Chapter 1: Van NguyenA brown-eyed and well toned youth was practicing his martial arts in a plain looking courtyard under a st.u.r.dy tree about 40 feet tall.
The sounds of hammering metal sounded throughout the afternoon as the youth pounded the ironwood tree with his fist.
"Honored Guest, your time is up."
Streams of sweat trickled down his face and sparkles in the afternoon sunlight as it fell on his body.
The youth nodded his head in affirmation and slung his yellow leather pack over his shoulder.
As he was leaving the Practice Yard, he looked back at the sign with the words, "Yellow Canary Martial House" and, while sighing, left.
He was B R O K E. The last of his coins from the last job he had gotten fired from had been used up in that one practice session lasting about 4 hours.
He laughed bitterly at his luck and walked through the bustling streets of Mulberry City to find the job board.
Merchants had set up there stalls and the city was bustling with activity.
"Well look who it is. It"s the loser Van himself!"
Van sighed at his bad luck and looked behind him to find an arrogant young master, wearing a sneer as an elder wore his beard, with 5 lackeys at the 4th stage of body fortification.
"Young master, I do not wish to make any trouble with you."
The young master sneered and replied by sending out a punch.
Van was sent flying by the blow and the lackeys went in. He tried his best to defend himself but failed miserably.
After he was beaten black and blue, the lackeys finally left. Van winced and slowly stood up.
"What trouble have you been getting into now?"
A green eyed youth walked up with his hands on his hips.
Van laughed genuinely and wiped the blood out of the corner of his mouth.
"Bang! What type of friend are you?"
"The type of friend who knows who not to offend!"
10 Days ago, Van had met Han, the young master, and had thrown a punch drawing blood. Little did he know, this young master was the son of the city lord.
Being a senior at the 3rd Stage of Dantian Formation, he would not directly punish Van. Instead he gave his son bodyguards and allowed him to beat up Van whenever he saw him in the streets.
The two friends embraced each other and Van slowly limped to the job board. It was now evening and most people were at home with their families.
Van started to read through the jobs.
There was mostly listings for herb picking. There were a few requests for a sparring partner but the lowest requirement was the 4th Body Formation Stage.
Van sighed and turned to leave. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a flyer requesting for beast hunters with a minimum of 2nd Stage of Body Fortification.
Van walked calmly toward the Job Registrator. The man at the desk had a pair of spectacles, was a bit obese witand a shrewd greasy personality.
"Which job would you like?
The smell of rotten fruit and decomposing sweat permeated the man and drifted towards Van. Van wrinkled his nose.
"I would like to apply for the Fierce Beast Hunt."
The registrator raised an eyebrow and scribbled some words down on a sheet of paper.
"Name?"
"Van Nguyen"
"Age?"
"12"
"Place your hand here."
As the registrator expressionlessly instructed Van, Van took a deep breath and placed his hand on the smooth black rock. After about 2 breaths, a dull glow came out. The registrator nodded and scribbled down "2nd Stage; Body Fortification"
A piece of paper was shoved into the youth"a face.
"Come back here tomorrow at 5."
Van nodded his a.s.sent and walked away. Bang shook his head.
"I know that you are reckless, but this is beyond what I would"ve imagined."
"Bang, I need to get stronger quick so that I can defend myself. The only way is to go on this hunt. I"ll just hope my group doesn"t encounter a rank 2 beast."
Bang sighed and waved goodbye. Van waved back and headed to the slums.
The slums were full of human waste and diseased men. As Van pa.s.sed along, he suddenly took a right turn into a surprisingly clean alleyway.
When he reached the end of the alleyway, he knocked on a door thrice and waited.
"Who is it?"
"Roman"s candle flew out again."
"Did it really?"
Van stayed silent and the redwood door opened to reveal a heavy built man of short stature with brown eyes.
"It"s good to see you back."