MTLNOVEL Chapter 26: Chapter 26: Registration
Yuki looked ahead at the massive gates of the city as they slowly opened. His expression remained calm, but a storm of thoughts churned inside.
He answered with a steady voice, "I haven't thought that far yet. But I won't be lazy. I plan to get stronger. As strong as I possibly can."
John grinned, clearly pleased with the answer. "Good. That's the kind of mindset we need around here."
Maki glanced sideways at Yuki, her voice thoughtful. "Still, if you're serious about power, becoming a Hunter might suit you best. They're the ones who venture beyond the walls, hunt infected beasts, secure supplies, and investigate Gates."
"But it's dangerous work," John added. "The pay and rewards are good, and you gain recognition. But one mistake, and you won't return."
"I'll keep that in mind," Yuki said. "But yes, Hunter sounds fitting for now."
He had no intention of settling for a desk job or standing guard all day. If he was to grow, he needed battle, challenge, and energy sources for his fusions.
They finally stepped through the gates. Inside, the city opened up like a maze of reinforced steel, elevated houses, old-world brick buildings repurposed with magical wards, and people bustling despite the decay.
Children ran with wooden swords. Merchants hawked salvaged treasures. Awakened warriors walked with pride and exhaustion.
"Oh, um, there's one more thing we forgot to tell you, Kid," John said after some hesitation.
"Yes? What is it Mr. John?" Yuki asked calmly, hiding the restlessness growing within him. His Mana was running low. He needed a roof and cover within the hour.
John finally replied, "There are a few dungeons located outside the Fortress City. If you ever decide to enter one, tread carefully, especially with the people you go in with. Understood?"
"Dungeons?" Yuki barely managed to suppress the surge of excitement bubbling inside him.
"Yes. Dungeons," Maki explained, using subtle hand gestures. "If you're lucky, you can find auxiliary Skills or Mana Cores inside. But they are extremely dangerous. One wrong step could mean permanent death."
"Ohh, I get it. Thank you for the warning. I'll be very careful. But what do I need to do to qualify for entering those dungeons? Will they even let me out of the city if you two aren't around?"
John answered calmly, "No need to worry, kid. They will. But you need to complete your registration first. And we're heading to the registration office right now. After that, if you're qualified for the Hunter job, they'll issue you a Hunter License. With it, you'll be allowed to travel outside the city, either solo or in groups. But keep in mind, every time you leave, there's a fee. Anyway, no need to rush. You'll learn everything step by step."
"First comes registration, then a small medical test. After that, you're good to go."
Yuki nodded quietly, though the mention of a medical test unsettled him. He could only hope they didn't have any advanced method to detect his dragon bloodline or genes. Hopefully, it wouldn't come to that.
Next, they entered a large building where officials in neat uniforms began asking basic questions like his name and address. Yuki gave vague answers, claiming he didn't remember much. It wasn't uncommon. The officials didn't seem too suspicious since many survivors showed up at their doorstep with fragmented memories every day.
Yuki rushed through the process as quickly as he could. Time was running out, and his Mana reserves were dangerously low.
Afterward, he was sent to the medical room where a special doctor conducted a routine physical and psychological test—mostly to check for any early signs of Hollowfication.
Then came the terrifying part.
The doctor pulled out a strange, smooth white stone, its surface faintly glowed faintly.
Without warning, he pricked Yuki's finger, letting a drop of blood fall onto the stone.
"Pray to every deity you know, boy," the doctor said with a crooked grin, revealing his uneven teeth. "If it turns black, you'll be marked as infected."
"Gulp"
Yuki swallowed hard, his heart pounded in his chest. His eyes stayed locked on the drop of blood, watching it spread slowly across the stone's surface.
Tense silence filled the room.
The blood on the stone remained red. It shimmered faintly, then faded into the surface without any trace of black.
The doctor gave a slow nod and leaned back with a satisfied grin.
"You're green. Not infected. Congratulations, boy."
Yuki released the breath he didn't realize he had been holding. A weight lifted from his shoulders. He was safe. For the time being.
"You're free to go. Wait outside for the final part of the registration," the doctor said while jotting notes on a clipboard.
Yuki stepped out of the room, the cool hallway air brushing against his skin.
Moments later, a uniformed official walked up to him and handed over a slim identification card with his name printed on it: Yuki. Just Yuki.
"Your registration complete," the official informed him. "This is your temporary ID. Aa for your application to be a Hunter, Tomorrow morning, you'll have to report to the Physical Test Center if you want to be evaluated for the Hunter profession."
Yuki accepted the ID with a nod.
"You'll be tested for strength, stamina, and combat potential. If you pass, you'll be given a Hunter license. Make sure you show up early."
"I understand. Thank you," Yuki replied politely.
As the official walked away, Yuki's eyes wandered to John and Maki, who gave him a thumbs-up from the distance.
Yuki smiled back, grateful for their help.
After they stepped out of the old building, John said,
"Now, where should we settle you in? Huh? Why are you sweating so much, kid?"
Yuki shook his head, flustered.
"Nothing, sir. I just really need to use the toilet right now. Can you please show me a place to live in fast?" he said, embarrassed.
But in truth, he was struggling to keep his human form active, with only 9 Mana Points left.
John and Maki exchanged amused looks, smiling at his misery.
"Haha... Then let's not delay to your new house. I know just the place to settle you in."