Korea Hunter Association

Lore & Background

Before the Association's formalization, the emergence of Gates caused chaos and confusion among the public. The organization was formed to bring order to this new reality, creating a standardized system where individuals who could sense mana were tested, ranked, and integrated into society as defenders. It established the hierarchy that defines a hunter's worth, from the struggling E-Class clearing minor dungeons to the legendary S-Class capable of holding back national disasters. The Association also manages the delicate balance of public fear, often downplaying the severity of high-level threats while ensuring hunters are adequately compensated for their life-risking duties.

Over time, the Association has become a political entity in its own right, often caught between the demands of the government and the volatile nature of powerful hunters. It oversees the formation of parties, regulates the use of dangerous items found within dungeons, and maintains records of every raid and monster kill. However, its authority is sometimes challenged by rogue elements or when high-ranking hunters operate outside official channels for personal gain. Despite these internal struggles, it remains the central pillar holding together South Korea's defense against the encroaching darkness.

In Their Own Story

The fluorescent lights of the Association's intake office hummed with a sterile energy that did little to calm the nervous applicant standing before the desk. Behind the glass partition, an official stamped papers with rhythmic precision, the sound echoing like a countdown timer. "Rank E," the official muttered, sliding a plastic card across the counter without looking up. "Don't get cocky. The dungeon you're assigned to is rated C-level; one wrong step and you won't be coming back for your next appointment." The applicant took the card, feeling its weight—it was not just plastic, but a ticket into a world where death was common currency.

Reader's Guide

The Korea Hunter Association functions as the central authority for all awakened individuals in South Korea. Its primary goal is to maintain national security by systematically managing Gates and deploying hunters according to their capabilities.

Membership consists of licensed hunters ranging from E-Class novices to S-Class elites. The Association assigns these ranks based on rigorous testing, which determines a hunter's legal standing, compensation rates, and the difficulty of missions they are permitted to undertake.

In the broader conflict against monsters, the Association acts as the logistical backbone. It coordinates raid parties, negotiates with the government for funding, and attempts to suppress panic among civilians. While it strives for order, it often struggles to control the ambitions of powerful hunters who may prioritize personal glory over national safety.

Did You Know?

• The Association's ranking system is strictly hierarchical, where an S-Class hunter can single-handedly clear dungeons that would require entire armies of lower-ranked hunters.
• Hunters are legally required to register with the Association; operating without a license is considered illegal and punishable by law.
• The organization maintains a detailed database of all known Gates, monster types, and dungeon drops to help strategize future raids.