"Nature Breathing... Eighth Form... Green Dragon!"
A brilliant green dragon spiraled toward me.
Before the swordsman could strike again, I caught his blade with my bare hand.
His eyes widened.
I drove my fist straight into his ribs—
I woke up with a gasp.
My heart was racing.
"...What a weird dream."
I rubbed my eyes.
Why did it feel so... real?
Knock. Knock.
"Mr. Hisacage," an assistant called from outside.
"Your breakfast."
"Oh, thanks."
I opened the door, took the tray, and smiled.
A steaming bowl of ramen greeted me.
"Now that's a good morning."
I picked up my chopsticks and took a big bite.
Delicious.
Just as I was about to enjoy my second mouthful—
RING!
My phone buzzed.
I sighed and answered.
"Hello?"
"Kyoren," one of the High Elders said urgently, "please come to the office. As soon as possible."
I looked down at my ramen.
Then at my phone.
I sighed dramatically.
"...Can people please let me eat in peace?"
A few minutes later, I arrived at the MHA conference room.
Nearly everyone was there.
Yamato.
Dr. Akira.
Several hunters.
The assistants.
Even all of the High Elders.
Whatever this meeting was about...
It had to be important.
I walked inside and took a seat.
"So," I said, "what's going on?"
Dr. Akira stepped forward, carrying several files and blood samples.
He adjusted his glasses.
"I've finished my research."
The room immediately fell silent.
He placed a monster blood sample on the table.
"I believe I've found a way to classify monsters..."
He paused for effect.
"...using the amount of Eradium in their blood."
Everyone leaned forward.
Even I became curious.