Chapter 85: The Beast Hunter

Just after enrolling, the students faced two consecutive weeks of military training, with no days off in between. By Saturday night, many new students of the Blue Emperor Academy had flocked to Miracle City to relax, their nerves stretched taut from the relentless training.

As dusk fell on the weekend, Luo Chen joined the throng of students heading for Miracle City. He wasn’t there to shop or stroll: after returning his gold coins to the instructor, he was once again penniless, his meager savings entirely depleted. If he didn’t find a part-time job soon, he’d be facing the awkward predicament of having nothing to live on.

Following the address Carlo had given him, Luo Chen found the lounge bar they used for contacts. The place was called “Star Moon Pavilion”—an evocative name. Pushing open the revolving glass door, Luo Chen discovered that most of the patrons inside were mercenaries. It seemed the Star Moon Pavilion catered mainly to mercenaries. Not every mercenary preferred loud, boisterous venues for boasting and chatter; especially female mercenaries, who favored a tranquil and elegant spot to sit, enjoying a cup of hot coffee or milk tea. Thus, nearly half the clientele were women.

Mercenaries typically didn’t work weekends, and business was brisk—the seats were almost all taken.

A waiter promptly approached, “Sir, what would you like?”

“Oh, wait a moment,” Luo Chen said hurriedly. “I’m here to see your boss, Mr. Dyna. Is he in?”

“The boss is here. Please, have a seat over here and wait a moment.”

Luo Chen found a free spot and sat down. Not long after, a middle-aged man, pale-faced and beardless, with the air of a scholar, came over from the counter. Seeing Luo Chen, he asked in confusion, “May I ask…”

“Hello, Mr. Dyna, my name is Luo Chen. I was introduced by Brother Carlo.”

“Ah, so you’re one of the young brothers Carlo just met, a new student at Blue Emperor Academy. Luo Chen, Carlo speaks highly of you—truly, heroes emerge from the young!”

Luo Chen replied quickly, “It’s only because Brother Carlo thinks well of me.”

“You needn’t be so modest. Regarding the part-time job, you’ve come at the perfect time. I’ve already contacted the hunter, but he knew Blue Emperor Academy freshmen would be busy with two weeks of military training, so he expected you’d only be free this weekend evening. He’ll come by tonight, so just wait here—it shouldn’t take too long.” Dyna snapped his fingers and told the waiter, “Bring Luo Chen some drinks and snacks.”

He then rose and said, “This one’s on me. When you start making money hunting magical beasts, be sure to visit my shop often, haha…”

“Absolutely, Mr. Dyna!”

“Good, then I’ll go attend to the guests. Enjoy yourself.”

After Dyna left, Luo Chen sat, idly waiting. Soon, the drinks and snacks arrived—they were delicious, no wonder so many mercenaries liked to spend their money here.

After twenty minutes or so, a middle-aged mercenary in his fifties entered the bar. Dyna greeted him, exchanged a few words, and then brought him over. This must be the hunter he’d arranged to meet.

Indeed, Dyna brought the mercenary to Luo Chen. “Luo Chen, this is the magical beast hunter, Taylor.”

Luo Chen stood up. “Mr. Taylor, hello!”

“Haha, no need for formality. Since you’re Carlo’s friend, you’re my friend as well. Just call me Taylor!” The middle-aged mercenary was hearty and straightforward; it seemed Carlo’s friends were all warm and friendly, just like Dyna and Taylor. It made sense—someone as candid as Carlo would surely avoid scheming types.

Dyna laughed, “Well, my task is done. You two take your time to talk. Taylor, same as always—unsweetened latte?”

“Of course! After so many years of friendship, you don’t even need to ask.” After responding to Dyna, Taylor turned to Luo Chen. “Brother Luo Chen, Carlo has told me about your situation. With your abilities, you’ll have no trouble as a magical beast hunter. However…”

He paused and changed tone, “You’re still inexperienced. I suggest you start by hunting low-level magical beasts, beginning with grade three. Being a magical beast hunter is dangerous; any accident could leave you with lifelong regret! In this business, the one thing to avoid is greed. We only have one life, and every day fighting magical beasts is a gamble. We’d rather earn a little less and keep our losses to a minimum, because if you lose, the price is often steep!”

Luo Chen agreed wholeheartedly. He’d nearly lost his life in a single mishap during his internship.

Taylor continued, “Many wealthy people in Miracle City have a taste for certain magical beast meats. Apothecaries require magical beast materials. Even if you don’t hunt for crystal cores, selling magical beast meat and other materials alone can bring in good money—enough to cover your living expenses without worry.”

Luo Chen nodded, “Alright, Taylor. I’ll follow your guidance.”

Taylor drew out several maps and handed them to Luo Chen. “I’ve been doing this since I was young—decades of experience. These are distribution maps of magical beast species in the Forest of Terror outside Miracle City, showing their ranges and activity times. If you have enough experience, you can identify the beasts nearby from footprints, scents, and other signs, making it easier to find them and giving you an advantage before the hunt.”

These were the hard-won insights of a seasoned hunter, invaluable for someone as green as Luo Chen. Otherwise, just venturing into the forest, finding magical beasts would be the least of his worries—the real trouble would be encountering dangerous creatures. Luo Chen was deeply grateful. “Thank you so much, Taylor!”

“Haha, you’re too polite, Brother Luo Chen. Anyway, I’m retired now. These maps are useless to me. Better to help a friend than let them rot away.”

Taylor seemed to remember something. “Right, the last few sheets are information on the value of magical beasts. Some have toxic meat and can’t be eaten, or taste terrible; horns and bones of some aren’t much use. Don’t waste your time—study these and focus on valuable beasts. The final page lists the restaurants and apothecaries in Miracle City that buy magical beast materials. Go directly to them for transactions—you’ll earn much more than selling through trade market intermediaries.”

When Luo Chen walked out of the Star Moon Pavilion, his spirits were high. It seemed there really were many good people in this world—Butcher, Carlo, Taylor—some he barely knew, others he'd only met once, yet all had offered him tremendous help.

From today onward, he wouldn’t have to worry about living expenses anymore. With no distractions, he could devote himself wholly to his studies!