The Stars in Your Eyes

We are stuck in this loop... this never-ending journey...

The news alert on my alarm clock signals the start of a new day: "Hello Linkon City. DPSC FM here to greet you on this early morning. Did you sleep well last night? Weather's nice today with winds at 5 km/hr. Certain areas have a higher Metaflux index due to the Deepspace Tunnel, so expect wanderers to appear more often. We would like to thank all the hunters in the city for allowing us to live a normal, peaceful life. Next, a detailed report for each district; areas that are 'high risk' of being attacked by wanderers - all medical personnel please get ready. Today is going to be another busy day. We now have a message for all the new hunters who recently passed their exams. Now that your journey is about to begin, we want to express our deepest gratitude and wish you all the best as you face the challenges ahead. And that's all for today! But before you go, please enjoy this Witt we received from Deepspace 14 years ago: 'Love and Deepspace.' These electromagnetic signals have traversed time and space. A miracle of the ages, one day we will be able to evolve from our current limitations and transcend the boundaries of life... and reach the stars. At a certain moment in the future, we can pass through the Deepspace Tunnel and discover the future awaiting us."

Readying myself to head to my hunter initiation, I take a moment to appreciate the stunning view of Linkon City from below. This is my home, the place I can now help fight for and protect.

"Fourteen years ago, the Deepspace Tunnel appeared above Linkon. It led to anomalous geomagnetic storms, and creatures known as wanderers emerged. From such an event, the Deepspace Hunter was born. Now society has returned to a sense of normalcy, but there are still wanderers lurking in the shadows—"

The girl next to me starts to whisper, drawing my attention away from the speech. "After they hand out our badges, we'll be assigned to a squad, which will determine our future. Aren't you nervous??"

I hesitate before answering. "That won't change the outcome. It's better to stay calm," I reply before turning my attention back to the speech.

"Our goal as hunters is to extract the protocores from wanderers in hopes of destroying them once and for all! That being said, congratulations on passing the selection process. We are grateful for your hard work," the president finishes with an applause that spreads throughout the room. "We will now begin the ceremony and hand out badges to the new Deepspace Hunters. First candidate: 054735."

My heart flutters with excitement. I'm first! "That's you, isn't it? Hurry, get on stage!" the girl from before urges, mirroring my excitement. I step forward and greet the president, who smiles and instructs me to place my hand on the identifier on the podium between us. After a few moments, my information appears on a hologram before us, showing everything from my most recent ID image to my birthday and hunter class level.

"Ah, an Anhausen Class... it's been a while since I've seen this Evol. You have a lot of potential for growth and might even acquire new abilities. I can see why Jenna picked you as soon as the rookie list was released to the public... it can't be detected?" He pauses, looking at the hologram where my Evol level glitches before us.

"Sir, that's likely because I was attacked by a wanderer 14 years ago. And ever since then, my Evol level has been unstable," I answer with a heavy sigh.

"...understood. That event did change many lives forever. You're not the first Evoler whose level couldn't be detected. This isn't the only criterion we use when evaluating a Deepspace Hunter. As long as you have the skills, this industry welcomes you with open arms. Congratulations, you are now a Deepspace Hunter!" he says with a flourish before handing me my badge.

"Thank you, sir!" I respond, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation.

—

"Rookies, this is Jenna speaking. I'm your UNICORNS Captain today. Ten minutes ago, there was an abnormal metaflux explosion at this abandoned base for protocore research. I need everyone to split up and search the area. Eliminate any wanderers that appear. The fluctuations are stronger closer to the source."