Seoul's skies shimmered with light rain as scaffolding climbed the skeletons of once-proud buildings. The aftermath of the Calamity Dragon still hung in the air, but signs of resilience were everywhere — especially here, outside Tower Sector 3.
The looming gateway to Floor 25 sparked with energy. For most, this floor had become a line in the sand — and today, six rising guilds from Korea were preparing to cross it.
Their leaders, hardened by recent chaos, now stood as pillars of strength — S-rank and above. Not the titans of the Celestial Order or Shadow Eclipse — but no longer footnotes either.
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1. Red Wolf Order
Leader: Park Juno — S-Rank Brawler-Type
With cracked knuckles and a predator's stance, Park Juno radiated ferocity. His battle instincts had made him a fearsome raid leader in the past, and his guild was known for sweeping blitz raids.
> "The big boys are licking wounds. That's our window," he growled, cracking his neck. "Floor 25's ours."
A scout whispered, "You think Rover Cheon could've cleared this alone?"
> Juno spat. "Maybe. But power like that? It always comes with a curse."
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2. Azure Dagger
Leader: Yoon Ara — SS-Rank Shadow Assassin
Moving like a whisper, Yoon Ara was infamous for decapitating a dungeon tyrant before it could blink. Her guild thrived on precision and planning.
> "He walked out of the tower — not changed, but unveiled," she said quietly. "The hierarchy is cracking."
One of her tacticians muttered, "Celestial Order must already be molding him into a blade."
> "Or preparing to dull the edge," she replied.
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3. Storm Pike
Leader: Han Do Hyuk — S-Rank Lightning Lancer
Lightning flickered faintly across Han Do Hyuk's armor. He slammed the butt of his spear into the concrete and grinned at his squad.
> "We survived dragons, firestorms, and economic collapse. Now we ascend."
"Should we be worried about Rover?" asked a younger lancer.
> "Worried? No. But we better keep up. That kid's speed... is catching lightning."
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4. Black Orchard
Leader: Seo Min Kyu — SS-Rank Necroblade
Draped in black armor etched with silver bone patterns, Seo Min Kyu didn't speak much. He didn't need to. His presence alone stilled hearts.
His vice-leader, Ji Won, handled public speech.
> "Rover Cheon is a variable. Not bound by systems, not trained in guild doctrine. That makes him either evolution... or extinction."
"Do we support him?" someone asked.
> Ji Won smirked. "We observe. From the shadows — like we always have."
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5. Ember Circle
Leader: Choi Bada — S-Rank Flame Conjurer
Theatrical, proud, and infuriatingly loud — Choi Bada's flames were as volatile as his ego. His robes shimmered with living fire, twisting with his movements.
> "Rover? Hah! He's a kid playing with matches. Let the adults handle the furnace."
"But sir, he melted a dragon's skull."
> "...Then we make sure we don't get burned next."
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6. Iron Willow
Leader: Kang Mirae — S-Rank Shieldbearer
Unshakable. Calm. Revered for shielding over 300 civilians during the last calamity, Kang Mirae was the spiritual core of her guild.
She adjusted her heavy tower-shield and looked to her people.
> "Rover Cheon isn't just power. He's hope. To the public, he's the first to rise outside the system."
Her vice-captain frowned. "And that's the problem. He didn't climb. He leapt."
> "Then we train harder — so we can leap with him."
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The gates to Floor 25 pulsed open. The six guilds advanced, their boots thudding in rhythm — united by ambition, burdened by loss, driven by pride.
And behind every step was a name they all whispered:
> Rover Cheon.
The wild card of Korea's hunter society.
The Unmarked who became a beacon.
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To be continue