novelraw Chapter 206: The Gray Hunter's Mission
Chapter 206: The Gray Hunter's Mission
“Your strength has qualified. Follow me; I will take you to the meeting room of our Blackore City Hunter Branch.”
Iron Bear straightened his collar, abandoning the idea of showing off his muscles, and continued forward along the gravel path of the outdoor training ground.
The final test...
Chen Qi wiped the sweat from his face and looked up at the sky.
The daylight was blazing fiercely; without realizing it, it was already noon.
Completing the Hunter Association’s professional assessment within a single day was indeed somewhat challenging.
Chen Qi followed Iron Bear’s footsteps, ascending the spiral staircase to the headquarters’ tall building.
An old-fashioned iron door appeared before them.
At that moment, a gray mouse scurried past his toes.
“The boss is here!” Iron Bear suddenly broke into a cold sweat, stopping in his tracks. Before stepping forward, he gave a final warning:“Rookie, I’ll remind you, the Hunter isn’t what you imagine it to be, and our boss is definitely not someone to mess with.”
Then Iron Bear placed his hand on the door and slowly pushed it open:
“Today’s timing is just right for us to update the missions. Go inside and find the branch association chief, Gray Mouse. He’ll assign you a task.”
Iron Bear kindly advised:
“Lastly, one piece of advice: always maintain a sense of reverence for our boss’s words. Also, learn to say no when necessary. Some things are beyond your control.”
Within the Hunter Association, what’s more terrifying than being insulted or beaten by higher-ups is engaging in tasks beyond one’s capability.
Gray Mouse... Chen Qi vaguely remembered this name. Accompanied by the heavy sound of the iron door, he stepped into the Hunter Association’s conference hall.
The Hunter Association was a freedom-oriented organization with extremely simple internal rules: accept tasks and complete them.
Whoever completes more tasks gains more information and becomes the leader of the Hunter Association.
Chen Qi looked around.
This was a round table meeting room, and those seated were all high-status third-tier supernaturals.
Third-tier supernaturals were powerful leaders before the arrival of the Dimensional Tide.
However, at this moment, only three people sat at the round table. Most others were standing second-tier supernaturals.
Three third-tier supernaturals and more than thirty second-tier supernaturals.
At the head of the round table sat a hunter wearing a gray coat. Beneath it was an old hunter’s uniform. In his right hand, he toyed with a poor little gray mouse.
His face was not very old, about thirty years of age, but his hair was already gray, and the exposed skin showed an extremely frightening aged appearance, like shriveled tree bark.
He was the branch chief of the Blackore City Hunter Association, a third-tier Shell Blade Affinity professional bounty hunter.
A high-tier Shell Affinity professional... Chen Qi recognized this person.
He was also a famous figure in Blackore City and one of the very rare bounty hunters in the Witch Sea.
This profession earns special currency by completing bounty tasks, which can then be exchanged with special otherworldly merchants for transcendent items and attributes.
As a third-tier professional, he had access to the special entity called "Greed."
As a Shell Blade Affinity professional, he possessed extremely strong single-target combat capability.
Gray Mouse was a veteran bounty hunter, known in the underworld as the Gray Hunter!
Beiguo possessed extensive knowledge of Shell and Hammer affinities, while Blade affinity represented powerful direct combat strength. Gray Mouse was undoubtedly an outstanding representative of these.
Even activating Ember's Touch would not be a match for him; he might not even last thirty seconds...
Chen Qi remembered this branch chief was only one step away from becoming a legendary fourth-tier.
Moreover, Gray Mouse had a massive network of connections. He was closely linked with the underground sewer world and maintained deep ties with a fourth-tier legendary skill card craftsman.
In his hands were extremely special skill cards and a large number of universal skill cards.
Such skill cards could only be obtained by completing major missions in Blackore City.
Besides, Gray Mouse himself was the pioneer of the sewer route. Through him, one could enter the New Sun World’s underground map known as the Sewer.
He was a key figure in Blackore City.
At this time, the fact that he appeared in the conference room was surprising.
Normally, such an association leader would not come to host a small hunter meeting.
Why? Could it be that Gray Mouse had some big mission?
Chen Qi wondered silently.
The moment Chen Qi stepped into the meeting hall, Gray Mouse adjusted his hat and asked:
“Rookie?”
“Yes, I’ve just completed the first two assessments and came here for the final one.”
“Oh?”
Gray Mouse’s eyes flickered slightly as he crossed his hands into fists:
“Rookie, you should know the new era has arrived. With the coming of the Dimensional Tide, we hunters no longer need boring scraps. We need adventurers—fearless people who dare to complete any task.
This means that hunters holding the new second-tier Hunter License must have strength surpassing ordinary second-tier supernaturals!”
Troublesome... Chen Qi sensed a faint ominous vibe:
“I’m quite confident in my strength. Even if the opponent is a Blade Affinity from the Black Blood Empire, I’m confident I can win.”
Chen Qi spun the Collector rifle in his hand.
Normally, the one hosting this meeting should be an ordinary third-tier supernatural.
But he never expected Gray Mouse to be the host and to speak directly to him.
A mouse climbed onto Gray Mouse’s hat brim, making a faint scratching sound.
Gray Mouse patted his hat brim:
“Rookie, my little mouse told me you defeated Black Fist. He used to be a decent guy, but among the countless geniuses in the Witch Sea, he’s just an ordinary person.”
Gray Mouse continued:
“Defeating him shows your strength has reached the standard, but being a hunter is not just about fighting and killing; it’s an adventurous profession. Therefore, before issuing you the Hunter License, you need to complete one last simple mission.”
He emphasized the word ‘mission.’
The last ‘simple’ mission... Chen Qi glanced around.
Before entering, Iron Bear had reminded him to keep reverence for Gray Mouse’s words.
What Gray Mouse called a simple mission could be like a trip to hell for others.
At the same time, others also looked at Gray Mouse.
Gray Mouse looked back at Chen Qi, a faint smile curling at his lips:
“Rookie, I happen to have three good commissions here. How about it? You just joined us and lack a mission. Do you want to take one?”
Three association chief’s commissions... Chen Qi lightly tapped the belt at his waist.
Usually, missions issued by Gray Mouse were among the hardest in the Hunter Association.
His goal was only to get a second-tier Hunter License, and after returning to the ship, he still needed to discuss matters with Fen about going to the Blood Blade Pirates.
He couldn’t accept casually... Chen Qi replied politely:
“I’m afraid my strength is not enough to take missions at will. If I am strong enough, I will accept this commission.”
The moment he finished speaking, a third-tier fist master said:
“Rookie, you can refuse directly. I have a ‘punching bag’ mission here. The boxing gym in Blackore City is holding live practice, and there’s a rich woman...”
Punching bag? Rich woman? Chen Qi was startled. Was there no normal mission?
Suddenly, Chen Qi realized many second-tier hunters looked at him with envy.
Working for a rich woman and a punching bag mission seemed to be good tasks?
Chen Qi swallowed hard. Unless forced, he would never accept those tasks.
The next moment, Gray Mouse interrupted:
“Fist master, don’t say more. Your tasks are just torment for rookies. Rookie! Don’t worry, they’re quite simple!”
“All right, it’s about time. Today, I’ll update our commissions. These are good missions I’ve worked hard to get while running around Blackore City for you all.”
Gray Mouse casually tossed two commission papers onto the round table.
Chen Qi moved forward with others to check these two fresh missions.
[Find Clues about the Great Merchant Jin Li
Commissioned by: Magic Bullet Company
Reward: Any new X-series weapon from Magic Bullet Company (can be replaced with a lower-tier weapon), 500,000 Shell Coins
Deadline: 10 days
Note: A noble wants to buy something from this merchant; inform them of the merchant’s location.]
New X-series weapons... Chen Qi’s eyes flickered.
These were extremely powerful firearms, usually only mastered by those with Hammer affinity skills. As a mid-level weapon, they were quite strong.
The content was to find Jin Li, the second-in-command of the Ice Demon Pirates.
These fourth-tier legends traveled constantly in the Witch Sea due to their professional missions.
But as legends, the items they sold far exceeded those of ordinary merchants.
Everyone began discussing.
Next, Chen Qi looked at the second commission.
[Kill the Criminal Shadows of Black Glove
Commissioned by: An anonymous merchant
Deadline: 2 days
Description: Black Glove’s Criminal Shadows saw something they shouldn’t have. They discovered these Criminal Shadows went to the Blood Blade Pirates’ distillery. Kill them before they return to Black Glove’s hands.
Reward: One bottle of new power-enhancing potion, a skill card related to energy (can be exchanged for Shell Coins), 500,000 Shell Coins.]
Upon seeing the two commissions, a second-tier hunter couldn’t help but curse:
“Damn! Two high-difficulty tasks again! I’d rather be an escort!”
Chen Qi analyzed briefly.
The first mission, find Jin Li.
Although Jin Li was a gentle merchant, she was also a legendary transcendent.
Obtaining clues about a fourth-tier legend was extremely difficult.
The second mission, kill the Criminal Shadows...
Chen Qi stroked his chin.
The Criminal Shadows were special supernaturals cultivated by Black Glove. Although they had the aura of second-tier supernaturals, they were essentially experimental monsters with relatively weak combat power.
The difficulty of this mission was that if something went wrong, it might offend both Black Glove and the Blood Blade Pirates!
Everyone shook their heads; both tasks were no small challenge.
Gray Mouse slumped back:
“Don’t be so loud. Although these missions are a bit difficult, the rewards are good, aren’t they?”
A high-status third-tier fist master sighed:
“Gray Mouse, there aren’t any spare third-tiers in the association now. To complete these missions, I recommend you inform the commissioning parties soon that we can’t finish these two tasks...”
For some major forces, failing to complete commissions easily brings their wrath.
“Well! Just try! What if? If the missions completed by hunters are all safe and doable, then it wouldn’t be hunting, right?”
Gray Mouse smiled faintly and pulled out another commission paper:
“By the way, everyone, there’s one last mission!”
Everyone’s eyes lit up and crowded forward.
Chen Qi also went over to check, clenching his fingers tightly.
[Deliver a message to the Black Hunter
Commissioned by: White Pigeon Press, Hunter Association’s Gray Hunter
Deadline: One month
Note: White Pigeon Press wants to interview the Black Hunter, and I also have some information to tell them.
Reward: 800,000 Shell Coins, a combat skill card from a fourth-tier legendary skill card craftsman.]
“???”
Chen Qi’s eyelid twitched.
Why was there a mission about him, and why did the note say “I”?
At this moment, the fist master couldn’t help but clench his fists hard—his fists hardened!
A legendary merchant Jin Li, a Black Glove, and now a Black Hunter!
Bang!
He slammed the table loudly and shouted:
“Gray Mouse, last time you took the Blood Blade Pirates’ commission to find the Flower Witch, that was already outrageous! Now, what does this mission mean?”
Gray Mouse’s missions were getting harder and harder!
Gray Mouse coughed twice:
“Although White Pigeon Press wants to find the Black Hunter, actually, I also have some business with them.”
What business? Chen Qi’s eyes showed curiosity.
As a good young man of the sea, when did he get involved with the Hunter Association’s chief?
Could it be that the bounty hunter wanted to kill him?
Chen Qi’s heart chilled immediately.
He vaguely remembered that bounty hunters could purchase a very special tracking device in the ‘store.’ With a drop of blood or a strand of hair, they could track someone across thousands of miles.
Moreover, as a bounty hunter, Gray Mouse’s tracking ability was terrifying.
Could it be that he was already on Gray Mouse’s ‘bounty list’?
Chen Qi felt a faint chill.
Others also asked:
“Gray Mouse, what do you want with the Black Hunter?”
Gray Mouse crossed his hands into fists and placed them under his chin:
“Friends, don’t you think the Black Hunter and I look a bit alike? Think about it: my nickname is Gray Hunter, and the Black Hunter’s nickname is Black Hunter.
What if someone confuses us? Or thinks we’re related?
So, I want to change my title, but changing it directly feels like burying my head in the sand and lacks a sense of ceremony.
Therefore, I want to discuss with the Black Hunter. I hope he can change his title—no, that’s unlikely; he probably wouldn’t agree...
If he can issue a statement declaring we’re unrelated, then I can directly change my name, which would feel more ceremonial.”
Gray Mouse explained his motive and the mission’s content in detail.
“So, this mission isn’t difficult because you don’t need to fight the Black Hunter. It’s just delivering a message for me and White Pigeon Press. No fighting required.
I think it should be easy to complete!”
Delivering a message to the Black Hunter? How easy could that be?
Everyone’s lips twitched, itching to swear.
Gray Mouse coughed twice and fell into thought:
“Oh right, I think the Black Hunter might have the same thoughts when he hears ‘Gray Hunter,’ so I should ask if he minds my title.”
The moment he finished speaking, everyone’s expressions burst out uncontrollably, all looking at Gray Mouse.
These three missions? Easy my foot!
And for this reason, he accepted the commission from White Pigeon Press.
Everyone looked to the more rational and friendly fist master for help.
The fist master suppressed his hard fists and said again:
“Gray Mouse, although our hunters have second-tier licenses, they are only second-tier supernaturals. When you accept missions, please consider our association’s manpower.
You should know if missions fail, those big companies won’t just sit still!
You’d better be clear that the navy and hunters from other companies are all vying for this position—the head of the Blackore City Hunter Association.”
The fist master shook his head. Their hunter association chief had repeatedly taken on these impossible tasks.
He continued:
“Gray Mouse, hasn’t the Red Hunter from Campfire Company had similar ideas? Why are you thinking like this?”
Gray Mouse adjusted his hat:
“Different. Gray and black are very similar colors! Besides, Red Hunter is a woman.”
What were these two talking about? Chen Qi’s brow furrowed even tighter after listening.
Though gray and black were somewhat alike, why did he want to change his title and go to such trouble? Why pay for a newspaper announcement?
No, don’t try to understand their thought process.
This matter itself was already absurd.
Chen Qi sighed helplessly.
However, these two missions were good tasks!
And the rewards were sufficiently generous.
The Blood Blade Pirates’ commission and the ‘Black Hunter’ commission, though difficult, were still within his capability.
Chen Qi stepped forward and picked up the two commission papers:
“Gray Mouse, a hunter can accept up to four commissions, right? I want to try these two.”
“???”
Try? Try what? Everyone was shocked, looking at Chen Qi and the commission papers in his hands.
At this moment, Gray Mouse shrugged and blinked.
His eyes seemed to say to everyone: see? The difficulty I gave isn’t high.
This mission! Even rookies dare to accept!
And two at once!