Terra###999
March 3, 2040
In a futuristic megalopolis where skyscrapers rose as far as the eye could see, a diverse crowd wandered the streets. But what caught the most attention were those individuals sporting gleaming armor, sharp swords, massive shields, and pointed spears. Their attire could have passed for cosplay, but it was indeed the reality of this world.
In this land plagued by the cruelty of monsters emerging from interdimensional portals, these warriors were known as Hunters. Their mission: eradicate these nightmarish creatures and protect the population during the rifts.
Hunters were classified according to a well-established system, ranging from rank F to rank S. But there was an elite surpassing even rank S, known as rank SS+. Furthermore, Hunters were grouped into different classes: Enhancers, Healers, Warriors, and Mages.
Conversations were lively, but the hottest topic was the imminent gathering of all world leaders, accompanied by the top three guilds from each country as well as the SS+ ranked Hunters.
"This is completely insane!" exclaimed a young Hunter to his friend, eyes sparkling with excitement. "All these high-ranking Hunters gathered in the same place, it's unheard of!"
His companion, looking serious, tempered his enthusiasm: "Hold your excitement for later. Think about it... Such a concentration of important figures does not bode well. The situation must be of unprecedented gravity to lead to this."
The young Hunter, suddenly pensive, agreed: "Now that you mention it... It's true that we can count on one hand the number of times such a meeting has occurred."
As they continued their discussion while walking, they stopped in front of a giant screen broadcasting the latest information about the meeting that would begin in an hour. About half of the passersby seemed captivated by the presenter's words.
The friend of the young Hunter sighed: "Well, all we have to do is be patient until the end of this meeting to find out more. Until then, we might as well go about our usual business."
The young Hunter nodded, a mix of worry and curiosity in his gaze.
********
One hour later
The room was bathed in a soft light, filtered by sparkling crystal chandeliers. The walls were draped in precious silks with complex and elegant patterns, and the floor was covered with a sumptuous Persian rug in shimmering colors. The world elite was gathered, each country represented by its most prominent figures.
Russian President Mikhail Volkov, a man with an imposing presence, steel-gray eyes, and chiseled jaw, was talking with German Chancellor Angela Schmidt, a woman of refined elegance known for her determination and pragmatism.
Not far away, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Tanaka, a man of exquisite courtesy, exchanged a few words with the president of the Russian Hunters' Association, in a discussion marked by mutual respect.
Apart from the political leaders stood the guild masters, emblematic figures in the hunting world. Ivan Petrov, master of the Russian guild Siberian Wolves, a man with an imposing build and a bushy beard, joked with Lee Min-ho, a young Korean prodigy from the TigerFury guild, while Zhang Wei, the wise leader of the Chinese Yokai guild, listened attentively to the words of Thomas Johnson, the venerable master of the American Silver guild.
Suddenly, the doors opened noisily, revealing four figures that commanded respect. The SS+ ranked Hunters, the ultimate elite, made their entrance. Yuri Volkov, a legendary tank driver and the President's twin brother, was a colossus with bulging muscles and an icy gaze. By his side, Akira Tanaka, a Japanese prodigy with feline agility, proudly wore a black kimono. Kim Tae-ho, a Korean veteran with a scarred face, exuded an intimidating aura, while Li Wei, the undisputed master of martial arts, scanned the assembly with his penetrating gaze.
Their entrance brought about a heavy silence in the room. No one dared move or speak. The four Hunters made their way to the buffet, enjoying the exquisite dishes before the meeting began.
"And him?" asked a hesitant voice. The Hunters exchanged a knowing look.
The doors opened once again, revealing Ethan Carter, the most powerful American Hunter in the world. Tall, athletic, with icy blue eyes, he exuded an aura that inspired both fear and respect. His mere presence was enough to freeze the room.
Zhang Wei stood up and approached him decisively.
"Always seeking attention, Carter!" he taunted provocatively.
Ethan replied with an arrogant smile, "Remember the time I almost killed you, Zhang? When was that again?"
Their auras intensified, filling the room with palpable tension. The faces of the other guests reflected growing panic, unsure how to react to this confrontation.
Just then, the doors opened once more, revealing a calm but firm voice:
"Gentlemen, I kindly ask you to calm down."
All eyes turned to Steven Spielberg, the mysterious sixth SS+ ranked Hunter. Although the world was unaware of his existence, everyone present in that room knew the extent of his abilities. Vice President of the World Hunter Association, he inspired both fear and respect.
Ethan and Zhang Wei, not wanting to incur his wrath, ended their quarrel.
"Thank you for your understanding," said Steven with an enigmatic smile, his eyes half-closed.
"Tss..." Ethan hissed through his teeth.
Steven continued, "Well, now that we are all here, the meeting can begin. Please follow me to the conference room; the President is waiting for you."
Zhang Wei turned to Ethan, his gaze filled with challenge, "We will have the opportunity to settle our scores very soon, Carter."
"I look forward to it," Ethan retorted with a provocative smile.
********
Conference Room
As everyone settled into their seats, lively conversations filled the room. Suddenly, the door opened and Steven entered, accompanied by a man of imposing stature. Despite his face marked by years, dressed in an impeccable white shirt and a tailored black suit, he strode confidently, one hand casually in his pants pocket. Though not an SS+ ranked Hunter, his presence and charisma were undeniable. The man accompanying Steven was none other than Jonathan Smith, the President of Hunter World.
With a confident gait, he climbed the steps to the podium, leaving Steven in the background. Facing the microphone, he spoke with a warm yet authoritative voice:
"My dear friends, thank you for responding to the request of an old sage like me," he declared with a mischievous smile.
His words elicited mixed reactions in the assembly, but all agreed on one point: President Smith had nothing to envy to the high-ranking Hunters.
With a simple elevation of his aura, he plunged the room into a respectful silence, a sign that everyone was hanging on his every word.
"Well! I suppose you are wondering about the reasons for this... shall we say, mysterious summons? If no details have been communicated to you, it is simply because this matter was strictly confidential until this very moment," he explained in a tone that brooked no argument.
The aura he exuded left no doubt about his legitimacy as the undisputed leader of the Hunter World association.
At the mention of the term "confidential," intrigued murmurs rose in the room. Some Hunters exchanged anxious glances, all tormented by the same questions:
"What does the future hold? Why so much mystery?"
Interrupting their thoughts, the President signaled to Steven, who promptly brought someone in. After what seemed like an interminable wait, the door opened to reveal a woman whose features betrayed a well-worn sixty years. Her face, adorned with discreet wrinkles, was shrouded in mystery. Except for the SS+ ranked Hunters, no one in the assembly seemed to recognize her. Escorted by Steven, she walked measuredly to the podium. Once there, she nodded respectfully to the President, who resumed speaking.
"You are certainly wondering who this person is? But what you do not know is that you have already met her without really knowing her," he announced with an enigmatic smile. "Allow me to introduce you to Emily Williams, better known as the 'Prophet.'"
"What? Is it really her, the Prophet?" exclaimed a man at the back of the room, astonished.
"Darn it! I thought it was a man!" added another, visibly taken aback.
"Dang it! I have a bad feeling... Something tells me the news won't be cheerful," muttered a third, looking worried.
Emily stepped forward with determination, taking the President's place. She swept the assembly with a penetrating gaze, casting a heavy silence for a few moments. Then, after taking a deep breath, she began:
"Twenty years have passed since the first portal appeared in this world, and sixteen long years since we faced our first rift, claiming thousands of innocent lives... Today, we find ourselves facing an insurmountable wall..."
Her voice faltered slightly, betraying her turmoil. She paused, searching for the right words to announce the inconceivable. Her hesitation only served to heighten the perplexity and apprehension of the audience. Then, gathering her courage, she blurted out:
"In two weeks, our world... will come to an end."
At these words, a deathly silence descended upon the room, freezing the assembly in disbelieving stupor. Even the SS+ ranked Hunters, renowned for their composure in the face of the worst calamities, were shaken.