Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Target: Find the Hunter
The people who stayed behind stepped forward one by one, writing their names on the scroll held by the Law Enforcer.
Fang Yu also wrote his name on this scroll.
At the moment his name was engraved upon it, Fang Yu felt his aura connect with the scroll in front of him.
He seemed to have become some kind of subject of observation?
The feeling was quite strange; it wasn’t surveillance, but some kind of tagging.
Once the name is engraved, the scroll tags the applicant.
Normally this tag doesn’t monitor the applicant; it only records information when the applicant encounters or kills a Hunter.
After all, the Ocean Court is still a formal official agency; it wouldn’t infringe on citizens’ privacy.
"Alright, since everyone has successfully registered, we will assign a colleague to Qiyun Port."
"If any problems arise or assistance is needed, including settlements after a kill, you can contact this colleague."
"Wang Xiaohu, step forward!"
As the squad leader of the Law Enforcers finished speaking, a young Law Enforcer stepped out from their ranks.
The epaulet—a water droplet—suggests he’s a lower-level enforcer from level 5 to 10.
However, all Law Enforcers have standard law enforcement gear, like uniforms with built-in shields and enforcement weapons, making their actual combat power exceed that of an ordinary level 10 captain.
Once the law enforcement squad left, Wang Xiaohu smiled at everyone and spoke, "Everyone, I am the liaison from the Ocean Court stationed at Qiyun Port; if anything comes up, just come find me."
"Oh, and be mindful when apprehending Hunters. The rewards for these tasks... even some veteran captains find them tempting!"
Wang Xiaohu spoke with hidden meaning, his tone mirroring that of the squad leader.
Yet he didn’t mention what the reward was, maintaining a mystery that made everyone curious.
...
Fang Yu glanced in the direction Wang Xiaohu left, showing a thoughtful expression.
The Law Enforcer and Cheng Peng both mentioned that the Ocean Court’s new rewards were very generous, which is why Fang Yu chose to sign up.
Very generous?
What could they be?
Just then, several captains approached Fang Yu, smiling as they said:
"Buddy, want to team up? Split the rewards, we’ll progress faster together!"
After accepting the task, the captains began preparing to team up.
However, the first type of naïve captain is at the bottom of the pecking order; no one would ask them to team up.
The second type, having a skill, is nearly irresistible for forming teams.
As for the third type... usually, they are the initiator of team formation...
"Just team up and I’ll give you xxx benefits."
"Pal, I’m rich, join my team, I can provide plenty of resources."
Alright...
This aligns perfectly with Fang Yu’s stereotypes of the three types of people.
Fang Yu himself, with an indistinct aura, was considered by some to be a scavenger, the first type.
But others saw Fang Yu as having a decent demeanor; despite his harmless appearance, his eyes occasionally flickered with brilliance.
Those in the know were already actively seeking Fang Yu...
However, Fang Yu was aloof, ignoring these people.
Um...
Or, from Fang Yu’s perspective, this was his way to find Hunters.
Hunters, at this stage, haven’t switched to another faction; ostensibly, they’re no different from regular captains.
Finding Hunters is challenging.
If Hunters lay low, who would know which among them is a Hunter?
Therefore...
Fang Yu realized from the start that Hunters couldn’t be found proactively.
He could only wait for them to find him!
He silently fostered the mindset of a Hunter.
Hmm...
I am a Hunter.
Back on Blue Star, someone told me that the Ocean World is just a game, not to weigh morality too heavily.
If I kill other captains, I can gain a lot of experience and rewards, possibly transforming into a cool Hunter.
Alright, as they said, I killed the captain.
But... it seems I’ve caused trouble.
What now? Everyone at Qiyun Port is looking for me; I need to find an opportunity to slip away, or I’m in danger.
However... before slipping away, I can’t leave empty-handed.
Having killed a captain, I’ve tasted the benefits; perhaps before leaving, I might kill a few more for profit.
Yet... some people have hidden away.
Some have banded together; these people aren’t easy prey, best not provoke them.
Weak captains don’t yield substantial rewards; it’s not worth it.
Better to target some solitary captains whose progress seems faster than others.
These captains, like the weak ones, can be dispatched with a single shot, but faster-progressing captains offer richer rewards!
Killing anyone yields rewards, so why not choose captains with better rewards?
After all, my opportunities for killing are limited...
...
This was the thought process Fang Yu had after adopting the mindset of a Hunter.
From Fang Yu’s perspective, if he were a Hunter.
He absolutely wouldn’t target those captains who have already teamed up.
This type of captain is alert in groups; even if ambushed, they would react immediately and fight back.
The uncertainty and risk are too high, no one would target teams.
Only those solitary, faster-progressing captains would be targeted.
Teaming up, ironically, loses the chance of being targeted by Hunters.
Fang Yu coldly observed the captains eagerly forming teams in front of him, his expression changing as he noticed 5 or 6 others like him, coldly watching and rejecting team invitations.
These individuals exchanged glances, seeing in each other’s eyes the desire to compete.
Even Fang Yu’s lips curled into an amused smile as he looked at the others.
It seems that this time, Fang Yu’s task of dealing with Hunters has only a few real competitors, just these 5 or 6 individuals...
...
After leaving the scene of the incident, Fang Yu quietly contemplated his strategy.
Currently, he carried a large sum, a total of over seventy thousand Copper Coins.
The Copper Coins were profits from these two collaborative deals.
Going out, he delivered 1380 tons of goods; returning, Tang Xian also had Fang Yu bring back 1000 tons of pork.
The earnings from these two transactions, along with Fang Yu’s two investments, increased his funds to a total of seventy-four thousand Copper Coins.
Carrying a fortune.
With so much money...
Why not...
Pursue some Extraordinary Ability?
If encountered by a Hunter, an additional attack-type Extraordinary Ability would greatly boost his confidence.
Though... Fang Yu already felt quite confident.
But who would say that being too cautious is wrong?
Thinking of this, Fang Yu couldn’t help but turn and step toward the Magic Stone Store.
Yet what Fang Yu wasn’t aware of... was that as he stepped toward the Magic Stone Store.
Some captains who also signed up to investigate Hunter whereabouts quietly set their sights on Fang Yu.
"This person... is alone..."
"He... is heading to the Magic Stone Store... He is really wealthy..."
"Able to afford Magic Stones? I’m sure he’s not a pay-to-win player, which leaves only one explanation..."
"His progress is far ahead of other captains!"
Several individuals whispered...