The day passed like any other.
Damon was still shaken by his awakening, but his mood remained bright.
'A Magician with infinite Mana… hahaha.'
He imagined the brilliant future ahead of him, the potential he now possessed as a Hunter in this world.
His worries about people discovering his talent gradually faded. The danger was real, but how would anyone even find out?
He wasn't going to tell a single soul about it.
His infinite Mana would remain a secret—a secret Damon was prepared to take to his grave.
The rest of the day went on as usual. A few curses from senior staff, booking a C-rank Gate for Hunters, managing information regarding an upcoming D-rank raid.
'Yeah, that's all for today.'
Before leaving, Damon opened an email draft.
Subject: Resignation – Damon Crown
I hope you are doing well.
I am writing to formally resign from my position at Radiant Guild. As per my notice period of 14 days, my last working day will be 31st of January.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with the team and for the experience I have gained during my time here.
Please let me know the next steps regarding the handover process and any formalities.
Thank you for your support.
Kind regards,
Damon Crown
Looking at the email he had copied from TalkGPT, Damon saved the draft instead of sending it.
"I want to become a Hunter… but let's build an ID first."
With his potential as a Hunter, Damon had already decided to quit his regular job and go full-time someday. But instead of throwing everything away at once, it was better to prepare slowly before taking the leap.
"First task is to register and get an ID," Damon muttered as he looked out the cab window.
Opening his online banking app, he checked his balance.
Ȼ 475,875
'Nearly 400k Credits…'
After the emergence of Gates, a new global currency called Credits had been implemented and accepted worldwide.
Over four hundred thousand Credits—decent savings for Damon. As an orphan, aside from rent, food, and other miscellaneous expenses, everything else went straight into his savings.
Lost in thought, Damon closed the app as the cab arrived at its destination.
Hunter's Association of Vernas.
The state-run organization responsible for all Hunter and Player-related matters within the country. A ministry of its own, governing the supernatural side of society.
It was a massive building.
After paying the cab fare, Damon entered the Association with confident steps and approached the reception desk.
"Hello. I would like to register as a Player," Damon said without hesitation.
"Yes, please head this way. The registration office is over there," the receptionist replied.
Damon nodded and walked down the left corridor.
The building was spacious and well-maintained. After walking for about a minute, he reached the registration counter.
A couple exited the office with their son, who skipped excitedly down the hallway.
'A child awakener?'
One could awaken at any age. Generally, the earlier one awakened, the better. With training and guidance from childhood, reaching elite levels at a young age wasn't uncommon.
Entering the office, Damon greeted the man in charge of registration.
"So, you've awakened?" the man asked.
Damon nodded.
"Please place your hands on this," the man said, pointing to a white orb. "This is a Player Stone. It reacts based on awakening and class."
Damon placed his hands on the orb. It immediately began to glow blue.
"A Magician. Congratulations," the man said with a warm smile.
The process continued smoothly—name verification, personal details, and finally a photograph for his ID.
After paying the registration fee of one thousand Credits, the procedure came to an end.
"Your ID will be delivered within a week. All the best, Mr. Crown," the man said, shaking his hand.
"Thank you," Damon replied. Then, before leaving, he asked the question that had been on his mind. "By the way, about skill books—I heard you can buy them here?"
Skill Books.
To learn spells as a Magician or combat techniques as a Warrior, one needed Skill Books. Mana was merely energy; true power came from skills that shaped and manifested it.
They were tightly regulated, and only the Association had the authority to sell them.
"Oh, skill books. I'm sorry, but you'll need to receive your official ID first to access those facilities," the man explained with a polite smile. He went on to introduce Damon to the Association's official website and its services.
"Since you're here, why not also sign up with the Association? We're offering various incentives to members these days."
'Signing up with the Association? No thanks.'
Damon politely declined.
Joining the Association meant becoming bound to it completely. As someone who had worked in management, Damon knew the benefits—state support, incentives—but also the restrictions.
Mandatory summons, civilian protection duties, and a complete ban on joining guilds.
There were merits and demerits, but Damon had no intention of serving anyone.
'Association. Guilds. I don't plan on joining either.'
With an overpowered awakening and boundless potential, why would he waste his time working under someone else?
With that thought, Damon left the Association and hailed a cab back to his rented apartment.
Looking up at the night sky, stars twinkling faintly above the city, Damon let out a small smile.
Large billboards displayed famous Hunters endorsing brands. Guild advertisements flashed across massive digital screens as people stopped to admire their idols.
A strange hunger stirred within Damon.
"One day…"