Chapter 36: 'Help'

At this tense stand-off, a loud clatter echoed through the shop as the door to the back room swung open. The assistant, carrying a package containing the items Alex had requested, entered the main area, oblivious to the unfolding situation.

Victoria seized the moment to intervene. "Gentlemen, I promise I'm not trying to evade my financial obligations. I'm currently awaiting payment from a large order, and as soon as it arrives, I will repay your loan in full. I'm just asking for a bit more time."

Victoria had to think fast. She knew she couldn't lie directly to these men; it would only lead to more trouble if they discovered the truth. She decided to take a different approach.

"I understand your concerns, and I assure you I'm working diligently to gather the funds. However, for such a large sum, I'd need some time to arrange the sale of our more valuable potions, as well as gather the necessary materials," Victoria explained. 

"We can't tolerate that it's already three months overdue. The last time we visited, you provided the same excuse. We require our funds without delay, or do not hold us responsible if we resort to extreme actions against your store," the man asserted, his voice firm, and is grip on a wooden bat emphasizing his seriousness.

Victoria clenched her fists, and her eyes brimmed with tears. Every penny she had borrowed had been exhausted on her father's escalating medical expenses. 

She was grappling to amass the necessary funds. However, her store struggled with poor sales, situated far from the vibrant heart of New York City, and it lacked the recognition and customer base that the larger, well-established alchemy shop in the area enjoyed.

Victoria's predicament was daunting, as the burden of her father's medical bills and the threat of violence against her store weighed heavily on her shoulders. She felt isolated and cornered, with limited options to resolve this escalating crisis.

Victoria was on the verge of tears, her situation feeling increasingly hopeless. She realized that she was running out of time, and the two men in front of her were growing more impatient by the minute.

As she struggled to find a solution, Alex saw the desperation in her eyes and the dire straits her shop was in. He knew he needed to step in and help, not only to fulfill his own plans but also to assist Victoria in her time of need.

"Wait," Alex interjected, his voice steady and brimming with confidence as he addressed the two men. "I have a proposition." With a deliberate motion, he reached into his back pocket and pulled out his temporary hunter's license, holding it up for their scrutiny.

When the two loan providers laid eyes on the hunter card, their astonishment was palpable. Encountering a hunter card was exceedingly rare, and anyone who had never seen one was living in relative isolation. 

The notion of forging such a document was nearly unthinkable because every legitimate hunter card was equipped with holographic proof displaying the holder's hunter rank.

As Alex showcased the card and activated its holographic display, an F rank emerged above the temporary hunter license. To ordinary citizens, hunters were nothing short of god-like figures. The mere presence of a legitimate hunter held immense weight.

The impact of Alex's revelation extended beyond the two loan providers. Victoria, her assistant, and even the bystander who had initially observed Alex with shock now found a glimmer of hope.

Victoria, desperate to resolve her dire financial predicament, didn't know Alex personally, but the prospect of his assistance became a beacon of light in her heart.

With a hopeful smile, Victoria regarded Alex, silently conveying her gratitude for his unexpected intervention. The situation had taken a remarkable turn, and her determination to escape her financial troubles was reignited. 

She understood that this mysterious stranger might be her ticket out of the dire straits she found herself in. 

Before they could respond, Alex, taking advantage of the brief pause in hostility, stepped forward. "Gentlemen, if I may be of assistance, I could offer you some collateral for the loan to assure you that it will be repaid within 7 days."

The two intruders turned their attention to Alex, evaluating his proposal. The situation hung in the balance, and everyone in the shop awaited their response.

Alex cleared his throat and continued, "Actually, Victoria is one of my close friends, and I can guarantee that, as a hunter, I can repay the money within seven days. May I ask the exact amount she owes? We can then proceed to sign a Hunter Association agreement paper to formalize the arrangement."

With these words, Alex not only presented himself as a trustworthy friend of Victoria but also as a responsible hunter willing to abide by the rules and regulations of the Hunter Association. 

This proposition marked a potential lifeline for Victoria, who had been grappling with her father's medical expenses and the threat of her shop's destruction. The offer held the promise of resolving her financial crisis and securing her livelihood.

The two men exchanged uncertain glances, clearly familiar with the concept of a Hunter Association agreement paper.

  Such an agreement represented the highest level of trust provided by the Hunter Association, a bond that could only be severed once both parties had fulfilled their respective obligations. This level of commitment and security was a testament to the seriousness of the arrangement Alex was proposing, which further emphasized the gravity of the situation.

"Very well," the man with the wooden bat responded after a brief discussion, "If you insist, the total debt owed by Victoria amounts to $50,000."

"Alright," Alex responded, "If you're on board, let's move forward with the agreement." With those words, he opened the Hunter Association app, which provided access to the digital agreement paper.

  After entering his details, he downloaded the document. Alex's signature was already present on the paper; all they needed to do was print it out, take it with them, and return it once the debt was settled. This digital process streamlined the agreement, making it efficient and convenient for all parties involved.