"My power should have manifested three years ago when I was fifteen, but it didn’t," Raito said as he put on his shoes and picked up his bag.
He stepped out of his apartment and walked toward the train station, which had long since been shut down after a dungeon appeared there.
As he reached the station, he saw Ayane Kurohane, his childhood friend, waving at him. He smiled and ran forward.
She wasn’t alone. Beside her stood two companions: Touzuki and Makito. The three of them were Rank C Hunters and members of one of the most famous Hunter guilds in the country, the Dragon Fang Hunter Guild.
As Raito came closer, he lowered his head respectfully. Then, slowly, he looked up at Ayane. She gave him a warm smile.
"Don’t worry," she said gently.
"Hey, you! Come here now," Touzuki barked suddenly.
Raito stepped toward him.
"What’s your name again?" Touzuki asked with a frown.
"Raito. Raito," he replied quickly.
"You delayed us again," Touzuki snapped. "It’s only because of your friend Ayane that we even gave you a job. And it’s an easy one, just clean our gear before we enter the dungeon. But you’re always late."
"I’m really sorry," Raito said, bowing slightly.
"Makito, move forward," Touzuki said, waving him off.
"Hey, Touzuki, stop bothering him," Makito said calmly. Then he turned to Raito. "Just go and start cleaning our gear."
Raito gave Makito a small smile, lifted his head, and said softly, "Thank you."
Raito stepped forward, slipped off his bag, and set it down on the platform. Without hesitation, he opened it, then jumped down onto the railway tracks. The station was filled with the scent of rust, dust, and something stale, like air that hadn’t moved in years.
Two swords lay on the ground, dulled by dried blood and dirt. Beside them were pieces of armor, scratched, dented, and worn from the last hunt. It was his job to clean them.
He reached into his bag, pulling out the same cleaning tools he used every day: oil, cloth, and polish. Kneeling down, he began scrubbing the swords, one stroke at a time.
What am I doing with my life?
I wanted to fight alongside Ayane, to be an adventurer with her. That was the dream. But it’s not possible... not when I haven’t even reached Rank E.
I can’t enter a dungeon. I can’t even pick mana gems from monster corpses. I’m not allowed. I’m not qualified. I’m not even recognized as a Hunter.
He paused, staring at his reflection in the blade.
Why do I keep trying? Why do I keep showing up, cleaning weapons I’ll never use?
I’m eighteen now. People’s powers usually manifest by the time they’re sixteen, some even at fifteen. But for me... nothing. Three years late, and still not even a flicker.
How much longer can I live ? Rent’s overdue. The landlord bangs on my door every other night. And me? I just pretend I’m asleep.
After a while Raito stood. The weapons were clean and sparkling.
He looked up toward the edge of the tracks, raised his hand, and called out, "I’m done cleaning the gear!"
They all moved forward as soon as Raito announced he was done. One by one, they jumped down onto the railway tracks with practiced ease.
"Wow, you’re really good at this," Makito said, inspecting his gleaming sword. "We’re saving money too. If we had taken this gear to the Hunter Association for cleaning, it would’ve cost a lot more. But you did it for us, cheap."
Raito didn’t meet Makito’s eyes.
"You’re right," Ayane added with a small smile.
"Whatever," Touzuki said with a shrug. "Just be ready. That’s the only thing he’s good at anyway."
They each knelt to collect their equipment. Makito picked up his sword and began strapping on his armor.
Makito’s power had manifested early at the age of fifteen. He was known for his ability to wield fire magic and acted as the leader of the group.
Touzuki was quick, deadly with a blade, and specialized in speed-type combat magic.
Ayane, on the other hand, was a healer. But unlike most support types, she had trained hard in swordsmanship and could hold her own on the battlefield.
"Hey, let’s get going," Makito said to Ayane and Touzuki. Then he turned to Raito.
"You did a good job. Don’t worry, we’ll pay you after we come out."
Raito nodded silently, watching as they walked toward the dungeon.
But then Ayane stopped.
"Wait, I’m coming," she called out to the others before turning back toward Raito.
She walked over to him, her expression soft.
"Raito... how have you been? I know this is hard for you. And your pay is really low."
"Yeah... it is," Raito replied quietly.
"I talked to them about increasing it, but they wouldn’t agree. I’m not the leader of the party," Ayane said.
"I understand. Don’t worry about me," Raito said, trying to smile. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⚫𝙣𝙚𝙩
But Ayane stepped a little closer. Her voice dropped.
"I also want to tell you something. I think... it’s time you quit this."
"Raito stopped smiling for a moment."
"It’s been three years now. And your power still hasn’t manifested. If things keep going , you might not be able to build a real future for yourself," she said softly.
Raito looked at her for a moment, then forced another smile.
"I told you not to worry about me. Have you forgotten the promise I made to you?"
"I told you we were going to be Hunters together. I told you I was going to be like Masen Nibori, great enough to save the world... to save this country, just like he did."
She looked down. Then, without a word, she leaned closer and whispered near his ear.
"Please... I really think it’s time to stop."
Then she turned and walked away, heading toward Makito and Touzuki, who were waiting at the mouth of the dungeon which was like a cave in the abandoned train station itself.