Chapter 3: Rising Shadows

Chris Tranvis emerged from the ancient chamber, feeling the weight of his newfound power and responsibility. The dark purple aura that surrounded him flickered like a living entity, casting eerie shadows on the cavern walls. His comrades, who had been searching for him, gasped as they saw him.

“Chris? Is that really you?” one of them asked, eyes wide with disbelief.

“It’s me,” Chris replied, his voice resonating with a newfound confidence. “But I’m not the same. I’ve awakened as an SSS rank hunter.”

The others exchanged astonished glances. SSS rank was a myth, a legend spoken of in hushed tones among hunters. To see one in the flesh was beyond their wildest dreams. They knew that Chris’s transformation would change everything.

“Let’s get out of here,” Chris said. “We need to report this.”

The group made their way back to the dungeon entrance, where the rest of the team was waiting. As they stepped into the light, Chris’s aura shimmered, causing everyone to fall silent.

“What happened in there?” Marcus, who had been leading the raid, demanded.

Chris recounted his experience, from discovering the hidden chamber to facing the guardian and his subsequent rebirth. The crowd listened in stunned silence, trying to comprehend the enormity of what had transpired.

Marcus placed a hand on Chris’s shoulder. “You’ve become something extraordinary, Chris. We need to get you to the Guild Headquarters immediately.”

The journey back to New Avalon was swift. News of Chris’s transformation had already begun to spread, and by the time they reached the Guild Headquarters, a crowd had gathered. Reporters and curious onlookers jostled for a glimpse of the new SSS rank hunter.

Inside the headquarters, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. High-ranking officials and seasoned hunters awaited their arrival. Chris was escorted to a large conference room, where the Guild Master, a stern-faced woman named Evelyn Blackwood, awaited him.

“Chris Tranvis,” she began, her voice firm but respectful. “Your awakening as an SSS rank hunter is unprecedented. We need to understand your abilities and ensure you are prepared for the challenges ahead.”

Chris nodded. “I’ll do whatever it takes. I want to protect our world.”

Evelyn smiled faintly. “That’s the spirit. We’ll begin with a series of tests to gauge your powers. This will help us develop a training regimen tailored to your unique abilities.”

The next few days were a whirlwind of activity. Chris underwent numerous tests, each designed to push his limits and reveal the extent of his capabilities. He discovered that his aura could absorb and manipulate energy, creating devastating attacks that resembled a black hole’s gravitational pull. His swordsmanship, enhanced by his newfound strength, became fluid and deadly, every strike imbued with dark energy.

Despite the rigorous testing, Chris’s determination never wavered. He trained tirelessly, honing his skills and learning to control his powers. The Guild provided him with mentors, each a master in their field, to guide him on his journey.

One evening, as Chris was practicing alone in a secluded training ground, Marcus approached him.

“You’re making incredible progress,” Marcus said, leaning against a nearby tree. “But there’s something you need to know.”

Chris paused, wiping sweat from his brow. “What is it?”

“There are rumors,” Marcus continued, his tone serious. “Whispers of a god-tier enemy, a being of unimaginable power, lurking beyond the gates. Some say it’s the source of the gates themselves.”

Chris felt a chill run down his spine. “A god-tier enemy?”

Marcus nodded. “If the rumors are true, it will take everything we have to stop it. And you, Chris, might be our only hope.”

Chris’s mind raced. The thought of facing such a powerful adversary was daunting, but he knew that he couldn’t back down. His newfound power wasn’t just for show; it was a responsibility, a burden he had to bear for the sake of humanity.

“I understand,” Chris said, his voice steady. “I’ll be ready when the time comes.”

As the weeks passed, Chris continued to train, pushing his limits and refining his abilities. He formed bonds with other hunters, earning their respect and trust. The once-ordinary young man was now a symbol of hope, a beacon of strength in a world teetering on the edge of chaos.

But as Chris grew stronger, so did the shadows. The gates were opening more frequently, and the monsters that emerged were becoming more formidable. It was clear that something sinister was at play, and Chris knew that the final confrontation was drawing nearer.

One night, as he stood atop the city walls, gazing out at the horizon, Chris felt a presence beside him. It was Evelyn Blackwood, her expression thoughtful.

“Do you think you’re ready, Chris?” she asked softly.

Chris’s dark purple aura flickered in the moonlight. “I have to be. For everyone’s sake.”

Evelyn nodded. “Then we’ll face whatever comes together. The Guild stands with you, Chris Tranvis, SSS rank hunter.”

As the city slept below, Chris felt a surge of determination. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but he was ready. His journey had only just begun, and the legend of Chris Tranvis was far from over.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***