Chapter 3: Mr. Eel

"Another bountiful hunt!" Chris wiped his forehead and dragged an unconscious man away.

Two years have passed since his fateful encounter with the Bungisngis, he began his job as a mercenary and made a name for himself for the past year.

He was able to get himself food, lodging and simple clothes making his life more comfortable than before. Puberty also hit him as he had more nutrition and he became more taller. His featured not changing much aside from his toner muscles.

Chris happily stored his ten silver coins as he handed over the unconscious man to his client.

"You really are good at manhunt." He was praised by his client which made him grin even more.

"Hehehehe..." Chris covered his mouth in annoyance and wiped out the smile on his face.

'This again.' He frowned and let out an exasperated sigh.

That's right! What Chris thought before as a normal occurrence due to his happiness in surviving and acquiring enhanced ability, turns out to be an after effect of some sort.

Like a flaw in exchange for his enhanced abilities, everytime he smiles or even make his lips curve up in the slightest will make him let out giggles.

At first, he finds it annoying but later on ignored the flaw since it doesn't affect his life that much.

Chris entered the pub and checked the available mission that he can be able to handle.

"Looking for mission again?" The bartender, also the owner of the pub curiously looked at Chris.

"Just looking for perspective." The latter shook his head and faced the pub owner.

He casually flicked a silver coin towards the man which was caught in just a second. The pub owner just smiled and immediately walked inside the kitchen.

Chris patiently waited for food to be served and looked at the other mercenaries who are either talking, laughing, or gambling.

"Kid, if you want to spice things up, I recommend you to go to the border. You'll find a friend of mine in there."

"Hmm..." Chris casually nodded to respond and started eating his usual English Breakfast as his dinner.

Eating quietly, Chris never forgets to listen in every conversation to gather intel and possible perspective mission.

Laughters and cheers mostly filled his ears which he's already used to. Clinking bottles, bristling cards, butt scratching, secret farts, and even the sound of mosquito did not manage to escape his sense.

"Hey, have you heard? Mr. Eel was seen at the border. Seems like another batch is about to get served."

"Romours says that Mr. Eel is actually a human trafficking bastard! There must be a price in his head if we're lucky to hunt him."

"Bastard! Don't even think about it. Mr. Eel can gobble you up without you knowing!" The latter stood up with an annoyed expression as he looked at his partner.

"Fucking bitch, I didn't tell you this to drag me to death!"

After that is a sonorous rampage as they attacked each other. Chris did not pay attention anymore and finished his meal quickly.

He left his plate in the counter and walked outside to get some air. He let out a sigh and let his thoughts wander into deep emptiness.

This is his usual routine after becoming a mercenary in the Dregs. He usually makes his mind empty which in turn help him to meditate and control his mind.

After being attuned with the monster called 'Bungisngis' which ridiculously attacked him, he wasn't only gifted with extraordinary power. He was given both a gift and a curse that he soon adapted and learned how to control.

After all, a Dregrat like him survived for many years in the Dregs. They are adaptive and critical which makes them more hard to destroy and obliterate.

"Mr. Eel, huh?" He whispered

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"You'll definitely like him! He's tenacious and opportunity driven just like how you were in your youth."

"Old Murk, you know that it's not about such talents."

"Oh, you have nothing to worry then! He's more than qualified for this slot."

His deep brown eyes sparkled as soon as he heard the affirmation of the old man in front of him. Curiousity and fascination is evident which did not escaped the old man's eyes.

"Hohoho..." He laughed sheepishly and brushed his beard with his fingers.

"You should expect him to hunt you later on. That kid is money driven as fuck!"

"That'll serve as his assessment for this special slot." He grinned widely expressing his excitement.

The old man winced and gave him a scrutinizing gaze. "Don't go overboard this time, Eel."

This time, both of them kept their mouth shut and looked at the rising sun. Both with solemn expression, they jumped down the border and landed nonchalantly with ease.

"By the way, he hasn't found his armament yet."

"Huh?" The man turned his head to look at the old man for explanation but the latter already vanished.

Whoooosh'

Sprinting towards the border, Chris wearing his patched up cloak felt the chilling wind brush past his face.

Grabbing a thick branch, he skipped and jumped to the next one, like a ninja skilled in parkour.

Soon after, Chris reached his destination and stared at the huge encirclement of a black wall.

This part of the forest is currently safe thanks to the border which kept the wild beasts and other mystic beings.

It was believed that the wall has a power to repel other creatures aside from humans. Numerous rumors pertaining the wall has been going on even up until today but nothing was proven.

"How long do you plan to stare?"

With nonchalance, Chris directed his attention towards a man dressed all black fashion. Like a gentleman with a capricious hat, he gives off the rich man energy. The only odd thing that did not go well with his attire is the fishing rod that he's currently holding.

Silence filled the area as Chris looked at the man with obvious curiousity. He slipped his hands inside his cloak and soon after, multiple needles thrust towards the man's direction.

The latter sneered and casual swung his fishing rod. Surprisingly, the thin fishing line suppressed and deflected all the needles.

'Strong.'

Chris bolted towards the man and with his rusting metal dagger, he slashed downwards.

"Sloppy!"

The man slapped his wrist and suddenly grabbed him before giving him a smack in his forehead.

Chris was effortlessly pushed back making him slid but he took this opportunity to distance himself by jumping backwards.

'He's reading my movements.'

His expression turned more solemn as he study the man. No signs of discomfort or even sweat can be seen which just proves the difference between them.

While he's assessing the man, the latter was doing the same thing. Looking upside down with his unchanging relaxed eyes.

'Amazing senses and battle awareness. He's most probably suppressing his traits so he doesn't attract unwanted interests.'

It didn't take long before the man's gaze expressed fascination. Chris whose calmly pulling his weapon vanished and appeared beside the man together with his blunt weapon.

"A pipe!?" The man immediately jumped back.