Chapter 58

Chapter 1: After the Incident

Apostles, a group of people with special abilities who surpass ordinary demon hunters. They can control earth, water, fire, wind, lightning, light, darkness, or alter themselves to induce illusions. Based on the strength of their abilities, they are divided into three ranks: Starlight, Moonlight, and Sunlight.

Among them, those like Ye Qi, who have just entered the Apostle rank, are classified as the lowest Starlight. Only when their abilities undergo a qualitative change from a quantitative one can they be called Moonlight. As for Sunlight, it is the title given to Apostles who have fully mastered their abilities.

Although the three ranks of Starlight, Moonlight, and Sunlight seem simple, the difference between each rank is akin to the difference between heaven and earth. To advance from Starlight to Moonlight, one's abilities must undergo a qualitative change, which most Starlight Apostles cannot achieve in their lifetime! Only a few with exceptional talent have the potential to reach this level! Reaching the Sunlight rank is even rarer, with only a handful of individuals achieving it!

Due to the significant gap in strength between Starlight and Moonlight Apostles, any Moonlight Apostle willing to take on the role can immediately be appointed by the Demon Hunter Union to oversee all affairs in a district! Unlike the role of a task issuer, they have real authority to command all forces of the Demon Hunter Union within the region, akin to a provincial governor!

However, even with such generous conditions, Moonlight Apostles rarely take on the role of a district supervisor; they prefer to live according to their own will—thus benefiting those like the cunning merchant!

From the moment he became a demon hunter, even when he arrived at Shak, the headquarters of the demon hunters, this was the first time Ye Qi had seen a Moonlight demon hunter. So, standing to the side, he immediately began to scrutinize the other person.

The Apostle wore a windbreaker over a high-necked black sweater. His middle-aged face showed no signs of aging but exuded a mature charm. What particularly caught Ye Qi's attention were the two guns, one black and one white, at the other's waist. Although only the gun handles were visible, the ancient and intricate design of the handles revealed their extraordinary origin.

"Captain, what is the casualty situation?"

"Nine active members and twenty-five reserve members are injured..."

Jacob, who had approached the female captain and Ye Qi, asked in a hoarse voice. The female captain immediately tallied the casualties and began to report, her voice tinged with barely concealed grief—each team of rangers lived in the same camp, trained, and served together daily, forming deep bonds!

Ye Qi, upon hearing the hoarseness in Jacob's low voice, glanced at him in surprise, his eyes darting to the high-necked black sweater— he wanted to see if there were any scars behind the collar, as he could tell that Jacob's hoarseness was due to an injury to his vocal cords!

No wonder Jacob wears a high-necked sweater in Shak! It must be to cover up! But who injured him? A creature capable of injuring a Moonlight Apostle is certainly no ordinary being! It could be a marquis or duke-level vampire from a noble family or a battle-hardened, bloodthirsty werewolf...

"Are you Ye Qi?" Perhaps sensing Ye Qi's scrutinizing gaze, Jacob turned and smiled at him, saying, "I've heard of you, the most trouble-making Apostle in history!"

"Some things are unavoidable!" Ye Qi responded calmly to the Moonlight Apostle's question. Whether it was Coster or Pachi, he had always stood on the side of reason, so even when facing a Moonlight Apostle, he explained himself methodically: "So, I had to defend myself!"

"Hmm!" Jacob nodded noncommittally and continued, "What do you think about what happened tonight, Ye Qi?"

Ask me?

Ye Qi was taken aback— even though he had participated in the defense, with the female captain present, she should have been asked first; then his instructor, the stern-faced man, and the giant. It was impossible for him to be asked first.

Does Jacob also suspect the Deko family? Is he seeking confirmation from me?

"From the enemy's use of a giant monster to draw the camp's attention and then launching a surprise attack from the side, it's clear that they are well-organized and have Apostle-level assassins involved, indicating their considerable strength..."

Ye Qi recounted the information he had gathered, but did not mention any of his suspicions about the Deko family. Even though Jacob seemed friendly, it was their first meeting. Ye Qi was not rash enough to reveal his thoughts to someone he had just met.

"Let's return to the central castle!" After listening to Ye Qi's honest response, Jacob immediately made the next arrangement: "Captain, I hope you can immediately arrange everything in the camp. I want a comprehensive report on this incident before dawn!"

"Yes, sir!"

...

At headquarters, the central castle was guarded by six towers representing the Demon Hunter Union's emblem. The number of guards at each intersection had doubled, and they were armed and ready, their faces stern and even menacing.

A heavy, oppressive atmosphere enveloped the entire Demon Hunter headquarters.

In the Decision Tower, on the top floor, six thrones were arranged in a circle, with one person seated in each.

In the silence, one of them suddenly asked, "Peder Nang, what do you think about this incident?"

Peder Nang lightly stroked his long hair, placed his fingers on the blue water mark on his forehead, and closed his eyes for a moment before reopening them and smiling softly, "It's not the work of any of our own. Just some overly ambitious rats! Let the subordinates handle it!"

"Hmm, I see!" The person who spoke first pondered for a moment and asked again, "Who is the best person to handle it?"

"Still Jacob!" Peder Nang said slowly, "Since his promotion to Moonlight, he has rarely appeared. This time, let's see his capabilities. If he can, we'll transfer him to the Bay Area and have him take charge there."

"Agreed!"

"Agreed!"

...

In the Withered Forest Zone, the sky was still obscured by a blanket of yellow sand. John passed through layers of dead trees, heading towards the green area of the Withered Forest. Countless vultures perched on the bare, dead trees, watching John.

"Such a hassle! Why hide in such a desolate place? Do they need to be in such a barren, uninhabited area to appear mysterious?" After casually dispatching a venomous snake that had attacked him from a rock crevice, John couldn't help but mutter, "Damn bastards! Not only do they like to strike from behind, but their living places are also so hidden!"

After crushing another scorpion that had emerged to scavenge, John's figure gradually disappeared into the swirling yellow sand...