Chapter 9: Unexpected Encounters

With the raid a week away, Olutola decided to take a break from the intense training. Lagos, with its vibrant energy, offered plenty of opportunities for a bit of relaxation and distraction. He stepped out into the bustling streets, feeling the pulse of the city around him.

As he walked through the crowded streets, Olutola spotted a street food stall selling suya, the spicy grilled meat that he loved. Feeling his stomach growl, he approached the stall and ordered a generous portion.

While waiting for his suya, Olutola overheard a heated argument nearby.

"Give me my money back, you thief!" a young woman shouted.

Turning towards the commotion, Olutola saw a petite woman being confronted by a burly man. The man was holding her purse, and it was clear that the situation was escalating.

Olutola stepped forward. "What's going on here?"

The man turned to face him, a sneer on his face. "None of your business. This girl owes me money."

The woman looked desperate. "He's lying! He took my purse and won't give it back!"

Olutola's eyes narrowed. He could tell from the man's demeanor that he was trying to bully the woman. "Give her the purse back," Olutola said, his voice calm but commanding.

The man laughed. "Or what? You think you can take me on?"

Olutola didn't respond verbally. Instead, he took a step closer, his presence imposing. The system in his mind flickered to life, providing him with information about the man's weaknesses. In a swift motion, Olutola grabbed the man's wrist, applying just enough pressure to make him drop the purse.

"Ah! Let go!" the man yelped, his bravado evaporating.

Olutola released him, and the man stumbled back, clutching his wrist. "You'll regret this," he muttered before scurrying away.

The woman picked up her purse, tears of relief in her eyes. "Thank you so much! I don't know what I would have done without you."

Olutola nodded. "Be careful. Lagos isn't safe for everyone."

She smiled gratefully. "My name's Ada. Can I treat you to something as a thank you?"

Olutola hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, why not."

They found a nearby café and sat down. Ada ordered them both drinks, and they began to chat. Olutola learned that she was a university student, working part-time to support her studies. She had been on her way to work when the man tried to rob her.

"So, what do you do?" Ada asked.

"I'm a hunter," Olutola replied, taking a sip of his drink.

Ada's eyes widened. "A hunter? That's amazing! You must have so many interesting stories."

Olutola smiled. "It has its moments. But it's not as glamorous as it sounds."

They talked for a while longer, and Olutola found himself enjoying the normalcy of the conversation. It was a nice change from the constant focus on training and fighting.

As they finished their drinks, Ada looked at him curiously. "You know, you should meet my friends. They're always looking for strong hunters to join their guild."

Olutola shook his head. "I appreciate it, but I prefer working alone."

Ada nodded, understanding. "Well, if you ever change your mind, let me know."

---

Later that evening, Olutola returned to his apartment. He rolled an Igbo joint, lighting it with a practiced flick. As he took a deep drag, he felt the familiar sensation of everything slowing down, but tonight it wasn't hitting the same. He frowned slightly and took out his Bluetooth speaker, connecting it to his phone. 

Opening his Spotify app, he selected a playlist perfect for his current mood. As the music filled the room, Olutola felt the beat resonate through him. He rolled up another joint, and then another, and another, until he had finished three blunts. The room was filled with a thick haze, and the music seemed to pulse in sync with his thoughts.

Feeling the munchies hit him hard around 3 a.m., Olutola remembered he still had five packs of Indomie left. He moved to the kitchen and quickly cooked the noodles, adding the leftover suya for extra flavor. The aroma of the cooking noodles mixed with the lingering scent of Igbo, creating a uniquely comforting atmosphere.

As he ate, Olutola felt a deep sense of satisfaction. This moment, simple as it was, grounded him. Despite the chaos of his life as a hunter, moments like these reminded him of who he was and where he came from.

Once he finished his meal, he leaned back, savoring the lingering taste of suya and the soothing music. "Now this," he thought, "is living."

---

Would you like to continue with the next chapter?