Chapter 4 - Wait

I'm getting used to this life now. It's not so bad, especially when I realize just how much money I have at my disposal. Thank you, Father. I'm currently in a sleek car, making my way to Sector Z. While I reside in Sector A, the safest zone within this stronghold, I'm heading to Sector Z for a reason. It's the area closest to the northeastern wall, and I'm hoping to find my ticket to a life of security.

The transition to my new superhuman abilities has been an interesting journey, to say the least. I still can't quite wrap my head around how quickly I heal or how effortlessly I can leap up stairs now. Or how I can freeze water or form some ice spikes, apparently my nature is Ice or something? I've always known I was cold-blooded.It's a bit disorienting, but I'm getting the hang of it though.

I can't help but recall a certain detail from the manhwa I was reading, Hunter's Rise. Daelan Crowe—a name that sends a shiver of excitement through me. He's an S-class hunter, and not exactly the warmest person; some would label him a villain. But frankly, I see him as someone who refuses to let societal norms dictate his actions. The reason I'm so intent on finding him is that when Earth was under attack by those monstrous beasts, he simply disappeared. No one knows where he went, and he had been branded humanity's betrayer. I think that he was a man that had his priorities in check. 

Smart man, I think. He put his safety above all else. And guess what? I plan to be his wife. Just imagine: my father will have an overpowered son-in-law, and we'll be set for life. When things go down my father and I will definitely survive. Honestly, I hope he's at least attractive. But if he's not, I won't care; I'm just trying to secure a good life for myself. A good safe and easy life.

As I gaze out the window, lost in thought, something catches my eye. A woman with cat ears is walking along the sidewalk, her tail swishing behind her as she chats animatedly with a friend. What? It's still hard to comprehend how modern-day races exist alongside humanity here. But then again, I remember that dungeons are rifts between worlds. Sometimes, it's not just monsters that emerge; it's also innate races like elves, beastmen, and who knows what else.

I can't help but wonder what a merman would look like. What a random thought, but it's fascinating to consider the possibilities in this world. I mean, if I'm going to live in a place where cat-eared women stroll casually down the street, why not dream big? Maybe one day, I'll find myself swimming alongside a merman in the shimmering depths of the sea. For now, though, I have to focus on my goal: securing my future with an S-class hunter who, despite his questionable reputation, might just be my ticket to safety.

As the car glides through the nine sectors on our way to Sector Z, I can't help but reflect on the bizarre layout of this place. We pass through Sector A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and then there's Sector 8, which is a curious anomaly, followed finally by Sector Z. It's a strange system, but I guess when you're dealing with the aftermath of a world ravaged by monsters and dungeons, order takes on a different meaning.

After what feels like an eternity of driving—two days, to be exact—we finally arrive in Sector 8. The air shifts slightly as we enter this territory, a reminder that safety here is a luxury. I can't shake the sense of unease that blankets the outer sectors, where danger lurks around every corner. Unlike sector A where the rich live, where it's safe with a semblance of normalcy this place is quite the contrary.

My destination is the fanciest hotel in Sector 8, a place that screams opulence but also offers a semblance of security. It's pricey, but in this world, you get what you pay for. The walls are thick, and the guards are well-trained. 

I glance down at the layers of defensive jewelry adorning my body. Each piece has been carefully chosen for its protective properties. My necklace, in particular, is a prized possession; it can withstand one direct attack from an S-class hunter. It's reassuring to know that I have some measure of protection, even if it feels like a Band-Aid on a much larger problem. Money truly is the best armor in this world, and I intend to wield it wisely. The transmigration God did one good thing by making me wealthy atleast.

As I step out of the car, I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what lies ahead. 

*

"What can we do for you?" The hooded figure's voice is a low rasp, echoing slightly in the dim light of the room. Their face is obscured by the shadows, an impenetrable veil that sends a shiver down my spine.How creepy. I can't shake the feeling that I'm staring into the darkness of the unknown. This is an employee from an information guild—not the reputable kind, but the dangerous sort that would do anything for the right price.

With a sense of urgency, I slide a piece of paper across the table, feeling the weight of my request hanging in the air.

 "I need information on this hunter," I state, my voice steady despite the nerves bubbling beneath the surface. "He's in Sector Z. His name is Daelan Crowe. Find out everything about him. Fast. I'll pay you anything."

I can almost see the glimmer of greed flickering in the depths of their hood. Money the international language.

The figure takes the paper with an almost dismissive flick of their wrist, scanning it with a practiced eye. "Give me a week," they reply, standing up with a casual confidence that makes my heart race with impatience. The figure leaves the

room with a bow, now we wait.