gifts
Orin finally had a moment to himself. Zera and her father had already left, leaving the area quiet. He sat on the stairs in front of the building, his mind replaying the old man's words.
"The heavy training suit was built especially for you. Since you actually used it well, I brought one for you. Push harder, maybe someday, you can achieve something with it."
The statement lingered in his thoughts. The suit wasn't a standard tool for other hunters. It was made specifically for him. If he wanted another one, it would probably cost a fortune. The implications were clear: someone was investing in him, expecting results.
He exhaled and pulled out the box the old man had gifted him. Inside was a belt made of sturdy, dark leather with reinforced metallic engravings. At first glance, it seemed ordinary, but Orin knew better. He tapped on it, and a screen displayed its contents:
[Storage Device: Level 6 Belt]
Fridge:
89 Level 2 corpses
167 Level 1 corpses
Other Items:
One Level 1 Identity Watch
Level 6 Physical Training Suit
He was surprised by the belt's high rank. A Level 6 storage device was something elite hunters used, equipped with massive storage space and refrigeration for preserving monster corpses.
Curious, he took out the watch. It was larger than his old one, with a sleek metallic frame and an advanced display screen. He transferred his data, and a voice greeted him:
"System activated. My name is Seren, a personal AI assistant powered by the MHU. All information provided by the owner remains highly secure unless intentionally shared."
A built-in AI assistant. That was unexpected. He renamed it Aya, then tested it. "How much space does a Level 6 belt have?"
"A Level 6 belt contains 6000 cubic meters of storage. It is equipped with industrial-grade refrigeration to store large monsters or a high quantity of smaller ones."
Orin smirked. This was far more than he expected. Storing Level 3 and even Level 4 monsters wouldn't be a problem in the future.
Before moving on, he checked his contribution points.
[100 Contribution Points]
Exchange Ratio: 1 Point = 1000 Units
Now it made sense why the house he stayed in was so expensive. A home with just a Level 5 training facility cost 25,000 units, which was only 25 contribution points to the MHU. Earning these points must be far harder than simply making money.
Shoving those thoughts aside, he stood and walked toward the hunter registration office. It was time to choose a base.
The receptionist, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes, glanced at his 2-star bronze badge before speaking. "Fresh out of evaluation? You should know that choosing a Hunter Hut is a serious decision. The huts are not what they sound like, they are massive outposts designed to defend human civilization from monster threats. Every base is under constant attack. Choosing the right one will determine whether you live or die."
Orin listened silently.
The man continued, "There are 100 bases in total. The safest is Base 100, where only Level 1 and 2 monsters appear. But it's overcrowded. Bases 90 to 99 are better choices for new hunters. While base 1 is the most dangerous and hunters avoid it"
Orin didn't hesitate. "Register me for Base 1." He had confidence in his abilities.
The receptionist blinked, stunned. "Did you say Base 1?" He leaned forward. "Listen, kid, that's not a normal base. It's the deadliest outpost. Unlike the others that guard human civilization, Base 1 is deep in the continent, right next to Mist Valley. That place is unexplored, a death zone crawling with high-level monsters. The base is constantly under siege, and hunters there die every day. No one willingly goes to Base 1. You'll be throwing your life away."
Orin's expression remained indifferent. "Register me."
The receptionist sighed. "Your choice." He pulled up the application screen. "Place your hand here for verification."
Orin placed his hand on the scanner, but an error popped up.
[Error: Unable to detect information.]
Please enter hunter data manually.
The receptionist frowned. "Strange. Name?"
"Orin."
Hunter found : [Hunter Name: Orin]
[Age: 18]
[Rank: Bronze 2-Star]
The man glanced at the screen. "You're serious about this?"
Orin simply nodded.
"Fine. Your application is submitted. You'll be notified in a few hours if you're accepted or rejected."
Without wasting time, Orin headed to the trade center. The moment he entered, he realized it was nothing like he expected. Instead of hunters, civilians were handling the trades. At first, he thought he had entered the wrong building.
But then he saw the massive display screen listing monster prices:
Level 1 – 1 Point
Level 2 – 4 Points
Level 3 – 20 Points
Level 4 – 100 Points
Level 5 – 500 Points
Level 6 – 2500 Points
Level 7 – 10,000 Points
Level 8 – 50,000 Points
Each level was exponentially more valuable.
One of the trade staff noticed him. "Welcome. What are you selling?"
"89 Level 2 corpses, 167 Level 1 corpses."
The worker's eyebrows lifted, clearly impressed. "That'll be 525 contribution points."
Orin completed the trade, walking out with the equivalent of 525,000 units. Just as he was about to leave, a notification appeared on his watch.
[MHU Base 1: Application Approved]
[Airship Arriving at the MHU in 5 Hours. Prepare for Departure].
Orin decided to walk around the city for sometime before the airship arrives.
His max weight carrying reached 11000 kg while his punch attack wasn't yet measured. But his sharp senses discovered a stalker following him secretly so Orin had to follow his usual plan and go takea road with no exit. He walked into an empty park. There was no one except for him and some company.
" You have followed me all the way here, it can't be because you think I'm attractive right ??!" He turned around and said with a murderous intent flashing through his gray silver pupils.
it wasn't anyone familiar but a slender female figure in a black metal armor, her face was also covered while she was holding a dagger in her hand and the core in her chest is glowing with red light, her body was very feminine otherwise there's noway he have known she was a woman.