Hunter Guild (Part 1)

At three o'clock sharp that afternoon.

Su Bai attended his first Grave Keepers meeting.

The six of them sat down around the tea table.

As the captain, Li Ming was the first to speak. "After more than three months, we're finally sitting together again. Unlike last time, we have a new teammate with us... Su Bai, introduce yourself."

Su Bai stood up and looked around, taking in everyone's expressions. He gave a slight nod and said succinctly, "I'm Su Bai, eighteen years old. My Oracle is Red Tassel, and I'm at the ninth rank. I currently serve as the squad's clerical staff. I hope everyone will look after me from now on."

Chu Ning folded her arms and leaned back against the sofa cushion. "Chu Ning, seventeen, sixth-rank bloodline, Divine Oracle Sequence 98. My current position is... oh, I don't have one. Kid, since you chose to join us, you chose to entrust your back to us. Save the Red Tassel story for outsiders."

The hell you don't have a position. Why not just say you're a wage slave who mooches around waiting to die and shows up late every day, sis?

The Grave Keepers handbook's description of Oracle 98 surfaced in Su Bai's mind.

Divine Oracle Sequence 98 (Thunder Spirit): The user can turn an area of x (unknown) size into their own Domain. All elements within the Domain can be converted into the lightning element. Note: Have you ever seen divine lightning from the heavens?

This was unquestionably an Oracle of terrifying destructive power.

Lin Luo placed a black briefcase on the table and entered the password. "Lin Luo, nineteen, sixth-rank bloodline, Divine Oracle Sequence 126. I currently manage the armory and training ground... They're both in the basement. I'll show you around after the meeting."

Divine Oracle Sequence 126 (Dark Night): The user can devour light and sound within an area of x (unknown) size, creating a vacuum Domain in the literal sense. Note: Have you ever seen an assassin walking in the sunlight?

Dark Night was also known as the Hand of God. Its support capabilities and practical uses were in no way inferior to the highly destructive Thunder Spirit.

Qingxue's eyes shone as she cleared her throat. "Hello, Brother Su Bai. I'm Qingxue, sixteen years old, seventh-rank bloodline, Divine Oracle Sequence 76. My current positions on the squad are receptionist, cleaner, host, driver, barista, finance officer, accountant, purchasing agent, records clerk, HR officer, engineer, drafter, remote commander, IP operator... Mm, that's all for now."

Holy crap, Su Bai thought.

Heroine, please accept this little brother's bow. You're a godsend to capitalists, a sheep born with extra wool. No wonder you look like you can never get enough sleep. Turns out the capitalists have been fleecing you too hard. You truly are a great role model for us wage slaves.

Divine Oracle Sequence 76 (Angel Wings): The user can gain explosive strength, speed, concentration, and mental power for x (unknown) duration. Note: Have you ever seen an angel walking among mortals?

It was hard to imagine that the possessor of such a terrifying Oracle was an innocent young girl being endlessly exploited by capital.

Gu Jiuge glanced at Su Bai. "I just turned twenty-four, fourth-rank bloodline, Divine Oracle Sequence 79. Captain Li, you're thirty-two this year, right? He also has a fourth-rank bloodline and Divine Oracle Sequence 37."

Li Ming nodded. "Now that the introductions are over, it's time to get down to business."

Divine Oracle Sequence 79 (Karmic Fire): The user can summon intangible flames that burn away sin for x (unknown) duration. All damage dealt to ghosts and monsters is irreversible. Note: Mom will never have to worry about me running out of cooking gas again!

Divine Oracle Sequence 37 (Throne): The user can briefly possess the unique attribute of an "emperor" for x (unknown) duration. Transcendent creatures of any rank within an area of x (unknown) size cannot use their own Oracles. Note: Pick up your weapon and welcome death!

"Captain Li, during my trip to headquarters, I gave a detailed report on your battle with Thanatos. Although you didn't succeed in killing Thanatos, headquarters was still satisfied," Lin Luo said, opening the black briefcase and placing two documents on the table one after another. "The first document is a commendation from headquarters. They hope you'll take command of the Seventh Special Operations Squad."

Li Ming frowned. "I might consider taking command of one of the first six special operations squads, but the Seventh Special Operations Squad was only just formed. It doesn't have a single member. If I become its captain, what am I supposed to manage, the air?"

Lin Luo explained patiently:

"Although the Seventh Special Operations Squad was only just formed, candidates have already been chosen. Headquarters is still taking its time evaluating them. They said that as long as you agree to command the Seventh Special Operations Squad, they'll assign four fifth-rank Transcendents to you. As for our Suzhou Squad, headquarters will put Gu Jiuge in command."

Li Ming turned to Gu Jiuge. "Old Gu, what do you think of headquarters' proposal?"

Gu Jiuge waved a hand. "I don't want to be captain. There's too much crap to deal with. My advice is, don't go joining some special operations squad either. It sounds impressive, but the moment headquarters gives an order, you'll have to run all over the world. It's all backbreaking work."

Chu Ning suddenly spoke up:

"The special operations squads answer directly to headquarters. Becoming the captain of one makes you a core member of the Grave Keepers organization. What do you mean, running all over the world? That's called gaining exposure to higher-level supernatural incidents.

"Captain Li advanced to the fourth rank more than two years ago. Why hasn't he had a chance to advance to the third rank? Isn't it because Suzhou has too many limitations? He's never been able to encounter higher-level supernatural incidents, nor does he have the strength to deal with higher-level Transcendent creatures.

"A few months ago, a third-rank calamity, Thanatos, finally showed up, but it nearly wiped out our entire squad. If a special operations squad had been stationed in Suzhou at the time, Thanatos might already have been eradicated.

"Just imagine: if Captain Li had devoured Thanatos's Bloodline Mark a few months ago, he might already be a top-tier third-rank Transcendent.

"Headquarters wants Captain Li to command a special operations squad because they value him and want to promote him. Gu Jiuge, you can mooch around waiting to die all you want, but don't stand in the captain's way."

Gu Jiuge glanced at Chu Ning and, for once, did not argue back.

He knew Chu Ning was right about everything.

Li Ming was somewhat troubled. He rubbed the spot between his brows. "Forget it. Let's put this matter aside for now. Lin Luo, tell us what's in the second document first."

Lin Luo spread the second document open.

"This document is a detailed investigation report on the Hunter Guild, which has recently begun making a name for itself here in Suzhou.

"Evidence indicates that an extremely large-scale transfer of benefits exists between the Hunter Guild and Heavenly River International. On the surface, the Hunter Guild provides security services for Heavenly River International, which in turn provides financial support to the guild.

"In reality, the Hunter Guild continuously sends the Bloodline Marks of Transcendent creatures obtained through hunting to Heavenly River International. Heavenly River International then packages, transports, and trades these Bloodline Marks, smuggling and selling them to countries across Europe and Asia, seriously disrupting the European and Asian mar-"

Su Bai was completely baffled. He raised his hand and asked, "What's the Hunter Guild?"