Chapter 13

Sebastian entered the "Testing Room" and saw a black sphere with a diameter of one meter attached to the roof . Many wires connected it to the computers on the other side of the room. A man beside him went behind a computer and told him to put his hands on the sphere.

Sebastian felt his palms sweat as he thought about the result. He rubbed his hands on his pants and placed them on the sphere without hesitation. He waited for the result, his heart pounding. After a few seconds, the sphere shone with a brown color. The screen displayed his result: "Low Rank 1".

Sebastian smiled with relief and joy. He had passed the test. The man asked him, "What is your name and age?" Sebastian replied, "Sebastian Nightshade, 16 years old." The man entered his details into the computer and said, "Your test is complete. You can collect your hunter identification card at the reception desk." Sebastian thanked the man and left the room. He headed to the reception desk.

A receptionist handed him a steel card with his photo, name, and rank on it. She said, "Congratulations on becoming a hunter. You can sell anything you get from hunting beasts here. We offer market prices. There are also some missions posted on the board. Take a look if you are interested." Sebastian glanced at the missions on the board. They were divided into three sections: Rank 1, Rank 2, and Rank 3. Each section was further divided into three sub-sections: Low, Mid, and High. The missions in the Low Rank 1 section were things like:

[Need Water Bear Hide

20 Contribution Points]

[Need a Blacksmith to Repair Rank 1 Sword

30 Contribution Points]

.....................

He decided to leave the missions for another day. He jogged to the same guard and showed him his hunter identification card. The guard looked at the excited Sebastian and said in an elderly tone, "You have become a hunter, but you are one of the weakest hunters out there. Don't get too cocky and only hunt in the outer perimeter of Ember Wood forest. If you see a stronger beast, just run towards the gate. Don't try to fight it to satisfy your ego."

Sebastian was not too happy to hear a lecture at this time, but he knew it was for his own good. He thanked the guard and went through the gate. He expected to see huge trees blocking his sight, but instead he saw a bustling scene. Many shops were set up, selling and buying various goods, weapons, cores, and more. The land was cleared for a few kilometers, with no beasts in sight. He moved towards the forest without wasting any time. He had already wasted an hour to get his hunter identification card. He only had four hours before evening, when it would be more dangerous. The beasts were more active at night.

After a few minutes of walking, he crossed the cleared land and entered the forest. He became hyper-alert, ready for any danger. After half an hour of walking, he found a river. It was three meters wide and in the center of it was a rock that had a diameter of 50 cm. Sebastian approached the river, curious about the rock. As soon as he got near, the rock suddenly opened its red eyes and pounced at Sebastian. Sebastian reacted quickly and dodged the creature's attack. As the creature emerged from the water, Sebastian got a full view of it. It looked like a frog, but the size of a dog. Its back was made of rock-like material, which acted as a shield.

[Rock Back Frog]

[Low Rank 1]

[Strength = 10]

[Agility = 15]

[Endurance = 12]

[Intelligence = 8]

Sebastian scanned the frog's stats and quickly devised a plan. The frog leaped towards him, but Sebastian dodged its jump with his close combat skill. However, the frog was not done yet. It slashed its claws in mid-air, aiming for Sebastian's new position. Sebastian's reflexes saved him. He ducked under the attack and avoided getting scratched. The frog landed a few meters in front of Sebastian. They locked eyes, ready for the next move.