Chapter Title: "Twin Barrels and Twin Heads"
Blurb:
Strapped for cash and running out of options, Paul heads into the monster-infested fields of Bel Province to earn money the hard way—through hunting. With a powerful new weapon in hand, courtesy of Mira, and a quirky agent named Mark Soon by his side, Paul sets his sights on his first real target. But when he takes down a mutated Twin-Headed Tiger in a single shot, one thing becomes clear: this cadet is no ordinary gunman.
Chapter 5: Twin Barrels and Twin Heads
Paul sat in his room, frowning at his account balance—only 3,000 Shards left.
"Damn it," he muttered. "I need money. Fast."
He considered his options.
"Stocks? Too risky. Borrowing? Not happening. Hunting? …Yeah, that's my only choice."
He glanced over at a map of the nearby Fields—dangerous zones filled with monsters. That would be his next destination. But before he could dwell on it further, the doorbell rang.
"Delivery for Cadet Paul Wayne!" a cheerful voice called.
Paul opened the door and found a large package at his feet. Carefully tearing it open, his eyes lit up at the sight.
The Iron Maw. A sleek, high-grade firearm designed for powerful energy bursts.
"So she really sent it…" he whispered. "Thanks, Mira."
Paul glanced up and down the hallway, making sure no one saw the weapon before hauling it back inside. His plan was working.
---
The Next Day – Bel Province Field Zone
"Thanks for using the portal, Cadet Paul Wayne," the operator said with a smile.
Paul nodded silently, stepping out into the vibrant and bustling field zone.
Bel Province was one of the few lower-danger hunting areas, which made it a hub for adventurers, cadets, and even foreign mercenaries.
Stalls lined the streets—vendors yelling, recruiters calling for party members, and agents scouting fresh talent.
"Looking for a healer and a mage—join our party!"
"Top-grade potions for sale! Get them before you go in!"
Paul walked through the noise, eyes scanning everything.
He overheard a conversation between a hunter and a merchant.
"All this loot's worth at least 600 Shards," the woman said proudly.
That reminded Paul—he needed an agent.
Then he noticed someone across the way, already watching him: a man in a half-wrinkled suit with a crooked tie and a hopeful expression.
Their eyes met.
"You here to hunt?" the man blurted, rushing over, panting. "You are, right?"
Paul raised a brow. "Yeah. You're an agent?"
"Yes! Name's Mark Soon," the man said eagerly, handing over a slightly bent business card.
Paul glanced at it. "Mark Soon… alright."
He sighed internally. He looks clumsy, but I'll take my chances.
"Let's sign the contract," Paul said.
Mark beamed and shook his hand. "I promise I'll serve you well, Mr. Wayne!"
Paul gave him a sideways look. "Don't get too excited."
---
Inside the Field
The wild terrain stretched out before them, a mixture of rocky outcrops and thick patches of grass.
"You sure about this?" Paul asked. "It's dangerous out here."
"I'll be fine," Mark replied. "I'll stay back. I just want to make a good impression."
He really wants to prove himself, Paul thought.
Suddenly, they heard snarling from below a ledge.
"Look," Mark whispered. "A Twin-Headed Tiger… and it's mutated."
The beast was large and grotesque, gnawing on the remains of some unfortunate hunter.
"How would you handle it?" Mark asked.
Paul simply replied, "With a gun."
Mark laughed nervously. "A gun won't even scratch it."
Paul gave him a confident smirk. "Watch and learn."
He knelt down, unholstered the Iron Maw, and took a deep breath. Mark panicked.
"Wait, Mr. Paul Wayne! You'll just anger it!"
Paul ignored him, focused.
His finger squeezed the trigger—
Bang.
A powerful flash erupted from the barrel. The bullet soared through the air, whistling with unnatural force—and in one clean motion, pierced both of the tiger's heads.
The mutated beast dropped to the ground instantly.
Mark stood frozen, eyes wide. "You… one-shot it?!"
Paul stood, blowing imaginary smoke from the muzzle. "That's what happens when you amplify a high-grade weapon."
The Iron Maw gleamed in the sunlight, and Paul smiled faintly.
What a great skill I have.
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