Chapter 24: Next step

Chapter 24: Next step

For a regular person, a hot shower in the morning was just the usual thing, but for Uriel it was a whole new experience. After the pleasant hot shower he found himself on a joyful mood.

Morning class and physical training were uneventful and the day progressed until it was time for Uriel to head to work. As soon as he set foot inside the library he was greeted by mister Scofield.

"Are you alright young bookworm?" The librarian asked with a concerned gaze.

"Yes, I just need to figure out a way to make more money." He sighed as he was getting ready to pick up the cleaning supplies But Mr. Scofield stopped him.

"I think you should go to the Cryptid hunter agency. There you could find more about your trait... and maybe participating on a few incursions could help you get some money. You're an evolved now and, while I enjoy your company, I don't think working as a janitor really suits you."

Although Uriel was really eager to follow the librarian's advice, It took no less than two weeks for him to find the time to head over to the Cryptid hunting agency. It was the place where civilian incursions were organized and the favorite gathering spot for everyone who made a living thanks to their traits.

"Good day sir, how may I help you?" The receptionist in the counter asked Uriel with a professional tone of voice. She was used to see young, shy students like him every year, but never one so out of place.

Uriel looked flimsy even for a college student, he was like a fish out of the water. Everyone inside looked tough and intimidating, it was nothing like the orderly behavior of the army men, everyone exuded a wild aura of fierceness instead of the discipline and cold calm of soldiers.

"I- Uh- I was just looking..." He meekly replied to the receptionist.

"You are new to this, correct?" Her tone indicated that more than asking, she was making a statement and Uriel simply nodded in reply.

[Disclaimer: there's no return policy.]

'Those fees are insufferable, why would mister Scofield send me here if he knew I don't have enough money to even participate in an incursion?'

He kept reading the sign and found out that the cost that seemed to be extremely high was, indeed, a bargain. They provided a vehicle, life insurance, medical care and, most importantly, the possibility of being rescued in case things went wrong. That last part was most likely the heaviest expense for the agency but, just like transportation and medical treatment, it was indispensable.

'Who would venture out of the city knowing they wouldn't be rescued if they get injured or lost?'

"Ehem..." The receptionist who had been professional up until that point cleared her throat, then proceeded to speak. "Are you interested in participating in an incursion?"

"Not really miss, I mean yes, but I can't afford it at this moment."

Now that she was certain that he didn't possess a strong trait or came from a wealthy family she thought that the student in front of her was not worth her time she grew even more impatient.

"Then make way for other people, why are you wasting everyone's time like that? you're clogging the line already." She said in a scoff.

Usually she wouldn't say something as disrespectful as that, but since many college students had just received their traits it was high season in business and she was already stressed. Besides, it's not like there would be any consequences for her if she spoke like that to an evolved. She was an ascended and outranked Uriel, even if he wanted to make a complaint no one would listen to him. Besides the place was filling up and many people people started to build a line behind Uriel.

Everyone stared at the insignificant student that was wasting everyone's time. Embarrassed Uriel quickly apologized as he left the line, only to be grabbed by the arm by the person right behind him.

"Sage!? What took you so long? how come you're always late for everything!?" Said the woman who was grasping his arm.