(Eight hours later)

The pain persisted, despite being numbed by sorcery techniques. It was hard for me to move my body without feeling something.

After the mission, both me and Gabrielle were sent to a medical clinic to be given first aid. We were told that tomorrow morning we will be at one hundred percent with no visible marks.

She received tons of bruised and a broken a rib... however when they saw me in my state. A nurse fainted by my condition alone. Thankful, thanks to Ren for putting that resistance onto me and especially Lezian durability technically being merge into me.

I suffered only scars and bruises.

To my left Gabrielle was eating her puddy like a wild animal, "I see you are already better." I said playful after finishing mine.

Turning her head, her mouth smeared with chocolate, she said, "Hell yeah, but I was worried that you might kick the bucket." as she licked the chocolate from her lips.

"Sorry, but Lezian wouldn't allow that. However I must ask, what do you call your ability, and what does it do? I never imagined a soccer ball being utilized as a weapon." I respond playfully.

"It's called the Utility Player and that is my Hunter Technique. I can switch between three different soccer position, each with its unique ability. My soccer ball stores the energy I need after fulfilling each requirement. You witnessed what occurred when I kicked the ball, it transformed into a high-speed bullet that can destroy almost anything." she explained.

So, my understanding is that each hunter has a unique ability only they can use, "Does Ren have his own?" I asked

"No, not every hunter is born with their own special technique. So, they have to rely on sorcery techniques for survival." She responded.

The door to our room swung open, and in came Ren carrying a tray with two bowls of oats. "Guys, I'm glad you're both alright, but you need to hear what's happening," he said, as he handed each of us a bowl.

"What is it?" I asked.

"From what I have heard, there has been a leak from the Hunters' database. This leak includes a list of hunters' names, hunter abilities, ranks, sorcery techniques, and family information. Information of over one hundred hunters has been leaked," he said.

"But how?" I asked.

"Raiders." The one who answered me was the real Gun-wo who was sitting opposite of me reading a book.

All three of us jump up when we noticed him, "HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET HERE?" Shouted Gabrielle.

Gun-wo stroked his beard, "Trust me, you wouldn't want to know. As for the leaks, I believe we have a snake in our ranks, someone who's been teaching our techniques to rogue hunters, especially those not on our radar. That explains the person with you was able to sneak in with no issue." he said, his expression turning serious.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

"That doesn't excuse the fact that our information was leak and an imposter was with us." Said Gabrielle.

"I know, in terms of security we never took it too seriously because we never had a situation like this. The Raiders must have had months of preparation to locate the data room, damage the numbers of C-rank hunter team, and steal information without drawing any attention. So tomorrow, Lady Kyorin will address the three surviving teams of C-rank division who were sent out on a mission this morning." He said.

So a security issues and a snake was responsible for this, "I would like to know what happened to other teams?" I asked.

Gun-wo took a deep breath before saying, "Fifteen teams were sent out. Each with three teammates and one supervisor. Team White Hawk, Blue Dragon and Red Lion were the only team that survived. I don't need to explain what happened next."

Nine out of forty-five is massive drop. Whoever did this had more than a few people, "Operations like this can only be done with an organisation." I responded.

"Is that even likely?" Asked Ren.

"Well yeah, put in consideration that this was a massive operation that need months of planning. A few people wouldn't be able to pull this off but if it was more than half of the people here in this sanctuary alone. I see it happening." I replied.

"If that's true, then if you combine the fact that they have rogue hunters outside of the sanctuary. We could be facing a potential war." Replied Gabrielle.

"I understand, but why? The elders are the most powerful beings in existence, and you have an S-rank hunter who are right behind them in terms of power. To go against them, you must be on their level," said Ren.

Gun-wo sipped on a cup of coffee even though he never left the room, "You not looking at the bigger picture. What if, somebody who was an elder was doing this. What can we as hunters do about that?" He said.

I was only who was confused, "Are they that powerful?" I asked.

Ren nodded, "Yes, there are four elders, and each possesses powers that can make them gods. Kyorin is the fastest hunter that time can't even catch her, Wyatt the most powerful hunter in terms of raw strength who can punched a meteor in half, Clement the most powerful sorcerer with a library of spells, and Rene the most intelligent that knows everything since the beginning. From what sir is implying, any one of them could betray us and we wouldn't be able to do anything." he said.

We all stayed in silence after the news. I choose the wrong time to become a hunter.

"I need to know. What's your motivation of becoming a hunter? I'm aware that Xavier was given the choice between dying or hunting, but I want to know what you all are hoping to achieve." Asked Gun-wo.

Gabrielle after finishing her oats and placing it besides her, "My parents were hunters and were well respected because of their talents. However given my abilities I wasn't the favourite amongst my sisters. So as a middle finger to them, I'm going become a S-rank with my useless technique." Said Gabrielle which Gun-wo smile at then shifting his sight to Ren.

Following up, Ren nervously rubbed his head and said, "I just want to be strong for a girl I like. My goal is to improve myself until I have the confidence to confess to her." Gabrielle quietly giggled when he was done speaking.

Ren teleported to her side. "What's so funny?" he asked, visibly annoyed.

"Aww, here I thought you couldn't get more pathetic, but I guess—" Gabrielle's attempt to mock him but stopped short when she saw tears welling up in his eyes.

"You're right, I'm pathetic. I can't fight, and I'm not smart or brave enough. You guys took on both the mothman and dollboy together, while I just stood by watching. Since the academy I never broke out that shell...which made people calling me the weakest graduate. I want to prove myself and become useful, not just for her but for myself." he said looking down.

Gabrielle gently rubbed his back and said, "Sorry." Her voice sounded genuine.

I cleared my throat to clear the tension, "I want to understand my purpose in this cruel and crazy world. There was reason life put me on this path, and I want to understand why." I responded.

Gun-wo clapped his hands with a neat smile, "I see. Well then, after your talk with Kyorin tomorrow, I would like to help you all develop your skills."