Chapter 147

Chapter 147. Human Hunting (1)

The system launched a recruitment mission but did not provide any criteria on who to select. The task of recruiting a bounty hunter was entirely up to me.

Of course, it wasn’t because I thought the system trusted me. Although I knew the system considered me special and kept an eye on me, I wouldn’t call that trust.

‘I might be just a tool to be used.’

Therefore, I didn’t attach any particular meaning to this recruitment mission. It was just a means that could help achieve the goal.

‘It would be foolish not to use a tool when it presents itself.’

Thus, the recruitment of new bounty hunters was conducted according to my judgment. Of course, I didn’t select just anyone; there were specific conditions.

‘They must have a clear sense of purpose.’

In this war, where I knew fewer people than I didn’t, it was best if they had something definite to protect.

Whether it’s family, peace, wealth, or even personal safety or honor, any of those could suffice.

It’s enough if they’re willing to endure anything for their goals, whether it means sacrificing restful peace or getting their hands bloody and wrestling with guilt.

‘They must be able to hunt humans with gritted teeth.’

The system had been struggling with a lack of authority since the game’s inception, and because of this, it couldn’t grant the special privilege of bounty hunting to many.

In fact, the recruitment mission was accompanied by the vague number 4.

‘Including me, that makes five.’

It was an ambiguous time to determine whether additional recruitment missions would appear.

For a while, five people had to cover the problems players caused worldwide. I couldn’t afford to have someone weak, who would complain and fall behind, waste a spot.

It was simple—of the few conditions I set, one was more important than any other.

The first person that came to mind with this condition was Ethan, whom I met a few hours ago.

“This is taking too long.”

The next person I thought of was the man sitting behind me. A white man sitting in the backdrop of Griffith Park in Los Angeles.

He wore a beige bucket hat pulled down low and had a scruffy beard. As a result, it was difficult to confirm his appearance, but we undoubtedly knew each other.

‘Codename Sniper.’

He was a player with American nationality, and I got to know him through the leading group, ‘Club 249’.

The name, decided by consulting with the participants, signifies the number of countries registered with the International Standards Organization.

It intended to promote multinational harmony.

Club 249 was proceeding as I initially intended. Among those I met there, Sniper had excellent conditions for recruitment as a bounty hunter.

Recalling Sniper’s story, I replied calmly.

“Rushing won’t make it go any faster.”

“I’m not complaining. No matter how long it takes, I’ll definitely tackle the bounty mission.”

I recruited Sniper because he was passionate about random boxes. His child had a rare disease deemed incurable, and he hoped to get holy water from a random box.

‘Holy water, water imbued with divinity.’

If potions are objects that accelerate recovery, holy water would be akin to a panacea. Or, in some ways, it was an even more extraordinary item.

‘It not only heals all kinds of diseases but even restores severed limbs.’

Despite its abilities, the method to produce it wasn’t overly complicated.

You simply had to infuse water with the powers of the 7 Great Gods sequentially and without rest until it absorbed divinity.

But for a seemingly simple process, the quantity produced was minuscule.

‘The 7 Great Orders only have two bottles of holy water right now.’

The production period required is exceedingly long. It takes an average of about three years to produce holy water.

Maintaining the infusion of the 7 Great Gods’ powers continuously for several years isn’t easy.

‘Especially difficult due to the Karlos Order.’

The Karlos Order finds it challenging to receive blessings, even for their priests.

The ability to wield authority essentially lies with the apostles, though there are only two of them, and their whereabouts are often mysterious.

Given the circumstances, it’s only natural that crafting holy water becomes increasingly difficult.

‘Obtaining such a precious item through normal means is nearly impossible.’

That’s probably why he was targeting the random boxes.

‘There’s no guarantee that holy water will come out here, though.’

But no one can guarantee it won’t either. Hence, if he wanted to hope for it, it wasn’t something I could object to.

“If circumstances permit, can I tackle missions from other continents?”

Having some understanding of Sniper’s circumstances, I wasn’t overly surprised by his question.

‘The fact that random boxes can be synthesized has already been disclosed in the guide.’

Sniper had since been targeting random boxes more aggressively than others. He almost always participated in missions dedicated to promoting notable talents in the Order.

In the main scenario, he gained a reputation for aggressively seeking contribution points to earn ranking rewards.

‘The bounty mission grants one random box per target.’

I received three in the Afghanistan mission, so it’s guaranteed. Sharing that piece of information, Sniper showed even more enthusiasm than Ethan.

I had no reason to put a brake on his enthusiasm.

“I’m not planning to say outright no. But at least discuss it with the local operations manager in advance.”

“If they refuse, I have to persuade them, huh.”

“Naturally.”

“You mentioned Europe was the British kid’s region, right? He’s close to the regime, so he’ll probably be busy and might delegate to me… What about you? Is your area Asia?”

“Yeah, on my end, it’s fine even if I handle matters without prior coordination.”

This was a concession from my side.

‘After all, soon, I’ll be engrossed in the main scenario.’

The time to return to Earth wouldn’t be abundant. If Sniper could fill that gap for me, it would be beneficial.

“Annoyingly far, but you can’t be picky with work. Thanks.”

The alignment of interests between Sniper and me was perfect, making it a commendable transaction. At the end of the deal, I added a reminder.

“If you’re thankful, don’t get caught up in unnecessary guilt and make sure to handle things decisively.”

“If you pass the work to me, that’s not a problem. Let me know when the other members are confirmed.”

“You can verify it from your side too, so don’t worry.”

“Sounds good.”

Within Club 249, it was well-known that I valued harmony with civilians. Therefore, there was no need to elaborate on why I prioritized the bounty hunting missions.

‘From now on, I’ll just have to trust and leave it to him.’

At that moment, the completion rate I checked was 99%. As soon as I stood up, the messages I’d seen before suddenly appeared again.

“I’m leaving.”

“See you next time.”

After confirming that Sniper’s codename appeared on the bounty hunter icon, I took a few steps.

But before I could go far, I had to stop. Unexpectedly, the message window updated again.

「The HIDDEN MISSION list is being updated.」

The moment when the painstakingly reduced hidden missions grew again.

‘What timing.’

Really, this damned system was never in sync with me.

“Sigh.”

Taking a deep breath with my eyes closed, I checked the newly updated missions. Two missions had been added.

“Wow.”

Almost simultaneously, Sniper, who verified the same two missions, let out a soft exclamation.

It was understandable. The new mission targets were 11 individuals for one mission and 17 for the other.

* * *

Inside the dim underground tunnel, barely lit by cheap lights.

“Yawn.”

Before the lengthy yawn ended, a discreet proposal followed.

“How about it after we finish today? I saw some new pretty ones on the way.”

An addition of a vulgar gesture accompanied the crude suggestion, to which the yawning individual responded with a chuckle.

“I already went and came back alone.”

“Huh? You went alone?”

“Joachim took the ones below and made a round.”

At those words, the man who made the initial proposal groaned and regretted.

“If I had known, I would’ve stayed too!”

“That’s why I suggested we wait a little longer before going.”

Just in time for a clatter, clatter noise. A rail-moving trolley appeared from the dark tunnel.

“Aren’t they planning to take anyone today?”

“Who knows?”

It seemed like a familiar scene for them, so their conversation continued without any surprise.

“They seemed to have quite a bit of fun yesterday, so won’t they go again?”

“Alright, I’ll hold out today.”

“You’re such a lecher.”

While the two giggled, the trolley moving along the rail came to a stop. Almost simultaneously, someone who had gone upstairs to bring people down descended.

“Oh, already here?”

“Let’s transfer them quickly.”

Most of the ones following behind were fairly young. Roughly estimated, they were in their mid-teens to early twenties.

As if they knew exactly what was happening, they approached the long line of trolleys without any apparent doubt.

What followed was a series of low-level conversations between two or three individuals and sporadic footstep sounds.

A player’s keen senses were more than sufficient to eavesdrop on those sounds from beneath.

However, rather than the conversation happening below, I was more concerned about the scent wafting from beyond the wall.

I was currently approaching a warehouse with one of the targets invisibly. There was a truly peculiar smell emanating from the warehouse.

‘What is this smell?’

It was sharp and sour, like a mix of vinegar and possibly rotten mugwort. It was truly an unfamiliar scent I was experiencing for the first time.

While I was focusing, wondering what this smell could be, Sniper, who was holding my shoulder, spoke.

“It smells like cocaine, and with a whiff of marijuana added, it seems.”

I slowly turned around. Unperturbed by my reaction, Sniper kicked the ground with his foot and continued.

“These bastards are drug traffickers.”

The word from Sniper’s mouth was shocking. Additionally, I was quite puzzled. It didn’t make sense for him to identify drugs so easily.

“Um? Why are you looking at me like that?”

However, Sniper, seemingly unfazed, casually asked. Instead of showing a notable reaction, I held back my words. Before speaking, I recalled a fact.

‘There are states in the U. S. where marijuana sales are legal.’

This difference was not based on personal preference but rather on legal and cultural aspects of the country.

Just knowing about drugs doesn’t automatically make someone an addict. Even if Sniper were to smoke marijuana, as an American, it wasn’t something I could interfere with.

‘Unless he acts out due to being drugged, I have no choice but to overlook it.’

Fortunately, Sniper had never shown impaired judgment due to drug use based on what I’d seen so far. He hadn’t emitted any marijuana-like scent until today.

‘That should be enough.’

Reaching a simple and clear conclusion, I turned my gaze away from Sniper. Pushing aside personal shock, I pondered how to handle this situation.

‘I don’t know why drug trafficking is related to the game…’

This wasn’t something Sniper and I could handle alone. It wasn’t just an incident involving players; it was an issue linked with a significant criminal organization.

Meddling with it on a personal level could lead to even bigger problems. Thus, one solution remained.

Ultimately, I clicked my tongue inwardly.

“If these guys are indeed involved with drugs, Lily Evans needs to be contacted.”

Sniper nodded in agreement with my statement.

Damned System