Terra###999
March 03, 2040
In a futuristic megacity where skyscrapers rose as far as the eye could see, a diverse crowd roamed the streets. But what caught the most attention were individuals sporting shiny armors, sharp swords, massive shields, and pointed spears. Their attire could have been mistaken for cosplay, but it was indeed the reality of this world.
On 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+ rank Hunters.
"This is totally insane!" exclaimed a young Hunter to his friend, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "All these high-ranking Hunters gathered in one place, it's unheard of!"
His companion, looking serious, tempered his enthusiasm: "Save your excitement for later. Think about it... Such a concentration of important personalities doesn't bode well. The situation must be of unprecedented gravity to come 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 on the meeting that would start in an hour. About half of the passersby seemed captivated by the presenter's words.
The young Hunter's friend sighed: "Well, all we have to do now is be patient until the end of this meeting to learn more. Until then, we might as well go about our usual business."
The young Hunter nodded, worry and curiosity mingling in his gaze.
********
One hour later
The room gleamed with soft light, filtered by sparkling crystal chandeliers. The walls were draped with precious silks adorned with intricate and elegant designs, and the floor was covered with a sumptuous Persian carpet in shimmering colors. The world elite was gathered, each country represented by its most eminent figures.
Russian President Mikhail Volkov, a man of imposing stature with steel-gray eyes and a chiseled jaw, was in conversation 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.
Away from the political leaders stood the guild masters, emblematic figures of 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 burst open, revealing four figures that commanded respect. The SS+ rank Hunters, the ultimate elite, made their entrance. Yuri Volkov, a legendary tank driver and twin brother of the President, was a colossus with bulging muscles and a frosty 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, surveyed the assembly with his penetrating gaze.
Their entry brought a heavy silence over the assembly. No one dared to move or speak. The four Hunters made their way to the buffet, savoring the refined dishes before the start of the meeting.
"And him?" asked a hesitant voice. The Hunters exchanged a knowing look.
The doors opened again, revealing Ethan Carter, the most powerful American Hunter in the world. Tall, athletic, with eyes as cold as ice blue, he was surrounded by an aura that inspired fear and respect. His mere presence was enough to freeze the room.
Zhang Wei stood up and walked decisively toward him.
"Always seeking attention, aren't you, Carter!" he said provocatively.
Ethan replied with an arrogant smile: "Remember the time I almost killed you, Zhang? When was that?"
Their auras intensified, filling the room with palpable tension. The faces of the other guests reflected a growing panic, unsure how to react to this confrontation.
It was then that the doors opened once again, revealing a calm but firm voice:
"Gentlemen, I would kindly ask you to calm down."
All eyes turned to Steven Spielberg, the mysterious sixth SS+ Hunter. Though the world was unaware of his existence, everyone in that room knew the extent of his abilities. Vice President of the World Hunters 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 under his breath.
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 eyes filled with challenge: "We'll 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 a crisp white shirt and a tailored black suit, he moved with confidence, one hand casually slipped into his pants pocket. Although he was not an SS+ rank 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 stride, he climbed the steps to the podium, leaving Steven in the background. When he reached the microphone, he spoke with a warm yet authoritative voice:
"My dear friends, I 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 mere 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 rather... enigmatic 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 serious 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 looks, all plagued by the same questions:
"What does the future hold for us? Why so much mystery?"
Interrupting their thoughts, the President signaled to Steven, who promptly brought in someone. After what felt like an interminable wait, the door opened to a woman whose features betrayed a well-trodden sixty years. Her face, marked by discreet wrinkles, was haloed in mystery. Other than the SS+ rank Hunters, no one in the assembly seemed to recognize her. Escorted by Steven, she walked measuredly to the podium. Once she reached her destination, she nodded respectfully to the President, who resumed speaking.
"You are certainly wondering who this person is? But what you don't 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 she was a man!" added another, visibly disconcerted.
"Darn!!! I have a bad feeling... Something tells me the news won't be good," 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 over the room for a few moments. Then, after taking a deep breath, she began:
"It has been twenty years 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 unease. She paused, searching for the right words to announce the inconceivable. Her hesitation only served to fuel the perplexity and apprehension of the audience. Then, gathering her courage, she blurted out:
"In two weeks, our world... will meet its end."
At these words, a deathly silence fell over the room, freezing the assembly in disbelieving stupor. Even the SS+ rank Hunters, known for their composure in the face of the worst calamities, were shaken.