Chapter 29: Registration at the Hunter Office
Akira approached the city's dividing wall, a sturdy metallic structure that seemed to separate the world into order and chaos. The surrounding area was bustling; armored vehicles passed through checkpoints, armed soldiers shouted commands, and their eyes missed nothing.
He continued walking without stopping, heading toward a grand building integrated into the wall itself, with a sign above it:
"Hunter Association – Southern Branch"
"Let me get this straight… I'm just here to register as a hunter, right?"
He muttered inwardly to Alice.
"I've explained this before. Official registration will reduce suspicion, and you won't be allowed into certain areas without an ID."
"Just give them the information we agreed on."
"Of course."
He entered the building with steady steps, despite his slight tension. Inside, it was crowded with hunters of various ranks, armed and equipped diversely, some radiating faint Mana auras. The air smelled of metal and charged energy.
"Keep moving forward. No one will bother you," Alice whispered confidently.
He approached the reception desk. A young female employee with calm features looked up as he came closer and offered a polite smile.
"Hello, sir. How can I help you today?"
"I'm here… to register."
"Of course, we'd be happy to assist."
She handed him a form and a pen. "Please fill out this information. If you can't read or write, I can assist."
"No, thank you. I'll do it myself."
He looked at the form. It requested basic information: name, age, level, element, stats, relatives, skills, and active time.
He began writing, leaving blank the fields he didn't know.
Inside, he heard Alice teasingly:
"Akira… your handwriting is awful."
He frowned and muttered:
"Shut up."
Once finished, he handed the form to the employee. She looked at it for a moment, then her smile twitched slightly as she read the entries.
"Let me verify the data… Your name is Akira, no surname?"
"Yes."
"Age? Fifteen?"
"Correct."
"You have Earth affinity?"
"Yes."
"Level nine, Unclassified. And you have one skill called 'Rock Bullet'?"
"Correct."
"Awake for about three months, and you don't belong to any organization or family?"
"Exactly."
She looked at him more seriously this time:
"Akira, you've provided the required information. Do you agree to have it officially registered as your identity data?"
"Yes."
"Please note that after registration, this data cannot be changed through ordinary means. Do you still wish to proceed?"
"I do."
She pointed to a small glowing crystal in front of him:
"Please place your hands on the crystal to record your Mana imprint."
He extended his hands and placed them on the crystal. The light glowed for a moment, then quietly dimmed.
"Excellent. Your registration is now complete."
She handed him a solid plastic card, displaying his name and some symbols:
"This is your ID card. Your account will be activated within 24 hours. It's recommended to obtain a personal information terminal soon; you'll need it to communicate and receive missions."
He took the card and examined it carefully.
"Thank you."
She smiled:
"May safety accompany you in your hunts, and may you bring glory to us."
He nodded and turned, starting toward the exit.
His next steps were formal, steady, and full of possibilities.
One man, watching Akira's small frame walking away, muttered:
"Another kid? A hunter?"
His companion replied with disdain:
"Their numbers have increased lately… it's as if the system has finally lost its mind."
"This is unbearable… reminds me of that child… what were they called?"
"The Crimson Child."
"Yes. They say he got a broken skill from the system itself."
"Did they find out who he is?"
"No one knows. Maybe recruited by a gang or organization."
Akira ignored the whispers behind him and continued toward the inn where he was staying. His expression was calm, but inside, questions stirred.
"Was it wise to lie on the registration form?"
Alice asked, her tone more skeptical than worried.
"It'll be fine," she replied confidently.
"But… that skill, I don't actually have it."
"This… is where I come in."
"You mean that…"
Alice smiled inside his mind, a look filled with arrogance:
"Did you forget who gave you your first skill in the first place?"
"I didn't know you could grant racial skills like Earth affinity."
"You know nothing about me, Akira. As I said before, I can make you the strongest person in this world. I have an arsenal of skills…"
"But you left me with only one skill?"
"Because I know that rapid power corrupts those who don't deserve it. I didn't want to hinder your growth."
Akira remained silent, replaying her words. Perhaps she was right… perhaps not.
Then her voice cut through his thoughts again, this time sharply:
"Akira."
"What now?"
"Someone is tracking us."
"Who?"
"A girl. She isn't carrying a weapon… at least, apparently."
Akira didn't wait. He quickened his pace and slipped into a narrow alley, hiding between the city's gray walls.