Super Rookie

In the next few days, the buzz about the young hunter entangled in a staged duel and emerging victorious echoed through every corridor of conversation.

Within the association's confines, the name Klauss ignited a spectrum of responses among the hunters. Some, acknowledging the challenging scenario he faced, rallied behind him, lauding his resilience.

Meanwhile, a skeptical faction dismissed Klauss's triumph as mere luck or suspected his involvement in the orchestrated affair, suggesting a strategic move to boost his popularity.

Regardless of the divergent opinions within the hunter community, one constant held true—Klauss's fame was on the rise. His journey to notoriety unfolded like that of an emerging football star scoring a remarkable overhead kick, leaving an unforgettable impression that reverberated far beyond the boundaries of the arena.

Even the higher-ups found themselves unable to escape the tendrils of the rumors, leaving even the orchestrators humbled by the situation.

The irony was stark—Gabriella and Stefan, the architects of the plan to disgrace Klauss, unintentionally became instrumental in his rapid ascent. Karma works in mysterious ways.

Executives who had been on the Gabriella and Stefan payroll swiftly switched allegiances, aligning themselves with the current president's faction. The political landscape was shifting at an impressive pace.

Magnus Ironheart, a senior member of the trio who had maintained a neutral stance during Klauss's initial rise, now found himself leaning more decisively toward the other factions.

Klauss had proven, not only to everyone else but also to Magnus who believed in strength over everything, that he possessed the strength and qualities essential to become a formidable hunter.

Maria arrived at the association to review a report she had submitted, and as she navigated the bustling corridors, the rumors about Klauss reached her ears. Her face revealed a mix of surprise and anxiety, caught between conflicting emotions.

The growing rumors cast doubt on Klauss and the person he had become, prompting Maria to question the nature of their friendship.

While she didn't want Klauss to face harm, the unexpected turn of events had her grappling with uncertainty. She couldn't determine whether being friends with Klauss was a blessing or a curse, echoing Klauss's previous words to her on that cold, chilly night when he expressed the need for space in their relationship.

Maria found herself pondering if Klauss's decision to distance himself from her and Roger was tied to the intricate web of rumors surrounding him.

In this moment of reflection, Maria began to see Klauss in a different light. Her perspective shifted, and she became more understanding of his complex situation.

Instead of succumbing to the influence of rumors and fame, Maria chose to ignore the external noise, focusing on the Klauss she wanted to see and hear—the one she believed in.

A subtle smile played on her lips as she navigated the association's corridors with a newfound understanding. Such a gullible girl. 

On the other hand, one person remained skeptical of Klauss's surge in fame—Sylvetta. She couldn't shake the feeling that this sudden rise in Klauss's prominence was a double-edged sword.

The original plan was to keep Klauss's power and rank a secret, but with the current turn of events, it seemed like a bubble ready to burst at any moment. Recognizing the potential consequences, Sylvetta decided to seek an audience with Joshua, the president of THA, to voice her growing concerns.

Upon reaching the president's office, she found him in contemplation, his hand in his beard. "I know why you are here, Sylvetta, and I understand your concerns," he said calmly, acknowledging the weight of the situation.

"Come and have a seat close to him," Joshua continued, observing Sylvetta's worried expression.

Sylvetta, now seated, expressed her concerns, "Sir, this fame could prove difficult to handle, not only for Klauss but for us as well. After all, we know his true potential and rank. Plus, he works with us as a mercenary. If others look into it, they will question our decision to make D-rank hunter Klauss a mercenary."

Remaining calm, Joshua pondered, "Hmm, that could be troublesome. But, my dear Sylvetta, this could work in our favor as well. No one will doubt his potential now that he has silenced his doubters, don't you think?"

Sylvetta responded, "I know that, sir, but let us not forget, there are prying eyes on Klauss, and this fame could attract even more unwanted attention, making it difficult to protect him."

Joshua laughed, "Hahaha, do you think that arrogant boy wants protection? All we have to do is shield him from malicious people and organizations. I'm even sure, as we speak, some major guilds are going to start poaching him from us. But you don't have to worry; making him a mercenary agent of THA was a fine idea. That title is more powerful than you would think, even Klauss isn't aware of that yet."

Being a mercenary agent for the association comes with numerous perks. For Klauss, these perks are not only special but also strategic, serving as a shield against other guilds attempting to approach him.

However, being a mercenary agent doesn't make Klauss immune to external influences. While he has the freedom to work with or for a guild, the process must go through the association.

This ensures that the association retains control over Klauss's affiliations, allowing them to evaluate whether a particular guild or organization is the right fit for him. This approach serves as a protective measure orchestrated by Joshua and the association to safeguard Klauss from potential threats and manipulate his trajectory in their favor.

Joshua, sensing the gravity of Sylvetta's concerns, continued with a knowing expression, "For now, Sylvetta, keep a close eye on him. Assign him tasks to keep him occupied, but try to convince him to stay out of trouble, particularly with the other guilds."

Sylvetta sighed, expressing her frustration, "Well, that will be difficult. I hear he has attracted the attention of the Stormbringers guild, and their guildmaster, Stormy, is keeping a close eye on him. Ugh, this boy just can't stay out of trouble, sir."

Joshua smirked, amused by Klauss's adventurous spirit, "Haha, this spirited youth is truly enjoying his life. Nevertheless, guildmaster Stormy is a very unpredictable person, so be vigilant for any suspicious activity. For now, until Klauss is ready to reveal his true rank, we must remain as impartial as possible on the surface. Do you catch my drift, Sylvetta?"

Sylvetta nodded, acknowledging the president's words, and left his office. Despite her lingering concerns, she chose to place her trust in the president's judgment, at least for the time being.

Sylvetta found herself inexplicably growing fond and developed a soft spot for the enigmatic Klauss, despite his cold and selfish demeanor.

As she made her way to her office, Sylvetta received an urgent call from her assistant, instructing her to report to the research lab immediately.

While Sylvetta was busy keeping an eye on Klauss, it was essential to remember that she held a pivotal role within The Hunters Association as an executive and the head of the scientific department.

The urgency of the situation became apparent as she was directed to the Gate Analytic Division, where a senior researcher had discovered abnormalities that demanded her attention.

In the bustling research lab of The Hunters Association, Sylvetta found herself surrounded by a team of scientists clad in pristine lab coats, their collective focus fixed on a large screen dominating the room.

The screen displayed a meticulously detailed map of the country, intricately segmented into various districts. What captured their attention were the irregular spikes in mana scattered across the map, signifying an anomaly that demanded immediate scrutiny.

Each district on the map showcased zones where the presence of mana exhibited variations, creating a mosaic of potential danger. The scientists, armed with advanced tools to gauge these fluctuations, were faced with a perplexing situation.

Typically, when such fluctuations occurred, the conventional explanation would point towards gate rush— a phenomenon where monsters poured out of a newly formed gate or gates that havent been cleared in a while.

However, the enigma deepened as the scientists observed that, despite the pronounced surges in mana, there were no corresponding indications of gates forming or already in existence in those specific zones.

This puzzling revelation sparked an animated debate among the scientists, their voices resonating with a mix of curiosity and concern. The room buzzed with intellectual fervor as hypotheses were tossed around, each scientist grappling with the challenge of deciphering the true nature of these mana spikes.

The atmosphere in the lab crackled with scientific inquiry and a shared determination to unravel the mysteries that lay behind the unusual patterns appearing on the screen.

Sylvetta, known for her composed demeanor, was suddenly jolted by shock as she scrutinized the screen. Her glasses threatened to tumble off as her eyes widened in realization.

Swiftly, she darted towards the exit, her urgency reflected in her words, "Quickly call for a general meeting immediately! Things are about to get hectic! Move it, everyone!"

As she hurried to her office, a whirlwind of thoughts engulfed her mind, yet one particular notion refused to be shaken off.

She muttered to herself, "This is crazy. If this is what I think it is, many lives will be lost. I have to set up this meeting quickly! Never have I seen so many gates of dense mana concentrations form all at once. This is crazy! Fuck !"

Her typically calm demeanor replaced by a sense of urgency, Sylvetta rushed to her destination, her mind already strategizing the impending response to an unprecedented threat.

Meanwhile, Klauss dedicated his days to rest and intense training sessions with Cassius, unaware of the imminent changes in the world around him. The duo immersed themselves in rigorous training, with Klauss pushing his limits and Cassius displaying remarkable progress and breakthroughs.

His singular hope echoed within him—the awakening of his legendary slave, Cassius. Little did Klauss realize that the calm preceding the storm was about to shatter, and the tranquility of his training sessions was but a brief respite before the challenges that lay ahead.