"You're saying... you deciphered information on a supernatural corpse you found by chance and got a lead on becoming a Medium?"
Inside the abandoned factory.
Rhode toyed with the diamond-shaped iron token engraved with an Ouroboros, studying Sulu with interest.
"That's right. Do you recognize this badge?"
Sulu had already confirmed through the Attribute Panel that Rhode wasn't hostile, so he asked quite casually, "Or have you heard anything about this emblem?"
"No..."
Rhode thought for a moment, then shook his head. "You have to understand... there have been so many new organizations popping up lately that no one can keep count. And besides, some notorious Evil God cults from history have probably changed their names and started over. Naturally, their badges would change too!"
So... those infamous Evil Gods and other evil beings were in the habit of using aliases?
Sulu understood. "What do you think of the Medium profession?"
"I've only heard a little about Mediums. They can speak with Necro-Spirits, drive out Evil Spirits, or summon lingering souls to possess someone and answer difficult questions..."
Rhode scratched his head. "But they're mysterious... Or, to put it another way, there are so few of them that the profession is obscure. Even if it's powerful at first, it might not have much room to grow."
In other words, you don't really approve.
Sulu rolled his eyes to himself. "What about the Apprentice profession? Have you found any leads?"
Rhode seemed a little awkward at the mention of it. "I contacted the Goddess Church through channels my family left behind. They were delighted to hear the Portley Family had returned, but if you want to become an Apprentice, you'll still have to join one of the Church's powerful departments... or complete some tasks for them."
That was nothing like the easy, simple process you'd described before.
Sulu shrugged. "Looks like they're more interested in you, the Witch Hunter! But... I won't let you risk your life just so I can get a profession!"
After all, he'd crossed over and taken over someone else's younger brother's body. He already felt guilty enough. How could he keep letting Rhode put himself in danger for his sake?
"It's really nothing..." Rhode's gaze softened slightly. "I used to take on jobs back home all the time. The Church of the Goddess of Light is just an unusual client with plenty of work and a lot of money. Besides... as a Witch Hunter, even if I don't count food, clothing, and shelter, I still need a lot of supernatural materials to make my weapons, replenish my ammunition, and brew healing potions!"
And all of that took money—or, more precisely, a wealthy patron.
Sulu sighed. "So... you already agreed?"
"Yes, I did!"
Rhode handed back the diamond-shaped iron badge. "There's a job tonight. I think it'll be a good chance for you to get some practice, so... you're coming too!"
"Huh?"
Sulu pointed at himself in surprise. "Me?"
"Of course..." Rhode said as if it were obvious. "I can't stay by your side and protect you every moment. You need to learn how to handle danger yourself... As Dawn draws closer, more and more evil creatures will awaken. Eventually, even the gods will wake up. Did you think you could hide from all that?"
"So I should build up experience while it's still early, when even the monsters aren't too frightening? I'm in."
Sulu thought it over, then agreed at once.
Helping Rhode would be relatively safe, and he could earn experience points!
Once I've saved up 200, I'll become a Medium right away. Then we'll see how you plan to get me to become an Apprentice. Surely you're not going to make me take a second profession at the first tier?
Sulu was quietly making plans when Rhode suddenly tossed him a shotgun. "Take it!"
"What's this..."
He examined the fearsome weapon in his hands.
It had two barrels, a long, dark body, a polished redwood stock, and a satisfying weight. The fine factory markings and serial number spoke of its superb quality.
Every man had a longing for weapons deep in his heart.
In an instant, Sulu realized he'd fallen for this thing.
"Tonight's job could be dangerous. You'll need something to defend yourself!"
Rhode tossed him a bag of shells as well. "Practice this afternoon!"
"Only one afternoon?" Sulu's eyes widened.
"With your reflexes and memory, that won't be a problem... Besides, special ammunition is expensive!"
Rhode explained. Sulu suspected the second reason was the real one.
"And besides..." A smile appeared on Rhode's rugged face. "It's a shotgun. It has a short range and takes time to reload, but it covers a wide area with every blast. As long as you pick the right moment, even a child can hit a target!"
"Why not give me a revolver? A six-shooter?"
Sulu protested, feeling a little resentful.
Without a permit, carrying such a huge weapon through the streets would definitely draw a crowd.
"Sorry, the budget's limited!"
Rhode rummaged through his travel case, took out a beautifully crafted revolver, and wiped it as tenderly as if he were caressing a lover.
The silver barrel and the strange patterns imbued with mysterious power made Sulu feel envious.
What a fine gun. Even low-tier supernatural beings, despite their transformed vitality, still had vulnerable spots. A group of well-trained ordinary people with guns could take them down—like Catherine and the unfortunate Alanis.
Most of a Medium's abilities could only deal with spirits. Apart from basic uses of mental power, they had almost no means of protecting themselves. Their weak points and vitality seemed no different from those of ordinary people. No wonder they were so vulnerable once exposed, and could be surrounded and killed by a group of ordinary people.
By comparison, Shadow Binders might be a little stronger in a fight and a little tougher, but their fate was much the same.
Rhode, however, was already a second-tier Witch Hunter. He had undergone Baptism twice, transforming his speed, strength, and vitality beyond human limits. Sulu even suspected that unless Rhode was hit in a vital spot like the heart or brain, he could recover quickly from almost any injury.
Sulu looked Rhode up and down, wondering how many ordinary people he could take on.
There was no doubt that if a supernatural being like him chose to wage a guerrilla war in a city, it would be a disaster for any ordinary government.
Of course, he still wouldn't fare well in a head-on fight against an army.
"What are you thinking about?"
Rhode suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.
"N-nothing!"
Sulu smiled and changed the subject. "By the way... what's our target tonight?"
My shotgun's itching to be fired.
"A Demon's servant. Some fool who was drawn in by a Demon. He might have even summoned a Little Imp!"
Rhode shrugged. "They're the most common type of corrupted creature, and they're easy to deal with."
Before you continue