After around two hours of waiting and eavesdropping on nearby customers, Mikhail had learned a lot about the current situation of the capital city.

There weren’t many things that garnered his attention but some of the topics still stirred some interest.

’...Looks like there is something going on underneath the city.’

Mikhail thought, standing up when he found Kevin walking towards him.

The blonde boy had a bright and refreshing smile on his face.

"Did the sa—Goddess specially bless you or what?" Mikhail asked, smiling at him.

He had wanted to ask if he ’saw’ the goddess but quickly changed his words.

In all the written gospels spread by the saints and saintesses, it was said that ’A mortal should never gaze upon the deities.’

Mikhail feared someone might hear him and take offence. That would be a tiresome situation for him.

"They are offering free food and even wine." Kevin told him the reason for his happiness. "I asked for extra servings."

’Aren’t you from a well-off family? Why are you acting like a beggar?’

Mikhail grumbled inwardly while he replied. "Good for you."

He had been dying from boredom while sitting alone, so much so that he had been analysing the murder of Jonathan.

But with so few clues he couldn’t form a concrete theory.

’I don’t even know which cult is behind his death...’ He thought grimly.

Kevin was in a relatively good mood. With a smile he asked. "Where should we go now?"

Mikhail thought for a moment before he replied. "We should first register ourselves as independent hunters."

Kevin frowned upon hearing his words. "Won’t that make things difficult for us? After all we are students of the Imperial University."

"They will not stop us from working independently." Mikhail replied with a shrug. "As long as we don’t tarnish the name of the university, we will be fine."

Kevin thought for a moment before nodding with a sigh. "Alright."

Mikhail smiled as they both walked towards the bus stop once again.

The Hunter Association was something that had been formed under the rule of the first King Julius and founded by the king’s younger brother, the second King of the Aegon Kingdom.

It was said that the second king, Oberoi Aegon, was the one who assassinated King Julius to seize the throne.

Though it was never confirmed nor denied by the royal family.

They both boarded the bus for the Hunter Association, which was situated at the centre of the area overseen by the three churches.

The Hunter Association could also be said to be an organisation that connected the Sun Metropolis, Moon Suburb and War Town.

When Kevin got comfortable on his seat, he asked Mikhail who sat beside him. "Have you heard of the Hunter Association’s curse?"

Mikhail gave him a curious look. "What might that be?"

He leaned in and said in a subdued voice. "They say the three major Gods have put a spell over the Hunter Association." Kevin looked extremely serious.

"That no matter how much of a genius a person is, he always has to leave the association to either join the church or the royal family."

Mikhail tilted his head as it was his first time hearing such a thing. "For real?"

Kevin nodded his head in response. "There are only a few hunters at the level of Grandmaster and above."

’Grandmaster means level 51 and above....’

Mikhail thoughtfully nodded his head as he began to wonder about the actual reason for such an event.

---

After fifteen minutes, both of them finally arrived at the Hunter Association.

It was a tall five-story building that stood like a monolith in a shade of grey.

It lacked the sleek glass of modern skyscrapers, opting instead for narrow, slit-like windows.

A heavy, dual-swinging brass door was at the entrance while a neon sign was placed just above it.

Mikhail and Kevin walked up the stairs towards the entrance of the building.

When they entered inside, they were greeted with the bustling hub of people.

Many of them were young, energetic and rowdy while a few were old and wise.

’It’s much more organised and quiet than I expected.’

Mikhail had imagined a fantasy guild-like atmosphere for the place but was pleasantly surprised by how silent it was.

Both of them walked towards a large oak desk where a lady sat with a professional smile.

"How can I help you?" She asked when they walked closer.

"We wish to register as new hunters." Mikhail said with a soft smile.

The lady nodded her head and replied professionally. "It will be a hundred Telen for registration. I will need your ID and live information about your rank and class."

’And how do you wish to obtain that?’

Mikhail thought, but he already had his own guess.

’They might have something similar to the awakening stone.’

Only then did Mikhail remember something important.

’How am I supposed to register then? My rank and class will definitely show blank....’

Mikhail was in a difficult position. He racked his mind before remembering. ’I have Sir Daniel’s letter.’

He remembered how Daniel had said it would come in handy when needed.

Taking in a deep breath, Mikhail took out the letter he had been carrying and passed it to the counter lady.

She looked rather conflicted as she gently replied. "...No love letters during office hours, sir."

Mikhail’s lips twitched while Kevin barely held back his laughter behind him.

"It’s not for you." He replied gently. "Would you mind passing it to the higher ups?"

The lady looked confused as she took the letter. "Who wrote it?"

"Detective Daniel Smith." Mikhail replied honestly.

The lady’s eyes constricted like she had been struck by lightning.

"I-I will immediately pass it to him." She stammered.

Putting a ’Busy’ sign on her desk, she quickly rushed upstairs.

’...Did Sir Daniel really have that much influence on the association? Is he a hidden bigshot? My ring grandpa?’

Mikhail couldn’t help but frown when he noticed her behaviour.

He waited for a few minutes before the lady returned, huffing.

She took in a deep breath and said in a calm voice. "Our vice-leader, Sir Liam, would like to see you, sir."

Mikhail was stunned for a second before he nodded his head. "Alright."