Chapter 3: "A New Beginning"

The morning sun casts a warm, gentle glow through the window, painting the small bathroom in hues of gold. Steam curled in the air, and the sound of running water filled the room.

Alex stood beneath the soothing spray of the shower, allowing the hot water to wash away the remnants of sleep. It was a simple pleasure, one he realized he hadn't fully appreciated in his past life.

The bathroom was cozy, with cream-colored tiles that had seen better days. A modest shower curtain hung around the bathtub, swaying gently in the warm breeze that wafted through the open window.

It was a stark contrast to the grandeur and opulence that some hunters enjoyed, but it was a place that felt like home to Alex.

As the water cascaded over his lean, slightly muscular frame, Alex took a moment to reflect on the surreal nature of his situation.

He had been given a second chance at life, thrust back in time to the year 2021. Memories of his previous life, filled with regrets and betrayal, still lingered in his mind like faint echoes.

Among those memories, one stood out with painful clarity – Ellie's betrayal.

Ellie, his once-trusted companion and lover, had been the source of his deepest anguish. She had turned her back on him when he needed her the most, a decision that had shattered his trust and left a scar on his soul.

The pain of her betrayal had cut deeper than any blade, and it was a wound that time couldn't fully heal.

But now, he was different. In this new life, he was reborn with youth and vitality, and it showed in his appearance.

His hair, once dulled by the weight of his past regrets, now had a healthier sheen to it. It was jet black, with a few rebellious strands that refused to stay in place.

He ran his fingers through it, feeling the softness of his locks. It was a far cry from the unkempt mess it had been in his previous life.

Alex's face bore a sense of determination that hadn't been there before. His hazel eyes, once clouded with despair, now held a glimmer of hope and purpose.

Dark circles, which had been the result of countless sleepless nights, were gradually fading, replaced by a newfound vitality.

He traced his fingers over the faint scar on his cheek, a lasting reminder of a harrowing encounter with a gang of four thugs just three months ago in their rough neighbourhood.

They had cornered him, demanding his money and leaving him with this enduring mark.

As he continued to inspect himself, Alex noted the changes in his body. He was still relatively slender, but there was a subtle increase in muscle definition, a testament to his determination to become stronger.

At twenty-one years old, he was in the prime of his youth, with boundless potential ahead of him. But it wasn't just his physical appearance that had transformed.

In this new life, Alex was not only determined to become stronger but also more cautious. The bitter experiences from his past had left a deep mark on his psyche, especially the betrayal by Ellie.

He harboured a profound sense of resentment not only towards her but also towards those who had used him in his previous life.

As the water droplets slid down his skin, Alex clenched his fists, the resolve in his heart growing stronger. He would use this second chance to its fullest, to protect his family from their tragic death and to exact vengeance on those who had wronged him.

Even though he didn't yet comprehend the full extent of it, the Dungeon System had provided him a chance at redemption, and he was resolved to grasp it firmly with both hands.

With a final rinse, Alex turned off the shower and stepped out, wrapping a towel around his waist. He knew that his journey was just beginning, and there were countless challenges ahead.

Leaving the bathroom, he entered his small bedroom. The modest room was furnished with a simple bed, a desk cluttered with study materials for the upcoming hunter exam.

It was a reflection of the life he had lived in this new timeline—a life where he hadn't yet become a hunter.

Alex approached the mirror that hung on the wall, his reflection staring back at him with a mix of determination and uncertainty.

He picked up a comb from his desk and began to groom his hair, taming the stray strands that refused to cooperate. It was a small act, but it symbolized his newfound commitment to control his destiny.

There's a proverb that goes, "If a blind man loses his stick once, he'll never lose it twice." Alex was determined not to repeat the same mistakes he had made in his previous life.

In this new chapter of his life, Alex had made a solemn commitment. He was determined to repay acts of kindness with an overwhelming abundance of gratitude, tenfold to be exact.

On the flip side, he harboured a burning desire for revenge that would be exacted a hundredfold upon those who had wronged him in his past existence.

The memories of his final moments in his previous life, filled with betrayal and agony, fueled the fiery determination within him.

These memories acted as a constant reminder of the suffering he had endured, motivating him to right the wrongs and protect his loved ones from a tragic fate.

Alex was not oblivious to the challenges that lay ahead. He possessed a profound understanding of the major events that would unfold in the future.

Although he had never held a prestigious rank among hunters, he remained diligently up-to-date with the latest information regarding dungeons, powerful weaponry, and coveted skills.

He knew where to find these valuable resources, and he was resolved to gather them all to enhance his capabilities and strength.

Every piece of knowledge he possessed, every skill he learned, and every weapon he acquired would be used to forge his path forward.

Alex's journey was not just about survival; it was about thriving, conquering, and ultimately, achieving the justice he sought.

He would navigate the intricate web of destiny, seizing every opportunity and overcoming every obstacle in his relentless pursuit of redemption and retribution.

As he dressed in fresh clothes, a sense of purpose welled up inside him. He knew that today was a crucial day—a day that would determine whether he had the potential to become a hunter.His family had always encouraged him to pursue this path, and he was determined to make them proud.