Birth of a new Hunter [Last Chapter]

***

A certain man dressed in a black suit leaned back against the chair as he sighed.

A frown gathered on his face as he looked down at the file on his table. Bringing a cup of coffee to his lips, he started scanning through the photos in the file again before returning his attention to the monitor screen.

'Just which Hunter did this? A vigilante? He simply left the victim after taking care of the assaulter...A D rank Hunter and 3 E rank Hunters. One of them is dead while the others are still not waking up. Even if the body is healed, if the brain suffers a severe trauma...shit, there isn't much leads I can follow.'

Yes, this man was Hideyoshi, the person who visited Arata in the hospital and was also in charge of the case that involved the death of 1 D rank Hunter and the hospitalization of 3 E rank Hunters.

That wasn't the only thing giving him problems. The D rank Hunter who died was supposedly a part of the Ito family, a large conglomerate which owned several construction companies and was involved in various projects as well. His family was pressuring the Association and authorities to uncover the truth and find out who caused the death of their son.

As Hideyoshi started drowning down the cup of coffee as though it was liquor, he slowly watched the recordings of the nearby CCTV's that were installed. Unfortunately, since it was a rather rural area, there weren't many security camera's and the amount of information gathered so far was minimal.

It was at that particular moment, he came across a rather familiar face on the computer screen as he brought the cup down.

'Hmm...isn't he...'

Although the image wasn't that clear, Hideyoshi could make out the appearance of the youth. His body shape was surprisingly different but Hideyoshi was pretty good at remembering faces, so even if that guy's facial features did somewhat change as well, he could still recognize that person.

'That's Kasuga Arata. The E rank Hunter.'

Hideyoshi stood up as he started searching for a file.

After a minute...

"Ah there it is." He pulled out a single file as he started flipping through the contents.

"Yeah, there's no mistaking it. It's Hunter Arata. To think he was pretty close to the incident...could it be..." A sudden idea popped in his head but it instantly died down as he saw the address of Arata.

"Right, so he lives around that area. Hah... ...Well, it was too much to expect an E rank Hunter to take down 4 Hunters by himself. I even took his measurement myself. What was I thinking?"

Hideyoshi found himself at point zero again as he started to rationalize his thoughts. To think the only lead he found so far was also a disappointment.

Hideyoshi sighed again as he folded his arms and leaned back against the chair.

'How interesting things would turn out if Hunter Arata really did take down those Hunters.' Hideyoshi could not help but think inwardly before laughing at his own delusions.

***

A magic circle flared up in the center of a certain living room and after the light dissipated, a certain youth could be seen standing there, a katana still resting in his hand.

"Unlocking a second Archive and getting that book...this Quest was really worth the trip." Not only did it help Arata gain experience by fighting against enemies without the use of magic, he also gained a second Archive and a book that contained various information regarding the Seven Grand Archives.

[Congratulations Master. However, I suspect that the next Archive wouldn't be achieved so easily. The more Archives you learn, the more likely you might lose yourself and become one of those Demons. You have to be extra careful with how you use your Magic now, Master.]

Arata nodded his head at Lemegeton words. What she said was true. The closer he was to mastering this power, the easier it was for him to become a Demon as well. However, Arata didn't know that that wasn't all Lemegeton wanted to warn him about. Unfortunately, she was unable to voice it out. There were still information which she was not allowed to reveal. Whether this interference was due to the Laws of the world...she didn't know. Now that he had unlocked a second Archive, it wouldn't be long before the thing inside of him awakens.

Name : [Kasuga Arata] Age : 21

Magic Class : [Unknown]

Archive(s) : [Gula] [Luxuria]

Theme(s) : [Fides] [Abies]

Magic(s) : [Mantra Enchant] [Outer Alchemy]

Grimoire(s) : [Gematria(1/3), Solomons Ring]

Skill(s) : [Conception] -- [Realize] -- [Enhanced Perception] -- [Enhanced Strength] -- [Enhanced Resistance] -- [Foresight] -- [Farsight] -- [Poison Resistance] --

***

Arata entered his room and sat on the edge of his bed. The rewards he got from this trip was more than sufficient. He wanted to quickly test out his new powers in a higher ranked Dungeon. However, he was still an E rank Hunter. The most he could enter was a D rank Dungeon and even then, it was difficult to fight without revealing his powers. His powers were way beyond the levels of an E rank so if he displayed such powers, he would no doubt gather much attention from both the media and Association. The second option would be to head to the Association for a re-evaluation to get a higher rank but that would be no different as he would simply get even more attention for being a reawakened. The phenomenon of 'Re-Awakening' was a very rare occurrence. Arata also wasn't sure how his new magic would react with the device used to measure a Hunter's rank. There was a slight possibility that he might still be an E rank in regards to the magic wavelength of this world or in another case, it might even overload the machine.

'Wait, there is another option available...'

Arata turned his attention to the bag of Magic Cores and Mana crystals at the corner of his room that he had collected from the previous D rank Dungeon.

Selling Magic crystals wasn't difficult. Since the demand was so high, when he put them up for sale, they would all sell out pretty quickly. He had also collected a fair amount of Mana crystals so his profit this time should be pretty reasonable.

The question was, though, where he should sell these.

There were several cases of a direct trading between individuals, and Guilds and corporations also bought them in large quantities, as well.

'Guess I really have to head there then.'

***

Arata stepped out of the house as he headed to a certain area.

The streets were busy and littered with people from all walks of life.

As Arata walked past an appliance shop, the TV on display caught his attention for a moment.

It wasn't the TV itself, but the content it was currently showing.

A segment showing an interview.

"So, Takashi-kun, how does it feel to enter the Draw Sword Guild as an A rank Hunter? Should I say that is it to be expected from the man who has everything?"

"Now now, don't say that. I am just trying to do my part for society. Whether it is the Draw Sword Guild or any other Guild, I will still do my best to protect the citizens of Japan."

"As expected from the role-model of the people. Then..."

The interviewer turned to the female beside him.

"Now, we have the popular model Kaguya-san with us. Not only is she a beauty, she is also the girlfriend of the A rank Hunter Komura Takashi..."

"Kaguya-san. It seems that you are also entering the Draw Sword Guild as a Healer. To be able to enter the same Guild with your boyfriend, how do you feel about that?"

"Well, first of all, of course I am very happy. I am also very honored that the Guild has decided to accept me in as well. I am sincerely grateful for that."

The interview carried on but Arata had already left after seeing the interview briefly.

Surprisingly, he didn't feel anything. She was simply a matter of the past. Someone who wasn't worth his time anymore. There were so many other things he had to be concerned about and she didn't even make the end of that list.

Compared to the things that he would soon face, her circumstances or current affairs were trivial.

***

Near the outskirts of a certain business district. It was an area that no tourist or normal civilians would ever visit. It was a place far from the prying eyes of the authorities as possible, the perfect location.

Yes, this was a Black Market district, where illegal goods were usually transacted and sold. There were also brothels and various bars not sanctioned by the Government or Association opened around this area. Because he could sell the Magic Cores and Crystals at a higher price here, Arata frequented this place quite regularly in the past. Since he was an E rank Hunter for many years, he had spent quite a bit of time trying to make life easier. There were also Black Market websites online as well but Arata preferred to visit the physical location. Furthermore, for this particular trip, apart from selling the Crystals, there was another thing Arata needed.

Arata soon pushed open a set of doors as he stepped inside. Tables were strewn about haphazardly among the wide main hall, and there were two counters at the front. The first was a standard counter while the other was a fully stocked bar. Yes, the place Arata entered was a bar located in this Black Market district.

Though it was still noon, half of the patrons were already drunk. The moment Arata stepped through the front doors, everyone turned to look at him.

However, instead of the usual stares of contempt or the look given towards a stranger, the bar suddenly became noisy for a different reason. There wasn't a single trace of malice in the stares directed at him.

"Hey, the kid is back!" "Ohh Arata, you look like you have matured quite a bit!" "Been a while since you last visited, how's life?" "Woah, you really do look different compared to your past self...What exactly happened?!"

The people around the bar started gathering around him.

This wasn't a surprise though. Although everyone here knew he was an E rank Hunter, they didn't treat him any differently. They were the few people in the world who didn't look down on him. Some of these people were retired Hunters and although Arata expected the same kind of treatment he usually faced when he first entered this bar looking for that person, the outcome was unexpected for him. Very soon, he became a regular patron and his face had become quite a familiar sight around these parts. After all, there weren't many youngsters who frequented these areas so Arata was pretty much an exception.

He returned the greetings with a smile and headed up towards the bar counter. As he walked up the counter, he found himself face to face with a charmingly smiling...middle aged woman. A pretty well-built one at that. For a woman, her torso was much bigger than his.

The barkeep continued to smile as he finally approached the counter.

"Well, if it isn't Arata. Long time no see." Although her build was like a body builder, her voice was surprisingly feminine. The aura she emitted was exactly like a caring mother.

"Yeah, it's been a while Sakura-san. I came here to see Eijiro-san. You know, the usual purpose."

The barkeep Sakura examined Arata as she looked him up and down.

"Seems like someone has been working out."

"Yeah, it's just a little muscle training."

"Hmm, yeah that man is free at the moment. But, you know the rules right?" Sakura smiled as she grabbed a bottle off the shelf behind it and placed it in front of Arata.

'No matter how many times I come here, this really is as cliched as it can get.'

"You know the rules. Since you are a regular, you have to at least down half the bottle if you want to meet that man."

The other patrons started to look at this scene like a show. Since Arata first came here, this had been an unspoken rule so he was already used to it.

Arata brushed the bottle with his fingers, slicing the top off. The grace with which he did so caused everyone watching to gasp. Even Sakura-san was surprised.

The pungent smell of alcohol wafted up from the open bottle.

Arata began guzzling down the foul-smelling concoction. His gulping was the only noise inside the vast room. In the span of a few seconds, he'd emptied the entire thing. He slammed the empty bottle back down on the counter and revealed a smile.

"Hahaha! In the past, you would normally get a little drunk after downing half a bottle. It seems your outer appearance isn't the only thing that has changed."

As an aside, no matter how much Arata drank now, he would never get drink. One of his skills, [Poison Resistance], counteracted alcohol effect's.

"Alright, you are free to see him. It was nice seeing you here again, Arata."

Arata waved a hand towards Sakura-san and the other patrons before he stepped through another door.

***

The room Arata stepped into was exactly like the living quarters of a person. And there really was a person living here, except that there was a mini workshop included as well.

A middle-aged man was sitting right in the center of the mini-workshop, busy with his project.

"Eijiro-san." Arata called out to the man as he turned around.

"Ah Arata-kun! It's been a while. Wow, you even look so different... ...I presume you have the usual for me?"

Arata nodded his head as he passed over the Magic crystals and Mana stones over to Eijiro.

His eyebrows rose up a little as he examined the goods. It wasn't because it was something rare, but because...

"Quite a few D rank Magic Cores and a bunch of Mana Stones. In the past, you usually sold me E rank Magic cores. To think you would be able to collect a bunch of D rank Cores. Your skills must improved quite a bit."

When Arata first learned of the Black Market, he had to gather a lot of information to find the right buyer and finally, after a period of asking and searching, he came across Eijiro-san. A retired B rank Hunter. Although, he was a collector and goods appraiser, he took pity on Arata and provided him a much better value for the goods than a normal store. Since then, Arata had always visited him to trade his Magic Crystals. This time was no exception.

"Hmm..let's see. If I add these up, the amount should sum up to..."

Eijiro placed the goods on the table as he started examining them.

However, Arata had to ask for his next request.

"Eijiro-san, there is another favor I need from you."

"Hmm...?"

Arata spun his next words carefully.

"Eijiro-san, you used to work for the Association right?"

"That's right."

"Specifically, you were in charge of the division that produced the Hunter's license?"

At this moment, Eijiro perked up his ears as he beckoned for Arata to continue.

"I need you to make me a new Hunter License."

A Hunter License is an identity card for a Hunter and it must be owned by all Hunters. Only Hunters registered in the Association have a Hunter License.

This License is also used as an identity to seek permission to enter a Dungeon. Although there were other's who produced fake Hunter Licenses, it wasn't hard for the Association to distinguish it. The name recorded in the Association's system is the key that most of these illegal dealers are unable to accomplish. There were some who tried but failed spectacularly, and ended up being branded a criminal.

However, even if you managed to procure a fake Hunter License by bypassing all the security checks, the necessary skills were still needed to survive the Dungeon. If you were an E rank Hunter who faked a license to enter a B rank Dungeon, it was easy to tell from the skills displayed and you would just lose your life. That was why getting a fake License was very uncommon and rarely did any Hunter request for one.

If a Hunter really had the skills, they would much rather get a proper re-evaluation at the Association even if the results remained the same.

Therefore, Arata's request came as rather shocking for Eijiro.

"Arata-kun, do you understand the meaning of those words?"

Arata didn't turn away as he simply stared back.

"You do realize that even if I manage to bypass the Association security system, entering a higher ranked Dungeon is paramount to suicide. I know that you want to earn more but..."

"I understand. I know what I am getting myself into."

Eijiro sighed.

"It's going to cost a sum to produce one for you. Do you have the capital?" That was his last defensive stance in order to make Arata back down.

However...

"The money...I will make sure that I pay it back in full with interest once I clear the Dungeons."

"How do I know you won't just be sacrificing yourself and end up losing your life?"

"Well, I know it's quite hard to believe but trust me. I won't forget this debt."

'How can he be so confident?' Eijiro wasn't one to pry in the affairs of another. He had known Arata for many years ever since he became a Hunter and this was the first time he had seen such determination in his eyes. If Arata was really a re-awakened...

Finally, after a brief period, he let out a long sigh...

"Fine then. Since you are so adamant and want to sign a death sentence, I will make one for you. I really hope you will be able to prove me wrong. And don't forget to pay me once you get the money. If you end up dying, I will somehow come after you for payment as well."

Arata revealed a wry smile.

"And? What would you like your new name and rank to be? You know I can't just record your real name inside the system again. The system would automatically detect it since there would be two of you. Another thing... ...You should probably hide your face as well, unless you want people to recognize you."

***

Several days later ~

"So, you are the C rank Hunter who applied to join this raid?"

The youth, who had a peculiar black mask covering the bottom half of his face, nodded his head slightly.

"I see. And your name is..."

***

The party headed straight to the location of the gate after confirming it's members, which was located at a half-finished construction site.

A hole in the air, floating like a black hole.

Arata stood before the gate as he prepared to enter the C rank Dungeon. He was already in his Magus Mode before arriving.

In order to hide his real identity as well, he had covered the bottom half of his face.

The same katana he had found during the Quest was kept in a sheath on his back. Even though he could now create weapons from pure atoms, this katana had sentimental value.

"We are entering! Do your best to keep up everyone." The leader of the party raised his voice as one by one, the members started stepping through the gate.

Finally...A sense of excitement welled up inside Arata.

This could now truly be called the start of his journey.

All the things that happened before were events that were simply leading up to this moment.

The birth of a new Hunter.

The things that he would soon encounter...he needed to get even stronger.

'Well then...'

Beneath the mask that covered his face, Arata revealed a smile.

***

'Let's conquer this Dungeon.'