Chapter 2: The War That Never Ended.

  The next morning, before the sun rose, Nix woke up and went to the backyard. His body felt light, his movements fluid, his ribs, once bruised, now felt sturdier, almost hardened. Rolling his shoulders, he stretched, feeling an unfamiliar ease in his muscles.

  Perfect. A good morning to train.

  As he dropped into position for his warm-up, a memory surfaced, Granny Laurie's voice from years ago:

  "Pain is temporary. Weakness is not."

  Nix smirked to himself and got to work.

  He started with sit-ups, each movement slow and controlled, focusing on strengthening his core. Mid-strength was everything, a strong core meant stability, balance, and the ability to take hits without crumbling. After finishing his sets, he rolled onto his hands and pushed himself up, transitioning into squats. His legs burned with every drop and rise, but he welcomed the fire. A hunter needed powerful legs, for speed, for endurance, for the strength to stand even when beaten down.

  Once his legs were warm, he moved to the next part of his routine. In the corner of the backyard, a rusted metal rod held the weight of old, salvaged scrap. Heavy, uneven, unpredictable. He bent down, gripping it tight, and began lifting. First, deadlifts, building raw power in his back and arms. Then, overhead presses, forcing his shoulders to endure the weight of survival.

  And finally, the part he looked forward to most.

  Nix picked up a pair of 50-kilogram dumbbells, his fingers tightening around the cold metal. The weight pressed into his palms, grounding him, but it barely slowed him down. He rolled his shoulders, adjusted his grip, and then,

  He started throwing punches.

  Slow at first. Controlled. His arms carved through the air with precision, each motion fluid. Then faster. Faster. The dumbbells became blurs, his fists slicing through the space at 50 miles per hour, wind whistling with every strike.

  Speed. Strength. Endurance.

  Every punch was a promise, to himself, to Laurie.

  He wouldn’t just survive. He would become strong enough to change their life for the better.

  Years of being beaten, combined with his training, made him quicker, tougher, smarter. He learned how to dodge, how to deflect, how to endure. The bruises became rare, the pain less frequent as his body adapted, healing faster each time. He never stopped hiding what happened from Laurie, though. She didn’t need to know.

  But in his heart, Nix held onto a quiet determination. One day, he’d be strong enough not to be treated like garbage. One day, he’d make them regret every punch and insult. One day, he’d provide a better life for Laurie.

  The initial beams of morning light spread over the horizon as Nix secured the frayed straps of his mended school bag. Each movement caused a dull pain to course through his body, a bitter reminder of the beating he endured yesterday. Jared and his crew didn’t hold back, but Nix didn’t linger on it. Pain had turned into a permanent aspect of his existence, something he had learned to tolerate without complaint.

  He climbed onto Scootie, his trusty scooter. The engine sputtered before settling into a steady hum. The ride to school was quiet, the familiar buzz beneath him serving as a small distraction from the lingering soreness. Nix kept his eyes on the road and his grip firm on the handlebars. There was no point in thinking about anything else. He just needed to get to school.

  By the time he reached the school gates, the bell had already rung. He parked Scootie beside the other bikes. Its dented frame and patched seat stood out among the newer, sleeker models. Tugging his bag over his shoulder, he hurried toward the building. His ribs ached with each step, yet he endured the pain and maintained his steady pace.

  As Nix slipped into class, Mr. Arvind paused mid-lecture, his sharp eyes locking onto him. “Late again, Mr. Grimwald?” he said, his tone a mix of disappointment and weariness.

  Nix scratched the back of his head and offered a sheepish grin. “Sorry, sir. I got caught up on the way.”

  Mr. Arvind sighed, clearly unconvinced but too tired to argue. “Take your seat.”

  Nix quickly made his way to his usual spot at the back of the room. As he passed, he felt the stares of his classmates, followed by the soft, cutting whispers.

  “Always late. Probably digging through trash again.”

  “Look at his clothes, doesn’t he own anything else?”

  “Bet he doesn’t even try to look civilized. Just sits there doing nothing.”

  He ignored them, keeping his head down as he slid into his chair. The words stung, but he knew better than to react. He had learned long ago that responding only made things worse.

  The classroom buzzed with murmurs as students exchanged whispers, their focus scattered between conversations and the dull routine of their studies. But when Mr. Arvind clapped his hands, the noise died instantly.

  "Listen carefully," he said, his voice firm. "Today’s lesson is about our history and the reason why the world became what it is today."

  Before anyone could react, the classroom door creaked open.

  The room stilled.

  A man stepped inside, not a teacher, not an academic, but a soldier.

  Atheris.

  His battle-worn boots struck the floor with a weight that demanded attention. His presence alone made the air in the room feel heavier. A long combat coat draped over his shoulders, faded and tattered from years of war. His scarred knuckles rested at his sides, a silent testament to countless battles fought and survived.

  He is here to teach the future of the country.

  He moved with the quiet efficiency of someone who had seen death up close, who had lived to tell about it. As he reached the front of the room, he turned, eyes scanning the students with an expression unreadable yet weighted with experience.

  "Let me share the history lesson we use in the army," Atheris finally said, his voice low but sharp. "What you know so far was only part of the story."

  The holographic projector flickered to life, casting a harsh glow across the room. The first image appeared, a city engulfed in flames, buildings crumbling under the shockwave of an explosion.

  He gestured toward the screen.

  "This is how it started. The Great War."

  The hologram changed, showing massive satellites orbiting Earth.

  Two thousands years ago.

  "Before the war even began, a group of scientists, not aligned with any government, foresaw what was coming. They were the best minds in the world, and they knew humanity would destroy itself."

  The class watched as the satellites prepared for launch.

  "They developed the Cleansing Protocol, a system of satellites armed with missiles filled with a radiation-cleansing cure. But they knew they could not interfere until the war had run its course."

  The screen displayed the decades passing, mushroom clouds rising, civilizations falling.

  "For twenty years, the war raged. And when the last bombs fell, the scientists launched their cure from orbit."

  The missiles struck the Earth, releasing a vapor that spread across continents.

  "It took ten years for the world to be purified. The radiation was finally gone."

  A timeline appeared:

  ? Year 0-20 – Nuclear war devastates the planet.

  ? Year 21 – The Cleansing Protocol activates.

  ? Year 30 – Radiation is fully neutralized.

  Atheris let out a slow breath.

  "But by then… it was already too late."

  The screen changed, Earth was cleansed, but now ruled by monstrous creatures.

  "The world was clean," Atheris said, his voice grim. "But it no longer belonged to us."

  The screen shifted, displaying a microscopic virus, its structure glowing faintly.

  "The A-Virus," Atheris said, "was not from this Planet. It was the catalyst for a new world."

  A term appeared in bold letters:

  A-VIRUS – THE MUTATION TRIGGER

  "It wasn’t created in a lab. It wasn’t released as a weapon. It was buried deep within the Earth, an ancient virus, locked away in the remains of meteorites that had struck the planet long ago."

  The hologram zoomed in, showing how the virus bonded with animal cells, triggering rapid genetic changes.

  "The nuclear war didn’t just destroy nations," Atheris continued. "It unearthed something that had been waiting. And when it spread, it did not infect humans.

  It infected the animals."

  The screen changed again, showing a wolf, its fur standing on end, veins glowing beneath its skin.

  "The A-Virus mutated them," he explained. "Their bodies warped, adapted, and transformed. They became larger, stronger, and far more resilient than ever before."

  The class watched as the hologram displayed the same wolf, now twice its original size, its muscles thickened, its fangs elongated.

  "But the most terrifying discovery wasn’t just their physical transformation. It was what had appeared inside them."

  The hologram zoomed in, focusing on the wolf’s chest cavity, where a glowing, pulsating organ had formed.

  "We called it the Crystal Core."

  Atheris’s voice was calm, but the weight of his words was heavy.

  "This was a new organ, something that had never existed before. At first, scientists didn’t understand its purpose. But over time, they discovered something terrifying."

  The screen changed, showing beasts clashing, wolves, bears, and felines, each mutated beyond recognition.

  "The Crystal Core had one function: to safely strengthen the animal’s genetic structure."

  Atheris gestured toward the screen as the hologram displayed animals mutating again and again, their bodies adapting, refining, improving.

  "Their mutation never stopped. Each generation was an improved version of the last. The Crystal Core allowed them to keep mutating as if they were evolving, but far faster than anything in nature."

  Then, the screen changed again. The once-mutated creatures stood taller, stronger, more monstrous. Their Crystal Cores had darkened, their glow shifting from pure energy to something more ominous.

  "And when an animal reached its peak potential…" Atheris paused.

  "Their Crystal Core evolved into a Monster Core."

  The screen showed the transformation, the creatures absorbing radiation, their bodies shifting into something beyond monsters.

  "Their Monster Cores began absorbing radiation, fueling their mutation even further. This wasn’t just adaptation anymore. They were becoming something beyond what we could control."

  A heavy silence filled the room.

  "And the most terrifying part?" Atheris continued. "We don’t know the limit of these changes. Some that have lesser potential will remain on their final form and stop evolving, while the ones with high potential are harder to calculate. We only know about 30% of the monster hierarchy, but for how powerful, we don’t know. As even a once seen as harmless rat are now as strong as a tiger, and that is the weakest one you can find in our current record"

  Mr. Arvind finally spoke, his voice firm.

  "This is why the Sentinels was formed."

  The projector flashed, images of warriors in reinforced armor, fighting Monster Beasts outside the city walls.

  "Sentinels are the first and last line of defense. They are the ones who stand between us and extinction."

  Atheris stepped forward.

  A Sentinel’s duty is not just to fight—it is to protect, endure, and stand unshaken in the face of chaos. Their creed is a solemn vow, a code of honor they live and die by:

  The Sentinel Creed:

  S – Shield: A Sentinel is the first line of defense, standing between danger and civilization.

  E – Endurance: They must withstand exhaustion, pain, and hardship to fulfill their duty.

  N – Nerve: Courage in the face of fear, the ability to remain calm under pressure.

  T – Tactician: Sentinels are not just fighters but strategic thinkers, always planning ahead.

  I – Integrity: They uphold honor, justice, and fairness, never abusing their power.

  N – Neutrality: A true Sentinel does not serve personal interests but protects all people equally.

  E – Eyes: Ever-watchful, Sentinels stay vigilant, anticipating threats before they arise.

  L – Loyalty: Their dedication to their duty, their comrades, and those they protect is unwavering.

  This creed serves as the foundation of what it means to be a Sentinel, defining their role as guardians, law enforcers, protectors, and responders to emergencies against monsters. Their duty is to keep civilization safe, even at the cost of their own lives.

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  He scanned the students.

  "This is the path that some of you may walk," he said. "And if you choose it, know this, failure means death. And if we all fail… then it means the end of civilization itself."

  Atheris stepped back, allowing Mr. Arvind to take the floor once again. The holographic projector flickered, displaying a different group of individuals, not clad in heavy armor like the Sentinels, but instead equipped with lighter gear, specialized tools, and adaptive clothing suited for the wilderness.

  "If the Sentinels are our shields," Mr. Arvind began, "then the Hunters are our eyes, hands, and instincts."

  The screen shifted, showing Hunters venturing into unknown lands, uncovering ruins, retrieving rare resources, and tracking Monster Beasts.

  "Sentinels protect our cities. They defend against attacks, enforce laws, and respond to emergencies. But Hunters serve a different purpose."

  Atheris folded his arms as he added, "Hunters go where no one else dares to go. They are the ones who step beyond the walls, to hunt, to explore, to track, and to bring back knowledge and resources that keep civilization alive."

  The class watched as the hologram displayed Hunters scavenging from ruined cities, mapping uncharted territories, and taming the dangers of the outside world.

  "While Sentinels are stationed in cities, Hunters are free. They move beyond settlements, learning the lay of the land, adapting to the wilderness, and uncovering the secrets buried in the ruins of the old world."

  Mr. Arvind gestured toward the screen, where a Hunter crouched beside a rare mineral deposit, extracting something glowing from the ground.

  "They are the ones who find rare materials, uncover lost knowledge, and locate supplies that keep our industries running. Without Hunters, we would not have the technology, medicine, and resources needed to keep humanity alive."

  Atheris nodded. "But that freedom comes with its own price. Unlike Sentinels, no one is coming to save a Hunter when they’re in danger. If they make a mistake, they die alone."

  The class was silent. The weight of the truth settled over them.

  The holographic display changed once again, revealing a carved emblem with the word HUNTER engraved into it.

  "The Sentinel Corps has their own creed," Mr. Arvind said. "But Hunters live by their own code. They survive not through unity, but through their own skills, their instincts, and their ability to adapt."

  Atheris stepped forward and read aloud:

  The Hunter Creed:

  ? H – Honor: A true Hunter lives by a code, whether it’s loyalty, survival, or personal integrity.

  ? U – Unyielding: No matter the odds, a Hunter never gives up. Strength comes from persistence.

  ? N – Nimble: Quick in thought and movement, a Hunter adapts to any situation.

  ? T – Tenacious: Stubborn in the face of adversity, always pushing forward.

  ? E – Endurance: The power to withstand pain, hunger, and exhaustion to complete the hunt.

  ? R – Resolve: A Hunter’s mind is sharp, their will unwavering, focused on the goal.

  "This is the unwritten law of all Hunters," Atheris said. "It is not enforced, nor is it mandatory. But those who ignore it rarely survive for long."

  The Hunter System – Star & Tier Ranking

  The hologram shifted again, showing the Hunter ranking system, a structured yet flexible path that determined their reputation, skill, and experience.

  Hunter Star System (Specialization Count)

  A Hunter’s Star Rank is based on how many specializations they have mastered.

  ? 1-Star Hunter: Specializes in one field.

  ? 2-Star Hunter: Masters two different fields.

  ? 3-Star Hunter: Excels in three areas, making them highly adaptable.

  ? 4-Star Hunter: Among the best, highly skilled in multiple disciplines.

  ? 5-Star Hunter: Rare elite hunters, capable of surviving alone in the deadliest zones.

  "The more fields a Hunter masters, the higher their Star Rank. But that alone does not define them," Atheris said.

  Hunter Tier System (Experience & Reputation)

  While the Star System defines a Hunter’s skill set, their Tier Rank is determined by experience, reputation, and achievements.

  ? Bronze Tier: Beginner Hunters with little experience.

  ? Silver Tier: Recognized Hunters who have completed notable missions.

  ? Gold Tier: Elite Hunters with an impressive record of accomplishments.

  ? Platinum Tier: Legends in their own right, sought after for high-risk missions.

  ? Diamond Tier: The highest honor, Hunters whose contributions have changed history.

  "A 1-Star Hunter can rise to Diamond Tier through their achievements," Mr. Arvind explained. "Even without multiple specializations, a Hunter’s impact on the world determines their legacy."

  Hunter Specializations (Fields of Expertise)

  The hologram displayed a set of unique Hunter classes, each representing a specialized field.

  1. Beast Hunter

  ? Specializes in tracking, capturing, or eliminating Monster Beasts.

  ? Often works alongside settlements and Sentinels to neutralize dangerous threats.

  ? Taming and training Monster Beasts.

  2. Food Hunter

  ? Masters in foraging, hunting, and cooking rare foods for survival.

  ? Focused on sustainable food sources and high-nutritional discoveries.

  3. Material Hunter

  ? Specialists in gathering materials that can be used for weapons, tools, and armor.

  ? Their findings help advance weapon technology, fortifications, and survival gear.

  ? Often work alongside Techsmiths to refine and enhance collected resources.

  4. Information Hunter

  ? Gathers intelligence on environmental shifts, mutations, and hidden dangers.

  ? Explores unknown lands, maps new regions, and uncovers hidden paths.

  ? Tracks Monster Beasts' movements and territorial patterns.

  ? Essential for understanding new monster behaviors, climate changes, and territorial shifts.

  5. Bounty Hunter

  ? Specializes in tracking and capturing criminals, rogue hunters, and deserters.

  ? Enforces the Hunter’s Code, ensuring no one abuses their status.

  Hunter Missions – The Work That Keeps Civilization Alive

  Hunters do not serve a centralized command like the Sentinels. Instead, they take on missions based on their skills and interests.

  Hunter Mission Categories:

  ? Hunting Missions – Track and eliminate dangerous creatures.

  ? Exploration Missions – Map new territories and find lost paths.

  ? Information Missions – Gather intelligence on mutations, changes, and threats.

  ? Retrieval Missions – Recover lost items, stolen goods, or rare materials.

  ? Bounty Missions – Capture criminals, deserters, or rogue hunters.

  ? Collection Missions – Gather herbs, minerals, or valuable resources for settlements.

  The holographic display faded, leaving only the cold reality of the world outside the classroom.

  Atheris looked over the students one last time.

  "You will either be a shield, standing against the monsters… or an explorer, carving new paths in the unknown."

  His gaze hardened.

  "But make no mistake. Both paths will test you. And neither guarantees survival."

  Atheris exhaled slowly, scanning the classroom. The room was silent, but he could see the weight of his words settling in.

  The students weren’t just learning about jobs.

  They were learning about their future paths.

  Sentinels—the first and last line of defense.

  Hunters—the explorers, resource gatherers, and pioneers.

  Each path came with risk. Each path came with sacrifice.

  He let the silence linger a little longer, allowing them to absorb the reality of the world they lived in.

  Then, he clapped his hands once.

  “Now,” he said, his voice breaking the tension. “It’s time you learn about the tools that keep us alive.”

  The holographic display flickered, shifting to a new set of visuals. Weapons began appearing in mid-air, rotating smoothly in place.

  “These,” Atheris continued, “are NEXUS Arms, the perfect fusion of ancient and modern combat technology.”

  The words pulsed on the screen:

  NEXUS Arms

  ? N – Neo-Forged: A blend of ancient craftsmanship and cutting-edge innovation.

  ? E – Echelon-Built: Designed for warriors of every combat tier, from survivalists to elites.

  ? X – Xenolithic Core: Infused with rare, otherworldly materials from the post-war landscape.

  ? U – Unyielding Edge: Forged for durability, adaptability, and optimized lethality.

  ? S – Synergized Warfare: Merging old-world combat styles with futuristic enhancements.

  “These weapons,” Atheris said, “aren’t just about raw power. They are designed for versatility, adaptability, and survival.”

  He snapped his fingers.

  The weapons folded before their eyes.

  Blades collapsed into compact hilts.

  Bows compressed into smaller frames.

  Even the heavier weapons retracted into more manageable forms.

  “This,” Atheris said, “is what makes NEXUS Arms revolutionary. They are fully foldable, allowing Sentinels and Hunters to carry their weapons with ease, without sacrificing combat efficiency.”

  He gestured toward the display.

  “Now, let’s go over the categories.”

  Ranged Weapons – Precision & Adaptability

  The first section of NEXUS Arms displayed sleek bows, crossbows, and projectile-based weapons, each glowing with specialized modifications.

  “These weapons allow for stealth, ambush tactics, and adaptable engagements.”

  1. Bows & Longbows

  ? Silent and versatile, these weapons are favored for quick, precise shots.

  ? Longbows offer greater range and impact but require significant strength to draw.

  ? Foldable Mechanism: Can be collapsed into a compact form for ease of carrying.

  ? Specialized arrows enhance their versatility:

  ? Piercing – Cuts through tough hide and armor.

  ? Explosive – Deals area damage on impact.

  ? Poison – Inflicts lingering effects to weaken targets.

  ? Snare – Traps or restricts movement.

  ? Electric – Stuns enemies temporarily.

  ? Flame & Acid – Burns or melts through defenses

  2. Light Guns & Heavy Guns

  ? Light Guns – Compact, semi-automatic firearms designed for speed and precision. Fire specialized darts, including tranquilizers, explosive-tipped darts, tracking darts for versatile combat applications. Ideal for fast-moving Hunters who require adaptability in the field.

  ? Heavy Guns – Powerful, high-caliber weapons built for devastating impact. Fire reinforced bolts, with some designed for piercing armored targets or large threats. Trade speed for sheer stopping power, making them ideal for frontline combat and anti-monster specialists. Some models double as shields, featuring reinforced plating or deployable barriers for added defense.

  ? Mod Mechanism – Both Light and Heavy Guns are expansive, cannot collapse into a compact carrying state, but can be modified allowing for easy use and quick deployment.

  Mid-Range Weapons – Versatility & Control

  “These weapons,” Atheris explained, “allow adaptability in combat, balancing range and power.”

  A flexible, bladed whip expanded on the holographic display.

  Blade Whip

  ? A whip-like blade capable of slicing through enemies or entangling them.

  ? Modifiable effects:

  ? Paralysis – Disrupts enemy movement.

  ? Stunning Impact – Temporarily disorients targets.

  ? Disarmament – Knocks weapons out of enemies' hands.

  ? Highly favored by speed-based warriors, offering a mix of range, agility, and fluid attacks.

  ? Foldable Mechanism: Can retract into a small, belt-sized compartment.

  Melee Weapons – Strength, Speed, & Endurance

  Atheris turned to the next section, displaying various melee weapons designed for close-quarters combat.

  “These weapons,” he said, “are for those who prefer to fight up close.”

  1. Shieldaxe & Shieldspike (Tank Class)

  ? Shieldaxe:

  ? A shield with a retractable blade, allowing offense and defense to merge.

  ? Can shift into Axeshield Mode, forming a giant battle-axe when paired with a reinforced base weapon.

  ? Shieldspike:

  ? A shield embedded with spikes, ideal for charging attacks and stunning enemies.

  ? Its second form, Spikeshield, enhances offensive capabilities.

  ? Foldable Mechanism: Can be collapsed into a reinforced gauntlet form when not in use.

  2. Spears & Lances

  ? Lightweight spears allow swift thrusts and rapid counterattacks.

  ? Lances offer high-impact piercing strikes, ideal for breaking through thick hides and armored beasts.

  ? Some lances feature gunpowder mechanisms, delivering explosive impact upon thrust.

  ? Foldable Mechanism: Can retract into a compact rod, making it easy to carry.

  3. Swords & Long Swords (Speed Class)

  ? Swords:

  ? Lightweight and balanced, enabling quick, consecutive strikes.

  ? Long Swords:

  ? Offer greater reach and cutting power but require precise execution.

  ? Foldable Mechanism: Can retract into a compact hilt, expanding only when drawn.

  As the holographic display dimmed, Atheris turned to face the class.

  "Your weapon and armor are extensions of yourself," he said. "They should complement your abilities, strategies, and weaknesses."

  His gaze hardened.

  “A careless warrior will always be too slow, too heavy, or too unprepared.”

  He gestured toward the weapons still floating in midair.

  “That is why NEXUS Arms exist. To ensure that no warrior is held back by the burden of their own weapon.”

  His voice was steady.

  “They are foldable, adaptive, and built for survival.”

  He paused for a moment, then added:

  “Choose your weapon wisely. Because in the world beyond these walls, hesitation means death.”

  The holographic display faded, leaving only the weight of Atheris' words lingering in the air.

  The students sat in uneasy silence, their eyes reflecting the enormity of everything they had just learned. The Sentinel’s duty. The Hunter’s freedom. The weapons that could shape their survival.

  Some shifted in their seats, others clenched their fists, each one processing what this knowledge meant for them.

  Atheris watched them carefully.

  Then, he finally spoke.

  “You’ve seen what’s out there,” he said. “You’ve learned what it takes to fight. To survive.”

  He took a step forward, his gaze sharp.

  “But weapons and tactics are only part of the equation.”

  The students stiffened.

  “There is something else,” Atheris continued. “Something that determines what kind of warrior, what kind of being, you will become.”

  He turned toward the console. The hologram flickered back to life, but instead of weapons, a new set of images began forming.

  Strange, shifting silhouettes.

  Figures radiating power, their forms flickering between human and something… more.

  Atheris glanced back at the students.

  “Tomorrow,” he said, “we discuss the Four Paths of Transformation.”

  The room seemed to hold its breath.

  The heavy atmosphere in the classroom lingered after Atheris’ lecture, but it didn’t last long.

  A hand shot up.

  “Alright, so,” Nix leaned forward, tapping his desk. “How much do Sentinels and Hunters actually make?”

  Atheris, mid-sentence, stopped cold.

  The students turned, some staring in disbelief, others muffling laughs.

  “What?” Nix shrugged. “I mean, all this talk about risk is fine, but if we’re gonna be fighting monsters and possibly dying, we should at least know what the paycheck looks like.”

  Atheris sighed, rubbing his temple, while Mr. Arvind let out a long, tired breath.

  “You want numbers?” Atheris asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Yes, sir. Preferably with benefits,” Nix replied, completely serious.

  Atheris exhaled, folding his arms. “Fine. Let’s start with Sentinels.”

  “Sentinels receive a fixed salary based on rank,” Atheris explained. “Recruits, those still in training, get enough to cover food and lodging. Once you graduate and become an active Sentinel, your salary increases. It’s not extravagant, but it comes with stability.”

  Nix nodded. “Alright, but what else do they get? Free meals? A house with a nice view?”

  Atheris gave him a flat look before continuing. “Sentinels are provided housing, medical coverage, and a steady paycheck. The higher your rank, the better your accommodations, Elite Sentinels and Captains have private quarters and priority medical care.”

  Nix frowned. “So, it’s basically a government job?”

  “In a sense.” Atheris nodded. “You follow orders, fight when commanded, and protect the city.” He paused, then added, “And one big difference, Sentinels receive free ammunition. The government supplies all their standard-issue weapons and rounds, so they never have to worry about running out.”

  Nix raised an eyebrow. “Free bullets? Huh. That’s actually nice.”

  Atheris smirked. “Sure, until you realize you don’t get to decide how you fight. You use what you’re given. You don’t get to choose your missions. You don’t get to trade your loot. Everything belongs to the Sentinels.”

  Nix sat back. “Alright, not bad. And Hunters?”

  Atheris let out a chuckle. “Hunters? They make whatever they can.”

  Nix blinked. “That’s… vague.”

  “There’s no salary for Hunters,” Atheris continued. “You take on missions, retrieve rare materials, and sell them. The more dangerous the mission, the higher the payout. If you hunt rare beasts, you can sell their parts to the right buyers. If you find untouched ruins, you can auction artifacts. Everything you bring back from the wild has value.”

  Nix leaned in. “So, technically, a Hunter can make more than a Sentinel?”

  “If they’re smart and skilled? Easily,” Atheris admitted. “Some of the wealthiest people in history were Hunters. But there’s a reason for that, there’s no safety net. No government backing you up. You get injured? You pay for your own treatment. You run out of ammo? You buy it yourself. Every weapon, every bullet, every piece of armor, you either purchase it, craft it, or trade for it.”

  “So… no free bullets?” Nix asked with a smirk.

  Atheris snorted. “No free bullets.”

  Mr. Arvind shot him a warning glance, but Atheris just smirked.

  Nix hummed in thought. “Alright, but they have other perks, right?”

  Atheris nodded. “A lot more. Hunters have access to flying vehicles for long-distance travel. They have access to private Hunters’ Trading Markets, which sell rare supplies you won’t find in the city. If they discover something unique, they can auction it at the Hunters’ Auction Tower or Merchant Tower for freee, for a massive payday.”

  “Hunters have full access to advance monster intelligence archives. The more you know about Monster Beasts, the better your chances of survival.”

  Nix raised an eyebrow. “Wait, so Hunters risk their lives more than Sentinels?”

  Atheris smirked. “Most Hunters die before they even reach their thirties.”

  Nix blinked. “Oh.”

  Atheris tilted his head. “Still interested?”

  Nix sat back, arms crossed. “I am just curious.”

  Atheris let the moment settle, then deactivated the display.

  Without another word, he turned and walked out.

  The lesson was over.

  That night, Nix pedaled home on Scootie, his trusty but barely functional scooter. The faint rattling of the engine filled the quiet streets.