Witch, I Swear I’m Not a Deep Sea Ancient God!

Chapter 207: I'm Here for a Mission

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Gray Mouse vigorously clapped his hands:

"Excellent! As hunters, we should dare to challenge missions beyond our limits.

Cowardice will only get you swallowed by the raging tides!"

All eyes turned to the two bounty sheets in Chen Qi's hands.

This kid not only accepted missions but picked the two most dangerous ones!

A rookie actually daring to take missions targeting Black Glove and Black Hunter? That's downright reckless.

The Black Hunter remains shrouded in mystery, having recently defeated the Black Pig Shark. With his strength, killing this rookie would be child's play.

As for Black Glove, while he's a masochist, his tendencies only apply to those stronger than him. Being the one who handles dirty work for Blackfin Crew, he could make Chen Qi die like a street insect.

Gray Mouse placed one leg on the round table, his gaze burning:"Rookie! While you've made a bold move, our Hunter Association differs from outside commissions. Failure means facing corresponding penalties.

If you fail these two missions, you'll owe 100,000 Shell Coins in compensation."

This was the first time since the Dimensional Tide began that a rookie dared accept his missions.

Even that lavishly equipped Levin took five whole days before daring to take on Gray Mouse's assignments.

Chen Qi noticed how Gray Mouse, now energized, was looking at him like a long-coveted dream lover, eyes blazing with enthusiasm.

"I understand."

Chen Qi scanned the two papers.

Eliminating Black Glove's criminal shadows - even without the Hunter Association's commission, he would have sought this mission voluntarily.

Though his current strength couldn't match Black Glove alone, if the intel was correct and the targets were in Blood Blade Pirates' territory, the difficulty would drop significantly.

As for the Black Hunter mission... this would truly test his acting skills.

The fist master spoke up helplessly:

"Do you really understand? It's not as simple as you think. Our Hunter Association values freedom, which means the moment you accept these missions, you might already be on their radar...

I advise you to reconsider. Don't throw away hard-earned money for nothing..."

The fist master warned, considering this rookie far too reckless.

This guy's actually quite decent... Chen Qi hadn't paid much attention to this Transcendent before. After some thought, he replied:

"Thanks for the warning. I'll be careful."

"Any other takers?"

Gray Mouse scanned the room with expectant eyes.

Even a rookie accepted? Shouldn't you veterans step up?

Is this guy really not just exploiting the Association's penalty system for profit... The fist master sighed internally before raising his hand.

Inspired by Chen Qi, ten people ultimately accepted the missions. If they failed, they'd collectively owe the Association millions in compensation.

After discussions concluded, Gray Mouse crumpled more detailed mission information into paper balls and handed them to Chen Qi:

"Rookie, these contain specifics about both missions. Keep them confidential.

As a newcomer, completing half the objectives suffices for assessment - like locating the Black Hunter's general whereabouts or wounding one of Black Glove's criminal shadows... Anyway, full completion isn't necessary. Don't worry, even if you fail, I won't demand compensation."

Gray Mouse leaned forward, tone turning grave:

"But remember, we at the Hunter Association are just money-grubbers without blood ties, brotherhood, or romance.

If you're cornered, we won't even collect your corpse. We're merely a place for posting and accepting commissions."

Just a commission hub... Chen Qi paused momentarily.

Placing all consequences squarely on contractors and clients was fundamental to the Hunter Association's existence.

It wasn't an 'organization' but more like an impromptu discussion forum.

Corporations imposed harsh penalties for failure but provided support and safeguards.

Here, you bore all risks alone.

Meaning if Black Glove targeted him, Chen Qi could rely only on himself.

A sharp glint flashed in Gray Mouse's eyes - he didn't want rookies developing undue attachment or expectations toward the Association.

I know. That's precisely why I came here... Chen Qi smiled faintly, pocketed the mission papers, pushed open the door, and left.

......

......

Blackore City, Distillery, Afternoon.

Chen Qi changed into ordinary Hunter's Garb, eyeing the distillery gates.

Alcohol was a thriving industry on the Witch Sea, and the Blood Blade Pirates operated numerous distilleries.

Their signature floral liquor dominated Witch Sea markets.

Currently, over thirty armed guards stood at the distillery entrance.

Sitting on an outdoor chair, Chen Qi studied photos while formulating plans.

According to Hunter Association intel, Black Glove had five operatives infiltrating the distillery.

The simplest method would be waiting nearby to ambush them.

Too time-consuming...

Chen Qi produced the 'Blood Blade' token Fenrir had given him.

This Blood Blade Pirates credential could command their members.

Would directly using it to order the Pirates be wiser?

But...

Chen Qi pondered.

This might reveal his identity and connection to the Black Hunter.

With no better options, he'd have to bluff his way through... Donning his Hunter's Garb with face concealed, he approached the gates.

Three gun barrels instantly aimed at him as he neared.

"Hey! Damn brat! Who said you could dress like that and come here!"

"Know whose turf this is?!"

The guard captain snarled, firing a warning shot skyward.

"I am Levin! Here to—"

Chen Qi flipped his hand, producing a crimson dagger from his clothes.

"Levin! Blood Blade... officer..."

The guard muttered, immediately signaling retreat while bowing.

Blood Blade officers were all third-tier experts! Not worth their meager monthly salaries of tens of thousands Shell Coins!

"This dagger works this well?"

Chen Qi struggled to maintain composure.

Now he understood why this item was essential for Blood Blade operations.

"Levin? Which esteemed Blood Blade officer's subordinate might you be? Little Red Riding Hood's? Fenrir's? Or the Veteran's...?" The guard captain's broad face stretched into an obsequious grin:

"Sir, what brings you to our humble distillery? Fancy some fresh floral liquor?"

Chen Qi smiled after consideration:

"I'm here for a mission."