Chapter 13 - Into the Dungeon

  The woman turned to Siman. "Inside, you will find a series of devices designed to measure your capabilities. The system will assess your strength, combat skills, and magical energy. You may begin when ready."

  Siman smirked and stepped forward.

  The testing arena was spacious, reinforced with enchanted barriers. At its center stood a massive metallic construct, a machine built to gauge physical power. Several detection orbs floated in the air, ready to analyze magical output.

  A panel of examiners sat behind thick gss, watching everything unfold.

  Lucas and Andre stood on the sidelines, observing.

  Siman cracked his knuckles. "Let's get this over with."

  A massive, reinforced target appeared in front of him. Numbers flickered on the screens beside it, dispying real-time power output.

  Siman took a single step forward. His body barely moved.

  Then

  BOOM!

  His fist collided with the target, sending a deep echo throughout the room. The impact caused shockwaves to ripple across the metallic floor. The number on the screen spiked before stabilizing at a level just below Rank A's maximum threshold.

  ---

  A set of automated drones descended from the ceiling, each programmed to attack with calcuted precision.

  Siman didn't hesitate.

  The moment the first drone moved, he sidestepped, pivoted, and with the smallest shift of his weight

  CRACK.

  One drone shattered instantly, its metallic body crumpling like paper.

  The others advanced. Lasers fired. Bdes extended.

  Siman danced through the onsught, evading with casual ease. Each time he struck, it was swift and efficient, breaking his opponents in a way that was practical, not fshy.

  Within thirty seconds, the test ended.

  The remaining evaluations followed suit. He dispyed just enough magical power, just enough agility, just enough reaction speed to pce himself securely at Rank A nothing more, nothing less.

  The examiners exchanged gnces before nodding.

  One of them, an older man with silver-rimmed gsses, spoke through the intercom. "Siman". Your assessment is complete. Your rank has been determined as 'A'. Congratutions."

  A machine printed out a Hunter's Card, officially certifying Siman's rank.

  He grabbed it, twirled it between his fingers, then turned to Lucas with a sly grin. "Too easy."

  Lucas exhaled through his nose and smirked. "Alright, now we can enter the dungeon."

  ---

  Lucas stood up. His voice was calm but firm. "Alright, we shouldn't waste time. Let's find a dungeon and enter it."

  Andre nodded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Siman simply smirked, arms crossed, as if he had expected this decision all along.

  Without further discussion, they left.

  The Hunter's Mission Center was bustling with activity. The air buzzed with voices of mercenaries, adventurers, and hunters discussing their upcoming assignments. Some boasted about past conquests, while others whispered about the dangers that awaited.

  Lucas led the way to the main counter, where hunters lined up to register for assignments. Behind the desk, a woman in uniform processed requests at a rapid pace.

  When it was their turn, Lucas stepped forward and spoke clearly. "We need a B-rank dungeon."

  The receptionist barely gnced at him before holding out her hand. "Give me your cards."

  Lucas, Siman, and Andre pulled out their Hunter IDs, pcing them on the counter. The woman examined each one in silence, then arched an eyebrow slightly.

  Lucas: Rank C.

  Andre: Rank B.

  Siman: Rank A.

  She tapped a few buttons on her screen before nodding. "Alright. Have a seat over there and return in thirty minutes."

  Lucas sighed. "Thirty minutes?"

  The woman didn't even look up. "Yes. Next."

  Realizing there was no point in arguing, the three stepped away and sat on a nearby bench. The waiting area was filled with hunters preparing for their missions sharpening weapons, double-checking supplies, or simply chatting.

  Andre tapped his knee impatiently. "They sure take their time, huh?"

  Siman leaned back, stretching his arms. "It's bureaucracy. Be gd they're not making us wait for hours."

  Lucas, ever the pragmatist, pulled out his phone and began reviewing dungeon records.

  Thirty Minutes Later

  They returned to the counter, where the receptionist handed them a mission slip.

  "Here's your group," she said.

  Lucas turned and saw five individuals waiting for them.

  A red-haired girl who carried herself with confidence.

  A small boy with yellow hair who observed everyone with quiet curiosity.

  Three adult men two with average builds, while the third was rge and cd in armor.

  The red-haired girl stepped forward first, offering a polite smile. "Hey there. Looks like we're working together."

  Lucas matched her expression. "Looks like it. I'm Lucas, and these two are Andre and Siman."

  She gave a slight nod. "Darlene. B-rank healer."

  Lucas took a moment to process that. A healer? That's useful.

  Darlene gestured toward the others. "That kid's also B-rank. Don't know his name yet he hasn't said a word."

  Lucas's eyes flickered to the boy, who simply stared at them without expression. He was young too young, perhaps. But if he was ranked B, there had to be a reason.

  Darlene continued. "That guy over there in armor? That's Kyle, A-rank."

  Kyle stood with his arms crossed, expression unreadable. His presence was imposing, but Lucas caught a hint of something else in his eyes a quiet, simmering arrogance.

  "The other two?" Lucas asked.

  "C-rank."

  The two average-looking men nodded in acknowledgment but remained silent.

  At that moment, Kyle finally spoke, his deep voice cutting through the air. "So, who's leading this mission?"

  Before anyone could answer, the receptionist responded without hesitation.

  "Siman. He's the highest rank."

  A brief silence.

  Most of the group accepted the decision without issue. But Kyle's jaw tightened slightly. His expression remained neutral, but Lucas caught the brief flicker of resentment in his eyes.

  He doesn't like taking orders.

  Still, Kyle said nothing. After a moment, he simply nodded, though it was clear he wasn't thrilled.

  Siman, meanwhile, didn't seem to care. He simply shrugged. "Fine with me."

  With leadership settled, it was time to move.

  The Hunter Organization's carriage awaited them outside a sturdy, armored vehicle designed for transport across dangerous regions.

  They climbed inside, taking seats on opposite benches. The interior was spacious but tense the usual awkwardness of a team that hadn't yet worked together.

  Lucas studied their teammates in silence.