The Huntsman Of Death:A Gamer's POV As Side Character

Saber coughed, clearly caught off guard by a sudden shift in atmosphere, and gave me a weird look as if asking.

What's with this sudden turn of pessimism?

He opened his mouth to say something sarcastic, but the look on my face must've stopped him.

"Ha! It's okay," he said, ruffling his messy hair.

"You're not obliged to take care of everything for me. My life's not that bad, really. Compared to when I was enslaved, this is paradise. At least here, I'm free. People around here have dreams, you know, even if they're small.

"Working and improving yourself isn't that mad and for the future of the world, I don't mind hiding in the shadows like this."

I controlled my inner smile hearing this.

'He seems to have matured if not for those bad habits.'

I gave him a long look before glancing back out the window. Something caught my eye that made my stomach tighten—a group of pregnant women being led away.

Saber must have noticed the change in my expression because he stepped closer, following my gaze. "Those?" he said, shrugging. "They're prostitutes who got pregnant. Since they can't work anymore, they're sent to the monastery to serve."

"Prostitutes getting pregnant," I said, narrowing my eyes. "Is that common?"

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Saber scratched his head. "Now that you mention it... no, it's not. Most women in the brothels make sure they don't get pregnant. What happens to them and their kids is worse than hell."

I thought for a moment, then nodded. "Keep an eye on them," I said firmly. "Don't dig too deep, just track the rumors."

Saber hesitated but eventually muttered, "Uh, okay..."

I turned back to the room, giving it another glance. "As for this place..." I paused. "Wait a few months. I'll find a way to help."

Before Saber could say anything, I pulled out a card and handed it to him. "There's 100,000 Velos on this."

"What? Really?" Saber's eyes lit up, and he started dancing around the room like a fool.

"Thank you! You're the best!"

I poured cold water on his enthusiasm. "Invest it in a guild named Brave Heart."

Saber froze, his grin replaced by a scowl. "You... you heartless piece of shit," he growled, shaking his fist at me.

I ignored him, my tone icy. "Do what I said. No questions."

Saber kept cursing under his breath, but I didn't care. This was how things had to be.

The entire weekend, I spent my time wandering and refreshing my memory of the black market. Though I had initially planned to explore one of its infamous dungeons, I decided against it.

Instead, I used the time to explore Huntington's Capital, focusing solely on the normal district. The noble district, with its grandeur and exclusivity, was reserved for the elite and thus inaccessible to someone like me—for now, at least.

I took detailed notes, summarizing key locations on the map and marking shortcuts, hidden alleys, and overlooked pathways. These might prove crucial in the near future.

Saber accompanied me as a guide. He was currently residing in a poorly furnished, shabby inn—a fitting place for a lone hunter and adventurer who took on commissions. His routine seemed simple enough: once a week, he ventured into low-grade D- or E-rank dungeons, suitable for those of Spark and Acolyte rank.

After seeing his pitiful living conditions, I began to consider purchasing a house. However, such an investment would require significant resources, and I wasn't sure if I could afford it just yet.

...….

Back at the academy, with my recent experience at the Archery Club booth still fresh in my mind, I headed to the final club on my list—the Alchemist Club.

Unlike the bustling energy of other clubs, this one exuded a calm and focused atmosphere. Students around the booth were engaged in soft-spoken conversations, discussing topics ranging from the art of brewing to historical applications of alchemical techniques.

As I approached the booth, I was greeted by a welcoming and passionate group of students. Their excitement was palpable as they shared their love for alchemy and the transformative potential of herbs.

I could hear their lively chatter from a distance, their enthusiasm infectious.

"Welcome, Mister Freshman!" a cheerful voice called out, startling me slightly. I turned toward the source and saw a bright-eyed young woman, her face lit with an inviting smile.

Before I could respond, she stepped forward, holding a tray filled with an assortment of herbs.

"You have to eat one of these to enter," she said, her tone playful yet firm. "This is a tradition."

I blinked, taken aback by the sudden challenge. My gaze shifted to the tray, where a variety of herbs were neatly arranged. Unfortunately, I didn't recognize any of them.

I was a novice when it came to alchemy. Though I had memorized formulas for potential evolutionary potions during the game, my practical knowledge of herbs was lacking—hence why I was here.

"Alright," I replied, masking my hesitation. I extended my hand, selecting the most aesthetically pleasing herb on the tray.

With a firm nod, I bit off a portion of the leaf and stem, the crunch loud and almost sickening.

Juices flooded my mouth, and I was taken aback by the surprisingly pleasant flavor. The taste was sweet, with a savory undertone that lingered as I chewed.

"Hmm," I muttered thoughtfully. "This tastes good. Never knew raw herbs could be this enjoyable."

The young woman's smile widened, but there was a mischievous glint in her eyes as she replied, "Yes, it does have a savory flavor, balanced by a sweet aftertaste similar to sugarcane. It's quite popular."

I nodded, feeling a bit more confident. "I could get used to this."

Then, her tone shifted, becoming almost too casual. "Oh, by the way—it's also poisonous."

My chewing slowed as her words registered.

"Excuse me?" I said, my voice strained.

"Yes," she said cheerfully. "That herb contains a mild paralytic toxin. Without the antidote, you'll start feeling numb in about five minutes."

I froze, my mind racing. The once-pleasant taste turned bitter in my mouth.

PFFTTTTT