Chapter 28: The Hunter Website
After spending the past two days together, Netero, observing Biscuit's actions and listening to her words, confirmed that his judgment was largely correct.
"As expected of a Gem Hunter you've unearthed another gem buried in the mud. Perhaps, with careful refinement, it will make remarkable contributions in some field in the future."
He stroked his beard thoughtfully, though a hint of unease lingered. It was as if he could sense a familiar scent from Germain a scent that shouldn't be there.
Netero had journeyed to the Dark Continent twice and returned alive both times. That alone made him a living legend. His expeditions to that forbidden land were feats few could ever imagine replicating.
But how could this be?
Nearly all information and routes leading to the Dark Continent were under the strict control of the V5 nations. Even the Hunter Association was bound by their oversight, forbidden from revealing anything about it.
Jin's son and Netero himself had both done everything possible to return there, yet failed. The V5's blockade and Netero's deliberate suppression kept the world safe for now.
It was far too soon for today's young Hunters to venture again into the Dark Continent. Not only would many perish, but they might also bring catastrophic disasters back with them.
So the question loomed large:
How did Germain, alone, manage to surpass them all and achieve what no one else could?
January 10th, Afternoon
Germain boarded a massive public airship, slowly ascending from Sofala Airport and gliding above the picturesque city.
He presented his Hunter License, which exempted him from paying the fare.
After several hours of flight, the airship landed at KSW Airport just after dusk.
With a worn travel backpack and his gray-and-black Hunter uniform, Germain stepped out of the terminal. The rhythm of the airport announcements echoed faintly as he walked toward the taxi line.
He tapped on a taxi window, and a tall man immediately emerged from the driver's seat, greeting him with a broad smile.
The driver, his arms covered in thick hair, opened the rear door and asked,
"Sir, where to?"
"The Opera Hotel," Germain replied he had already decided his destination mid-flight.
"No problem. We'll be there in twenty minutes."
The driver wasn't exaggerating; the taxi arrived at the Opera Hotel exactly twenty minutes later.
Germain paid the fare and stepped out, taking in the cool evening breeze.
Despite its name, the Opera Hotel wasn't an actual theater it simply borrowed its name from the grand opera house nearby. The building gleamed with height and elegance, its entrance adorned with a red carpet where several young attendants greeted him warmly.
Fifteen minutes later, Germain entered his room. Through the tall, floor-to-ceiling windows, he could see the opera house across the way, its brilliant lights shimmering like a starry sky.
The soundproofing was excellent; he couldn't hear the music, yet somehow, he could feel it.
After a delicious dinner, Germain sent a message to Biscuit:
"Have you eaten?"
"Send me the Hunter website link."
Even after passing the Hunter Exam, the Association didn't openly share the website URL those who passed had to find it on their own.
Since Germain didn't know many people, Biscuit was the first person who came to mind.
Biscuit took quite a while to reply.
"Hey, hey, hey don't think that a casual greeting means 'successful communication.' How shallow! (expression of helplessness)"
"Looks like you passed the Hunter Exam and got your license! That was faster than I expected (surprised face). I thought it'd take at least a week."
"Oh, by the way Yungu just sent me the Shifting Stone. I love it! If only I knew where it came from, I'd be even happier (expectant face)."
Her hint was clear.
Germain wasn't insensitive he understood perfectly. But sometimes, Biscuit could be overly complicated. Still, he needed her help right now.
"I can't tell you where it came from," Germain replied bluntly, then offered a trade.
"I'll try to get you another Shifting Stone in exchange for the Hunter website URL."
Getting another Shifting Stone wasn't particularly difficult, and since Germain planned to return to the Dark Continent soon, it was a convenient offer.
"Deal," Biscuit replied instantly, clearly anticipating his answer.
"I'll send you the link."
Seconds later, the URL appeared on Germain's screen, followed by two more messages from Biscuit:
"Mr. Netero told me you'll be stepping into the world of Beast Hunters. Beasts… I think I know where that 'color-changing stone' comes from."
"If you find any other kinds of 'gems,' contact me immediately. My offers won't disappoint you remember that!"
"Understood," Germain replied, ending the chat.
The Next Day
Germain found a cybercafé in KSW City and logged into the site Biscuit had sent him, using a public computer.
The homepage resembled a stylish bar, with a bartender in the image offering information.
There were two ways to log into the exclusive Hunter website:
A standard online browsing mode, and
An immersive experience as if you were actually sitting in the bar shown on-screen.
Germain chose the first option.
He began by searching for information on the Dark Continent, but only the commonly known data appeared.
All advanced details about "guardians," "guides," and "calamities" were completely omitted. That kind of knowledge, it seemed, could never be obtained at any price.
(End Chapter)