After saving three hunters from the dragon and receiving an S-rank mission from the system, Kain found himself stepping into a realm engulfed in fire. His new task: to defeat the fearsome three-headed hellhound that roamed within.
The beast emerged from the molten shadows, each head growling with fury, eyes glowing like burning coals. Without hesitation, it lunged toward Kain, intending to tear him apart.
But Kain's reflexes had already sharpened. With a swift sidestep, he avoided the deadly jaws and summoned his sword from the system's inventory. Flames of crimson and azure wrapped around the blade as he gripped it tightly, reversing his stance.
With a sudden strike, he slashed across one of the beast's necks. The hellhound staggered, wounded, but its rage only grew stronger. Its middle head unleashed torrents of blue fire, rushing toward Kain with destructive force.
Yet to him, it felt almost effortless—like flowing water. He slipped past the flames, his eyes calm, his movements sharp. Deciding to end the battle, Kain soared upward, his sword gleaming like starlight, and descended with a single, decisive strike.
The hellhound's three heads fell silent. The system's familiar chime echoed:
[Mission Complete. Rewards Granted.]
Breathing steadily, Kain collected his reward and left the fiery dungeon. His first destination was home.
---
When he entered the small, quiet house, his gaze immediately turned toward his mother, Selia, who lay unconscious in her bed. Her breathing was faint, her condition unchanged. Sitting beside her, Kain softly began to recount everything that had happened—the dragon, the mission, the hellhound, the power he was beginning to grasp.
Even if she could not hear him, his words were filled with determination. He gently held her hand and whispered:
"No matter what it takes… I'll find a way to heal you."
---
With that vow burning in his heart, Kain turned to the next step of his journey. He decided to officially join the Hunter's Association. But first, he activated his newly unlocked skill: Face Shifter. His features subtly changed, concealing his true identity.
As he walked through the Association's grand hall, countless eyes turned toward him. His tall figure, sharp features, and quiet confidence caught attention immediately—especially from the young women, whose whispers filled the air.
Ignoring the gazes, he approached the front desk.
"I want to register," he said firmly.
The receptionist, slightly startled by his presence, nodded. "Very well. You'll have to pass the entrance trial first."
---
The trial ground consisted of three stages:
1. Combat against another hunter.
2. Power measurement through a crystal.
3. Defeating a group of E-rank monsters.
His first opponent was a muscular man, a registered B-rank hunter. The spectators expected a tough match, but within moments, Kain's fist connected, and the man was sent crashing to the ground, completely overwhelmed.
Shock spread through the arena.
Then came the second stage. Kain placed his hand upon the power crystal. For a moment, it glowed brightly—then shattered into countless fragments, unable to contain his strength. Gasps filled the room.
Finally, with a single flick of his finger, Kain dispatched the E-rank monsters as if they were mere illusions. Silence fell over the trial ground.
The Association's Chief, astonished, approached him afterward.
"Young man, would you like to join our B-rank division? Two missions a day, generous rewards—you'd be a valuable asset."
But Kain's expression remained cold. He walked past the Chief without hesitation.
"I'm not interested. I work alone."
Laughter and ridicule echoed around him. Hunters scoffed, saying not even an S-rank hunter could clear a dungeon entirely alone.
And yet, the very next day, Kain did exactly that.
When he returned, he placed the dungeon loot on the counter. The staff checked the records—and froze. The dungeon he had just cleared alone… was real. The Chief summoned him immediately.
"Your ability is beyond what we imagined. If you wish, we can elevate you straight to S-rank. What do you say?"
Kain's gaze was steady, his tone indifferent.
"I don't care about titles. If the reward is worth it, I'll take the job."
The Chief leaned forward, lowering his voice.
"Then here's your challenge: clear an S-rank dungeon. If you succeed, unimaginable rewards await."
---
The next morning, Kain entered the S-rank dungeon. Unbeknownst to him, a spy from the Association, a stealth specialist named Luther, followed closely behind to observe.
Inside, the dungeon pulsed with oppressive energy. Flames danced across the stone walls, and shadows twisted unnaturally. Luther watched from a distance, struggling to comprehend Kain's overwhelming strength as he defeated monsters one after another.
Finally, they reached the deepest chamber.
There, Kain stopped, his eyes calm but sharp. He extended his hand toward the ground. Shadows swirled beneath his feet, and from the abyss rose a colossal black dragon, its scales gleaming with ember-like veins.
"Ignir," Kain commanded, his voice firm. "This is your first mission."
The dragon roared, shaking the chamber. Luther's legs trembled. He could no longer hide his presence.
Kain slowly turned his head, his piercing blue eyes locking onto the spy.
"I know you're there. Come out."
Frozen with fear, Luther deactivated his stealth skill and stumbled forward. "P-please… spare me. I'll do anything you want. Just don't end me here."
Kain's lips curved into a faint, chilling smile. He stepped closer, his shadow stretching unnaturally across the floor.
"Anything…?"
The spy's breath caught in his throat.
And at that moment, the dungeon trembled as if reacting to Kain's very presence—leaving the outcome uncertain.
---
[End of Chapter 3]