Chapter 20: A Night to Remember

The day had been exhausting, but Olutola thrived on the thrill of combat and the challenges it brought. As evening fell, he decided to unwind and celebrate his victory. The bustling streets of Lagos were alive with the sounds of nightlife, offering the perfect backdrop for relaxation.

Olutola headed to a nearby food stall, the aroma of freshly cooked suya drawing him in. He ordered a generous portion and found a quiet corner to sit and enjoy his meal. As he savored the spicy, grilled meat, his mind wandered to the recent events and the opportunities that lay ahead.

"Hey, isn't that the guy who took down the S-rank beast?" a voice said, interrupting his thoughts.

Olutola looked up to see a group of hunters approaching his table. They looked both curious and impressed. One of them, a young man with a scar across his cheek, extended a hand.

"I'm Chukwudi," he introduced himself. "We saw you in action today. That was some impressive stuff."

Olutola shook his hand, nodding in acknowledgment. "Thanks. Just doing my job."

Another hunter, a woman with bright, inquisitive eyes, spoke up. "We heard you smoke Igbo during fights. Is that true?"

Olutola chuckled, taking a slow drag from his joint. "Keeps me focused."

The group laughed, clearly fascinated by his unconventional methods. They pulled up chairs and joined him, eager to hear more about his adventures.

As they shared stories and laughed over their meals, Olutola couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. Despite his preference for solitude, moments like these reminded him of the value of camaraderie.

---

Later that night, as the streets began to quiet down, Olutola wandered through the city, enjoying the cool breeze. He found himself near a secluded park and decided to sit on a bench, reflecting on the day's events.

He took out his Bluetooth speaker, paired it with his phone, and selected a playlist. The smooth rhythms of Afrobeat filled the air, blending perfectly with the night's serenity. Rolling another joint, he lit it and took a deep drag, feeling the familiar sense of calm wash over him.

As he gazed at the stars, his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. He turned to see a young woman approaching, her expression a mix of determination and curiosity.

"Excuse me," she said softly. "Are you Olutola Ojetola?"

Olutola nodded, slightly wary. "Yes. Can I help you?"

She took a seat beside him, her eyes meeting his with an intensity that took him by surprise. "I'm Li Wei. I've heard about you. They say you're the best hunter in Lagos."

Olutola raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "That's quite a reputation to live up to. What do you need?"

Li Wei hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I need your help. My sister and I are in danger. We were targeted by a powerful enemy, and I believe they're coming for us. You're the only one who can protect us."

Olutola listened intently, his instincts on high alert. "Who's after you?"

She glanced around nervously before answering. "A rogue hunter named Zhang Wei. He's been causing chaos and targeting vulnerable people. We managed to escape, but he's relentless. Please, we need your help."

Olutola exhaled a cloud of smoke, considering her words. The city was full of dangers, and this sounded like a situation that couldn't be ignored. "Where's your sister now?"

Li Wei looked relieved at his willingness to help. "She's hiding at a friend's place, but we can't stay there forever. Zhang Wei has connections. It's only a matter of time before he finds us."

Olutola nodded, his decision made. "Alright, I'll help you. But you need to follow my lead and stay out of sight. We can't let him know we're onto him."

Li Wei smiled, her gratitude evident. "Thank you, Olutola. We're in your debt."

As they walked back towards the city, Olutola's mind raced with plans. He knew this would be a challenging task, but he couldn't ignore someone in need. With his system's guidance and his growing strength, he felt ready to face whatever came next.

---

The next morning, Olutola gathered his team and briefed them on the situation. Adebayo, Ifeoma, and Ada listened attentively, their expressions serious.

"We need to find Zhang Wei before he finds them," Olutola said, his voice firm. "We'll need to split up and gather information. Any leads, no matter how small, could be crucial."

Adebayo nodded. "Got it, boss. We'll cover more ground that way."

Ifeoma glanced at Li Wei, who stood quietly at the edge of the group. "We'll keep you and your sister safe. You have my word."

Ada smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. We've got this."

As they dispersed to begin their search, Olutola felt a renewed sense of purpose. Protecting Li Wei and her sister was just the beginning. He knew that the path ahead would be filled with danger and uncertainty, but he was ready for whatever came his way.