In this changed world, there were endless ways to earn mana stones. If one was daring enough, mana might have thrown the old world off its heels, but it had also filled the earth with all sorts of mythical treasures and ingredients.
Outside the safe boundaries of the settlements, there were countless riches waiting to be harvested. Every day, thousands of awakened would make their way outside, chasing fame and fortune.
This new crisis only hardens my resolve to go out and hunt... Jackson thought while moving through the crowd.
Even if Mrs. Laker had not come asking for the increased rent, he would still have gone out to earn enough money to purchase all the drugs needed to reach the peak of the first sequence as fast as possible.
So, with all these thoughts in mind, he headed out as fast as possible after taking the necessary gear: a couple of packs of energy rations, a few spices, and all the essential safety items tucked into a large leather bag. Holding the sword in his hand, Jackson continued to move toward the edge of human territory.
Although the mythical beasts and monsters were strong, humans, after years of battle and sacrifice, had managed to win back a sizable amount of territory. For easier governance, this land had been divided into sixty-nine sectors, each headed by a sector commander who reported directly to the Union President.
Even the territory of Sector Sixty-Seven spread for dozens of kilometers. To make the flow of people from one sector to another easier, there were many privately run means of transport, but Jackson avoided all of them as he was short on cash.
Just then, Jackson felt someone looking at him again. Tilting his head, he saw a group of awakened staring at him strangely, their gazes lingering on his body for longer than necessary.
Jackson took one look and could only ignore them.
Sigh... the first thing I must do after earning some money is buy myself a hunting suit. Otherwise, the attention I will receive would be too much.
Hunting suits were specially made combat clothes worn by awakened, and each of them cost a large amount. As Jackson had no money for one, he could only rely on the combat uniform distributed by the public schools.
At first, he had not thought much of it, but now that same uniform was attracting too much attention.
After all, anyone would be surprised seeing a young man dressed in a school uniform going out to hunt instead of preparing for the university.
Jackson could only grit his teeth and make his way out while doing his best to avoid all the unwanted attention as much as possible.
...
"Sebastian, what are you looking at?"
A voice as cold as ice echoed through the surroundings.
Sebastian, a middle-aged man dressed in a graceful black suit, with his long hair tied behind his head, hurriedly bowed upon hearing the voice of his young miss. He was facing a beautiful-looking woman with a face as cold as ice.
"Forgive me, Young Miss. It’s just that I noticed something peculiar, and this servant could not stop himself from taking a look..."
Hearing Sebastian’s words, the icy expression on the woman’s face rippled slightly, and a trace of surprise flashed in her large, almost sharp blue eyes.
She had known Sebastian for a very long time, and there were very few things that could stir his curiosity. Feeling curious herself, she also turned her head to look in the direction where Sebastian had been staring, only to see a crowd of awakened moving to and fro — nothing that could catch her interest.
After another glance, she completely forgot about it, turning her focus back to why she was here in the first place.
"Forget about it..."
Sebastian also did not dare linger any longer. He could feel his young miss’s urgency. In one month, she was going to awaken, and there was not much time left at hand.
...
Jackson immediately let out a sigh of relief as he looked at the large walls of Sector Sixty-Seven behind him. He was finally out.
His gaze turned toward the endless forest stretching as far as his eyes could see. Occasionally, he would see the bloodied figures of hunters coming out, some with their heads hanging low, while others walked out with proud yet exhausted smiles.
Jackson’s eyes narrowed to slits when he spotted a hunter coming out with one of his arms missing.
After taking another look, he turned his gaze away.
This is my reminder. While the forest is a place filled with abundance and opportunity, the danger is also extremely high. One wrong move, and it’s game over...
With all these thoughts in mind, he skillfully navigated through the outer forest. During his days in school, they were taught the basics of survival. Being a top student, Jackson had the ability to survive alone no matter what sort of environment he was in.
Most students were expected to become hunters and explorers, so even the teachers taught with seriousness and focus.
Going through his memories, Jackson tried to recall all the monsters that were worth hunting in the surroundings.
I am not here to hunt a speedy type of monster. What I need to focus on is maximizing my profit...
Jackson’s thoughts were clear. He was here to earn as much as possible. After all, he was the top student not just because he memorized everything, but because he also had good practical performance.
As he moved, Jackson also kept an eye on his surroundings, taking in all the important information.
While moving, he heard two middle-aged hunters discussing something in hushed voices.
"Don’t tell me the rumors are true..."
"Yeah, it’s true. There is a peak first-sequence Minotaur roaming around. You better stay alert. There’s something definitely wrong with this monster. Every hunter that has encountered it so far has been wiped out clean."
"In my opinion, during this time, you might as well avoid hunting altogether. The Hunter Association has already been informed. They should be sending someone to clean up the mess..."
Hearing those words, the other middle-aged man with a heavy build shook his head.
"Thank you, Brother Ben, for the advice, but I can’t go back. My daughter will be attending next month. I have to work to earn the tuition money..."
Hearing those words and the exhaustion in the man’s tone caused the face of the other middle-aged hunter to darken. He could feel something in that voice. It was no longer just a hunter speaking, but a father who wanted to see his daughter prosper.
If he continued trying to convince him now, it would be pointless.
Without saying anything else, he gave Brother Pan a firm look and nodded.
Jackson, who had been paying attention to the conversation from afar, frowned.
He was also aware of the Minotaur and its terrible reputation. The monster was definitely a beast altogether.
I need to be careful...
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