Chapter 36: Money Problem – The First Mission from the Hunters' Office
Akira stayed in the inn, lying on his bed with a stiff expression, his eyes staring at the ceiling.
He hadn't gone to Shril's base, nor had he trained in the barren lands. There were no lessons from Alice, no clear plan. All that filled his mind was a single thought:
The money is gone.
The money he had obtained from the goblin dungeon… had disappeared.
His expenses had increased significantly, especially after acquiring a car. The inn itself, with its parking, clean bathroom, and delicious meals, cost him more than he was used to. But it was safe… and that meant a lot.
"Do you have any suggestions to solve this problem?" he suddenly asked, directing the question to Alice.
"The solution is simple… but the question is: which method do you prefer?"
He answered directly:
"Hunting monsters, searching for an unexplored dungeon, or completing missions from the Hunters' Office."
Akira thought aloud:
"I'd rather search for an unexplored dungeon."
"That's not feasible. It requires scanning vast areas, and even if you find one, can you reach it? What if it's rank A? Entering it would be suicide."
He lowered his head, then raised his eyes:
"Then… what about completing missions from the Hunters' Office?"
"That method is good. You kill monsters, earn money, and raise your rank as a hunter."
"But… there is only one mission available, right?"
"It's just the beginning."
He paused for a moment, then smiled.
"Then… let's do it."
He activated his terminal and went directly to the "Hunters' Office Missions" section. He reviewed the displayed mission and sent a request to join.
Dozens of hunters gathered at the branch office located between the city and the barren lands. Men and women of different ages, some wearing metal helmets, others in worn civilian clothes. Their faces were tired, but their eyes shone with experience, caution, or greed.
These were the hunters accepted for the recently announced mission: "Exploration and Cleansing"—a group mission, low-risk… but not without a chance of death.
Everyone stood in a silent line as an official called out the numbers one by one.
"Number twenty-seven… come here."
Akira stepped forward.
"Swipe your card on the device."
He lifted his card and swiped it, revealing the information:
Name: Akira | Rank: 1
The official didn't comment. He only frowned for a fraction of a second, as if the usual number had spoiled his morning.
"You are registered. You will receive a base salary, and bonuses according to the secured area and the number of monsters you kill. If you withdraw… the Hunters' Office will fine you."
Then he gestured:
"Take your terminal from there, and head to Truck Number Seven."
"Next! Number twenty-eight!"
Akira entered Truck No. 7. Half the seats were occupied by hunters of various ages and appearances. Before he could even step in, one of them spoke up, full of mockery:
"Damn… more kids? I thought my luck would improve today."
Another man, leaning on his rifle, chuckled:
"More of them means less competition."
But a third commented sharply:
"And don't forget… more trouble as well."
Akira ignored them as if they didn't exist. He walked steadily to an empty seat, without bothering to even look at them.
However, one boy, no older than fifteen, stood sharply and turned to the first man:
"What do you mean by 'kids'? Do you think you're a veteran hunter just because you're older?"
The man looked at him with disdain:
"At least I'm not coming to a battlefield while still wearing a child's face."
The boy stepped closer, his features tense:
"If you were truly skilled, you wouldn't be here on this lousy mission."
Quiet laughter came from the corners. Hunters, even if tired, didn't mind a little free amusement.
But the man's expression changed. He stood abruptly and stepped toward the boy with slow steps.
"Repeat what you said."
"You heard me clearly. The difference between you and me? I still have a chance to advance. But you… have wasted yours."
The man grabbed the front of his shirt, bringing his face close:
"Do you want to die before the mission even begins?"
The tension rose. Some hunters cautiously moved from their places, anticipating what might happen. Then a stern voice came from the truck entrance as two men with a strong presence stepped forward:
"Enough nonsense! Anyone who wants to fight… leave the mission now!"
Silence fell. The man exhaled sharply, pushed the boy away, and returned to his seat.
The vehicle advanced through the rubble, raising dust behind it on the unpaved road. Inside, Zen planted his feet on the metal floor, gripping the edge tightly, while the monster approached in the distant horizon.
He closed one eye and raised his arm toward the vehicle's edge, where faint threads of light gathered around his palm and began to condense. The vehicle jolted suddenly as a rock was crushed by the wheels, unbalancing him slightly.
"Light beam!"
The beam shot out like a swift golden thread, but its trajectory was slightly off. It hit the edge of a nearby building, illuminating its broken facade without touching the monster.
"Oh, damn…" he muttered, regaining his balance and exhaling sharply.
"Focus, Zen!" said Sera from behind, her voice low but tense.
He reformed the beam, taking longer this time. The monster ran, crushing stones, its eyes blazing with fury.
The vehicle shook more, every second bringing it closer.
He fired the beam again—
It struck the monster in the chest, causing only a burn, as if it had collided with a steel shield, but the sparks on its body indicated the effect.
"Its armor is thick… I need a weak spot."
"Just focus on it."
"All right…"
For the third time, the light gathered, slower now and denser. The shot coincided with a new tremor, but it hit the target precisely: the beam pierced its position. The monster let out a deep roar, stumbled, and fell sideways, sinking into the dust.
[You have killed a Rank 1 Level 3 monster]
[You earned 500 EXP]
Quiet gasps rose from some hunters watching the scene. They exchanged astonished glances. One thought dominated their minds:
That strike… was impossible, even for them.