Hunting Guild Investigation Force

Hunter sat still on his bed as he made eye contact with Charlie Hiroyuki of the Hunting Guild Investigation Force. Despite her serious yet nonchalant expression, Hunter knew that she had experience. Which meant he had to choose his words carefully.

"... I was forced into the dungeon by a high ranking hunter named Ian Brown. His goons had been targeting me for a while now simply because I'm in a relationship with Catherine," said Hunter.

"Was," said Charlie as she corrected Hunter's statement.

It was cruel and Hunter felt the words sink in, but he would not let his emotions get the better of him. Instead, he clenched his blanket tighter and released a soft sigh afterwards.

"So, why was she suddenly stabbed?" inquired Charlie.

"Ian stabbed her when she came to save me... She died because of how weak I am..." replied Hunter, his gaze meeting the bed sheets once again.

"Mh. Likely story since there weren't any witnesses..." Charlie said as she put one leg above the other. "Admit it. Your relationship was getting stale, so you decided to kill her. But, you couldn't just take her life. You had to make sure it looked like an accident."

"But, it wasn't an accident!" exclaimed Hunter.

"My my, are you confessing? So you did plan on killing her?"

"No! I'm... (sigh) After we got to the dungeon, Ian and his goons started beating me up and that's when Catherine saved me. When she did, Ian stabbed her simply because she didn't want to be with him."

"Then where is Mr Ian Brown now?"

"... He died because of a fire... along with his friends..." Hunter confessed.

"... I literally saw you using a dagger to kill those dark panthers. And, a dagger was used to murder Catherine, correct?"

"... I only used the dagger on those that hurt Catherine and those dark panthers. I'd never hurt her. I love... I loved her..."

"Was your relationship public?" Charlie asked.

"Of course it was. Just ask everyone! ... Even the receptionist! The receptionist saw Ian harrassing me! He's the one who opened the tier 4 dungeon!" Hunter shouted as he looked at Charlie.

"Really?"

"Really! I'm a tier 18 hunter! How the hell was I going to open a tier 4 dungeon?!"

"Catherine Kennedy could've opened it for you."

"She was a tier 6. Legally, she isn't allowed to do that. And I know my Catherine. She wouldn't go around breaking rules. If you don't believe me, just check her records. See if you can find anything suspicious on that."

Charlie did not reply. Instead, she smirked and released a soft chuckle, slightly irritating Hunter. She got up from her seat and reached into her pocket, where she pulled out a card and handed it to Hunter.

"You really are as honest as they say, Hunter Quinn," said Charlie.

"What is this?" Hunter asked as he took the card from Charlie.

"You've had an awakening recently, haven't you? It would explain why you were suddenly able to kill tier 4 monsters when you're on a lower tier."

Hunter had no idea what Charlie was talking about. Afterall, he had awakened when he was younger. It's just that his body was only 2% better than the average human. And, he wasn't given any powers either. He was just... him.

But, he played along. As long as it meant that he wouldn't be sent to jail for a crime he didn't commit, he was fine with allowing Charlie to come to a slightly better conclusion. Even if it was somewhat far from the truth.

"You managed to kill those dark panthers even though it was your first time encountering them," said Charlie as she pulled her chair closer to Hunter's bed, sitting down afterwards. "How did you do it?"

"I-It's like you said. I had an awakening and it allowed be to become stronger," replied Hunter.

"Don't you usually use your fists to fight? Where did the dagger come from? It wasn't the same dagger Ian used, or was it?"

"No no, it wasn't. I kinda just... pulled the dagger out of thin air..." said Hunter as he scratched the back of his head and smiled gently.

"... You know what? I believe you," replied Charlie.

"Huh?"

"Thing is, my coworkers won't believe a single thing you tell them, even if it's the truth. Do you know why that is?"

"... Because a tier 18 hunter survived while 4 tier 7 hunters, a tier 5 and tier 6 hunter died in a tier 4 dungeon?"

"Precisely. That's exactly why," said Charlie as she snapped her fingers. "They'll literally eat you alive and they'll send you straight to jail. Once that happens, you'll meet a bunch of guys who are far bigger and stronger than you. Guys who haven't had human interaction in a long time..."

"Why are you saying it like that?!" exclaimed Hunter as he began shivering at the thought of dropping the soap in the bath.

"But, I can make sure that that doesn't happen," said Charlie.

"... Why?"

"I'm looking for someone to join my division when one of my hunters retires. I'd like you to fill in for him once you reach tier 7."

Charlie placed her hand on Hunter's shoulder and looked him dead in the eye, her gaze unfaltering as she scrutinized him.

"You can do so much good for others. I know it... So, what do you say?"

Hunter gently removed Charlie's hand from his shoulder and looked away from her. His facial expression changed from slightly soft to extremely tense and serious.

"Sorry but, I can't," he gave his response.

"And why not?"

"... Now that I've awakened, I plan on using my power to make sure people like Ian never roam around the Earth freely," he replied, his tone being bold and serious.

"... I thought I liked how honest you are, but I think I hate it now," Charlie added as she stood up from her chair. "In any case, I'm going to vouch for you and make sure no one bothers you on this case ever again."

"Why? I just rejected your offer."

"Because I know that you'll need me. I'll be waiting for your call, Mr Hunter Quinn."

Charlie turned her back and made her way towards the exit. She reached in for the handle and opened the door. But, before she left, she turned her head to look at Hunter.

"Also, why'd your description say you have hazel brown eyes?" she inquired.

"Huh?" Hunter was confused. As such, he tilted his head in accordance.

"Whatever. Just make sure they get your description right. Otherwise, they'll end up arresting the wrong person."

With that, Charlie left the hospital room and closed the door behind her. Hunter sighed softly and looked to his front, where System Rosana had been floating. With his brows furrowed, he looked at the system and squinted his eyes.

[What's that look for?]

"I was terrified. I was so sure that she could see you," replied Hunter.

[I'm only visible to you. I am your system, afterall]

"I guess it would be troublesome if people saw you. Wait, that lady said something about my eyes. What did she mean by that?"

[Open your Status Screen to find out]

Hesitant, Hunter said, "Status Screen," allowing a holographic blue screen to appear before him, showing him his stats and attributes.

{Name: Hunter Quinn

Age:17

Occupation: Dungeon Explorer and Diver

Tier: 18

Strength: 20

Intelligence: 28

Agility: 24

Karma: 0

Active Skills:

- Black Flames

- Fast Break

- Healing

Passive Skills:

- Prey Gaze}

"Whoa..." said Hunter as he observed the screen in front of him. "And, no one else can see this, right?"

[... Yes]

"Why'd you take a pause?"

[Nevermind that for now. Pay attention to your statistics. Specifically Prey Gaze]

"What about it?"

[This is an ability you were initially born with. Just like how Catherine's inate ability was Clone Creation, your inate ability is Prey Gaze. Hence why your eyes are blue now]

"My eyes are blue?!" shouted Hunter.

[They can hear you, you know?]

'Seriously. I'm fine with you helping me out, but you can't change my appearance like I'm a freaking doll!' said Hunter as he spoke in his mind.

[I even got rid of your freckles. Now you're a cutie]

'I wonder if you have a mute button...'

[Hey! Listen, your eyes were always blue. Your parents had to change them in order to protect you. They were going to turn blue once you were 18 anyways. Why are you being a bitch about it?]

'Huh?! Did you actually just call me a bitch?!'

[Shut up and just read the stats on the Prey Gaze. Once you do, I'll instantly heal you and we can get started on your training]

Hunter furrowed his brows and rolled his eyes. "Fine. Let's see what this system of yours is talking about..."