"Why is this world so bent on keeping me naked?" Alex said out loud in frustration.
"First, I need to find some clothes."
Alex merged into the shadows and started searching. He found clothes hanging on the balcony of a house—a black T-shirt and black jeans. They were a little loose on him, but good enough to cover his body.
He wandered through the alleys until he reached the center of town, where the houses were big, neat, and clean. In the middle of it all stood a massive building, shining white and gold under the moonlight. On the gate, large golden letters gleamed:
**"HUNTER'S GUILD"**
A symbol of a shield with crossed swords in front stood on both sides of the lettering.
"So this is the Hunter's Guild," Alex muttered, and stepped inside.
The guild hall was buzzing with people. Some sat at tables drinking, some played games, and others just rested. Alex approached the counter.
"Hello, I want to join the Hunter's Guild," he said.
Behind the counter was a female staff member in a red uniform, blonde hair messy as she opened one eye and yawned.
"Hello…" she mumbled, then grabbed a pamphlet from the desk and handed it to him.
"Read this first. When you're ready, we'll start. And don't bother me with anything else."
She went right back to sleep.
Alex sat on a nearby stool and opened the pamphlet.
**"Welcome to the Hunter's Guild"** was written in bold letters at the top.
*If you are here to become a Hunter, you must at least have reached the Beginner Circle.*
**The following are known as COMMON ELEMENTS:**
- Water Element
- Fire Element
- Earth Element
- Air Element
**RARE ELEMENTS:**
- Wood Element
- Dark Element
- Ice Element
- Lightning Element
**LEGENDARY ELEMENTS – The Rarest:**
- Time Element
- Space Element
Alex frowned.
*What about dark element fused with red snake poison?*
*Should I ask them?*
*No… no. This is my secret. I have to keep it to myself.*
After finishing, Alex walked back to the receptionist.
"Excuse me—" he said, but she didn't wake. It was midnight, so he understood.
He knocked on the desk. The receptionist jerked awake, startled.
"Ah! Hello… what can I do for you?"
"I've read the pamphlet. Can I take the test now?"
"Oh, alright then. Come over here," she said as she moved to the side where a white glass orb sat on a pedestal.
"Place your hands on this."
Alex obeyed. As soon as his palms touched the glass, two lights flickered inside—one green, one dark.
The receptionist's eyes widened. She stared at the orb, then at Alex.
"You have… two rare elements—and both at Beginner Circle!" she shouted.
Alex took a step back, startled by her sudden outburst.
*She looks unhinged,* he thought.
She caught herself and cleared her throat.
"Ahem. Sorry about that. I was just shocked."
Alex calmed down a little.
"Why were you shocked? Aren't these just rare elements—not legendary?"
"What?!" she shouted again, even louder. Everyone in the hall turned toward them.
She covered her mouth quickly.
"Sorry," she said softly, sweat trickling down her brow.
"Can you please calm down and explain the situation?" Alex asked.
"Yes! Sorry! I apologize—please forgive me," she bowed repeatedly.
"It's fine. Just explain, please."
"Ahem. So… having even two *common* elements is rare. Most people who have that kind of dual affinity belong to the Ten Great Clans. But two *rare* elements? That's almost unheard of. I've worked here for years, seen all kinds of people from all over, especially in Romania City—being this close to the Green Zone, it attracts all types. But this is a first for me."
"Oh, okay. Thanks for explaining," Alex said. "So, what do I do now to get my Hunter license?"
The receptionist straightened up, now fully alert.
"Right! Give me a moment… What's your name?"
"Alexander."
"Last name?"
"No last name," Alex replied.
He *knew* his last name—Veylor. But his father had made him promise never to tell anyone.
"You'll be given an E-rank hunter badge," she said. "You're still a beginner and haven't started hunting yet. When you complete a D-rank monster hunt or finish a D-rank mission, you'll be promoted."
She handed him a blank badge.
"Now, please pour your elemental power into the badge so I can register it."
Alex did as she asked. She took the badge, walked over to a large glowing globe, and pressed the badge against it. Green letters danced across its surface, then transferred into the badge.
She returned and handed it back to Alex.
"You're registered in the system now. We don't write the element types on the hunter badge for privacy reasons. Just remember—you have to complete at least one mission or monster hunt per month. If you don't, you'll be fined five gold coins. One gold equals 15 silver, and one silver equals 15 copper."