February 15th. A massive structure now dominated the heart of the city—The National Dunger Association (NDA). This place had become the new sanctuary for the newly awakened "Dungers." A crowd had gathered, but it wasn't a crowd driven by fear; it was driven by greed and a thirst for power.
The scene inside the building was a bizarre sight to behold. On one side were high-tech laboratories where Scientists in white coats monitored holographic screens. On the other side were massive furnaces where Blacksmiths swung heavy hammers, forging mana-infused metals. This fusion of Science and Magic was the birth of a new era. They were modifying old firearms to create Modern Weapons that didn't fire lead, but compressed bolts of pure mana.
Rudra stood silently in a corner, observing the chaos. He thought to himself:
"Scientists and Blacksmiths working together to create modern weapons... They think these new toys will save them. Well, it's none of my business. I just need to clear my own path."
There was no excitement in his eyes, nor any fear. His mind was as still as a frozen lake, devoid of unnecessary emotion.
The Registration (ID No. 15009)
Rudra reached the registration counter. The Appraiser sitting there gave him a cold, dismissive look.
"Name?"
"Rudra."
The Appraiser scanned him, and Rudra's status flashed on the screen. A mocking smirk spread across the man's face.
"Another Rank-E? Kid, what are you going to do with this ID? Go home and study. Being a Dunger isn't for people like you. Looking at your stature and hearing that voice... you'll probably start crying the moment you see a monster."
The Dungers standing in line behind him erupted into laughter. A hulking Rank-C dunger slapped Rudra's shoulder hard and jeered, "Hey shorty! If you're going to die, at least do it in a decent dungeon so your death actually counts for something!"
Rudra didn't say a word. He didn't even flinch. He just looked at the man with indifferent, hollow eyes. His brain was already calculating: 'A single punch from this Rank-C dunger could be fatal for me right now. There is no logic in fighting back yet.' Rudra knew his limits; he was fully aware that even a Rank-D dunger could easily crush him in his current state.
The Unconfirmed Class
The Appraiser tossed a cold metallic card onto the counter.
[NDA Identification Card]
ID No: 15009
Name: Rudra
Rank: E
Class: Unconfirmed
Authority: National Dunger Association
Rudra picked up the card and walked away without looking back. He didn't care about their mockery or their supposed strength. His target was crystal clear.
Stepping out into the sunlight, he looked up at the sky. On February 24th, when the first Gate opens, the true color of fear will be revealed. For now, he just needed to find a way to level up in silence.