The family had decided to go for the smith option, through a vote that ended up quite even, with a 2 to 2 in votes, being Viktor's vote the one that broke this balance.
Lucia and Emma voted for healing, while Akiba and Viktor for smith.
Thus, everyone upgraded a bit their armor previously purchased from the system, which was cheaper than buying extremely expensive armor and still quite useful.
The next morning, they decided to hurry to the municipal park, where they had to take the civilians.
Something rather strange happened this morning...
Viktor got a rather rare booster pack in one of the daily free booster packs.
Every morning he received one, which gave a certain amount of experience boost or Scoins. But this time he got one that didn't have a fixed amount of points, but was hourly...
It was a x2 increase in the amount of experience obtained in 24 hours.
This could only be used before level 25. And it was a booster pack classified with the letter C, while the normal ones that were previously classified F to D.
Viktor decided to save it for the future, realizing that this part of the system could be more interesting than he had previously thought.
When more and more golems started to be seen on the road, Viktor had to concentrate more, leaving his thoughts aside to discuss it later.
***
They all arrived tired at the municipal park, which was guarded by several soldiers.
In the huge building formerly used for sports, there were also several rooms that had been used to make food and other useful things.
They were received quite kindly, and the family was provided with a small room for privacy.
The civilians were welcomed on a basketball court, where they ate and slept.
With the experience gained from the golems, the family managed to get all their members to level 11, with Viktor reaching level 12.
***
After spending some time there, they decided to continue hunting golems and rescuing civilians if they encountered any groups.
The days went by and they managed to rescue a total of 4 dying civilians and help 2 groups of soldiers escort another 10 civilians.
Most of the soldiers were impressed by the family's ability and discipline, and they began to get along well with the family members.
Viktor and Marcus would sometimes talk, although both were quite busy with their issues, they seemed like 2 leaves of the same tree, being both serious with their work, and disciplined according to the other people.
Civilians began to see them both as heroes, even those who had their doubts about the government and the army, had some admiration for them.
The special forces managed to successfully take care of the level 25 golem, and with this Marcus and Viktor could be a little calmer.
According to his promise, Marcus agreed to pay the family a large sum of about 50,000 Scoins, which they found impressive for a few days' work.
"Of course, this is from the army and the state, not a personal payment," Marcus clarified.
"And also... There is a person who would like to meet you, he will give you this payment."
At 7 p.m. the same day, the meeting with this man arrived.
****
August 27th, 2033. 7:00 pm.
'It's him...'Viktor thought.
A muscular man who looked a little past middle age arrived.
Viktor stared at him and the 'old man' greeted with an affable smile.
"Good afternoon, I am General Glak from the army. "The old man said.
"Good afternoon sir. "Viktor replied.
"I have heard of your exploits...Please let me give you the promised payment."
The old man began a trade through the system, and 50,000 Scoins were quickly transferred to the group.
12500 Scoins were handed out to each of the 4 family members.
"One more thing... "Before they could leave, the old man interrupted them.
"I have heard from Marcus that they do not wish to join the army... "The old man commented.
"But...Would you like to act as mercenaries?"
" Indeed, it would be more specific to say hunter."
"I can promise that you'll have freedom over whether or not to take the jobs we offer."
"And the pay I think will leave you quite satisfied."
"Plus, you can level up as you complete missions for us."
"As you may already know, if you read the web, there is an organization called the Monster Hunters Association."
"And our country is part of the members in this international alliance."
"We are willing to recruit you as hunters for this group, without the state having control over your actions."
"The association also does not interfere in personal matters, just as it will not protect you."
"And what do you gain from all this? "Viktor interrupted.
"Of course, our country has a close contact with the British part of the hunters' association, and sincerely it is a proposal accepted by the various countries that are part of the association, knowing that there are people who wish to hunt monsters without being under anyone's command"
"At this time, we firmly believe that the most important thing, above all our other disagreements, is to prioritize the good of humanity."
"The jobs given to hunters are for this. We can no longer do this job alone."
"Of course, neither the state nor the association will allow the mercenaries they hire or anyone else to do inhumane things."
"But neither will we prohibit them from making their own decisions."
"I hope that such a group as promising as you will consider working for the association."
"The MHA of our country, prioritizes as much as the state does the welfare of this country and its citizens."
"And that is what we, as soldiers, seek in the end."
"We need to discuss this with my family in private." Viktor replied.
"But could you clarify before that, what missions would there be in this association?"" he asked.
"The missions would vary, rescue, exploration, and monster clearing."
"Also by being part of those hired by the association, they could help your group gather people if needed for certain group missions."
"Your group is not the only one that started hunting, to be honest, we even want to promote civilians to become stronger in this way... "Said the old man with a slightly dejected expression.
Actually the old man did not like to see civilians fighting for their survival, but who could really guarantee the safety of others in this day and age?
This was for him to accept his own inability and that of the army, but it was the truth after all. Currently they are not capable of defending the entire nation.