The Rise Of The No. 1 Hunter-Chapter 145: HEAT HAS ALREADY STARTED

Then I'll take my leave," raito said, stepping back.

Masen Nibori's voice softened slightly as he added, "Very well. Thank you for coming, Raito. It was an honor to meet you."

From the side, Jinta spoke. "I'll make sure their brother's bills are settled. Send them in while you go, Raito."

"Understood," Raito said, opening the door.

Raito stepped out of the office and found Daichi and Haruya waiting outside.

"Boss, they're already out," Daichi said quickly. "I hope nothing went wrong."

"It's fine," Raito replied calmly. "They agreed to cover your brother's hospital bills—everything. But I didn't agree to join their association."

"Thank you, boss," Haruya said, bowing slightly.

"Thank you," Daichi added sincerely.

Raito waved it off. "You're welcome. Also… that strange guy, Jinta, said you should head back in."

They nodded, and Raito turned away, walking toward the elevator.

Moments later, he descended and exited the Black Whale Association building.

"That was exhausting…" Raito muttered.

He let out a slow breath. "Still… of all people, I met Masen Nibori today. And he warned me."

Could it really be true?

Even though the old hunter spoke clearly, something about his words felt heavier—like a future already set in motion.

Raito pulled out his phone.

A missed call.

"Aiko…?" he murmured.

He tapped the screen and called back.

"Hello?"

"Raito!" Aiko's voice came through, shocked and emotional. "Was it you? Were you the one who sent me that money?"

"Oh, so that's why you called," Raito said lightly. "Yes. It was me."

"…Are you serious?" she asked. "That amount—"

"I know," Raito interrupted calmly. "The money I sent before wasn't enough for you to quit your job or change anything. That's why I sent more. If you want, you can even start a business. But you'll be the boss."

"Thank you… thank you so much," Aiko said, her voice trembling. "I really appreciate this. But… Raito, did you really earn all of this as a hunter?"

"Obviously," he replied.

"But even S-rank hunters don't earn this much!" she exclaimed. "Only the very top ones—like Jiro, who owns companies—make that kind of money. Even A-rank hunters barely make fifty million yen in three months. And you sent me forty… and Dad fifty. That's ninety million yen."

She paused, then added softly, "Thank you. Truly."

"There's no need to think too much about it," Raito said. "After your vacation, I want you to consider relocating abroad. Take a break. Live freely for a while." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"That won't be a problem with this money," Aiko said with a small laugh. "I can manage a vacation overseas easily."

"Good," Raito replied. "Then take care."

"Bye, Raito."

"Bye."

The call ended.

Raito slipped his phone back into his pocket and looked ahead, the city stretching endlessly before him.

I've already reached the pinnacle of strength.

Raito clenched his fist as he walked.

"My level is already high," he thought. "High enough to enter any dungeon without hesitation."

He had already fought a worthy Padrean—a being powerful enough to be remembered. Yet even that monster had warned him.

There are demons stronger than me.

Raito's eyes hardened.

"Then I'll surpass them too."

Whether they lurked deep within dungeons… or crossed into this world during invasions—it didn't matter. He would face them all.

"I don't care what's coming," he muttered. "Or whether it's already started."

If danger was inevitable, then hesitation was meaningless.

I need to dive into the dungeon again.

He exhaled slowly.

"I'm still not strong enough."

If he truly became strong—strong beyond fear—then no matter what stood in his way, he would crush it.

As he continued forward, something caught his attention.

A faint mechanical hum.

Raito's steps slowed.

"…A drone?"

High above, a small surveillance drone hovered, its lens fixed directly on him.

He raised an eyebrow. "So I really am being watched."

Without stopping, he adjusted the scarf on his jacket, concealing part of his face. Then he lifted a single finger.

Purple light gathered at the tip.

Boom.

The beam shot upward.

The drone exploded mid-air, fragments scattering before dissolving into sparks.

Raito lowered his hand.

"…So it's true."

His thoughts raced.

Was it Jinta? The Association? No…

That old man—Masen Nibori—had warned him.

The heat has already started.

"Could it be the government?" Raito muttered. "Or some hidden organization?"

Satellites. Surveillance. Eyes everywhere.

"If that's the case," he realized grimly, "then they'll know my location no matter where I go. Walking… resting… even when I enter a dungeon."

His jaw tightened.

"…Tch."

Raito stopped.

"Status Window—open."

Raito's voice was low.

A translucent blue system screen unfolded before him, floating in midair.

He lifted his hand and tapped.

[Skills]

The window shifted instantly. He glanced through it, then swiped sideways.

[Abilities]

Scrolling.

Scrolling—

"…There."

One option stood out.

[Domain]

Raito selected it.

[System Notification]

You are about to enter a personal Domain.

Entry will sever all external detection.

Proceed?

▶ YES / NO

Raito tapped YES.

The world vanished.

[System Notification]

Entering separate dimensional space…

Synchronization complete.

Silence.

Raito opened his eyes.

"…So this is the Domain."

He stood within a boundless void—neither sky nor ground, only endless darkness layered with faint, drifting light, like a shattered cosmos.

"This is only my second time here," he muttered.

"The first time… I didn't even get a proper look."

Shapes emerged from the darkness.

One after another.

An Undead Dragon unfolded its massive skeletal wings, violet flames burning in its hollow eyes.

An Undead Necromancer stood beside it, staff planted into the void itself.

Then—

Thousands.

An army of undead beasts and soldiers filled the space, kneeling in absolute silence.

All facing him.

Waiting.

Raito slowly scanned the domain.

"…This place is huge."

No.

"Unlimited."

He exhaled.

"Anyone watching me just now…"

"They must be losing their minds."

He lowered his gaze.

"At least for now, I'm completely gone."

Raito crossed his arms, thinking.

What do I do next?

"If I step out and announce it…"

"That I was the one who cleared the dungeon."