《Hunters - Legacy of Darkness》


 1 - At the Academy Gates

    Cheonji Academy was founded a thousand years ago, in the aftermath of the last great war between hunters and the creatures of darkness¡ªvampires, demons, and werewolves. It stood as a symbol of power and prestige, accepting only the most gifted individuals. Its mission was clear: to prepare the next generation of hunters, the ones destined to protect humanity.


    The key to becoming a hunter lay in a rare and sacred ability known as Holy Power¡ªthe power to control mana. Only those who possessed this gift could stand against the creatures of darkness. Without it, no human could hope to survive such battles.


    Hunters were not merely fighters; they were the nobility of humanity, elevated above ordinary people by the very nature of their power. Holy Power flowed through their veins, passed down through bloodlines. It was the source of their strength and their status¡ªmaking them the rightful nobles of humanity.


    For those without a hunter¡¯s lineage, life followed a different path. They were Commoners, lacking Holy Power and unable to protect themselves. Bound to serve the nobles, they relied on their mercy and protection from the darkness.


    The only way a Commoner could rise and enter the academy was to be born with Holy Power¡ªa rare event. As a result, invitations almost always went to noble families. Over time, it became an unspoken rule: the academy was for the nobility, and nobility came through blood. This belief solidified, deepening the divide between Hunters and Commoners.


    Yet, even in a world ruled by bloodlines, fate was unpredictable, and sometimes, a mere commoner could be born with Holy Power.


    Today was the day the academy accepted new students. In front of its grand gates, nobles invited for the entrance exam waited for it to begin. Around them, fans had gathered in a large, tightly packed crowd. People struggled to move through the excitement, whispering as they tried to catch a glimpse of their admired nobles. In the middle of this chaos, a boy in shabby clothes with a frail body pushed through the crowd, trying to reach the front.


    ¡°Watch where you''re going! I almost fell because of you!¡± a girl exclaimed.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I have to get to the exam,¡± Park Jiho apologized.


    Some people laughed when they heard him. Seeing his old clothes and weak frame, they assumed he was just a fan trying to sneak closer.


    ¡°Your clothes are too shabby for a noble,¡± a girl snapped, glaring at him.


    Jiho apologized again, but another boy smirked and said, ¡°I thought Cheonji Academy was an elite school for nobles, not a charity for the poor.¡±


    A few people chuckled, but Jiho didn¡¯t react. He had learned to ignore comments like these long ago. Without a word, he pressed forward, moving past them and leaving their mocking laughter behind as he pushed through the crowd, getting closer to the front.


    ¡°I¡¯m almost there,¡± Jiho thought, his determination growing as he edged closer. He was so close to the front now. Just as he was about to slip past the final group, the crowd suddenly reacted. Murmurs of excitement spread quickly, followed by a wave of movement. Jiho felt it before he could see the source¡ªsomething had caught everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Look! It¡¯s her!¡± someone whispered, his voice trembling with excitement. ¡°It¡¯s Jin Aeri!¡±


    Jiho followed the boy¡¯s gaze and spotted her immediately. Jin Aeri moved through the crowd with effortless grace, her long black hair flowing like silk behind her. Her piercing eyes looked straight ahead, unfazed by the murmurs and stares around her. She walked as if the world revolved around her¡ªand judging by the way people reacted, perhaps it did.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    The boy¡¯s friend, wide-eyed and practically glowing with admiration, pointed to the two figures following her. ¡°And that¡¯s Kim Hyunsoo and Choi Minho, right? I heard Hyunsoo and Aeri are dating.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid,¡± the first boy scoffed. ¡°They¡¯ve been friends since they were kids. Even Kim Hyunsoo isn¡¯t good enough for Aeri. Look at her¡ªshe¡¯s way out of his league.¡±


    Jiho wasn¡¯t interested in their gossip, but he couldn¡¯t help but notice the trio as they passed. Aeri was the picture of perfection, her cold and composed demeanor making her seem untouchable. Behind her, Kim Hyunsoo followed closely, his sharp features and hard gaze radiating quiet strength. Choi Minho, in contrast, had a softer, more relaxed air, though his eyes were just as sharp, missing nothing around him.


    The crowd parted like waves for Aeri, giving her and her companions a wide berth. Jiho stood frozen for a moment, watching with a mix of awe and disbelief. He had heard the rumors, seen her name on the rankings, and even come across her fan pages online. But seeing her in person was different. She stood apart¡ªeven among nobles.


    Jiho shook his head, snapping himself out of it.


    ¡°Focus. You¡¯re not here to admire people; you¡¯re here to take the exam.¡±


    Taking a deep breath, he used the distraction to slip past the others, edging closer to the examination grounds. He followed Aeri¡¯s group toward the entrance gate, now walking more freely since only exam candidates were allowed beyond this point.


    Each step brought him closer to the exam door, and his excitement grew.


    Becoming a hunter was Jiho¡¯s biggest dream. The walls of his room were covered with posters of legendary hunters. He had read their stories so many times, he knew them by heart. As he walked, he imagined himself as one of those heroes, saving people and making a name for himself.


    While he was walking, lost in thought and happily dreaming about his future as a hunter, a tall, cold-faced nobleman suddenly blocked his path.


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going? This area is for test participants only,¡± the boy sneered.


    He was from the Lee family¡ªnot a particularly prestigious noble house, but still noble nonetheless. He had a habit of bullying weaker nobles and commoners to hide his insecurities. Seeing Jiho¡¯s cheap clothes and frail appearance, he assumed Jiho would be easy to intimidate.


    Jiho¡¯s expression turned cold. He tried to walk past without saying a word. ¡°This idiot isn¡¯t worth my time,¡± he thought.


    But Lee wasn¡¯t done. He grabbed Jiho¡¯s shoulder roughly. ¡°I told you to stop, you little punk!¡±


    The nobles nearby watched with interest.


    ¡°This Lee kid¡¯s from a small family,¡± one of them muttered. ¡°But a commoner still has to show respect to a noble, or he¡¯ll be in trouble.¡±


    Jiho took a deep breath, calming his anger. He looked Lee straight in the eye.


    ¡°You said this area is for test participants, right? I¡¯m here for the exam too. Now take your filthy hands off me. You¡¯re making me sick.¡±


    Lee¡¯s grip tightened, his eyes flashing with anger. ¡°You must have a death wish,¡± he growled. He couldn¡¯t let someone like him talk back to him like that.


    Before the situation could escalate, an academy official approached.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here? Who¡¯s causing trouble on test day?¡±


    Lee smirked but let go of Jiho¡¯s shoulder. ¡°This kid says he¡¯s here for the entrance exam,¡± he said mockingly.


    The official turned to Jiho and examined him closely. It was obvious Jiho wasn¡¯t a noble, but the official remembered hearing that a commoner had been invited this year. Still, Jiho¡¯s modest appearance surprised him.


    ¡°May I see your invitation?¡± the official asked politely.


    Jiho softened his expression and handed over the invitation. After checking it carefully, the official returned it with respect.


    ¡°The exam will begin shortly. Please find a place and wait,¡± the official instructed.


    Whispers rippled through the crowd.


    ¡°Did I hear that right?¡± someone murmured. ¡°The academy must have made a mistake.¡±


    ¡°A commoner? ¡ªwhat a joke,¡± another voice sneered.


    ¡°Poor thing, really think he can be a hunter?¡± a girl giggled, shaking her head in disbelief.


    Jiho could hear many people mocking him, but he ignored them all again. Life had never been fair, but he¡¯d never bow to the nobles, no matter how much they looked down on him. He was poor, yes, and weak for now, but that wouldn¡¯t be his future. No one would ever make him feel small again¡ªnot without a fight.


    For Jiho, there was no turning back. In the world of hunters, he would either rise to the top¡ªor die trying.

 2 - Courage and Talent

    The heavy doors creaked open, and the guard called out, "First group, go ahead."


    "So, it finally started."


    Jiho watched as the group disappeared inside. Before coming here, he had spent a lot of time researching the entrance exam. Despite its fame, detailed information was almost impossible to find. The nobles, the only ones with real experience, never shared their knowledge openly. Even after all his effort, the only thing he discovered was that the exam had two stages.


    The first stage was a test of talent¡ªthe ability to sense and control mana. In this world, talent was everything. It determined your worth and dictated your future. Talent wasn¡¯t just a blessing; it was destiny itself.


    The second stage tested courage. In the hunter¡¯s world, courage was the line between survival and death. Even the most gifted individual was worthless without the bravery to face danger head-on.


    There was no place for the weak here, no room for cowards or the worthless. Cheonji Academy was not for such people¡ªit had no place for them.


    Maybe there wasn¡¯t much detail about the exam, but there was plenty of information about the ruthless duels and fierce power struggles between the strong groups of students at the academy. Cheonji Academy was infamous for it¡ªeven among outsiders. The school didn¡¯t just tolerate it¡ªit encouraged it. This was the way they created future hunters.


    Jiho knew all of this. He also knew he was an easy target, just a commoner with no backing. Sooner or later, people would come after him, trying to break him¡ªthe easiest one to crush. But he had already made a promise to himself: he would never give up. He would do whatever it took to grow stronger. Only then could he protect himself and others.


    His fists clenched, the quiet intensity in his gaze burning brighter.


    ¡°Right now, I¡¯m the weakest,¡± he muttered. ¡°But one day, I¡¯ll be stronger than everyone here.¡±


    By this time, the first group had finished their exam. Wasting no time, the guard called for the second group, then the third. As time passed and more groups completed their tests, Jiho drew closer to the door. After a few more groups had taken their turn, it was finally his.


    ¡°Next group, go ahead.¡±


    As Jiho passed through the massive doors of the academy, he felt an intense pressure from the faint runes above the door. As he stepped through the gates of the school, it was as if he had crossed an invisible border and stepped into a completely different world.


    Behind the huge gate of the academy was a narrow pathway, surrounded by dense trees. The group walked a little further and reached an open area at the end of the path. In the center of this area was a table. Around the table sat three women with their eyes closed. They were the most elite among Hunters¡ªthe Seers, individuals blessed with the ability to perceive what others couldn¡¯t. Their very presence commanded respect. Behind them stood a group of senior hunters, their expressions stoic and eyes sharp, silently observing the scene with an air of quiet authority.


    Jiho moved slowly towards the table with his group, his heart pounding with excitement, not knowing what was going to happen or what kind of test he was going to take. As they approached the front of the table, an attendant stopped them and said in a cold voice,


    ¡°Your test is starting,¡± he said.


    As soon as Jiho heard the words, he realized that something had changed around him. Before he had a chance to understand what was happening, darkness began to fall over his eyes. His consciousness was fading into a mist, as if reality was slowly being erased. Time and space seemed to melt away, giving way to an incomprehensible void. As the world around him blurred, all his perceptions transformed into something different.


    He paused for a moment, the strange change leaving a slight but strong impression on him as vague shapes disappeared around him. And at that very moment, he was surrounded by a sudden burst of light. It was so bright and powerful that it illuminated everything, pulling him to a completely different place.


    In this dazzling intensity, he found himself drifting into a deep void.


    When Jiho came to, he found himself in the vast hall of an endless library. The ceilings were so high that he almost disappeared. The shelves were filled endlessly with books covered in leather of various shades. Each book was embroidered with intricate patterns and symbols, as if they all held an ancient secret. Jiho gently stroked the spines of the books with his fingertips; each one had a different texture.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Suddenly, the warmth he felt in his fingers startled him. Without opening his eyes, he followed the warmth, and when his hands touched a book covered in red velvet, it vibrated slightly and opened by itself. The writing inside was in a language he could not understand, but it was strangely familiar to him. At that moment, a sense of pulsating energy appeared around Jiho and a sword slowly floated down from the shelves in front of him. When he picked it up, he felt a vibration coming from deep within the metal. Sometimes the weapon would glow with a bright light, sometimes it would fade, as if in tune with Jiho''s mood.


    ¡°I didn''t think this commoner would be so skilled,¡± said a young woman among the senior hunters, smiling.


    The man next to her said in a cold voice, ¡°His skill seems rather weak.¡±


    The woman''s smile faded as she looked at his face: ¡°Choi Han-min, you really don''t want anyone who is not noble in this school, do you? Moreover, this child''s talent isn¡¯t weak. He¡¯s a Level Gray.¡±


    Cheonji Academy ranked its students by talent, a system that shaped their futures. Most were sorted into five levels: F, D, B, A, and S.


    F-levels struggled with basic mana control, barely managing to get by. D-levels showed slight improvement but still lacked finesse. B-levels had reliable skills¡ªsolid but unremarkable. A-levels excelled, mastering advanced techniques and showcasing true potential. S-levels, however, were rare prodigies capable of commanding elements, their power beyond the ordinary.


    But alongside these ranks, there was another: Level Gray. A realm of uncertainty. Those with Gray talent carried the potential to surpass even the most powerful S-levels¡ªor fall short, no stronger than an F-level. Only time could reveal their true worth.


    Choi Han-min sarcastically said, ¡°Look at his body. With a body like that, what do you think his talent could be?¡±


    As she was about to retort, Kim Taejoon, the academy principal, said, ¡°Enough. ¡°His exam is not over yet. Even if his talent is uncertain, it is certainly there. We will make a decision based on the results of the second stage.¡±


    At that moment, the world around Jiho began to change shape again. First he felt the ground being pulled out from under him, then everything in his field of vision slowly dissolved and melted. Suddenly he found himself in the middle of an old ruin, a ruined, stone-covered ruin. The stone walls were half collapsed and the earth cracked. The cold radiating from the environment penetrated Jiho''s skin.


    Looking up at the sky, he noticed the pale light of a blood-red full moon shining through the darkness, enveloping the whole area. This light gave everything around him an uneasy atmosphere. Silence surrounded Jiho as he tried to understand where he was. But the silence was shattered by a deep, bone-deep roar.


    He was not frightened or panicked, but as he looked toward the source of the sound, a gigantic silhouette appeared before his eyes. Stepping out of the shadows, this creature was a gigantic werewolf, far from human form. Jiho''s mind began to record the eerie sight as its silhouette emerged in all its majesty under the bright full moon.


    The werewolf stood on two legs, the fur embedded in its muscular body rippling gently in the wind. His claws glinted like swords in the light of the full moon. He took a step, making the earth tremble. It howled relentlessly towards the sky.


    But something else caught his attention; the werewolf was not focused on him, but on another being a few feet away. Jiho immediately realized what it was: A vampire. His face looked human, but the aura radiating around him was pure evil. A feeling of cold, deadly and dark energy enveloped his entire body. Jiho muttered in surprise:


    ¡°It''s... a vampire...¡±


    This creature was a mythical being whose very name people whispered in fear.


    The vampire looked at the werewolf with fearless and contemptuous eyes.


    Jiho felt very weak and small in front of these two mythical beings. He wanted to run as far away from these two creatures as possible, and just as he was getting ready to do so, his eyes caught sight of a few children ahead of the werewolf, trying to hide behind a small stone.


    They were trembling with fear, their eyes wide and pleading as they silently begged Jiho for help.


    At that moment, the only question that echoed in his mind was, ¡°What are children doing in a place like this?¡±


    Jiho didn''t know it, but this scene he was in was entirely a reflection of the magic power of the Hunter Seers. His mind was completely trapped in the illusion created by the Seers, believing that everything he saw was real. The world as it was now was the truth for him.


    Even among hunters, seers were considered a rare and highly specialized talent. Although their combat skills were limited, their special magical power made them unique. They could identify the divine abilities within people and measure the strength of these abilities. They could also project images into the minds of would-be hunters, testing their courage and willpower. It was impossible for Jiho to resist these powerful illusions; everything he encountered felt real to the bone.


    Suddenly the vampire and the werewolf charged towards each other at the same time. They ran at breakneck speed and engaged in a ferocious battle. Jiho felt the ground shake with the violence of the battle. Despite the horrible sight, his eyes shifted back to the children. He couldn''t ignore the little faces looking at him in despair. Once this battle between vampire and werewolf was over, the children would have no chance of survival.


    There was only one thing he could do: To take those children and run away from here. For a moment, the thought echoed in his mind, ¡°I hope they don''t notice me.¡±


    Jiho, without hesitation, Jiho started running towards the children.

 3 - Pure Courage

    All the senior hunters watching the test from behind the Seers froze as Park Jiho rushed toward the children, their faces filled with shock. The overwhelming pressure from the Vampire Lord and Alpha Werewolf was enough to paralyze anyone. It was designed to crush willpower and make people give up. Simply withstanding the aura and staying conscious was enough to pass the test, but trying to help others¡ªthat was more than just passing the exam. That was truly remarkable.


    At that moment, everyone realized: this so-called commoner was no ordinary person.


    After a brief moment of silence, laughter rose from the back rows. A tall man with shoulder-length blond hair and cold blue eyes stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. It was Henry Acton, the famous hunter from the United Kingdom. With a smile, he turned to Choi Han-min.


    ¡°What were you saying just now, Choi Han-min? You were saying that this boy¡¯s talent is weak, weren¡¯t you?¡±


    Choi Han-min glanced at Park Jiho for a moment, then replied, ¡°I¡¯ll admit he has guts, but that doesn¡¯t change the fact that his talent is only Gray and his physical strength is lacking.¡±


    ¡°You admit he¡¯s got guts?¡± Acton narrowed his eyes, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he turned to face Choi Han-min. With a faint smirk, he tapped his fingers in rhythm with Jiho¡¯s heartbeat.


    Thump... thump... thump... thump...


    A heavy silence descended over the hunters surrounding them, all eyes drawn to the sound. The confusion on Choi Han-min¡¯s face deepened.


    Acton glanced at the others, who still seemed puzzled, and clarified, ¡°This boy is witnessing a deadly battle between a vampire lord and an alpha werewolf.¡± He gestured toward Jiho. ¡°But look at his heartbeat.¡±


    The others slowly began to grasp what Acton was pointing out.


    ¡°He even put himself in danger, trying to help others, yet his heart remains completely calm. He¡¯s not afraid of the vampire lord or the alpha werewolf.¡± He paused, gauging the hunters¡¯ reactions, before continuing. ¡°The nobles who¡¯ve passed this test before were paralyzed with fear. We let them pass because they didn¡¯t faint, but none of them tried to help anyone. Most couldn¡¯t even help themselves¡ªtheir hearts were pounding out of control. But this boy...¡± Acton smiled. ¡°His heart is calm, like ice. That tells us something, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    Acton turned to Choi Han-min and added with a wry smile: ¡°Choi Han-min, you''re really right. This kid seems to have some guts.¡±


    Choi Han-min''s eyes flashed with hatred. They had worked together at Cheonji Academy for five years, but they had never liked each other.


    ¡°Acton, you are too compassionate towards these children from commoner families. I''m afraid that soon you will let even those with no talent into the academy.¡±


    Acton shrugged with an innocent expression. ¡°Oh, if Cheonji Academy doesn¡¯t want to accept this boy, I¡¯ll recommend him to Kingswood Academy. I¡¯m sure they¡¯d be more than happy to take him in.¡±


    Kingswood Academy in England had been the world¡¯s leading institution for hunters for the last five hundred years. Many hunters who graduated from there became legendary figures in history. Acton¡¯s suggestion about Kingswood was sure to stir the debate even further, but before anyone could react, a stern voice cut through the tension.


    ¡°Enough.¡±


    Kim Taejoon, the principal of the academy, spoke up, cutting through the tension. Both Acton and Choi Han-min fell silent, their respect for the principal immediately halting the debate. Kim Taejoon¡¯s voice softened as he continued.


    ¡°This young man is now a student of Cheonji Academy.¡±Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    He cast a stern glance at Acton and Choi Han-min. ¡°Don¡¯t involve the students in your quarrels. Your role is to help them realize their potential.¡±


    Both instructors bowed their heads respectfully. ¡°We apologize,¡± they muttered in unison.


    Kim Taejoon nodded, his expression satisfied, before turning to address the rest of the group. His gaze lingered on Jiho, curiosity flickering in his eyes as he wondered about the secrets behind Jiho''s unshakable courage.


    Unaware that there was such a discussion about him outside, Jiho''s attention was completely captured by the deadly battle between the werewolf and the vampire. He could not take his eyes off the battle. Every movement, every move, was etched in his mind as if time had stopped. The battle was not just about brute force; both sides were confronting the most savage forces of nature.


    The werewolf threw its huge body forward and launched a savage attack with its claws. His muscular arms tore the air around him with every movement. His claws were strong enough to split a tree trunk in two. Its roar echoed in the heavens, its shadow stretched like a giant nightmare under the full moon. The ground trembled and the earth split as its huge claws descended upon the vampire once more. But the vampire was quick and agile. With a single move, it retreated and suddenly changed direction like a shadow.


    The vampire''s attack was pure lethality. Wrapped in his black cloak, he seemed to move with the shadows with every step. As soon as he opened his arms and lunged towards the werewolf, a dark power gathered in his hands. Suddenly a gloomy chill blew through the air. Long, scythe-like claws emerged from the vampire''s fingertips and dug into the werewolf''s chest. In a matter of seconds, the attack was so fast it was almost untraceable to the eye. But the werewolf responded with a fierce roar, grabbing the vampire''s arm and throwing him to the ground with great force.


    The vampire fell to the ground, but as soon as he made contact with the earth, he stood up again. There was no sign of pain or fear on his face, only pure, ruthless determination. His red eyes flashed and his fangs were fully exposed. With a cold hiss from its mouth, it lunged at the werewolf like lightning. Its claws cut a deep gash in his stomach, but the werewolf did not hesitate to strike back.


    The battle was a display of chaos and violence. Two creatures fighting not just to survive, but to destroy each other. As Jiho watched this battle from the shadows, his heart remained calm. He continued to run quickly after the stones. But one eye was always on this terrible battle, memorizing every detail. It was as if everything he learned from this battle would determine his future destiny.


    With every step, he was getting closer to reach the children, but the noise and brutality of the battle surrounded him completely. The sound of the werewolf''s bones breaking, the sharp whistle of the vampire''s deadly claws... Everything was as real as if she were watching the end of the world.


    ¡°Soon this war between them will be over. I must be faster, it may be our only chance to escape from here.¡± He thought.


    The children were finally a few steps ahead of him.


    ¡°I did it. I reached them.¡± He thought with a smile on his face. The children in front of him were looking at him with eyes asking for help. A little girl held out her hand and said in a low voice, ¡°Help me.¡±


    Jiho smiled at the little girl and held out his hand. Just as he was about to take the little girl''s hand, everything went black. It was as if a black vortex had taken over his whole being and was sucking him in. The girl''s eyes asking for help, the vampire, the werewolf and the ruin all disappeared.


    Jiho opened his eyes as he slowly regained consciousness. For a moment he forgot where he was. Wondering what had happened to the children, he remembered where he was when he saw the three women sitting in front of him with their eyes closed and the hunters behind them looking at him with interest. At last he was fully back in reality.


    Looking around, he noticed the white and shaken faces of the nobles next to him. Two of them could barely stand. Jiho had been deeply affected by what had just happened; the blood was still rushing through his veins. The glory of the battle between the vampire lord and the werewolf was fresh in his mind. As he thought of the power of those two, a wave of excitement surged through him as he dreamed of one day being strong enough to match them.


    Kim Taejoon, the principal of the academy, spoke in a voice that carried weight and authority: "Welcome to Cheonji Academy. All of you are now officially hunter apprentices. After your one-month training camp, your initiation ceremony will take place. Now, head to the waiting area until the other candidates have finished their exams."


    An officer stepped forward, nodding. "Please follow me. I''ll escort you to the waiting area."


    Jiho took his first step, then another. As he walked, a realization hit him: there was no turning back. The moment he had crossed the gates of this school, his ordinary life had ended. He was stepping into a world that was unfamiliar and unpredictable¡ªone that would change not only his destiny but also who he was. A new path, full of challenges and danger, stretched out before him. The path of a hunter.

 4 - A Commoner Among Nobles

    When Park Jiho stepped into the large hall where the students who had passed the exam were gathered, all the conversations inside suddenly stopped. His arrival had caught everyone''s attention. The admission of a commoner to Cheonji Academy was a big deal in itself. They all came from noble families and most of them considered Jiho beneath them.


    ¡°Wasn''t that boy the one who caused trouble at the entrance?¡± one student muttered.


    ¡°Yeah, I laughed when he said he¡¯d take the test, but look¡ªhe actually made it,¡± one student sneered, his tone dripping with sarcasm.


    ¡°Please,¡± his friend scoffed, eyeing Jiho with disdain. ¡°He looks like he¡¯d crumble after a single punch.¡±


    The nobleman Jiho had argued with at the door was also in the hall, and when he saw that Jiho had passed the test, anger mixed with annoyance appeared in his eyes. He looked hateful, as if he wanted to tear him apart right then and there.


    ¡°That¡¯s the boy who argued with a member of the Lee family, isn¡¯t it?¡± someone whispered nearby,


    ¡°Yeah. A commoner, daring to argue with a noble,¡± a girl responded, her tone dripping with scandalized disbelief.


    ¡°Pathetic,¡± another muttered. ¡°The Lee brat should¡¯ve dealt with him on the spot. Now it¡¯s everyone¡¯s problem.¡±


    ¡°Exactly. Letting a peasant run his mouth without consequence makes all of us look bad,¡± a third voice chimed in, irritation clear. ¡°If it had been me, I¡¯d have shut him up right then and there. People like him need to learn their place.¡±


    ¡°Without nobles, commoners wouldn¡¯t last a day,¡± a young man added with a smug laugh.


    Jiho caught every word. He could feel the eyes on him, the sneers and disdain radiating from every corner of the hall. But he didn¡¯t falter. He had known exactly what he was walking into when he chose this path.


    ¡°Let them talk,¡± he thought, his gaze steady and unwavering. ¡°Noble or not, we¡¯re all here for the same reason¡ªto become hunters. I¡¯ll prove myself, no matter what.¡±


    As he walked further, a few nobles deliberately stepped into his path, their shoulders brushing against his as if testing him. Jiho didn¡¯t flinch. His calm, icy stare was enough to make even the boldest hesitate before moving on, grumbling under their breath.


    At last, Jiho spotted an empty corner near the back of the hall. He made his way toward it, eager to avoid the toxic scrutiny for a moment. But he wasn¡¯t alone.


    The corner was near a group of students who radiated an entirely different kind of presence. At the center of them sat Jin Aeri. Her striking, confident aura drew every eye in the room. Even among nobles, her name carried unmatched weight.


    The Jin family wasn¡¯t just famous¡ªthey were legendary. For generations, they had produced hunters who shaped history. The latest of their prodigies was Jin Aeri, and many believed she was destined for greatness.


    Flanked by her childhood friends Kim Hyunsoo and Choi Minho, and her best friend Yoon Jisoo, Jin Aeri¡¯s group was the pinnacle of elite society within the academy. Even the other nobles treated them with cautious reverence, keeping their distance while harboring dreams of being accepted into their circle. To sit with Jin Aeri wasn¡¯t just a privilege¡ªit was a symbol of power, one that could elevate entire families.


    The fact that Jiho was so close to them caused murmurs to rise again in the rest of the hall.


    ¡°Is he serious? Sitting anywhere near Jin Aeri?¡± someone hissed.


    ¡°Unbelievable,¡± another muttered, glaring daggers at Jiho. ¡°Does he think he¡¯s even worthy of breathing the same air as her?¡±


    ¡°Arrogant commoner,¡± a third voice growled. ¡°He¡¯s going to get himself killed if he keeps this up.¡±


    One noble, standing slightly apart from the rest, clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. His eyes flicked to Jin Aeri, his admiration for her as plain as his disdain for Jiho.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stand him,¡± he spat. ¡°The moment this camp is over, I¡¯ll challenge him to a duel. Let¡¯s see if he still acts so high and mighty when he¡¯s crawling on the ground.¡±


    But Jin Aeri, unlike the others, smiled slightly as she looked at Jiho. ¡°This new boy is really interesting,¡± she said.


    Kim Hyunsoo rolled his eyes and said, ¡°I think he''s more arrogant than interesting. A commoner who doesn''t know his place,¡± he said condescendingly. To him, Jiho was too small an insect to deserve his attention. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Choi Minho looked at Jiho and said, ¡°He seems interesting to me too. He knows he''s not popular, but he doesn''t seem to care. I like that confidence,¡± he laughed. Yoon Jisoo also blushed slightly and said, ¡°He seems a little cold, but I think he might be sweet.¡±


    Kim Hyunsoo turned to his friends and said sarcastically, ¡°That boy is an idiot who doesn''t know what he''s doing. As soon as the camp is over, many people will challenge him to a duel and he will probably get injured and expelled.¡±


    Jiho, in the face of all these hostile glances and conversations, looked relaxed and indifferent, as if nothing had happened.


    Near where Jiho had settled, a group of four nobles exchanged irritated glances, clearly displeased by his presence.


    Han Sora, the only girl among them, wrinkled her nose as if Jiho¡¯s proximity alone was offensive. She tilted her head toward him, her voice dripping with arrogance. ¡°Why is he sitting so close to us? Doesn¡¯t he know his place? Surely, there are other corners he could crawl into.¡±


    Jang Taesoo, seated beside her, gave a small laugh and nodded in agreement. ¡°A boy who¡¯d normally be a servant polishing our boots, walking around like he belongs here?¡± He shook his head in mock disbelief. ¡°It¡¯s almost amusing.¡±


    Hwang Dongwook folded his arms across his broad chest, his sharp eyes locked onto Jiho with barely concealed disdain. ¡°Amusing? No, it¡¯s audacious,¡± he said in a low, measured voice. ¡°It takes nerve to sit here, among us. I don¡¯t think he realizes who he¡¯s dealing with.¡±


    Moon Jaewon, the unspoken leader of the group, sat back in his chair, observing Jiho silently. His cold, calculating gaze lingered on the commoner, his expression unreadable. Unlike the others, Jaewon didn¡¯t indulge in petty insults; he didn¡¯t need to. His very presence demanded respect. His family, while not as powerful as the Jin clan, was still among the upper echelon of nobility.


    The rest of the group glanced at Jaewon expectantly, waiting for him to act. His approval¡ªor disapproval¡ªwould set the tone. After a moment of heavy silence, Jaewon stood up and began to walk towards Jiho. The attention of everyone in the hall was focused on this unexpected encounter.


    Jiho did not move as he approached, but rather watched his arrival with an even colder expression on his face than usual.


    Jaewon came up to Jiho and stood a few steps away. The air in the hall was heavy with the silent challenge between the two.


    ¡°You can¡¯t sit here,¡± Jaewon said at last, his tone mocking but firm. ¡°Go find another corner. Somewhere more... appropriate for you.¡±


    Jiho tilted his head slightly, considering Jaewon¡¯s words. For a moment, he said nothing, letting the silence hang in the air. Then, with a casual shrug, he replied, ¡°Why?¡± His voice was calm, steady, yet loud enough to carry across the room.


    Jaewon¡¯s eyes narrowed at the audacity of the question. ¡°Because someone like you,¡± he said slowly, his words sharp and deliberate, ¡°doesn¡¯t belong here.¡±


    Jiho straightened, meeting Jaewon¡¯s gaze without flinching. ¡°And who exactly do I need to be to stay here?¡±


    "Do you actually think you¡¯re our equal?" Han Sora asked, her voice sharp and challenging.


    Jiho didn¡¯t even look at her. Instead, he chuckled lightly, a sound that, despite its softness, carried an undeniable edge of defiance. "Equal?" he replied, his tone calm and even. "I¡¯m not sure about that." His eyes shifted to Jaewon, unwavering. "But I¡¯m here, aren¡¯t I? I passed the test. Isn¡¯t that enough?"


    Hwang Dongwook¡¯s jaw tightened, and his fists clenched at Jiho¡¯s casual response. "You passed the test?" he spat, his voice thick with contempt. "Do you really think that makes you one of us?"


    Jiho¡¯s gaze flicked to Dongwook, his expression remaining calm, almost bored. ¡°No,¡± he said simply. ¡°But it does mean I earned my place here.¡±


    Jaewon¡¯s smile twisted into something colder. ¡°You¡¯re either incredibly brave or unbelievably stupid,¡± he sneered. ¡°I can¡¯t decide which. How does someone like you manage to act so confident?¡±


    Jiho didn¡¯t even acknowledge him. His gaze kept scanning the area, his face unreadable, as if Jaewon¡¯s words were little more than background noise. He even seemed a little bored, as though Jaewon weren¡¯t worth the effort.


    Jaewon¡¯s jaw tightened. Anger and hatred swelled inside him. How can a peasant, a commoner, insult me?


    He stepped closer, his voice lowering to a dangerous growl. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you regret that.¡±


    Jiho glanced at him with indifferent eyes. ¡°So you¡¯re a talker, huh? All bark and no bite.¡±


    Jaewon¡¯s smile twitched. ¡°Just wait until the training camp ends. You¡¯ll regret every second of this conversation.¡±


    At Cheonji Academy, the rules of the training camp kept things calm¡ªat least for now. Fights were strictly prohibited during the first month. But after that? All bets were off. Anyone could challenge anyone to a duel, and there was no way out. Mercy didn¡¯t exist in these duels; the strong crushed the weak. Even for fun, they would target the vulnerable.


    Those who couldn¡¯t defend themselves had two options: join a powerful group for protection or get chewed up and spat out. There was no middle ground.


    Jiho knew exactly what was coming. The moment the camp ended, the challenges would start. He¡¯d be the first target¡ªthe weakest in the academy.


    They¡¯ll come after me no matter what I do, just because they think I¡¯m weak. So there¡¯s no reason to show respect to these people, he thought coldly.


    They thought they could humiliate him, break him.


    But that¡¯s where they were wrong.


    Every fight, every bruise, every defeat would only fuel him. He didn¡¯t fear the pain. He welcomed it. If crawling through the dirt was what it took to grow stronger, then so be it. He¡¯d endure. He¡¯d rise.


    One day, the ones looking down on him would have no choice but to look up.


    Jin Aeri was still watching him while Jiho was thinking this. Looking at Jiho''s calm face


    ¡°This boy,¡± she said to herself, ¡±is really interesting.¡±

 5 - Crimson Eyes

    When Jiho was taken to the dorm prepared for him, he realized just how tired he truly was. The events of the day had drained him more than he had anticipated. He quickly took a shower, and collapsed onto his bed, falling into a deep, heavy sleep almost instantly.


    In the early morning, a knock on his door woke him.


    ¡°Who could it be at this hour¡­?¡± he muttered, dragging himself out of bed.


    When he opened the door, a school officer stood before him.


    ¡°Park Jiho?¡± the man asked.


    Jiho nodded. The man handed him a note.


    ¡°This was sent by Henry Acton,¡± he said before turning and walking away without another word.


    Jiho recalled hearing Henry Acton¡¯s name the day before¡ªActon was the master hunter assigned as his mentor. Beyond that, Jiho knew little about him. No reputation, no stories, not even rumors of his skills.


    The note read:


    ¡°Tonight at ten o¡¯clock, you will begin your first training. Don¡¯t be late.¡±


    It included an address and a rough sketch of the training location.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe this is really happening. I¡¯m really at Cheonji Academy,¡± he whispered, his heart pounding with excitement.


    He glanced out the window, eyes bright. It was a clear, sunny day. Staying in his room felt impossible. Jiho decided to explore the academy and head outside.


    He noticed that, Academy was far larger than he had expected. Training areas sprawled in every direction, each one unique. Some were open to all students, while others were marked with enchantments and barriers, accessible only with special permission. Ancient runes and spells adorned the restricted areas, their power palpable even from a distance.


    The open areas bustled with activity. Students practiced mana techniques and physical combat, their shouts and the clash of weapons filling the air. Jiho watched them for a moment before moving on.


    Jiho only returned to his room as evening began to fall. It was almost time for his lesson with Henry Acton; he put on his training clothes and went outside. The building where the lecture was to take place was in a remote corner of the campus, so he set off at a brisk pace along a path through the dense woods.


    Jiho walked deeper into the forest, following the faint path until the trees thinned out. Soon, he found himself standing in front of a large, old building. It looked like a church, with tall windows and spires that reached toward the sky. The place felt silent and heavy, like it was frozen in time.


    The two big wooden doors were closed tight, their surface covered in scratches and wear. Jiho pushed one open with both hands, the creaking sound echoing through the empty space. He stepped inside and stopped.


    The room stretched out in front of him. it was almost empty but at the end of it, a large cross hung on the wall.


    In front of the cross there were six students in their training uniforms. Jiho¡¯s eyes were drawn to the man in the center. He was tall, with golden hair. His One foot rested on a large chest but that chess seemed special. It was covered in glowing runes.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°Good,¡± Acton said with a smile. ¡°Now that Jiho is here, the team is complete.¡±


    Everyone turned to look at him. Jiho gave a slight bow. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sir. I didn¡¯t mean to be late.¡±


    ¡°No need to apologize,¡± he said warmly. ¡°You¡¯re right on time.¡±


    Jiho joined the group. Acton¡¯s gaze swept over the students, his expression still friendly, but the air in the room started to change.


    A strong aura burst out from him, filling the room like a tidal wave. Jiho¡¯s body tensed up as a cold chill ran down his spine. The energy was overwhelming, sharp and heavy, making it hard to breathe.


    The other students weren¡¯t doing much better. Some flinched, while others stepped back, their faces pale. That was Henry Acton¡¯s aura. It was like a storm, pressing down on everyone without mercy.


    A strange noise suddenly rumbled from the chest beneath Acton¡¯s foot, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. The chest trembled, muffled creaks echoing from within, as if something restless and trapped was inside.


    ¡°So, you felt my aura, huh? Maybe you''re not as weak as we thought.¡±


    His hand moved slowly toward the lid. The room seemed to hold its breath, every student fixated on the unfolding moment.


    Acton opened the chest and pulled out a figure¡ªit was a girl. He grabbed her tightly by the hair, dragging her a few steps away from the chest.


    She was in a simple white dress, but stained with blood. Her marble-like skin, pale and cold, was marked with fresh wounds. The chains that bound her glowed with faint runes, coiling around her wrists and neck. Every time she struggled, the chains flared to life, their light a cruel reminder of her helplessness¡ªeach movement felt like a torment.


    Despite her weakness and exhaustion, Jiho could still sense an undeniable beauty and nobility in her.


    ¡°A¡­ vampire,¡± Jiho muttered under his breath, barely able to speak.


    Acton nodded, ¡°This is the most important lesson you will ever learn. This is the fate of the weak...¡±


    He gestured toward the vampire girl with a cold stare. ¡°This vampire is weak. She¡¯s here because she couldn¡¯t protect herself. In the hunter world, weakness is a death sentence. If you don¡¯t grow stronger, you won¡¯t even get to choose how you die.¡±


    The vampire¡¯s trembling gaze swept over the room like trying to find a way to help or run away, her gaze was moving from one student to the next, her desperation growing with each passing moment¡ªuntil it settled on Jiho.


    When her crimson eyes locked with his, an almost imperceptible shift passed across her face. The fear didn¡¯t vanish completely, but something else broke through¡ªa shock, as if she had seen something entirely unexpected.


    That was just a moment no one noticed but only Jiho.


    After a brief moment, her expression shifted, as if she had made a decision. Whatever realization had hit her, it was enough to make a decision¡ªone that felt heavy, final, and unwavering.


    The girl then turned her focus back to Acton, her eyes shining with hatred and contempt.


    Suddenly, nn overwhelming aura erupted from the vampire girl. Her aura clashed with Acton¡¯s, sweeping it aside. Acton¡¯s aura was like a raging storm, but hers was cold¡ªlike death itself, seeping into the bones.


    For a moment, Acton¡¯s aura was completely overwhelmed by hers. The runes on her chains flared, desperately attempting to suppress her, digging into her skin and causing excruciating pain. She screamed in agony, her power intensifying with each passing second. With a final, heart-wrenching cry, the chains couldn¡¯t withstand the force any longer and shattered into dust.


    She broke free and lunged toward Jiho with a speed so fast it was a blur. Her crimson eyes locked onto him.


    Jiho couldn¡¯t even follow her with his eyes¡ªwithin a heartbeat, she was behind him. Her claws dug into his neck, barely a touch, but enough to draw blood as they gripped him tightly. Her fangs hovered just inches from his skin, sending a cold shiver down his spine.


    The students gasped in shock, fear evident on their faces. Even Acton, who had been in control of every situation, felt fear in his heart as he saw Jiho in this position.


    The vampire girl flashed a sinister smile at Acton, her expression mockingly calm, but her eyes¡ªthose cold, empty eyes¡ªsent a chill through Jiho¡¯s spine.


    Death was a breath away from Jiho.

 6 - The Fangs of Fate

    Henry Acton had faced death countless times. He had witnessed horrors most people couldn¡¯t even fathom. But now, he felt fear like never before. Because of one mistake, Jiho was in the clutches of a vampire.


    Acton had expected the vampire to flee toward the exit, but instead, she launched a direct attack at Jiho. The distance between them was short, leaving no room for error. A single wrong move could cost Jiho his life, and everyone in the room seemed to know it.


    Acton had expected the vampire to flee toward the exit, but instead, she launched a direct attack at Jiho. The distance between them was short, leaving no room for error. A single wrong move could cost Jiho his life, and everyone in the room felt the weight of it.


    The other students, once confident, stood frozen. They were all talented young men from noble families, raised on stories of hunts and trained by real hunters before ever stepping foot in Cheonji Academy. They had always thought of themselves as brave and strong. But now, face-to-face with a vampire, all their confidence had vanished. The stories hadn¡¯t prepared them for this.


    Acton¡¯s voice broke the silence, calm but firm: ¡°Don¡¯t. If you let the boy go, I promise you a quick and painless death. I swear on my honor.¡±


    The vampire¡¯s blood-red eyes locked onto Acton¡¯s, and a mocking smile curled on her lips. ¡°Honor?¡± she hissed, her voice echoing coldly in the room.


    Acton¡¯s heart tightened as he saw the look in her eyes.


    Without warning, the vampire sank her fangs into Jiho¡¯s neck. Jiho¡¯s scream of pain filled the air but was quickly silenced. His face twisted in pure agony, the kind of pain so intense that no sound could escape his lips. His eyes, wide with fear and desperation, reflected sheer terror, as if his soul was screaming, but his body couldn¡¯t respond. The torment in his gaze was unbearable, and for a moment, he seemed frozen in time, unable to do anything but endure the suffering.


    Vampires were most vulnerable when they fed, especially in that first moment when they tasted the blood. Acton knew this well as an experienced hunter. As he looked at Jiho¡¯s pained face, he realized this was the only chance he had to save him.


    In life-or-death moments like this, Acton¡¯s heart remained cold, his hand steady, and his focus absolute. He had just one breath¡¯s worth of time to act, but that was all he needed.


    With lightning speed, he drew his gun. The students barely saw his movement before the deafening blast shattered the silence. A beam of light pierced the vampire¡¯s skull, and her body went limp.


    The vampire collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud, and Jiho crumpled beside her. Blood dripped from the corners of Jiho¡¯s eyes, and his nose began to bleed as his body shook uncontrollably. His teeth were clenched tight, his whole body trembling as if every muscle was fighting the poison coursing through him.


    The students stared at Acton, a mix of fear, shock, and respect in their eyes. But Acton ignored them, rushing to Jiho¡¯s side.


    When they looked back at Jiho, a cold shiver ran down their spines. The truth¡ªthe harsh reality they had only heard about in stories¡ªwas now right before their eyes.


    "Vampire poison..." someone whispered.


    Suppressing his panic, Acton quickly crouched next to Jiho and pulled out a small bottle filled with blue pills. He placed the pills in Jiho''s mouth and made him swallow before he lost consciousness. These pills, developed by scientist hunters after years of research, were created to counter vampire venom. When a hunter was poisoned by a vampire bite, these pills were the only thing that could ensure their survival.


    As Jiho took the pills, his body was still shaking, blood dripping from his nose, ears, and eyes. His face contorted in pain. His body continued to tremble for a while, but eventually, it stopped, and his eyes closed completely... he lost consciousness. For Jiho, there was now only darkness.


    -Hospital Building, Infirmary-Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    As Jiho lay unconscious in the quiet hospital room, Henry Acton and Kim Taejoon,the academy principal, stood silently by his side. Acton gave a detailed explanation of what had happened, bowing respectfully and apologizing repeatedly.


    ¡°I understand,¡± the principal said calmly. ¡°Even the best of us sometimes make mistakes, Henry. It''s not just your fault, it¡¯s mine too. The vampire was much more powerful than we realized.¡±


    Acton looked down in shame, silently accepting the blame. He couldn¡¯t find the words to say.


    Kim Taejoon¡¯s gaze shifted to Jiho. ¡°It¡¯s incredible that an untrained hunter trainee like him could resist vampire venom.¡±


    A heavy silence filled the room. Both men stared at Jiho for a while before silently leaving the room. Jiho remained unconscious for three days. Finally, on the morning of the third day, as the sun rose, he opened his eyes. For a moment, he didn¡¯t understand where he was. But as he looked around, it became clear¡ªhe was in a hospital. Slowly, his memories began to return. He quickly reached for his neck, where the vampire had bitten him.


    The moment his fingers touched the spot, the memory flooded back. He recalled the worst pain he had ever felt. It was as though his soul was on fire, his blood boiling, and his bones crumbling. When the pain had become unbearable, it seemed to slow down for a brief moment, but immediately afterward, it surged back, even stronger. That was the last thing he remembered before losing consciousness.


    Jiho remembered everything: the vampire¡¯s cold, terrifying gaze, how she attacked his neck, and the moment her fangs sank into his flesh. The pain was pure, endless, hopeless¡ªa suffering so intense it felt as if his very soul had caught fire. His blood had boiled, his bones had seemed to break, and the agony had been so pure, it defied description. It wasn''t just physical; it felt like something deep within him had shattered. He had wished for death, just to escape that pain. That was something he could never forget, a memory so vivid it still echoed in his mind.


    But, despite that sharp recollection, all of it¡ªthe pain¡ªwas gone now. It had felt as if it had torn both his soul and body apart, but now, it was as though that torment had simply vanished, leaving nothing but a strange stillness in its place.


    He checked his body, instinctively searching for any sign of injury or change, but everything seemed normal. Yet, something felt different.


    On the outside, he looked the same as before¡ªnothing had changed. But on the inside, he felt a strength and vitality he had never known. It was like something inside him had shifted, something deep within that had never been there before.


    Since childhood, Jiho had always been weaker than his peers. His true strength had always been his courage and determination. He had believed that, with hard work, he would eventually strengthen his body. But what he felt now was completely different. The weakness that had always held him back seemed to have vanished entirely. It was as if this body didn¡¯t belong to him anymore.


    That bite... what did it do to me? he wondered.


    As he clenched his fists, a power unlike anything he had felt before surged through him. When he looked around, everything seemed more vivid, clearer. The air felt brighter, the colors more intense, and the sounds sharper. It was as if all his senses had been heightened.


    What really happened to me? His heart raced with a mix of curiosity and excitement. He tried to recall the moment when the vampire attacked, the sensation of her fangs sinking into his neck. The pain was so vivid in his mind, but the actual moment of the attack was unclear, as if a part of it had slipped away. It felt as though he had forgotten something important. After thinking for a while, a memory finally surfaced¡ªbefore the vampire died, she had said something to him. But the words... they were gone, as if they had been erased from his mind.


    What did she say to me before she died? he muttered under his breath.


    Just as Jiho was lost in thought, a nurse entered the room, holding Jiho¡¯s blood test results. A puzzled smile spread across her face.


    ¡°Park Jiho, you¡¯re awake!¡± she said cheerfully. ¡°You must be exhausted. The doctor will check on you soon. Please stay in bed.¡±


    Jiho remained silent, still trying to make sense of everything that had happened. After a short while, the doctor entered the room.


    ¡°Park Jiho, you¡¯re incredibly lucky. Surviving a vampire bite is extremely rare. The quick intervention and the right medication seem to have saved you,¡± the doctor said.


    ¡°The tests we¡¯ve done so far are looking good. We¡¯ll need to run a few more blood tests, but once we¡¯re sure everything is normal, you can leave. You¡¯ll need to stay here for a few more days,¡± the doctor explained.


    ¡°Blood tests... they want to make sure everything is normal...¡±


    He nodded slightly and said, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    After the doctor and nurse left, the room fell into silence again. As Jiho closed his eyes, something unusual caught his attention¡ªa strange, pungent smell filled his nose.


    This smell... it was familiar yet unfamiliar at the same time. His heart began to race.


    ¡°It¡¯s... the smell of blood,¡± he whispered. ¡°But why... why do I smell it so clearly?¡±

 7 - The Line Between Human and Monster

    Jiho flinched as a sharp scent filled his nose. This smell... it was so familiar, yet at the same time, so foreign. "The smell of blood," he whispered. Why was he able to sense it so clearly? He shut his eyes tightly, but the intensity of the scent refused to let him relax. But it wasn''t just the smell that was different. The way he perceived the world around him had changed too¡ªeverything seemed more vivid, more distinct. It was as if his vision had never been this sharp before.


    For a moment, the overwhelming changes made him feel nauseous.


    ¡°Am I still the same person?¡±  he wondered.


    Jiho knew he had become stronger; he could feel it in every muscle, in every breath. He had lived his life weak and knew weakness intimately, but now, something felt different. The vitality, the surge of strength¡ªit was undeniable.


    He sensed that this change, this newfound strength, was somehow connected to the vampire. That was what troubled him the most. Would he still be able to remain human, or was he slowly turning into a monster?


    In this world, the lines were clear: you were either human or a monster. The doctor¡¯s tests would determine which. If anything abnormal was found, the hunters wouldn¡¯t hesitate to treat him as an experiment.


    ¡°I can¡¯t have turned into a vampire... can I?¡± he wondered, a growing unease settling in his chest.


    ¡°They put my bed near the window on purpose,¡± he thought, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.


    ¡°The sun didn¡¯t kill me, so I can¡¯t be a vampire, right?¡± He tried to reason with himself, but despite all the logical explanations, the changes in his body felt as though they had turned him into something different.


    ¡°So what happened to me? Why do I feel so different?¡±


    As these questions swirled in his mind, the door opened slightly, and the nurse entered. The nurse was carrying a small device.


    "Jiho, we¡¯ll do one more test," she said in a calm voice. Jiho silently nodded, but the chaos in his mind wouldn''t settle.


    ¡°What will these tests reveal?¡± he wondered.


    ¡°Will they notice the changes in my body? And if they do, what will happen¡­¡± As these questions battled in his mind, a growing fear began to rise within him.


    Jiho had undergone several tests during his time at the hospital. Apart from the doctor and nurse, no one had entered his room. Finally, on the last day of the week, the doctor spoke:


    "Your tests are completely normal. You''re a healthy young man. If you''re feeling well, you can be discharged today and begin your training tomorrow," the doctor said.


    These words brought some relief to Jiho.


    ¡°So the results are normal,¡± he thought. ¡°But this is impossible... there''s nothing normal about my body right now, yet they didn''t notice it.¡±


    He felt a little more relaxed.


    "Thank you, doctor. I¡¯ve caused you trouble, and I¡¯d like to leave the hospital now."


    "Of course, you can leave whenever you like," the doctor replied.


    As soon as the doctor and nurse left the room, Jiho quickly took off his hospital gown and headed out without wasting any time. When the cool morning air hit his face, he took a deep breath. For the first time in days, he felt a sense of relief.


    As Jiho walked, he became more aware of the changes in his body. Vitality coursed through his veins, infusing every muscle with life. His steps were now both light and powerful, and the confidence growing within him was a reflection of this newfound strength. He remembered his old self¡ªhow he had always tried to appear strong, though deep down, he knew how weak he truly was. But now, everything was different.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°So this is what it feels like to be strong,¡± he murmured to himself. The power coursing through him felt like a melody, whispering that anything was possible.


    After staying at the hospital and undergoing numerous blood tests, walking made Jiho feel a bit better. As he walked, he noticed someone watching him. Then, he heard his name being called. Turning around, he saw a man in a formal uniform approaching quickly. Jiho waited, letting the man come closer.


    ¡°Park Jiho,¡± the man addressed him, ¡°Senior Hunter Henry Acton is expecting you in his office. Please follow me.¡±


    Nodding in acknowledgment, Jiho fell in step behind him. They walked toward the academy¡¯s administration building¡ªa grand structure with cold stone walls and dark corridors. The senior hunters all had their offices here. This was where Henry Acton resided.


    After navigating the long corridor, they reached Acton¡¯s office. Inside, Acton sat behind his desk, looking tired and worn. His eyes rested on Jiho, filled with guilt.


    ¡°What happened... it was my fault, Jiho. I let a student face such danger. That vampire nearly killed you, and I failed to protect you.¡±


    Jiho felt the sincerity in Acton¡¯s words.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t blame yourself,¡± Jiho replied. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be alive if it weren¡¯t for you. Thank you for saving me.¡±


    He knew exactly what kind of world he had stepped into. What happened was due to his own weakness. He wasn¡¯t about to blame anyone else for it.


    ¡°How do you feel now?¡± Acton asked, a mix of concern and curiosity in his voice. ¡°I wanted to visit you at the hospital, but the doctors didn¡¯t allow it. I heard you left early today.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Sir¡± Jiho nodded. ¡°There was no point in staying any longer. I feel fine and ready to start training.¡±


    Acton took a deep breath, clearly torn. His concern was evident, but so was his understanding of Jiho¡¯s determination. After a moment, he sighed. ¡°Even though I¡¯d prefer you rest more, it¡¯s better you start your training without losing any more time,¡± he admitted.


    Acton knew the academy¡¯s harsh reality all too well. Jiho wouldn¡¯t survive here unless he grew stronger¡ªand fast. The noble students were ruthless, already trained for a long time with their family techniques even before the academy, and growing stronger here with the rich mana sources and combat training. Acton wanted to help this boy. Jiho¡¯s bravery during the courage test, helping others despite having nothing himself, had left a lasting impression. Because of his mistake, Jiho had almost lost his life.


    While Jiho was in the infirmary, Acton thought a lot about how to help him. He knew he couldn¡¯t intervene directly in the upcoming duels¡ªthat was strictly forbidden, and it wouldn¡¯t truly help Jiho in the long run. Jiho needed to be strong to survive here, and in the hunter¡¯s world, strength was everything. After a moment of deliberation, Acton made up his mind. He might not be able to fight Jiho¡¯s battles for him, but he could give Jiho a chance to survive.


    With a determined look, Acton opened a heavy drawer and pulled out two old but carefully preserved books. These were no ordinary books. They contained knowledge that could make a difference in Jiho¡¯s journey.


    ¡°These are special texts from my family,¡± he said seriously. ¡°The first explains our basic combat techniques. The second covers mana control. Remember, Jiho, physical strength alone won¡¯t make you a hunter. Hunters surpass human limits by mastering mana. No matter how weak your body may seem, proper mana control can make up for it. Study these books¡ªthey¡¯ll be invaluable to you.¡±


    Jiho¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. He understood the worth of family techniques. Hunter families never sold them; they were priceless. The other students at the academy already had their family techniques and were training with them.


    But Jiho, a commoner, had no such advantage. This was the biggest difference between him and the nobles. While the academy had combat and mana control books, they couldn¡¯t compare to family legacies.


    Bowing deeply, Jiho expressed his gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Master,¡± he said sincerely, his voice filled with emotion.


    Acton smiled faintly. ¡°These books can only guide you. How much you learn depends on your talent and determination.¡±


    For the first time, Jiho felt the warmth of being taken seriously by someone. Acton gestured for him to prepare to leave.


    Just as Jiho was about to exit, a knock came at the door. The person who entered was none other than the academy¡¯s legendary headmaster, Kim Taejoon.


    With Taejoon¡¯s arrival, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Even the silence seemed to grow heavier, bowing to his presence. Known beyond Korea¡¯s borders, Taejoon was a world-renowned hunter, respected and revered for his strength, resolve, and countless victories. His reputation had earned him an almost mythical status.


    Jiho couldn¡¯t help but feel smaller in Taejoon¡¯s presence. The sheer power radiating from the man was overwhelming. Being in the same room as him filled Jiho with a mix of admiration and pressure.


    And then, it hit him. Jiho suddenly recalled the vampire¡¯s final words:


    ¡°Never trust the Hunter''s Guild. This power I give you... it¡¯s a gift to help you survive.¡±