Chapter 6 — We hunting now

After the training session, all of them returned to the Rebel Base.

Arthur was still smiling.

Arthur: “Hahaha! I win!”

Father Charlie looked at him.

Father Charlie: “You were just ready for it.”

Arthur: “Okay, okay.”

Father Charlie's expression became a little more serious.

Father Charlie: “Arthur, listen. I have something you and Septiumbra have to do today.”

Star looked at Father Charlie.

Star: “You think they're both ready?”

Father Charlie nodded.

Father Charlie: “Yes. I know they are. And anyway, we all saw what both of them can do.”

The others nodded.

Everyone: “Yeah. We saw.”

Father Charlie looked at Star and Lit.

Father Charlie: “Star, Lit. You two will go with Arthur and Septiumbra to the Huntsman Guild.”

Arthur looked confused.

Arthur: “What's that?”

Father Charlie: “It's a place where you can get missions from both humanity and the supernatural side. After you complete them, you'll get paid.”

Arthur: “Thinks for a while—so it's an adventure guild?”

Father Charlie smiled.

Father Charlie: “Absolutely.”

Arthur stared at him.

Arthur: “Then why were you talking so slowly and dramatically?”

Father Charlie laughed.

After some time, Arthur, Septiumbra, Lit, and Star were walking through the Underground City.

The city was lively as always.

But this time, something was different.

The shopkeepers were greeting Arthur as he passed.

Septiumbra looked around.

Septiumbra: “This brings back memories. Back in the village, people used to greet us like this too.”

Arthur smiled.

Before they could continue, a man who looked like a wolf stopped Arthur.

Wolf Man: “Thanks for your help yesterday, kid.”

Arthur: “No problem. Just keep an eye on the road next time.”

The man smiled.

Wolf Man: “I will.”

Arthur smiled back, and the four continued walking.

The wolf man watched them as they disappeared into the crowd.

After a while, they finally reached their destination.

The Huntsman Guild was a massive building covered almost entirely in black.

Arthur looked up at it.

Arthur: “It looks like a tavern.”

Star looked at him.

Star: “Because it is a tavern.”

Arthur blinked.

Arthur: “Oh.”

Septiumbra and Lit looked at each other.

Lit: “Ohhh.”

Star immediately turned toward them.

Star: “LIT! Why are you reacting like you're surprised? You've already been here!”

Lit shrugged.

Lit: “I know.”

The four walked inside.

The interior was huge.

Tables and chairs filled the room.

Monsters in human forms sat together, eating, drinking, laughing, and talking.

Arthur looked around.

Arthur: “It's lively in here.”

Septiumbra nodded.

Septiumbra: “Yeah, it is.”

Star suddenly pointed toward the front desk.

Star: “You three, quickly. Come here.”

The receptionist sitting behind the desk looked up.

She recognized Star immediately.

Receptionist: “Hello, Star! How have you been? It's been a long time.”

She looked toward Septiumbra.

Receptionist: “And is that the Shadow Demon you were telling me about in the market?”

Septiumbra froze.

Septiumbra: “Huh? What—”

Before he could finish, Star casually knocked the receptionist unconscious.

She fell onto the desk.

Arthur and Septiumbra stared.

Star looked completely calm.

Star: “Nothing happened.”

Arthur blinked.

Before anyone could say anything, an older receptionist came from behind the desk.

Older Receptionist: “Star! You can't just go around knocking people out like that.”

She sighed and looked at the others.

Older Receptionist: “Hello there. I'm Knox.”

Arthur looked at her.

She had cat-like features.

Cat woman, huh?

Arthur: “Hello. I'm Arthur, and this is my friend Septiumbra. We're here to register with the guild.”

Knox nodded.

Knox: “I see. So you two are the ones that old man was talking about.”

Septiumbra raised an eyebrow.

Septiumbra: “You mean Father Charlie?”

Knox: “Yeah, yeah. Whatever his name is.”

Septiumbra sighed.

Knox continued.

Knox: “Let me explain how the Huntsman Guild works.”

She pointed toward the mission boards.

Knox: “We receive missions from both humanity and the supernatural side. You can accept whichever missions you want.”

She placed two envelopes on the counter.

Knox: “Once you complete a mission, you'll receive a reward. Depending on the mission, that reward can be money or something else.”

She picked up one of the envelopes.

Knox: “This envelope is important. You'll write your information on the back. Inside, you'll receive your mission letter.”

She continued explaining.

Knox: “The letter will tell you whether you've accepted a mission, and you can either accept or reject it.”

Arthur nodded.

Knox continued.

Knox: “If you accept it, complete the mission. Afterward, use this Polaroid camera to take a picture proving that the mission was completed.”

She held up the camera.

Knox: “Put that photograph inside the envelope along with the completed mission letter.”

Arthur listened carefully.

Knox: “After we receive it, you'll get another letter congratulating you on completing the mission. If your reward is money, it'll be included directly. If it's something else, the letter will give you the address where you can collect it.”

Arthur nodded.

Arthur: “I see.”

Knox smiled.

Knox: “You can also request information and other things through the guild using the same system. Just write a letter and put it in the envelope.”

Arthur and Septiumbra nodded.

Arthur and Septiumbra: “Okay. We understand.”

Knox handed them both an envelope.

Knox: “Here you go.”

She pointed toward the back of the envelopes.

Knox: “Write your name and abilities on the back. Then place your blood on the front where the seal is supposed to go.”

Arthur and Septiumbra followed her instructions.

The moment they finished, both envelopes began glowing with a soft white light.

Knox looked at them.

Knox: “There. You're both beginner-level Hunters.”

Arthur looked at his glowing envelope.

Around them, several people had stopped talking.

Everyone was watching them.

Knox smiled.

Knox: “Now, to confirm your registration, you just have to complete one mission.”

She turned toward Star.

Knox: “Star, both of you follow me. I'll take you to the mission wall.”

The four walked toward the back of the guild.

There were two large notice boards.

One was labeled:

MISSIONS FROM THE MONSTERS

The other:

MISSIONS FROM HUMANITY

Arthur looked between them.

Then he noticed something else.

People were whispering.

“Another human…”

“He's going to take missions against monsters too?”

“Are all humans the same?”

“Is he going to be like the others?”

Arthur heard them.

But instead of getting angry, he simply smiled.

Then he walked toward the Monster Missions board.

He picked up one of the missions.

The whispers became louder.

Arthur unfolded the letter and read it.

Arthur: “Kidnapping of children is happening in the lower parts of the Underground.”

The room became quieter.

Arthur continued reading.

Arthur: “Five children are missing.”

He looked at the next section.

Arthur: “The kidnapper is a human who is well known for this kind of thing. He has repeatedly been seen kidnapping children and demanding payment from their families.”

Arthur's expression became serious.

Then he read the final line.

Arthur: “Immediate kill order when you see him.”

Arthur lowered the letter.

He looked at Lit.

Arthur: “What do you say? Should we become a team for this one?”

Then he looked toward Septiumbra.

Arthur: “You and Star should become a team too. Pick a different mission.”

Septiumbra nodded.

Septiumbra: “No problem.”

He walked toward the same board and began searching through the missions.

After a moment, he picked one.

Septiumbra: “Five humans are destroying the fields.”

He looked toward Star.

Septiumbra: “What do you think? Should we do this one?”

Star looked at the mission.

Star: “Yes. We can do this.”

Both teams confirmed their missions.

The entire guild was watching them.

Knox looked at the two teams.

Knox: “Finish your missions. You have three days.”

Arthur nodded.

Septiumbra nodded as well.

Then the four of them walked out of the Huntsman Guild together.

Their first official missions had begun.

After a while, Arthur looked toward Lit.

Arthur: “Hey, Lit. What are the lower levels of the Underground?”

Lit nodded.

Lit: “Yes, I know. It's like the slums of the Underground.”

Arthur listened carefully.

Lit: “You really picked a difficult mission. Even high-ranking Hunters haven't been able to solve it.”

Arthur: “Why?”

Lit: “They either get killed, or they can't even find the target. The man you're looking for is very smart.”

Arthur smiled.

Arthur: “Yeah, I know. The mission said it's been going on for five months. One child has been kidnapped every month.”

He looked at Lit.

Arthur: “But I'm smarter.”

Lit tilted her head.

Arthur: “Do you know why I picked you as my teammate?”

Lit: “No. I don't know.”

Arthur smiled.

Arthur: “Because he's really evil. And you're a child. If you go wandering around that area, he'll probably try to kidnap you.”

Lit blinked.

Arthur: “And I know he won't be able to kill you.”

He paused.

Arthur: “And if you help me find him, I'll buy you two bags of Rock Candy.”

Lit immediately smiled.

Lit: “Yes, I will!”

Arthur nodded.

Arthur: “Good job.”

After a while, Arthur and Lit finally reached the lower levels of the Underground.

Arthur looked down at the wooden ground beneath their feet.

Arthur: “Why is the ground made out of wood?”

Lit: “Because the lower level was built in a part of the cave where there's water underneath. If you break through the floor, you'll find water.”

Arthur looked down again.

Arthur: “I see.”

He nodded.

Arthur: “That explains the smell.”

Lit: “Yes.”

Arthur looked around.

Arthur: “Okay, then. Let's start looking.”

Lit began walking.

Lit: “Okay.”

Arthur followed beside her.

Arthur: “Don't worry. Nothing will happen to you. Your big brother is here.”

As they walked through the lower levels, people began staring at Lit.

Whispers followed them.

“Look at that girl in the white dress.”

“She looks delicious.”

“We could sell her and make some money.”

Lit continued walking without paying much attention.

Meanwhile, above them, Arthur moved silently across the rooftops.

His body was concealed by Holy Magic: Holy Concealment.

Thanks to this, I'm completely invisible.

He carefully watched Lit from above.

Then—

Someone suddenly appeared beside him.

Arthur turned.

A man wearing completely black clothing and a hood stood there.

Arthur's instincts immediately reacted.

That feeling…

It's him.

Before Arthur could move, the man jumped.

He landed beside Lit.

Lit: “Huh?”

The man grabbed her and immediately began running.

He jumped from building to building, carrying Lit with him.

Arthur's eyes widened.

Arthur: “HEY!”

He activated Boost and chased after them.

How is he moving like that?

His mana is moving completely differently.

The man suddenly accelerated.

Arthur followed.

He's not just using speed.

He's using some kind of movement technique.

The man leaped from a rooftop.

Arthur jumped after him.

But as he landed—

CRACK!

The wooden floor beneath him broke.

Arthur: “WHAT?!”

He fell through the floor.

As he dropped toward the water below, he looked upward.

The man was already getting farther away with Lit.

Arthur: “NOOOOO!”

Arthur crashed into the water.

Arthur opened his eyes beneath the lower level.

Wooden pillars surrounded him, supporting the structures above.

He quickly pushed himself up and looked toward the hole.

He needed to get back to the surface.

Arthur started moving toward it.

Then something grabbed his leg.

Arthur looked down.

A man was lying beneath the waterlogged structure.

He looked extremely weak and barely conscious.

The man's hand released Arthur's leg.

Man: “Young man…”

Arthur crouched beside him.

Man: “I can't see you… and I don't know how you found me.”

He reached toward his clothes and pulled out a letter.

The letter looked strange.

Almost transparent.

Man: “Can you… deliver this to my love… Roseline?”

Arthur carefully took the letter.

Arthur: “Absolutely.”

He placed it safely inside his pocket.

Arthur: “I'll find her and give it to her.”

He looked at the man.

Arthur: “You can rest now.”

The man heard those words.

His eyes slowly closed.

His body became still.

Arthur lowered his head.

Arthur: “Rest in peace.”

He stood.

Arthur: “May your soul find happiness.”

Then Arthur jumped back through the hole.

Arthur followed the trail.

After a while, he spotted Lit.

She was already in her full snake form.

The kidnapper was trapped beneath her.

Arthur landed nearby.

Arthur: “Lit! What are you doing?”

Lit looked toward him.

Lit: “Hey! You're back!”

She smiled.

Lit: “You said you'd stay with me, remember?”

She looked down at the man.

Lit: “Don't worry. This man was no challenge for me.”

The kidnapper suddenly moved.

The wooden floor beneath him cracked.

He slipped through the opening and escaped from beneath Lit.

Arthur immediately chased after him.

But the man threw a smoke bomb.

Smoke filled the area.

Arthur stopped.

Arthur: “You fool.”

He smiled.

Arthur: “I already marked you when you got beside me.”

Arthur activated his Holy Mark.

Arthur: “You can't hide from me in this smoke.”

Before the man could escape—

Arthur punched him.

The man flew into the wall of a nearby building.

Arthur moved toward him.

But the man used his strange mana technique again and jumped away.

Arthur: “He's running away.”

Arthur looked toward Lit.

Arthur: “Lit, use your powers and find the children.”

Lit: “Okay!”

Arthur activated his blessing.

Arthur: “Holy Magic: Blessing Boost — ×10!”

He took off after the man.

The chase continued across the rooftops.

Arthur couldn't catch him.

Arthur: “How is he so fast?”

He stopped for a moment.

Then his expression changed.

Arthur: “Wait…”

He watched the man's movements.

Arthur: “He's not fast.”

Arthur narrowed his eyes.

Arthur: “It's his mana technique.”

The man jumped from one rooftop.

He landed on a falling leaf.

Then immediately jumped again.

Arthur stared.

Arthur: “I see…”

He watched carefully.

Arthur: “He's not even properly landing.”

He jumped again.

Arthur: “Anything that touches his feet becomes a stepping point.”

Arthur smiled.

Arthur: “That's how he's jumping through the air.”

Arthur tried to copy the man's mana technique.

Mana surged through his body.

Then—

BOOM!

Arthur was thrown backward.

Arthur: “AH!”

He landed hard.

Arthur: “Okay… understood.”

He stood up.

Arthur: “It's something different. Not that way.”

For the next five minutes, Arthur continued experimenting.

Every mistake hurt more because of the ×10 Boost.

But his training had changed him.

His mana was stronger.

His healing was stronger.

And his body had become far more durable.

Finally, the man looked behind him.

I lost him.

But when he turned forward—

BAM!

Arthur's fist slammed into his face.

The man flew onto a rooftop.

He stared at Arthur in shock.

Arthur was following him using the same movement technique.

He jumped from rooftop to rooftop.

Whenever there wasn't a roof nearby, Arthur used a Holy Shield as a temporary stepping point.

The man couldn't believe it.

Arthur appeared in front of him.

Arthur: “Got you.”

The man tried to escape again.

Arthur threw a Holy Shield.

It struck the man's legs and stopped his movement.

The man cried out.

Arthur approached him.

Arthur: “Criminal.”

He looked down at him.

Arthur: “You've done a lot of evil.”

Arthur raised his fist.

Arthur: “May God show you the way.”

He punched the man hard that is hand went through him.

Arthur then pulled out the Polaroid camera.

Click.

He took the photograph proving the mission was complete.

At that moment, Lit appeared through the wall.

She was humming happily.

Lit: “Hmm hmm hmm…”

Arthur looked at her.

Arthur: “What happened?”

Lit opened her mouth.

Inside were the five missing children, unharmed.

Arthur stared.

Arthur: “You found them!”

Lit nodded.

Arthur smiled.

Arthur: “Good job.”

After a while, Arthur burst through the doors of the Huntsman Guild.

He walked inside alone.

Knox looked up.

Everyone else began whispering.

“It's only been half an hour.”

“Is he already giving up?”

“He couldn't even finish the mission.”

Some people laughed.

Arthur heard them.

He simply smiled.

Then he turned around.

Arthur: “Lit, get them inside.”

Lit walked through the door.

Behind her were the five missing children.

The entire guild went silent.

Everyone stared.

Knox's eyes widened.

Knox: “What…?”

Arthur placed the Polaroid photograph on the desk.

The picture showed the defeated kidnapper.

Knox picked it up.

Then a huge smile appeared on her face.

Knox: “Good kid.”

She opened the reward envelope.

Knox: “Your reward is fifty thousand gold coins.”

Arthur smiled.

The supernatural Hunters around them looked at him differently now.

One by one, they began approaching him.

Hunter: “We're sorry for what we said earlier.”

Another Hunter: “Yeah. We judged you too quickly.”

Arthur simply smiled.

Arthur: “It's okay.”

He looked around the guild.

For the first time, the people who had doubted him were now smiling at him.

Later, Arthur and Lit walked back toward the Rebel Base.

Lit happily walked beside him.

Lit: “Good job, Hero of the Monsters!”

She looked up at him.

Lit: “And my big bro bro.”

Arthur laughed.

Lit held out her hand.

Lit: “Now give me my candy.”

Arthur sighed.

Arthur: “Okay.”

The two turned toward the candy store.

And just like that, their first Huntsman Guild mission was complete.

While Arthur and Lit were dealing with their mission, Septiumbra and Star were walking together toward the fields.

The two talked and joked as they made their way through the Underground.

After a while, they reached the farming area.

In front of them was a massive field covered in wheat and other crops.

Septiumbra looked around in amazement.

Septiumbra: “This is beautiful. But how are they growing all of this in complete darkness?”

Star smiled.

Star: “Sun Farming Magic.”

Septiumbra looked at her.

Star: “We have some really talented people who developed magical farming techniques. They figured out how to grow crops down here.”

Septiumbra looked across the enormous fields again.

Septiumbra: “I see. It really is beautiful.”

Suddenly—

Something moved inside the wheat.

Septiumbra turned his head.

Septiumbra: “What was that?”

Star looked toward the field.

The two immediately ran toward whatever they had seen.

They reached the spot and suddenly stopped.

Septiumbra stared.

Septiumbra: “Wait…”

He looked closer.

Septiumbra: “They're kids.”

There were five children hiding in the fields.

They had been destroying the crops.

Star immediately prepared herself to attack.

Septiumbra quickly stopped her.

Septiumbra: “Hey, stop! They're just children.”

Star looked at him.

Star: “I don't care if they're children. They are evil .”

Before either of them could do anything else—

The five children suddenly disappeared into the wheat.

Star looked around.

Star: “Now they've run away.”

Septiumbra sighed.

Septiumbra: “I know.”

He looked toward the fields.

Septiumbra: “First, let's ask the people who posted the mission what's actually going on.”

Star nodded.

Star: “Okay.”

Septiumbra looked at the destroyed crops.

Septiumbra: “Even if the children are destroying the fields, we still need to know why.”

After searching for a while, they found the farmers.

Star approached one of them.

Star: “Hey, sir. Can we talk?”

The farmer looked at them and slowly walked over.

Septiumbra smiled.

Septiumbra: “Hello. We're here because of the mission letter. It says five humans are destroying the fields.”

The old farmer thought for a moment.

Then his expression changed.

Farmer: “Ah… yes. I remember the five young children.”

He looked toward the fields.

Farmer: “So you've come because of that.”

Star looked at him.

Star: “So you want them dead?”

The farmer immediately shook his head.

Farmer: “No, no. They're children. Nobody here wants them dead.”

He sighed.

Farmer: “Yes, they're destroying the farm. But they're just hungry.”

Septiumbra looked surprised.

Farmer: “We posted the mission because we wanted someone to find them and take them somewhere safe.”

Septiumbra nodded.

Star looked at him.

Septiumbra glanced toward Star.

Septiumbra: “She just has a dark sense of humor.”

The farmer laughed.

Farmer: “I see. You got me.”

Septiumbra smiled.

Septiumbra: “Okay. You can get back to your work.”

The farmer nodded and returned to the fields.

Septiumbra looked at Star.

Septiumbra: “Okay. I have a plan.”

Star looked at him.

Star: “What plan?”

After a while, the five children returned.

They carefully slipped back into the wheat field.

They thought nobody had noticed them.

But the moment they stepped deeper into the field—

A black hand suddenly rose from the ground.

It grabbed one of the children and lifted him into the air.

The other children froze.

Then three more shadowy hands emerged from the ground.

The remaining children tried to run.

One of them turned and sprinted away.

Another black hand suddenly appeared in front of him.

It grabbed him.

Star emerged from the ground, holding the child in her arms.

She returned to her human form.

At the same time, Septiumbra emerged from the ground.

He was holding the other four children with his four shadow arms.

Septiumbra looked at Star.

Septiumbra: “See? That was easy.”

Star stared at him.

Star: “You never told me you had four arms.”

Septiumbra shrugged.

Septiumbra: “Yeah. I know.”

He looked at his shadow arms.

Septiumbra: “I just never thought I'd need to mention it.”

The child Star was holding began struggling.

Child: “Please let us go!”

His voice trembled.

Child: “We were just hungry! We came here from the lower levels!”

He looked at Septiumbra.

Child: “Please! If you want to kill someone, kill me! Just let the others go!”

Septiumbra's expression softened.

Septiumbra: “Don't worry.”

He looked at all five children.

Septiumbra: “Nothing bad is going to happen to you. I promise.”

He looked toward Star.

Septiumbra: “I'll take you somewhere safe.”

Then he turned back to Star.

Septiumbra: “Hey, Star. Where can I take them?”

Star thought for a moment.

Star: “There's an orphanage.”

She looked at the children.

Star: “If they don't have families, we can take them there.”

She paused.

Star: “Or we can try to find their family members.”

Septiumbra looked at the children.

Septiumbra: “Hey, kids. Do you all have families?”

The children became silent.

The child who had tried to run away lowered his head.

The child in Star's arms finally answered.

Child: “We don't have families.”

Septiumbra's expression softened even more.

Septiumbra: “No problem.”

He smiled.

Septiumbra: “I know a place that's safe for all of you.”

The children looked at him.

One of them asked:

Child: “Will we get good food?”

Another child added:

Child: “It shouldn't be cold or uncooked.”

Septiumbra laughed.

Septiumbra: “Don't worry.”

He looked at them seriously.

Septiumbra: “If you don't get good food there, just tell me.”

He smiled.

Septiumbra: “I'll come and cook for all of you myself.”

The children stared at him.

Then they began crying.

Septiumbra looked at Star with a proud smile.

Septiumbra: “See, Star?”

He gently smiled.

Septiumbra: “Not evil. Just hungry.”

Afterward, they went back to the Huntsman Guild and completed the mission.

Once everything was settled, Septiumbra and Star began walking toward the orphanage with the five children.

The child who had tried to run away was sitting comfortably on Septiumbra's shoulders.

The other four were sitting on his four shadow arms.

Septiumbra refused to let any of them walk.

The children laughed, joked, and played as they traveled.

Star walked a little behind them.

She looked at Septiumbra.

A soft smile appeared on her face.

She quietly whispered something.

Septiumbra turned his head.

Septiumbra: “Huh?”

He looked at her.

Septiumbra: “Star, did you say something?”

Star quickly looked away.

Star: “Hehehe… no.”

After a while, Arthur and Lit reached the Rebel Base.

As they walked inside, they saw Septiumbra and Star already there.

Father Charlie smiled.

Father Charlie: “Welcome back, Arthur. Good job completing your first mission.”

Hiten came from the kitchen.

Hiten: “Good job, Arthur.”

Hinine came down from upstairs.

Hinine: “Good job.”

Arthur smiled.

Arthur: “Thanks, everyone.”

Father Charlie suddenly looked at Arthur.

Father Charlie: “Arthur, I have something for you.”

Arthur looked confused.

Arthur: “What is it?”

Father Charlie walked toward the table and picked up a gift box.

Father Charlie: “Here. This is for you.”

Arthur opened the box.

Inside was a long black coat.

Arthur pulled it out and looked at it carefully.

A large white cross was printed on the back. The cross had four cuts in it—two below the horizontal line and two above it.

Arthur looked at Father Charlie.

Arthur: “Hey, Father Charlie. Why the cuts?”

Father Charlie smiled.

Father Charlie: “Remember when you fought all of us during your final exam? Near the end, do you remember what happened to your shirt?”

Arthur immediately remembered.

Arthur: “Yeah.”

Septiumbra had stuck his hands through Arthur's shirt from the inside, tearing holes through it.

Father Charlie pointed toward the coat.

Father Charlie: “Exactly. So I designed it for him.”

Arthur looked down at the coat.

Father Charlie: “Now, if Septiumbra needs to attack from inside your clothes, your coat won't be damaged. It already has places for him to put his hands through.”

Arthur put the coat on.

It fit perfectly.

Arthur looked at himself.

Arthur: “See, Father Charlie? It's perfect.”

He looked at the coat again.

Arthur: “Just one question.”

Father Charlie raised an eyebrow.

Arthur: “The upper part is perfect, and the cross is perfect. It's not too big, either.”

He looked down at the coat.

Arthur: “But why is it so long?”

The coat nearly reached the stairs and I am standing at the main door

The Next Morning

Arthur woke up as if nothing had happened.

He walked into the main room.

Arthur: “Good morning, everyone.”

Father Charlie: “Good morning, boy.”

Father Charlie looked at him.

Father Charlie: “Get yourself ready. Then we'll have breakfast.”

Arthur nodded.

Father Charlie continued.

Father Charlie: “After that, we have to go out.”

He looked toward Lit.

Father Charlie: “Lit, you get ready too.”

Lit nodded.

After breakfast, Arthur, Lit, and Father Charlie left the base and began walking toward the Underground City.

Arthur looked around.

Arthur: “Where are we going?”

Father Charlie: “We're going to the guild.”

Arthur looked at him.

Arthur: “The guild?”

Father Charlie: “I want you to meet someone.”

Arthur blinked.

Arthur: “Who?”

Father Charlie smiled.

Father Charlie: “Actually, two people.”

Arthur became curious.

Arthur: “Two people? Who do you want me to meet?”

Father Charlie: “You'll see.”

Arthur sighed.

Arthur: “Okay.”

After walking for a while, Arthur suddenly remembered something.

Arthur: “Wait. I have a question.”

Father Charlie looked at him.

Arthur: “Lit has elemental magic, but she can also use Absorb. I can use Absorb too.”

He looked at Father Charlie.

Arthur: “So can I use elemental magic?”

Father Charlie shook his head.

Father Charlie: “No.”

Arthur frowned.

Arthur: “Why?”

Father Charlie thought for a moment.

Father Charlie: “I don't completely understand it myself.”

He looked at Arthur.

Father Charlie: “Whenever you use Absorb, your body converts the natural mana around you directly into your own mana.”

Arthur listened carefully.

Father Charlie: “You're not actually keeping the elemental mana in its original form.”

Arthur looked confused.

Father Charlie: “If you could absorb elemental mana without converting it, then you might be able to use elemental magic.”

Arthur nodded slowly.

Arthur: “So… that's bad?”

Father Charlie smiled.

Father Charlie: “No.”

He placed a hand on Arthur's shoulder.

Father Charlie: “At least your body can absorb mana incredibly well. That's already a very useful ability.”

Arthur smiled.

Arthur: “Okay.”

After a while, the three of them finally reached the Huntsman Guild.

Father Charlie stepped toward the entrance.

He opened the door.

And the three of them walked inside.

The three of them walked inside the Huntsman Guild.

At the front desk, Knox and the other girl were there.

As soon as Knox saw Father Charlie, she smiled.

Knox: “Well, well. Look who it is.”

Father Charlie: “Hey, Knox. How have you been?”

Knox crossed her arms.

Knox: “You don't. Hey me first. Tell me where my money is.”

Arthur looked confused.

Arthur: “Huh? What money?”

Knox pointed at Father Charlie.

Knox: “You see, your Father Charlie here made a deal with me. If you didn't complete your mission within three days, I would have to give him money. And I had to bet without even knowing you because I had to bet against him.”

She pointed at Father Charlie.

Knox: “And he bet against you.”

Arthur stared at Father Charlie.

Arthur: “He did what?”

Arthur immediately pushed Father Charlie toward Knox.

Arthur: “Here. You take care of him.”

Knox smiled.

Knox: “Don't worry, kid. I'll get my money.”

At that moment, the other girl walked over to Arthur and Lit.

Girl: “Hey. I didn't get to introduce myself last time.”

She smiled.

Girl: “I'm Kasi.”

Arthur: “Nice to meet you, Kasi.”

Lit: “Hey, Kasi! How have you been?”

Kasi: “Hey, Lit. I've been perfectly fine.”

She reached into her pocket.

Kasi: “I actually have something for you.”

She pulled out a candy bar and handed it to Lit.

Kasi: “Here you go. Just for you.”

Lit immediately smiled.

Lit: “Thanks, Kasi!”

Kasi then stepped closer to Arthur.

Kasi: “Listen, Arthur. The Huntsman Guild Master is waiting for you.”

She pointed toward the stairs.

Kasi: “Just go upstairs. It's the first door.”

Arthur: “Why does the Guild Master want to meet me?”

Kasi: “Just go.”

Arthur nodded.

Arthur: “Okay.”

He started walking toward the stairs.

Behind him, Father Charlie was being held by the neck by Knox.

Father Charlie: “Hey! Put me down!”

Knox: “Where's my money?”

Arthur couldn't help but laugh as he climbed the stairs.

He reached the first door and opened it.

As soon as he stepped inside—

The door slammed shut behind him.

At that moment, Knox stopped her shenanigans.

Knox: “Finally. It has begun.”

Father Charlie looked at her.

Father Charlie: “What has begun?”

Knox: “The Master wanted to see him alone, so I stopped you.”

Kasi nodded.

Knox: “She just wants to see what kind of man your student is.”

Father Charlie frowned.

Father Charlie: “I have to go there quickly.”

Knox jumped over the desk and landed directly in front of him.

Knox: “I can't let you go just yet.”

Father Charlie: “Get out of my way.”

Knox: “It's an order from the Master.”

Father Charlie sighed.

Father Charlie: “Fine.”

He looked at the clock.

Father Charlie: “I'll give her an hour.”

Knox smiled.

Knox: “Yes, for sure. I think it'll be done before that.”

Father Charlie: “I know the kid. He can make it.”

Inside the Guild Master's Room

Arthur stood alone.

The room was completely silent.

Then—

A blue glowing ball suddenly activated on a table nearby.

Arthur cautiously walked toward it.

He touched it.

The moment his hand made contact, the ball turned black.

A voice came from behind him.

Vanessa: “I see…”

Arthur froze.

Vanessa: “You might not be human… but you are a soul.”

Arthur slowly began to turn around.

Vanessa: “No.”

Arthur stopped.

Vanessa: “Don't turn around.”

Her voice became colder.

Vanessa: “If you do, I'll kill you.”

Arthur swallowed.

I wish I had Septiumbra with me.

The voice continued.

Vanessa: “I know everything about you.”

Arthur remained silent.

Vanessa: “I am Vanessa, the Master of this place.”

She paused.

Vanessa: “And I'm going to ask you three questions.”

Arthur listened carefully.

Vanessa: “Answer two correctly, and you will live.”

A brief silence.

Vanessa: “Answer two incorrectly…”

She smiled.

Vanessa: “…and you will die.”

Arthur: “Okay. I understand.”

He hesitated.

Arthur: “But can I turn around?”

Vanessa: “You're not supposed to ask questions.”

Arthur sighed.

Vanessa: “I will ask the questions. You simply answer them.”

Arthur: “Okay.”

Vanessa: “Question number one.”

Arthur waited.

Vanessa: “What is your father's name?”

Arthur: “Father Rex.”

Vanessa: “Question number two.”

Arthur: “Wait. At least tell me if I got the first one correct.”

Vanessa: “You'll find out if your head is still connected to your body.”

Arthur became silent.

Vanessa: “Do you know a man called Dutchman Gold?”

Arthur thought for a moment.

Arthur: “No. I don't know him.”

Vanessa: “Final question.”

She paused.

Vanessa: “Why is your soul black when you are kind?”

Arthur froze.

He took a long breath.

Arthur: “Because…”

He became quiet.

Arthur: “I've done some bad things.”

Silence filled the room.

After several seconds—

Vanessa: “Okay.”

Arthur blinked.

Vanessa: “You passed.”

Arthur looked confused.

Vanessa: “One of your answers was incorrect.”

She paused.

Vanessa: “But you did say all three.”

Vanessa: “You may turn around.”

Arthur slowly turned.

Standing behind him was a tall dark woman wearing a dark blue gown and a wide witch's hat.

She held a staff in one hand.

The blue orb floated from behind Arthur and moved toward her.

Vanessa smiled.

Vanessa: “Nice to meet you, kid.”

She lifted her staff slightly.

Vanessa: “I'm the Guild Master.”

She clapped her hands.

The room suddenly filled with light.

What had appeared dark before was actually a large, luxurious room.

A massive couch sat in the center.

The entire room looked like something fit for a queen.

At that moment, the door opened.

Father Charlie walked inside.

Father Charlie: “Vanessa! You cannot pull stunts like this!”

Vanessa smiled.

Vanessa: “I can do whatever I want.”

She looked toward Arthur.

Vanessa: “I am the Queen of the Huntsman Guild.”

Knox appeared behind Father Charlie.

Knox: “See? I told you it wouldn't take a full hour.”

Father Charlie sighed.

Father Charlie: “Yes, I know you did.”

He looked toward Vanessa.

Father Charlie: “Can I talk to the Master?”

Vanessa raised an eyebrow.

Vanessa: “Why do you want to talk to him?”

Father Charlie: “Because I want him to know about Arthur.”

Arthur stood there, completely confused.

Father Charlie: “Use your power. You're the only one who can talk to him directly like this.”

Vanessa smiled.

Vanessa: “Fine.”

She picked up the blue orb.

Vanessa: “But you'll have to do some missions for me too.”

Father Charlie: “Okay. I'll do it.”

Vanessa placed her hand on the orb.

The blue ball grew larger.

It began vibrating.

Vanessa: “If he picks up, you can talk to him.”

Arthur stared at the orb.

Arthur: “It's just a really big phone.”

Vanessa: “No, boy. I can use it for attacks too.”

She smiled.

Vanessa: “But I can also call people.”

Arthur: “So it's a video call?”

Vanessa: “Exactly.”

The surface of the orb became clear.

A man appeared on the other side of the screen.

He had completely black hair and red eyes.

He was holding a rose in his mouth.

Man: “Hey, baby, Vanessa.”

Vanessa stared at him.

Vanessa: “You were supposed to tell me if there were going to be people here.”

The man immediately disappeared from the screen.

Vanessa sighed.

Vanessa: “You're supposed to pick up a video call with clothes on.”

After a moment, the man returned.

This time, he was properly dressed.

Father Charlie stared at the screen.

Father Charlie: “See, Arthur? This is the Master of the Rebels Dutchman Gold

Arthur's eyes widened.

Arthur: “You're him.”

Dutchman Gold smiled.

Dutchman Gold: “Hey, hey. It's me, the Master.”

Father Charlie sighed.

Father Charlie: “Master, can you be serious for one time?”

He gestured toward Arthur.

Father Charlie: “I want you to meet Arthur. He's been my student for five months.”

“I've been training him with my team, and I'd like him to join us.”

Dutchman Gold looked at Arthur.

Dutchman Gold: “I see.”

He paused.

Dutchman Gold: “Boy, I have one question for you.”

Arthur: “What is it?”

Dutchman Gold: “How do you see the world?”

Arthur thought for a moment.

Arthur: “I see it gray.”

Everyone became silent.

Vanessa stared at Arthur.

Father Charlie stared at Arthur.

Even Knox looked surprised.

Dutchman Gold's eyes began to water.

Dutchman Gold: “That answer…”

He wiped away a tear.

Dutchman Gold: “That was so beautiful.”

He smiled.

Dutchman Gold: “You remind me of myself.”

Arthur stared at the screen with a completely disgusted expression.

Arthur: “…”

Father Charlie looked embarrassed.

Before the conversation could continue, Vanessa cut the call.

Vanessa: “Your work here is done.”

She waved her hand.

Vanessa: “You can leave.”

The room suddenly went silent.

A moment later, all of them were thrown out of the room.

The door slammed shut behind them.

Father Charlie looked at Arthur.

Father Charlie: “So…”

Arthur looked at him.

Father Charlie: “You're one of us now.”

Arthur sighed.

Father Charlie: “I'm hungry.”

Lit immediately raised her hand.

Lit: “Me too!”

Arthur nodded.

Arthur: “Yeah. I could use some food.”

Meanwhile…

Septiumbra and Star were sitting together on the roof of the cave.

The Underground City stretched out below them.

Septiumbra looked at the view.

Septiumbra: “I really like this view.”

He paused.

Septiumbra: “And I really like us being alone.”

Star looked at him.

Star: “What?”

Septiumbra immediately looked away.

Septiumbra: “Nothing.”

Star slowly moved closer to him.

Both of them began turning red.

Then—

RUMBLE.

They froze.

A strange drilling sound echoed throughout the Underground.

Septiumbra: “Where is that coming from?”

Star looked toward the distance.

Back to Arthur

Father Charlie, Arthur, and Lit were walking through the Underground City toward home.

Suddenly—

BOOOOOOM!

The entire Underground began shaking.

Arthur looked around.

Arthur: “What's happening?”

Father Charlie stopped.

His expression changed.

Father Charlie: “It's coming from the north side of the Underground.”

Another enormous rumble shook the city.

Father Charlie looked upward.

Father Charlie: “Arthur…”

Arthur looked at him.

Father Charlie: “It's light in the Underground.”

Septiumbra and Star looked toward the same direction.

Far away, in the distance—

A brilliant light appeared.

For Septiumbra and Star, it looked like a massive hole opening in the ground.

But for everyone else…

It looked like a hole had been opened in the sky.

And through that hole…

Light was entering the Underground.

Then everything went black