The early morning sun cast a pale glow over Eldrion's capital city, Astraeus. The towering Guild Headquarters shimmered like a beacon of hope for many. For Akira Kurogane, however, it was a daily reminder of his place at the very bottom.
Standing outside the gigantic plaza, Akira adjusted his cheap, second-hand hunter gear. His E-rank badge glinted in the sunlight like an open insult.
"Still wearing that rusty armor, huh?"
A sharp voice cut through the bustling crowd. It was Renji, his so-called childhood friend — now a proud A-Rank hunter. His toned physique, custom enchanted gear, and glowing fire blade attracted gazes from female hunters nearby.
Akira smiled weakly. "Morning, Renji."
Renji smirked, putting an arm around his shoulder.
"You know, I admire your persistence, Akira. Most E-ranks just give up after their first year. But you… you keep coming back for more embarrassment."
The girls behind Renji giggled.
Akira simply stayed quiet. He'd grown used to this mockery.
But his heart stung a little more today — because standing behind Renji was Sayaka.
His long-time crush.
Her silver hair danced in the wind, her violet eyes indifferent. She used to smile at him once upon a time, when they were kids. But now…
"Hey, Akira." Sayaka finally spoke, her tone dry. "Are you still clinging to that ridiculous dream of becoming S-Rank?"
Her lips curved into a cold smile.
"You couldn't even protect that kid last month. You barely escaped with your own life."
Akira clenched his fist.
Yes. That was true.
During a beginner dungeon run, a young hunter recruit was ambushed by goblins. Akira had panicked — his only spell was Escape Magic — a weak teleportation skill that could barely save himself.
The boy hadn't made it.
The memory haunted him every night.
"I won't give up," Akira whispered.
"What was that?" Renji grinned.
"Speak louder, E-rank."
"I said I WON'T GIVE UP!"
Akira's voice echoed in the plaza, drawing several glances.
Renji laughed. "Well, I hope your fantasy keeps you warm at night, because reality sure won't."
Sayaka turned, flipping her hair.
"I like strong men, Akira. Not cowards."
With that, they walked away.
Akira stood alone.
He gritted his teeth, the bitter taste of humiliation sharp on his tongue.
I will become stronger. Strong enough to stand beside her… strong enough to surpass them all.
Later that afternoon…
Inside the Hunter Job Board, Akira scanned through missions he could barely qualify for.
Herb gathering.
Rat extermination.
Delivering supplies.
His funds were running low. Rent was due. And his gear was falling apart.
Then, his eyes fell upon a strange notice.
"Recruitment: Group Position Available. Delivery & Minor Support Tasks. Silver Guild: Scarlet Eclipse."
Scarlet Eclipse? That's… one of the most elite Silver Guild groups!
Akira blinked in disbelief.
"Must be a mistake," he muttered. But curiosity got the better of him. He tore off the posting and headed toward the recruitment building.
Inside the private Guild room...
The door creaked open. Seven pairs of eyes turned toward him.
Akira's breath caught.
Seven stunning women sat around the large round table — each radiating strength and beauty that made even high-ranking hunters nervous.
At the head sat Reina, the group leader.
Long crimson hair, sharp amber eyes, and an aura of pure dominance.
"Hmm… so you're the applicant?" Reina's voice was velvety but commanding.
Akira bowed nervously. "Y-Yes, ma'am."
The others whispered among themselves.
"That's the guy?"
"Looks weak."
"Cute though."
"E-rank? Seriously?"
Reina stood, circling him slowly like a predator studying its prey.
"We needed someone for minor support. Lifting crates, running errands… and maybe being our mascot."
The room chuckled lightly.
Akira flushed but nodded.
"I-I'll do my best."
"Hmm." Reina leaned in closer, their faces inches apart.
"Are you scared of us?"
Akira's throat went dry.
"…N-No, ma'am."
Liar.
His heart hammered wildly.
They're too close… too beautiful… too powerful!
Suddenly, Yumi — the most openly flirtatious of the group — stood and wrapped her arm around his shoulder.
"Aww, don't scare the poor thing, Reina. He's adorable."
Her sultry breath tickled his ear.
Akira froze.
Aria, the cold strategist, raised an eyebrow.
"If he's that easy to rattle, he won't last long."
Reina smiled slyly. "We'll see."
And so, Akira Kurogane, the weakest hunter, joined one of the most dangerous female squads in Eldrion.
That night...
Akira lay in his assigned dorm bed, staring at the ceiling.
What have I gotten myself into?
Just then, the door creaked open silently.
A shadowy figure slipped inside.
It was Mika — the shy healer girl.
"M-Mika? Is something wrong?"
She didn't answer. Instead, she stared at his bare chest — where a strange faint glow pulsed from beneath his skin.
Akira followed her gaze and gasped.
A faint dragon-shaped mark burned on his abdomen, glowing softly.
"What… what is this…?"
Mika's eyes widened, fear and awe mixing in her expression.
So it's true… The Dragon Core sleeps within him.
Before Akira could react, Mika whispered in a panicked tone:
"You must never let the others see this, Akira… If they knew… they'd come for you."
"W-What? Who would?!"
"The Cult of Abyss..."