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Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: "The Price of Becoming a Hunter"

As Alex readied himself for the impending hunter exam, his wardrobe choices bore significance beyond mere clothing.

Deliberately, he opted for a striking red shirt coupled with a pair of sleek black pants, and these choices conveyed not just his fashion preferences but also his psychological readiness for the pivotal event.

The selection of the red shirt wasn't arbitrary; it symbolized his inner fire, determination, and energy.

By donning this vibrant color, Alex sought to embody the passion and resolve that would propel him through the challenges of the exam. It was a visual declaration of his unwavering commitment to confront the trials ahead with fervor.

In contrast, the black pants represented a sense of sophistication and seriousness.

Black is often associated with strength and resilience, and Alex's choice of this color signified his preparedness to face any hurdles that might arise during the exam.

It served as a subtle reminder, both to himself and others, that he approached the upcoming challenges with a composed and focused mindset.

Beyond the surface, Alex's attention to detail in his attire was a reflection of his mental and emotional preparation.

Each article of clothing carried a message of determination and readiness, reinforcing his commitment to succeed in the hunter exam. It was a conscious step in his overall preparation, a way to channel his inner strength and project confidence as he embarked on this life-altering journey. 

Alex descended to the ground floor of his home, motivated by the need to secure the necessary funds for the upcoming hunter exam.

The exam came with a price tag of $5,000, an amount that equated to three months' worth of savings for the Thorn family. This financial commitment was not to be taken lightly, and it held a significant place in their lives.

Three months earlier, a remarkable event had occurred in Alex's life—a moment of awakening.

This awakening was marked by the first stirrings of mana within him. 

In the world, the process of becoming a hunter commenced when individuals began to harness and accumulate mana. This transformative phase was referred to as the "awakening," and it signified the initial steps on the path to becoming a hunter.

Alex had undergone this awakening process, a momentous occasion that he couldn't keep to himself. He had shared this development with his family, and their happiness had known no bounds.

The prospect of Alex becoming a hunter had filled them with pride and anticipation.

However, the road to becoming a hunter was not without its demands.

One such requirement was a non-refundable deposit of $5,000, a substantial sum. But why was this financial commitment necessary? The answer lay in the mandatory attendance at the Hunter School, a month-long training program that all aspiring hunters had to undergo.

Hunter School offered specialized courses that corresponded to various hunter classes. For example, if someone aspired to be a mage, they would attend a rigorous one-month course on their respective mage class.

Why is this necessary, you might wonder? The idea of becoming a hunter with incredible powers akin to figures like Spider-Man or Batman might seem exhilarating, but the reality is quite different. In fact, it's a resounding "no.".

  The reason for this lies in the fact that the majority of people possess absolutely zero combat experience before undergoing their awakening—a pivotal moment in their journey towards becoming a hunter.

The awakening is when individuals first experience the emergence of mana within them, a critical step towards unlocking their potential as hunters.

However, this newfound power doesn't automatically translate into combat prowess. Many who awaken lack the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the dangers that await within dungeons.

As a result, a significant number of newly awakened individuals tragically lose their lives when venturing into dungeons, facing the formidable creatures and perilous challenges that lie within.

These unfortunate circumstances prompted the World Hunter Association to establish strict regulations.

According to these regulations, every individual who successfully passes the Hunter Association's test is mandated to undergo a comprehensive training course.

This course serves as a crucial bridge between the awakening of their powers and their actual initiation as hunters. It is designed to provide them with the essential combat skills, knowledge, and survival techniques necessary to thrive in the perilous world of dungeon hunting.

The stringent rules and mandatory training programs are intended to ensure that hunters possess a fundamental level of competence and readiness before they embark on their hunters journeys.

This approach aims to minimize the loss of lives among new hunters and promote their overall safety and effectiveness in dungeon exploration. The curriculum was designed to enhance their proficiency in their chosen field, providing them with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to excel as hunters.

Upon completing the Hunter School program, individuals would undergo an evaluation based on their performance. Those who met the required standards would officially earn the title of "hunter".

However, failing to meet the criteria meant repeating the course, which came with the same hefty $5,000 deposit requirement.

For the Thorn family, this financial commitment posed a considerable challenge. Alex, aware of the financial strain it placed on his family, couldn't help but feel a sense of reluctance. 

The prospect of parting with such a significant sum weighed on his mind, even as he remained determined to pursue his dream of becoming a hunter. 

Alex couldn't help but recall a poignant memory from his past, one that etched itself deeply into his consciousness.

It was a memory of relentless determination, sacrifice, and unwavering love exhibited by his parents.

In those recollections, he vividly remembered how his father had tirelessly toiled, enduring grueling double shifts for three long months. His mother, no less resilient, had gone above and beyond, working late into the night at the mall.

All of this Herculean effort had one singular purpose—to accumulate the necessary funds.

As these memories played out in his mind's eye, Alex's emotions began to surge. His eyes welled up with tears, and a heavy, palpable burden settled upon his heart.

It was a burden that he knew would not dissipate until he achieved a certain goal—a goal that he was determined to attain.

His parents' sacrifices and their dedication to providing for their family left an indelible mark on Alex. He felt a profound responsibility to honor their efforts, to repay them for their unwavering love and sacrifices.

The tears that flowed from his eyes were not tears of weakness; rather, they were a testament to the strength of his resolve. Alex knew that he carried not only his dreams but also the hopes and aspirations of his family.

And he was determined, with every fiber of his being, to succeed in the upcoming hunter exam, to secure a brighter future for himself, and to finally bring happiness and relief to his parents.

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Author: Guys you can read by second book 

- Magic In Every Bite: A Chef reincarnation.

It's a Western fantasy novel where you can find magic and swordsmen and a lot of exciting things.

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