The smug on the bald old man's face had eased the sunken hearts of everyone in the room. Their worries and second thoughts dissipated because of the 'blessing', or the power obtained from a power core, of the old man.
At this point, the scene paused. Basic information regarding Power Cores and Hunters were projected on the monitor.
Although Corvus knew about it, he decided to scan it carefully because he knew that there might be some information that he does not know. Besides, he had nothing to lose if he would read the pieces of information carefully.
[Part 1: Power Cores and Hunters!]
[Overview: Power Cores]
[Power Cores are mysterious pebble-sized spheres that are often obtained after clearing a Dungeon. They give a specific power, called Blessings, to any living beings that consumed them. However, any living beings can only consume one Core in their life.]
[All humans who consumed two or more cores had instantly perished with their body bursting into pieces. The reason behind this event is yet to be determined as the strength of Power Cores was currently rated based on the energy level that can be detected inside the sphere.]
[The stronger the energy level recorded, the stronger the Blessing that the Power Core would give its consumer. That said, the basic idea regarding the power that the cores would give could only be hypothesized or determined through observation of the nature of the surroundings, hints or riddles, abilities or elemental affinities of monsters, and other factors that could be found inside and outside the Dungeon where the Power Core was obtained.]
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[Overview: Hunters]
[Hunters are the title given to humans who explore the Universe of Paradiso. They are regulated by a governing organization called Paradiso Hunter Organization that ensures the safety and consistent progress of the exploration of the Magical Universe.]
[New Hunters like you are classified as Unlicensed Hunters, UH, and are not eligible to be part of the PHO Power Rankings or the PHO Contribution Rankings. Also, they are not allowed to explore Paradiso without the company of at least one Licensed Hunter. However, they can visit 'Stronghold Planets' of PHO in Paradiso.]
[Please note that to become a Licensed Hunter, One must pass the Licensure Examination provided by PHO. More information would be supplied later on.]
[Please say "Continue" to proceed.]
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After reading the pieces of information carefully, Corvus frowned whilst rubbing his chin and thought, 'So, it's really like that! I can only use one Power Core in my life.'
"Absorption, huh?" Corvus stared at his palm, wondering what his Blessing was and how strong is it. "Yes... I am grateful for his gift. But... I hope that Pa didn't give me a trashy Blessing!"
Corvus sighed and shook his head as he resumed the simulation. After a few additional words of encouragement, the old man smirked, consequently getting the attention of everyone.
"To ensure that all of you would return safely, I have invited some guests to join us in our exploration. Please welcome Guild Leader Jini and her teammates from her very own guild, The Athorn Guild."
The old man pointed towards the door of the briefing room as five Hunters--wearing the same black and gray colored spacesuit, entered coldly and seriously. They were led by a lady who seemed like she was in her late 20s.
Her black hair had hints of red color that perfectly matched her curvy body, giving a fiery and dangerous vibe to everyone. She went straight to the old man and shook his hands before facing everyone else.
Then, she smirked and said, "Greetings, Interns! I am Jini, an A-rated Dungeon Hunter and the Guild Leader of the Athorn Guild! My Blessing might not be as strong as the Blessing of Officer Kal Bos and his Maga Maga Core, but... It can be hotter than that!"
Guild Leader Jini lifted her finger and a black flame lit in it. Though the flame resembled only that of a candle, it produced a heat enough to make the 'interns' sweat despite the spaceship being well ventilated.
Only after seeing the sour face of some of the interns--probably out of fear, did Guild Leader Jini clenched her fist and consequently extinguish both the black flame and the intense heat felt in the briefing room.
"Here's my only rule, newbies!" Guild Leader Jini paused for a second as her demeanor changes and her curved up lips straightened. Then, she said, "Follow our command or perish! Do you understand?"
After a few seconds of silence, everyone stood, except Corvus. Then, they saluted towards her and shouted, "Yes, Ma'am!"
She nodded out of satisfaction in response. But when she spotted Corvus who was still in his seat, Guild Leader Jini gazes towards him with a frown on her face. Her eyes emanated a weak black fire that, somehow, emitted a heat--hindering Corvus to move another inch forward.
That said, Corvus retained his calm demeanor and said, "You don't need to think about my safety. It's my life! If I die during the mission, then it only means that I am not strong enough!"
Corvus' words made the other 'interns' sweat as they could only pray that Guild Leader Jini would not fry Corvus into crisp. The old man, on the other hand, burst into laughter that consequently made Guild Leader Jini shook her head and sigh.
She said, "If that's what you wish, young man! I commend your bravery. But... Bravery would not be enough to keep you alive anywhere in this brutal magical universe! Consider yourself warned."
Corvus nodded in response and said, "Thanks for the advice, senior! Rest assured that my decision is not out of bravery alone!"
"Is that so?" Guild Leader Jini chuckled in response and said, "Then... Best of luck, young hunter!"
"Same to you, Senior!" Corvus said with a smile that, somehow, made the other 'interns' glance at him with a hint of admiration for his guts. But, at the same time, they felt a tad bit of pity towards him, thinking that he should have been obedient and had followed the lead of Officer Kal Bos, the bald old man, and Guild Leader Jini instead.
'That was close! I almost became a Cannon Fodder! Good thing I remembered the advice of that man, Ladal... To never trust anyone!' He thought as he forced a smile deep inside.