Association

Zane and Scarlet's first stop after the unlucky ordeal with the Steel Maiden Leona was the Hunter's Association branch, here in his home of City X. The purpose was simple—to turn in the treasure and Monster Cores he'd obtained in the Dungeon and trade them for money.

The walk took about ten minutes, and as expected, the place was—open.

"… Easter Monday, my ass."

Upon entering the association branch, all eyes in the room were instantly attracted towards the two of them. That was only natural given their incredible appearances, and given how rare a Dragon Familiar was, everyone present naturally assumed Zane was some kind of powerful figure with a concealed identity, perhaps a Hidden Ranker—mysterious Solo Hunters who topped the leaderboards of fame, wealth, and strength, without ever revealing their true identity.

Naturally, this meant no one dared to approach Zane and Scarlet. Hidden Rankers were generally thought to be scary people, after all. If crossed, they would not show any mercy.

Due to the time of day, there weren't many people at the branch right now—most Hunters were already on a Hunt. That meant there was no need to wait in line, and the two headed straight for an open receptionist.

"Good… afternoon," the young girl at the desk said softly with blushed cheeks, blinking a few times at Zane. "A-Ahem… how may I help you?"

"I'm here to sell some items," Zane said calmly. "Monster Cores and treasure."

"I see… here you are," the receptionist said, handing Zane and Alura each a sheet of paper. "Please drop the treasures and Monster Cores you wish to sell into the compartment below."

At that moment, a pocket slowly slid out of the front panel beneath the desk, labeled 'Treasure Drop-Off', but… Zane rubbed his chin as he analyzed the size of the compartment.

"Ah… I'm afraid that's not going to be enough."

The receptionist blinked. "Er… what do you mean?"

After thinking about it for a moment and taking into account the fact that there were numerous other Hunters present within earshot, he spoke.

"… Hm. Can we go somewhere more… private?"

At this, the girl appeared troubled. "Erm… I would love to, but association guidelines demand private meetings be scheduled beforehand for Hunters below A-Rank. If you can provide me with proper identification, I can talk to my supervisor, but other than emergencies, I really cannot leave my post."

Zane sighed. He was hoping his charm might be able to convince the girl to do something she usually would not, but it would seem his Charisma stat needed to be raised more for that to happen.

"… In that case, there is no other choi—"

"Give the man his private meeting," a voice suddenly interrupted, causing both Zane and the receptionist to turn in surprise.

The source was someone completely unexpected.

"… You?"

"Mr. Steel Shadow?"

In walked a man dressed in formal butler clothing, with a kind smile on his face and a pair of aristocratic glasses. He was, without a doubt, Lucifer—Leona's butler and a member of the Knights of Radiance guild.

"Please, don't mind me," Lucifer said warmly. "I am simply here to submit a Dungeon report, and figured that I might as well help a friend out while I'm at it."

"Erm… if that is the case, then… alright. Please, right this way."

Saying that, the receptionist left her post, leading Zane away. Right before passing Lucifer, however, Zane stopped.

"… I don't know what your intentions are in doing this, but if your goal is to get close to me to acquire information, then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."

"Haha, you are overthinking it," Lucifer replied with a hearty laugh. "I simply find you quite impressive, that is all."

'Impressive…?' That was the last word Zane imagined someone would describe him as. But without any more time to spare, he quickly brushed past the other man and trailed after the receptionist.

"…"

As Zane's figure disappeared, rounding the corner, Lucifer's smile disappeared.

*****

"… Here we are."

Within a narrow corridor, the receptionist girl knocked on the door of what seemed to be her manager's office. A brief moment later, the voice inside the room replied.

"Come in."

Gently, the receptionist opened the door, and walked in with Zane trailing after her.

"Excuse me for the interruption, Mr. Hawkins. There is a Hunter here who has requested a private meeting."

At this, the man sitting in the chair within the room lifted an eyebrow, and looked Zane up and down.

"… This man? He is only Level 13."

'Level 13 again… the Steel Maiden said the same thing, even though I'm already Level 18 in reality. Is there something hiding my real level from them?' Zane thought. 'Artifacts that can do this do exist, but are quite rare. I don't recall obtaining an item that has the ability to do this, unless… wait. Could it be… the cube?'

"Ah, yes, but an A-rank Hunter outside said that it was okay," the receptionist continued. "They seem to be acquaintances, so…"

The man sighed as if this was a nuisance, and waved the receptionist off.

"Alright, alright. I'm not too busy today, so I'll allow it. But by standard protocol, only A-rank Hunters and above are allowed for private meetings—not their acquaintances, or anyone else. You may go."

"R-Right… I'll take my leave."

The receptionist, having not expected to be shunned here, quickly retreated and returned to her post, closing the door behind her. After she left, the man glanced at Zane warily, and blinked.

"So? What is your so-important business, that you must have a private meeting with an association staff member for?"

His tone was mocking, almost insulting. Like Zane didn't mean anything in his eyes as a mere Level 13 Hunter, and that he was nothing but an annoyance.

But Zane had been subject to this kind of treatment all his life. He didn't let it bother him, and instead spoke his purpose as calmly as ever.

"I am here to sell some items. That's all."

"…"