Chapter 13: I Haven't Even Registered Yet...

Lin Huang had no idea what changes had occurred at Anding Residence after he left. When he and Lin Xin returned to their doorstep, both were momentarily stunned.

“Brother, is this really our house?” Lin Xin tugged at his sleeve, uncertainty written all over her face.

Lin Huang was just as taken aback; the house before them was nothing like what they remembered. The original small two-story duplex had transformed into a luxurious three-story villa. Atop the third floor was a half-open rooftop garden, lush with all manner of flowers and greenery.

He glanced at the house number—23. Only then did Lin Huang confirm that this was indeed their home, though the renovations had so dramatically altered its appearance that even he and Lin Xin had nearly failed to recognize it.

He walked up to the gate, entered the code, and both of them stepped inside.

Apart from the basic structure, almost everything about the house had changed. The terrazzo floors had been replaced with expensive-looking hardwood, and a lavish chandelier now hung from the ceiling. The kitchen boasted brand-new cabinets and a complete set of new utensils. The living room was laid with a carpet made from some unknown beast’s pelt, and all the sofas, chairs, and dining table were new. Even the toilet in the bathroom had been replaced.

The two explored the second floor in astonishment. What had been two small bedrooms were now spacious singles, each more than twice their original size; even the balconies had been greatly expanded.

The third floor, which hadn’t existed before, now featured an additional large bedroom and bathroom.

Above that was the half-open rooftop garden they’d seen from outside. The garden was already planted with a variety of flowers, and it was furnished with an entire set of outdoor furniture: sunshades, rattan tables and chairs, even a hammock.

Lin Huang realized that the cost of such renovations must far exceed the price of buying two or three new houses. The more he thought about it, the more peculiar it seemed. Unable to contain his curiosity, he dialed the number of the middle-aged man he’d spoken to before.

The call was quickly answered, and the man’s cheerful voice came through. “Mr. Lin, are you satisfied with the renovations?”

“Our settlement isn’t the first time a monster has broken in and damaged a house. I’ve seen the renovations done for others, but none were treated like this. Not only did you replace all the furniture, you even added an entire new floor—this is unheard of. Who are you people, and what exactly do you want?” Lin Huang couldn’t shake the feeling that things weren’t so simple.

“You’re a friend of Young Master Li. Serving you with utmost care is only natural.” The man didn’t hide anything and mentioned Li Lang’s name.

“Li Lang?” Lin Huang was momentarily surprised. “You mean Li Lang?”

“That’s right. He was the one who filed the damage report for you. As soon as our superiors saw it, they gave special instructions to handle your renovations properly,” the man in the suit explained.

“What exactly is Li Lang’s background?” Lin Huang couldn’t help but ask.

“You don’t know? His father is one of the three vice presidents of the Hunters’ Association in the Seventh District, and his mother is a council member of the League Government for the same district.” The man’s explanation made Lin Huang realize the truth.

So, their superiors believed he was friends with Li Lang, and wanted to use this opportunity to curry favor with the Li family. What they didn’t know was that he and Li Lang had only met once and barely knew each other.

Of course, Lin Huang wasn’t about to reveal that. Otherwise, if he were asked to pay for the renovations, he’d never be able to afford it.

After hanging up, Lin Huang pretended he’d never asked about it, and began preparing the items he needed for the Reserve Hunter’s assessment.

Since Lin Xin’s school was on break, the two had lunch together. Afterwards, Lin Huang went to the Credit Management Bureau and exchanged the Life Crystal he’d received from Li Lang for a hundred thousand credits.

He transferred twenty thousand credits to Lin Xin, reminding her, “The Reserve Hunter assessment will probably take ten to fifteen days. Take good care of yourself and don’t be afraid to spend money. Once I become a Hunter, there’ll be more chances to earn money.”

“Don’t worry, Brother, you’ll definitely pass!” Lin Xin replied, full of confidence.

They headed to the Wind Roc Station together. Lin Huang ruffled Lin Xin’s hair before turning to pay for his ticket, selecting a Wind Roc to ride. Lin Xin watched as the Wind Roc carried him into the sky and out of sight before she finally turned back home.

Seated on the Wind Roc, Lin Huang marveled at the wonders of the monsters in this world.

Wind Rocs were creatures with feline limbs—retractable claws, astonishing leaping and running abilities—but apart from their legs, their bodies were those of a raptor: an eagle’s head and wings spanning over eight meters.

Not only did these birds possess exceptional physical advantages, they also wielded wind-element powers, making them among the fastest species in the monster world.

Centuries ago, Wind Rocs were the bane of humanity among low-tier monsters. They always attacked in numbers, with terrifying speed and explosive power, and their destructive force was immense. Fortunately, over time, humans adapted to their fighting style and the tide turned. In recent centuries, Wind Rocs have been captured and domesticated on a massive scale, becoming the most common flying mount in the world.

The Wind Roc Lin Huang rode wasn’t the largest, but its plumage was the most beautiful. Its belly feathers shimmered with a golden hue, and its noble bearing showed it was well cared for.

A Wind Roc’s normal flight speed was about 700 kilometers per hour. At maximum burst, they could double this speed, but such effort was reserved for life-or-death escapes. Riding at these speeds was uncomfortable for humans, so the saddles were specially designed with defensive functions, locking onto the bird and forming a transparent protective barrier around the rider.

It took less than two hours to travel from Base 7D101 to Base 7C87. Upon arrival, Lin Huang checked the map on his ring and made his way to the local branch of the Hunters’ Association.

He soon found the branch, its entrance bustling with people. C-level bases were mid-tier, with populations in the millions and tens of thousands of Hunters. Add in Hunters from nearby smaller bases coming to turn in missions, plus ordinary people posting jobs, and it was naturally crowded.

Striding through the doors, Lin Huang was immediately approached by a young woman in her early twenties, dressed in the Association’s uniform. “How may I help you, sir?”

“I’m here to take the Reserve Hunter assessment,” he stated.

“Of course, please follow me,” she replied with a professional smile, leading him to the door of a conference room. She gestured for him to enter. “Go right in.”

“Thank you.” Lin Huang nodded and stepped inside.

He stopped short, surprised to see over a hundred people scattered throughout the room.

“There are so many signing up today? Won’t that mean a thousand or more candidates tomorrow?” Lin Huang wondered, choosing a seat near the back.

Not long after he sat down, more people trickled in. A chubby man took the seat one space over to his left.

The man, obviously quite sociable, grinned and asked quietly, “Hey bro, you’re not even at the Iron rank and you got through the preliminary selection? Did you have an inside connection?”

“Preliminary selection? You mean you’ve all already registered?” Lin Huang stared at the man in surprise.

“Of course. Otherwise, how would you know to gather here before 4 p.m. to hear the examiner explain the assessment rules?” The man paused, realizing Lin Huang’s question was odd, and eyed him suspiciously. “Wait—don’t tell me you snuck in without even registering?”

“Uh…” Before Lin Huang could answer, the sharp click of high heels echoed closer. A woman pushed open the conference room door and strode toward the lectern.

Instantly, the once-noisy room fell silent; all eyes were drawn to her.

She exuded an air of authority, her straight ponytail and short skirt revealing two long, slender legs, teetering on black stilettos nearly twenty centimeters high. Already tall—at least one seventy-five—her heels made her close to two meters, towering over everyone present.

Yet it was not her height that drew the most attention, but her tightly buttoned white blouse, accentuating her chest. Though she revealed nothing, the high, swaying swell at each step mesmerized every man in the room.

“Demoness Yi Yeyu truly lives up to her name…” the chubby man beside Lin Huang whispered, drooling. Lin Huang edged another seat away.

The woman reached the lectern, her gaze sweeping the crowd, lingering briefly on Lin Huang—the only one present who hadn’t reached Iron rank. She said nothing, but began her introduction.

“Hello everyone, I’m Yi Yeyu, the chief instructor for your assessment. There were 133 preliminary candidates; as of my designated time—4 p.m.—127 have arrived. The remaining six are considered to have forfeited their chance.”

“Now, I’ll explain the rules for tomorrow’s assessment. I’ll only say this once, so listen carefully. Keep quiet while I speak. If you have questions, wait until I’ve finished.”

“Tomorrow at 8 a.m., everyone will gather here again. Latecomers will be considered to have forfeited. You may not bring equipment above Iron rank in your storage devices, nor poisons or other contraband. Before the assessment begins, staff will check your storage equipment. Any prohibited items will be temporarily confiscated for safekeeping. If you have valuables you don’t wish us to hold, you may find your own storage for them later.”

“As for the specifics of the assessment, that will be announced tomorrow after you assemble.” Yi Yeyu’s speech was succinct. She scanned the room once more, then asked, “Does anyone have questions?”

Everyone exchanged glances, but no one dared speak. Finally, a hand rose slowly in the back—it was Lin Huang.

“What’s your question? Speak,” Yi Yeyu said, nodding toward him.

“Um… I haven’t registered yet. Is it still possible to sign up now?” Lin Huang asked meekly.

Over a hundred people turned to look at him, their expressions a mix of amusement and disbelief.