The Hunter Association ranks Hunters by "stars." You start unstarred, then progress to One‑Star, Two‑Star, and Three‑Star. Earning your first star requires major accomplishments in your field—meeting strict benchmarks of performance.
Take Ethan Wells, for example. Beyond our Meteor Street mission, he and his team have apprehended dozens of C‑ and B‑rank criminals. Lisa Park handles case paperwork and evidence submission, and she's used Ethan's Hunter license countless times. That track record alone makes him more than qualified for One‑Star promotion.
"Are you going?" Mia Greene asked. "One‑Star Hunters get extra permissions on the Association portal—and access to more official databases."
"Absolutely," Ethan smiled. "Why pass up the upgrade?"
He finished his rest period and was already ready to head in. Three days later, the airship delivered Ethan, Lisa, Mia, and Dilumon to Celestia City, home to the Association's HQ.
Standing before the gleaming tower, Lisa admired the architecture. "These headquarters are impressive."
Mia cradled Dilumon and nodded. "No wonder Hunters get so many perks."
Ethan led them inside.
At the reception desk, a uniformed attendant greeted them.
"Welcome to Hunter HQ. How can I assist you today?"
Ethan stepped forward, producing his license.
"I'm here to finalize my promotion to One‑Star Hunter."
The receptionist took his card, tapped it into her console, and confirmed his record.
"Congratulations, Mr. Wells. Your credentials check out. Please take elevator B to the seventh floor for processing."
"Thank you," Ethan said, collected his license, and motioned for Lisa and Mia to follow him toward the elevator bank.
Inside the lift, they chatted quietly.
Ding! The elevator paused at the third floor. A well‑dressed man waiting outside glanced in and brightened.
"Mr. Wells?" he asked, stepping aboard. "What a surprise to see you here!"
Ethan recognized him immediately—Vice President Carl Preston, scion of one of the Association's founding families.
"Mr. Preston," Ethan replied politely.
Preston selected the tenth‑floor button and turned to Ethan with a warm smile.
"I've heard your name all over the network these last weeks. Congratulations on your invitation."
Ethan didn't glance Preston's way, but simply nodded. Behind him, Lisa, Mia, and even Dilumon exchanged glances—Ethan clearly preferred to keep his distance.
Carl Preston might be powerful, but Ethan had no intention of socializing. As the elevator ascended, he calmly prepared for the final steps of his promotion.
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 advance chapter in PATREON
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