Alex stood before the imposing colossus of a building, his gaze reflecting an unwavering resolve to pursue his life's ultimate aspiration.
His eyes blazed with ambition, and his heart surged with a determination to transform his dreams into reality.
Around him, a bustling scene unfolded as cars of various makes and models lined up, discharging their occupants. Some arrived in their personal vehicles, while others opted for taxis.
The diversity of the people present was striking, with ages ranging from 19 to 50. Yet, each individual shared a common purpose: to conquer the daunting Hunter exam on this day.
In its early days, the Hunter Association operated without a specific age requirement for the Hunter Exam.
However, as time went on, a profound realization emerged from the experiences of young individuals who had ventured into the treacherous dungeons.
This realization centered on the psychological trauma that befell those who, having never taken a life or witnessed horror, suddenly found themselves surrounded by death and unspeakable terror within the dungeons.
To illustrate this, imagine someone who has never taken another person's life or confronted extreme violence.
When such an individual is thrust into a scenario where everyone around them is perishing in horrifying ways, it leads to profound psychological trauma.
The dungeons, known for their cruelty and the constant looming threat of death, became a harrowing place for these inexperienced youths.
Recognizing the severe psychological toll that these traumatic experiences were inflicting on young candidates, the Hunter Association, which operated under government jurisdiction, made a drastic decision.
They implemented a minimum age requirement for aspiring hunters, aiming to shield the younger generation from the horrors of the dungeons.
This minimum age restriction was a protective measure to ensure that candidates had a certain level of maturity and mental fortitude before they embarked on their perilous journeys as hunters.
It meant that if someone awakened their potential as a hunter at an earlier age, they would have to patiently wait until they reached the eligible age to participate in the examination.
Importantly, the Hunter Association did not impose an upper age limit, recognizing that individuals of varying ages could possess the necessary qualities and skills to become hunters.
In essence, the introduction of the minimum age requirement was a testament to the Association's commitment to the well-being and psychological stability of its candidates.
It aimed to ensure that those who entered the world of hunting were sufficiently prepared to face the horrors and challenges that awaited them in the unforgiving dungeons.
Alex surveyed his surroundings, his gaze drawn to the towering edifice of the Hunter Association. In this bustling urban landscape, there were no distinctive landmarks or structures that rivaled the prominence of the Association's headquarters.
It stood as a singular and imposing presence, a monument to the world of hunters.
The absence of any competing landmarks underscored the Association's dominance and the reverence with which it was regarded. This colossal building, with its modern design and glowing mana-infused runes, was not just a structure; it was the very embodiment of the hunter's world.
It needed no other marks or adornments in its vicinity to proclaim its significance, for the building itself was the ultimate mark of authority and purpose in the world of hunters.
The location of the Hunter Association was conspicuous by its isolation. It stood as a solitary monolith in the heart of the city, surrounded by a vast expanse of empty space. This placement resembled a colossal dragon, evoking fear and awe from all who beheld it.
Just as the dragon guarded its treasure, the Hunter Association safeguarded the gateway to a future of limitless potential and unimaginable challenges, a future that Alex was now poised to explore.
Alex found himself standing in a seemingly endless line, surrounded by individuals who, like him, came from modest backgrounds.
The line stretched far into the distance, a testament to the sheer number of hopefuls gathered here today.
On the opposite side, a noticeable contrast emerged; there was no line, only a clear path leading to a separate entrance. This discrepancy spoke volumes about the division within the Hunter Association, a division defined by authority and privilege.
There were two distinct gates that granted access to the Association building, each under the jurisdiction of different authorities.
The first gate, attended to by guards and officials, was reserved for top-tier hunters, VIPs, and those in positions of power. It represented the elite echelon of the hunter world, a realm where influence and prestige held sway.
The second gate, the one where Alex patiently waited, was designated for commoners like himself, individuals without the accolades or connections enjoyed by their counterparts on the other side.
As Alex stood amidst this sea of hopeful faces, a sudden commotion erupted from the direction of the gated entrance. The unmistakable sound of hurried footsteps and a bit of chaos echoed through the air, drawing curious glances from those in line.
It was a stark reminder of the contrasting worlds that coexisted within the Hunter Association, where privilege and aspiration converged in a complex web of ambition and opportunity.
Alex resisted the temptation to turn his head, fully aware of the likely culprits behind the commotion. It could have been the offspring of wealthy families, second-generation elites accustomed to the privileges their lineage afforded them.
Alternatively, it might have been VIPs or representatives from top-tier guilds, here for scouting or other important matters. That path, adorned with prestige and power, was not one he could tread at this moment.
In his previous life, he had harbored dreams of entering the Association through the prestigious first gate, akin to a crown prince attending his coronation ceremony.
Yet, that dream had remained elusive, slipping through his grasp like sand through clenched fists. It had been a source of disillusionment, one that had dimmed his hopes over time.
However, as he contemplated the scene before him, he couldn't help but turn his head, drawn by the irresistible allure of witnessing something beautiful, even if he knew the types of people who would be passing through that gate.
It was a reminder that certain sights, no matter how familiar, could still captivate the heart and imagination, filling them with a sense of wonder and longing.
However, he held a silent determination that someday, in the future, he would walk that path.
...
However, what Alex witnessed sent his heart racing with a surge of emotions, and an intense anger began to well up inside him. His eyes fixated on a solitary figure, and with each passing moment, his gaze burned with growing fury and resentment.