SSS-Ranked Demon Hunter: The Prodigy
Chapter 81: Thunder Road, Part 1

Chapter 81: Thunder Road, Part 1

In the year of 2026, the war erupted. For the first time, we, mere mortals, witnessed monsters with supernatural abilities.

Red creatures, appearing from various corners of the Eastern world, attacked the innocent without hesitation. They fed on our blood, devoured our flesh in tons, while we desperately searched for a way to save our kind.

We called them demons.

Late Summer, 2067.It had been a year since Lee Kihyun was last seen. In that time, Korea had changed significantly — both in terms of technology and in its system of governance and military structure.

The devastated Green Zone had been rebuilt, regaining its status as a safe area. The checkpoint system had become stricter — anyone wishing to enter had to present a medical certificate.

Residents of Seoul were thoroughly screened for signs of the demonic flu. If any trace of infection was found in their history, they were placed in quarantine.

Every inhabitant of the Green Zone was required to submit blood analysis data, and hunters were actively engaged in searching for undocumented residents absent from the national database.

Yes, many citizens were displeased with such tight control, but there was no other way to guarantee public safety.

All abandoned underground tunnels had been sealed, replaced by a new metro line network.

At night, the city glowed with neon colors — a sight not only thanks to government efforts, but also to the countless individuals inspired by a newfound honesty. Korea was the first to publicly admit the unlawful acts committed by the old regime in the creation of hunters.

By revealing the truth, we had paved a new road to the future.

In September of that year, demon hunters marched through the central square in a grand parade — commemorating the start of the academic year for future recruits. Dressed in a unified uniform of emerald steel, they marched in perfect formation beneath the proud gazes of thousands of spectators.

Families came with their children, eager for the young to see the heroes of their time — not through screens, but in the flesh.

Leading the formation were two of the city’s S-rank hunters: Adam and Shingen. In front of them walked the standard-bearer, holding high the flag of the Hunter Association — a pale banner adorned with a rising beam of light piercing the darkness. Feathers floated across the fabric, and in its center stood the flag of Korea.

The air was thick with the sound of triumphant marching and brass horns. It was one of the few holidays celebrated each year — and thus held dear, with a rare sense of unity and pride.

And on that sunny day, a girl stayed home. Her house rested at the foot of the hills, nestled in the safest corner of the country. She lived in a hanok — a traditional Korean house with a wooden roof and sliding doors.

Spacious, with an open inner courtyard and pale wooden floors, the house was filled with silence and cool air. Outside, the rustling leaves and birdsong breathed life into the stillness, as if nature itself protected her peace.

Dressed in a long blue robe with wide sleeves, she knelt gracefully. Before her, in the quiet room, sat a broad-shouldered man. Wooden swords lay at their feet.

Sunlight filtered into the room, and a gentle breeze tousled the girl’s black hair. Her calm gaze gave her the appearance of a snow queen.

When her trainer let out a heavy sigh, breaking the silence, the girl opened her pale blue eyes.

"You should’ve joined the parade as well," the trainer said. "Whether you like it or not, Lady Kang, you’re a symbol of this nation."

Her voice followed, wise and gentle:

"My father’s name no longer inspires admiration — only fear. The world has changed, and people have different concerns now. I’m no symbol. There’s nothing noble in me."

This was Yeonghee — almost unrecognizable from the girl she once was. She had grown more graceful, less brash, more thoughtful.

"Since my father is no longer with me, I’ve found a desire for independence. Just recently, I walked through the city alone for the first time, without worrying about paparazzi or my safety. Funny how quickly people forget those they once deemed important."

"...People still praise you for your honesty and integrity. Don’t be so hard on yourself."

"I never thought of myself as important. I prefer a world where I go unnoticed. That way, I can walk freely and learn what truly interests me. So, shall we begin our training, coach?"

The trainer cleared his throat and lowered his voice.

"But you’re already exceptional with a sword. What more could I possibly teach you?"

"I still can’t summon blood weapons. No matter how hard I try, I can’t go beyond partial mutations of my arms. You used to be an S-rank hunter before retiring. I believe anyone can go beyond their so-called limits."

"The mental process behind summoning a Kenketsu takes time. So far, no A-rank has been able to do it. But if this is truly your will, I can try to lead you down that path."

Grasping a wooden sword in her hands, she smiled:

"I’d be grateful. I want to be the first A-rank to surpass those limits. With your help, we’ll prove that the path set for us isn’t the only one."

The trainer picked up his sword:

"Then let’s begin."

Yeonghee’s expression steeled like tempered metal. Rising to her feet, they launched into a sparring match. Their blades clashed in a burst of motion — and at that very moment, a bamboo water chime outside the window clicked as it tipped.

"The first thing you need is to understand what your soul desires!"

Swinging their wooden swords, they danced in the rhythm of cracking wood.

"Everyone must find the instinct to protect — and to strike. Especially when your enemy is stronger than you!"

Yeonghee blocked, parried, and countered. When she landed a hit, her hand remained steady — and she bowed to mark the end of the bout.

"My lady, sheer desire alone won’t make you stronger... Strength is awakened by purpose. If you truly seek Kenketsu, you must know what you’ll do with it once it’s yours."

The trainer bowed his head respectfully.

"Thank you for the match, trainer."

"Splendid. You bested me. Care for another round?"

"Yes, please — I want to learn all you know!"

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