Intro

In a world where the fabric of reality had unraveled, humanity found itself staring into the abyss of the impossible. Interdimensional portals, shimmering and alive with otherworldly energy, began to puncture the skies and landscapes of our planet. We called them "Gates," luminous thresholds that pulsed like the heartbeat of some alien force, tearing through the seams of existence. Beyond these portals lay realms we named "Dungeons," nightmarish domains crawling with monstrous entities that defied logic and haunted the deepest recesses of our minds.

As the world reeled from this cosmic upheaval, a new kind of savior emerged amidst the chaos. They were the "Hunters," individuals who had "Awakened" to extraordinary powers, their abilities as varied and unpredictable as the dungeons themselves. These brave souls ventured into the Gates, risking their lives to shield humanity from the horrors lurking within those shadowed realms.

A man named Izuku Midoriya, and he's one of these Hunters. But unlike the legendary figures whose exploits dominated the news and inspired awe, my story is not one of triumph or greatness. He, by all accounts,afailure. Born quirkless in a world where supernatural abilities are as ubiquitous as the air we breathe, he was branded an outcast from the start. His lack of power relegated me to the lowest rung of the Hunter hierarchy—an E-Rank, the weakest of the weak, barely surviving the most basic of dungeon expeditions.

The scars of his childhood followed me into adulthood, etched deeper by the cruel nickname "Deku," a taunt that clung to me like a parasite. In Korea, where my work as a Hunter took him, the people bestowed upon me an even harsher title: "The Weakest Hunter of All Mankind." It was a moniker that felt like a brand, a constant reminder of his failures, inadequacies, and the yawning chasm between Izuku and the heroes he once idolized.

Life as the weakest Hunter is a relentless struggle. Each step into a dungeon feels like a tightrope over a pit of snarling beasts. Every encounter with a monster is a gamble, the odds stacked against me in a cruel game of survival. The weight of his insignificance crushes me, yet he presses on, driven by a fragile hope that one day, against all odds, he might prove myself worthy of the title "Hunter."

Then came the day that shattered the fragile equilibrium of my existence. What should have been a routine mission—a straightforward clear of a D-Rank dungeon—descended into a waking nightmare. The air grew dense and oppressive as Izuku ventured deeper, each breath thick and syrupy, as if the dungeon sought to suffocate me.

A primal dread coiled in his gut as the truth dawned on him: Izuku had stumbled into a Double Dungeon, a deadly anomaly where two dungeons merged into a single, lethal labyrinth. Even seasoned Hunters feared such places. For someone like him, it was a death sentence.

The monsters came in waves, their glowing eyes brimming with a hunger that chilled me to the bone. Their claws gleamed like razors under the dim, otherworldly light, and their guttural snarls promised a swift and merciless end. Izuku fought with everything he had, my body a blur of desperate motion, his cheap sword a pitiful weapon against their armored hides. My muscles burned, and my lungs screamed for air, but it was futile. Overwhelmed and outmatched, he fell.

The cold stone floor of the dungeon embraced me as my strength gave out. Izuku's vision blurred, the world around me fading into a haze of shadows and snarls. Izuku braced myself for the inevitable, for the cold embrace of death. But as the darkness closed in, an eerie silence descended, replacing the cacophony of monsters with an almost serene stillness. Fate, however, had other plans.

When he awoke, the sterile scent of disinfectant filled my nostrils, and the rhythmic beeping of medical equipment greeted his ears. The stark white ceiling above him told me he was in a hospital. Somehow, inexplicably, Izuku had survived. His mind swirled with confusion and disbelief, but the surprises didn't end there. As his vision cleared, something impossible hovered before me—a translucent screen, glowing faintly in the air, visible only to Izuku.

It was like a scene ripped straight from an RPG, complete with stats, quests, and a leveling system. The soft blue light bathed the room in an ethereal glow, and his heart raced with a mix of fear and wonder.

This newfound ability, this mesmerizing game-like interface, held the promise to rewrite his destiny. It wasn't just a tool—it was a doorway to transformation. Each quest presented the thrilling prospect of hunting fearsome monsters, growing stronger with every hard-fought victory, and leveling up in ways he had only dared to dream of. For the first time since he had taken up the mantle of a Hunter, a spark of exhilaration ignited within Izuku. It was more than hope—it was a glimmering possibility that Izuku could transcend the humiliating title of "The Weakest Hunter of All Mankind."

As he lay on the cold floor, staring up at the glowing screen, his thoughts spiraled with endless possibilities. The road ahead would undoubtedly be grueling, riddled with peril at every turn, but for the first time in Izuku's life, Izuku felt a genuine sense of purpose. This was the beginning of his real story. Not as a helpless, overlooked E-Rank Hunter, but as someone who could evolve, adapt, and rise beyond their limitations. The potential to grow stronger coursed through his veins, and it filled Izuku with a determination he had never known.

With trembling fingers, Izuku reached out toward the radiant, floating screen, its soft, otherworldly glow casting shadows on my face. The interface responded instantly to my touch, emitting a melodic chime that resonated deep in his chest. A new quest materialized before me, its words brimming with challenge and promise.

Izuku's heart pounded as he took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead. He was ready to confront the trials no matter how daunting they were. The weakest hunter was about to embark on a journey to defy all odds, to claim a destiny that no one believed possible. His path to becoming the strongest was about to begin.

Ten years later, Seoul, Korea.

The city of Seoul had transformed, a testament to humanity's resilience in the face of otherworldly threats. Gleaming skyscrapers pierced the sky, their reflective surfaces occasionally rippling with the shimmer of a closing Gate. High-tech subways whisked people beneath the bustling streets, their routes carefully plotted to avoid known dungeon hotspots.

Yet, pockets of tradition endured. amidst this futuristic landscape, Ancient Buddhist temples and grand palaces stood as silent guardians, their timeless architecture a stark contrast to the neon-lit streets and holographic billboards. The air buzzed with an electric energy, a mix of anticipation and fear that had become the norm in this new world.

Seoul had become more than just a capital city; it was now a beacon for Hunters from across the globe. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza, once a hub for fashion and art, had been repurposed as a state-of-the-art Hunter facility. Its curved metallic exterior now housed training grounds, research labs, and a command center for coordinating dungeon raids.

In the shadow of Gyeongbokgung Palace, a new structure had risen - Hunter's Association headquarters. Its modern design somehow complemented the traditional architecture, a physical representation of how the old and new coexisted in this changed world.

As night fell, the city took on a different character. The streets near Jogyesa Temple, usually serene, now teemed with Hunters preparing for nocturnal raids. Equipment shops stayed open late, their windows glowing with displays of the latest weapons and armor designed to combat otherworldly threats.

Seoul adapted, evolved, and emerged as a fortress against the chaotic forces threatening humanity. It was a city of contrasts, where the weight of history met the uncertain future, and where ordinary citizens lived alongside those with extraordinary abilities. In this transformed Seoul, the stage was set for the next chapter in the story of the world's weakest Hunter, Izuku Midoriya.

Scene Change. Izuku POV, Age 24.

The neon-lit streets of Seoul pulsed with life as I weaved through the chaotic morning rush. The air was a heady mix of sizzling street food and the faint metallic tang that always lingered after a Gate had recently closed.

At a crowded crosswalk, that familiar pang of inadequacy gnawed at me again. Being a Hunter came with perks—a slight edge in strength, faster healing—but compared to the Titans, I was a shadow of what a Hunter should be. My fingers drifted to the scar beneath my jacket sleeve, a silent reminder of how often I'd danced too close to death. Too many close calls, too many failures.

"Some Hunter," I muttered under my breath, sidestepping a businessman in a tailored suit who didn't even glance my way. To him, I was just another face in the sea of commuters. If only he knew the burden I carried.

The light turned green, and the crowd surged forward. Each step felt heavier than the last, weighed down by responsibilities I couldn't ignore. Mom's unrelenting medical bills, the rent creeping higher each month, and Izumi's dreams of college all rested squarely on my shoulders. And all of it was funded by the scraps an E-rank Hunter could scrape together.

I caught a glimpse of myself in a shop window as I passed. The reflection staring back looked older than 24, the dark circles under my eyes betraying the countless nights spent teetering on the edge of exhaustion. Yet somewhere beneath the weariness, a faint spark of determination still smoldered.

"I'm not doing this because I want to," I whispered, clenching my fists as if to anchor myself. The words felt like a lifeline, a mantra I'd repeated a thousand times. "I'm doing it because I have to. Because there's no other choice."

A sharp chime from my phone broke through my thoughts: another mission—this time at a construction site. My pulse quickened, a familiar cocktail of fear and adrenaline coursing through me. Another dungeon. Another fight for survival. Another chance to fail—or to scrape by one more day.

Squaring my shoulders, I pushed the doubts aside and forced a smile onto my face. Hell awaited, but I didn't have the luxury of turning back.

Timeskip. A construction site in Seoul.

Blue energy swirled around the construction site, coalescing into a glowing portal that pulsed with an otherworldly hum. Nearby, workers and adventurers busily prepared their equipment, gearing up for the impending raid on the gate.

Among the onlookers stood a fair-skinned man in his early 60s. His short smoke-gray hair and stubbled jawline gave him a rugged yet composed appearance. His narrow slate-blue eyes were fixed intently on the portal.

Of average height and slightly compact build, he carried himself with quiet confidence. He blended practicality with a hint of understated style in an electric blue jacket over a crisp white-collared long-sleeve shirt and neatly pressed grey pants. Positioned near a food truck, he seemed simultaneously detached from the chaos and deeply observant of the unfolding scene.

The guy running the truck handed him a steaming cup of coffee. "Good luck on the raid today," the attendant said with a smile.

"Thanks," the man replied, taking a sip. "Hey, Kim!" a voice called out.

Sangshik Kim turned at the sound of his name being shouted. Pushing through the crowd was a familiar face, waving enthusiastically to grab his attention. It was Park Beom-Shik, a fair-skinned, chubby man in his mid-40s with cocoa-brown eyes and jet-black hair styled in a curly mullet with sideburns. He wore a green sweater over a black shirt, track pants, and sneakers.

"Long time no see," Park greeted with a grin.

"Wait, Park! What are you doing here?" Kim asked, surprised. Park was a fellow D-Rank Hunter and an old friend. As they shook hands, Kim teased, "I thought you swore you'd never be a Hunter again."

Park chuckled. "Well, my wife's pregnant with our second. Gotta make some quick cash, you know?"

"True, nothing like a raid for fast money," Kim replied. Park sighed, scratching his head. "I'm just worried. It's been so long, I might've fallen behind. My skills were bad enough before, but now? Yikes."

Kim laughed lightly, but his attention was soon drawn to someone behind Park. A group of workers greeted the newcomer warmly. "Yo, Midoriya! You made it! Thanks for coming—it's freezing out here."

"No problem at all," Izuku replied with a polite smile. "I'm here to help however I can."

Izuku had an oval face with smooth, fair skin, though bandages on his cheeks covered his freckles. His medium-length jet-black hair, which shimmered blue in the sunlight, framed his wide denim-blue eyes. He had a lanky build and wore a blue hooded jacket, jeans, and an emerald-green backpack.

"Hey, Midoriya! You came? Did you eat yet?" Kim asked, waving at him with a friendly smile.

"Yes, Mr. Kim. Thanks for taking care of me," Izuku replied politely before walking away.

As he observed the young man, Park turned to Kim and asked curiously, "That guy over there—he seems like a big deal. Is he strong? Everyone seems happy to see him."

Kim chuckled softly at the question. "You quit and came back, so you wouldn't know him. His nickname is... the 'World's Weakest Hunter.'"

Park raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Weakest Hunter? Not the Strongest Hunter?" he asked, puzzled.

Kim nodded with a small laugh. "Yeah, the strongest hunter would be an S-Rank Hunter. But him? He's the weakest of them all."

"Is he really that weak?" Park pressed further, his tone filled with disbelief.

"I mean, he's so weak that he gets injured even in E-Rank Dungeons. Honestly, he's probably the weakest Hunter out there," Kim explained, shrugging.

"So, he's actuallythatweak?" Park exaggerated the question, his voice tinged with skepticism.

Kim smirked and added, "Well, if he's here, it probably means our dungeon will be pretty easy to handle."

"OHHH..." Park drew out, letting the realization sink in.

"Hey, let's stop before he hears us. Hehe..." Kim whispered, glancing toward Park. Meanwhile, Park shifted his gaze to the young man. Izuku sighed, thinking, "I've already heard everything, you annoying geezers... hehe."

Izuku approached the food truck, his steps heavy with exhaustion. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, tempting his senses. He managed a weak smile as he greeted the attendant. "Hello, may I have a cup of coffee, please?"

The attendant's face fell, genuine regret in his eyes. "Ah, Hunter Midoriya. I'm so sorry, but we just ran out of coffee."

Izuku's shoulders slumped imperceptibly. He thought to himself, "Now, even coffee... feels bad, man." As he turned away from the truck, the world seemed to dim around him. The bustling sounds of the construction site faded to a dull roar in his ears. His once-bright expression dimmed faster than a cheap flashlight, revealing thin, weary lines beneath his tired eyes—a silent testament to his exhaustion and his growing suspicion that coffee might be a placebo.

"I'm really sorry, Hunter Midoriya," the attendant called out again, his voice laced with concern.

Izuku forced a small smile. "Nah, it's alright," he responded, waving off the apology even as his eyes betrayed his disappointment.

Just as Izuku was about to sink deeper into his brooding, a thunderous shout nearly sent him flying. His hair flapped wildly like a windsock in a storm, and for a moment, his eyes went blank and soulless as if his brain had temporarily disconnected to process the sudden chaos.

"AHH! IZUKU! YOU GOT HURT AGAIN!"

Shaking his head to clear the ringing in his ears, Izuku turned towards the familiar voice. "Oh, hello," he said, his voice a mix of surprise and resignation. "It seems like you're intending this raid too, Ju-Hee."

Lee Joohee, a petite woman with fair skin and striking sky-blue eyes, sprinted toward him. Her bright orange, shoulder-length hair bounced with each step. Dressed in a simple brown fur coat that sharply contrasted with her black high heels, she seemed oddly prepared for a potential dungeon raid.

As she reached Izuku, Joohee's eyes widened with worry. "Of course, I'm here! But what's with your face?" Her gaze swept over the bandages on his cheeks. "Did you get hurt again?!"

Izuku's hand unconsciously touched the bandages, and his expression grew sheepish. "Dunno... It just happened, I guess. Hehe..." he lied, averting his eyes from Joohee's scrutinizing gaze.

Izuku squirmed under Joohee's intense stare, his eyes darting around as he searched for words. "Nothing. Nothing!" he stammered out, his voice cracking slightly. The lie hung heavy in the air between them.

Joohee's eyes narrowed, unconvinced. She opened her mouth to press further, but the sudden bustle of activity around the gate caught their attention. Workers were hurrying to their positions, and other Hunters were gathering their gear.

"Look," Izuku said quickly, seizing the opportunity to change the subject. "We should probably get ready too." He gestured towards a stack of crates nearby. "Why don't we sit over there and talk for a bit before things kick off?"

Joohee hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. They made their way to the crates and settled down, the rough wood creaking slightly under their weight.

"Alright," Joohee said, her voice softening. "Tell me what really happened. You had to go to the hospital?"

Izuku sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Yeah... It was just an E-Rank Dungeon, but somehow, I was the only one who got hurt." He let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "Pretty pathetic, huh?"

Joohee's brow furrowed in concern. "How did that even happen? Weren't there other Hunters with you?"

"There were," Izuku replied, absently picking at a loose thread on his jacket. "But they didn't even bother bringing a healer. Said they had high enough ranks not to need one."

"What?" Joohee's voice rose in indignation. "That's ridiculous! Even if they're higher-ranked, that's no excuse to be so careless. What if something had gone seriously wrong?"

Izuku shrugged, a sad smile playing on his lips. "It's okay. It's only because I'm weak... I'm used to it by now. You know that, don't you?"

Joohee opened her mouth to argue, but Izuku cut her off gently. "Look, everyone's getting ready. We should probably join them."

He stood up, brushing off his pants. Joohee followed suit, her face a mix of worry and frustration. "Yeah... I guess we should," she said reluctantly.

Scene change

The workers converged around the shimmering gate, their excitement palpable in the crisp morning air. The construction site buzzed with anticipation as they prepared for the raid.

"EVERYONE!" a voice boomed, cutting through the chatter.

All eyes turned to a lean man with slicked-back auburn hair, his face etched with prominent wrinkles that spoke of years of experience. He wore a simple blue tracksuit, a stark contrast to the heavy gear of the other Hunters.

Kim's eyes lit up with respect. "Mr. Song, you're the highest rank in this party! I'm all for it," he quipped, his voice commanding admiration.

Park nodded enthusiastically, a grin spreading across his face. "Well, since Mr. Song is all for it, I'll agree too. It'll be fun to witness Mr. Kim's powers." The rest of the workers murmured their agreement, eager to follow their chosen raid leader.

Izuku stepped forward, his voice steady despite the nervous energy coursing through him. "Take care of us, Mr. Song Chi-Yul." Beside him, Joohee offered a small, warm smile of support.

Chi-Yul's eyes swept over the group, assessing their readiness. With a nod of satisfaction, he raised his voice once more. "ALRIGHT, THEN LET'S ENTER THE DUNGEON. LET'S GO!"

The workers surged forward, their excitement infectious as they approached the gate. Kim glanced back, his eyes landing on Izuku. A mix of concern and amusement colored his voice as he called out, "Midoriya, try not to get injured behind, okay?"

Izuku forced a laugh, trying to mask the twinge of hurt at the reminder of his reputation. "Okay," he responded, his voice light despite the weight in his chest.

"Let's go, Izuku," Joohee shouted, her enthusiasm cutting through his somber mood. She stepped into the gate, the energy enveloping her form.

Izuku hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "Ok, ok..." he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. As he approached the gate, last in line, he felt a surge of determination. "I'm going to do my best today!" he thought, squaring his shoulders as the gate's energy began to wash over him.

With one last glance at the world behind him, Izuku stepped through the portal, the familiar tingle of interdimensional travel dancing across his skin. As the construction site faded from view, replaced by the unknown dangers of the dungeon, Izuku couldn't help but wonder what challenges awaited them on the other side. Despite his fears and the doubts of others, a small part of him dared to hope that today might be different, that today he might prove himself worthy of being called a Hunter.

To be continued...

Author's Note 1: Chapter 1.2 will cover Solo Leveling chapters 2 through 5.

Author's Note 2: I'm taking a break from writing Season Two ofThe Cursed Heroto fully focus on this fanfic. Once the double dungeon arc is complete, I'll resume work on Season Two.

System Prompt: New Chapter.

Chapter 1.2-The Lord and The Commandments of The Dungeon