Wake up in the Hospital
A dim light filtered through the curtains as Dzeth slowly opened his eyes. His entire body felt heavy, his muscles aching as if they had been torn apart and stitched back together. His vision blurred for a moment before adjusting to the sterile white walls surrounding him. The scent of disinfectant filled his nostrils, confirming what he suspected he was in a hospital.
"I'm still alive?" Dzeth muttered under his breath, staring at the ceiling in disbelief.
A familiar voice pulled him from his daze.
"Of course, you're alive, idiot. But seriously… stop trying to get yourself killed," said Syafi, his older brother, standing at the foot of his bed.
Dzeth turned his head, seeing both Hwang and Akanza standing beside Syafi, their expressions a mix of relief and frustration.
"Kan aku dah kata, jangan buat misi seorang diri," Syafi sighed, crossing his arms. His voice carried both annoyance and concern.
Dzeth let out a weak chuckle. "I wasn't planning on fighting a curse... it just happened."
As he sat up, wincing from the lingering pain, his eyes landed on another hospital bed across the room. Lying there, unconscious, was Syiro. A deep frown crossed Dzeth's face as he immediately stood up, ignoring the pain shooting through his legs.
"Syiro… is he okay?" Dzeth asked, his voice laced with worry.
Syafi placed a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder. "Don't worry. His wounds have been treated, but it will take time for him to wake up."
Dzeth clenched his fists. He remembered how Syiro had suffered at the hands of Shift Cursed. Even though they had won, it didn't feel like a complete victory not when one of his closest comrades was still fighting for his life.
Without hesitation, Dzeth placed a hand over Syiro's chest and activated Bloodbane Drain Arts. A faint crimson aura surrounded his hands, transferring his own vitality into Syiro's weakened body. The process lasted a few moments before Dzeth pulled back, exhausted but hopeful.
Syafi narrowed his eyes. "That technique… you know you're pushing yourself too hard, right?"
Dzeth simply nodded, watching as Syiro's breathing became steadier. He wasn't awake yet, but his body seemed to be recovering at a much faster rate.
"He'll be fine now," Dzeth muttered, stepping back.
Hwang, noticing the shift in atmosphere, clapped a hand on Dzeth's shoulder. "Hey, don't mope around. Come with us to the teacher's office."
Dzeth blinked. "Why?"
Akanza smirked. "Just follow us."
Despite his confusion, Dzeth decided to go along with them.
-
Summoned by the Headmaster
Upon arriving at the headmaster's office, Dzeth was the only one allowed inside. Hwang and Akanza remained outside, exchanging curious glances as the door shut behind him.
Sitting behind a massive oak desk was the Headmaster, an older man with sharp eyes and a commanding presence. He gestured for Dzeth to take a seat.
"You must be wondering why I called you here," the headmaster said.
Dzeth nodded. "Yeah… what's this about?"
The headmaster leaned forward, his gaze piercing through Dzeth. "Because of your recent achievements, the Hunter Academy has gained significant attention even the President has taken notice of your strength."
Dzeth's eyes widened slightly. "Wait, the President? Why?"
"He has personally selected you to participate in the Grade S Advancement Exam," the headmaster stated firmly.
Dzeth stiffened in his seat. "But I'm only Grade C… I haven't even reached Grade A yet. Isn't that too big of a leap?"
The headmaster smirked. "Perhaps. But your performance against the Shift Cursed has proven otherwise. The President believes you're capable, and starting tomorrow, you'll be heading to the testing grounds."
A slow grin spread across Dzeth's face. This was his chance a chance to prove himself further.
"I'll do it," he said confidently.
-
The Path to Grade S
As Dzeth exited the office, Hwang and Akanza immediately rushed to him.
"What happened?" Hwang asked.
Dzeth took a deep breath before replying, "I've been chosen to take the Grade S Advancement Exam."
Hwang and Akanza were momentarily stunned before breaking into wide grins.
"That's amazing!" Akanza exclaimed.
"Damn, you're moving up fast," Hwang added with a laugh.
Dzeth simply shrugged, excitement coursing through him.
-
The Exam Begins
The next day, Dzeth arrived at the exam site. Ten other participants were already lined up, each registering their names. He observed them closely some looked confident, others nervous.
After registering, Dzeth listened as the Exam Judge explained the test.
"You will engage in a one-on-one battle against a Grade A curse known as Training Cursed. We will assess your ability to fight against high-grade curses. This exam will determine if you are worthy of becoming Grade S Hunters."
One by one, participants stepped forward to face the Training Cursed. Some struggled, their fights lasting over an hour, while others barely managed to secure a victory.
Dzeth, who was the last in line, yawned. "This is taking forever..."
A nearby participant scoffed. "You think it's easy? That's a Grade A curse. It takes real skill to defeat it."
Dzeth simply smirked, staying silent.
When the final participant before him stepped into the arena, Dzeth observed closely. This fighter was strong, managing to defeat the curse in six minutes. The crowd cheered, praising his skill.
Then, it was Dzeth's turn.
As he stepped forward, murmurs spread through the audience.
"Isn't he just a Grade C? Why is he even here?"
"He's going to get destroyed."
The Training Cursed, a towering beast with a grotesque grin, laughed mockingly. "A Grade S candidate? Hah! This will be easy!"
The judge blew the whistle, signaling the start of the battle.
Dzeth exhaled. "Let's see how strong you really are."
He activated Exchange Hunter Technique – Divine Summon.
In an instant, four powerful entities appeared beside him: Crimson Paladin, Emperor Cursed, Hydro Paladin, and Shift Cursed.
The audience gasped. Even the judge was stunned.
"H-He has a team of curses fighting for him?!"
The Training Cursed's confidence shattered. "What this isn't fair!"
Dzeth pointed at the curse. "Go."
His summoned allies charged forward, mercilessly overwhelming the Training Cursed. Within seconds, the battle was over.
Silence filled the arena.
The judge stammered, "O-One attack…?!"
In the VIP stands, the President watched in shock.
"Isn't this the same boy who took down Hydro Paladin…? Unbelievable."
At the end of the test, Dzeth was declared the Top Performer, securing the highest rank. However, all participants who passed were officially promoted to Grade S.
-
The Unexpected Promotion
As Dzeth was about to leave, the President himself stepped in front of him.
"You. Stop."
Dzeth raised an eyebrow. "What do you want?"
The President's bodyguard moved as if to strike him but hesitated, clearly aware of Dzeth's overwhelming strength.
"You're the one who defeated Hydro Paladin?" the President asked.
Dzeth nodded.
The President smirked. "Congratulations. Not only have you been promoted to Grade S, but I am appointing you as the strongest Hunter in this country. Additionally, you will hold the 9th strongest Grade S rank internationally."
Dzeth's eyes widened. He hadn't expected that.
Before he could process it, Syafi, Hwang, Akanza, and even Syiro arrived.
"Congratulations, Dzeth!" they cheered.
Syiro, now fully healed, smiled. "Thank you, Dzeth."
Dzeth grinned. "No problem."
As they laughed together, Dzeth realized this was only the beginning.
Season 2, Chapter 23 – End.