Chương 10: F Rank Hunter (1)

"What do you mean you can't work at the library every day?! You foolish boy." Grandma Evelyn's sharp voice pierced the air, her face contorting in displeasure. She had gracefully done the righteous act of taking the poor boy in and now he was being disrespectful towards her.

"Grandma, I've enrolled at the academy. I'll be focusing on combat training from now and on becoming a Hunter," Arthur explained carefully, his eyes glimmering with passion.

"Oh, just great! Military practice? What's wrong with good, honest work? My husband died for this library. The least you could do is be respectful. I know you're not my actual grandson but you're more than that to me." Grandma Evelyn shot daggers at Arthur, crossing her arms over her chest.

'She's using that emotional card again. It won't work all the time you old hag.' Arthur thought.

Arthur sighed, making up a lie, he was aware of his grandmother's nasty behavior. "I want to serve our country, Grandma. This is an opportunity for me to learn valuable skills and contribute in another way. I have awakened, I can become a Hunter."

Grandma Evelyn rolled her eyes and barked in return. "Skills, Schmills! In my day we didn't need all this fancy training. We worked hard and did things without having to play soldier."

"I understand, Granny, but times have changed, and this is important to me. I promise I'll send you money and move you into a lavish place with everything you've ever wanted when I'm rich. And besides I'll still work part time at the library. I'll just be a bit busy with the academy from now on." Arthur insisted, trying to keep his composure.

Evelyn waved her hand dismissing him. "It's important, it's shmidly important. You're just chasing crap dreams. What's the point of all this military mumbo-jumbo? You'll see, it won't bring you any joy. Okay fine. You better get rich and get me out of this rubbish place."

Grandma Evelyn snorted in response, clearly annoyed by his statement; this just meant she would have to put more time into the library. Since Arthur had become the legal age to work, she had found solace in being able to dump all the workload of the library onto Arthur, but now she would have to start working again.

"Hehehehe! Thanks grandma." Arthur gave her a quick hug, surprising her before he sped out of their shared apartment.

He was happy he had gotten this conversation out of the way. Although there was still 10 days till the enrolment, he needed some time off to register as a hunter and make money.

The area where Arthur and Grandma Evelyn lived was nestled near the outskirts of the grand city. They lived in an apartment above the Library. Their modest home stood as a testament to the passage of time, surrounded by a mix of old and slightly dilapidated flats. The streets were lined with street lamps.

In this part of town, the hustle and bustle of the grand city seemed like a distant murmur. The pace of life was slower, and the community had a unique charm. Small shops with faded signs lined the streets, offering a glimpse into a simpler era. Occasionally, the distant sounds of traffic and city life could be heard, a reminder that the bustling metropolis was just beyond the horizon.

Arthur sped down the street weaving through the people till he reached the train station. He bought a ticket to Zone 1 with his phone and tapped in, bypassing the gates of the station. The infrastructure within the city had become extremely advanced compared to 2024, when the first invasion happened. Bullet trains became the norm and levitating cars and bikes were the average medium of transport. Maybe Arthur would consider investing in one if he made a fortune.

The train journey was extremely quick as it only took 20 minutes to go from the outskirts of the city to get to the center, where the Hunter Association buildings resided.

Arthur walked up the steps towards the Guild Hall, walking past the different races of beings. Aetherium City was one of the few cities on the human continent that became a trading hub. All 4 races could be found here, boosting the economy of the city.

As Arthur strolled past the guards at the door, he entered the lavish guild hall, the air heavy with a mixture of anticipation and the scent of polished wood. The grandeur of the hall was immediately apparent, with high ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers casting a warm, golden glow over the opulent surroundings.

The walls were lined with tapestries depicting legendary battles and heroic deeds, while ornate columns supported the weight of the expansive upper galleries. Guild members of different Hunter Guilds and patrons moved about, engaged in animated conversations or poring over maps and scrolls on large wooden tables.

The largest section was the Mission Board, which held the most amount of Hunters advertising for parties and missions.

Arthur approached the reception at the Guild hall, where a courteous receptionist greeted him with a warm smile. Behind the desk, a large banner displayed the guild's emblem, reinforcing the sense of identity and purpose that permeated the atmosphere.

"Welcome to the Guild Hall." the receptionist said, her tone inviting. "My name is Elara. How can I assist you today?"

"I'm here to join the Hunter Association and register as a Hunter," Arthur replied, his eyes glancing around the bustling hall.

Elara's smile widened. "That's wonderful! We're always happy to welcome new members. Before we proceed, may I ask for your ID card please?"

Arthur nodded and handed over a small ID card that identified him as a citizen of Aetherium City. Elara quickly scanned the card, verifying its authenticity.

"Great, Arthur. Since you're 18, the required age of becoming a Hunter, we can proceed with the necessary tests. Now, if you don't mind, we'd like to conduct a few standard assessments to better understand your abilities. Please place your hand on the dark orb situated in front of you. It will test your mana core rank."

Arthur nodded, placing his right hand on the black orb. He felt a powerful suction force, causing his mana to go erratic.

"Perfect, Mana Core Rank: Low Tier 1," Elara said, jotting down the information. "The scanner has also noted your physique and strength. Please wait a few seconds whilst I Coagulate all your data together "

Satisfied with the results, Elara smiled. "Thank you, Arthur. Now, based on your age and mana proficiency, I'm pleased to classify you as an F rank Hunter. This is just the beginning of your journey, and as you take on quests and challenges, you'll have the opportunity to advance your rank within the association. We believe in fostering growth and camaraderie among our members.

"But since you are still young, it's mandatory for you to join a Party if you wish to take on missions. This law only applies for your first 10 missions. Here is your Hunter ID."

With a wry smile, Arthur accepted his classification, feeling a surge of excitement for the adventures that awaited him as a Hunter.