Episode 1: First Descent

The rain poured relentlessly over Shinjuku’s neon-lit streets. The city was quiet, unnaturally so. Only the distant hum of energy gates pulsing in the night broke the silence. Towering above the buildings was a massive black structure — a dungeon gate. Its surface twisted like liquid darkness, swirling ominously as tendrils of aura leaked into the sky.

Sōga Amasaki tightened the strap of his worn-out armor. The synthetic plating barely clung to his frame, scratched and battered from years of use. His heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the looming gate ahead. The blue flicker of police lights painted his pale face, but it wasn’t the police who controlled the scene.

It was the Hunters.

Men and women clad in sleek, reinforced armor stood in a loose formation. They radiated power — their auras flaring faintly, shimmering in hues of crimson, azure, and emerald. These were Aura Users, the elite force trained to raid dungeons and keep humanity safe from the horrors lurking beyond the gates.

And tonight, Sōga was one of them.

“Alright, rookies! Gather up!”

The booming voice belonged to Kurogawa Renji, a veteran Hunter with arms like tree trunks and a jagged scar running down his left cheek. His crimson aura crackled faintly around him, distorting the rain as it fell. The recruits shuffled closer, Sōga among them.

Renji’s gaze swept across the group, lingering on Sōga for a moment before continuing. “Listen up! This is a Rank-C dungeon. Not the worst, but not a walk in the park either. Stick close, follow orders, and don’t do anything stupid.”

Sōga swallowed hard. He gripped the handle of his training sword — a dull, mass-produced blade barely good enough for cutting practice. Around him, the other recruits fidgeted nervously.

“Once we’re inside, the gate will seal behind us. The only way out is to clear the dungeon or die trying.” Renji’s eyes darkened. “If you’re lucky, the dungeon won't pick you as its prey.”

The gate pulsed. A low, resonant hum filled the air, making the ground vibrate beneath their feet. Renji raised his fist. “Move out!”

The team advanced, crossing the shimmering threshold into darkness.

—

The air changed instantly. It was colder. Thicker. The dungeon’s interior was vast — an endless expanse of crumbling stone walls, twisted roots, and eerie, bioluminescent moss that clung to the surfaces. A faint mist curled along the floor.

Sōga glanced around, his breath visible in the frigid air. The atmosphere felt heavy, pressing against his skin. Ahead, Renji led the group, his aura flaring slightly to light the path. The dungeon seemed… alive.

They walked in silence for what felt like hours. Then, a sound — soft, like claws scraping against stone.

“Hold!” Renji whispered, raising his fist. The group froze. Sōga strained his ears. The scraping grew louder, closer. Shadows shifted along the walls.

Then they attacked.

From the darkness, twisted creatures emerged — humanoid, but wrong. Their bodies were gaunt, skin stretched tight over sharp bones, their eyes glowing a sickly yellow. Lesser Demons.

“Formation!” Renji roared, drawing his massive cleaver. His crimson aura exploded outward, illuminating the battlefield. The demons screeched and charged.

Sōga’s heart raced. He raised his sword, but his hands trembled. The demons were faster than he expected. One lunged at him, claws flashing. He barely ducked in time, the creature’s claws raking across his armor. Sparks flew.

“Focus, rookie!” someone shouted. Sōga spun around and thrust his sword, the blade scraping against the demon’s side. It barely noticed. The creature hissed and slashed at him, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Pain exploded in his side. He gasped for air, struggling to get up. Around him, the other recruits fought desperately, their auras flickering in the dark. Renji was a whirlwind of destruction, his cleaver cleaving through demons with brutal efficiency.

Sōga’s vision blurred. His limbs felt heavy. Was this it? Was he going to die here?

Suddenly, a deafening roar echoed through the dungeon. The ground trembled. The demons froze, then scattered into the shadows. Sōga struggled to his knees, blinking through the haze.

From the darkness, something massive approached. Two glowing red eyes pierced the gloom. Then a form emerged — a towering creature, easily three times the size of the Lesser Demons. Its body was covered in obsidian armor, and its claws dripped with a dark, viscous liquid.

“A Dungeon Boss,” Renji whispered. His knuckles whitened around the hilt of his cleaver. “Everyone, fall back! We’re not ready for this!”

But Sōga couldn’t move. His body was frozen with fear. The Boss turned toward him, its gaze locking onto his trembling form. It let out a low growl, and in a flash, it lunged.

Time slowed. Sōga’s heart pounded in his chest. As the creature’s claws descended, a voice echoed in his mind:

"Do you seek power?"

“What…?” he gasped.

"Do you seek power… to survive?"

“Yes!” he screamed. “I don’t want to die!”

A blinding blue light erupted from within him. His vision blurred as a translucent interface appeared before his eyes:

[Synchronization Complete]

[Second Awakening Initiated]

[New Skill Acquired: "Voidstep"]

Time snapped back into motion. Sōga’s body moved on instinct. In a blur of shadows, he vanished from the creature’s path, reappearing behind it. His blade glowed with dark blue energy.

"Void Slash!"

The sword cut through the Boss, a ripple of darkness following in its wake. The creature let out a deafening roar as its body crumbled into ash. Sōga collapsed to his knees, panting. The interface flickered again:

[Level Up]

He stared at his shaking hands, feeling the power coursing through him. Whatever had just happened… it had changed him.

But this was only the beginning.

Sōga’s eyes snapped open.

The world around him was still. Darkness pressed in from all sides, broken only by the faint blue glow of his HUD interface. His breath came in ragged gasps, heart pounding in his chest. The weight of his body felt distant, like he was floating.

[Level Up]

[New Skill Acquired: “Abyssal Perception”]

The translucent text flickered before his eyes, cold and mechanical. Sōga blinked, trying to process what had just happened. One moment, he was about to be torn apart by the Dungeon Boss. The next… something had awakened inside him. Power. Unfathomable power.

He sat up slowly, his body protesting every movement. The cavern around him was eerily silent. The Boss's corpse had dissolved into ash, leaving behind only a faint, dark mist curling along the floor. His hands trembled as he stared at them, the memory of dark energy coursing through his veins still fresh.

“What… was that?” he whispered.

A sharp pain shot through his head. He clutched his temple, gritting his teeth. Faint whispers echoed in his mind, voices speaking in a language he didn’t understand. And then — silence.

“Sōga!”

He turned at the sound of his name. A figure sprinted toward him, armor clattering with each step. It was a fellow recruit, Tanaka Ryo, his face pale and drenched with sweat.

“You’re alive!” Ryo gasped, dropping to his knees beside Sōga. “I thought… we all thought you were dead.”

Sōga blinked. “What happened?”

Ryo shook his head, eyes wide with disbelief. “You don’t remember? That thing — the Dungeon Boss — it came right at you. We saw this… this black light explode from you. Then you vanished. When the light cleared, the Boss was gone. Just… ash.”

Sōga frowned. He remembered the light. The voice. The surge of power. But the details were hazy, like a dream slipping through his fingers.

“Where’s everyone else?” Sōga asked, trying to stand. Ryo helped him up, and they began walking through the dungeon's dark corridors.

“They retreated,” Ryo said. “Renji ordered a full withdrawal after the Boss fell. He told me to find you… if you were still alive.”

Sōga clenched his fists. “I need to talk to him.”

They moved quickly, the dungeon unnaturally quiet. Sōga’s eyes adjusted to the darkness with ease, the shadows parting before him. Every sound, every shift in the air felt amplified. He could sense the faintest traces of aura lingering in the walls, as if the dungeon itself was alive.

[Abyssal Perception: Active]

His HUD flickered again, and suddenly, his vision shifted. The darkness peeled away, revealing glowing threads of aura weaving through the dungeon like veins. Sōga stared, mesmerized. Was this another skill?

“Hey… you okay?” Ryo asked, snapping him back to reality.

“Yeah. Let’s keep moving.”

They pressed on, eventually reaching a large stone chamber near the dungeon’s entrance. Torches lined the walls, casting flickering shadows across the floor. The surviving Hunters were gathered there, some tending to wounds, others sitting in silence. Renji stood at the center, his massive frame looming over the others.

Renji’s gaze snapped to Sōga the moment he entered. His eyes narrowed. “You.”

The room fell silent. Every Hunter turned to stare. Sōga shifted uneasily under their gaze.

“What… the hell… are you?” Renji demanded.

Sōga blinked. “What do you mean?”

Renji took a step forward, his aura flaring crimson. The heat pressed against Sōga’s skin. “I’ve been raiding dungeons for over a decade. I’ve seen things that would make grown men weep. But I’ve never seen anyone do what you did back there.”

Sōga clenched his fists. “I don’t know what happened. One second, I was about to die. The next… I felt something awaken.”

Renji stared at him for a long moment. Then, he chuckled darkly. “Heh. A Second Awakening, huh?”

Murmurs spread through the group. Second Awakenings were rare — so rare that most Hunters went their entire lives without ever witnessing one. Those who experienced them became legends. Or nightmares.

Renji’s eyes darkened. “Power like that… it doesn’t come without a price.”

Sōga said nothing. He could still feel the darkness coiling inside him, waiting to be unleashed. Was it a gift… or a curse?

Renji sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Alright, kid. You live, you fight. But don’t get cocky.” He turned to the others. “We’re heading back. This dungeon is clear.”

As the group moved toward the exit, Sōga lingered for a moment, staring into the shadows.

[Quest Complete: “Survive the First Raid”]

[Reward: ???]

The interface flickered once more, then faded. Sōga exhaled slowly. Whatever had happened tonight… it was only the beginning.

He tightened his grip on his sword and stepped into the light.

End of Episode 2

The streets of Shinjuku were quiet as Sōga walked through the rain, his thoughts heavy. The dungeon raid was over, but the memory of that moment — the surge of power, the dark aura, the interface — lingered in his mind. What was this power? Why had it chosen him?

He glanced at the blue HUD flickering faintly in his vision. No one else could see it. It followed him silently, displaying his name, level, and a list of skills he didn’t fully understand.

> [Name: Amasaki Sōga]

[Level: 5]

[Skills: Voidstep, Void Slash, Abyssal Perception]

The words felt alien, yet familiar, as if they were a part of him now. He clenched his fists. If he wanted answers, he’d have to get stronger.

“Sōga!”

He turned at the sound of his name. Running toward him was Ryo, the same recruit who’d helped him after the raid. His short black hair clung to his forehead, drenched from the rain.

“Ryo,” Sōga greeted, trying to sound composed.

“Man, you disappeared right after the debriefing. Renji was pissed.” Ryo chuckled, then grew serious. “You okay?”

Sōga hesitated. “I… don’t know.”

Ryo studied him for a moment, then grinned. “Well, you’re not dead. That’s a good start.” He slapped Sōga’s shoulder. “Come on. A few of us are grabbing food. You should join.”

Sōga almost refused, but something about Ryo’s easygoing demeanor made him pause. Maybe he didn’t have to face this alone.

“Alright,” he said quietly.

—

The ramen shop was warm, a stark contrast to the cold streets outside. Sōga sat at the counter, his bowl steaming in front of him. Ryo introduced him to the others — a small group of recruits, much like himself.

“This is Ishikawa Kenji,” Ryo said, nodding toward a broad-shouldered guy with a shaved head and a scar across his nose. Kenji gave Sōga a curt nod, slurping his noodles noisily.

“And this,” Ryo continued, “is Haruna.”

Sōga glanced up and met the eyes of a petite girl with short silver hair and a calm, calculating expression. She studied him carefully before giving a small nod.

“You’re the one who took down the Boss, right?” Haruna asked, her voice quiet but sharp. “Everyone’s talking about it.”

Sōga tensed. “I… got lucky.”

Kenji snorted. “Lucky? I’ve seen what happens when rookies ‘get lucky.’ They don’t walk out alive.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the counter. “Whatever you did back there — it wasn’t luck.”

Sōga shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t know what happened. One second, I was about to die… then I felt something. Like… a door opening inside me.”

The group fell silent. Even Ryo looked uneasy. Finally, Haruna spoke.

“A Second Awakening,” she said softly. “It’s rare. Some say it only happens to those who’ve touched death and survived.” She paused, her gaze sharpening. “But those who get that power… they’re never the same.”

Sōga frowned. “What do you mean?”

Haruna hesitated, glancing around before lowering her voice. “I’ve heard stories. People who experience a Second Awakening… they change. They get stronger, faster. But there’s always a price.”

Sōga’s stomach twisted. The memory of the dark energy coursing through him flashed in his mind. Was that the price?

Kenji sighed, pushing his empty bowl away. “Well, whatever it is, you’re still breathing. That counts for something.” He glanced at Sōga. “If you’re serious about getting stronger… you should train with us.”

Sōga blinked. “Train?”

Kenji grinned, cracking his knuckles. “We’re Aura Users now. We fight together, grow stronger together.” He extended a hand. “What do you say?”

Sōga stared at the outstretched hand, hesitating for only a moment before gripping it firmly.

“Alright,” he said. “Let’s get stronger.”

—

The next morning, Sōga stood in the Aura Defense Corps training hall. The massive space was lined with sparring rings, training dummies, and targets. Kenji and Ryo were already stretching, while Haruna stood quietly in the corner, eyes closed, focusing her aura.

Kenji clapped his hands. “Alright, rookies! Let’s see what you’ve got.” He grinned at Sōga. “How about a spar?”

Sōga hesitated, then nodded. The two stepped into the ring, wooden training swords in hand. Kenji’s aura flared, a deep red hue radiating from his body. Sōga gripped his sword tightly, focusing on the energy within him.

“Begin!” Ryo called.

Kenji charged, his sword swinging in a wide arc. Sōga barely dodged, the wooden blade missing his head by inches. He stumbled back, heart racing. Kenji pressed the attack, forcing Sōga to retreat.

Focus.

Sōga felt the energy stir within him. The HUD flickered.

> [Skill Activated: Voidstep]

His body moved on instinct. Shadows coiled around his feet, and in an instant, he vanished from Kenji’s sight, reappearing behind him. Kenji’s eyes widened, but Sōga was already moving. His blade lashed out, stopping just short of Kenji’s neck.

The room fell silent. Kenji slowly raised his hands in surrender. “Okay… that was awesome.”

Sōga lowered his sword, breathing heavily. The power felt intoxicating, but deep inside, he knew this was only the beginning.

As they left the training hall, Ryo clapped him on the back. “You’ve got talent, Sōga. Stick with us — we’ll make sure you don’t die.”

Sōga smiled faintly. For the first time since the dungeon, he felt a flicker of hope. He wasn’t alone anymore.

But somewhere in the shadows, something stirred. The darkness watched. And waited.