Chapter 130: HUNTER TEST

Inside the Hunter Guild’s main hall, various hunters sat in groups around different tables. Some were discussing recent dungeon raids, others were talking about family problems or the political issues of the kingdom. Some faces showed signs of worry or fatigue, while others seemed simply happy to enjoy the present moment.

“I heard there’s going to be another hunter selection test today. I don’t know why people willingly walk into the jaws of death,” said a young man around 25 or 26 years old, speaking to his tablemates.

“Well, not everyone’s a coward like you, Ronald. Some people actually want to fight back. Or what do you want? Everyone should just sit quietly and wait for dungeon breakouts to wipe us all out?” replied a female hunter beside him who looked around 22 or 23. Her answer was driven by emotion.

“Who are you calling a coward, Jessi? It’s not like I avoid dungeon raids! I just said I don’t understand why people are so reckless. How does that make me a coward?” he snapped back.

“Oh come on, you two. It’s just the morning and you’ve already started. Save that fighting spirit for your next raid,” said another woman at the table, who looked around 20 years old.

“Well tell her, not me. She was the one trash talking about me, Melissa.” Ronald didn’t feel happy being called a coward.

“She only me….” Melissa was about to say something but couldn’t finish her words. The last person sitting at the table slammed his hand on it and barked, “Dumbasses! All of you. Do you all want to die this bad?” He looked terrifying.

“No, boss.” All three replied in unison. It was easy to tell that they were afraid of this fourth person. He was wearing a sleeveless black tunic showcasing his well-defined muscles. Even in this era of magic, his physique clearly showed his hard work and devotion. He was the leader of this small group.

“We are here to recruit new members for our team, don’t forget that. If you all fight like this among yourselves, who will join our team?” the muscular man lashed out.

“Well, who is going to join after seeing your scary face?” All three thought the same thing. But they didn’t dare let those thoughts come out.

Suddenly, another man’s voice rang out. “Look who it is. If it isn’t our mighty team leader Gideon. Why does your team look so short on members, Gideon? Are you having trouble recruiting new hunters after your three members died on that pathetic C level dungeon?” His tone was clearly filled with mockery.

Gideon didn’t reply back. But the other three looked visibly enraged. Their team used to have seven members. But in a tragic dungeon raid, they lost three of them. Although dungeon raids are life-and-death battles, many treat them like a competition. Just like this person mocking Gideon—Leonard.

He slowly walked over and stood next to Gideon. Then placing a hand on his shoulder, he said, “I hope you can recruit some new members today. Otherwise, it won’t be fun, Gideon. And try to pick them carefully. Not again some muscle-head like you or weaklings like the rest of the group.” He started laughing, along with the two teammates standing beside him.

“How dare you look down on us!” Ronald shouted, failing to control his anger.

Even though Gideon looked scary and terrifying, they all deeply loved and respected him. Because of his passion for battle, his undeniable care for his teammates, his compassion for others, and most of all—his guts. Even when facing a hundred monsters, Gideon’s hands had never trembled. He wasn’t just a leader. He was their idol. And there was no way they could accept anyone humiliating him.

But before Ronald could shout anything more, Gideon raised his hand and stopped him.

Then, slowly pulling out the cigarette from his mouth, he looked at Leonard and said in a don’t-care tone, “With that face like horse-shit, why do you even bother and shove your nose somewhere it doesn’t belong. Go and spread your stench somewhere else. Nobody here has the time to entertain you.”

Leonard’s eyes twitched. He was enraged but still kept his cool. “Keep acting smug while you still can, Gideon. That luxury won’t last after today. Your team is already half-broken trash. No smart hunter will join your group unless they’re brain-dead. And do you know who’s joining our team today? Lucas. Lucas Hale. He’s not from the direct royal bloodline, but he’s the most talented among the branch families. Some even say his talent rivals Rowan Hale’s. Only 21 years old and already Tier 3. And another one is joining us today too. A Tier 4. You’ll see how far behind your loser group is compared to ours.” With that, he scoffed and turned around, walking away with his two team members.

“Boss, why didn’t you let me say anything? They always look down on us.”

Gideon stayed silent for a while and then said, “We’re not fighting to compete with others. We’re fighting to protect others. Drill this into your head.”

Ronald didn’t say anything else. But in his mind, he was still cursing Leonard.

The hall continued to grow crowded. Slowly, more and more people were arriving. Just by looking, it was clear that they were here for the hunter test. Suddenly, the guild door creaked open and a kid stepped inside. He was wearing a gray tunic with a hoodless cloak hanging from his back. His face was covered by a mask. So while his short height suggested he was young, his exact age couldn’t be determined.

He walked unhurriedly toward the reception desk and stopped in front of it.

“I want to take the hunter test,” the kid said.

Many people stopped talking and looked this way.

Even Gideon’s group did the same.

Elizabeth, who was at the reception, froze for a moment. She had never seen someone this young come to take the test before.

“Does he even have parents at home?” she thought.

“Sure. What’s your name and elemental affinities?” she asked, pushing aside her doubts.

“My affinities are Fire and Water,” the kid replied.

“And my name is…

Aiden… Aiden Ferith.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep