Chapter 123

Castorice didn't try to hide anything. "So we need to go to headquarters and have it tested using a machine that can withstand more magic power."

"...ah?"

Even though Han Songyi was new to the hunter class, she understood what it meant to have magic power exceeding the detection limit. Although she didn't know where the limit was, she had personally witnessed A-Class hunters emerge from here.

But... if even the highest level (A-Class) isn't enough to detect Castorice's magic power...

Han Songyi's eyes widened even more.

"Could it be that Sister Castorice is... S-Class?"

Chapter 5: The Hunter Association Chairman.

"Sister Castorice, we missed the stop...?"

Han Songyi, who had been following closely behind Castorice and fantasizing about getting close to her and making a lot of money, finally looked puzzled when she saw Castorice walk past the station.

"Ah... sorry, I... was planning to walk over there."

Startled by the call, Castorice finally stopped. Realizing something was wrong, she looked troubled and said, "I... cannot travel with others. Why don't you wait here for the car? I'll go to the association headquarters first. By the time you arrive, I should have already completed the rating."

"...ah?"

This wasn't the first time Han Songyi had been surprised by Castorice's aversion to others getting close to her, but this time the surprise surpassed even the previous ones.

Because he doesn't like people getting close to him, he even stops taking public transportation?

So how did you travel long distances in the past?

"No! I'd rather stay with Sister Castorice!"

Although she felt strange, she was, after all, someone she had worked so hard to get close to. Now they hadn't even exchanged names, let alone contact information. Maybe this was a test from Sister Castorice Die?

After gritting her teeth, Han Songyi persisted.

Castorice didn't expect the other party to be so persistent. Although the distance wasn't far, she could arrive in a minute or two if she sped up, after all, the whole of Country H wasn't that big.

But that's clearly not the case for this girl.

Wait... come to think of it, I still don't know what the other person's name is...

"I've been forgetting to introduce myself. I'm Castorice, or you can call me... Senatus Castoria Polyxia."

These are the names Castorice filled in on her Identity Card. One is her name from Country Y on her ID, and the other is her name after arriving in Country H.

Amber really liked the story of Castorice and Polyxia. Although Polyxia wasn't drawn, at least her name could be recorded together with Castorice's. The names in the Country Y consist of surname, given name, father's name, and mother's name, but putting Polyxia in it... actually, there's nothing wrong with that.

After saying that, Castorice took out her phone. "Let's save each other's numbers."

"Ah! I am Han Songyi, Sister Castorice."

Han Songyi didn't expect to exchange contact information under these circumstances. Wasn't she supposed to be testing him?

Although she thought this way, she didn't hesitate. She took out her phone, saved the contact, and felt a little relieved.

"Your Excellency Han Songyi, you can take the carriage here. There's no need for you to force yourself to keep up with me."

Seeing this, Castorice spoke again, "Please rest assured, if I wish to leave the team, I will inform you in advance."

"Well... okay then."

Having exchanged contact information, Han Songyi was no longer so anxious. However, noticing Castorice's way of speaking, she still said, "Sister Castorice, you don't need to call me 'Your Excellency' or anything like that. Although we just met, we're still friends, right? Calling me 'Your Excellency' is too formal, and besides, I'm not some great person."

Shamelessly, Han Songyi directly classified their relationship as that of friends.

"Is that so...?"

Castorice's face didn't reveal much emotion, but judging from her complex tone, it didn't seem like she was resisting.

Han Songyi carefully assessed the other person's thoughts, nervously awaiting their next words.

"I understand, if Han Songyi doesn't mind..."

This was an answer Han Songyi hadn't expected.

She had considered that the other person might reluctantly accept, politely refuse, or directly deny it, but she never expected such a... self-deprecating answer, as if they felt they didn't deserve to have friends.

Han Songyi became increasingly confused. Castorice's appearance was arguably the most beautiful person she had ever seen, even more beautiful than celebrities. Moreover, judging from the fact that Xia Die had told her to wait for the car first, the man's fawning manner, and the magic power that exceeded the test limit, Xia Die's strength was obviously also very powerful.

How could someone like that think that others don't want to be friends with her?

Come to think of it, she has always kept her distance from others... Rather than saying that others don't want to be friends with her, it's more accurate to say that she actively distances herself from others.

"Of course I don't mind! However, friends from Country H usually don't call each other by their full names like that."

Although she didn't know why, Han Songyi didn't ask right away. Even she knew that this was not a topic to discuss now, so she simply skipped the subject. "Castorice, just call me Songyi."

"Um."

Castorice nodded, looked at the bus approaching, and said goodbye, "Well then, Song Yi, see you at the Hunter Association headquarters later."

"Good!"

After saying goodbye to the girl she had just met, Castorice found a small alley and then leaped to the rooftop. She flew straight through the city from above, which not only made it easier for her to observe the city but also saved her time taking detours. With continuous jumping and observation, she arrived at the Hunter Association headquarters in just over a minute.

Compared to the branch office, the headquarters was significantly larger, with a much higher flow of people. After entering, Castorice followed the signs to the rating floor and saw a long queue at the front desk.

Just as she was pondering how to queue, she saw a man with light brown slicked-back hair and a business suit walk towards her. "Hello, are you Castorice Die?"

"Yes."

It seems that the director must have notified headquarters.

Castorice nodded directly.

"Regarding your level test... it may take another two days to prepare. I'm really sorry to have taken up your time."

After confirming his identity, the man immediately bowed his head and apologized. Although he did not show much expression, his respectful words and proper manners were impeccable.

"Is that so..."

Hearing this, Castorice frowned slightly. This was quite different from what the director had said before.

Although she wasn't in a rush, she had arranged to team up with Han Songyi, and she originally wanted to get the licenses sorted out quickly so the two of them could register as a team.

"If you are in a hurry, I can introduce you to the Chairman of the Hunter Association."

Upon seeing Castorice's expression, the slick-back-haired man immediately offered another solution.

"Then I'll leave it to you, sir."

It seems there is a VIP channel. After all, according to the director, there are only ten S-Class people so far, including her. If there is no special treatment at all, then the management ability of the association should be questioned.

"Yes, please follow me."

After the slick-back-haired man respectfully responded, he led Castorice to the elevator and took her to the top floor.

Pushing open the door marked with the Chairman's Office sign, one sees a tall, robust man with several scars on his face sitting at his desk. He looks to be around seventy or eighty years old, but his physique doesn't show any signs of aging; instead, he appears strong and imposing.

But unlike his appearance and temperament, he had a kind smile, "I didn't expect you to come so quickly, Miss Castorice. I made you a pot of tea, but the water wasn't hot enough yet."

Chapter Six: The Association's Invitation.

As the Chairman spoke, he stood up from his desk and walked to the low table and sofa used to receive guests. He then gestured to the sofa opposite him and said, "Miss Castorice, please sit down as well. Don't be shy. After all, I was the one who invited you here."

"You took the initiative to contact me...?"

Castorice paused for a moment, then looked at the slicked-back man standing at the door with his head down.

"Haha, sorry, I'm the one who made him say that."

The Chairman said with a smile.

"Sorry... I'll just stand here."

The old man's open and honest attitude did prevent Castorice from feeling too bad about being deceived, but things still needed to be discussed openly. "About the test...?"

"Yes, that's why we said that, but please don't misunderstand, it's not that we want to harm you."

The old man's voice was cheerful and kind, making it impossible to feel any ill will. "Let me introduce myself first. I am Gao Jianli, the Chairman of the Hunter Association. Miss Castorice, I have been waiting for you here because I want to discuss something with you."

"Please speak freely, sir."

"First of all, congratulations on receiving an S-Class rating."

Gao Jianli smiled and said, "The second test is not very meaningful. When the current assessment comes out, it means you are already S-Class."

Thank you.

Castorice's voice was devoid of emotion, and Gao Jianli sensed that she wasn't one to beat around the bush. His smile widened, "Then I'll get straight to the point. I'd like to invite you to join the Hunter Association and become Association Hunter."

"Chairman!?"

The slicked-back-haired man, who had maintained his composure throughout, was instantly stunned by those words.

"Association Hunter...?"

Castorice hadn't really considered this matter. After all, the Hunter Association was obviously the governing body of Country H. How could an outsider like herself join the Hunter Association?

Judging from the surprised look on the man's face behind her, she knew this wasn't something easy to accept.

Gao Jianli, unaware of Castorice's thoughts, assumed she hadn't considered this point, and continued, "The association is large, but there are not many excellent hunters. The hunter Wu Zhenzhe behind Miss Castorice is already one of the association's top hunters."

After a brief recollection, Castorice realized that there didn't seem to be anyone with that name among the S-Class individuals.

"Just as you thought, A-Class is already the strongest force in the association. After all, powerful hunters usually join Large Guild it is easier to gain fame and income."

Gao Jianli said.

"Is there any difference in treatment between guilds and associations?"

The person in front of her was one of the country's top administrators, Castorice naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity to expand her worldview.

"Miss Castorice has only recently arrived in this country, so there must be many things she doesn't know."

Gao Jianli nodded. "If there is any difference between guilds and associations, it is that the Magic Crystals obtained by associations after raiding dungeons must be handed over to the country, while guilds can keep them themselves, and guild hunters can enjoy a tax reduction of up to 40%."

This alone makes the difference in treatment vastly different. On one hand, people risk their lives for a fixed salary, while on the other hand, although they don't receive a salary, they can get high rewards for risking their lives.

"The Association Hunter have the authority to command Guild Hunters, and disobeying orders will be considered treason, but..."

Gao Jianli's gaze lowered slightly. "Miss Castorice may also know that when power is sufficient, one can even make one's will supersede the rules."

The Chairman of large hunter guilds are all S-Class. If S-Class hunter disobeys orders, would you dare to label them as traitors? Other countries would be laughing their heads off. If you don't want them, we'll poach them.

Even if we don't mention S-Class, A-Class is a rare force. Even if we have the authority to deploy them in name only, the association wouldn't dare to take a hard line if the other party really doesn't listen.

"We need powerful hunters who can keep the guild in check, or even suppress it."

Gao Jianli didn't say it, but his attitude clearly showed that Castorice in front of him was such a person.

Wu Zhenzhe, who was behind him, could not understand the situation at all.

Before Castorice arrived here, the Chairman clearly didn't say these things to him. He clearly thought Castorice's identity was suspicious and wanted to meet her in person to test her. How come he suddenly changed his attitude like this now?

Moreover, judging from the Chairman's words, this Miss Castorice's strength is probably terrifying. Could she be on par with Choi Jung-in, or even Che Huiyi? No, if she were merely on par with them, the Chairman shouldn't be acting this way...

Could it be that... Castorice's strength is similar to that of Goto from Country R?

Wu Zhenzhe swallowed hard.

If that's really the case... indeed, even if it offends Country Y, they should at least keep the other party in Country H...

Although the Castorice hasn't undergone a second test yet, Wu Zhenzhe doesn't doubt that the Chairman's judgment is worse than the testing equipment.

"I will prepare an important position for you in the association."

Gao Jianli said, "If you need a lot of money, I will try my best to get it for you."

"..."

Castorice roughly understood the situation of this country. Hot weapons could not harm the creatures inside the portal. In other words, what was supporting the country, and even the world, was not the government and the army, but the hunters.

However, the Hunter's Guild is not a government agency, and the Chairman, who is in charge, is also an individual. This is equivalent to the fact that the military power of a country does not belong to the country, but is in the hands of a general who is not completely controlled.

The current situation among the generals (guilds) is still peaceful, but if I, as a newly appointed S-Class, join a guild, it may disrupt the balance.

In this way, it's not hard to understand the Chairman's actions; his appearance must have brought him both joy and sorrow.

But...

"I'm sorry, sir, I can't agree to your request right away."

Castorice shook her head.