Chapter 24: Hunting Again and an Ambush

----------A Certain Building in the Bloom City-------------

"How is it? Did they talk?"

"Yes, sir. And from what we gathered, it isn't them either, as they have alibis."

"Then who did?"

"That is something we are still investigating." He then pulled out the list.

"These are the only people who went in during that time frame. I don't think any of them did it, so it may be outsiders."

"Tch, How useless! Give it to me." Getting the tablet full of lists, he scrolled like a madman and stopped at certain picture.

"There is really no one who could target your brother. So could you please stop bringing people here half-dead?"

As the investor became exasperated by the action of the man in front of him. The guy then showed him a picture.

"What about this guy? Then he showed the picture of Jayven."

"He is just a student, sir, and with a defected his skill, it would be impossible for him to kill your little brother."

"So what?"

"Eh?"

"It doesn't matter if he is just a kid; as long as there is an ounce of doubt, that is more than enough."

"Sir!"

"That's enough! Thank you for your help, mister detective."

Leaving the investigator's office, he then asked one of his questions. "Was there any activity outside the gate?"

"I'll contact the guys outside now." He then called the other guys there, and within a few minutes he received a number of lists.

"Here are the people who have entered, sir. Although we didn't get much information due to the guards."

"Hmph, let's see." Scrolling down the list, he then found Jayven. "Since when did this guy enter?"

Hearing the question he answered. "I think he has been there for three hours already."

"Did he get back already?"

"Let me ask them first. With another call, he got his answer again."

"No, sir, there are no signs of him returning to the city."

"Good, we will be hunting now, boys."

Hearing that, everyone started to smile sadistically.

------------Inner Area of the South Forest-------------------

After hunting for a few hours, Jayven rested for a while.

"The inner area is really dangerous, not only because there are any strong monsters, but also because there are those who could manipulate mana, like breathing."

He continued to reflect on his previous encounter with monsters.

The first monster he encountered was a Gale Wolf. It was very fast, and with the power of wind at its disposal, it became so agile that it could hit enemies in their blind spots when not careful.

The next was Vine Squirrel, who would show up out of nowhere and ensnare their targets. Although, because of their small stature, they can only cover a small part of the body,

But the vine squirrels can make it up with their numbers. So they always have at least three or more in groups; one catches the feet, making the target off balance, while the second one catches the weapon, finally tangling their target.

There are more, but these are the only ones Jayven has faced. With the Gale wolf, he just used shadow leapard Steps to catch up to it and finish it with his Mountain Tiger Claw.

Then for the vine squirrels, he would catch them with his mountain tiger claw and just rip them off his body, smashing them to the ground.

It was brutal, but the only special part of it were its tails, which are actually quite delicious and useful for alchemy.

He happily dismantled his spoils and put them in his storage bag. Yes, he finally had a storage bag. After many fights in the PVP arena, he learned that he could actually exchange the credits there for real money.

When he tried, he was surprised that the exchange ratio was 1:10, meaning that one coin of RC is equivalent to 10 ACC. He looked at it again and then realized that those who can fight in the arena are users.

So ordinary mana bearers will have a hard time earning. While users are simply swimming in money in The Virtual world and in the real world,

So with all he got, he bought a storage facility that cost more than 100 Million ACC in the Hunter Association since it was much safer there, although it did cost a lot.

But now he can fit a whole room in it. With this, he is now able to hunt much more efficiently. And his stats increase was amazing as well.

__________

Stamina - 100/100

Mana - 50/100

STR - 42 (35) ⬆(7)

VIT - 43 (36) ⬆(7)

INT - 47 (39) ⬆(8)

AGI - 47 (39) ⬆(8)

DEX - 49 ️(38) ⬆(11)

SKILLS>>

     > RESTRAINT (USER) E> Second Awakening

          >RESTRICTION - Restrict the usage of body functions for a set amount of time. The current duration is 2 multiplied by X points of mana per seconds.

     >ADJUSTMENT- The effect of restraint can be adjusted from 1% - 99%. 

STATE >>

     >Healthy>

          User current state is at least above 95%.

TRAITS>>

     >Senses>

          >FEELING - 14

          >SIGHT - 12

          >HEARING - 13

          >SMELL - 12

          >TASTE - 12

     >Health Recovery (User)>

          >Able to heal injuries by 0.001% per second.

     >Mana Recovery (User)>

          >Able to restore Mana by 0.01 points per second.

     >Stamina Recovery (User)>

          >Able to recover Stamina by 0.1 point per second.

_____________ 

"Although its increase isn't as big as before since I didn't get to train that much, it is still great,and from the looks of it, My storage bag is almost full. I thought many Vine squirrels would attack me."

And as he was about to leave, he heard a clapping sound.

"Good, good. Seeing as you are able to hunt such monsters, I guess you are now a mana user. But from the looks of it, you are still a beginner."

'Who the heck is this guy?' Jayven was surprised to see someone like him pop out unannounced.

"Then I guess my hunch was right—you killed my brother, right?"

Hearing that Jayven was confused, what does he mean when he says I killed his brother?

"I don't know why you are accusing me of that, but please don't involve me when you have no evidence."

"Hah! Evidence? I don't need it. You are someone who could potentially kill my brother; there is no need to bring out any evidence."

"With only that reason? Sorry, but I don't want to waste my time here."

"Waste of time? My only family member died, and you're calling it a waste of time?! Look here, kid, I don't need any reason, and just knowing what you can do is reason enough."

Then, out of nowhere, he released his rage, which was coming out of him as he threatened to pressure Jayven with his mana.

"I want him to suffer. Go beat him up."

With that as a command, a group of people then showed up and attacked Jayven.

But not wanting to be cornered, Jayven ran fast.

"Shit, there are many of them; I can't fight them all at once, plus that guy. He is definitely stronger than me; he should be in the 6th stage of mana guidance, Unlike me, who is barely in the 5th stage."

Running around, he was thinking about what to do until the guy from earlier showed up and stooped Jayven on his track by kicking him.

"Gahah!...." 'That guy seriously doesn't want me to get away. I need to get away from here, but how?'

As Jayven was thinking of ways to escape, the henchmen of the guy after him were already catching up.

"You won't have any ways to escape. After this, you will confess your sins."

As if trying to pin him down, he performed a battle technique. And seeing this, a memory jogged back to Jayven. 'I see, so he is the bother of that piece of sh*t.'

With his mind made up, Jayven stood still, waiting for the attack to come.

The attack came and hit Jayven square in the abdomen. But instead of flying away, he stood his ground.

And out of nowhere, the guy opposite him sucked out air.

"KahaH!.... Your crazy bastard thought you would hold on to me to avoid getting blown away."

Just like he said, Jayven clinged to his arms during the attack, making him stand still. But at the same time, they used that momentum to counterattack.

"But this isn't enough to defeat me. Your dead kid"

Not waiting for his henchmen to arrive, he attacked him again. But Jayven didn't stand still either; he also launched an attack of his own.

The two exchanged fists, and surprisingly, the battle seemed to be on equal footing.

"Hey, are we going to help our boss?"

"Nah, he can handle that kid just fine."

"Yeah, there's no need to spoil his fun."

"Heh, I guess you're right."

Seeming to have confidence in their boss, the henchmen just stood there and watched as they fought.

"Come on, kid, more, more. Ahahahahaha"

Seemingly enjoying himself, he continued to pummel Jayven. But he wasn't the only one; Jayven also stood his ground, making an effort to beat his enemy.