Solo Leveling: Monarch of knowledge

Adam walked leisurely through the bustling streets of Alessandria, his hands tucked into his pockets. The warm glow of streetlights illuminated the path as he navigated toward a food stall he'd spotted before. The tantalizing aroma of grilled meat hit him before he even reached the counter.

"One kebab, with everything." he said, flashing a polite smile.

The vendor nodded and quickly assembled the order, wrapping it tightly before handing it to Adam. Taking the first bite, Adam closed his eyes briefly, savoring the mix of flavors. The spiced meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauces were perfect.

As he wandered through the city, circling the streets while enjoying his food, he admired how different Alessandria looked compared to his previous life. The old-world charm of Italy was still there, but the presence of hunters and monsters had left its mark. The technology had advanced to support hunter society, with holographic displays, mana-powered vehicles, and fortified structures designed to withstand attacks.

The atmosphere was vibrant, a mix of the ordinary and extraordinary coexisting. Yet, it all felt surreal to Adam, a constant reminder that this was no longer the world he once knew.

As he turned a corner, something caught his eye. A small crowd had gathered near a secured area, where workers from the Hunter Association were busy setting up barriers. Beyond them, Adam spotted hunters clad in armor, armed with various weapons, discussing among themselves.

Curious, Adam approached the crowd, finishing the last bite of his kebab. He tapped a man standing nearby and asked, 'What's going on?'

The man glanced at Adam, his excitement evident. "It's a dungeon raid. The Flower Guild is taking care of it. They're led by a squad captain, a D-rank hunter. The rest of the team is E-rank."

Adam nodded. "What rank is the dungeon?"

"E-rank." the man replied, turning back to watch the scene.

"Thanks." Adam said before returning his attention to the hunters.

The hunters had finished gearing up, adjusting their armor and checking their weapons. The squad captain, a muscular woman wielding a large sword, barked out final instructions. The rest of the team carried an assortment of weapons: spears, axes, and bows.

As they moved toward the portal, the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, admiring the hunters who risked their lives to protect them. Adam couldn't help but smile, imagining himself in their position someday. 'One day, that'll be me.' he thought, turning to head back home.

But then he stopped.

The blue glow of the portal caught his eye, mesmerizing and inviting. He hesitated, the thought of stepping into the unknown pulling at him. 'Should I? It's illegal, and I'm not even a hunter yet… but…'

Before he realized it, his body moved on its own, his instincts driving him forward. Silently, he blended into the crowd, maneuvering around the perimeter unnoticed. He ducked behind a barrier and slipped past the Hunter Association workers who were busy monitoring the area.

He entered a supply tent nearby, scanning the equipment scattered inside. His eyes landed on a hammer, its surface dull but solid. He picked it up, feeling its weight. It was heavier than he expected, but manageable with his enhanced strength.

[Traces of mana detected in the weapon.] Awà noted. [This hammer can be classified as an E-rank weapon.]

Adam grinned. 'Perfect.'

Without wasting another second, he bolted toward the portal. The hum of mana filled the air as he approached the glowing rift, his heart pounding in his chest.

'Here we go.' he thought, adrenaline surging through him.

And with that, Adam rushed into the portal, disappearing into the dungeon's mysterious depths.

....

Adam's vision returned as he stepped through the portal, finding himself in a narrow cave. The walls were jagged, the air damp, and the faint smell of decay lingered around him. He squinted, immediately adjusting to the dim light provided by glowing fungi scattered along the cave walls.

He noticed footprints on the ground, the clumsy and untrained kind that clearly belonged to the hunters. The trails were obvious, and he smirked, silently following them. Awà automatically adjusted his gait, ensuring his steps left no traces or sound.

As he moved deeper, the faint echoes of fighting grew louder. Steel clashed, grunts filled the air, and guttural shrieks followed soon after. Adam slowed his pace, crouching behind a rock as he neared the action.

[A scan of hunter combat patterns is underway.] Awà informed him. [Collecting data on muscle density, mana application, and tactical coordination.]

Adam peeked over the rock, spotting the source of the commotion. The hunters were engaged in combat against small, grotesque creatures. Their green skin glistened under the faint light, their child-like physiques and glowing red eyes making them unsettling to look at.

Adam chuckled internally. 'Hah, goblins. How classic.'

[Data on goblins: Goblins are a race of grotesque dwarf-like magic beasts, stereotypically depicted in fantasy-themed media. They possess child-like physiques, green skin, sharp ears and teeth, and glowing red eyes. Goblins are notoriously weak, with even E-Rank hunters capable of killing them with little trouble. However, they rely on strength in numbers and often attempt sneak attacks on their targets. Higher-ranking hunters consider them a nuisance.]

Adam nodded to himself, watching the scene unfold. The hunters, though armed, were struggling to hold their ground. Goblins swarmed them from multiple angles, their crude weapons slashing at the hunters' defenses.

The hunters shouted to each other, their squad captain trying to rally them, but it was clear they were getting overwhelmed. Adam observed quietly, calculating.

'They're outnumbered. If this keeps up, someone's getting injured or worse. Awà, what do you need to awaken me? What mana ingredient will work?'

[The grade of the mana consumed determines the host's initial rank upon awakening. Higher-grade mana will result in a stronger starting rank.]

Adam grinned. 'And if I start low, can I improve later with better resources?'

[Obviously.] Awà replied dryly.

Adam's eyes lit up with determination. 'Good. One thing first. Awà, change my face. Make it unrecognizable. Also, change my voice.'

[Understood.]

Adam felt a subtle shift in his facial muscles and vocal cords. It was painless, quick, and seamless. He smirked slightly, his confidence rising.

'Let's do this.'

With his steps completely silent, Adam dashed forward, maneuvering through the chaos with precision. The hunters were too focused on the goblins to notice him. His speed and control were impeccable as he weaved through the battlefield, his eyes locked on a cluster of goblins near the center.

With a powerful leap, he raised the hammer high above his head, channeling his momentum into a devastating downward swing. The hammer crashed into three goblins at once, their bodies crumpling instantly under the sheer force of the blow.

The battlefield fell silent for a brief moment. The hunters turned, their eyes wide with shock as they stared at the figure who had just intervened.

"Who the hell is that?!" one hunter shouted, pulling back to regroup with the others.

"Stay alert! It might be a rogue hunter!" barked the squad captain, raising her sword defensively.

Adam ignored their words, a grin spreading across his face as he swung the hammer again, this time obliterating another two goblins with a single strike. The creatures shrieked, some scrambling to retreat while others charged at him in desperation.

'This is easier than I thought.' Adam mused, his movements fluid and precise. He dodged the goblins' crude attacks effortlessly, his enhanced reflexes and control turning the battle into a game. Each swing of his hammer sent goblins flying, their numbers dwindling rapidly under his relentless assault.

The hunters watched in stunned silence, their formation tightening as they observed the mysterious figure demolishing the enemy with ease. Though wary, they couldn't deny the overwhelming skill on display.

Adam, on the other hand, was having the time of his life.