Progress in Solitude

March 25, 2025, Arancard, the city of Seiya.

10:00 AM — the time when the sun rose to its peak, illuminating not only the cities but also the hearts of all the people of Arancard.

The city of Seiya was flourishing and beautiful in every way. There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky, so the sun shone brighter than ever. A calm, warm breeze flowed through the streets, and the city itself was filled with wooden houses and stone pathways. At the very center, towering above all the houses, stood a huge gleaming castle — the residence of Nakeru of all Arancard and the ruler of the entire land, a man named Santo Ji.

The city radiated a friendly atmosphere. People strolled through the streets and alleys, children ran around, and everything around breathed comfort and peace.

This was where our hero grew up — Shino Sansaki, a 17-year-old boy of short height and slender build. He was walking down one of Seiya’s streets. The wind gently ruffled his black hair and light jacket. In his eyes, as always, burned a spark of curiosity — for a new day had begun, and ahead awaited a new dungeon full of Phantoms.

Phantoms — creatures inhabiting dungeons. Their distinctive feature was that instead of a heart, they had a Crystal, which gave them their abilities. People used these crystals to create weapons and tools, as well as an eco-friendly source of energy.

At the edge of the city, near a cleared path surrounded by green grass, Shino’s friend was waiting — Jeru Shanshiro. He was the same age as Shino: short chestnut hair, blue eyes, a light white T-shirt, black pants, and sneakers.

Seeing Shino, Jeru smiled broadly and waved.

“Hey, Shino!” he said, glancing at his friend’s clothes. “Again with the black jacket? It’s hot outside! Well, as long as you’re comfortable. How are you? I’m fine. Today I accidentally ate all the pancakes and didn’t leave any for my sister, she got upset and said she’d tell mom everything…” Jeru smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

Shino smiled faintly and shoved his hands into his jeans pockets.

“I’m good. Today I finally want to clear that S-rank dungeon with you. Maybe we’ll get lucky and catch the eye of a Phantom hunters’ guild. At least Batrogan. Not to mention Senju, Kings, Dark Knights, Hermits, or Byakagan — we can’t reach those yet.”

Jeru nodded.

“Agreed. I hope we manage. If we clear an S-rank dungeon and rise to double-S, someone will definitely notice us. At least Batrogan might take us: they accept young hunters, train them to triple-S, and then stronger guilds recruit them. Oh, by the way…” Jeru’s eyes widened suddenly, as if he remembered something important. “Did you bring that sword your father forged from an S-rank Phantom’s crystal? The Invisibility Sword? Did you bring it, Shino?”

Shino flinched slightly at the question, but immediately pulled out a small dagger with a golden hilt from his pocket.

“I did. But honestly, it’s more of a dagger than a sword… though it’s better than fighting empty-handed, like before. Remember when we defeated that Phantom — and only by accident, because another Phantom fell right on top of it? We barely had time to grab the crystal and run.”

Jeru smiled awkwardly.

“Yeah, that happened… But what matters is, we managed. Anyway, let’s go, it’s time.”

Shino nodded, and they walked down the path. The wind gently swayed the grass, and ahead of them lay a deep pit at the foot of Mount Chizhdo. It looked as if someone had once tried to build a bunker there: a vertical shaft with a sloping road leading down.

Jeru looked at the pit and suddenly asked:

“Shino, what’s your goal?”

Shino frowned, as if he hadn’t expected the question, but quickly replied:

“I want to become the strongest hunter and defeat all the Phantoms so people will never fear them again.”

Jeru smiled.

“That’s cool. And I want to reach faithful-S rank, earn lots of money, and build my own water park. We once went to Nagaro, and there was a water park… since then I’ve dreamed of building my own. That would make me the happiest person.”

He looked at Shino with a warm smile:

“I want us, as best friends since childhood, to help each other reach our goals.”

Shino glanced at his friend out of the corner of his eye and smiled as well.

“Alright, let’s go. Let’s show them what we’re capable of,” Jeru said.

They entered the cave. Sunlight streaming through a crack illuminated the spacious stone chamber. After a few steps, their attention was caught by a pack of Phantom Wolves: red eyes, stone-like fur, and crimson claws.

Noticing the humans, they bared their teeth and growled.

Shino pulled out the dagger with the golden hilt and tensed. Jeru took a step back and reminded him:

“Shino, remember: to activate the sword’s ability, you just have to will it. It’s connected to your nervous system. A single desire — and the ability will trigger.”