The Multiverse Hunter

As Ali and Supervisor Toto made their way through the city, Toto continued explaining the mechanics of the Arena, his small paws swinging lazily at his sides.

"The difference in rank between two players determines whether a challenge can be rejected," Toto said casually, biting into a fresh apple he had just telekinetically stolen from a merchant's stand.

The merchant-who had clearly noticed-immediately looked the other way, pretending nothing had happened.

Ali smirked. "I see theft is legal if you're a Supervisor."

Toto only grinned, his sharp little teeth sinking deeper into the fruit.

"Sweet..." he muttered, savouring the taste before continuing. "Winning in a normal duel rewards the victor with ranking points, and more importantly, the ability to view their opponent's stats. The higher the opponent's rank, the more points you gain."

"And don't forget-the players can also wager whatever they want on their duels. Equipment, weapons, money... anything they're willing to put on the line."

They walked past a bustling trade district, where players bartered over enchanted swords, futuristic firearms, rare potions, and even tamed creatures from different worlds.

Ali's gaze swept over the market, briefly memorising the names and insignias of different vendors. Some of them belonged to guilds, while others were independent merchants.

"A lot more variety than the Slum."

Toto waved a paw, making another apple float toward him, effortlessly snatching it mid-air.

The merchant this time saw it happen but merely sighed and continued his sales.

"As for death duels.." Toto took another bite, speaking as he chewed.

"Well, obviously, the fight doesn't end until one player is dead. The winner earns ranking points just like in a normal duel-but what makes this type of duel so attractive..."

Toto suddenly stopped walking and turned his glowing red eyes toward Ali.

"On top of being able to kill someone you don't like..."

He took a slow, deliberate bite of his apple.

"The winner will inherit everything their opponent owns-credits, equipment, weapons, valuables-everything that can be transferred."

Ali's lips curled into a wicked smirk.

"I'm going to be spending a lot of time in the Arena then."

Toto chuckled. "Maybe at the start."

He tossed the apple core over his shoulder, where it disintegrated into dust mid-air.

"But after you display your strength, players will start rejecting your challenges or delaying them by a maximum of three worlds. If they're ranked close to you, they can't outright refuse... but they can stall."

Ali absorbed the information silently, his mind already working out potential loopholes and strategies.

"But what I've told you so far is only a small part of the Arena," Toto continued as they left the city centre and entered an area filled with residential houses and the occasional guild headquarters.

Ali glanced at a large building with a thunder-shaped insignia carved into its stone entrance.

"Lightning Guild," he muttered, making a mental note.

As they walked, Ali kept track of every name and symbol he passed, his mind carefully cataloging them.

'Fucking hell... How many guilds are there?'

After a brief moment of silence, Ali asked, "Why are you doing this?"

Toto hopped along without looking back. "Because you're interesting. Very interesting."

Ali raised an eyebrow. "That's it? A Head Supervisor must have a lot of free time."

Toto chuckled. "I have plenty of subordinates to handle the small things."

Then, his red eyes glowed mischievously as he added, "But maybe I should assign Lorien and Kaya to work under me. Since you like them so much."

Ali's smirk widened. "You're lucky you're still alive, human," Toto continued.

"Most Supervisors would have killed you. But Lorien always had a soft heart for your kind..."

Ali scoffed. "Luck? I have zero points in luck. This is simply my charm. Women can't resist it. Supervisors are no different."

Toto's expression darkened slightly.

"Maybe you should invest those three unassigned points into intelligence."

Then—

BOOM!

Toto suddenly launched himself straight into the sky, disappearing into thin air with a blur of speed so fast Ali's eyes barely tracked it.

Ali let out a low chuckle.

"Rabbit's got jokes."

He turned to face the two-story house beside him-the one labeled with his home address.

'Do all Supervisors have access to my interface? Doesn't matter. I already assume they know everything except for Veska.'

As he stepped toward the door, it automatically unlocked and swung open, granting him access.

Ali stepped inside, his eyes sweeping across the small but functional living space.

The lower floor contained a living room and kitchen, furnished with two simple couches, a table, and an open-concept counter.

It was basic, but comfortable a stark contrast to the grimy conditions of the Slum.

Ali exhaled, letting himself relax for just a moment.

Then—

KNOCK. KNOCK.

Ali sighed heavily. "Fuck's sake."

He turned back toward the door, pulling it open to reveal a six foot tall woman clad in shining silver armour, her long pink hair flowing down past her shoulders.

Her presence was composed yet firm, and the massive white longsword strapped to her back only added to her imposing appearance.

"Can we talk?" Julie's voice was calm but gentle.

Ali's black eyes swept over her.

'No insignia. No guild affiliation.'

'Independent? Fuck it. She's hot.'

Without a word, he stepped aside, allowing Julie to enter.

She walked in and immediately glanced around. "Looks exactly the same as my house when I first got to the second level."

She unstrapped her longsword, leaning it carefully against the wall before taking a seat on one of the couches.

Ali remained standing, his arms crossed as he watched her with an unreadable gaze.

"Never seen natural pink hair like yours before."

Julie's pink eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the comment.

"Is that a compliment?" she asked, a small smile tugging at her lips. A faint hint of red dusted her cheeks-an involuntary reaction to the sheer intensity of Ali's gaze.

He was ridiculously handsome.

But more than that, there was something about the way he looked at her-cold, unreadable, yet undeniably commanding. It made it difficult to maintain composure.

Ali didn't answer her question. Instead, he walked toward the kitchen counter, grabbed a glass, and filled it with cold water.

"What do you want?"

His tone was calm, almost indifferent, as he took a sip.

Julie straightened her posture slightly. "My name is Julie," she introduced herself formally.

"I am not part of any guild. I lead a small team of independent players. We travel to different worlds together, protect each other, and help one another grow stronger."

She paused for a moment, letting her words settle.

Then, her pink eyes met his once again.

"I want you to join my team."

Ali exhaled slowly, placing the glass down on the counter.

'Took her long enough to spell it out.'

His answer was immediate.

"No."

Without another word, he turned and walked to the front door, pulling it open—a clear signal that their conversation was over.

Julie didn't flinch. She remained seated, her expression unaffected by the rejection.

"Can you tell me why?" she asked, her voice still composed.

"Darling..." he began, his tone laced with amusement. "One, you're weak. The fact that you came here asking me to join your team proves that. Two, by nightfall, I will have one of the highest bounties on the entire Second Level. Believe me, you do not want to deal with that "

Julie remained silent, listening.

Ali leaned casually against the doorframe.

Then, with zero hesitation, he added-

"Now, unless you want to take off that armour and shower with me, get out."

Silence.

For a moment, Julie's brain seemed to short-circuit.

Then—

Her entire face turned red.

"P-Pervert!" she snapped, standing up abruptly and stomping toward the door.

Ali merely chuckled as he watched her march past him, grabbing her sword and slinging it over her back in frustration.

As she stepped outside, she threw one last glare over her shoulder.

Ali just smirked. 'Who isn't? And who says pervert? What earth did she come from…'

Julie huffed and stormed off, her long pink hair swaying behind her as she disappeared into the streets.

Ali leaned against the doorframe for a few seconds longer, his eyes glancing over her swaying thighs under the armour.

Then, with a small shake of his head, he closed the door.

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