As the cab passed through the gate and entered the inner city, the cab driver conscientiously reduced the vehicle's speed.
This decrease in speed was not arbitrary but rather a result of strict government regulations aimed at maintaining safe and orderly transportation within the city limits.
Upon entering the inner city, the transformation in scenery was striking. It felt as if one had stepped into an entirely different world. The landscape was dominated by towering skyscrapers, their sleek exteriors reaching for the heavens.
The roads were impeccably clean, stretching out like well-maintained arteries connecting different parts of the city. What truly caught one's attention were the peculiar sights of flying stores, a genuine marvel of modern urban life.
These airborne shops were a testament to the ingenuity of the dwarves, who were renowned for their technological expertise.
After assimilating modern technologies from Earth, the dwarves played a pivotal role in propelling the world into a technological renaissance.
Their contributions led to a significant technological boom, transforming cities like the inner city into vibrant hubs of innovation and progress.
Continuing their journey, they came across a colossal skyscraper that loomed at an astounding height of 1200 meters, taller than Burj Khalifa.
It bore a distinctive logo, simply 'HA,' prominently displayed in the center of the city. This architectural behemoth seemed to stand like a formidable titan as if poised to dominate the entire landscape.
Its imposing presence was so commanding that it could be seen from a distance of up to 30 kilometers away. It was none other than the Hunter Association.
The post-calamity era had left vast swathes of America in ruins, with cities reduced to barren landscapes.
However, in the aftermath of these catastrophic events, the governments of these cities had taken bold steps to extend their boundaries.
What were once barren territories on the outskirts of different cities had been reclaimed and revitalized, thanks in no small part to the efforts of dedicated hunters who had suppressed the calamities.
To put this expansion into perspective, it's essential to consider the city of New York as an example. Prior to the cataclysms, New York City encompassed an area with a radius of only 20 miles.
However, in the wake of the calamities and the subsequent efforts to rebuild and expand, the inner city had grown to a radius of 30 miles. Within this relatively compact urban space, a bustling population of 30 million people thrived.
If one were to consider the entire city, including its expanded territories, it now spanned an impressive radius of 80 miles. This sprawling metropolis was home to a total population of approximately 100 million individuals.
The remarkable growth of these cities was not solely due to natural population growth but also a result of the influx of people from different countries.
In the wake of the cataclysms, several nations had been devastated, and their citizens had been forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries.
Fortunately, many nations have extended a welcoming hand to these displaced individuals, offering them shelter and sustenance.
This compassionate response had not only saved countless lives but also contributed to the dynamic cultural tapestry of these expanding cities, enriching them with the diversity of their new inhabitants.
While lost in contemplation of his past life and the significant changes it had undergone, Alex was abruptly jolted from his daydreaming by the impatient coughing of the cab driver.
Startled back to reality, he glanced around and realized that they had arrived at their destination.
"Cough! Cough!" the driver cleared his throat, prompting Alex's attention.
"Sir, we are in front of the Hunter Association. There are quite a few cars behind us, and they're getting impatient. Could you please settle the payment so that I can continue my journey?"
Alex, now fully present in the moment, replied with a tone of sincere apology, "Oh, I'm sorry. I got lost in thought."
The cab driver couldn't help but sigh and mutter, 'What's happening to our younger generation these days? Always dreaming big and lost in their own thoughts.'
Quickly refocusing on the matter at hand, Alex inquired about the payment. "Sure, how much is it, and do you accept cash or scanner?"
With a hint of reluctance, the cab driver conveyed the fare, saying, "It's a total of 200 dollars, including the toll gate fees." Alex's heart twinged with a subtle discomfort as he reached for his wallet.
The transportation costs alone amounted to approximately 500 dollars for the round trip, a substantial sum.
Considering his parents' combined monthly income of 1000 dollars, which was just double the transportation expenses for his journey to and from the Hunter Association, Alex couldn't help but feel the weight of this financial commitment.
It was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices he was making, given the limited resources available to his family.
This was the main reason why he had not taken the hunter test, though he had awakened there months before.
Despite his initial hesitation, Alex knew that he had to proceed with the payment. With a resigned "sigh" and a sense of duty, he handed over the fare to the cab driver, who accepted both cash and scanner payments.
With the transaction complete, Alex exited the cab and found himself standing in front of the imposing edifice of the Hunter Association, ready to take the next step on his path toward becoming a hunter.
As Alex stepped out of the cab and stood before the towering monolith that was the Hunter Association building, he couldn't help but be awestruck by its grandeur.
The colossal structure stretched to a staggering height of 1200 meters, its apex almost disappearing into the clouds. Its sleek, modern design was a testament to the technological advancements ushered in by the awakening of mana and the influx of dwarven expertise.
The exterior was adorned with intricate patterns of glowing mana-infused runes that seemed to pulse with energy, symbolizing the association's commitment to harnessing the power of mana for the betterment of humanity.
Alex gazed up at the imposing edifice, his eyes filled with determination and ambition.
He knew that within those towering walls lay the gateway to his future as a hunter, and he was ready to embark on this extraordinary journey, filled with challenges and opportunities, as he aspired to make a brighter and safer world for himself and his family.
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[Author here: Guys we are finally at chapter 15, and a new and fun arc will begin. Stay tune]