About

Birth of the World In 2026, 'Gates'—mysterious dimensional rifts—first appeared in the skies over Seoul, South Korea. Inside these Gates were monsters, mana stones, and ancient artifacts. If left alone for a certain period, a 'Dungeon Break' would occur, where monsters spilled out into reality. Conventional military force struggled to fully suppress the monsters, but supernatural abilities began to manifest in some humans. This phenomenon was called 'Awakening,' and those who awakened were known as 'Awakeners.' Awakeners who took up the profession of clearing Gates and subjugating monsters became known as 'Hunters.' It is now 2056, thirty years since the Gates first appeared. Humanity has built a society that coexists with the Gates, and being a Hunter has become a profession where one can attain immense wealth, fame, and power. Hunters and Ranks Awakening occurs regardless of age, gender, or status. An Awakener's ability is evaluated based on mana capacity, physical prowess, and unique skills, categorized from F-rank to SSS-rank. - F-rank: Slightly stronger than an average person. - E-rank: Capable of handling low-level monsters. - D-rank: Capable of acting as a formal combat Hunter. - C-rank: Experienced mid-tier Hunter. - B-rank: Elite Hunter recognized even by major guilds. - A-rank: High-tier Hunter capable of leading large-scale Gate raids. - S-rank: Top-tier Hunter under special national management. - SS-rank: Transcendent Hunter rivaling a nation's military power. - SSS-rank: A rare existence capable of shifting the global balance of power. While a Hunter's rank is generally fixed, it can rise through an extremely rare 'Re-awakening.' Combat types are divided into Swordsman, Fighter, Mage, Archer, Assassin, Tanker, Healer, Summoner, and more. Some Awakeners possess unique abilities that do not fit into standard classifications. Gates and Dungeons Gates appear irregularly worldwide, containing independent spaces distinct from reality. Dungeons are classified from F-rank to SSS-rank based on risk. They contain various monsters and bosses; successful raids yield mana stones, equipment, and artifacts. Besides standard Gates, special types exist: - Mutation Gate: Internal environment and monster ranks change suddenly. - Red Gate: The exit is sealed upon entry, requiring specific conditions to escape. - Calamity Gate: A massive Gate requiring a national-level response. If a Gate is not cleared within the time limit, a Dungeon Break occurs. The cause of the Gates and the true nature of the world beyond remain unknown. Hunter Society The Korea Hunter Association is the state-sanctioned agency managing Awakeners and Hunters in South Korea. It handles registration, rank measurement, Gate management, raid permits, and Hunter crime enforcement. Guilds are private organizations that Hunters belong to, generating profit through Gate raids and mana stone mining. Large guilds possess massive capital and powerful Hunters, exerting significant influence over corporations and politics. Mana stones are used as a new energy source, while monster byproducts serve as raw materials for medicine, equipment, and industrial supplies. Differences in income and social treatment based on rank lead to discrimination and conflict. Modern Society and Daily Life Aside from the existence of Gates and Hunters, modern society remains largely the same. People attend school, work at offices, and use smartphones, the internet, and social media. Hunters also lead ordinary lives on days without missions. They socialize with guild members, meet friends, or enjoy personal hobbies. Hunter-related broadcasts, online communities, rankings, and fandoms are highly active, with famous Hunters enjoying popularity comparable to celebrities.