“This year’s winner of the Annual Fishers Salmon Tournament is Yuki!” The host announces, pointing directly at me. The crowd bursts into applause, their eyes shifting to me as they eagerly await my reaction.


    I stand up, brushing the dust off my jeans, and make my way to the podium. With each step, camera flashes go off in rapid succession, capturing every moment. As I glance up, I spot her — Ms. Akira. She’s standing off to the side, her presence almost imposing. An S-Class Hunter and the Guild Master of the prestigious Luna Guild. What’s she doing here? My mind races with curiosity, but I push the thought aside for the moment.


    I reach the podium, giving the crowd a wave before speaking into the microphone. “I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career. As many of you know, I’m a world-class fisherman. I travel the globe, collecting fish, monsters, and food, all while competing in tournaments. Without your support, none of this would be possible. It’s because of you all that I’m able to continue doing what I love — searching for new and exotic fish to catch, and of course, to taste.”


    I pause for a moment, pulling out a Caiman Crocodile Card from my pocket, its edges slightly worn from years of handling. The crowd murmurs in recognition. “While I may be a F-Rank Hunter,” I continue with a grin, “I’m an SSS-Rank Fisherman.” I gesture toward the massive pile of freshly caught Atlantic Salmon on display, its shimmering scales reflecting the light. “It’s a privilege to have been part of this tournament. This is what I do. And I’m proud of it.”


    The cameras continue to click as the crowd erupts in applause once again. I give a modest bow and step away from the podium, my heart still racing from the excitement. My prize — 15,000 Yen — is handed to me, and I make my way down the aisle, still basking in the glory of the win. But then, I notice Ms. Akira moving toward me.


    “Fisherman Yuki,” she calls, her voice calm yet firm, instantly grabbing my attention.


    I stop, surprised to hear her address me by name. “Yes, Ms. Akira?” I ask, trying to mask the surprise in my tone. She’s one of the most renowned Hunters in Japan — why would she be looking for me?


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    “We’d like to recruit you to the Luna Guild,” she says, her expression unreadable. “But there’s something we need to discuss in more… private quarters.” She glances around at the crowd, the murmurs of curiosity echoing in the air as onlookers try to understand what’s unfolding.


    I blink, caught off guard by her words. “Wait, what?” My voice rises in disbelief. “Recruit me? To the Luna Guild? You do realize I’m only an F-Rank Hunter, right?” I ask, struggling to comprehend the offer. The Luna Guild is one of the top guilds in Japan, known for its elite members and powerful Hunters. I’m barely scraping by as an F-Rank — there’s no way they’re interested in me.


    “There’s more to it than that,” Ms. Akira responds, her voice taking on a more serious tone. “We can explain everything in detail, but we’ll need to speak in private. There are matters you’ll need to understand before you can make an informed decision.”


    I hesitate, a frown forming on my face as I consider her words. What could possibly require a F-Rank like me? I can''t shake the feeling that something major is at play here. “Alright… I’m listening,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady, though I can’t hide my confusion.


    Ms. Akira leads me to a black car waiting by the lake’s edge. The engine purrs as she opens the passenger side door for me, allowing me to climb in before she walks around and slips into the driver''s seat. The car pulls away, leaving the tournament grounds behind us.


    The landscape blurs past, and for a few moments, I lose myself in the scenery. But soon enough, Ms. Akira speaks again, breaking the silence.


    “I’m sure you’re wondering why we want to recruit you,” she says, her eyes on the road ahead. “You’re aware, I’m sure, that the dungeons opened up about a year ago, and with them, the emergence of Hunters—people who’ve gained powers to clear dungeons and capture escaped monsters. But there’s something we never anticipated. Sea monsters.”


    I blink, my curiosity piqued. “Sea monsters?”


    “Yes. Until recently, the focus of most Hunters has been on land and air-based dungeons and monsters. But now, rumors are swirling that the Ichthyes have appeared off the coast of Syria. You’ve heard of them, I assume?” she asks, glancing at me briefly before returning her attention to the road.


    “The Ichthyes…” I mutter, piecing it together. “They’re the twin fish from Greek mythology — said to have rescued Aphrodite and Eros from Typhoeus, and helped Aphrodite rise from the ocean’s foam.” I pause, the weight of the implications settling in. “If what you’re saying is true, this could mean the appearance of other mythical creatures as well… gods, perhaps?” My voice drops lower as I consider the gravity of the situation.


    Ms. Akira nods, a slight smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Exactly. And who better to catch mythical fish than you?”


    I blink in surprise at her words, and for a moment, everything goes silent as the implications of her statement settle over me. It’s not just about fish anymore. If this is true, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime. But what’s the catch?