Solo Leveling (Only I Level Up): The Red Player

The soft hum of the television filled the dimly lit break room of the Hunters Agency. Anna leaned back in her chair, arms crossed as her eyes flicked between the various news reports displayed on the screen.

Breaking News In The U.S.: "Unexplained seismic activity in Yellowstone National Park has experts on edge, though no direct connection to a gate has been confirmed. Citizens are advised to avoid the area until further notice."

Panic In Italy: "A newly opened gate near the Vatican sparked widespread panic after lower-tier monsters spilled into the surrounding streets. Local hunters are currently managing the situation, but public outcry grows louder as people question the government's preparedness."

Tensions Rise Over In Inda: "In Mumbai, a large-scale evacuation is underway following the unexpected appearance of a B-rank gate. This comes only weeks after the city barely recovered from the effects of a previous C-rank gate."

Trouble In Japan: "Reports indicate that an S-rank gate remains dormant outside of Kyoto, though the government assures citizens that measures are in place to monitor it. However, tensions remain high as speculation spreads about what might emerge if it opens."

Chaos In Korea: "Chaos erupted at a local university today as an unexplained incident caused massive destruction across the campus. Authorities have yet to release an official statement, but initial reports suggest it could be gate-related."

….

Anna frowned deeply, the weight of the news pressing down on her. She sighed, brushing a lock of her dark blue hair from her face, and muttered, "It's one thing after another… Sometimes, I wish we could just turn back the clock to when all we had to worry about was everyday life."

The faint scent of jasmine wafted into the room, and a smooth, melodic voice chimed in, "Fate can be cruel, Anna. And such a wish, no matter how heartfelt, will likely go unanswered."

Startled, Anna turned sharply to see a tall, striking woman standing in the doorway. The woman exuded grace and authority, dressed in a tailored red suit that fit her like a second skin. Her dark auburn hair cascaded down her back in elegant waves, framing her heart-shaped face. Piercing amber eyes held a calm, yet commanding gaze that seemed to see straight through anyone she looked at.

"Director Valeria," Anna greeted respectfully, rising to her feet.

Valeria Kane, an A-rank hunter like Anna, was the regional director of the Hunters Agency. But while they shared the same rank, Valeria's skills and experience placed her leagues above most hunters. Known for her strategic mind and unflinching decisiveness, she had earned Anna's admiration not just for her strength, but also for her ability to evaluate people's character with uncanny precision.

Valeria offered Anna a warm smile, her presence somehow easing the tension in the room. "Take a deep breath," she said, her voice soothing yet firm. "This is the world we live in now. As hunters, it's not just our job to face these challenges head-on but to help ensure that these incidents don't spiral further out of control."

Anna nodded but remained silent.

Valeria's gaze drifted toward the television, her smile fading into a thoughtful frown. "Still…" she murmured, her tone distant. "Something about all of this feels… off. As if something far worse is looming just beyond the horizon."

Anna tilted her head. "Do you mean—?"

Before she could finish, Valeria raised a hand to dismiss the thought. "Just me talking aloud," she said with a faint chuckle. But the shadow that flickered in her amber eyes didn't go unnoticed.

Anna hesitated but didn't press further.

Valeria straightened her posture, her warm smile returning. "Enough brooding. We've got work to do." She gestured for Anna to follow her.

Without hesitation, Anna fell into step behind her. The air between them was quiet, but Anna couldn't shake the lingering unease sparked by Valeria's words.

Whatever this "bad omen" was, Anna prayed it would pass without consequence. But deep down, she had a sinking feeling that her mentor's instincts were rarely wrong.

As they exited the room, the television continued to drone on in the background, the grim reports blending into white noise. The world was changing faster than anyone could keep up with, and for hunters like Anna and Valeria, there was no time to stand still. The fight was constant, and the stakes only grew higher.

The day was just beginning.