The portal gate shimmered as the hunters stepped through.
A moment later—
They emerged into a massive transport hall filled with bright lights and towering pillars.
They had returned from the raid.
But they weren't in an ordinary city.
They were in Astra Prime.
The greatest hunter city in the world.
Gigantic skyscrapers stretched into the sky.
Floating platforms carried airships between buildings.
Massive holographic screens displayed rankings of hunters and guilds across Aetherion.
Thousands of hunters moved through the streets below.
The city felt alive with power.
Standing near the portal exit, Kael Varyn looked around in amazement.
"…This place is huge."
Beside him, Valerian the Titan laughed.
"Of course it is."
"This is the headquarters of the World Hunter Association."
Ardyn folded his arms as golden flames flickered faintly around him.
"Every major guild has a presence here."
Ardyn Solis pointed toward the skyline.
Massive towers displayed the emblems of legendary guilds.
The Iron Legion.
The Solar Vanguard.
The Storm Dominion.
Some of the strongest hunter organizations in the world.
Kael felt a strange excitement in his chest.
This city was the center of everything.
And soon—
He would be fighting here.
Suddenly a loud announcement echoed across the hall.
"Attention all hunters."
A massive holographic screen appeared above the plaza.
The emblem of the World Hunter Association appeared.
Then a voice spoke.
"The World Hunter Tournament will begin in seven days."
The entire hall erupted in excitement.
Hunters began talking loudly.
"The tournament is starting!"
"This year's participants will be insane."
"The strongest young hunters in the world will fight."
Kael's system flashed again.
Global Event Confirmed
Event: World Hunter Tournament
Participants: Top Hunters Under Level 100
Reward: Legendary Artifacts + Global Ranking
Valerian cracked his knuckles.
"You planning to enter?"
Kael nodded.
"Of course."
Ardyn smirked slightly.
"That tournament is where future legends are born."
"But it's also where many hunters are crushed."
Kael wasn't intimidated.
If anything—
It made him more excited.
Suddenly another massive screen lit up.
A ranking list appeared.
Top 10 Strongest Hunters in the World
Aurelion Drake
Seraphina Lux
Ragnar Voidheart
Titanus Gorr
Ignis Solaris
Lyra Mindveil
Kaizer Stormborn
Morvane Dusk
Fenrir Bloodfang
Sylvara Frostwind
Kael stared at the names.
"These are the strongest hunters alive?"
Valerian nodded.
"Each of them could destroy a city."
Ardyn added quietly.
"And they all survived the great wars."
Kael clenched his fists.
One day…
He would surpass them all.
But before that—
He would need to survive the tournament.
Suddenly the system flashed again.
New Quest Available
Quest: Enter the World Hunter Tournament
Objective: Register as a participant
Reward: Unknown
Kael smiled.
"Looks like the system already decided for me."
Valerian laughed loudly.
"Good."
"Because this tournament will show the world who you really are."
But far away…
In the shadows of the city…
A mysterious figure watched Kael through a hidden surveillance screen.
The figure spoke softly.
"So…"
"…the berserker has arrived."
Behind him stood several powerful hunters.
Bloodline hybrids.
Experimental warriors.
The man smiled.
"Prepare them."
"Because the tournament will also be a perfect hunting ground."
And Kael Varyn had just entered the most dangerous city in Aetherion.