Chapter 1: Awakening in the Abyss

  Jasmine Borgahain had faced countless dungeons before, but nothing could have prepared her for this.

  The air was thick with an ancient, primal energy, suffocating in its presence. She stood alone in a vast cavern, the walls etched with cryptic symbols that seemed to pulse with life. The dungeon’s entrance had sealed shut the moment she stepped inside. No guild backup, no escape. Just her and whatever lurked in the darkness ahead.

  Jasmine was an S-Rank Hunter, one of India’s strongest, but even she felt a twinge of unease. She adjusted her grip on her twin khanda blades, their silver edges glowing faintly in the dim light.

  “System, analyze my surroundings,” she commanded.

  For the past year, a strange new interface had been a part of her existence—something no other hunter had. It wasn’t the standard Hunter Association System that ranked and monitored hunters globally. No, hers was something different. Something... alive.

  [Analyzing Dungeon…]

  [Dungeon Type: Ancient Primal Vault]

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  [Threat Level: ???]

  [Lifeforms Detected: Multiple – Classification: Mythological Beasts]

  Jasmine’s heartbeat quickened. Most dungeons followed the usual pattern—low-level beasts, followed by a mid-tier boss, and maybe an S-Rank creature if she was unlucky. But a Threat Level: ???? That was unheard of.

  A low growl echoed from the depths of the cavern. Jasmine snapped her head toward the source. Two glowing amber eyes emerged from the shadows, followed by a hulking, feline form. Its body was adorned with golden fur streaked with flame-like patterns, its muscles coiled like a coiled spring ready to pounce.

  [Identified: Vajra Panther – Ancestral Guardian of the Thunderclaw Tribe]

  Jasmine barely had time to react as the beast lunged. She twisted mid-air, her blade slicing through the air, but the Vajra Panther was faster. It moved like lightning, disappearing and reappearing in an instant. A searing pain shot through her shoulder as its claws grazed her.

  [Alert: Physical damage detected – Regenerating…]

  Her system kicked in, healing the wound almost instantly. But this wasn’t normal. Even S-Rank Hunters couldn’t heal this fast.

  She clenched her fists. No more playing around.

  Summoning the full force of her power, Jasmine closed her eyes and whispered the words that had become her new reality.

  “Primal Ascension: Unlock.”

  The cavern trembled. The markings on the walls flared to life, responding to her presence. A golden aura surged around her, and for the first time, she saw them—ghostly silhouettes of ancient beasts standing behind her, watching, waiting.

  Her system wasn’t just another Hunter interface.

  It was something far older.

  Something... primal.

  And tonight, she would find out exactly what that meant.

  ---

  Author's Thoughts

  Hey everyone! I’ve always loved Solo Leveling, but I wanted to explore the world beyond Korea—how other countries deal with dungeons, unique hunter systems, and untold myths. Jasmine Borgahain is a character who will bring a new perspective to the hunter world, tapping into India’s rich mythology and dangerous new dungeons. Expect powerful beast fights, mysterious awakenings, and a system unlike anything seen before. Hope you all enjoy the journey!