acting like a rookie?"


    Petruccio clicked his tongue, muttering, "Teleporting onto someone''s shoulder isn''t normal, jackass."


    With a chuckle, Adam turned his attention to the other man.


    The middle-aged figure stood calmly, watching him with quiet curiosity. His naturally orange hair had faint traces of gray, yet his posture remained firm, composed. His light blue eyes carried a weight of experience, but behind them, Adam sensed a calculating mind at work.


    Without hesitation, Adam extended his hand firmly. "I assume you''re the chairman."


    The man nodded, his grip equally firm. "Fernando Alighieri." His voice was deep, steady, the kind of tone that commanded attention without needing to raise it.


    Adam subtly scanned his mana. B-Rank.


    ''Not a powerhouse, but that doesn''t mean he''s weak in other areas.''


    Adam never underestimates anyone. Only fools do that.


    Fernando held his gaze, studying him before speaking again.


    "I intentionally waited until now to inform you about the materials." he said, in a measured tone. "Because I wanted to speak with you personally."


    Adam''s eyes flickered past him with his perception scanning the warehouse surroundings. For hundreds of meters, it was completely empty.


    Just the three of them.


    He met Fernando''s gaze again. "What''s so important that you had to clear the entire area?"


    The chairman''s face turned serious.


    (6:06 PM)


    Fernando exhaled with steady eyes as he regarded Adam. "I assume you already know that the attack at the auction wasn''t random."


    Adam gave a slow nod.


    Fernando continued. "The Elixir was their primary target. That much is obvious. But there''s more to it. The False Rankers¡­ they''re not just a scattered group of criminals."


    Adam remained silent, letting him speak.


    Fernando''s expression darkened. "We have reason to believe they are part of something much larger. A coordinated network, spanning beyond just Italy. Every attack involving False Rankers, whether in China, Russia, or even America, they all share patterns. Their tactics, their timing¡­ someone is controlling them."


    Petruccio crossed his arms, in furrowed brows. "We''ve tried investigating as much as possible, but we''ve found almost nothing. Whoever''s behind them is covering their tracks too well."


    Adam wasn''t surprised. He had already come to similar conclusions after seeing Venin and Boris.


    Still, what Fernando said confirmed that this wasn''t just a regional issue.


    Adam exhaled through his nose. "I already analyzed the two hunters during the battle."


    Both Fernando and Petruccio turned to him with their focus depening.


    "They were artificially awakened."


    The words hit like a thunderclap.


    Fernando''s posture stiffened with his fingers curling slightly while Petruccio''s pupils dilated in shock.


    "What?" Fernando''s voice was slow, deliberate, as if needing to process what he just heard.


    Adam continued. "Their abilities aren''t natural. Their bodies didn''t awaken on their own, they were forced into it."


    The silence that followed was heavy.


    It was common knowledge that there was only one way to awaken, naturally.


    A person''s body had to react positively to mana. That reaction was entirely out of human control. Once awakened, your power was set. You couldn''t increase your rank. You could refine your mana control, gain better experience, become more skilled, but your raw strength and mana reserves will not change.


    There was also double awakening, but that was rare and still a natural phenomenon.


    But now¡­


    Artificial Awakening?


    If that was possible, if those people could be forcefully turned into hunters.


    "It''s a worldwide emergency..." Petruccio muttered, voicing what everyone was thinking.


    Fernando''s jaw tightened. "If this is true, then whoever''s behind it has the power to completely rewrite the world''s balance."


    He looked straight at Adam. "What do you plan to do?"


    Adam''s response was instant.


    "I''ll deal with them."


    Fernando narrowed his eyes. "You''re talking about taking on an entire international network."


    Adam tilted his head slightly, unimpressed. "I can''t have a bunch of crazy awakeners running around and ruining the world before I''ve even visited all the places I want."


    ''As well as killing my money source.'' he added to himself, lips twitching slightly in amusement.


    Fernando and Petruccio exchanged glances.


    ----


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 Chapter 41 - 40: Machine

    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 6:12 PM)


    Fernando exhaled, his serious expression lingering a moment longer before finally relaxing his shoulders. "Then, we''ll leave it in your hands for now. But be careful."


    Adam simply nodded, unbothered.


    Petruccio smirked, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, not like anything we say would stop you anyway."


    With the heavy conversation settled, the two HA members finally moved on to the main reason Adam had come.


    "Alright, let''s show you the goods." Petruccio gestured for Adam to follow as they walked deeper into the warehouse.


    Inside, stacks of high-grade materials were neatly arranged, each one labeled and categorized. Adam swept his gaze over the inventory, instantly recognizing the quality.


    Latest-generation construction materials, stronger, lighter, and more durable than anything available on the public market.


    Advanced technological components, state-of-the-art processors, circuits, and reinforced materials, exactly what he needed for the project.


    Magical beast materials from E to A-Rank, hides, bones, and enchanted alloys harvested from monsters, bought at a lower price since they were surplus from the HA storage.


    Petruccio grinned as he gestured toward everything. "All yours. Thanks to the protection you gave Rome, the government sent compensation payments to all active hunters¡­ including you."


    Adam hummed, already knowing how much he made from the deal.


    Petruccio then chuckled with his voice dropping into a lighter, more addicted tone. "Gotta say, my wife was real happy this morning."


    Adam closed his eyes for a second, taking a slow breath.


    ''Soon, Adam. Soon¡­''


    Without needing to move, he gave a mental command.


    Immediately, all the materials vanished.


    Every single item, from the largest construction panels to the smallest bone, disappeared into his space dimension, seamlessly absorbed without a trace. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fernando and Petruccio watched the entire process in silence.


    "You''re not even gonna pretend to be normal about it, huh?" Petruccio muttered.


    Adam ignored the comment, turning back to the two men. He nodded slightly. "Thanks for your help."


    Fernando eyed him for a moment before speaking. "Are you planning to tell us what you''re doing with all of this?"


    Adam met his gaze.


    "A base."


    That was all he said before lifting his hand, summoning a light blue portal.


    With a calm step, he walked through, disappearing without another word.


    Petruccio looked at Fernando and said "He is just showing off right?" And the latter nodded "I would too if i had space affinity."


    "Couldn''t be more real." Petruccio nodded.


    (6:23 PM)


    Adam stepped out of the portal with the familiar white expanse of his space dimension unfolding around him.


    The two containment cubes greeted him, one holding Boris'' lifeless corpse, the other sealing Venin, still weak but now just waking up.


    Venin''s mechanical breathing was the only sound in the space as his dull, venom-purple eyes tracked Adam. Despite the exhaustion weighing him down, there was still an underlying hatred in his gaze.


    Adam didn''t even spare him a glance.


    With a thought, he divided the space dimension, shaping it as he pleased.


    His body remained at the center, but the dimension itself twisted, shifting seamlessly.


    On one side, he created a folded space, an isolated storage where the two cubes were relocated, ensuring Venin and Boris remained contained. The prison was absolute, layers of compressed space making escape impossible as well stopping Venin from seeing outside.


    On the opposite side, the materials he just acquired were neatly arranged, floating in place.


    With another thought, 2 trillion nano-machines separated from his body, surrounding the construction materials.


    Adam''s mind was in constant motion with his thoughts processing at a level beyond his previous capability.


    Ever since his awakening, his brain operated at peak efficiency, enhanced by both mana and nanotechnology.


    Every calculation was instant.


    Pattern recognition was absolute.


    Adaptive learning occurred in real time.


    He could dissect, analyze, and optimize any system, whether it was human psychology, combat strategies, or technological constructs.


    Even his perception of time had shifted.


    Each moment stretched, granting him more time to react, think, and plan while in reality, mere microseconds passed.


    And thanks to his healing factor, his mind never tired, never faltered.


    His focus returned to the materials.


    ''This will be my foundation.''


    The plot of land he purchased on Thursday, June 13, was finally going to be put to use.


    At 320 square meters, located 5 kilometers from Alessandria''s city center, the land was in a quiet yet accessible area. It was legally zoned for residential or light industrial use, making it perfect for his plans.


    Adam had bought the land for three reasons.


    1. Independence. He needed his own energy source, free from reliance on the city''s grid, eliminating vulnerabilities.


    2. Space. His apartment was too small, too limiting. His work required scale and privacy.


    3. Business. This would be the foundation for what he intended to build.


    Of course, he wasn''t na?ve.


    By now, every major faction with power knew of his existence. They had undoubtedly dug into his records, including his land purchase.


    Eyes would be watching.


    But that didn''t matter.


    (6:24 PM)


    Adam stood still with eyes scanning the white expanse of his space dimension. His mind processing easily the nano-machines he had just released from his body.


    ''This is progress.''


    Before his awakening, the nano-machines had been locked within him with their full potential restrained by his human limitations. He could use them internally, enhancing his healing, reinforcing his muscles, optimizing his bodily functions, but that was it.


    But now, with mana?


    He had so many uses.


    He could separate trillions of nano-machines from his body and direct them externally with pure will.


    This was more than an upgrade.


    This was a turning point.


    The applications were limitless, construction, combat, infiltration, surveillance.


    His mind ran through the possibilities, countless scenarios forming and unfolding in mere seconds.


    ''I can shape entire environments. I can weaponize them. I can command them like an army.''


    He looked at the materials before focusing.


    The nano-machines responded immediately.


    With a single thought, they began reshaping the necessary materials and alloys before him, breaking them down on a microscopic level before reassembling them with precision.


    The process was seamless.


    The advanced alloys he had purchased were rapidly deconstructed and reforged with their molecular structure enhanced for durability. The individual components began forming, each perfectly calibrated to fit into the larger framework.


    Within seconds, a massive structure began taking shape.


    A 10-meter by 10-meter construction device, built for both excavation and advanced printing.


    It was far more than a simple printer.


    This machine was designed to work in reverse, excavating materials or terrain, refining them, and then printing a stronger, more stable foundation in their place.


    Adam designed it with versatility in mind.


    If he fed additional materials into its compartments, it could further enhance whatever it produced, ensuring the highest-quality results.


    Five seconds.


    That was all it took.


    The device hummed silently in the white expanse with its reinforced framework gleaming under the nonexistent light.


    Adam stepped forward, running a hand along its smooth surface.


    A foundation-laying and structural-printing machine, engineered greatly.


    This was the second step toward his base.


    ----


    How about subscribing on Patreon? A mass release is mearby there, if i was you i would sub, even for free ????


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 Chapter 42 - 41: Invite

    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 6:24 PM)


    Adam extended his will, and immediately, the nano-machines returned to his body, vanishing without a trace. At the same time, his mana surged outward, enveloping all the necessary construction materials and technological components.


    He then guided them into the intake compartment of the machine.


    The moment everything was inside, the machine sealed itself seamlessly, leaving no gaps and unnecessary openings, now fully operational.


    Adam exhaled slowly, then shifted his focus.


    A portal opened beneath him with the smooth white ground of his dimension bending as space folded. On the other side, his plot of land stretched before him, 320 square meters of untouched terrain, located just five kilometers from Alessandria''s city center.


    The moment his gaze locked onto it, he thought a single command.


    ''Aw¨¤, you can start.''


    [Understood.]


    Instantly, a 3D projection materialized in Adam''s vision. A detailed, light-blue holographic outline of the land appeared, perfectly matching the real terrain. Every elevation, every uneven surface, every millimeter was mapped with precision.


    Without delay, the machine lifted off the ground, floating effortlessly as it moved toward the portal.


    The moment it crossed over, it began.


    The terrain broke apart with surgical efficiency.


    The machine moved through the projected outline with blinding speed, deconstructing the existing ground while simultaneously reinforcing it with a more stable, durable foundation.


    Adam watched with his arms crossed and his now light-blue eyes reflecting the unfolding process.


    This was the third step.


    (6:26 PM)


    Adam''s now light-blue gaze followed the machine as it methodically laid the foundation.


    Then Aw¨¤''s voice chimed in his mind.


    [As planned, the machine will first establish the surface foundation, and building before excavating thousands of meters underground.]


    A grin spread across Adam''s face.


    ''Perfect.''


    This was the ideal method. By expanding downward first, he would have complete freedom to build without interference, without restrictions.


    On the surface, land was owned. Governments, corporations, private buyers, everything had a price, everything had limits.


    But thousands of meters underground?


    No one owned anything.


    He could expand as far as he wanted, carve out entire tunnels beneath cities, create hidden networks spanning continents.


    Hell, if he really wanted to, he could construct entire underground civilizations.


    A chuckle escaped him.


    ''A hollow Earth scenario¡­ just like the MonsterVerse.''


    The idea was ridiculous. Absurd.


    But¡­ was it really?


    If he truly committed to it, he could capture and biologically engineer magical beasts, designing them from the ground up just for fun.


    Imagine a vast, hidden world beneath the surface, a network of engineered ecosystems, filled with creatures tailored to his specifications.


    A personal project.


    Something no one would ever see coming.


    For now, he tucked the thought away.


    Maybe a possibility for the future.


    (6:43 PM)


    Adam shifted his focus away from the machine, satisfied with the progress. With a thought, he teleported out of the space dimension, appearing back inside his apartment.


    The quiet hum of the city outside filtered through the windows as he rolled his shoulders, ready to cook dinner. He moved toward the kitchen, grabbing ingredients from the counter when-


    Riiing.


    His phone vibrated on the table. The screen lit up with Petruccio''s name.


    Adam answered, placing the call on speaker as he continued prepping.


    "Yo, Adam!" Petruccio''s voice came through, cheerful yet¡­ slightly guilty.


    Adam raised a brow. "What did you do?"


    A sheepish chuckle. "Okay, don''t get mad, but¡­ my wife wants to invite you to dinner tonight."


    Adam paused, setting down the knife he had just picked up.


    Petruccio continued quickly. "She heard about the battle. About how you saved my ass from being eaten alive by Boris. And, well¡­ she kinda decided on her own that she wants to thank you properly."


    Adam exhaled through his nose, shaking his head with a smile but he didn''t dislike the current situation.


    ''She decided, huh? Not much of an invite, more like a command.'' he chuckled.


    Petruccio then cleared his throat. "Also¡­ I forgot to tell you earlier."


    Adam glanced at the time. 6:44 PM.


    He sighed but nodded. "It''s not a problem. I''m free right now."


    "Great! Then- Oh! and bring your girlfriend too."


    Adam froze mid-reach for a plate.


    He coughed. "What?"


    Petruccio laughed loudly on the other end. "You heard me! My wife insists! That woman you were shopping with, she saw the video, she thinks it''s only right to invite both of you."


    Adam rubbed his temple, shaking his head.


    ''Damn social media.''


    Still, he agreed, ending the call.


    Looks like he needed to make another call now or better...


    (6:47 PM)


    Marie sat comfortably on her couch with eyes fixed on the glowing screen of her television watching an anime.


    "I saw a dream¡­ that wouldn''t end."


    The melancholic voice of the protagonist echoed through the room, the familiar scene playing out as he once again found himself dying, only to awaken at the start.


    Marie exhaled, crossing her arms. "Damn, this guy suffers way too much."


    Ding-dong. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The doorbell rang.


    She stretched her arms over her head with a lazy yawn, muttering to herself. "Who the hell is ringing my door at this hour?"


    Pushing herself off the couch, she walked over, still in her casual shorts and tank top, barefoot on the wooden floor.


    As she swung the door open, her eyes widened slightly.


    Adam stood there, dressed in casual jeans and a fitted blue T-shirt, holding a fresh bouquet of flowers. His expression was calm but slightly flustered, a faint blush dusting his cheeks as he offered them forward.


    For a moment, Marie just stared. Then, slowly, a bright smile stretched across her lips.


    She took the bouquet, bringing it close to her face, inhaling the sweet scent.


    Her fingers fidgeted slightly, and she muttered, "¡­Thanks."


    Then, she tilted her head, giving him a curious look.


    "But what''s this for? What brings you here, Mr. Saint?"


    Adam rubbed the back of his neck. "Petruccio''s wife invited me for dinner. Apparently, she wants to thank me for saving his life."


    Marie raised a brow. "And?"


    Adam sighed. "And they think you''re my girlfriend, so she invited you too."


    Marie''s grin turned mischievous.


    She leaned against the doorframe crossing her arms. "Oh? And you didn''t correct them?"


    Adam cleared his throat. "Didn''t think it was necessary."


    Her eyes gleamed. "So, what? You want me to be your girlfriend?"


    Adam coughed, looking away. "It''s¡­ not an impossible situation."


    Marie blinked, then laughed, a bright, genuine laugh.


    "Damn, you''re bolder than I thought."


    Before he could reply, she grabbed his hand, pulling him inside.


    "Wait here." she said, grinning as she walked toward her room. "Gotta dress up, don''t I?"


    As she disappeared into the bedroom, Aw¨¤''s voice chimed in his mind.


    [Adam, I suggest memory-injecting instructions on how to be smooth with women.]


    Adam chose to ignore her.


    But he couldn''t deny it, he had no experience.


    Not in this life. Not in the last.


    His previous life had been a constant grind, work, struggle, survival.


    Relationships? Who had the time?


    Still¡­ maybe this time, things would be different.


    (6:57 PM)


    Marie stepped out of her bedroom a few minutes later, dressed in a simple yet elegant conservative dress, the dark fabric complementing her rich skin tone. Her long braids were neatly placed over her shoulder, framing her sharp features without obstruction.


    She adjusted the fabric slightly before glancing up at Adam. "Didn''t bother with makeup." she said with a teasing smirk. "Since you always say natural is better."


    Adam smiled with his gaze sweeping over her. "Good choice. You look stunning like this."


    Marie''s smile softened into a warm one before she nudged his side. "Alright, Mr. Saint, how do you want to get to Rome? Gonna teleport us? Fly us there? Maybe something even crazier?"


    Adam''s grin widened. "Actually, I had something fun in mind."


    He turned, motioning for her to follow as he led her toward the kitchen window.


    ----


    Am i developing the characters well? As well the romance? Hehe it''s my first time with serious romance.


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn


    TikTOK: Mr_Graythorn

 Chapter 43 - 42: Guests

    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 6:58 PM)


    Adam''s grin widened. "Actually, I had something fun in mind."


    He turned, motioning for her to follow as he led her toward the kitchen window.


    When she peered outside, her breath hitched.


    The streets below were packed with stunned onlookers with their faces illuminated by the soft glow of a massive, light-blue lifelike dragon made entirely of mana.


    Its form coiled gracefully in the middle of the road, majestic and terrifying all at once. The sheer size and presence of the construct made it impossible to ignore.


    Marie blinked rapidly. "The hell¡­"


    Even from above, she could see the sea of flashing phone cameras, livestreams, and frenzied chatter.


    The dragon shifted with its enormous head lifting, then lowering toward the building''s side, presenting itself for them to climb aboard.


    Adam offered her his hand. "Shall we?"


    Marie looked from him to the dragon, then back at him. "You do realize this is about to break the internet, right?"


    Adam sighed, rubbing his temple. "You were coming with me anyway. Your apartment isn''t going to be your home for much longer, might as well get used to it."


    Marie shook her head with a grin, accepting his hand.


    "Fair enough."


    She stepped up, carefully settling onto the dragon''s back, the mana construct was surprisingly stable beneath her.


    Adam followed, and the moment they were both secure, the dragon unfurled its massive wings.


    Then, with a single powerful flap, it launched into the air.


    The force of its ascent sent a gust of wind roaring through the streets, causing people to stumble back with their excited screams echoing through the city.


    Phones were raised. Livestreams surged past a hundred thousand views in seconds.


    Every camera followed the glowing beast as it soared toward Rome.


    (7:05 PM)


    The dragon soared gracefully through the evening sky, its massive, glowing wings slicing through the air with every beat. The wind rushed past them in powerful currents, but rather than resist it, Marie embraced it.


    She threw her hands up, laughing freely, her braids whipping behind her as she tilted her head back, letting the sheer exhilaration wash over her.


    "This is insane!" she shouted over the rushing air, grinning ear to ear. "Way better than a plane!"


    Adam, seated comfortably beside her, simply smiled as he glanced toward the sky.


    Not far from them, a commercial plane cruised through the air with its cabin windows glinting under the sunset. Inside, he could clearly see the passengers with their faces pressed against the glass and eyes wide in absolute shock.


    Some were already scrambling for their phones, filming the glowing dragon cutting through the clouds beside them.


    Adam sighed. ''Of course.''


    The commotion inside the plane escalated, some passengers frantically gesturing to the flight attendants, others clearly shouting in panic. It was obvious what they were thinking.


    Dungeon Break.


    Before things got out of hand, Adam casually raised a hand.


    A massive mana screen materialized in front of the plane, hovering just beyond the cockpit''s windshield but not obstructing their view. The startled pilots pulled back, with their hands hesitating over the controls.


    Then, his voice resonated through the sky, clear and calming.


    "Relax, everyone. This is just a mana construct. No dungeon break. No threat."


    The panic inside the plane visibly shifted to confusion. Passengers turned to each other, pointing at the glowing screen as Adam''s words sank in.


    Then, recognition sparked across their faces.


    "C''est lui!"


    "Le chasseur Adam Sen!"


    "Mon Dieu, c''est le Saint!"


    Adam arched a brow. ''French?''


    Marie, still grinning, turned to look at the plane. Her eyes gleamed with amusement.


    "Looks like you''ve got fans in France already." she teased.


    Adam exhaled, shaking his head. "Figured that would happen eventually."


    The passengers, now realizing who he was, began waving excitedly, some even pressing their hands against the glass. A few even formed a praying gesture, mouthing words he couldn''t hear.


    Marie chuckled. "Man, you''re gonna have an entire continent worshiping you soon."


    Adam just rolled his eyes, dismissing the mana screen before focusing ahead.


    Rome was getting closer.


    (7:32 PM)


    As the light-blue dragon construct descended gracefully onto an open field, its massive form shimmered before dispersing into countless fading motes of mana. The wind settled, leaving only the rustling of grass and the faint city lights in the distance.


    Without missing a beat, Adam raised a hand. In an instant, he and Marie vanished from the spot, reappearing right in front of a grand, modern villa.


    The warm glow of the interior lights seeped through the windows, casting a welcoming atmosphere. Before they could even knock, the door swung open, revealing a resigned Petruccio.


    [Image]


    He didn''t say anything at first. Instead, he lifted his phone, turning the screen toward Adam.


    Breaking news.


    A live video feed of Adam Sen riding a massive glowing dragon through the Italian skies with his girlfriend seated behind him.


    Marie stifled a laugh, throwing Adam a knowing glance.


    Adam, scratching his chin with a mock-pondering expression, simply shook his head. "Hmm¡­ I don''t know that guy."


    Petruccio barked out a laugh before stepping aside, waving them in.


    But before Adam could even take a proper step inside-


    Excited, high-pitched voices erupted from the living room.


    Then, thunderous footsteps.


    Three small figures burst into the hallway, sprinting full speed toward them. Two young boys and a little girl.


    Their eyes were wide with awe and their energy boundless as they jumped and bounced around Adam like hyperactive rabbits.


    "Oh my god, THE SAINT IS HERE!!" one of the boys shouted, practically vibrating with excitement.


    "Is the dragon here too?!" the other demanded.


    Before Adam could answer, one of the boys clambered up his arm, perching on his shoulder like a tiny monkey.


    Unfortunately for him, his balance wasn''t the best.


    He slipped.


    Before he could hit the ground, Adam caught him effortlessly with one hand, holding him up like a trophy.


    The boy just laughed, completely unfazed. "That was awesome! But really, where''s the dragon?!"


    Adam, amused, simply snapped his fingers.


    Three small, translucent dragon constructs materialized, each a different color, one red, one green, one yellow.


    Without hesitation, the floating dragons scooped up the kids, lifting them into the air and sending them soaring around the house.


    Their laughter echoed through the villa as they playfully maneuvered midair with their tiny hands flailing in excitement.


    Petruccio sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "I apologize in advance for their overwhelming energy."


    Marie, grinning, crossed her arms. "Oh, please. Adam has no right to complain. He literally showed off a massive dragon in broad view."


    Adam chuckled but didn''t deny it.


    As the children zoomed around on their mini dragons, a warm and bright voice filled the hallway.


    Petruccio''s wife appeared, wearing an apron and her smile as radiant as the soft lighting in the house.


    Marie perked up, immediately drawn in by the woman''s natural warmth.


    "Ahh, so this is the girlfriend!" Petruccio''s wife beamed, stepping forward and hugging her in greeting. "Nice to meet you! I''m Lucia."


    [Image]


    Marie, pleasantly surprised, hugged her back. "Marie. It''s nice to meet you too, Lucia."


    Despite just meeting, the two women instantly clicked.


    Lucia then turned toward Adam with her expression softening with gratitude.


    She bowed her head slightly before meeting his gaze.


    "Thank you." she said with her voice carrying an emotion deeper than mere words. "For saving my husband. For stopping that monster from taking him away."


    A flicker of guilt passed over Petruccio''s face.


    Marie, noticing, patted Lucia''s shoulder reassuringly.


    Adam, always direct, simply nodded. "Petruccio fought with honor. Be proud of that, not what could''ve gone wrong."


    Lucia smiled, nodding.


    Then, clapping her hands together, she straightened. "Alright! Enough heavy talk, dinner is almost ready!"


    She turned, already heading toward the kitchen, but before she could go alone...


    Marie smiled and followed after her. "I''ll help. I''m not about to sit around while you do all the work."


    Lucia beamed. "Oh, I like you already."


    Petruccio, watching the two disappear into the kitchen, sighed. "Welp. Guess we leave them to it."


    He then gestured toward the living room. "Come, let''s sit."


    Adam, hands in his pockets, threw one last glance at the floating, giggling children.


    They were having the time of their lives.


    With a slight chuckle, he dismissed the mini-dragons, gently lowering the kids back onto the ground. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, without a word, he followed Petruccio inside.


    ----


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 Chapter 44 - 43: Good time

    Please, STOP using Apple/IOS to make purchases on my Patreon.


    It''s been over a month and I still haven''t received the money. I''ll have to wait another two months just to access it.


    If you want to support me, please use the regular web version instead. Buying through the Apple app mostly benefits Apple as they charge you 45% more than the normal price. That''s nearly half of what I''m selling.


    It''s gotten so bad I''m considering removing collection sales altogether. Please help me avoid that.


    ----


    (Sunday, June 16, 2026 ¨C 7:36 PM)


    Adam leaned back into the luxurious sofa, in a relaxed posture as he sank into the soft cushions. Before he could fully settle in, the children swarmed him with their little faces filled with excitement and curiosity.


    "Saint! Saint! Did you really ride a dragon?" the eldest boy, no more than four years old, blurted out.


    "How strong are you?" another chimed in, eyes sparkling with admiration.


    "Can you fly?" the youngest, a two-year-old girl, asked with wide eyes, clinging to Adam''s arm as if expecting him to lift off any second.


    Petruccio sighed, shaking his head as he lightly clapped his hands to calm them down. "Alright, alright, give the man some space. You''re acting like he''s some kind of superhero."


    "But he is!" one of the boys insisted, pouting.


    Adam chuckled, ruffling the boy''s hair before answering. "Yes, I did ride a dragon. Yes, I''m strong. And yes," he leaned down slightly, lowering his voice playfully, "I can fly."


    The children gasped, looking at each other in awe.


    Petruccio sighed again before shaking his head with a small smirk. "You''re making it worse, you know that, right?"


    Adam shrugged with amusement dancing in his eyes. Then, turning to Petruccio, he asked, "Didn''t expect you to already be a father."


    Petruccio chuckled, crossing his arms. "When you marry, things just happen."


    Adam nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I can see that."


    Turning his attention back to the children, he asked, "So, what are your names?"


    The three quickly straightened up as if answering a roll call.


    "I''m Marco! I''m four!" the eldest boy said proudly.


    "Luciano, three!" the second boy chimed in, beaming.


    "And I''m Sofia!" The little girl, barely two, clung to Adam''s sleeve, grinning with dimples.


    Adam smiled at them. "Nice to meet you all. I''m Adam, and I''m twenty-three." S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Their eyes widened, as if trying to process the difference.


    "That''s old!" Luciano blurted out, making Adam chuckle.


    "Not that old." he said, shaking his head. "You''ll be my age in no time."


    Their chatter continued with the conversation flowing between lighthearted questions and the natural excitement of children.


    ....


    As the women finished setting the table, Petruccio and Adam got up to bring the food, ignoring Lucia and Marie''s teasing whistles as they carried the steaming dishes to the dining area. The children, eager to help, grabbed smaller items, carefully placing them on the table under Lucia''s watchful eyes.


    Once everything was set, they all took their seats with laughter and conversation filling the spacious dining room. The warm scent of home-cooked food mixed with the comfortable atmosphere of family and friendship. Adam found himself enjoying the moment, a rare pause in his otherwise fast-paced life.


    Lucia with curiosity shining in her brown eyes, turned to Adam as she took a sip of wine. "So, Adam, how does it feel to be an awakened hunter?"


    The children perked up instantly with their attention shifting to him.


    Adam placed his utensils down and thought for a moment before shrugging. "It feels good. There''s a lot I can do now, things I never imagined before. I can go anywhere, move faster, heal people¡­ It''s like having no real limits."


    One of the boys, wide-eyed with excitement, leaned forward. "Can you go to space?"


    Laughter erupted around the table, but Adam barely had time to react before Aw¨¤''s voice echoed in his mind.


    [With the current data and technological advancements in your possession, reaching space is entirely possible.]


    Adam raised an eyebrow. ''I''m not surprised.''


    Marie smirked, noticing his thoughtful look. "Oh no, don''t tell me you''re actually considering it."


    Adam chuckled, shaking his head. "Not yet."


    The kids gasped in awe, already imagining the possibilities, while Petruccio scoffed, amused. "If anyone could pull off something ridiculous like that, it''d be you."


    Lucia smiled as she watched the interaction with the warmth of the moment settling in. "Well, if you do, make sure to send a postcard from the moon."


    The conversation shifted as they continued eating, the evening filled with easy laughter and good food. Adam allowed himself to enjoy it, knowing that soon, his focus would shift back to the path ahead.


    (10:43 PM)


    The night had settled comfortably over Rome, casting a serene glow over the city as Adam and Marie finished their evening with Petruccio and Lucia. After two hours of lighthearted conversation and laughter, it was time to go.


    Marie slipped on her shoes near the entrance while Adam turned to Petruccio and Lucia, offering a firm handshake. "Thanks for the good time." he said in a genuine tone.


    Lucia smiled warmly. "You''re always welcome, Adam. It was nice having you here."


    Petruccio chuckled. "Yeah, but next time, you''re cooking."


    Adam smiled. "I''ll consider it."


    The children, though visibly sleepy, looked disappointed that the night was ending. Their energy had burned out, but their excitement over Adam''s presence still lingered.


    Seeing their drooping faces, Adam crouched down and held out his hand. In a smooth motion, three small figurines formed, crafted from his mana with meticulous detail.


    Two knights, one wielding a sword and the other a spear, stood proudly on either side of a princess in an elegant pink dress. The moment they were complete, Adam infused a single nano-machine into each of them, linking them to himself without detection.


    Without drawing attention, he placed two more nano-machines on Petruccio and Lucia.


    ''A precaution.''


    As he handed the figurines to the children, they gasped in awe with their exhaustion momentarily forgotten.


    "These are for you." Adam said, watching their faces light up.


    The tiny figures moved with mechanical life, the princess curtsied gracefully while the knights stood firm in a protective stance beside her.


    The kids practically jumped on him, hugging him tightly while thanking him repeatedly. Petruccio smiled, shaking his head. "You didn''t have to do that. I will pay you back"


    Adam stood, dusting off his hands. "I didn''t do it to be repaid."


    Meanwhile, Lucia and Marie exchanged numbers as their conversation flowed effortlessly. Petruccio raised an eyebrow at how quickly they''d bonded. "They really became close." he muttered. "Makes sense, they''re about the same age."


    Marie, hearing that, grinned. "Yeah, so you better be prepared to fly me here anytime."


    Lucia laughed while Adam rolled his eyes, already opening the door.


    With final waves and goodbyes, Adam reached for Marie''s hand. She blinked at him in surprise before a small smile tugged at her lips. "Taking my hand so suddenly? How bold."


    Adam ignored her teasing as his mana flared around them. With a powerful push, they soared into the night sky, leaving behind the villa as they flew toward home with the city lights glittering below them.


    ----


    Since i forgot to post yesterday and just noticed now, another chapter will drop today.


    Adam is 23 while Marie and Lucia are 22


    Petruccio is 24


    For more chapters:


    Patreon: Mr_Graythorn


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 Chapter 45 - 44: Sitges

    Please, STOP using Apple/IOS to make purchases on my Patreon.


    It''s been over a month and I still haven''t received the money. I''ll have to wait another two months just to access it.


    If you want to support me, please use the regular web version instead. Buying through the Apple app mostly benefits Apple as they charge you 45% more than the normal price. That''s nearly half of what I''m selling.


    It''s gotten so bad I''m considering removing collection sales altogether. Please help me avoid that.


    ----


    (Monday, June 17, 2026 ¨C 8:03 AM)


    The warm Spanish sun bathed the bustling streets of Sitges, a lively coastal town southwest of Barcelona. The scent of saltwater mixed with the aroma of freshly baked pastries from nearby caf¨¦s, while tourists and locals alike enjoyed their morning strolls along the charming, sunlit avenues.


    Among them, two figures walked leisurely, blending seamlessly into the crowd, or so they thought.


    Marie took a long sip of her fruit juice, letting out a satisfied sigh as the cold drink soothed her under the heat. "WAhhh, this place is perfect! The sun, the air, the people, it''s exactly what I needed." She stretched her arms above her head, fully embracing the relaxed atmosphere.


    Adam, walking beside her with his hands in his pockets, smiled. "Spain was a good choice."


    He glanced at her as she cheerfully sipped her drink. Her brown eyes sparkled under the sun with her skin glowing with warmth, and her casual summer outfit, shorts and a loose, off-shoulder top, matched the carefree vibe of the city. He had to admit, she looked good here.


    The decision to come to Spain had been a random one.


    ....


    The Night Before


    After leaving Petruccio''s home, Adam had brought Marie back to her apartment, but with all the attention from the dragon stunt, she didn''t feel like sleeping there. It wasn''t paranoia, just common sense. Too many eyes were on her place now.


    So, naturally, she ended up at Adam''s place.


    Well, his bed, to be exact.


    Adam, being the ever-generous host (and completely lacking in personal space), gave her his bed while he took the couch in the living room. It was his apartment, but somehow, she was the one sleeping comfortably.


    He wasn''t even that mad about it. Maybe just a little.


    When they woke up, Marie was already exploding with excitement for their free day. But instead of debating where to go, Adam had simply conjured a mana cube with names, each one representing a different country.


    Then, with a casual toss, Spain won.


    Before Marie even had time to argue (not that she would have), she grabbed his wrist, dragged him to prepare, and within minutes, he had opened a portal straight to Sitges.


    Now, here they were, roaming the vibrant streets, soaking in the sights, and headed toward the beach as the final destination.


    Adam had been smart enough to slightly alter their facial features with the nano machines, nothing drastic, just enough to avoid instant recognition. It didn''t make them invisible, but it stopped people from gasping and pulling out their phones every five seconds.


    Marie, completely relaxed, nudged him with her elbow. "You better not be secretly scanning the whole city while we''re here." she teased.


    Adam raised an eyebrow. "I''d never do that."


    "Yeah, yeah..." Her side eye was strong.


    Adam chuckled, knowing she was right. Of course, he had already scanned the area for threats and potential dangers the moment they arrived, it was second nature. But he wasn''t about to ruin their vacation vibe by admitting it.


    He took a deep breath, inhaling the salty breeze. This was nice. No fights, no crazy hunters, no False Rankers, just a peaceful day at the beach.


    At least, that was the plan...


    (9:23 AM)


    The morning sun cast a warm glow over the streets of Sitges as Adam and Marie walked leisurely with the relaxed atmosphere settling around them like a second skin.


    Marie stretched with a satisfied sigh, sipping on a fruit juice she had picked up from a street vendor. "I''m satisfied, it''s definitely a good choice."


    Adam smiled, nodding in agreement. "Told you Spain wouldn''t disappoint."


    Their first stop was the Cau Ferrat Museum, a historic building once home to the artist Santiago Rusi?ol. The moment they stepped inside, the energy shifted, tranquil, yet filled with an unspoken vibrance. Paintings, ironwork, and ceramics lined the walls, each telling a story of Catalan modernism.


    Marie glanced around, taking it all in. "Never thought I''d be looking at art first thing in the morning."


    Adam chuckled with hands in his pockets as he observed a collection of stained-glass windows. "Well, you said you wanted to enjoy the trip properly. Might as well start with some culture." S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips as she continued to explore. The museum was intimate yet packed with history, its wooden beams and large windows adding to its charm. The blend of artistic expression and architectural beauty made it clear why Rusi?ol had chosen this place as his sanctuary.


    After spending some time appreciating the artwork and sculptures, they stepped back outside, greeted once again by the warmth of the sun. Their next destination was the Passeig Mar¨ªtim, a picturesque promenade that stretched along the coastline, lined with palm trees and charming restaurants. The ocean stretched endlessly to the horizon, waves glistening under the clear blue sky.


    They walked side by side, taking in the stunning view. The sound of waves crashing against the shore mixed with the occasional laughter of children playing on the beach. Marie leaned against the railing, watching the water with an appreciative hum.


    "This is perfect." she admitted. "No crowds, no stress. Just vibes."


    Adam stood next to her, nodding. "Yeah. It''s peaceful."


    They continued strolling, passing cyclists, joggers, and groups of friends enjoying the scenic route. The occasional street performer added to the lively yet calming atmosphere, music blending seamlessly with the natural sounds of the sea.


    By the time afternoon rolled around, their hunger led them to a well-known seafood boil restaurant near the water. The rich aroma of spices and freshly cooked seafood hit them the moment they walked in, making Adam''s stomach growl in anticipation. They found a table near the window, giving them a perfect view of the bustling streets outside.


    Marie tapped her fingers against the menu. "Alright, we''re in Spain. What''s the move?"


    Adam, already glancing at the options, had a clear answer. "Seafood. Lots of it."


    They ended up ordering a feast, shrimp, crab, mussels, lobster, and a variety of seasoned sides. When the food arrived, Adam''s eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store.


    Marie raised an eyebrow, amused. "I''ve never seen you this happy."


    He cracked open a crab leg effortlessly. "Because this is heaven."


    She shook her head with a laugh before digging into her own plate. The food was incredible, the flavors bold and rich, and neither of them held back. They chatted with some of the locals between bites, Marie seamlessly understanding the conversation thanks to Adam''s discreet mana trick.


    The meal stretched on longer than expected, but neither of them cared. When they finally leaned back in their seats, satisfied, Adam called for the check. He paid for the meal before ordering extra seafood to-go, slipping the takeout into his inventory when no one was looking as they stepped outside.


    Marie stretched her arms above her head with a content smile on her face. "Alright. We''ve eaten well, we''ve explored. Now it''s time for the main event."


    Adam glanced toward the sparkling sea in the distance. "The beach?"


    She grinned. "The beach."


    With the sun high in the sky and the ocean calling, they headed off, ready for the next part of their day.


    ----


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 Chapter 46 - 45: A-Rank Gate

    (Monday, June 17, 2026 ¨C 2:57 PM)


    As they made their way toward the beach, the scent of saltwater filled the air even more with the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore mixing with the laughter of tourists enjoying the sun. The walk was peaceful, yet Adam''s attention remained elsewhere.


    Even before they got close, he had long sensed the presence of a group of hunters stationed near the water. They were on boats, dressed in full gear with their weapons and mana signatures making it clear, they were preparing to enter a gate.


    But this wasn''t just any gate.


    It loomed over the sea, floating just above the water''s surface, its dark blue swirling vortex standing in sharp contrast to the clear blue sky. A faint hum of energy pulsed from it, the telltale sign of an A-Rank dungeon. The Spanish Hunter Association had already blocked off the area with patrols stationed along the beach to keep civilians at bay.


    Marie followed Adam''s gaze, spotting the gate almost immediately. Her expression shifted, and she groaned in frustration. "Seriously? Now?"


    Adam glanced at her, amused by how quickly her excitement turned into disappointment.


    She crossed her arms. "Of course, the one time we come to the sea, there''s a damn gate on top of it."


    Her eyes trailed toward the blockade, noting the strict security. The Spanish Association wasn''t taking any chances. Their hunters kept a close eye on the perimeter, ensuring no civilian got too close. Meanwhile, on the boats, a team of experienced hunters was ready for the dive into the dungeon. At the lead was a man who radiated power, an S-Rank.


    Marie sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Well, there goes our beach day."


    Adam simply shrugged. "Not necessarily."


    Marie gave him a skeptical look. "The Hunter Association already has this under control. We''re in Spain, not Italy. This isn''t my jurisdiction."


    He nodded. "Yeah, but that doesn''t mean we can''t speed things up."


    She raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly do you plan on doing that?"


    Adam smiled, casually slipping his hands into his pockets. "I can just make a call."


    Marie''s eyes narrowed, but before she could continue, Adam confirmed, "It''s an A-Rank gate."


    She exhaled, clearly not thrilled. "Alright, fine. But again, this isn''t our country. You can''t just-"


    Before she could finish, Adam let his mana slip.


    Not enough to be overwhelming, but just enough to send a ripple through the air, an invisible wave of power. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The response was immediate.


    The S-Rank hunter on the boat, the one who had been focused on the dungeon, suddenly froze. His head snapped in Adam''s direction with his eyes locking onto him with deep focus.


    Marie noticed. "And there it is."


    Adam smiled. "Told you. Things will go just fine."


    (3:04 PM)


    Adam stepped forward with his feet sinking slightly into the damp sand as he approached the barricade separating the civilians from the restricted zone. Marie followed closely behind, her eyes shifting between the massive gate hovering over the water and the team of Hunters preparing for entry.


    Even before she saw him, she knew an S-Rank was present. The sheer pressure of his existence pressed against the air like a warning to any who dared to approach. When her eyes landed on the man standing at the edge of the boats, overseeing the operation with an imposing stance, she immediately recognized him.


    H¨¦ctor Valverde.


    Spain''s strongest Hunter.


    Adam knew about him as his nano-machines allowed him to gather everything available on the man within seconds. Every public battle, every achievement, every rumor, it was all processed and stored instantly.


    Since his awakening at the auction, Adam had unlocked the capability to use his nano-machines to connect directly to the internet, something that he could not do when he didn''t have mana.


    This allowed him to absorb and process information at an unimaginable speed, filtering through endless data without pause. Every subject, every field of knowledge, if it was available online, it was his to access.


    And he had been using it ever since.


    But H¨¦ctor''s reputation was irrelevant right now.


    As they moved toward the Gate, HA officers stepped forward to stop them, but before they could even speak, a gust of wind signaled something, or rather, someone, appearing.


    In the blink of an eye, H¨¦ctor was right in front of them.


    Marie tensed, realizing she hadn''t even registered him moving. One moment he had been by the boats, the next he was standing before them with his golden-brown eyes locked onto Adam.


    [Image]


    Adam, on the other hand, remained relaxed, meeting H¨¦ctor''s gaze with calm amusement. He nodded in acknowledgment before making a casual motion with his fingers.


    In an instant, the traits cloaking their faces dissolved, revealing their true appearances.


    H¨¦ctor''s eyes narrowed slightly with recognition flashing across his face.


    "The Saint." he said, his deep voice carrying the weight of someone who had seen far too much of the world. "Your face has been going viral since yesterday."


    Adam chuckled. "Yeah, I saw."


    H¨¦ctor crossed his arms. "You here to spectate?"


    "Not quite." Adam replied. "I want in."


    H¨¦ctor''s expression remained neutral before shaking his head. "Not happening. This gate is mine. I bought the rights to it."


    Adam wasn''t surprised. Many high-tier Hunters, especially guild leaders, purchased exclusive rights to dungeon raids. Technically, anyone could enter an unclaimed gate, but if someone like H¨¦ctor had bought it, then forcing his way in would cause unnecessary issues.


    He had no reason to do that.


    "How much for a ticket?" Adam asked casually.


    H¨¦ctor raised an eyebrow before letting out a low chuckle. "You want to buy your way in?"


    "Call it a fair trade." Adam shrugged.


    H¨¦ctor thought for a moment before nodding. "Fine. 2,000,000 euros."


    Without hesitation, Adam pulled up his Hunter App and sent the payment.


    H¨¦ctor''s phone vibrated. He glanced at the confirmation, then smirked. "Fast." He turned slightly, stepping aside. "Welcome aboard, then."


    Marie, who had been watching silently, finally spoke up. "Wait. Just like that?"


    "If he''s willing to pay, then he''s not here to waste time." H¨¦ctor glanced at her briefly in an assessing gaze.


    His brows furrowed slightly. "You''re weak."


    Marie frowned. "Excuse me?"


    "This is an A-Rank Gate. C-Ranks don''t belong in there."


    Before Marie could snap back, Adam placed a hand on her shoulder, smiling. "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of her."


    H¨¦ctor sighed, shaking his head. "Young love is reckless." Then, without another word, he turned back toward the boats.


    Marie folded her arms. "Why do I even need to go? I won''t be much help."


    Adam didn''t care. "That doesn''t matter. You''re coming."


    Marie sighed, but she didn''t argue further.


    Together, they walked toward the boats.


    ----


    Ahh i was getting tired from the slice of life, it good but progressing the plot is better!


    What''s H¨¦ctor fighting style?

 Chapter 47 - 46: Red Gate

    (Monday, June 17, 2026 ¨C 3:10 PM)


    H¨¦ctor turned towards his guild members, raising a hand to gather their attention. The squad of twenty A-Rank Hunters stood in disciplined formation on the docks, fully geared and ready to enter the gate. They all exuded strong mana signatures, but Adam, with his enhanced perception, immediately categorized their roles within seconds.


    Four of them radiated a calm, nurturing aura, their mana aligned towards healing and support.


    Healers. A necessary addition for high-risk dungeon expeditions, but also low ones as you''re not normally allowed to enter agate without a healer, unless you''re National Rank.


    Six bore the distinct, dense mana of Tankers, their bodies reinforced with armor and shields, exuding durability that made them the foundation of any frontline.


    The remaining ten were a mix of Fighters, Mages, Assassins, and Rangers, each specializing in different forms of offense, mobility, and range. Adam could tell from the way their mana fluctuated around them, tuned to their respective combat styles.


    H¨¦ctor gestured towards a woman standing beside him. She was a striking figure, about a head shorter than Adam but still taller than Marie. Her long, dark brown hair cascaded past her shoulders, framing a strong, confident face with sharp hazel eyes. Her battle gear, a fitted combat suit reinforced with enchanted fabric, accentuated her toned physique without restricting movement.


    She stepped forward, offering Adam a warm smile before extending her hand. "I''m Sof¨ªa Delgado, Adam Sen, you''re quite the celebrity already." she said in a smooth, pleasant voice. "That dragon of yours made waves. The entire world is talking about it."


    [Image]


    Adam met her handshake with a neutral nod. "Not much I can do about that." he replied, keeping a neutral tone.


    The Sof¨ªa chuckled lightly before shifting her gaze to Marie. "And you must be Marie." she greeted, her voice just as warm, but something in her expression carried an edge.


    Marie returned the greeting with a polite but measured nod with her posture subtly stiffening. "That''s me." she said simply.


    Adam immediately caught the unspoken tension between them, Marie''s narrowed eyes, the slightly forced smile, and the barely noticeable shift in Sof¨ªa''s demeanor. He internally sighed. ''No need to worry, Marie...''


    H¨¦ctor, either unaware or uninterested in the silent exchange, gestured towards the gate. "Alright, introductions are done. Let''s get moving. We''ve wasted enough time."


    With that, the squad began making their final checks before stepping onto the boats that would take them closer to the swirling portal above the sea. Adam and Marie followed, stepping aboard as the waters rippled beneath them.


    (3:15 PM) Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Adam stood silently as Sof¨ªa cleaned her twin swords, she hummed softly while her movements were precise and deliberate. His attention, however, was focused on the large, swirling blue gate in the distance.


    Suddenly, Adam heard Aw¨¤''s voice in his mind.


    [Warning: The portal is a Red Gate.]


    Adam''s eyes narrowed, his mind immediately recalling the crucial details about Red Gates. He had studied them thoroughly, extremely rare and unpredictable, these gates were classified as B-Rank and above. But once they turned red, their difficulty escalated beyond what any sensors could predict.


    Time inside flowed differently, environments changed unpredictably, and their mana signature was sealed off. If left unchecked, the dungeon inside could easily overwhelm anyone attempting to enter.


    Turning to H¨¦ctor, Adam decided to speak, "I sense that this is a Red Gate." Adam said with his eyes locking onto the imposing structure.


    The group around him paused with the words hanging in the air. H¨¦ctor, who had been scanning the gate with his focused gaze, furrowed his brows. The other hunters exchanged skeptical glances, unsure of Adam''s assessment. But Marie, standing next to him, nodded slightly, she knows that he doesn''t lie.


    H¨¦ctor''s suspicion was clear, but he trusted the strength of those around him. Still, he wasn''t willing to jump into anything too quickly.


    After a moment of silent thought, H¨¦ctor pulled out his phone. ''I''ll call the vice Guild Leader.''


    Adam''s senses heightened as he watched H¨¦ctor make the call with his eyes moving between the gate and the members of the guild. Some were still hesitant, unsure whether to proceed. They knew about Red Gates but had never faced one firsthand. The air around them was tense with the decision of stopping hanging in the air.


    Meanwhile, Adam turned to Marie and materialized a small cube made of mana in his hand. He handed it to her with a smile.


    "Here, take this." he said.


    Marie looked at it curiously, not sure what it was. "What''s this?"


    Adam chuckled softly. "You can''t go in there without armor and protection, you know? Trust me, it''ll help."


    Marie looked down at her outfit, realizing with a jolt that she was still in her civilian clothes. After everything that had happened, she had completely forgotten that she wasn''t geared up for the mission. She looked back at Adam with a raised brow, but he simply nodded at the cube.


    "Go ahead." he urged.


    Marie hesitated for a moment before crushing the cube in her hand. As it shattered, the fragments of mana swirled around her, encasing her in an elegant but solid armor that covered her body. The helmet formed last, showing her face with her signature braids framing it.


    "Whoa!" Marie gasped, her eyes wide with amazement as she felt a surge of strength rush through her. She flexed her arm experimentally, surprised at how light and powerful the armor felt.


    The rest of the group looked on in stunned silence. They could feel the immense mana emanating from her new armor. It was unlike anything they''d expected. Even H¨¦ctor, known for his impeccable control, looked momentarily impressed. The others exchanged looks with disbelief in their eyes.


    Sof¨ªa, who had been observing quietly, finally closed her eyes and smiled to herself. She had seen many things in her time as a strategist, but this¡­ this was a pleasant surprise. Adam''s abilities were far beyond what she had expected.


    "So, you didn''t think I''d come unprepared, did you?" Adam said with a smirk, watching Marie adjust the armor, clearly satisfied with the result.


    Marie grinned back, shaking her head in awe. "I knew you had something up your sleeve."


    H¨¦ctor finally finished his call and looked up from his phone. He gave Adam a long, appraising glance before nodding.


    The others around him seemed less doubtful now, their earlier hesitation giving way to cautious respect. H¨¦ctor cleared his throat and addressed his squad.


    "We''re going in." he said firmly with his voice echoing with the authority that had made him Spain''s strongest S-Rank hunter. "But let''s stay alert. We don''t know what we''ll face inside."


    With that, they made their way toward the gate, Adam and Marie leading the way as the rest of the team followed closely behind, ready for whatever awaited them.


    (3:23 PM)


    The moment Adam, Marie, H¨¦ctor, and the rest of the Colmillo de Le¨®n squad stepped through the swirling blue gate, an ominous shift occurred.


    Outside, the portal pulsed violently with its surface rippling like disturbed water before emitting jagged streaks of black-red lightning. The bright blue hue rapidly darkened, replaced by an eerie crimson glow. The transformation was instant and absolute.


    A surge of power spread through the air, causing nearby Hunter Association officers to recoil. The instruments monitoring the gate flickered erratically before flatlining, no mana signature, no readings, nothing.


    The gate had sealed.


    A Red Gate.


    [Image]


    The officers standing watch immediately realized what had happened with their faces going pale. The worst-case scenario had just unfolded before their eyes. No communication. No tracking. No way in or out.


    Inside, the only option was survival.


    Or was it?


    ----


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 Chapter 48 - 47: Oceanic Planet

    This arc will focus on Marie, as it''s her own, after this one, i will write about the Rank evaluation and from there everything will go in motion, his business as well everything else.


    ----


    (Day 1 ¨C 0:01 AM)


    The moment they emerged from the portal, gravity reclaimed them.


    A vast ocean stretched infinitely beneath them, deep and endless with its surface illuminated by the glow of massive bioluminescent coral structures that pulsed like veins of light beneath the waves. No land. No solid ground. Just a dark blue sky with two moons hovering above as their reflections shimmered on the water''s restless surface.


    The Colmillo de Le¨®n hunters reacted instantly, mana flaring around them as they braced for impact. But before anyone could touch the water, a surge of light blue energy enveloped them.


    Adam extended his hand, and within seconds, a large mana-formed vessel took shape beneath them, a sleek, sturdy construct floating effortlessly on the ocean. The hunters landed safely on its surface, exchanging tense glances.


    H¨¦ctor planted his feet firmly, scanning the surroundings. "A full water world¡­ This will be difficult."


    Sof¨ªa observed the coral forests below, narrowing her hazel eyes. "Not just water. Look at the structures beneath us. Those formations are¡­ enormous."


    She was right. The corals weren''t mere clusters; they were titanic pillars extending far into the abyss, each glowing with an ethereal luminescence. The entire underwater landscape pulsed with life, creating an alien ecosystem.


    Marie exhaled slowly. "Great. No land. So we''re fighting in the water?"


    One of the A-Rank hunters, a Ranger, adjusted his breathing. "We''ll be severely limited down there. Oxygen, visibility, mobility, everything''s against us."


    Another, a Mage, nodded. "Even with mana reinforcement, prolonged combat underwater will drain us faster. We can''t afford reckless fights."


    Adam remained silent as they debated with a distant gaze. He had already scanned the entire planet within seconds of arrival as his senses were already capable of extending beyond what S-Rank hunters could even sense.


    Then Aw¨¤ analysis came, now being able to scan even an entire solar systems thanks to Adam body being strong enough, coupled wth his mana reserves that were increasing at an exponential rate.


    [Planetary Analysis Complete.]


    [Location: Unnamed oceanic planet in an uncharted solar system.]


    [Surface Composition: 98.3% water, 1.7% landmass (isolated islands, submerged mountain ranges).]


    [Atmospheric Conditions: Earth-like oxygen-nitrogen ratio, slightly denser air pressure.]


    [Celestial Bodies: Two moons, gravitational influence suggests stronger tidal forces and deeper ocean trenches.]


    [Magical Energy Distribution: Extremely high concentration in oceanic depths, likely due to the High-Rank magic beasts.]


    [Threat Assessment: Dungeon Boss detected. Estimated power, National Level.]


    Adam''s gaze already locked onto the national levels, having long pinpointed their locations. ''National Level, don''t forget that the two beasts flanking it are on the same rank.''


    [Confirmed. Two additional low National Level magic beasts serve as its guardians.]


    A Red Gate with National Level threats? It wasn''t just dangerous, it was a death sign, if there were normal hunters that''s it.


    ....


    Adam could end the dungeon immediately. A single calculated move, a precise application of force, and the creatures ruling these waters would cease to exist.


    But that wasn''t his goal.


    ''One day here is one hour outside. This is the perfect training ground.'' he thought as his eyes moved to Marie who was still enjoying the new armor, clueless of the challenges Adam will trow at her.


    Marie had potential, but without a proper method, her growth was fixed, limited by the natural restrictions of awakened hunters. Unlike him, she couldn''t just refine herself endlessly.


    But there was a way.


    "Marie." Adam called, breaking his silence. She turned to him, still adjusting to the strange environment. "Come." Curious she stepped toward him.


    Then, without a word, a thin layer of mana expanded around them, forming a sound-isolating bubble. The air inside shifted slightly, creating a sealed zone where no sound could escape, no lips could be read, and no external mana could penetrate.


    To the rest of the Colmillo de Le¨®n hunters, it appeared as though Adam had simply pulled Marie aside for a private conversation. Whatever they were discussing was completely cut off from the outside world.


    Marie raised a brow. "A little dramatic, don''t you think?"


    Adam ignored her as Aw¨¤''s voice cut in.


    [Recommend introducing the mana breathing technique. Her body''s pathways are undeveloped, but with guidance, she can start refining her body.]


    Adam met Marie''s gaze. "I''m going to teach you a breathing method that will make you stronger over time. It''s not like normal training, it''s something that hunters still need decades even before discovering the bases let alone this completed version."


    Marie frowned slightly but nodded. "Alright. What do I need to do?"


    (Day 1 ¨C 0:07 AM)


    After explaining her the method, Marie smirked. "I can handle it."


    [She absolutely cannot.]


    Aw¨¤''s voice echoed in Adam''s mind, but he already knew that. ''I know.''


    He took a breath, demonstrating the technique. His inhale was controlled, precise, not just pulling in air, but guiding mana through his body with perfect efficiency.


    Marie copied him without hesitation.


    And immediately collapsed.


    A violent convulsion tore through her with blood bursting from her nose, ears, and mouth. Her limbs locked up with her chest constricting as if her own body was suffocating her from the inside.


    Before she could even process the pain and before her heart collapsed, Adam had already moved.


    A soft yellow glow enveloped her, healing her before she could fully hit the ground. The agony vanished as quickly as it had arrived.


    Marie coughed, wiping her face. "What¡­ the hell¡­ was that?"


    Adam watched her carefully. "It''s normal."


    She glared up at him. "No warning!?"


    "It wouldn''t have changed anything."


    [Her mana pathways are undeveloped. Attempting to regulate flow at your level was always going to result in circulatory collapse.]


    Marie groaned, shaking her head. "So what, I just can''t do it?"


    Adam crouched beside her. "Not yet. But every time you try, your body will adjust. Slowly."


    Marie sighed, clearly unamused. "Great. Let''s get this over with."


    She braced herself this time, sitting up straight. Her expression was determined, despite the frustration still lingering in her eyes.


    Another inhale.


    One second.


    Blood erupted again.


    Outside the barrier, the hunters stiffened, watching as Marie collapsed for the second time.


    "What the hell is happening?" a Mage muttered.


    A Healer instinctively moved forward, but H¨¦ctor raised a hand, stopping them. His golden-brown eyes narrowed. He couldn''t sense anything inside that barrier.


    Sof¨ªa, observed closely. "They''re doing something. And whatever it is, Adam doesn''t look concerned."


    Inside the bubble, Marie groaned, but this time, something felt different.


    She wasn''t just in pain, she felt¡­ stronger.


    Slightly. Barely noticeable. But it was there.


    Adam stood, watching her reaction. "Again."


    Marie exhaled sharply, wiping the blood from her face. She hated this already.


    But she nodded.


    (Day 1 ¨C 0:32 AM)


    After several minutes, the mana barrier dissolved, allowing sound and energy to flow freely again. Adam stepped out first, Marie followed, her movements were slightly slower but steady.


    Her breathing was deeper now, more controlled, though a trace of frustration lingered in her expression. She still couldn''t properly use the technique, but at least her body had stopped violently rejecting it.


    The other hunters watched her closely, but no one spoke. They could tell something had changed.


    H¨¦ctor approached Adam. "Done?"


    "For now." Adam replied simply.


    H¨¦ctor didn''t pry. Instead, he gestured toward the water. "Then let''s move on. We need to plan the immersion."


    The hunters gathered near the edge of the mana-formed vessel, looking down at the endless abyss beneath them. No land, no clear landmarks, only the glowing coral forests stretching deep into the unknown.


    One of the Tankers exhaled sharply. "Fighting underwater is going to be a nightmare."


    H¨¦ctor nodded. "We need a way to breathe down there. Even with mana reinforcement, we can''t last indefinitely."


    Adam had already considered this. With a simple flick of his hand, several smooth, translucent blue masks materialized in the air, floating toward the group.


    Marie raised an eyebrow. "And these are¡­?" Already having a general idea.


    "Mana filtration masks." Adam explained. "They extract dissolved oxygen directly from the surrounding water, filtering and infusing it with mana before transferring it to your lungs. The process is continuous, meaning you won''t run out of air as long as you breathe."


    A Mage adjusted his glasses. "That¡­ shouldn''t be possible. There aren''t any known spells that can sustain something like this indefinitely."


    Adam handed him a mask with a smile. "Now there is." Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    H¨¦ctor grabbed one, examining it briefly before placing it over his face. The mask molded to his skin seamlessly, adjusting to his breath as a faint mana pulse activated within it.


    He gave a satisfied nod. "Thanks."


    The rest of the hunters followed suit, securing their own masks.


    Marie, however, remained unmoving. Adam glanced at her.


    "You don''t need one." he said, nodding toward her armor. "It''s already equipped with a mana-based filtration system."


    Marie looked down at herself, then smiled. "Huh. Guess you did think ahead."


    Adam shook his head at her antics.


    With everyone equipped, the preparations were complete. The only thing left was to descend.

 Chapter 49 - 49: Notice

Ramadan Mubarak to all the Muslim here, i will take some days to rest and spend time with my family, so see you soon!


    ???? S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 50 - 50: Sad news

    Hello everyone.


    While I was taking a break, my Patreon creator page was somehow disconnected from my account. About a week ago, when I logged in, I could only see my member account, not my creator one.


    Worried, I immediately reported the issue to Patreon. On Monday, they asked me to submit some proof to verify my identity. I did everything they requested, and they responded the next day.


    They confirmed that someone had managed to take control of my creator page, change the email address, and attempt to transfer the funds to their own account.


    Patreon removed the intruder and told me to log in again. But when I tried, I was told that my account had been deactivated.


    Since then, I haven''t received any response from Patreon, and I''ve lost access to my entire page, everything I worked on, all the content, and the money I earned.


    My subscribers also lost their memberships, and Patreon hasn''t provided any help.


    This has really affected me, and I honestly don''t know what to do. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Has this ever happened to any of you? If so, how did you resolve it?


    And if any Patreon member is reading this, what happened to your subscription? Since I can''t even see my page on the site anymore nor message anyone.

 Chapter 51 - 51: Wahhh I made it

    I finally managed to log in after several tries, man, this whole thing stressed the fuck out of me.


    But I accidentally withdrew 100 euros to that bastard''s account. I noticed the account details were wrong way too late.


    I want my money back ????.


    Anyway I need to reorganize myself as well the stories so I don''t know when I will update. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.