Solo Leveling: Monarch of knowledge

I woke up to the faint hum of the city outside, the sunlight filtering through the blinds. After stretching and rolling my neck, I got out of bed and went through my usual routine. A quick shower, brushing my teeth, and shaving where necessary. The face staring back at me in the mirror felt like my own again, though I couldn't help but think about how easily Awà could alter it.

Once I was dressed in a plain hoodie and jeans, I grabbed my phone, keys, and a small notebook before heading out. Today, I had a meeting to keep.

The bus ride to the subway station was uneventful until I caught snippets of conversation from a few passengers sitting nearby.

"Did you hear about the E-Rank dungeon yesterday?" a woman in her 30s said, her voice buzzing with excitement.

"Yeah." her friend replied. "Every single hunter reawakened! That has never happened."

The man sitting behind them joined in, leaning forward. "It's all over the news. They're calling it a miracle. Some are saying there was a secret high-ranker involved, someone named Luca."

I raised an eyebrow, keeping my face neutral as I pretended to scroll through my phone. Inside, though, I was listening.

'Guess the story's already spreading.' I thought, curiosity getting the better of me.

I opened my browser and searched the latest news.

---

[Breaking News: "Reawakening Miracle" at Alessandria's E-Rank Dungeon!]

Journalist Maria Esposito reporting:

"Yesterday, an unassuming E-Rank dungeon at Alessandria saw an unprecedented event that has left both hunters and experts reeling. Reports confirm that every hunter who participated in the dungeon raid has undergone a second awakening, with their ranks increasing dramatically."

A video feed played, showing Angela and her team sitting on stretchers outside the dungeon entrance, surrounded by Hunter Association staff. Despite their earlier injuries, they looked remarkably healthy, their expressions a mix of confusion and awe.

"Reawakening, a rare phenomenon usually reserved for extreme circumstances, has occurred en masse. Experts suggest that the dungeon itself may have played a role, but survivors tell a different story. Let's hear from one of the hunters, Angela."

The video shifted to Angela, her face leaner and sharper than before, her presence more commanding. She looked directly at the camera.

"I don't know how to explain it.." she said, her voice steady but tinged with uncertainty. "One moment, we were fighting for our lives, and the next... something changed. My body, my mana... it's like I've been reforged. But honestly, I think it's because of Luca."

The journalist off-camera prompted her, "Luca? Can you elaborate?"

Angela nodded, her grip tightening on her sword. "He was there with us. He healed us when we were down, used these... mana bombs to take down the boss. I don't know who he is, but without him, we'd all be dead. And this reawakening... it feels like something he triggered."

The screen cut to Leonardo, standing tall with his one arm. His aura was even more powerful, far beyond what any B-Rank should exude.

"Luca is more than just a hunter." Leonardo said with conviction. "He's a force of nature. I saw him fight, plan, lead. And these bombs... they're nothing short of genius. I owe him my life. We all do."

The video shifted again, showing an expert panel discussing the implications.

"If someone named Luca truly developed these mana bombs, it could revolutionize dungeon combat." one of the panelists said. "We're talking about technology that could turn low-rank hunters into viable assets, reducing casualties significantly."

Another panelist chimed in, "The Hunter Association needs to get ahold of this technology immediately. Whoever this Luca is, he could change the entire dynamic of how we approach dungeons."

---

I scrolled further, finding forums and social media posts erupting with opinions.

---

[HunterNet Forum - Thread: Mana Bombs?]

User: GoblinSlayer123: "Did anyone else hear about those mana bombs? If that's legit, I'd pay anything to get my hands on one."

User: DungeonMaster98: "Same here. If these things are real, they could make soloing dungeons way safer."

User: TitanRanker: "Hunter Association better step in before this technology ends up on the black market."

---

[Social Media Feed - Trending: #LucaTheBombMaker]

@HunterLife: "Who is Luca, and where can I find him? That dude's a legend!"

@DungeonDiva: "If anyone knows Luca's contact info, DM me. I've got 5 million euros ready for his tech."

@C-RankDreamer: "Just imagine, E-Ranks reawakening, bosses getting blown apart. Luca, whoever you are, thank you for existing."

---

I leaned back in my seat, processing everything. The entire hunter world was abuzz, speculating about my so-called mana bombs and the man behind them. Some of it was accurate, but the rest? Pure exaggeration.

'Well..' I thought, pondering as I pocketed my phone. 'I guess I've made a name for myself without even trying.'

The bus slowed to a stop near the subway station. I stood, adjusting my hoodie, and stepped off. Today was going to be busy.

....

While heading toward the subway station's entrance, the morning rush had settled, leaving behind a quieter crowd. I scanned the area briefly, then directed my thoughts inward.

'Awà, scan the area. Is Leo here yet?'

[Scanning...]

A moment later, her voice returned. [Target identified. Leo is seated on the left side of the station entrance, reading a newspaper.]

I adjusted my hoodie and walked toward where she had indicated, my face shifting subtly as the nano machines restructured my features. By the time I neared Leo, I had fully assumed the appearance of "Luca."

Leo was exactly where Awà had said, sitting on a bench with one leg crossed over the other, a newspaper spread out before him. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes had a sharpness to them, scanning the text with a focus that betrayed his new rank.

I stopped in front of him, and the moment he looked up, his face lit up with a smile. He quickly folded the paper and stood, bowing his head slightly.

"Sir Luca." he said, his tone respectful. "I came early, just in case."

I sat on the bench across from him, gesturing for him to sit back down. He obeyed without hesitation, still maintaining an air of deference.

"What's my first task?" he asked eagerly, leaning slightly forward.

"You need to schedule a re-evaluation at the Hunter Association." I said, keeping my tone neutral and direct. "You're probably an A-Rank now, and it needs to be on record. That'll open up more opportunities for you and keep your rank accurate for future missions."

Leo nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "Understood. I'll handle it today."

I pulled out my phone, and so did he. We exchanged numbers, a necessary precaution for coordination. As he saved my number, he asked, "What's next after the re-evaluation?"

"You'll wait." I replied, locking my phone. "I'll call you when I need you. For now, focus on adjusting to your new rank and honing your abilities. Don't rush, don't show off."

Leo nodded again, his expression serious. "Got it, sir. Whatever you need, I'm ready."

Satisfied, I stood and adjusted my hoodie. "Good. I'll be in touch."

Leo bowed his head slightly as I walked away, disappearing into the city crowd.