Chapter No.18: - Two paths.

There were two paths.

The first one was to be a wild hunter, while the second was to be part of the logistics crew.

The former offered freedom and high rewards but came with constant danger and no guarantee of safety, The latter provided stability, and security -ideal for those who valued consistency over risk.

Eira Sylvana laid out the pros and cons of both paths clearly. Afterward, she gave Simon, Ivan and the other recruits a day to reflect and decide before moving on to her other duties.

For Simon and Ivan, the choice was already clear.

They took the day off, using it to reflect on recent events. Overt lunch, they recounted the trial, the fight with the wooder Bear, and Simon's complete domination over Mark -each memory bringing either laughter or a surge of pride.

"Simon, did you hear there is some one like you -someone with two abilities" Ivan said, his mouth half-full of food.

Simon barely glanced up from his plate, but Ivan's words caught his attention. Because of his performance during the trail, Simon was already known within the company as a prodigy -an Astral Lord with three abilities, a rarity that had made waves among the ranks. But the idea of someone else wielding multiple abilities? That was enough to make him pause.

Ivan grinned, clearly enjoying the gossip. "They say she's got Omni-Control and Omni-Destruction; one lets her control everything in existence, and the other can erase anything form existence."

"Yeah, I thought you'd be interested." Ivan shoved another bite into his mouth. "So, I checked -wanted to see if she was competition or whatever."

Simon arched a brow. "And?"

Ivan wiped his mouth with the back of his hand before answering. "She's with our company -stationed at the Lens City branch."

Simon's curiosity skyrocketed. Someone with that powerful ability, within the same organization? It wasn't just interesting anymore -it was personal

"Lens city, Hub?" Simon leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look crossing his face before a subtle, calculating smile crept in. "That's… definitely someone worth meeting."

Ivan chuckled, not catching the shift in Simon's tone. "What, already thinking about challenging her?"

"Something like that," Simon replied smoothly, though his mind was racing with possibilities.

Omni-control and Omni-Destruction… if he could get close enough, understand how her abilities worked -maybe even copy them -it could change everything.

Ivan stuffed another bite of food into his mouth. "Well, with how things have been going for you lately, I wouldn't be surprised if you two cross paths soon."

Simon's smile deepened, hiding the gears turning in his mind. "Yeah…Sooner that you think."

The afternoon passed by quickly, and when it was time to get off work, Simon, Ivan and the others walked to conference room.

"Have all of you made up your minds?"

Eira Sylvana asked her voice cold as ever.

"Yes!"

Simon and the rest answered.

"Those who have chosen to be wild hunters, take a step forward!"

Simon, Ivan, Tyler Everest, and other two people stepped forward, while the remaining stood in place.

"The five of you stay behind. The rest, go with Ethan." Eira Sylvana

Said lightly. Other left, leaving only the five people including Simon and Ivan, all of then had chosen to become wild hunter.

"Since, you have chosen this path, I need to tell you in advance that being a Wild hunter is dangerous and at any moment, you may die under the claws of a Dreadbeast!"

Eira Sylvana swept her cold eyes across the five individuals. "If any of you want to withdraw its now, its still not too late! However, it won't be easy once you regret your decision after you sign the contract!"

"Ms. Eira, we have made up our minds" the five said in unison.

Eira Sylvana nodded again. "All of you are newcomers who are being cultivated by the company, and the company will need to consider your safety. Our traditional practice is to get a veteran to bring you along for a time, and once you are used to life in the wilderness, you can then make your own choice!"

"we'll leave it to you to arrange it, Miss"

Ivan and other three naturally had no opinions, but Simon did not agree as he looked at Eira Sylvana and said "Miss, I wish to go solo!"

"GO solo?"

Eira Sylvana frowned. "The three of you, look for Ms. locker and allow her to make the arrangements for you. Simon and Ivan stay behind. We can proceed with the re-signing of your contract in the process!"

"Yes."

The other left, leaving Simon and Ivan behind.

"You just said that… you wanted to go solo?"

Eira Sylvana tapped the table lightly. "Don't you know how dangerous the wilderness is?"

"Yes. Ma'am!"

Simon nodded.

"Do you know that the mortality rate of wild hunter is still very high?" Eira Sylvana looked at Simon.

"Yes, Ma'am!"

"Do you know that if there's no veteran Astral Lord to bring you along, it would be the easiest for a rookie like you to die?"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

"Yet, you still insist to go solo?"

"Miss, I have confidence!"

"Confidence? Hahaha! Even 5-Star and 6-Star Astral Lords are likely to die in the wilderness. A mere 1-Star Astral Lord like you dares to say that you are confident?"

Eira Sylvana seemed amused.

"Miss, only the areas that are inhabited by mid- to high- level Dreadbeasts are dangerous. The nearby wilderness may not necessarily be so. I know my strength is limited, so before I get stronger, I will not head into areas where the powerful Dreadbeasts are!" Simon promised.

"Have you made up your mind?"

Seeing how resolute Simon was, it was unlikely that his decision was a hastily made one. Eira Sylvana could not help but frown.

Then she turned to Ivan as if asking. "Do you also want go solo?"

"No Miss, I will be following you're arrange" Ivan said.

Ivan understood his drawback, like Simon he did not have three abilities nor did he have masterful control in his ability, only thing that made him different from the rest is his talent grow stronger faster that his colleague not including Simon, which was already something the company valued and he knew that the treatment he will get will be nothing less than what they gave Simon.

Seeing that one of them was not that stubborn, Eira Sylvana sighed.

"Although you are company's Astral Lord, it is your right to choose to go solo or not, and the company cannot force you! However, I still want to remind you that the company has decided to focus on training you both, so think carefully Simon" Eira Sylvana said meaningfully.

It was all due to Simon's excellent performance. If it were someone else, she would not have bothered.

"Miss, I've decided!"

Simon said with determination.

"Since you've decided, I will not interfere!" Eira Sylvana said hearing Simon determined voice. She then took out a contract and handed it over to Simon and Ivan. "This is an A+ Contract as your reward. Have a look.

Simon and Ivan took the contract and noticed that the contents were not that different from they're previous Contract. Excluding the benefits section that showed major improvement.

1.An intermediate Astral absorption technique, Solar Eater.

1-million-dollar monthly salary included with two months of advance payment. (i.e. 2 million) Standalone mansion

4….

"Miss, the Four option is left blank?" Simon asked in confusion.

"Actually, the four option is benefit that only A+ contracts and above have, which allows you to choose one extra benefit!" Eira Sylvana explained.

"I've chosen three option that you two might like which can be added as the fourth option."

"One, intermediate Astral Combat technique!

"Two, intermediate solid weapon!

"Three, an intermediate Space belt with storage space of 20,000 square feet's"

"Choose one from the three or you can give you option?"

Hearing the items that Eira Sylvana listed, Simon was more than more than satisfied because the only one thing which was already listed in.

Simon without any hesitation made the choice. "Miss, l will be choosing intermediate Space belt."