Rain splashed against the window, a steady rhythm that matched Hunter's heartbeat.
He leaned back in his chair, controller clutched loosely in his hands, eyes glued to the screen. Monster Hunter: World flickered before him — Rathalos soaring above, Jagras fleeing across the plains. Beside him, the muted sound of One Piece episodes played softly, though his focus was on the hunt.
> "Just one more quest…"
The clock ticked past midnight. Hunter yawned, eyelids heavy, but refused to put the controller down.
And then… sleep claimed him.
---
When he opened his eyes, the first thing he noticed was the sky — impossibly blue, unbroken. The second was the floating golden text:
> [Welcome, Hunter.]
[A second life has been granted.]
[World: Monster Hunter Universe.]
[Abilities Transferred: Observation Haki, Armament Haki, Marine Styles — Rokushiki.]
[System Function: Growth Acceleration — Skill and Knowledge Mastery Enhanced.]
Hunter's breath caught. "Monster Hunter…?"
He flexed his fingers. Power surged through his veins. His Observation Haki flared, painting the terrain vividly — the distant rustle of leaves, snapping twigs, and a guttural roar far off.
> [Mission: Survive. Adapt. Hunt.]
The light dissolved.
Hunter clenched his fist, Haki faintly glowing around his knuckles.
"Alright," he whispered to the empty wilderness.
"If this world is about hunters and monsters… I'll become the strongest of them all."