The Beginning After The End (Web Novel) - Chapter 1: The Light At The End of The Tunnel

10 years ago, after “the Gate” that connected the real world with the monster world opened, some of the ordinary, everyday people received the power to hunt monsters within the Gate. They are known as “Hunters”.

For decades, mysterious dungeons have been popping up all over the world. The resources found within these dungeons have completely reshaped human society, turning life upside down.In this world, Tsukasa Kisaragi, a high school student and active dungeon explorer, harbors a lingering regret.Back when he first got his explorer license, his social anxiety held him back from forming any party or making friends.But whether it was a blessing or a curse, Tsukasa was born with an extraordinary talent for dungeon exploration. He was so good at it that even solo, he could conquer any dungeon without breaking a sweat. He got used to going it alone, and before he realized it, he had become one of the few EX-rank explorers in all of Japan—so rare they could be counted on one hand.Despite his incredible skills, Tsukasa kept his true identity hidden, living a low-key life. But one day, he stumbled upon something that would change everything: dungeon streaming. And from that moment, his world would never be the same.

Existence was divided into three realms. The Heavenly Realm. The Earthen Realm. The Infernal Realm. Below them, countless minor realms of all types existed, none able to match the might of any of the Three Fundamental realms. The Celestials led the Heavenly Realm, The Immortals led the Earthen Realm and Demons led the Infernal Realm while the Rulers controlled all the minor realms. Together, they formed The Myriad Unity and allowed peace to reign supreme. The mortals were allowed to cultivate and reach for the Heavens as a balance was installed between the Heaven and Earth, all according to the Heaven’s Will. And yet, among the billions of trillions of living beings within the Myriad Unity, one seemed unsatisfied. “They are lying to us.” This man went against all known truths and contradicted the very gods. “We are in a false world! Mere pawns used to study an outcome!” And so in search of freedom and truth, this man committed the ultimate taboo. He rebelled.

My name is Kaelith Yurei , and I am a first-year student at the Shin'ō Academy in the Soul Society. I have a friend who is destined to be quite famous in the Soul Society; his name is Sōsuke Aizen.Unlike this ambitious and idealistic friend, my goals are quite simple: through hard work and diligence, I aim to graduate and become a seated officer in the Gotei 13, from which point I will… I bounded with who!?Whenever Aizen enhances his strength, my power automatically synchronizes to match his level.Therefore, what I need to do from now on is very clear.“Sōsuke, you need to work hard. As long as you put in enough effort, I can live the life I desire!”