Chapter No.19:- Weapons

All the things that were listed by Eira Sylvana were worth in tens of millions, which meant it was not a matter of which is better but their functions.

Which is why Simon immediately decided on the intermediate Space belt because storage was the most important thing for a wild hunter.

Hunting took time and also preparation. Entering the wilderness without proper equipment's was a sin in itself towards oneself. Wilderness was filled with danger and you might not know when monster jumps on you.

At the same time the Dreadbeast carcasses that hunters killed should also need to be transported back for claiming the price for their hard work.

So, the value of Space belt in the wilderness was as valuable as once own life.

Whereas Ivan chooses an Astral Combat technique named "Inferno Drive", because unlike Simon who can whip out technique own the spot to increase his abilities damage. Other Astral Lords cannot do it they need technique that focus on amplifying the damage or increase their versatility in the battle unless they are high level Astral Lord that have full control over their Ability.

After signing the Contract, Simon and Ivan got their thing and went home. On the way Ivan never mentioned anything about Simon going solo nor he tried to talk about it because he understood Simon and he want Simon to reach greater heights. Wishing only good for his friend and Simon greatly appreciated it.

"Dad, I am home" Simon said as he enters his house. But the moment he entered Simon felt the seriousness in the atmosphere as he saw his father sitting in front hall.

Matthew Reid, Simon's father was wearing a clean white shirt and black pants giving of a serious vide that Simon never knew his father had.

"Dad, did something happen?" Simon asked.

"What did you choose? Simon" his father's tone serious, his eyes sharp.

Hearing this question Simon understood what the serious vibe was for, his father was business man before he went bankrupted so he knew some of the inner workings of Astral companies. And today was the day he needs the answer from his own son.

"Father!" Simon called his voice serious "I choose to became a wild hunter!"

Simon's father exhaled slowly, his sharp gaze never leaving his son's face. There was no surprise in his eyes- only the weight of unspoken thoughts.

"You understand what it means, don't you?" his father said, his voice deep. "In the wilderness company won't protect you. The moment you signed that contract; you made it clear"

Simon facing his father. "I know."

His father leaned back on the chair "Wild hunter doesn't just fight Dreadbeasts, Simon. They fight for survival against rivals, betrayals, and the company's own interests. The moment you stop being valuable, they'll cut you down."

Simon's expression didn't waver. "That's why I have to grow stronger enough that they can't afford to"

Hearing this, his father sighed, rubbing his temple. "You have made your decision then"

"Yes" Simon said.

"Simon, listen!" his voice softer this time "Just remember, power isn't enough- be smart, be ruthless when necessary and above all…" he leaned forward, his eyes intense.

"Never trust anyone in the wilderness!"

Simon nodded.

His father shaking his head. "Come on, then. Let's make dinner together. If you're going to risk your life, at least eat well before you do" his father said as he patted on Simon shoulder on his way to the kitchen.

The next day.

Simon went to his company building not to his office but to company's basement where the Solid weapons are sold.

Why is Solid weapons called as such? it literally means weapon that are external which don't directly increase the strength of user's abilities but instead improve their combat effectiveness.

Like swords, blade, hammers, etc.

Simon stepped into dimly lit basement of the company building, the air filled with scent of metal and oil. Rows of weapons racks lined the wall, displayed everything from sleek blades to heavy hammers. The low hum of energy field protecting the more powerful weapons filled the space.

At the centre of the room sat a counter, where a receptionist -a sharp-eyed women with short hair -busy reviewing the inventory on a holographic screen. She barely spared him a glance before speaking.

"Welcome to the Armory. What do you need?" her tone was professional.

Simon exhaled, his fingers itching with anticipation.

Simon always felt a rush in battle, a thrill that surged through him when fighting on the edge of death. Distance was safe, too safe for his taste. Someone like him who felt more alive when facing death now wanted a weapon that suited his taste in battle, an up-close battle-maniac's taste.

Remembering his fight against the Wooder bear during the trial. Where he felt the adrenaline pumping through his veins, a feeling an normal office worker could never feel in his life, and now tasting that feeling Simon what more but Simon was not dumb enough to dive head first into a fight with a Dreadbeast without proper equipment's.

So, remembering his truthy baton that helped him face the Wooder bear, that delivered the final blow. when his flames failed damage it, the baton did the trick.

That moment stuck with him; power wasn't just about abilities. Sometimes, it was about getting close to the enemy, feeling every move and attacks of your enemy, then coming out on top.

"I'm looking for a melee weapon," he said. "Something with high heat resistance."

"Sir, please scan your ID here" the women said holding up machine.

Then a second later Simon scanned his ID on the machine, after which she got Simon's information.

She paused, gave him a look after seeing his information. "Fire user?"

"Yeah" Simon confirmed.

"Then why melee? Thought you'd be more of a ranged type"

Simon smirked. "Yeah, so does everyone else."

She studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. You want durability or raw destruction?"

"Something that can handle high-intensity combat. Won't slow me down, won't break under heat."

She swiped through the inventory on her screen. "Then you'll want something made of Pyra-steel; Absorbs excess heat, won't overheat, and can store thermal energy for an extra kick."

She gestured toward a reinforced glass case and lights inside flickered to life. Weapons lined the shelves- each built to withstand extreme temperatures. Swords, daggers, batons….

Then, she tapped on the console, and two distinct weapons slid forward.

First, a pair of curved, Jet-black daggers. The blades were smooth, with glowing red engravings running along their length.

"Ignis Fangs," she said. "Dual daggers infused with heat-conducting alloys. The more they absorb heat, the shaper they become. Perfect for fast, precise attacks."

Simon reached for one, twirling it between his fingers. It was light, perfectly Balanced, and as he gripped it tighter, he swore he could feel a faint warmth pulsing from the metal.

"Nice." He muttered.

Then, his eyes shifted to the second weapon. A heavy-looking sword with wide blade, its deep crimson hue giving it a brutal presence. Unlike the sleek design of the Dagger, this weapon radiated raw power.

"This one's called the Ember Cleaver," the receptionist women continued. 'Built for raw destruction. It absorbs heat like the Ignis Fangs, but instead of sharpening, it stores the energy for explosive impact. A single swing can release the stored heat in a shockwave."

Simon grinned, his heart pounding in excitement.

Fast and precise or devastatingly powerful.

He reached for the Ember Cleaver. Feeling the weight in his grip. It was heavier than he expected, but that only added to its appeal.

The daggers of speed. The sword for power.

"Yeah." Simon muttered, a grin forming. "I'll take both."