Chapter 2: The Predicament of a Rank 0
The territory he lived in was big and very busy all year round. It was the smallest among the fifteen habitable regions. There were over fifty territories in Tauratet of which only fifteen were habitable. The others were filled with elemental beasts and were certified hunting grounds. One had to travel by sea or air to go from one territory to another since only a few Territories were accessible by land.
The red-haired man walked past several large and small buildings of which most were uniquely placed whilst others were cramped together becoming a lurking place for thieves and robbers. He walked for about a quarter of an hour and came to a stop in front of a small building with an inscription 'Beast Scouts'.
He entered and was greeted by loud noises from those present there. Apart from being a place for hiring scouts, it also served as a drinking spot. He walked to the closest counter and sat.
"Lin! Didn't think you would make it back alive," a grey-haired old man said as he approached him. He held a tablet-like device and kept scrolling as he reached the counter.
"Old Dan, do you want to see me dead that badly?" he looked at him curiously. "Not many Rank 0's survived as scouts for as long as you did, especially those who went with Hectors. You are the only Rank 0 to survive scouting this long. Most Quint's even barely survive hunting trips with Hectors." The old man slid the device to him.
"You serious? I guess I am lucky" he picked up the device and began reading through it.
"Kid, I don't know if you are lucky yet, I hope to see you here every day. Lucky or not I would be okay once you are back in one piece."
"Seriously? These guys again?" he said and set down the device. "No fond memories?"
"They are the worst. They make you scout for the most dangerous beast and don't even pay much. I hate working with them."
"You may hate them, but I have a good feeling about this kid. Maybe this will be your chance."
Lin's smile faded from his face and was replaced by remorse. He gave a wry smile and said, "I know you mean well but it's been years and I have used countless resources yet..." he sighed and continued, "I'm still Rank 0. I don't think I would have any such opportunity. Maybe this is what I am destined to be, a scout."
Old Dan looked at him warmly and said optimistically, "Be a little trusting kid. Who knows, maybe you will have an opportunity today. You have a good heart kid. Just take the leap of faith."
Lin had been a Rank 0 for a long time and knew too well there was no such opportunity out there for him, yet he wasn't going to do anything when he was being encouraged by the man. He smiled and said, "I would take your word for it, old Dan. See you when I get back" he dropped the bag on his back and picked a similar one among the many hanging on the wall.
Lin covered his head with a hood and travelled to the outskirts of the Coulden territory. By the time he arrived there, it was already sundown. He chose a path a walked forward. He soon reached a cliff where he met three burly men. Two had short hair and one was bald.
"You are late." the bald man said, unpleased.
"Sorry, I don't have the means to travel here quickly as you may have expected. I had to come on foot." he casually said. "So where are we going to today, Kai?"
The bald man called Kai coldly grunted and said, "The territory of Kore". Lin frowned as he stared at the three before him. He was unhappy about the request put before him.
It was a dangerous territory ranking 15th on the list of the most dangerous Territories. Only high-ranking Ace's had the highest chance of surviving there. For mid-ranking Ace, going there was looking for certain death.
"You know how dangerous that place is and for mid-ranking Aces such as yourselves, going there would be simply asking for death. Can we change the location?"
Kai looked at him in disdain and coldly said, "No, can't do. Your job is to take us to where we want to go, and we pay you not to ask questions or demand a change of location."
"You know I'm a Rank 0 scout. So how do you expect me to send you there."
"I don't care how you do it. Just take us there." Kai coldly grunted.
Lin presented a wry smile with a smug look as he said, "Let's go then and when I die, let's see who leads you back or even who helps you locate what you seek."
"This…" Kai was angered and thought to teach him a lesson. One of the two men named Michael quickly stopped him. He acknowledged how dangerous the trip was going to be, so he presented an offer. "How about this, you take us there, and we guarantee you full protection till this is done, along with double the amount due you."
Lin smiled cunningly and said, "You seem like a smart man, unlike someone here. Nevertheless, you must pay me down before I take you there."
"How do we know you won't go back on your word once we give you a down payment?" the last man named Wong asked.
"You are all mid-rank Aces; what could I possibly do?" he said with an evil-looking smile. The others had no choice but to trust him after he said that.
"Quarter of the total," Michael said
"Half. No more, no less." Lin countered the offer. Michael hesitated for a bit but ultimately accepted the offer. He handed him a pouch and said coldly, "You know we could force you to take us, right?"
Lin had a serious expression when he said, "By all means, try it. Let's see if you can force me to go faster than I blow myself up" Michael swallowed hard and said nothing more. He knew no other scout would agree to take them there even if they offered lots of money.
Though Lin said what he did, he secretly prayed they did not try to do that. He knew he would be powerless to resist should he be found out. To him, his confident bluff was the only way to gain some money. After inspecting the money, he nodded and replied, "Good. Now let's go" he led the way.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone