Chapter 21: Chapter 20: Task
I saw that many complained about the fake chapters so i will post them only when necessary.
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I leaned back in my chair, staring at the finished case where the mana bombs were neatly stored. The printer compartment was clean, with the dust from the materials entirely contained within its sealed interior.
Efficiency and precision, just as planned. Next to the case, two pair of sleek black glasses rested, another creation from the printer. The hidden high-resolution camera embedded in the frame was perfect for recording dungeon runs discreetly.
Awà's voice broke my focus. [Host, Leo is calling.]
'Make the call untraceable.' I thought as I grabbed the phone.
[Connection encrypted. No traces will remain.]
I answered, leaning against the counter. "Leo."
"Luca!" His voice was steady, but there was an edge of excitement. "I got re-evaluated. It's official. A-Rank!"
I let out a soft exhale, not surprised but still pleased. "As expected. That's good news, Leo."
"It feels unreal." he continued. "I wanted to call you the moment I found out, but… I wasn't sure if you'd be busy."
'I've been buried in work.' I thought, glancing at the printer. "It's fine. This was a call worth making."
Leo hesitated, then added, "Oh, one more thing. At the re-evaluation, Mattia Falcone himself approached me."
That caught my attention. "Mattia? The Steel Fang guild leader?"
"Yeah." Leo said. "He wanted me to join his guild. It was intense, but I refused. I wasn't sure if I should have told you, but…"
I frowned slightly, processing the information. 'Mattia doesn't approach just anyone. He's either intrigued or he has plans.'
"You made the right call." I said after a moment. "Stay cautious around him. Mattia doesn't make moves without a reason."
Leo's tone turned serious. "Understood, Luca."
"Good. Meet me at the park in an hour. There's something I need to discuss."
"Got it. See you soon."
The call ended, and I slipped the phone into my pocket.
Before heading out to meet Leo, I stood in the middle of the living room, taking in the chaotic sight before me. The printer dominated the space, its two-meter-tall frame and intricate machinery taking up nearly half the room. The materials I hadn't yet stored away added to the mess, making the place feel claustrophobic.
'This isn't sustainable.' I thought, running a hand through my hair. 'This printer alone takes up too much space, and I haven't even started producing larger-scale projects.'
I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms as the idea began to take shape in my mind.
'I need a proper workspace, a building I can tailor to my needs. Not just some random apartment. A place where I can work without distractions or prying eyes.'
The thought of designing and building something from the ground up was appealing, but the reality of money loomed large.
'The funds are the problem.' I frowned, my eyes narrowing as I glanced back at the printer. It was a marvel of efficiency, capable of creating high-quality products with minimal resources.
'This machine is the key.' I thought, my focus sharpening. 'If Leo can bring me the materials, I can print whatever I need. Sell a few innovative items, and the money will start rolling in.'
I straightened, a sense of determination settling over me. First, I'd need to secure the materials, and that's where Leo came in. If he could provide me with a steady supply of mana crystals, essence stones, and other dungeon spoils, I could make this plan a reality.
'All I have to do now is set things in motion.'
With that thought, I grabbed the case of bombs and the glasses I'd printed for Leo, slipping them into my bag. It was time to meet him and start building the foundation for what would come next.
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I arrived at the park first, the sun casting long shadows across the pavement. The area was quiet, save for the occasional jogger or cyclist passing by. I adjusted the glasses on my face, ensuring they sat comfortably.
Before long, Leo appeared, his confident stride and upright posture matching the demeanor of a newly reawakened A-Rank hunter. He spotted me and nodded, walking over.
"Luca." he greeted, his tone respectful but calm.
"Leo." I motioned for him to sit on the bench across from me.
As he settled in, I leaned forward slightly. "Let's get straight to it. My name isn't Luca. My real name is Adam."
Leo blinked, his usually composed expression cracking slightly as his eyes widened in shock. "What?"
"Adam." I repeated, watching his reaction closely. "That's my real name."
Leo leaned back, processing the revelation. "I… didn't expect that. Why tell me now?"
"Because I need you to handle something important for me." I said. "You've proven yourself capable. That's why I'm trusting you with this."
Leo nodded slowly, his surprise giving way to focus. "What do you need?"
I reached into my bag and pulled out the glasses, handing them to him. "These. Wear them when you clear dungeons. They'll record everything you see, allowing me to analyze the footage later."
Leo turned the glasses over in his hand, examining them in wonder. "High-tech. These are impressive."
"They're functional, not flashy. Keep it that way." I said. "Your task is to focus on clearing gates up to B-Rank for now. Those are easier to access and safer for someone getting used to their new strength."
Leo frowned slightly. "But I'll need permission from the Hunter Association."
"Then get it." I leaned back. "You're A-Rank now. That kind of access won't be hard to secure."
Leo nodded, slipping the glasses into his pocket. "And what do you want me to collect?"
"Mana crystals and essence stones. Gather as much as you can, especially from bosses. The more, the better." I met his gaze. "If you do a good job, I'll make you a weapon worthy of your rank."
Leo's eyes lit up, his usual calm composure breaking for a moment. "A sword?"
I smirked faintly. "If that's what you want."
He nodded eagerly, standing. "Understood. I won't let you down, Adam."
"I'll hold you to that." I said, standing as well. "Now go. You've got work to do."
Leo gave me one last nod before turning and heading off, his steps purposeful. I watched him go, already planning my next move.
'Awà, it's time to awaken.'
[Understood, Host. Preparing for the process.]
As I turned to leave the park, a faint sense of anticipation stirred in my chest. The pieces were falling into place, and I was ready to take the next step.
....
Adam walked down the cobblestone streets of Alessandria, his steps steady but unhurried. The bustle of the city played in the background, from vendors calling out to passersby to the hum of mana-powered vehicles zipping along the narrow roads. His mind was alive with plans, but his face remained neutral, calm as always.
Ahead, he spotted a small café nestled between two older buildings. The sign above the door was simple, hand-painted, and a faint aroma of fresh coffee and baked goods wafted out as he stepped inside. The warm, cozy interior was inviting, with wooden tables and cushioned chairs scattered neatly.
Adam walked to a corner table, his movements deliberate as he took a seat. A waitress approached almost immediately, her notepad in hand and a friendly smile on her face.
"What can I get for you, sir?" she asked.
"Just a glass of milk, please." Adam said, his voice even but polite.
The waitress gave a small nod, clearly used to the occasional odd order. "Coming right up."
As she walked away, Adam leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest as he directed his thoughts inward.
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