Outer and Inner Ring

Zhao Lin was planning on going as early as possible, but he couldn't go back to the raptor and rex nest again. His last exploration would most likely cause them to be more alert. So a new target was needed or at least he should take a job. Jobs that require someone to go outside the wall, usually paid well. But the pay wasn't enough for him to get the Evol Crystal quick enough.

He would go hunt Rooster Rexs, but they always fought in packs. Even then, they were a E grade Evolved Beast. That was a Battle Warrior ranked beast. And the better grade meant stronger beast. He was nowhere near to take on a Rooster Rex head on. It was pure luck the circumstances allowed what happened to happen.

The Tang Siblings were doing their own training with their father. With his path to being a Warrior suddenly accelerated, he needed to run instead of walking.

He went towards a local informant in the next area over from what he called the Slums. This next area was one of the main areas that many people went to. It had many news and broadcasting stations of various source. Jobs, news, information, it was all found here. Many other companies had there branches here. One of the most popular building was the Hunters Guild. This was where many starting Warriors gain experience to take on larger beast. You could find information on almost all known beast on earth. Their whereabouts, weaknesses, strengths, traits, and more could all be obtained from the Hunters Guild.

It was one of the most important group below the Warriors Organization. Here one was able to take on jobs from various sources. They were well paid, and was always within the difficulty rating. Like beast grades, missions were also in letter grades. These were separate from the Warriors Organizations mission. As they focused on more major matters.

While the Hunters Guild was also job giver, it was also a library of information, thus it was open to the public. Many times did Zhao Lin come here, and it was only to read the archives. It was incredibly vast.

Zhao Lin had walked in without any barriers, but only found that it was crowded today. It would appear that many of the others here are training for the upcoming examination as well. Many were taking on jobs while others were doing research on certain areas. Joining the Warrior Organization was important to many people. Their requirements were very demanding, first one required to be able handle E grade beast without the help of others. Second, their skills and abilities needed to be evaluated to correctly grade the Warrior.

From what he knew there were 5 ranks of Warriors. Battle Warrior, Battle Lord, Battle Master, Battle God, it was after one would change, becoming incredible beyond imagine, the legendary rank, War God. That rank was given when the Founder of the Warriors Organization created the five cities, and established order to mankind once again.

It was said that a extremely high level SS beast had appeared, and that the Founder had fought with it for almost a week. The battle was devastating that the area of the battle was soon transformed, now a land of destruction and death. The beast who once inhabited it were now transformed by the energy radiation from the battle. They become vicious and frantic, attacking any living thing within their sights. Thus, the grounds became known as, the Chaos Field, and the Chaos Beast were born. And because of the level of destruction, the title felt suited for the level of power.

Zhao Lin felt he could take on certain E grade beast. Rooster Rex wasn't an E grade because of their intelligence, mostly for their large size and strength. If he were to fight beast on the same level that was more solitary, than he could gauge his strength better.

There were many safe areas near the city, only dull weaker beast would wonder near any city. Allowing easy hunting for many of the citizens. Their were many stations where one could use to look at the archives.

Choosing one, he sat down and started to look under categories of beast near the city. It didn't take long before he found what needed, and found an E Grade beast called Metal Ram. As the name suggest, the Ram had Metal Like Horns. Only they were stronger than most Steel and allows. They rarely attacked in groups, so it was easy to fight against one. They were often spread out in a certain area, making it harder for him to get overwhelmed. He took out a chip which he downloaded the information he needed down and prepared to leave. But a conversation nearby caught his attention.

A group of of men were situated around a table. The group drank and ate as they spoke.

"Did you hear about the recent attack on the West City?"

"Yeah I did. I heard a group of Class S monsters got together and tried to siege it."

"Group of S Classes? When was the last time the Evolved Beast attacked a city using such a strong force?"

"This are getting restless lately. The appearance of S Class beast are increasing and the beast activity have gone up as well."

———————

Zhao Lin was interested in these kind of news. Information related to such attacks are small and little, this was to avoid public panic. But recent years have seen an increase in beast appearance and attacks. So much so it's become a growing concern among the masses. Fearing the extinction of Mankind on Earth.

He left after the conversation started to change and headed straight for the city gates. Though he was part of the concern, there was nothing he could do. An ant can't push forward an entire race.

It was still early, and he planned to go hunt as quick as possible. But before he could fully step out the city, he got a call on his watch. Answering revealed a man who was dressed in a white military uniform baring the Warriors Organization Emblem.

"Zhao Lin?"

"Yes?"

"We have been notified of your acceptance towards our letter. Since you have been accepted into our systems, it is required you come to the academy to receive your award."

"Award?"

"Yes. The letter sent out to each individual was to allow them to enter the Warriors Academy to receive special care until the examination. While your time as a student would be short, we will do our best to nurture you."

It was after talking that Zhao Lin fully understood. The announcement was made at multiple places promoting the examination. While the letters sent to homes were seedlings selected by the Warrior Organization to nurture. Zhao Lin being one of them, had a certain amount of supplies used for his training, like every other letter recipient. Through these given materials, they push the selected individuals to reach within the winning standing, which was the first 1000 places.

Now that the announcements were over, it was necessary to quickly give the recipients their training supplies for the upcoming examination. News within the city traveled quick. News of the Examination had already reached most of the cities populations ears by the time he reached the city gates.

While a bit annoyed he stilled walked back in. The supplies would most likely useful, and could help him in becoming stronger. Plus it was free, so why not take what they wanted to give. The Academy was Located in the Inner Ring of city. This was mostly so there was a more equal distance for all students. While people can enter and leave the rings freely, there was one thing that made it difficult to do so. The discrimination.

As Zhao Lin walked into the Inner Ring gates. He saw a distance a way, a group of four men were surround another. The other man was on his knees while looking like he was trying to beg one of the men. What was most noticeable was that the man only had one arm out while he kowtowed. Upon getting a but closer did he see there wasn't an arm, just a sleeve dangling. The man had a shadow of a beard and messy hair. His skin covered in dirt, where one could see it transition to light color to a dirty black. His blonde hair was drooping down and looked as it he didn't wash his hair in days.

"Please Mr Wang, let me stay! I need the money to support my family. I won't be able to find work anywhere else in this condition." The man on the ground said as he sounded as if he was to cry.

The man he was looking at was a light tan tall man in very fine clothing. He had black smooth hair that was pulled towards the back. He had a aura of arrogance and one could see his laughing sneer at the begging man.

"Come now Mr Westly, what you are doing is simply pathetic. I told you, I just can't afford you anymore. Business has been greatly slowly as of late and I'm having money issues of my own. Please, your ruining my even right now." The haughty man said as started to walk away chuckling with his friends.

Zhao Lin did not interfere. He merely watched the one called Wang, and remembered his face. These type of people were what he hated the most. Arrogant. If he could he would have cut that man in half. But not only were there laws, there were also a difference in standing.

If that man was from a large family in the Inner Ring, they could easily deal with his family without much effort. Even the city will find it too late to stop it. Thus he was outnumbered and outgunned. He couldn't risk his family's safety and peace. But he can remember them. And wait for life to give him an opportunity to get back at them.

At least for know, he would put the man on his watchlist, and to never get close to these kind of people.

The man was completely distraught as he knelt on the ground. The surround people only walked by him. Some gawked and made fun of him, others simple took glimpse and continued onward. Zhao Lin however went up to the man and offered a hand.

"Hey Mister. If you want, i can help you on your way home." He offered to help. The man barely gave an answer, so Zhao Lin just picked up and let him lean on him.

"Where to?"

"...."

———————

The man lived inside the Inner ring, and in the Inner rings 5th living district. One of the many homing areas of the city. This area was with many towered homes. Each one was over 50 stories, and were very large. The man the entire time merely gestured towards where to go. The entrance of the Inner ring gate he was at was close by the 5th living district. This part was town was quite nice compared to the Outer Ring.

This was his first time seeing a man so distraught, he couldn't help but try to assist the man. The mans room was several stories up. On the way, he received many looks and glances. He also heard them say the man's name several times. It would seem that this man wasn't exactly unknown.

When he reached the floor and the room, he knocked and waited for an answer. He could hear people inside conversing. When the door opened, he was surprised to a young girl in a ponytail, no older than he was. She had clear green eyes and her hair was shining blonde from being wet. She wore a t-shirt and short shorts, and one could see the water marks left on her neck and arms. He also caught a glimpse of a towel behind the door. She must have gotten out of a shower or bath.

Zhao Lin was caught slightly off guard by the pretty girl but snapped back to reality. He soon gestured toward the man, who the girl recognized immediately.

"Dad!" She said as she went to support her father. Other individuals inside soon came to the door to see the commotion. A woman, and 2 young twin boys came towards the door.

"Daddy!"

"Dear!"

The 3 soon huddled around the man and brought him inside.

"Oh you stupid fool. Who cares about your job? Aren't you a Warrior? You can easily find something else you can do. Plus we have savings and my work has been quite popular lately."

"Yeah daddy, don't leave like that again."

"Please daddy get better."

The mother was consoling her husband while the two boys ran around trying to make their father comfortable.

Zhao Lin merely watched a bit before turning to leave. It was only when he felt a tug on his sleeve did he stop and turn. The girl from before had grabbed the corner of his sleeve.

"I, um. I wanted to thank you, for bringing my father back." Zhao Lin simply shook his head and smiled.

"He came home to a good family. Glad he has some light in his life."

The girl was a little confused and in thought from what he said. His back soon disappearing around the corner.