Chapter 3

    Fifty years ago, the world continued on peacefully, with no life-threatening events. People across the globe went about their daily lives without any need for caution or fear.

    Apart from natural disasters like storms, floods, fires, and earthquakes, which were regular occurrences, people managed to live their lives up to the present day.

    Unexpectedly, on New Year's Eve, a day that should have been filled with joyful celebrations, turned into one of the most catastrophic tragedies.

    Festivals were held worldwide, with billions of people out celebrating with family, friends, or loved ones, eagerly awaiting the fireworks to welcome the New Year.

    Then, at midnight, mysterious black holes appeared all over the world. People stood frozen in shock and awe, having never witnessed anything so supernatural.

    Curiosity about these phenomena quickly turned to horror as strange creatures emerged from the enigmatic black holes, numbering in the millions. These monsters, unlike anything seen before, began attacking and slaughtering people, devouring, biting, and tearing them apart. People fled in panic, screaming for help.

    Buildings and homes were destroyed as if it were the end of the world, with scattered flesh all around. The ground across the planet was stained a horrifying shade of blood red.

    Military forces arrived to assist, but unfortunately, their ordinary weapons inflicted only minor damage on the monsters. A third of the global population perished, marking the most severe disaster ever recorded.

    Eventually, a group of people awakened to their magical powers and emerged, capable of fighting the monsters. They were called 'Hunters.' The global population rejoiced and felt relieved that the world had not met its end. It took many years to recover and restore the world to its former state.

    Today, being a Hunter was the pinnacle profession that everyone dreams of, akin to heroes who saved the world and allowed it to continue existing. In terms of the food chain hierarchy, the strongest were those with Hunter Rank SS, followed by S, A, B, C, D, E, down to F, which was the lowest rank. Lower ranks were often not well-regarded, and those at the bottom must lead difficult lives, facing danger and earning meager incomes to survive.

    Their lives transformed dramatically, as supernatural events became commonplace. Oval-shaped black holes emitting a spectrum of colors, known as 'Gates,' appeared. ‘Monsters’ emerged from dungeons, dropping 'Items,' and screens displaying various statuses, referred to as the 'System,' became part of daily life. These phenomena led people to regard Hunters as the top profession, offering stable income and the highest level of recognition.

    With Hunters, the 'Hunter Association' was established by governments in each country, serving as a hub for everything from awakening powers to safeguarding citizens against crimes by terrorist groups, monsters, dungeons, and more.

    Guilds were then founded, providing those seeking support groups, special privileges, or resources a place within the Hunter Association or a guild to ensure their own stability.

    Scientists and researchers studied the occurrences from dungeons, collaboratively advancing the world to its peak, leading to the present day.

    Finally, the day arrived for Claudia to return to the Heart Family home, which was not just a house but a mansion! His entire family, along with the butlers, maids, and servants, welcomed him warmly. Claudia was treated like a prince, which made him feel quite out of place.

    Soon after, the Heart Family went to handle business at the guild, leaving Jonathan to assign his personal bodyguard to look after Claudia and give him a tour of the house.

    Claudia glanced around, thinking that if he were to walk alone, he would surely get lost. The mansion was indeed vast and complex, but fortunately, he had the bodyguard with him.

    Once Claudia had explored to his satisfaction, Sean escorted him to his bedroom door, assuring him that he could call for assistance at any time.

    Claudia entered the bedroom and looked around, noting that it was decorated in a Victorian style. The room was spacious and luxurious, resembling a castle. The walls had beautiful patterns, and the vanity and various items were all in beige tones. After surveying the room to his content, Claudia sat at the desk, deciding it was time to get down to business.

    First and foremost, what he needed most was power. To gain power, he had to enhance his combat skills. Fortunately, in his past life, he had already learned some fighting techniques, so he didn't have to start from scratch. His advantage was knowing the future, understanding how events would unfold. He could find items that could change his life, and if he managed to acquire them, rank and power would no longer be an issue. Therefore, he needed to plan carefully.

    The so-called 'Seven Elemental Gems' were a mystery to Claudia. He didn't know who would ultimately possess them, as the novel he read hadn't been fully updated. This rare item was introduced at the beginning of the story, stating that whoever possessed it, whether an ordinary person or a Hunter of any rank, could develop their skills endlessly. Until now, it remained a mystery, but he had an idea of where it was located.

    The novel mentioned that it had appeared early in the story, yet no one had ever found it. It was hidden in the Treasure Dungeon, which was his stroke of luck because even someone as weak as him could enter this dungeon.

    Any dungeon that appeared for more than twenty-four hours would cause the Gate to break, releasing monsters, leading to chaos.

    Hunters from the Hunter Association and various guilds must clear the boss of the dungeon within the specified time. After that, the dungeon would close within an hour. If anyone exited after the designated time, they would be ejected immediately.

    The Treasure Dungeon was an exception because, no matter how long it was open, it would never break. If no one retrieved the items inside, it would remain open indefinitely. However, once the items were collected, the dungeon would close.

    That's why Claudia needed to hurry and retrieve this item. If he delayed, someone else might find it before him.

    It was currently evening, just in time for Jonathan to return. As he was told, the family's free time didn't always align. Tonight, Claudia had a dinner appointment with his father, just the two of them.

    They headed down to the dining room and began their meal leisurely. The other three wouldn't be coming home that day, which was a perfect opportunity for him to leave the house and embark on his mission.

    After dinner, Jonathan called Claudia to his office, saying he had something to discuss.

    Upon entering the office, the room was decorated in a soothing modern style with white and brown tones.

    "Take this, son. I have something for you."

    "Thank you."

    Claudia opened the box to see what was inside. He found weapons, leather gloves, a shirt, pants, shoes, protective accessories, a Teleport Crystal for emergency dungeon exits, as well as potions and elixirs that temporarily boost his stats.

    "Father, are you giving me all of this?!" Claudia stared at the items in astonishment, as each one was a special-grade Rank A item.

    Normally, if it was a regular-grade Rank A item, those below Rank A couldn't wear it, rendering the stats ineffective.

    But if it was a special-grade Rank A item, even ordinary people could wear it. This reduced inequality and was considered a very overpowered item, though it required a hefty investment because it was rare and much more expensive than regular-grade items.

    Even regular-grade Rank A items were hard to find, and even high-level dungeons had a low drop rate. Their price was high enough to buy a house.

    "Yes, take it. It'll ease my worries a bit," Jonathan smiled faintly, gently running his large hand through Claudia's pearl-white hair.

    ‘Even if he had Rank S items, he would surely give them to his youngest son.’

    "Thank you again, Father," Claudia said, closing his eyes and leaning into the warmth Jonathan offered, making his father feel a surge of affection.

    Afterward, Claudia returned to his bedroom. He opened the system window and stored the items he received in his inventory, except for the wearable equipment and items like accessories. He picked up the earrings, which were elegantly designed with small golden chains, and quickly examined them.

    Ding!

    Item: Chromos Elf Earrings *Wearable*

    Rank: A (Special)

    Attributes: Increases maximum HP by 3852

    Reduces skill cooldown by 10.56%

    Increases physical attack power by 30%

    Description: Earrings of Chromos, crafted by the Raoul Tribe, incorporating rare sacred light-element minerals.

    Recommendation: If the full set of Chromos items is worn (1/2), all stats increase by +5.

    ‘These are really good. This should solve some of the power issues.’

    Next, Claudia inspected the necklace, which was similar in design to the earrings. This necklace featured a delicate thin golden chain encircling a round white pearl, with shimmering golden minerals embedded inside.

    Item: Chromos Elf Necklace *Wearable*

    Rank: A (Special)

    Attributes: Increases maximum HP by 5964

    Defense power 20%

    Description: Necklace of Chromos, crafted by the Raoul Tribe, incorporating rare sacred light-element minerals.

    Recommendation: If the full set of Chromos items is worn (2/2), all stats increase by +5.

    Clothing and pants focused on defense, shoes on agility, and weapons and gloves on attack power.

    After checking all the stats, he quickly equipped the items and didn't forget to tie his hair back with a black cap, wearing a matching mask to conceal his face.

    Everyone in the house had gone to bed by now, but with a bodyguard stationed outside his room, he had to climb out the window instead.

    Unbelievably, just leaving the house left him almost breathless. Even with the items helping, they didn't significantly boost his strength. Moreover, the house was tightly guarded by bodyguards, making him feel a thrilling sense of tension.

    "Damn, I'm exhausted," Claudia muttered, nearly collapsing on the ground after climbing over the fence. Feeling hot and sweaty, he removed his mask and used his cap to fan himself. Without the items, he would have been even more exhausted. He rested for five minutes before continuing his journey.

    Then, Claudia called for a ride to take him to a certain location immediately.