The tournament grounds were a sprawling expanse, an arena that buzzed with the anticipation of countless spectators. Massive banners, each one emblazoned with the faces of legendary hunters, flapped in the wind, signaling the grandiosity of the event. Crowds of excited spectators filled the stands, their murmurs growing louder with each passing minute. The grand Hunter Tournament was about to begin, and Jin-Woo was among the few high-ranking participants.

Though the tournament was a spectacle, it was a personal matter for him. Jin-Woo wasn't here for fame, nor for the prize. He had been invited under a different pretense: the Hunter Association had requested his presence, knowing that his abilities might play a critical role in the unfolding events.

He stood at the edge of the arena, observing the teams as they prepared in the staging area. Some were flexing their powers, their presence emitting raw energy. Others were more restrained, keeping a low profile, perhaps even as wary of him as he was of them.

"I shouldn't be here," he thought to himself, his gaze scanning the other competitors.

The association had always sought to place him in the spotlight, a position he loathed. He'd made it clear he preferred to work alone, keeping his distance from the politics of the Hunter Association. But his growing reputation made it impossible to avoid public appearances. It had been a while since he had participated in an event of this scale.

The noise of the crowd seemed distant to him, muffled by his own focused thoughts. He knew he had the power to crush any of the opponents here, but something felt off. A dull sense of unease gnawed at him, not because he doubted his strength, but because these events—these spectacles—were never as simple as they seemed. It wasn't just about showing off raw power; there were always hidden agendas beneath the surface.