Space station 12: Kafka's Practical Training

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[The adoption process was unexpectedly swift.]

[You submitted the basic documentation. The clerk casually flipped through some papers, glanced at the girl, then looked back at you without any questions. "Processing fee is 1000 credits."]

[Just as you were about to hand over your demon hunter license and psychologist's certification...]

[The clerk urged, "Processing fee is 1000 credits, please make the payment promptly."]

[You: "...Alright."]

[Katherine had worried unnecessarily; few people here seemed concerned about the fate of an orphaned girl.]

[After completing the registration, upon exiting the office, blinding sunlight greeted you.]

[From this moment on, according to Tianyi-5's laws, you are now Kafka's legal guardian.]

[You lower your gaze to the small purple figure beside you, feeling somewhat intrigued.]

[Is this some kind of raising game now?]

[Raising your teammate from scratch—what a truly novel experience.]

***

[Stelle: I find it equally fresh and intriguing, almost too much so?]

[Silver Wolf: ??]

[Silver Wolf: @Stelle, did you know? A random fact.]

[Stelle: What is it?]

[Silver Wolf: Calling Su Qing 'Dad' actually makes you take advantage of him.]

[Stelle: Stop saying that!!!]

[March 7th: In reality, Stelle hasn't even met Su Qing yet. Truly curious to see how they'll interact when the time comes.]

[Stelle: Me too, just hoping it won't be overly intriguing again.]

***

The adoption process was straightforward, but handling the inheritance turned out to be complicated.

It required numerous approvals, with the final amount one could recover largely dependent on luck.

However, both Su Qing and Kafka seemed unconcerned. With their house destroyed, there wasn't much left to inherit anyway.

During Kafka's parents' funeral,

a light drizzle fell as a priest presided over the ceremony, offering prayers amidst the rain.

Su Qing, dressed in a black coat, quietly held an umbrella against the damp weather.

Standing beside him, as the priest recited the eulogy, tears involuntarily fell from little Kafka's eyes.

Su Qing handed her a handkerchief, and young Kafka looked up with a somewhat bewildered expression. Only after Su Qing pointed it out did she touch her cheeks, realizing she was crying.

He gently shifted the umbrella closer and dabbed at her tears with the handkerchief. Then, he removed his jacket and draped it over Kafka's slightly trembling shoulders.

Her frail body wrapped in the coat resembled a pitiful little bird huddled beneath its feathers.

The rain-soaked cemetery felt cold and lonely; the funeral itself was brief, with only a few relatives hurriedly attending before swiftly departing.

Before it concluded, accompanied by Su Qing, little Kafka placed a bouquet of flowers at the gravesite.

[During this scene, no one posted any comments, and the simulation remained quiet, allowing the soft rustling of the rain to be heard.]

[Even though the cheerful banter in the chat dilutes some of the sorrowful atmosphere, when witnessing little Kafka tearfully unaware, everyone still falls into silence.]

[Kafka watches the scene unfold.]

[She recalls the icy chill of that day's rain, the priest's prayers, the genuine or feigned grief on the relatives' faces, and the weight and warmth of the coat draped over her. It all seems vividly present, appearing before her eyes.]

A few days later, in the living room.

As Su Qing inspected his firearms, he asked, "Are you getting accustomed here?"

Little Kafka nodded. "Mm-hmm."

"Take a seat first," said Su Qing.

Only after hearing this did standing Kafka sit down beside him.

Su Qing continued, "Do you wish to find and seek revenge on the demon who killed your parents?"

Kafka nodded again.

Revenge was not a particularly positive term, but for her, with her hollow heart, it represented one of the few reasons for existence.

"Well then, you'll need to start learning combat skills from me first."

"Let's begin by discussing some precautions. Firstly, when carrying out missions, don't stray too far from me; always stay within five meters."

"Secondly, show no mercy or compromise towards any demons; that shouldn't be much of an issue for you..."

"Oh right."

After mentioning several precautions, Su Qing recalled something. "Your Word Spirit Technique, use it on me."

"Okay."

With calm purple eyes, Kafka spoke, her voice distinctly cool yet imbued with a bewitching power that compelled obedience: "Stand up."

A strong impulse surged within Su Qing, compelling him to stand up.

Only by resisting internally did he prevent himself from actually moving.

Su Qing praised her, "Very good."

For Kafka's Word Spirit Technique to affect a demon hunter with specialized mental training demonstrates her remarkable Talent.

Moreover, this type of control-based psychic attack is inherently effective against demons with chaotic minds.

It's no wonder Katherine thought he intended to adopt Kafka as his assistant.

He had Kafka sit beside him and proceeded to teach her about using and maintaining firearms.

Kafka couldn't yet participate in demon hunter assessments, so for now, she could only act as his junior companion.

[On your first mission with Kafka, you choose a relatively simple task.]

[A confidential informant claims that someone in the affluent district on the city's west side is colluding with demons, requiring investigation.]

[You accept this assignment and bring Kafka to the location of the suspected individual. It's an opulent mansion surrounded by a gated fence, with guards patrolling around it.]

[You inform the gatekeeper of your purpose.]

[The gatekeeper hesitates and shows distrust despite your presented demon hunter license, preventing you from entering.]

[After further conversation, possibly due to having a young girl with you or your seemingly gentle demeanor, the gatekeeper becomes increasingly impatient and more arrogant in attitude.]

Fu Xuan: How realistic.

Fu Xuan: Many people, seeing that you're approachable, will find various ways to make things difficult for you, as if not challenging you would be a loss on their part.]

Qingque: So, Grand Diviner, is this why you always maintain such a commanding presence?]

Fu Xuan: It simply saves me from a lot of trouble.]

March 7th (thinking): Could it be because of your height instead? (but didn't say it aloud)

Seele: Is it really not about your height?]

Fu Xuan: Absurd! That has nothing to do with it!]

***

Facing the gatekeeper's attitude, you question: If you keep obstructing me, could it be that you too are colluding with demons?

The gatekeeper sneers: Even if I were, what could you possibly do about it?

Upon hearing this, you nod. The Demon Hunter Manual emphasizes diplomacy before force, and enough diplomacy has been attempted.]

Su Qing turned to little Kafka and said, "As demon hunters, there's a crucial rule we must uphold: cherish life and avoid losing oneself amidst the slaughter."

It was not unheard of for demon hunters, blinded by bloodlust, to transform into demons themselves.

Little Kafka nodded, indicating her understanding.

Su Qing continued, "This rule is especially important when facing ordinary people; one must always exercise restraint and never indiscriminately harm innocents."

With that, he gently raised his hand and pushed the gatekeeper aside with a soft slap.

The gatekeeper sailed through the air in a perfect arc before splatting against a wall three meters away.

[Stelle: Splat—what a delightful sound.]

[Bronya: "Gently pushed" yet "three meters away"]

The girl glanced at the gatekeeper lying three meters away, then looked back at you, asking, "Restraint?"

Now pinned against the wall three meters distant, the gatekeeper had lost his earlier arrogance. He moaned plaintively, questioning, "Ah... cough cough... Didn't you say, no... indiscriminate harm to innocents?"

Su Qing retorted, "So you're not dead after all?"

This left the gatekeeper speechless, nearly unable to catch his breath.

[Stelle: No issues here, being not dead means still alive.]

[Firefly: Considering Su Qing's record of killing a Flame Demon with just three punches, she indeed showed mercy this time.]

One must neither indiscriminately kill innocents nor be overly restrained.

Su Qing chose this mission with Kafka to impart a crucial first lesson on their academic journey.

Some hunters don't fall to demons but rather at the hands of their own kind.

Humans who conspire with demons for power and wealth can be equally deadly pests.

To summarize Su Qing's point simply:

When facing demons, strike relentlessly until they're dead. Against obstructive humans, incapacitate them without killing—adapt your approach accordingly.

After conveying this nuanced principle to Kafka, she nodded, indicating her understanding had dawned.

On the other side, having heard everything, the gatekeeper spat out bloodied foam but dared not utter another word. After all, both being five parts or eight parts dead mean being incapacitated.

Who knew if Su Qing might "adapt his approach" and deliver another slap?

With the first lesson complete, Su Qing placed his hand on the iron fence gate.

Creaking loudly, he first squeezed several loosely spaced bars together, forming a makeshift grip. Then, grabbing hold, he exerted force and effortlessly tore half of the iron gate off its hinges!

[Seele: Wow, just ripping the door apart! What a beast.]

[Bronya: Adding points to strength sure makes tasks efficient.]

[Seele: @Bronya, weren't you saying earlier that you admired strategic planning more?]

[Bronya: I... this... um...]

[Bronya: ?]

[Silver Wolf: Not overheated, but definitely coughed from surprise.]

[Himeko: @Seele, I have a book called 'Emotional Intelligence for Beginners' that I highly recommend you read.]

[March 7th: I think I'm starting to appreciate the aesthetics of raw power now.]

Su Qing tossed the iron door aside. "Let's move on. The mission officially begins—everyone, stay alert."

As he entered, Su Qing loudly announced his demon hunter investigation, hoping for cooperation.

Unfortunately, there was none forthcoming.

With ease, Su Qing dispatched several guards who tried to obstruct him. His informant's intel proved accurate; as soon as the villa gate swung open, multiple demons charged towards them.

"Stop," Kafka's calm voice resonated beside Su Qing.

Instantly, the demons froze in place.

Kafka's Word Spirit Technique was even more effective than he had imagined. As a close-quarters combatant, having such control support felt like gaining unstoppable momentum—a truly exhilarating advantage!

For once, the usually agile Lesser Demons were rendered immobile, turning into mere standing targets. Now, Su Qing could unleash his attacks directly without chasing them around.

With one punch per demon, he joyfully sent them away.

The homeowner indeed conspired with demons. Realizing resistance was futile, they transformed themselves on the spot into a Froemon, sprouting wings, and attempted to escape through a window.

"Stay still," commanded Kafka.

The Froemon froze on the spot, only its eyes remaining mobile. In terror, it darted its gaze around, helplessly watching as Su Qing approached with a smile.

Su Qing had always found these Froemons most annoying, flitting about like bats everywhere they went.

Now, things were much simpler. Grinning, he reached the Froemon and sent it away just as pleasantly.

Finally, Su Qing deliberately left one Lesser Demon behind.

"Here." Su Qing removed his gun from his waist and handed it over. "Do you remember the usage techniques I taught you earlier?"

"I do," replied Kafka.

"Excellent. Now, look, there's a solitary little demon here; go take care of it."

"Understood."

The girl stepped forward, observing the demon crawling towards her using both hands and feet. Without dodging, she simply raised the gun, her gaze hollow as she took aim.

Thud!

With a dull sound, Su Qing kicked the lunging demon, sending it flying.

The Lesser Demon shrieked as it soared through the air.

[Stelle: Lesser Demon: !! What happened to our agreed one-on-one?!]

The breeze ruffled the girl's hair, reflecting Kafka's puzzled expression as well.

Su Qing asked, "Why didn't you use the Word Spirit Technique? Why not dodge?"

Kafka's tone remained flat. "When it attacked me, I also hit it simultaneously."

Su Qing understood now.

Kafka currently showed no regard for her own body or life. As long as she could fulfill Su Qing's commands, even if it meant getting injured, she was completely indifferent.

Her previous use of Word Spirit Technique had been solely because he instructed her to do so.

Thinking for a moment, Su Qing said, "I'm adding a special rule just for you."

"At all times, your safety is paramount. You are forbidden from trading wounds with enemies; prioritize protecting yourself over eliminating them."

Kafka nodded. "Alright."

Indeed, issues can only be identified during actual combat situations. Given her unique circumstances, they needed to exercise more caution.

With this thought, Su Qing slightly bent down next to little Kafka.

He gently placed one hand on Kafka's left shoulder and used the other to steady her arm holding the gun.

"Keep your hands steady, focus your attention, aim properly before pulling the trigger."

[The live stream view shifted, providing an over-the-shoulder perspective from behind the demon.]

The struggling Lesser Demon on the ground emitted several shrill screams.

Across from them, a pitch-black gun barrel and Kafka's indifferent gaze met Su Qing's.

Facing a demon, most people would instinctively feel fear and revulsion.

However, the girl opposite him remained unfazed, her gaze treating the demon as if it were already dead.

What truly caused this Lesser Demon to struggle and tremble was the presence of the nearby demon hunter.

The young hunter's seemingly calm gaze contained a clear warning, making the demon too afraid to even attempt escape.

[Seele: Wow, the intensity is palpable.]

[March 7th: This scene feels so captivating.]

[March 7th: Despite teaching how to shoot, Su Qing's movements are incredibly gentle. Kafka, though clearly aloof, follows his instructions obediently.]

[March 7th: There's a striking contrast here.]

[Silver Wolf: @March 7th, I get what you mean; you have a keen eye for detail.]

[Firefly: As expected from March 7th, the great detective.]

[March 7th: Hehe.]

Under Su Qing's guidance, Kafka pulled the trigger for the first time in her life.

Her finger slowly pressed down.

In the next moment:

Bang!

At the entrance to the villa, red sirens wailed.

The police were securing the scene while dispersing the crowd of onlookers.

Su Qing, clad in his demon hunter coat, was conversing with the Police Chief.

"Thanks for your hard work once again." The Police Chief, already familiar with Su Qing, glanced at the nearby little Kafka and asked, "And who is this?"

"Hmm—" Su Qing pondered how best to describe her. "I'm training her; she has exceptional talent and will be my future teammate."

"Oh, I see."

The Police Chief couldn't help but feel a sense of concern. Su Qing himself was already quite young, and now even someone as young as Kafka was beginning demon hunter training. It seemed the world was becoming increasingly chaotic.

After a brief explanation of the situation, Su Qing bid farewell.

With Su Qing's long strides, little Kafka had to quicken her pace slightly to keep up beside him, following him away from the scene.

As the Police Chief watched their departing figures—one tall, one short—he noted surprisingly how harmonious they looked walking together.

[Main Quest updated.]

[Description: With your exceptional task completion rate far surpassing your peers, you have rapidly achieved promotion. You are now a Bronze Rank Demon Hunter. In the nearby regions, you have begun to make a name for yourself, gaining some renown.]

[Reward Obtained: Copper Epaulette.]

[Copper Demon Hunter Epaulette: When worn, provides suppression against demons, fiends, and similar entities, increasing damage dealt by +10%.]

[Upon reading this description, viewers from Xianzhou unconsciously paid closer attention.]

Su Qing carefully examined the copper epaulette in his hand. Compared to the original cloth insignia, the metal edges felt slightly sharp.

This was his first time receiving a tangible item reward from a simulation.

A regular demon hunter's epaulette would not have such effects; this must be due to the System's enhancement.

After playing with the copper epaulette for a moment, Su Qing pinned it onto his shoulder.

Having embarked on several missions with Kafka, her combat skills improved rapidly. However, there seemed little progress in her emotional development or understanding of everyday life.

Su Qing pondered how to provide Kafka with even stronger emotional anchors.

Moreover, ideally, she should experience a range of emotions—joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness—to reclaim her feelings... This task seemed quite challenging indeed.

[Fu Xuan: I do have a suggestion.]

[Fu Xuan: For anger, a good spanking should suffice. Aim for the buttocks; it's effective without causing physical harm.]

[Sparkle: Agree?]

[Silver Wolf: Agree? +1]

[Himeko: Agree? +2]

[March 7th: Even Sister Himeko is joining in...]

[Seele: You all just want more juicy gossip about Kafka, don't you?]

[Fu Xuan: What nonsense! Am I that kind of thrill-seeker?]

[Sparkle: But I am!]

[Silver Wolf: I think I could be too.]

[Himeko: ? (smiles without responding)]

[Kafka: Don't overthink it; such scenarios won't unfold.]

[Sparkle: That's not certain at all.]

[Sparkle: After all, you don't remember what happens next, right~]