14 Grand Trading IV
In a bar called Flaming Mugs, Barry, a veteran, who's been a hunter for over 10 years and an AAA-ranked hunter, got together with his four teammates.
Bart, an AA rank hunter position Gunner, his job is to distract and trap the beast.
Bak a AA rank hunter, position: Blocker, his job is to intercept and prevent any attacks the beast has thrown at them, using the thick shield he also distracts the beast.
Abel a AAA rank hunter, position: Slayer, his job is a damage dealer and to kill the beast as fast as possible he and Barry, their team leader are responsible for killing the beast
Jenna, a AA rank hunter, position: Support, her job is to heal using potions and provide ammo, and other support items to her teammates.
Together, their team is called Raid masters, but now there was a depressing aura surrounding them. Because for some reason, the drone they used to capture the video of their fight against the beast lord was hacked, and the footage of their failed raid was posted in the hunter forum and into the +tube where millions, if not billions of people can view their failure...
Usually, a failed raid is a common occurrence. The team's failed raid is not a bad video. It even captures their professionalism in hunting a beast Lord. The problem is two days ago before the so-called failed raid. They bragged and taunted their rival team called BEAST KILLERS.
They bragged and said that no beast Lord can escape their Teamwork, and they never failed a raid before.
Furthermore, they said this after the BEAST KILLERS team leader said that they failed a few raids in the past during their interview on some prominent TV program that covers all beast hunting-related topics.
And now that their failed raid was leaked and uploaded online. They received a lot of criticism and insult. As this is what happens when you brag too much.
There were even memes related to them. Video of their bragging and the videos of their failed raid were posted side by side...
To make matters worse, when their rival was asked if they have any comments regarding their failed raid. They said that they are very professional even in failure, especially in bragging...
Barry almost puked blood when he heard it because he was so angry. But what can he do? The source of their misfortune is him. Last night, after their failed raid, he went drinking and got drunk on his way home. He dropped the drone on the cab he was riding. It was not until the morning that he figured out what happened.
He was woken up by a call from Jenna, asking him what did he do? At first, he was confused because he didn't remember doing anything last night, except drinking. Which he does all the time... but when Jenna told him to open the hunter's forum.
It was after he opened the hunter's forum that he remembered his blunder. He immediately called his teammates to Flaming Mugs to discuss what to do next...
"Black Blades just called, they are canceling their sponsorship on us," said Jenna looking depressed and stressed out.
Black Blades are a famous brand that supplies weapons and gear to hunters.
"It wasn't just black Blades. All our sponsors have pulled out after a huge backlash from many people" said Abel not meeting everyone's gaze and looking at the mug of beer in his hand.
Hunters that seek fame and fortune know how ruthless the race is in becoming a celebrity hunter. Anyone can't wait to stomp and kick you down like a shark smelling blood. They did it too.
Insulting a celebrity hunter who made a mistake no matter how small it is, they will fan the flames to make it bigger. They did it for two reasons: one, to make a name for themselves by insulting him/her by saying they will never do what he/she did.
Second, by destroying their reputation, there would be one less competitor, and maybe they would get their sponsors and fans at the same time.
In other words, it's a dirty business, but they are willing to be part of it because there's a lot of money on it... and now team Raid masters find themselves on the receiving end of the barrel.
The money they earn from their sponsors is more than 10 to 20 times they earn in killing and selling the beast they hunted... and now 1 blunder, and it's all gone.
Abel was the first to speak. "I was invited by team Slayer to join their team and I accepted it. I just came here to say sorry and goodbye. I can't afford the loss of our sponsors. I have 3 children and my wife is carrying the fourth. I'm sorry." His voice is calm, with a tinge of guilt in his voice.
"It's fine, I understand," Barry said without looking at him,
In fact, he really does. He has a lot of mortgages too, he just bought a brand-new house 6 months ago, and a car a year ago. Now he doesn't know how he will be able to pay for all of it without the money from his sponsors.
Abel stood up and left without saying anything.
Abel was their best damage dealer, and without him, it will be hard for them to hunt again.
Bak was next to speak, "I'm going too. Team berserk asked me to join them, they offered me the same contract from all their sponsors, and I said yes, sorry guys it's been fun." he stood up and left.
"Actually, team Bullet Time asked me to join them, but I said no," said Bart.
Barry looked at Bart and said, "it looks like it's me and you again, buddy."
"Che, I'm still here, you know…" said Jenna looking very annoyed
Barry and Bart looked at her and said: "you're staying?"
"I know team Glamour has been pirating you for a while now, I didn't think they would miss this opportunity for you to join them," said Barry with a happy smile on his face.
"Actually, for your information, it wasn't just Glamour, I have offers from team Masters and team Unity as well, but turned them all down."
"Really hahaha, that's good to hear, said Barry. In fact, I wasn't surprised at you for receiving that many offers from another team, after all, you're one of the best support hunters below S rank."
"yeah, yeah," said Jenna while rolling her eyes.
"So what now?" asked Bart
Barry picks up a bottle of beer, takes a gulp, and says, to tell you the truth, my mind is still blank.
"I guess what goes around, comes around. And now we're at the receiving end of the stick."
"Well, whatever, we still need a plan. We can't mop all day here, we have bills to pay after all..." said Bart grabbing the mug of beer and drinking it.
"I agree," said Jenna, doing the same thing.
Ring ring!
Jenna looks at her phone. The caller has no number. Ring ring ring
"Are you not going to answer that?" said Barry? Curiously
Bart also looks at her.
"The caller has no number," said Jenna looking at the blank name on the caller
"Well answer it and put it on speaker, let's see who it is," said Barry.
"Ok," said Jenna, and she clicks on the accept and turns on the speaker...
"Hello, guys, I'm Eve..."