Emily's expression shifted from surprise to admiration as I approached her desk. "Samson, right? I heard you cleared out the E-class demon pack near the outskirts. That's impressive work for your first mission."

I nodded, placing the bag of cores on the counter. "It needed to be done. The sooner we clear them out, the safer the sanctuary will be."

She began processing the cores, her fingers moving swiftly over the holographic interface. "Most hunters take at least a couple of days for a mission like this. You've certainly made a statement on your first day."

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant, but internally I felt a flicker of pride. "I just did what I was trained to do."

"You brought back a total of 100 E class cores which is very impressive for your first mission" says Emily unfazed by the amount as she has been working at the guild for a while but shocked by how quick it was all attained.

" Your total is-"

"Just charge it to my card" interrupted Samson as he had no interest in the small amount that this would add to the already large pile he has

As we spoke, a sudden chill ran down my spine. I sensed a presence behind me, a hint of murderous intent. Without thinking, I spun around, katana drawn, ready to strike.

The figure behind me dodged with ease, a fluid movement that spoke of experience. "Easy there, tiger. Just wanted to see if you were as sharp as they say," a raspy voice said, tinged with amusement.

I eyed the man cautiously, my katana still in hand. He was about my height, with a lean build and an air of confidence. His eyes, sharp and calculating, assessed me with a hunter's gaze.

"A test, huh?" I lowered my weapon slightly but didn't sheathe it. "Who are you?"

The man smirked, stepping into the light of the guild. "Name's Elijah. I'm a C-class hunter, like you. I've been keeping an eye on you. Your father, Alex Mercer, had quite the reputation. Seems you're living up to it."

I frowned, the mention of my father bringing a mix of emotions. "What do you want, Elijah?"

He leaned against the counter, his gaze never leaving mine. "I like the way you work, Samson. Quick, efficient, no nonsense. I've got a team of hunters, well-balanced and skilled. We could use someone like you."

Emily watched the exchange with interest, her previous task momentarily forgotten. "Samson, working with Elijah could be a good opportunity. His team is one of the best in the guild."

I weighed Elijah's offer. Joining a team wasn't part of my plan, but the idea of working alongside experienced hunters was appealing. It could be a chance to learn, to grow beyond the shadow of my father's legacy.

Elijah extended his hand, a gesture of camaraderie. "Think about it. We're planning a mission soon, and I have a feeling you'd fit right in."

I hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand. "I'll consider it."

As Elijah walked away, I turned back to Emily, who was finalizing the mission completion on her console. "Thanks for the heads up, Emily."

She smiled, handing me a slip with my reward details. "Anytime, Samson. And if you do decide to join Elijah's team, I think you'll make quite the impact."

Leaving the guild, I mulled over Elijah's proposal. Joining a team meant adapting to others, something I wasn't used to. But perhaps it was time to step out of my comfort zone, to embrace new challenges. My journey as a hunter was just beginning, and it seemed there were already new paths unfolding before me.

---

Walking through the neon-lit streets of the Sanctuary of Saint Peter, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder mixed with trepidation. The vibrant lights cast surreal shadows on the buildings, a stark contrast to the darkness lurking just beyond the sanctuary's walls.

As I strolled, my gaze fell upon a weapon shop, its sign glowing with a soft, inviting light. It was a place I had passed many times before but never entered, a privilege reserved only for registered hunters. Today, with my newly minted hunter's ID card, I could finally step inside.

Swiping my card at the entrance, I heard the familiar beep of acknowledgment, and the door slid open with a quiet hiss. The interior was a marvel of craftsmanship and technology, a testament to the sanctuary's ingenuity in these troubled times.

The air inside was thick with the scent of metal and leather, a comforting aroma that spoke of battles fought and won. Rows of weapons lined the walls, from swords and axes to more advanced firearms, each piece meticulously crafted.

I was barely a few steps in when a figure emerged from the back of the shop. The blacksmith, a burly man with hands as rugged as the weapons he forged, eyed me with a keen interest. His gaze landed on the katana at my side.

"That's a fine blade you've got there. What do you call it?" he asked, his voice resonating with a deep, almost reverent tone.

I hesitated, unsure how to respond. "It doesn't have a name," I said, feeling suddenly self-conscious.

The blacksmith chuckled, a sound that echoed through the shop. "Every weapon has a soul, lad. And every soul deserves a name." He paused, his eyes glazing over as if lost in a world of his own, a world where holy weapons were revered like sacred relics.

I move forward to knock some sense into him but before I could respond, he shook his head, snapping back to reality. "Apologies, I get carried away sometimes. I'm Mathew, the master blacksmith here."

Just then, two guards stationed at the entrance shifted uneasily, their hands moving to their weapons. It was a silent warning – one did not casually touch a blacksmith without consequence. Blacksmiths were venerated figures in our society, their skills pivotal in the fight against demons.

I stepped back, raising my hands in a non-threatening gesture. "Samson," I introduced myself, maintaining a respectful distance.

Elijah nodded, his eyes scanning the shop. They landed on a leather jacket displayed prominently on a mannequin. It was crafted from the hide of a C-class demon, its surface etched with intricate patterns.

"That's a fine piece," Mathew remarked, following my gaze. "Crafted from a C-class demon. Tough as nails and twice as deadly."

I admired the jacket, knowing full well that my substantial fortune meant little in this world where trade was often in kind, not credits. Such items were bartered for with goods of equal value, often demon cores or rare materials.

Leaving the shop, my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The sanctuary's streets felt different now, knowing that I had access to places and knowledge that were once beyond my reach.

I made my way back to my apartment, a luxurious abode with a stunning view of the city. It was one of the few comforts I allowed myself, a haven amidst the chaos. As I gazed out at the city lights, my mind replayed the day's events.

The world of hunters was complex, filled with unspoken rules and hidden depths. But it was my world now, and I was determined to make my mark on it, one battle at a time. Tonight, I would rest, for tomorrow would bring new challenges, new demons to face. My journey as a hunter had just begun.