Infinite Drive: Rise of the DungeonsChapter 1: Beginning and Discovery
1.1. Destruction in the Sky and the New World OrderThe year was 2034. Humanity's calendars marked this date as the "Rise of the Dungeons." On that ominous day, the sky tore apart, revealing vortices swirling in shades of black, purple, and green. At first, only a few, then thousands appeared — across every continent, like scars carved into the heavens. These "dungeons" were portals to unknown realms. From them emerged creatures that turned the world into hell overnight. Cities lay in ruins, and the foundations of civilization were shaken.
Then, the Gods spoke. Their voices echoed in the skies and engraved themselves into minds, declaring this invasion as a "test." Humanity had to pass this trial. As part of this test, every human was granted a random "power level." This hierarchy ranged from E (the weakest) to SSS (the strongest), forming the basis of the new world order. While some were born with an S-level aura, others, like Enzo Martini, were condemned to remain at E level.
Society had to adapt to this new order. The powerful became elite warriors called "Hunters," cleansing dungeons to earn money, fame, and respect. They were humanity's shield and hope. The weak formed the other parts of the ecosystem: carriers, healers, scientists, armorers, traders. Everyone had a role, but the lines between these roles were sharply divided by power levels. Those at E level were at the bottom rung of society, working dangerous jobs and often treated like disposable pawns.
Tokyo was one of the cities hit hardest by this new world. Most skyscrapers were destroyed, replaced by temporary shelters and massive security walls built around dungeon entrances. The air was thick with a mix of tension, hope, and fear.
1.2. Enzo's Ordinary LifeEnzo Martini was a 21-year-old Japanese youth. With black hair, a frail body, and eyes often cast downward, he was a faceless figure lost in the crowd. His power level was E. This determined his fate: he was a carrier. He followed the dungeon-clearing teams, carrying out the dead monsters, valuable resources, and equipment left behind. It was a dirty, exhausting, and dangerous job.
Every morning, he woke with the first sunlight, took a cold shower, and ate his breakfast hastily. Usually, cheap, low-nutrition grains. He put on his worn, dungeon-dust-covered carrier uniform, packed a few energy bars and a water bottle into his backpack, then boarded crowded buses heading to dungeon entrances. The buses carried faces filled with both hope and fear: powerful hunters, tense healers, and quiet carriers like Enzo.
Enzo was silent and introverted. He preferred observing over speaking. Yet beneath this silence lay a strong sense of justice. The injustices around him — the powerful crushing the weak — stirred a growing anger inside him, especially witnessing how E-level carriers were looked down on, treated like expendable pawns.
Today, they were headed to the "Crimson Shadow" dungeon. It was an E-class dungeon, meaning low danger. But even low-level dungeons could be deadly to the inexperienced or careless. Enzo's team mostly consisted of C and D-level hunters. Their leader was Kaito, a rough but well-meaning D-level hunter.
"Martini! Hurry up! We can't wait around all day!" Kaito's booming voice snapped Enzo out of his thoughts.
Enzo nodded and tightened his grip on his heavy backpack as he moved toward the dungeon's entrance. The gateway was a massive stone door. A swirling vortex of purple, blurry energy pulled inward. The hum and occasional creature noises coming from inside always sent chills down his spine.
1.3. An Unfair MomentThe atmosphere inside the dungeon was very different from outside. It was humid, musty, and smelled metallic. The walls were covered in strange, glowing crystals, and odd plants grew on the ground. The team moved cautiously, Enzo trailing behind, eyes alert for traps or hidden creatures missed by the hunters. Carriers' tasks went beyond carrying goods; they had to spot dangers as well.
Soon, they encountered a small pack of creatures: "Shadow Rats." They were E-level monsters but fast and numerous. Kaito and the other hunters drew their swords and energy weapons, engaging the creatures. Enzo stayed at a safe distance, watching the battle. His job was to collect the dropped resources after the fight.
As the fight intensified, Enzo's gaze caught the youngest team member, Haru — a novice D-level hunter just 18 years old. Haru was inexperienced and hadn't noticed a Shadow Rat sneaking from behind. Enzo opened his mouth to warn him, but the words caught in his throat. Just then, Kaito shouted, "Haru, watch out!" But it was too late. The rat bit deeply into Haru's leg, dropping him in pain.
Kaito and the others rushed to save Haru from the rats. But from deeper inside the dungeon came the roar of a bigger, stronger creature: a "Shadow Bear." Such a powerful beast should not appear in an E-class dungeon. This was a rare anomaly.
The Shadow Bear charged toward Haru. Kaito yelled, "Fall back! We have to save Haru!" But the hunters were too occupied fighting the Shadow Rats to focus on the Bear. Enzo's heart pounded. Was Haru to be abandoned because of his weakness?
1.4. Awakening of Power: Infinite DriveEnzo froze for a moment, helpless. As an E-level carrier, standing against a Shadow Bear was suicide. But Haru's fearful, helpless eyes forced him to act. Something inside him snapped — an anger, a desire, a rebellion...
Without thinking, Enzo ran toward the Shadow Bear. Kaito yelled, "Enzo, what are you doing?! Fall back!" But Enzo didn't hear him. His whole being focused on saving Haru. Just as the Bear's paw was about to strike Haru, Enzo threw himself forward.
The Bear's claw slashed into Enzo's shoulder, sending sharp pain throughout his body. But then something even more surprising happened. Dark purple energy flowing from the Bear's claw seeped into Enzo's body. It was the Bear's power. Enzo felt something he had never felt before. Power flowed through his veins, spreading to every cell. The pain turned to numbness, then to strength.
The Bear staggered back, shocked. Ignoring the wound, Enzo stood. His eyes shone a brilliant blue like never before. His hair, starting from the roots, began turning white. His weak body transformed into a muscular, tense form. Unconsciously, a thin, transparent aura appeared around him.
This was "Infinite Drive" — the power to absorb strength and grow limitlessly.
The Shadow Bear, stunned by the sudden change, roared and attacked again. But this time, Enzo was ready. Guided by his newfound strength, he easily deflected the Bear's strike. Touching the Bear's body, purple energy surged from the Bear into Enzo more intensely. The Bear's body weakened as Enzo grew stronger.
Kaito and the other hunters watched in shock. Enzo's power was unlike anything an E-level carrier should have. It was a miracle.
Within seconds, the Shadow Bear became a lifeless heap of drained energy. Enzo panted heavily but felt stronger than ever. His hair was completely white, and his eyes gleamed.
1.5. Mystery and FearWith Enzo's use of power, the creatures inside the dungeon paused momentarily, then retreated in fear. Kaito and the team stared at Enzo with a mix of awe and shock.
"Enzo... what... what did you do?" Kaito whispered.
Enzo didn't know what to say. He was just as shocked. His shoulder wound seemed healed, the pain gone. Inside, a wave of energy surged. He didn't understand what this power was or how it appeared. All he knew was that he had saved Haru.
Haru, clutching his injured leg, murmured, "Enzo-san... you..." His eyes showed gratitude and fear.
Enzo felt uneasy under their gaze. This power was both a blessing and a curse. Would they see him as a threat? A monster?
"I... I don't know," Enzo said, voice trembling. "I just wanted to save him."
Kaito studied Enzo, then nodded. "Let's keep this quiet for now. We need to get out. Haru's injury is serious."
The team, still shocked, quickly exited the dungeon. Outside, sunlight blinded their eyes. Enzo walked burdened by his new power. His white hair and bright eyes were now an undeniable truth. This was his new beginning. But what dangers would this start bring? How would he control his power? And where would this "Infinite Drive" ability take him? He didn't know. But he knew he was no longer an ordinary carrier.
1.6. Meeting the MentorAfter the dungeon, Haru was taken to a healer immediately. Enzo was pulled aside by Kaito, whose face was serious.
"Enzo, what happened earlier... was not normal," Kaito said. "I know you're E-level, but that power — I've never seen anything like it."
Enzo stayed silent, unsure what to say.
"I know someone who can help you," Kaito continued. "An ex-hunter, no longer active, but experienced in things like this. Maybe he can guide you."
Kaito led Enzo to an old, ruined part of the city. Amidst crumbling buildings stood a relatively intact, temple-like structure. Inside, an old, bearded man sat in dim light. His eyes were sharp and wise. A faded tattoo on his arm showed he was once an S-level hunter.
"Sensei Hiroshi," Kaito said, bowing slightly to the old man. "I brought you a guest."
Hiroshi fixed his gaze on Enzo, making him feel exposed as if seeing into his soul.
"So, the 'Infinite Drive' has awakened," Hiroshi said calmly. "It's been a long time. Come, young man. Sit down. We have much to talk about."
Enzo looked at Hiroshi in surprise. This man knew the name of his power. He wasn't alone. Maybe this power was older and more important than he thought. Enzo sat before Hiroshi. This was the first step on his new path — from carrier to one of the universe's strongest hunters.
1.7. Hiroshi's Wisdom and First LessonsHiroshi handed Enzo a cup of hot herbal tea. The tea's earthy, calming aroma masked the damp dungeon smell still lingering in Enzo's mind. With trembling hands, Enzo took the cup. The shock of his power was still fresh.
"Your name is Enzo Martini, right?" Hiroshi asked without looking away. "Kaito told me about you. You were an E-level carrier until what happened today at the Crimson Shadow Dungeon."
Enzo nodded. "I... I don't understand. It just happened suddenly. I only wanted to save Haru."
Hiroshi smiled. "That is the essence of 'Infinite Drive,' young Enzo. A pure desire, a strong will. This power is granted to those who grow both physically and spiritually. You absorbed a monster's strength. That was just the beginning."
"Absorbed power?" Enzo asked, surprised. "So I took the Shadow Bear's power?"
"Exactly," Hiroshi confirmed. "'Infinite Drive' gives you unlimited growth potential. You can absorb the energy of creatures you encounter, even sometimes other power users, and add it to your own strength. This will make you stronger day by day. But it also carries great responsibility and danger."
Hiroshi noticed Enzo's fearful expression. "Power is a double-edged sword, Enzo. It protects you, but it can also cut you. If you lose control, it will consume you. There's a dark side to this power. Every strength you absorb becomes a part of you. If you keep absorbing recklessly, you might lose yourself, fall under the influence of the powers or creatures you've taken."
Enzo's heart tightened. "So what should I do?"
"You will learn," said Hiroshi. "You will stay with me. I'll teach you how to control this power, how to use it, and how to keep your self intact. This journey won't be easy. It will be painful. But in the end, you could become one of humanity's greatest hopes."
The following weeks and months passed with intense training for Enzo. Hiroshi taught him not only physical combat techniques but also mental discipline, meditation, and energy control.
"To control your power, you must first control yourself," Hiroshi would say. "'Infinite Drive' is a reflection of your soul. If you master your anger, fear, and desires, you can control your power."
Every day, Enzo practiced meditation, trying to feel the waves of energy inside him. His white hair and bright blue eyes had become part of his new identity. At first, using his power was difficult. Even absorbing the energy of a small Shadow Rat exhausted him. But under Hiroshi's guidance, he improved with every attempt.
Hiroshi took Enzo to small E-class dungeons. Enzo practiced by absorbing the power of creatures like Shadow Rats and Shadow Beetles. With each absorption, his inner energy grew, and his control sharpened. He became physically stronger. His frail body turned into a muscular, agile one. His aura became more distinct.
One day, Hiroshi told Enzo to absorb the power of a Shadow Dog — stronger than an E-class creature. Enzo hesitated. "Sensei, what if I lose control?"
"That's when you'll learn, young Enzo," said Hiroshi. "Fear is your greatest enemy. You must overcome it."
Enzo took a deep breath and attacked the Shadow Dog. The fight was short. When Enzo absorbed its energy, his power surged. He felt as if he had risen to D level. This was not just a feeling; his body and aura began to show characteristics of a D-level hunter.
1.8. A New Beginning: First Steps as a HunterMonths passed and Enzo's power steadily increased. He rose from E to D and then to C level. He was no longer just a carrier; he was a hunter. The time at Hiroshi's temple transformed him physically and mentally. His silence remained, but it came from inner calm rather than insecurity. His sense of justice grew sharper alongside his strength.
One day, Hiroshi said, "Your training is complete, Enzo. What I can teach you ends here. Now, it's time to walk your own path."
Enzo bowed deeply. "Thank you, Sensei. You have taught me everything."
"Not everything, young Enzo," Hiroshi said. "'Infinite Drive' has limitless potential. Every new experience will teach you something new. Never misuse your power. Always protect the weak."
When Enzo left the temple, the world looked different. He no longer wore the carrier's uniform. Instead, he wore a dark, durable hunter's outfit that allowed freedom of movement. At his belt hung a sharp short sword, a weapon he had mastered under Hiroshi's tutelage.
The hunter guilds of Tokyo had heard rumors of a new C-level hunter emerging: Enzo Martini. With his white hair and bright blue eyes, he was a striking figure. His fame had not yet spread, but his potential was palpable.
His first task was to find Kaito. When Kaito saw him, he could not hide his surprise. "Enzo! Is that really you?"
"It is, Kaito-san," Enzo replied, his voice now confident. "I am a hunter now."
A smile spread across Kaito's face. "Wow! So you became Sensei Hiroshi's student. Didn't expect that. But I'm glad. Want to join my team? Not as a carrier, but a hunter?"
Enzo smiled. "I'd be honored."
Thus, Enzo returned to the team that once looked down on him, this time as a hunter. This was just the beginning. The depths of the dungeons awaited him. And with the power of "Infinite Drive," his journey to become the universe's strongest hunter was only just starting.