Sung Han Soo’s heart pounded against his ribcage as he looked around him.

The chaotic scene behind him fading into a blur, and the bloody sight before him nearly made him retch.

The deafening explosion that had rocked the grand symposium still resonated in his ears, a reminder of the peril they had narrowly escaped.

Sweat trickled down his forehead, mixing with the dust that clung to his skin, as he took in deep breaths to steady his racing pulse.

Relief washed over Han Soo as he surveyed the scattered and disoriented Hunter Association representatives from around the world.

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‘It has to be Miss Vida who rescued us.’ Han Soo thought to himself.

Though he had no memory of her swift and decisive actions, he could think of no one else who could have done anything even close.

He was a bit surprised by her heartlessness in causing such a bloody mess by killing all the Zenith Hunters that obstructed them, but Han Soo reckoned it was for their own good.

The mere thought of Aloe Vida brought a genuine smile to his face. In the midst of chaos, she had been their beacon of hope.

‘Still… what a mess.’

The pungent odor of blood overpowered his senses, causing Han Soo’s mind began to replay the events of the Grand Symposium.

The reality had been nothing like he had expected.

He had imagined an atmosphere of intellectual exchange, a gathering of brilliant minds discussing the intricacies of Gates and Dungeon Raids; all with the goal protecting the world from supernatural threats.

But instead, it had been a battleground. The unexpected enemy, Chad, threw everything into disarray, and they had all barely come out unscathed.

‘Thankfully, Hyung Jared and Miss Vida were able to sort things out in the end.’ A smile of relief washed over his face.

‘But…’

Guilt gnawed at Han Soo’s conscience as he replayed his own actions—or lack thereof.

He had felt paralyzed, unable to contribute anything of value while chaos reigned around him.

He clenched his fist, his knuckles turning white, a silent testament to his frustration and self-reproach. How had he allowed fear to paralyze him?

“Even after all the training. After everything I was taught…”

Determined to make amends, Han Soo vowed to himself that he would become a better Hunter.

He would no longer let his insecurities dictate his actions.

He would train harder, study deeper, and hone his skills until he became a force to be reckoned with.

The shame he felt now would fuel his determination, pushing him to exceed his own expectations.

With a resolute nod, Han Soo took a final glance at the smoldering ruins of the auditorium, knowing that the scars ripple effects of today’s event would forever mark this turning point in his life.

He joined the other representatives, their expressions mirroring his own mix of relief and determination.

The path ahead was fraught with challenges, but Han Soo was ready to face them head-on, driven by the knowledge that the world needed Hunters like him, now more than ever.

And thanks to being so immersed in his thoughts, he failed to notice the enemy approach.

… Until it was too late.

>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!