First Encounter
I visited the NOA branch of the Aselus Association to meet a new Journey member.
Hello. Looks like this is your first time visiting us. What brings you in today?
If you're here to register as a hunter, please fill out this application card.
Just your name, address, and preferred hunting category.
We've got bounty hunting, monster hunting, wild beast hunting, and—
I think there's been a misunderstanding.
...Oh? You're waiting for someone?
So you're not a new hunter. My apologies.
What exactly does the Aselus Association do?
Ah, we're basically a guild for hunters.
From monsters that threaten public safety to wild beasts attacking villages...
Even criminals with bounties on their heads.
If there's money in it, our hunters will provide a service for all of them.
Are you perhaps interested in becoming a hunter yourself?
We also offer training programs for beginner hunters. For a small fee—
...I'll pass.
...That's a shame.
Then the person you're waiting for wouldn't happen to be—
Make way for Trish the top-tier hunter!
I brought in the bad guy! Here! Take him!
Huah!
W-whoa! That scared me!
Hurry and check. He's the one who robbed twenty merchant wagons the other day, right?
...Trish.
Hmm?
I know we're dealing with wanted criminals...
But I told you to stop hauling them in, tied up in a sack!
Ahaha! You did?
At least cuff them or tie them up with rope...
And if even that's too much, couldn't you just give us a heads-up?
We can send someone from the Association to retrieve them ourselves!
Eh... But that won't look cool at all.
C'mon, think about it. Dragging someone in with rope? That's not a good look.
...You make zero sense.
Also! Stop roughing them up so much!
Just look! His eye's all swollen!
I'm... sorry...
He deserved it. People got seriously hurt because of him, you know?
*Sigh* If someone files a complaint, it's going to be a whole legal mess!
I told you to just turn in bounties directly to the Public Security.
Ehe, I don't know any of that stuff. You take care of it.
*Sigh* Well, he matches the bounty description, so your reward will be sent to your acc—
Cash! Cash only!
...It's a pretty big amount. Are you sure you want it all in cash?
Who cares?
The way of the hunter! Always carry a heavy wallet!
...Wait right here.
Is that her?
...I've got a feeling it is.
Hmm? Don't recognize you. You one of the rookies?
Hmm. That coat looks kinda stiff for a hunter. If you want to be a top-tier hunter like me, you've gotta dress the part—
Wait. Your face and outfit... I've definitely heard a description like yours somewhere.
Ah! You're that Journey Captain, aren't you?
I knew it. So you're the Journey member?
"Knew it"? As in, I stood out for being the coolest, right?
Haha! Perfect! I was just looking for you. So you've been waiting for me, huh?
Come on! I'll treat you to a scrumptious meal!
...Just like that?
Why not? I just cashed in a bounty, so I'm loaded.
We're gonna be seeing each other for a whole year, so might as well get to know each other over some good food.
Now, now, don't be shy. Let's go!
Dragged along by Trish, I ended up at a high-end restaurant in the city.
Lavish interior, gentle background music, and service so polite it was almost intimidating.
Even without looking at the menu, I could tell this place was insanely expensive.
We're seriously eating here?
Hmm? Is it the price?
Don't worry about it! My treat.
Order anything you want, Captain. I got this.
The way of the hunter! High-class taste and treat friends to the best!
I'll take the sour cream tart with premium caviar and butter, and the tomato slices seasoned with spices from the East.
And... this too! Sirloin steak with red wine sauce, vegetables, topped with gold leaf.
Did you... even check the price?
Hehehe...! The way of the hunter! Don't look at price tags!
Trish waved it off like it was nothing...
But I still went with one of the cheaper steaks just in case.
Whew! That hit the spot! Here's the money!
You can figure out the total and give me the change.
...Ma'am. I'm sorry, but this isn't enough to cover the bill.
W-what? That can't be right...?
You've already charged things to your tab three times here.
If we add it all up, even everything in that coin pouch won't be enough.
Even that's not enough...?
Ahaha! Guess it added up more than I thought!
Wasn't expecting that...
Ugh... nghhh...
Hey, Captain. Sorry to hit you with this on our first day, but...
But hey! I'm not asking for a handout! I'll pay you back! With interest!
Haha! I'll earn it back in no time, don't worry!
...
In the end, I was the one who had to foot the enormous bill for that meal.
Is she... going to be okay?