Chapter 19: Exploring New Frontiers
After recent events, Marcus decided it was time for a brief rest. He rented a room at the hunter village inn, a modest but comfortable place where he could recover. That night, for the first time in a long while, he neither trained nor reviewed his skills. Instead, he allowed his body and mind to relax, letting the tension and emotions dissipate as his energy slowly regenerated.
When the golden hues of dawn painted the sky, Marcus woke up feeling renewed. He headed to the hunter guild with a clear purpose. Once there, he ordered a mug of beer, sat in a corner of the main hall, and began observing. His cold, calculating gaze scanned the room, listening to conversations and evaluating the atmosphere.
He knew that advancing beyond Level 2 as a hunter would require more than strength and skills. The key lay in resources: manuals, advanced techniques, and, most importantly, information. But obtaining these resources wasn't simple. This village, while filled with experienced hunters, rarely shared its secrets openly.
As he reflected, Linda spotted him from the counter. The young guild secretary, who had witnessed his return with the witch's head the night before, cautiously approached him.
"Sorry about yesterday," Linda said, stopping in front of him. Her tone was sincere, and her gaze carried a hint of guilt.
"It's fine," Marcus replied without looking directly at her, his voice tinged with indifference. However, he seized the opportunity to address one of his concerns.
"Where can I get information about Level 3 hunters?"
The question surprised Linda. She blinked and looked at him curiously.
"You've already reached Level 2?" she asked, incredulity evident in her voice. Not waiting for an answer, she took out a small medallion and asked for his.
"Hand me your medallion. I'll grant you access to the guild's magic network."
Marcus handed it over without hesitation, and Linda began configuring it. As she worked, she explained its functionality.
"The magic network is like a virtual marketplace exclusive to advanced hunters. Here, you can find information, manuals, equipment, and other resources. You can also use it to transfer ether stones. Just infuse the insignia with your energy and will it to make the transaction. The stones will be absorbed automatically."
Once she finished, Linda handed back the medallion with a smile.
"All set. You can now access it from anywhere. I hope it helps."
"Thanks," Marcus said with a slight nod before standing up and returning to his room at the inn.
Back in his room, he activated the magic network. A mental interface appeared before him, displaying a variety of options. It resembled a bustling marketplace, with countless stalls offering different goods and services. There was everything from weapons and potions to magical scrolls and, of course, training manuals. However, most items were far beyond his reach due to their exorbitant prices.
Marcus focused his search on information about Level 3 hunters. For five ether stones, he accessed a detailed file that answered his questions. He discovered that to advance to the next level, he needed to meet two key requirements: reach 100 points in all primary stats and accumulate at least 50 points of hunter energy.
"Why so much?" he wondered, intrigued by the high demands.
The informant responded with professional calm.
"At Level 3, you begin to break the mortal chains. This is the first step toward transcendence, where you are no longer bound by common human limitations."
The words resonated with Marcus. He understood that the path to absolute power wouldn't be easy, but it also excited him. Overcoming human limitations was exactly what he sought.
As he explored the marketplace, a small stall caught his attention. There, he saw a manual titled "Chasing the Sun", which promised techniques applicable up to Level 4. He quickly skimmed through it and confirmed that the techniques were advanced and challenging, ideal for someone at his level. But what intrigued him most was its price: only 100 ether stones.
"Why so cheap?" he wondered skeptically.
He decided to gather more information about the manual before purchasing it. After consulting with other hunters on the magic network, he learned that the manual belonged to the prestigious Van Helsing family. According to legends, the manual contained ancestral techniques designed to face the most powerful enemies. However, it was also notorious for being extremely difficult to practice, which discouraged many hunters.
For Marcus, this difficulty wasn't a problem. Thanks to the learning points he had accumulated, he knew he could progress quickly in mastering the manual. Determined, he returned to the stall and bought the manual.
With his new acquisition, Marcus headed to the village's training yard and began practicing immediately. He opened the manual and immersed himself in its teachings. The initial techniques were complex, but he allocated the four available learning points, allowing him to reach the entry-level stage in record time.
As he trained, he felt his energy flowing differently. Every movement, every technique he practiced seemed to bring him closer to his ultimate goal. The manual not only enhanced his physical strength but also amplified his control over hunter energy, laying the groundwork for future advancements.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Marcus paused for a moment and looked at the sky. He knew the road ahead would be arduous, but he didn't care. Ambition and a hunger for power drove him, and nothing would stop him.
In the stillness of the night, he returned to his room with a clear idea: he would continue training until he mastered the manual. He had begun to forge a future where his name would resonate as the most powerful hunter, and he wouldn't allow anything to stand in his way.
While the village slept, Marcus silently perfected his techniques. In his mind, one thought repeated over and over: if absolute power required sacrifices, he was willing to make them. The transformation had begun, and with each step he took, the world moved closer to the reign of a relentless predator.