Chapter 8: Chapter 8 Ryo's Ascension
Meeting with the President of the Hunters Association
After returning from the Exclusive Dungeon, Ryo receives an official invitation to meet with Go Gun-Hee, the President of the Korean Hunters Association. The meeting takes place at the Association's headquarters, where several high-ranking officials are present.
As Ryo enters the room, everyone feels an overwhelming pressure, but none of them can truly gauge his power.
Go Gun-Hee's gaze lands on Ryo, and a smile forms on his face.
— "It is an honor to finally meet you," he says in a deep yet warm voice.
Ryo calmly sits across from him, showing no signs of nervousness. The atmosphere is heavy, but he remains completely at ease.
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Recruitment Attempt
Go Gun-Hee speaks up, expressing his admiration for Ryo's overwhelming presence. He offers him an official position in the Association as an S-Rank Hunter, insisting that such power cannot be ignored.
— "With talent like yours, staying in the shadows would be a great loss for Korea," Go Gun-Hee says.
Ryo politely declines the offer. He explains that Jin-Woo is already there to protect Korea and that he has no intention of getting directly involved in Hunter affairs. However, he assures them that if a threat too great arises, he will step in.
— "Jin-Woo is more than capable of handling critical situations. But if one day, a threat surpasses even his abilities, then you can count on me."
Go Gun-Hee observes him for a moment before nodding slowly.
— "I feel like you know far more than you're willing to say... Very well. As long as you're a potential ally, that is enough for me."
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Jin-Woo's S-Rank Reevaluation
Shortly after, Jin-Woo undergoes his reevaluation test and is officially recognized as an S-Rank Hunter. Ryo congratulates him and, to pique his curiosity, hints that he, too, has awakened an S-Rank ability.
— "Huh? You too?" Jin-Woo asks, surprised.
— "Hm, let's just say I had a rather... special awakening," Ryo replies with a mysterious smile.
Intrigued, Jin-Woo tries to learn more, but Ryo remains vague, skillfully dodging his questions.
— "Maybe one day, when you're ready," Ryo adds as he walks away.
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World Development
Over time, the Hunters Association keeps an eye on Ryo, growing more and more intrigued by his mysterious power. Some high-ranking officials even wonder if he could be an essential asset in case of a global crisis. However, despite their efforts, he remains elusive, only appearing when he deems it necessary.
Meanwhile, Jin-Woo starts attracting international attention with his exploits. Secret organizations and governments closely observe his actions. Ryo, still in the shadows, simply watches and prepares for his next moves. He knows that the story of this world is reaching a crucial turning point.
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End of the Chapter: Preparing for What's Next
Ryo focuses on his future objective, never revealing his true intentions. He gathers information, studies the forces at play, and anticipates upcoming events. He knows his moment will come soon.
He lets Jin-Woo grow on his own but remains ready to intervene if necessary. He trusts his comrade, but he also knows that some threats require power only he can wield.
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Jin-Woo and the Ant Island
Jin-Woo is sent to Jeju Island, where a dungeon of giant ants has caused a massacre. The operation attracts worldwide attention, and high-ranking Hunters prepare for war.
Ryo watches from the shadows, undetectable by both monsters and Hunters. He carefully analyzes Jin-Woo's abilities without interfering, studying his strategies and progression.
— "Impressive," he murmurs as he sees Jin-Woo crush his enemies effortlessly.
He knows that Jin-Woo has yet to reach his peak, but he is already formidable. The evolution continues, and Ryo waits patiently, knowing that even greater trials lie ahead.
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Beru 100x Stronger
Jin-Woo faces the Ant King in an intense battle and ultimately emerges victorious. His opponent was a monster, but his determination prevailed. After his victory, he turns Beru into a Shadow, gaining his most powerful soldier.
Ryo, still hidden, performs the same process. However, his Beru is 100x stronger—a true calamity whose mere existence could wipe out entire nations. Yet, he chooses not to use him immediately and remains discreet.
— "Patience... The right moment will come."
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The Heart of the Shadow Monarch
Jin-Woo continues to grow stronger and eventually obtains the Heart of the Shadow Monarch, along with the former general of the past Shadow Monarch—the key to his true ascension. This power strengthens his bond with shadows and brings him closer to his ultimate destiny.
Ryo knows this moment marks a turning point: Jin-Woo will soon be sent back in time. He waits patiently, ready to intervene when the time comes.
— "This is where everything changes..."
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Time Skip: The Battle Against the Monarchs
A major time skip: Jin-Woo fights the Monarchs in a fierce battle where he appears to be overwhelmed. His enemies are formidable, and even with all his power, he struggles to hold them back.
Just as he is about to lose, Ryo finally steps in. With a simple gesture, he annihilates the Monarchs effortlessly, leaving them no chance.
Jin-Woo, shocked, immediately understands who he is.
— "It's you..." he murmurs.
Ryo gives a small smile.
— "Did you really think I would just sit back and watch?"
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Farewell... For Now
After exterminating the Monarchs, Ryo turns to Jin-Woo and says:
"You don't need me anymore. Keep moving forward. I'll return someday."
Then, he disappears into the system's space, ready to choose his next world, leaving Jin-Woo alone to fulfill his destiny.
End of the Solo Leveling Arc
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A/N:
The next chapters will likely be written without using ChatGPT, as I have many ideas (and I know exactly what writing style I will use). There will be no vote for the next world because I have already chosen it.