Chapter 8: Hero
Author: James
last update2026-10-20 08:03:28

The break room fell into complete silence, not a single person blinked nor spoke. Every pair of eyes remained fixed on the television.

The enormous black Gate hanging over Harbor City continued to split apart as the air around it distorted violently and purple lightning crashed across the sky.

The cameraman stumbled backward.

"H-Hold the shot!"

The image shook violently. Just then, Something emerged. A massive claw it was jet black. Large enough to crush an armored truck.

It slowly gripped the edge of the Gate before pulling itself forward. The creature's head followed, it resembled a wolf...

That would be If wolves stood nearly twenty feet tall. Its crimson eyes glowed like burning coals and rows of razor-sharp teeth stretched into a terrifying grin.

The news anchor's voice trembled.

"Confirmed visual... A B-Rank Shadow Direwolf..."

The monster released a deafening roar.

ROOOOOAAARRR!!

Even through the television speakers, the sound sent chills through the warehouse. One of Jonny's coworkers dropped his coffee.

The reporter shouted into his microphone.

"Civilians have completely evacuated the district! We're waiting for the Hunter Association!"

The next moment, the Direwolf leapt from the Gate. The concrete beneath it shattered and cars flipped through the air like toys.

"...That's only B-Rank?" Jonny swallowed.

Mark nodded grimly. "And thank God it isn't A-Rank."

Before Jonny could ask another question...

A streak of blue light flashed across the television.

BOOM!!

The Direwolf was sent flying through three buildings. The warehouse erupted.

"They're here!"

A woman descended from the sky. She wore a white-and-blue combat suit trimmed with silver.

Long silver hair flowed behind her as icy mana swirled around her body.

She landed effortlessly and the e camera immediately zoomed in.

The news anchor's tone changed instantly.

"It's S-Rank Hunter... Aurora Frost!"

Cheers erupted inside the break room.

"She's incredible!"

"That's the Ice Queen!"

"I knew she'd come!"

Jonny looked around in disbelief as people weren't just relieved, they were excited.

It felt less like watching soldiers go to war and more like watching the finals of a world championship.

Aurora calmly drew a crystal-blue sword and the Direwolf charged.

Its massive body shook the streets. But just before it reached her, She disappeared.

"...What?" Jonny barely finished speaking before a blue streak flashed past the monster.

Nothing happened for one heartbeat then, a line of frost spread across the Direwolf's body

CRACK...

Its entire form froze solid. Another second passed and the frozen monster shattered into thousands of glittering ice fragments.

The battle had just lasted less than five seconds. Everyone erupted into applause.

Jonny couldn't take his eyes off the screen.

"...She's..." He added. "So strong."

The System answered.

-----------------

Current Hunter Rank: S

Estimated Combat Ability: Catastrophic.

-------------

"She killed it instantly." Jonny frowned.

[Correct.]

"How many people know her?" He asked.

The System answered immediately.

[Global Recognition: 2.4 Billion Individuals.]

"Billions..." Jonny's eyes widened.

[Attention amplifies mana.]

"You're saying... She's stronger because she's famous?"

[Incorrect.]

"Huh?" Jonny blinked.

[She became famous because she was powerful.

Her fame then accelerated her growth. The two now sustain one another.]

Suddenly another blue notification appeared.

---------------

Tutorial Updated

Understanding Increased.

Knowledge of the world has expanded.

Reward Available.

--------------------

A soft chime echoed inside his head.

--------------------

Congratulations.

Passive Skill Acquired.

Social Presence Lv.1

Passive Effect: People are slightly more likely to notice your existence.

Effect: +10% Memorability

+5% Conversation Initiation

--------------------

"I got another skill?" He blinked.

[Correction. Previous Skill Updated and friendly Presence has evolved.]

"So helping people..." Jonny smiled. "Actually changed my abilities."

[Host actions determine Skill Evolution.]

Before he could ask another question, the television switched back to the studio.

The anchor smiled brightly.

"As expected of Aurora Frost."

"With today's successful suppression, Harbor City has officially been declared safe."

The warehouse manager clapped his hands.

"Alright!"

"Show's over!"

"Back to work!"

Far away, inside the Hunter Association headquarters, the blue crystal pulsed once more.

This time...

A thin crack appeared across its surface.

The elderly Director slowly stood from his chair.

His expression had turned grim.

"...Find him."

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