Dungeon Hunter: Morphmaster

The sudden emergence of portal connected to dungeons has reshaped society, creating a new world where powerful monsters, hidden treasures, and magical anomalies await. These dungeons are sources of both danger and opportunity, attracting Hunters—individuals trained to face the threats within. From small caves teeming with minor creatures to vast labyrinths housing ancient beasts, each dungeon requires its own strategy and collaboration among Hunters.

Society has adapted with a structured system to rank Hunters based on their abilities. Elite S-Rank Hunters lead powerful guilds and corporations, while A-Rank Hunters command smaller teams. B-Rank and C-Rank Hunters play essential roles, contributing to the success of dungeon expeditions. With advanced technology and magic from dungeons integrated into daily life, the economy thrives on resources obtained from these realms, while schools train the next generation of Hunters.

The emergence of three distinct races—fantasy, beast, and human—further complicates social dynamics. Fantasy races hold positions of power, beast races are respected for their physical prowess, and humans have leveraged technology to secure their place. Adding to the complexity is the "Birth Phenomenon" where children born to parents of different races temporarily appear human until the age of 4, when their true race is randomly determined. 70% of the population has undergone a transformation into three distinct races as a result of this change:

1. Fantasy Race: Individuals mutated into beings from ancient myths and legends, such as elves, dwarves, dragons, and other fantastical creatures. Each race possesses unique abilities and traits that shape their roles in this new world.

2. Beast Race: Humans fused with animals, either as hybrids or with the ability to transform into beasts like wolves, bears, monkeys, and more. This race boasts enhanced physical abilities and combat prowess, making them formidable in dungeon exploration.

3. Human Race: The remaining 30% retained their original human form, relying on advanced technology, intelligence, and adaptability to survive in a world filled with threats.

As this new world evolves, Hunters must confront dungeon dangers and navigate complex social structures, race relations, and rival factions, all while the balance between power, survival, and identity shifts daily.

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In the quiet halls of the high school, a strange noise echoed from the boys' bathroom. Inside, a boy name Hugo, with striking blue hair and a nervous glint in his eyes—was slammed against the cold, tiled wall. His breath came in shallow gasps as he tried to brace himself, but the pressure was overwhelming. Surrounding him were three figures, each more intimidating than the last.

The first was a tall, slender boy with pointed ears, his features sharp and handsome like those of an elf. His golden eyes gleamed with malice as he cracked his knuckles, clearly enjoying the moment. Beside him, a hulking figure towered. The second bully had the broad, muscular build of a bull, with two horns protruding from his forehead like deadly weapons. His angry snort echoed as he gripped the wall, blocking any chance of escape.

The third, and most dangerous, was the leader. His appearance was nothing short of terrifying—his skin seemed to be made of shadows, his eyes glowed red with a demonic hunger, and his smile sent a chill through the air. He stepped forward, his presence commanding and ominous, as he loomed over Hugo with a menacing grin.

Each of them was 18, their age matching Hugo's, but their power, cruelty, and the dark aura they exuded made them seem far older and more dangerous than they could ever be. Hugo's body trembled, but his mind raced, searching for any way to break free. The tension was thick in the air, and Hugo knew this was a moment that would define him—if he could survive it.

The elf-like bully, with a cruel smirk, stepped forward and crossed his arms. "What's this, a human?" he sneered, his green eyes gleaming with amusement. "Just a weak little human, standing here like you belong." He took a slow, deliberate step closer, studying Hugo with a look of distaste. "I guess you think you have a chance against us? Against real power?"

The bull-like bully snorted, his large horns scraping against the ceiling as he laughed. "A human," he muttered, shaking his head. "You're nothing but dead weight in a world full of beasts and real power. What do you even think you can do? Use a pencil to defend yourself?" His voice was deep and mocking, dripping with disdain.

The leader, the demon-like figure, finally spoke, his voice smooth yet laced with venom. "It's pathetic, really. Humans, relying on technology to survive, pretending to be strong. You can't even transform, can you? No horns, no wings, no claws." He circled around Hugo slowly, his red eyes glowing like molten lava. "You're just a human, stuck in the middle of races that matter." His smile twisted into something more sinister. "What does that make you, little human? A worthless piece of this world?"

Hugo's heart raced, the words cutting through him like a blade. But he stood firm, trying not to show fear. "You think you're so powerful because of what you are, but power isn't everything," he shot back, his voice steady, though his hands trembled. "I don't need your magic or your horns. I have my own way."

The elf-like bully scoffed, shaking his head in mock pity. "Oh, how brave," he said sarcastically. "A little human with delusions of grandeur." He leaned in closer, his voice cold. "You really think you can compete with us? You have nothing. You're just... human."

As the bullying continued, the air in the bathroom grew thick with tension, Hugo standing there with clenched fists. The elf-like bully took a step closer, his voice dripping with mockery. "Still not running, little human? You're stubborn, I'll give you that, but it won't save you."

But just as the bull-like bully raised a fist to strike, the temperature in the room plummeted. A chilling wind rushed through the bathroom, causing the bullies to freeze for a moment, their breath turning to mist in the sudden cold.

The leader's eyes narrowed. "What...?" he muttered, sensing the sudden shift.

In that moment, the floor beneath their feet began to freeze, the ice creeping upward, coating their legs in a solid grip. The bull-like bully let out a startled roar, but his legs were already encased in thick ice, and he could no longer move.

The elf-like bully snarled, trying to pull away, but his feet were also trapped. "What is this?!"

A calm, confident voice cut through the confusion. "I wouldn't try to run if I were you."

With a flick of his wrist, a figure stepped into the room. Frost, the human who was anything but ordinary, appeared in the doorway, his black sunglasses hiding his mismatched eyes—one blue, the other a molten gold. He wore a wide smile, and though his spirit was unbreakable, there was a quiet, commanding energy in the way he stood, as if the entire room bent to his will.

"Frost Icelandra.." the elf-like bully muttered, his voice filled with unease as he recognized the figure. "Cold Dragon's Guild Master... an S-Rank Hunter."

The leader's eyes widened in realization. "So it's you." His voice was calm but tinged with fear. "The one who controls ice like it's nothing... You're the one who froze that mountain last year. We've heard about you."

Frost's smile widened, his eyes gleaming beneath the sunglasses. "That's right," he said in a low, smooth tone. "And I don't take kindly to bullies picking on my little brother." He glanced over at Hugo, who was still trying to steady himself. "You should've known better than to mess with someone from Cold Dragon."

The leader took a step back, eyes flicking to his frozen companions. He knew Frost's reputation. With a final glance at Hugo, he gave a low, mocking chuckle. "I'll let you have your little family drama. But remember this, Hunter," he spat the word with disdain, "we'll be back." Without another word, the leader turned and quickly disappeared down the hallway, leaving the two other bullies behind, struggling to free themselves.

Frost let out a soft chuckle, his eyes briefly meeting Hugo's. "You okay, Hugo?" His voice was warm, the playful smile never leaving his face.

The elf-like bully growled, struggling against the ice, but Frost didn't even flinch. "Don't worry, I'll let you go," Frost said casually. "But if I catch you bothering him again, next time, I'll freeze more than just your feet."

The bullies, realizing they were no match for Frost, made no further attempt to challenge him, glaring at the two of them before retreating, leaving only the echo of their steps as they fled.

Frost turned back to Hugo, who was still processing everything. "You've got to learn how to defend yourself, you know?" Frost said with a grin. "You can't rely on me forever."

Hugo, though still shaken, gave a small nod. "Thanks, Frost."

With a chuckle, Frost ruffled Hugo's hair. "No need to thank me, Hugo. I'm your big brother. That's what older brother does. Now, let's go outside" as Hugo only give a small nod, then started follow along.

As Frost led Hugo out of the high school building, he threw a playful glance over his shoulder at his younger brother. "Ready for your surprise?" he asked, the mischievous grin never fading from his face.

Hugo raised an eyebrow, still confused, but his curiosity was piqued. "What surprise?" he asked, his tone a bit wary. He'd never been one for big celebrations, but the way Frost smiled, it was hard to say no.

The cool evening air brushed against them as Frost opened the door of his sleek black car, gesturing for Hugo to get in. "Just trust me. It'll be fun." With a deep sigh, Hugo climbed in, still unsure of what was going on.

Frost slid into the driver's seat, starting the engine with a low hum. The city lights flashed by, but Hugo didn't pay much attention, his thoughts swirling around what was happening.

"You'll see soon enough," Frost continued, glancing over at his brother with a knowing look. "I know you don't like big celebrations, but this one's different."

Hugo leaned back in his seat, staring out the window, but a sense of excitement slowly built inside him, making him wonder if maybe, just maybe, Frost had something special planned. "Alright," Hugo said after a long pause. "I'll play along."

Frost chuckled as he shifted gears. "That's the spirit."

After a short drive, the car pulled up to their home, a modest house tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. As they stepped out, Hugo still couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The door creaked open, and Frost led the way into the warm, dimly lit living room.

Suddenly, the lights flicked on, and Hugo's eyes widened in surprise as he was greeted with a chorus of "Surprise!"

His mother stood by the door, her soft golden eyes sparkling with love and warmth. "Happy Birthday, Hugo!" Her slender, feline features like cat ear and tail, as her curved figure were ever-present, though she looked at him with nothing but affection. Her blue hair cascaded down her back, and despite her gentle, almost reserved personality, there was a quiet strength in the way she stood, with a small robot beside her. The robot—her little assistant—waved at him with a soft whirring noise, a reminder of her motherly instincts to protect, even when Frost wasn't around.

His father, a tall, slender man with short black hair and blue eyes, leaned against the counter with a sly smile. His scruffy beard didn't hide the gleam of intelligence in his eyes. He was an engineer and mechanic, always crafting something new in his workshop, and though he preferred a modest life, there was always the glint of ambition in his eyes. "Happy Birthday, son," he said, his voice warm but with a touch of mischief. "You've been so focused on everything lately, I thought you needed a little reminder to take it easy."

And then there was his little sister. She zipped into the room at lightning speed, her bunny ears twitching as she bounced around excitedly. She had her own unique charm—her super speed making her a blur of motion as she grinned at her older brother. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HUGO!" she exclaimed, her voice high-pitched and full of energy. Her slim but athletic frame was perfectly suited to her speed, her perfectly shaped legs and strong thigh accentuated by her playful movements.

Hugo stood frozen in the doorway, his eyes darting from one family member to the next. His mother, her small robot hovering close to her side; his father, with that clever smile and the gentle but mischievous energy; and his sister, her exuberance nearly contagious. The sight of his family—his real family—hit him like a wave.

His mother stepped forward, her smile soft and comforting, as she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "We know you don't like the attention, but we wanted to make this day special for you. It's your 18th birthday, Hugo. We're proud of you."

Frost leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching his brother with an unspoken understanding. "You've been through a lot, Hugo. You deserve this."

Hugo blinked, the surprise slowly turning into something else—something that made his heart swell. "I... I didn't expect this." he said softly, finally realizing that despite his cold exterior, his family had been waiting for a chance to remind him that he wasn't alone. Not in the way he thought.

His father chuckled, his voice slightly teasing. "Well, what do you think? Not bad for a Icelandra family of misfits, huh?"

Hugo let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "You guys are impossible." But despite his words, there was warmth in his chest. Frost's smile widened, knowing that the little surprise had broken through his brother's tough exterior. It wasn't just about the birthday—it was about family, and Hugo was finally starting to realize that.

The night carried on with laughter, food, and stories of adventures, but through it all, one thing was clear—no matter how cold the world might seem, Hugo had a family that would always remind him of the warmth he could always come back to.

Continue...

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Nice to meet you all, this is my first time being a novel writer, so I hope all of you guy like the story and if any of you guys don't like some of the style, I could change it by your request to make the story more simple and immersive. Here's a bonus information about the Icelandra family!

Name: Hugo Icelandra (Main Character)

Race: Human

Ability: None (Yet😉)

Personality: Quiet and reserved, Hugo is thoughtful and analytical, preferring to observe before acting. Lacking confidence due to his lack of powers, he is surprisingly resilient and quick-witted under pressure, driven by a strong sense of justice and a desire to prove his worth.

Appearance: Messy blue hair, sharp blue eyes, average height, and a lean, athletic build. His youthful face often holds a serious or contemplative look.

Background: The middle child of the Icelandra family, Hugo feels overshadowed by his talented siblings in a world of extraordinary abilities. Despite this, he is determined to forge his own path without powers.

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Name: Frost Icelandra (Oldest Brother)

Race: Human

Ability: Ice Manipulation – Frost can control and shape ice for both offense and defense. His mastery of this ability has earned him the title of S-Rank Hunter.

Personality: Confident, spirited, and charismatic, Frost commands attention with his presence. Though carefree and laid-back, he is fiercely protective of loved ones and unwavering in battle and leadership.

Appearance: Neatly combed blue hair, sharp jawline, and mismatched eyes (blue and golden) concealed by black sunglasses. He has a tall, muscular build and wears a signature black combat jacket.

Background: Frost's ice ability gained him early recognition, leading him to found the prestigious Cold Dragon Guild. Despite his fame, he remains grounded, valuing family above all.

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Name: Lily Icelandra (Youngest Sister)

Race: Rabbit

Ability: Super Speed – Lily can move at incredible speeds, making her almost impossible to catch or hit in combat.

Personality: Energetic and cheerful, Lily is the liveliest family member. Playful and optimistic, she's quick-witted and great at easing tension, though her impulsive nature can get her into trouble.

Appearance: Petite and athletic, with long blue hair in a high ponytail. Her rabbit ears are always perked up, and her golden eyes sparkle with mischief. Her toned legs reflect her speed and agility.

Background: As the youngest, Lily feels the need to prove herself, especially with Frost's achievements in the spotlight. Her natural talent and upbeat personality help her stand out. She's a high schooler with dreams of becoming a Hunter like her brother.

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Name: Luna Icelandra (Mother)

Race: Cat

Ability: Telekinesis (Weak) – Luna can move small, light objects with her mind.

Personality: Gentle and nurturing, Luna is the heart of the Icelandra family. Calm and composed, she mediates conflicts and is perceptive, often understanding others' emotions before they do.

Appearance: Graceful and elegant, with a curvaceous figure. Her blue hair flows in soft waves, and her golden eyes radiate warmth. Her feline ears and tail enhance her comforting presence.

Background: Raised in a quiet rural town, Luna met Hugo's father and chose to focus on her family. She provides wisdom and support, ensuring a stable, loving home.

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Name: Lloyd Icelandra (Father)

Race: Human

Ability: Crafter – Lloyd can create nearly anything, from small gadgets to complex machinery, using available materials.

Personality: Analytical and pragmatic, Lloyd excels at problem-solving. With a sarcastic sense of humor and a focus on efficiency and innovation, he is money-conscious, viewing frugality as a way to secure his family's future.

Appearance: Short black hair with a slightly disheveled look, a neatly trimmed beard, and sharp blue eyes. Lean but strong, he wears simple, functional clothing, often stained with grease or soot from his engineering work.

Background: A self-made engineer and scientist, Lloyd runs a successful company. Despite his wealth, he leads a modest lifestyle, valuing innovation and resourcefulness over material excess. His creations have greatly advanced technology, though he rarely seeks recognition. Except money.