The next day, I was already standing in front of the Hunters Guild. In fact, it was much closer to my place, which made me understand why my neighborhood was so expensive. At this time, property prices were based on how close they were to a Guild HQ.
[Quest: Join a guild]
[Reward: 200 AP]
'Ken, this is the place?'
Jeanne and I used telepathy to communicate. Right now, I was the only one who could see her in her spirit form.
'Yes. How long can you keep this form? Do you have enough mana?'
'You kidding? I've got plenty of mana. Honestly, you're giving me too much.'
5000 MP is too much?
Shortly after, I went to the receptionist, and they soon gave me VIP treatment when I told them my name. So this was what she meant by just say your name when you arrive.
In no time, I was sitting face to face with the Guildmaster of the Hunters himself, Choi Jong-in. He's an S-rank mage who specializes in the fire element and has decades of experience. I was interested to see how he used his magic.
"Since Miss Cha recommended you so highly, I never expected you to be this young, Ken-ssi."
A man in a nice suit, Choi Jong-in said that with a slightly sly smile.
"I hope that won't be a problem."
He adjusted his glasses and continued, "Of course not. Hunters are measured by their ranks. One couldn't increase their rank simply because they are experienced in this field. Regardless, experience is still important. If you're willing to join us, you'll get everything you need, including those experiences."
"I see. Can I take a look around for a week before I consider joining the guild?"
He widened his eyes slightly before regaining his composure.
"Of course you can. However, I'll need to see your abilities first so I can place you within one of our squads. The main squad and B squad are about to start their practice session. Shall we go to the practice hall?"
Along the way, he bragged about how this guild had the best facilities even in Asia. As we walked to the practice hall in a separate building, I noticed that a gym, swimming pool, and more were available for the guild's hunters. Eventually, we arrived at what seemed to be a special arena. From the spectator seats above, I could see the hunters below, busy stretching.
'Jeanne, sit there and watch.'
'Are you sure?'
'This is just practice, so it should be safe.'
'Understood.'
Walking down the stairs into the arena, the hunters lined up and started looking at me. In front of them stood a woman with blonde hair tied into a ponytail, glancing at us.
"Miss Cha, I'm sorry to interrupt, but we have a new hunter joining us today."
"It's fine, Guildmaster. Ah, I see. I'm glad you decided to come here. Welcome to the Hunters."
She greeted me, but it wasn't as friendly as when we usually talked. It seemed she couldn't act the same way while on duty.
"Well then, you can introduce yourself to the team," Choi Jong-in said, and I simply nodded.
"My name is Takakura Ken. I'm an A-rank offense-type mage. Nice to meet you."
Everyone started to clap.
"Then, Ken-ssi, you should change your clothes before joining us."
With that, I went to the locker room. I was surprised to see that even their training uniforms used fabric infused with magical properties.
---
(3rd pov)
Watching them do their basic training, Choi Jong-in and Cha Hae-in remained in the spectator seats.
"Guildmaster, which squad will you put him in?" Hae-in asked.
"I'm not sure. He's still a rookie. I'm more inclined to assign him to the B squad so he can gain experience first. What do you think?"
Cha Hae-in fell into thought.
'Ken has already raided a gate, and I witnessed it firsthand. Still, the B squad should make sense for now.'
"The B squad seems like a good choice."
Choi Jong-in smiled. "Though I might change my mind if he exceeds my expectations. Vice Master, please set up a duel for him."
Hearing that, Cha Hae-in sighed inwardly. She wasn't worried about him she was worried about his opponent.
Soon after, the two of them walked down to the arena once everyone had finished warming up.
"Everyone, since we have a new hunter with us, how about a friendly duel before we continue?"
"Yes, Vice Master!" everyone replied in unison.
Cha Hae-in smiled as she glanced at Ken. "Ken-ssi, how about you go first?"
Ken simply nodded. "Yes, I will."
"Then your opponent should be… Gina-ssi. You're an A-rank mage, and I believe you have the same type of magic as him? Or would anyone else like to volunteer?"
"It's fine, Vice Master. I'll do it."
A woman with long, slightly wavy reddish hair raised her hand. Gina then walked toward Ken and Hae-in.
"Hello, senior. I'm Ken."
"Gina. Don't blame me if I knock you down, okay?"
What a first impression.
Though, Cha Hae-in wasn't so sure about that.
Nevertheless, both Ken and Gina went to the armory room to take items they needed. Soon, Gina comes back with two rings. Meanwhile, Ken brought a wand from the armory.
"Alright, I'll be this match referee. The rules are simple. I'll intervene if the situation leads to death. However, by any means, use everything you got in this match. If you get injured or lose a leg, healers will grow them back. Understood?"
"Yes." Both of them nod.
'This guy is the same rank as me. However, I heard that he should be a novice since his awakening. He still doesn't have as much experience as me. The healer should heal him anyway.'
Meanwhile.
'Let's gooooo! Master, I'm cheering for you!'
A certain girl cheering Ken aloud through telepathy, but also, she has been waving her flag in such energy.
FWOSH!
Gina sets her plan as mana begins to rush from her, a sphere of fireball appears between her hands. She doesn't hold back, pouring magic into it and making the flame grow larger.
"You think someone will say begin? Hmph!"
She shot the fireball at Ken who simply watched as if he's frozen up.
BOOOM!
A direct hit. The fireball hit him and set dust, smoke, and fire in where he stood.
'Damn it! Did I actually kill him?'
Gina wasn't sure. However, as the fire began to clear up. She doesn't find Ken anywhere.
'Where? His presence is gone! How?!'
Gina began to panic as she looked around. In that slight moment, she flinched because she felt presence from her back. She looked back, to find Ken was there all along. But also, a wave of mana flew toward her.
"Ah!"
Those hit her and send her consciousness away. The mana wave surely doesn't make any sound like a fireball. However, Ken liked the result of this match.
Back then, he used Jilwer to move into Gina's blind spot, then unleashed a simple compressed mana wave. It didn't harm her, since this was far from what Zoltraak could do, but the mana shockwave alone was enough to cause this effect.
He learned this from the fact that every time he encountered monsters far weaker than himself, they would tremble in fear because of his overwhelming mana. It wasn't just because he possessed Aura; it was the phenomenon known as mana sickness. Basically, when it is triggered, it can drive the opponent mad. Since his opponent was a mage, the mana sickness became even worse, as mages are especially sensitive to sudden changes in mana.
'Now… hold up.'
It's really quiet. He glances to find everyone seems paused. Cha Hae-in hurried to them. After make sure Gina is okay, she announces the winner.
"I'll take her inside so the rest of you can continue as usual!"
"Yes!"
After that, everyone looked back at Ken. While some of them rush at him.
"The heck was that spell, that's kinda cool!"
"Did you use teleportation to move at Gina's back? I'm Lee Bora by the way. You can call me Noona too."
"Don't mind me. Damn! Look at these abs! Shit! This place too. You sure work out a lot huh? Oh, I'm Seo Jiwoo."
"Okay, let me see this dude's family jewels."
"Again! That guy reached into rookie pants once again! Quick! Stop him!"
"Whaa…?"
Ken swears a guy just reached his stomach. He knows that he's hot shit. But just what is going on here?
[Ding!]
You have completed the quest.
[Quest: Join a guild]
[Reward: 200 AP]
As the day comes to an end. Ken went home while still quite terrified.
"Master, are you alright?"
Jeanne watches Ken's blank face while they eat dinner together.
"I'm fine."
---
(Cha Hae-in's pov)
[Then we will conclude our meeting tonight. Ken-ssi will be assigned to the B squad as per this meeting. Thank you, and good night.]
I closed my laptop once the meeting was finally over and plopped down onto my mattress. Reaching for my phone, I replayed the camera footage of the match between Ken and Gina.
"The result… I already expected it. But this…"
Even the camera couldn't catch his movements at all. The only conclusion was that Ken was using a spell to move. But even then, I couldn't read his movements, as if he were teleporting. Once again, I began to doubt his rank.
Someone like him should be at least S-rank. Even then, I was certain his mana level had dropped after using a few spells. That meant he wasn't faking it. Right?
"Hah… I should have put him in the main squad."
It wasn't because he smelled good! It was because we needed his strength in the main squad. Kuhum! Anyway, there was already talk of raiding Jeju Island once again. Could we really bring him there? Although, I didn't like the idea at all.
---
-Author Note-
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