We kindly ask for your understanding regarding the inconsistency of character pronouns, particularly for the Entities (ex. The Greedy Predator). In Korean, pronouns are rarely used, making it challenging to ascertain a character's gender or identity until later narratives unfold. Update twice a week [SUN] & [THURS] starting August 2024!
“Happy New Year, everyone! Are you all having a great time on the first day of the new year? It’s finally that moment you’ve been waiting for all year!”
“Today, January 1st, marks a special occasion that captures the attention of the entire world—it’s time for the ranking announcement!”
At 6 PM, citizens across the country gathered in front of their TVs, each enjoying the first day of the new year in their own way.
Once a year, during this time, a program is broadcasted where the rankings of Korean Hunters’ activities over the past year are tallied and announced.
Though it may not be the official system’s ranking, and it might be a bit disappointing for those solely focused on exact power levels, there’s no broadcast more exciting for those who love the rankings competition.
With excitement, everyone watched the broadcast while eating or enjoying drinks.
“Last year was truly eventful. So many things happened.”
“12 years ago, or should I say 13 years ago now? It feels like it’s the first time so many things have happened since then.”
“Especially the disappearance of Cheorwon Dungeon, which had been causing people pain for a long time. We want to express our gratitude to all the Hunters who worked hard to conquer the dungeon.”As the two MCs bowed their heads, the audience and panelists applauded, some even shedding tears of joy.
“Now, let’s get to the ranking announcement. As usual, we’ll be revealing the top 100 rankings. These rankings are based on the accumulated achievements of the Hunters’ activities over the past year.”
“We have calculated the rankings using official documents from the Korea Awakened Management Association, and we assure our viewers that there has been no pressure or corruption involved in this process.”
“Last year saw as many newcomers as there were events, which means the competition for rankings will be intense.”
“That’s probably why the ticket lottery for the live audience was so fiercely contested this year. Those who are here are truly fortunate.”
“Enough chit-chat; everyone is clenching their fists, waiting for the announcement. We won’t keep you in suspense for 60 seconds or anything like that. We’ll reveal it right now!”
“First, let’s check the rankings from 51st to 100th!”
The two MCs pointed toward a large screen behind the stage. Some names were expected, including the Hunters who had entered the rankings for the first time. Each time a name was revealed, sighs and applause erupted.
Not only non-Awakened individuals but also the Awakened ones were undoubtedly focusing on this broadcast. Higher rankings meant increased recognition; naturally, their value as Hunters would rise accordingly. This was an especially great opportunity for freelance Hunters to shine.
“Wow, it’s really heating up from the start. The most surprising part is that there are so many unfamiliar names.”
“The hype is already at this level. What should we do? I’m getting nervous too, my hands are sweating. Please don’t misunderstand. We didn’t receive any information in advance; we’re seeing this for the first time too.”
“Hurry up and reveal the next ranking; they’re getting impatient. Alright, alright. Koreans are swift! Country code 82, here we go, the next ranking!”
“Now, the rankings from 31st to 50th!”
All the Hunters within the ranking were top Hunters of the country, but from this point on, there were many guild masters leading prominent guilds in the country. The tension reached its peak as their rankings would determine the preference for their guilds.
“Just like the fifty Hunters announced before, those in this ranking are also incredibly outstanding.”
“Just seeing the names appear on the screen is breathtaking. Congratulations to everyone who made it into the top rankings!”
Overall, there were many noticeable changes compared to last year. There were new Hunters, some who made significant leaps in rankings, and, on the other hand, quite a few experienced a drop. Many individuals had contrasting experiences.
“Now, let’s announce the rankings from 11th to 30th!”
The most anticipated moment had finally arrived. The audience, and even the two MCs, held their breath in anticipation.
This year, there were numerous newcomers, especially among the top ranks. The ranking landscape within the top 15, which had remained relatively stable until now, was about to be completely overturned.
「14th place: Lee Rohan (Class S)」
「13th place: Yeon Hui (Class S)」
「12th place: Kang Hanseo (Class S)」
「11th place: Yu Su-eun (Class S)」
As expected, all the S-class Hunters consistently within the top 10 had been pushed out. Everyone had anticipated it, but witnessing it happen was still shocking, and silence filled the studio for a moment.
“That concludes the announcement of the rankings from 11th to 30th.”
“Four S-class Hunters being pushed out of the top 10 is unprecedented.”
“I believe everyone knows the reason behind this. Now, let’s reveal one person at a time, starting from the 10th place.”
「10th place: Eun Injae (Class S)」
「9th place: Han Suwon (Class S)」
「8th place: Jeong Hoyeong (Class S)」
「7th place: Anonymous Applicant (Class S)」
「6th place: Joo Eun (Class S)」
The last name revealed left everyone breathless.
Joo Eun, the Hunter who led the top guild in the country, the Eternal Guild, and had never fallen below the 2nd rank after Song Hanna, had now plummeted to the 6th place. That meant the 5th place belonged to…
「5th place: Song Hanna (Class S)」
“Gasp! Oh my, oh my.”
Even the MC unintentionally let out a loud sound and coughed in surprise. However, no one pointed out the broadcasting mishap. The shock was so overwhelming that everyone couldn’t focus on such details.
The undisputed 1st rank, Song Hanna, was now pushed back along with Joo Eun. At this point, only one Korean S-class Hunter was left to be announced.
「4th place: Yun Jaeheon (Class S)」
Yun Jaeheon of Athena had surpassed Joo Eun and Song Hanna for the first time. He had always been evaluated as trailing behind them, but this time, actively participating in the Cheorwon Dungeon raid had raised his ranking.
It was undeniable, and everyone congratulated him with applause. The fact that the 1st generation Awakened, Song Hanna, and the 1.5th generation Awakened, Joo Eun, were surpassed by the 2nd generation, Yun Jaeheon, signaled a complete generational change.
“Today is truly a shocking day.”
“I can’t believe it. I never imagined I’d be the MC for the ranking broadcast on a day like this. Is this a dream?”
“It’s too surreal to be a dream. Hunter Yun Jaeheon, congratulations!”
The two MCs also applauded and conveyed their words of celebration.
Now, only the top 3 remained. All three were L-class Hunters who had newly emerged. Although they appeared half a year later than others, they had tackled various domestic dungeons and cleared the 8th floor of the Labyrinth, making it natural for their rankings to be higher than other S-class Hunters.
“It’s only natural for the three L-class to enter the top rankings. However, we still don’t know who will take the 1st place.”
“Many of you must have been eagerly waiting for this very moment! Curious, aren’t you? Let me clarify: we won’t pull any tricks like announcing it 60 seconds later! We’ll reveal it right away!”
“3rd place, here we go!”
「3rd place: Seong Jarim (Class L)」
A brief video introducing Seong Jarim’s accomplishments flowed on the screen along with her name. However, there was a problem…
「“Nice to meet you all! I am the saint who replenishes strength with holy power and guides everyone toward salvation!”
“S-so your name is…”
“It’s Seong Jarim. Please take care of me!”」
Due to the limited camera exposure for Seong Jarim, that was the only available video of her.
“…”
“…”
“…”
The studio, filled with shock and astonishment, suddenly turned cold. Everyone present didn’t want to see such a random self-introduction in this place, especially after witnessing other Hunters’ splendid and heroic battles.
The MC coughed loudly and quickly moved on to the next ranking. “2nd place! 2nd place! Here we go, announcing the 2nd place!”
「2nd place: Kang Sejun (Class L)」
Fortunately, his introduction video was more reasonable. It showed scenes of him venturing alone to the Daegwallyeong Dungeon, standing in front of the Cheorwon Dungeon gate, and the moment he completed the raid and witnessed the gate closing.
Those who recalled the emotions and joy from those scenes once again found tears welling up in their eyes.
“So now, there’s only one person left for the 1st place.”
“Even though it’s expected, my heart is still pounding. When will such a moment come again? A Hunter who was once an F-class, unnoticed by anyone, is now standing at this place. They will become the aspiration and dream of all Awakened.”
“The moment you’ve all been waiting for! The Hunter who has established themself as the best in Korea! We will reveal it right now!”
「1st place: Yun Seora (Class L)」
Headbang, the renowned Hunter Yun Seora, confidently claimed the top ranking in a breathtaking display. A captivating video showcased her remarkable achievements, from her initial appearance in the Seoul Forest Level 2 Dungeon to her spectacular growth, reaching the prestigious L-class in the Cheorwon Dungeon. The footage also highlighted her astonishing debut in the Level 1 Japan Dungeon. It culminated in her exceptional performance as the primary contributor in the perilous Labyrinth, despite it being her first time participating.
While some of her accomplishments in the Cheorwon Dungeon weren’t recorded on video, they held no less significance. Yun Seora fearlessly confronted the most dangerous dungeons right from the beginning and played a crucial role in securing world peace by conquering the Labyrinth. As the MC enthusiastically declared, she had become the embodiment of every Awakened person’s dream and aspiration.
“Congratulations to Headbang, Hunter Yun Seora, for securing the 1st place!”
Amidst the roaring applause of the two MCs, cheers erupted in celebration. The broadcast then proceeded to reveal the names of the top 100 Hunters before concluding.
In Korea and other countries where interest in the rankings soared, excitement and jubilation filled the air.
However, at this very moment…
Yun Seora, who had experienced an irritating start to the New Year due to a troublesome beauty-related issue, now sat fuming as she ordered some chicken.
“…What is this?”
While halfheartedly watching the broadcast, she accidentally dropped a piece of chicken. Her eyes twitched with mixed emotions that were hard to put into words.
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