CHAPTER 37: CHAPTER 37 - A TRIUMPHANT TEASE

Before I could even process what was happening, a futuristic hoverboard materialized silently before us. It had a sleek, aerodynamic design with edges that glowed an electric blue. The underside emitted a bright blue energy that kept it hovering a few centimeters above the ground, while its surface was made of a shiny metallic material that reflected our images.

Ruth nimbly stepped onto the board and yanked my hand roughly. "Come on, get on!" she shouted, and before I could react, the hoverboard shot into the air at a speed that stole my breath.

"AAAAAH! FUCK, YOU’RE INSANE!" I screamed as we suddenly soared high. My arms instantly wrapped tightly around Ruth’s body, my eyes squeezed shut. My legs trembled feeling the precarious footing beneath me. I just discovered a fear of heights I never knew I had, or maybe it was just the shock of being taken by surprise.

Ruth remained silent, even as my tight grip nearly choked her. I could feel her slender, firm body and her soft, ample chest pressing against mine. The wind whipped fiercely against my face.

I finally opened my eyes and saw Ruth standing calmly, her face relaxed as if this was an everyday sight. Her long blue hair flowed in the wind, and for a moment, my heart raced for a reason different from fear.

We flew between skyscrapers, with Ruth skillfully guiding the hoverboard past various obstacles. I struggled to keep my balance even while holding her tightly, while Ruth looked as casual as someone taking a stroll in the park.

When Ruth felt my gaze, she turned and gave me a mischievous smile.

My heart pounded—this was definitely a bad sign.

And I was right! Suddenly, the hoverboard plunged into a sharp nosedive.

"AAAAH! SHIT! YOU CRAZY BITCH!" I yelled, but my voice was lost to the wind. I shut my eyes and held onto her even tighter, feeling the terrifying sensation of freefall. Just before hitting the ground, the hoverboard shot back upwards.

"AAAAH! I HATE THIS!" I screamed again, this time my voice an octave higher.

And then suddenly... the hoverboard did a 360-degree spin in mid-air!

I felt the world spinning, my stomach churned, and I felt like throwing up. Through the rushing wind, I could clearly hear Ruth’s crisp, teasing laughter. When I opened my eyes, I saw Ruth looking at me with a satisfied face and a triumphant smile.

’You psycho woman!’ I cursed inwardly. ’I’ll pay you back for this humiliation someday.’

.

.

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Approximately three hundred years ago, the world as we knew it changed forever. The emergence of the first Dungeon—a phenomenon that remains a mystery to this day—brought two things: terrifying monsters that flowed out like a black river, and select humans who were suddenly Awakened, gaining power beyond reason.

That era was called "The Great Chaos." The world, once run by technology and law, collapsed overnight. Monsters didn’t just slaughter; they transformed the very landscape of civilization. Major cities turned into graveyards, while survivors hid in fear.

But the threat wasn’t just from monsters. The power suddenly wielded by the Awakened created a new tyranny. Not all Hunter were born with pure intentions. Many used their powers to dominate, oppress, and build personal empires on the suffering of others. Humanity wasn’t just at war with monsters; they were also slaughtering each other in a struggle for power and resources.

This chaos lasted for decades, until a group of pioneers—Awakened with vision and integrity—realized that division would only lead to extinction. Through lengthy negotiations and warfare, they eventually succeeded in establishing the Hunter Global Authority, or HGA.

The HGA isn’t a conventional government. Its function is specific: to oversee and regulate all Hunter Guilds and Hunters worldwide. They established a ranking system, training standards, a code of ethics, and most importantly, acted as mediators to prevent wars between major guilds.

The HGA headquarters is located right in Gatehaven—a city with both heroic and traumatic history.

Two hundred years ago, it was here that the world’s first S-rank Dungeon appeared. A giant gate spewing forth monsters with unimaginable power. Many thought it was the end of humanity.

But it was also here that humanity’s first major victory occurred. Legendary Hunters—at an unimaginable cost—managed to conquer that dungeon. That victory became a symbol of hope, proof that humanity could fight back. Gatehaven, meaning ’Guardian of the Gate,’ became the world’s new capital and a symbol of human resilience.

But like all major cities, behind Gatehaven’s grandeur lies political intrigue, rivalries between guilds, and dark secrets. This city might be civilization’s last fortress, but its walls are cracked, and enemies don’t always come from the dungeons.

And it seems, starting today, I’m getting dragged right into the middle of all this.

Right now, I’m inside the HGA headquarters, sitting among Guild Masters and Vice Guild Masters from around the world. The meeting hall is magnificent and intimidating—rows of seats tiered high like an amphitheater, forming a perfect circle around the central stage. Your seating position determines your status; the closer to the front, the larger and more influential the guild you represent.

I sat next to Ruth, in the middle row, right at the edge, because we arrived almost late. Currently, I’m using the Iron Knight’s appearance thanks to the Faceless Mask—messy black hair, brown eyes, olive skin, and a sturdy build that completely contradicts my real appearance.

On the front stage sat eight individuals whose powerful auras were palpable even from this distance. They are the Guardian Council, the highest leaders of the Hunter Global Authority. And among them, there’s one face I know all too well—my stepmother, Delilah Socheron, as captivating as ever.

In the silent room, a middle-aged speaker stood tall, explaining things meticulously. Before him, a hologram projected data that made hearts pound. The displayed numbers and graphs showed a drastic and alarming increase.

"In the last three weeks, there has been a 47% increase in dungeon appearances worldwide," his voice echoed in the quiet hall.

Three graph lines spiked sharply, accompanied by the clearly displayed 47%. The world map next to it was filled with red dots spreading like a plague. Faces in the room creased with worry, eyes fixed on the projection that confirmed their long-held fears.

The speaker then switched the hologram to an image of a black symbol depicting a crown of thorns—the emblem of the notoriously cruel Abyss Syndicate.

Their activities were monitored to be increasing rapidly, with organized and planned movement patterns. Every council member realized this was no mere coincidence; something big was being prepared by this criminal organization of the Awakened.

The latest intelligence data showed suspicious movements in various strategic locations. Massive resource gathering, recruitment of new members, and secret activities around dungeon areas that were highly unusual.

I listened carefully, but my attention was truly captured when he moved on to the next topic.

"Furthermore, we also face a new threat from creatures we call The Breakers," he said, his face serious. The hologram displayed images of terrifying creatures. "These SS-rank monsters possess abilities we’ve never seen before. They can enter and exit dungeons even when the gates aren’t open for them, and they roam freely in our world."

He changed the hologram display to show three red dots on the world map. "Based on evidence we’ve gathered, there are at least three active Breakers. One of them has been successfully eliminated by the Star Witch."

Now I understand why my stepmother has rarely been home lately.

"The most dangerous thing," he continued in a low but clear voice, "is their ability to think like humans and... shapeshift into humans. If you see someone who was previously ordinary suddenly display strange powers, it could be a Breaker in disguise."

He made a dramatic pause, his eyes sweeping across the room. "It’s possible that one of them is in this very room right now."

I felt Ruth’s sharp gaze piercing the side of my head. I turned and whispered, "I’m a real human."

Ruth just raised an eyebrow, saying nothing.

The meeting continued with other discussions, but my mind lingered on the warning about The Breakers. After the event concluded, as Ruth and I were walking out, a well-dressed man approached us.

"Master Iron Knight," he said respectfully but firmly. "The Guardian Council requests your presence."

Ruth immediately stepped closer, but the man raised his hand. "Only the Guild Master is permitted to enter."