I Hate Systems

The fastest way for a Hunter to establish a commercial presence was through a Guild. Not only did a Guild raid Dungeons systematically and farm resources, but it also took care of the financial and security stability of the region they were established in. 𝐛𝗲𝐝𝐧𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝗼𝐫𝗴

Depending on their income, they paid taxes to the country accordingly, so it was a win-win situation.

The Guild Master was the figurehead and the mascot of the Guild, which was what attracted other Hunters to join.

Normally, a newly established Guild only had as much fame as the Guild Master creating it. So, they would have to set aside a lot of funds for recruitment and training purposes.

But, Ying had one advantage at the moment. His face had been flashed throughout the country thanks to the Hunter Association. And as the Hero that managed to fend off the Lich and Bone Dragon, his fame as the third S-Rank Hunter of their country continued to grow with every passing hour.

Ring-Ring!

His phone rang as Ying attended the call, understanding that the Hunter Association had called forth to reward him publicly. "Yes, I'll be there shortly."

Following that, he called another individual, an A-Rank Hunter he had just bonded with, "Noll, I have a favour to ask. Yes…"

…

Click! Clack!

To read the uncut version, go to 𝒃𝒆𝒅𝒏𝒐𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝙘𝙤𝒎.

Flashes from the reporters' cameras went off like explosives as the Hunter Association had created a grand spectacle, summoning forth every Hunter that had participated in the raid against the undead.

The one on the stage was an old man in his late sixties, a retired S-Rank Hunter that now served as the Hunter Association President. After a short speech, he announced from the podium, "Now, I invite the Hero that rallied forth everyone to fight against the undead, our country's third S-Rank Hunter, Hero Ying!"

Ying walked up to the stage under the raucous cheers of the audience as the Hunter Association President shouted, "Through his displayed power, the Hunter Association has conferred him the title,"

"Orc Dragon!"

The audience cheered in response, "Orc Dragon!"

"Orc Dragon!"

Ying received the medal of honour as the Hunter Association President subtly nodded at him, having already given the go-ahead for what Ying had planned. They had already discussed it beforehand. Only after receiving their permission could Ying pull off the following public stunt using the Hunter Association's name.

Ying bowed towards everyone, "I thank our brave Hunters that answered the summons on time. If it weren't for you, our country would have been doomed by now. On behalf of our citizens, I bow to you."

"He's a true Hero." The public began to discuss about him fervently.

"I saw that he was the first to rush at the Dungeon Break."

"Yeah, if not for him, the fleeing Hunters wouldn't have joined hands."

"He's a leader among Hunters."

As the discussions brewed forth, Ying listened to them through his Orc-Dragon Senses as he stood up from his bow and said, his voice cold, "But, the threat hasn't passed us yet."

The fiery discussions stopped as if doused by cold water. Some of the smarter ones among the crowd understood what he was getting at. And as if to confirm, Ying nodded, "Yes, as some of you may have guessed, the crisis isn't past us yet. We've only managed to temporarily avert the disaster."

"The Lich and the Bone Dragon are still alive on the other side of the dimension." He continued with a solemn tone before pointing at Noll, "And when Hunter Noll stopped the Lich at the end, he witnessed three S-Rank Hunters that have been transformed into skeletons by the Lich."

Boom!

There was absolute silence now as Ying said with a tone lacking emotions, "Yes, they lost their army, but their elites are still alive. And once they replenish their troops, they would target us by opening the crack once again."

"That's why!" Ying shouted, "I'll take this opportunity to establish the Bone Crusher Guild, created for the sole purpose of eradicating the Lich and its army."

He then extended his hand as a dozen figures appeared on the stage. The ones closest to him were Noll and Meyn as he announced, "These are the Hunters who have joined our Guild for this sole cause, to protect our country."

Ying thumped his chest aloud, causing the sound to resound throughout the region as he proclaimed, "And we will, without doubt, destroy all the undead. Believe in us, and if you wish to support our endeavour, join the cause!"

"I can recognise most of them!" One of the Hunters muttered in shock, "All the strong, unaffiliated Hunters that participated in this raid have joined the Bone Crusher Guild."

"Besides," Another Hunter pointed at the Hunter Association President, "It seems they are being supported by the Hunter Association itself."

In response, the Hunters gazed at each other, understanding the thoughts echoing in their minds, "We can follow an S-Rank Hunter."

Irrespective of their motive, whether to purely protect their city, to gain clout by being under an S-Rank Hunter's leadership, or to gain benefits from joining a Guild supported by the Hunter Association, numerous Hunters expressed their willingness to join the Bone Crusher Guild immediately.

Of course, upon seeing what was happening, the media houses didn't let go of the chance, providing further coverage of the incident through the news.

"The newly appointed S-Rank Hunter, Orc Dragon, created the Bone Crusher Guild at the awarding ceremony conducted by the Hunter Association…"

"The rookie genius A-Rank Hunter, Noll has decided to become the Vice Guild Leader of Bone Crusher…"

Media outlets milked the incident to the limit, providing free publicity for Ying's Guild as overnight, more than a hundred Hunters applied to join.

Among them, there were five A-Rank Hunters, dozens of B-Rank Hunters while the remaining were C-Rank Hunters. The applications were still coming in without stopping as Ying and his group became busy.

"This entire building is mine…?" Ying said in surprise upon staring at a thirty-storey building located in the heart of the city.

"It's nothing considering the value of the item you sold us." The Hunter Association President said in contentment, patting his back as he spoke, "We'll be expecting more from you. Work hard on protecting this city."

"I will." Ying nodded respectfully while internally, he was snorting in disdain. What he did was simply economics 101. He pandered to the needs of the rich and powerful to rapidly establish his authority. For that, he only needed one item.

Elven Tear!