The Rise Of The No. 1 Hunter

Finishing his thought, Raito stepped out of the shower. He grabbed a towel, wiped down his body, wrapped it around his waist, then used another to dry his gray hair. His expression was calm, yet a quiet fire of determination burned in his blue eyes.

Raito walked back to his room and put on something comfortable. Once he was done, he picked up his phone and smiled.

"It's been a while," he muttered. "I should call Dad."

He tapped Dad on his contacts and let it ring.

When his father answered, Raito said, "Alright… it's been a while since we last spoke."

"Yes, son," Rikue replied warmly. "It must have been… let me see… around the time you were about to turn seventeen or eighteen, I think. I'm not sure. But I'm glad you called."

Raito leaned back, resting his phone against his shoulder. "Okay, what's the problem? Do you need anything? I hope you're doing well. I've always told you, if you ever needed something, you could ask me. But you never did."

"I know, Dad," Raito said with a small smile. "I'm not calling to ask for anything. I understand what you were trying to do back then. You wanted me to work with you, to join you, so we could do the same work. Your pay was decent, but I declined. Even if you really wanted me to."

Rikue paused. "So… son, why did you call me today?"

"Well… I've already started working as a hunter. My power has manifested," Raito said.

There was a long silence on the other end. Then his father's phone slipped slightly from his hand, as if he were in shock. He quickly picked it back up.

"Really? Really?! Wow… I'm so happy! I'm proud of you, son! After all these years… it's so rare! In fact, there have been almost no cases of someone whose power didn't manifest at first, but later, around eighteen… and you did it!"

Raito chuckled softly. "It happened when I was about to be killed. That's when it manifested. And… I'm Rax C. During my last assessment, I was strong. I'm confident that if I did it again, I'd surpass that."

Rikue's voice trembled slightly with emotion. "Thank goodness… I've always thought about you, and the passion you've carried for becoming a hunter. I worried you might have changed paths since your power didn't manifest early, but now… I'm so proud. I'm so glad, son. Now you can earn a decent living. When are you starting your work as a hunter?"

Raito answered calmly, "I've already started, and there's something I want you to do. I want you to go on a vacation."

"What? A vacation?" Rikue asked, surprised. "You just started, and you're already paid… why? You don't need that. Hunter pay… isn't that much."

Raito's tone was firm. "If you're capable of defeating an H-Rank or A-Rank monster, the pay is more than enough. Trust me."

His father fell silent for a moment. Then, Raito continued, "Dad, please. I'm serious. You've been working too hard. Ever since Mom passed, I know you've put your life aside for me. If there's someone you're seeing, or someone you have in mind but haven't proposed to, you can tell me. I'll approve it. Don't hold yourself back because of me."

"Yes, son. Thank you. How do you know all this?"

"I know you, Dad. But still, thank you. I'll send the details for your vacation soon."

Rikue smiled softly. "Alright, son. Thank you. Truly."

"No problem, Dad," Raito said as he ended the call.

He stared at his screen for a moment, then received a message. His father had sent his account details.

Raito transferred 30 million yen instantly.

"I think that should be enough," he muttered. "For the vacation… and whatever he wants to buy. I'll still send more after I get back."

He leaned back on the couch, smiling faintly. Maybe he should buy a car. I don't even want him to work anymore. I have enough money for both of us now.

His expression softened. He always wanted to remarry, but he never did because of me.

I was so selfish, always thinking about Mom. I was traumatized by her death. That's why Dad stayed single all this time. But now… I'm not that kid anymore.

He smiled quietly to himself. He deserves happiness. Mom would want that too. I'll take care of him, and whoever becomes his new wife.

Just then, his phone started ringing again.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

He looked down. It was his dad calling.

"Hello, Dad," Raito said, answering. "I already sent it. Have you seen it?"

There was a pause. Then his father's voice came through, shocked.

"Son… where did you get this kind of money? What is this? Are you kidding me? This is too much! Even Rank-B hunters don't earn this easily!" Rikue said, disbelief in his tone.

Raito chuckled softly. "Well, Dad, I killed a monster that sold for a lot in the market."

"What? But you're just a C-Rank hunter. No C-Rank monster could earn this much on its own," Rikue said.

Raito smirked faintly. "Well, I killed something above my rank. An S-Rank monster. Don't worry, Dad, I didn't do anything wrong."

His father went quiet for a few seconds, then laughed softly, his voice full of pride.

"I know, son. I know you wouldn't. I just wanted to confirm. Thank you, truly. This is more than enough. I can finally rest. Even if I don't work for a year or two, this money would cover everything."

"No problem, Dad," Raito said, smiling. "If you ever need anything, the wedding, the vacation, even a yacht trip, just call me. I'll cover it all."

There was a warmth in his father's tone when he answered, "Thank you, son. Really."

Raito smiled again. "No problem, Dad."

Then the call ended.

"Well, I'm actually really happy I had this conversation with my dad," Raito said softly, still smiling as he placed his phone on the table.