Chapter 1: Given Too Much

Outskirts of Jiangbei City.

“Sacred fire shines~ sacred fire glows…” Cloaked in black, Samuel Thompson chanted along with the devout figures around him.

Inside the underground cave, a group of black-robed, white-masked figures knelt in prayer around a blood-red board.

“Sacrifice.”

At the sound, the black-robed warriors grew frenzied, each drawing a gleaming dagger and slashing at their wrists.

Splat, splat, splat!

Samuel Thompson also drew his dagger, imitating the others as he slashed—not at his left wrist, but at the plastic tube on it.

Squelch.

The plastic tube split open, and the blood bag tucked under his armpit released its pressure, a few drops splattering onto the young man beside him.

Sniff, sniff~ The young man inhaled deeply, dabbed some of the red liquid from his body with his right hand, and licked it at the corner of his mouth.

Slightly sweet, with a tang.

Instantly, he stared at Samuel Thompson, eyes full of disbelief.

Ketchup.

Diluted with water.

Fooling the gods.

Just then, a stern shout rang out from above the cave.

“Wuan Army on official business! Anyone who resists will be executed on the spot!”

“Damn, stealing our business!”

Hearing the shout, Samuel Thompson smeared the ketchup on himself, pulled a camera from his chest, and stuck it to his forehead.

He didn’t want the Wuan Army to mistake him for a Blood God cultist and take him down with the rest.

Bang, bang, bang.

Tear gas canisters, billowing smoke, were tossed down one after another.

Already fully equipped, Samuel Thompson wore not only the camera on his head but also protective goggles and a gas mask.

Under the tear gas, the Blood God cultists in the cave were kicked and beaten by the Wuan Army, sent sprawling in all directions.

Taking advantage of the chaos, he dashed toward the cave entrance, running straight into a Wuan Army warrior coming down.

A blue projection lit up on his arm, displaying his identity.

“Bounty Hunter Hall, Hunter Samuel Thompson, requesting cover…” “Boss, there’s a bounty hunter trying to steal our business. There’s no one else here—should we rough him up a bit?”

“Damn, a bunch of idiots!”

Samuel Thompson cursed inwardly, and the projection in his hand changed again.

“I’ve already uploaded the live footage to the cloud!”

Bang!

At the entrance, a half-bald figure strode in, swatting aside the Wuan Army warrior blocking his way.

“What nonsense are you spouting? Go clean toilets for a week.”

“Boss!”

“You can wash my underwear too.”

“Hello, I’m Edward Carter, Captain of the Left Battalion, Wuan Army, Jiangbei City. Don’t listen to these idiots—they’re just talking nonsense.”

Edward Carter sized up Samuel Thompson and said calmly, “Could you delete the video just now? It might affect the Wuan Army’s good image.”

Samuel Thompson glanced around, didn’t speak immediately, and gestured that he wanted to leave.

There was only one exit from the cave—a perfect place to get trapped and beaten up by this lot. That would be seriously unlucky.

These days, it’s not easy for a bounty hunter to earn some contribution points, and now it’s all gone down the drain.

“One mid-level, grade-one demon beast.”

Once he was out of the cave and saw there were no more obstacles to his escape, Samuel Thompson finally spoke.

“Why don’t you just rob me!”

Edward Carter immediately glared.

Damn, I just wanted to rough you up a bit, but didn’t get the chance!

Do you know how much a mid-level, grade-one demon beast is worth?

Samuel Thompson said nothing, pointing to the camera on his forehead.

Who could refuse a man with a camera on his head?

“How about a low-tier, grade-one body-refining demon beast?”

Edward Carter bargained directly, “I saw your registration info. Believe it or not, I could conscript you right now…” Samuel Thompson tapped his camera again and said, “Mind your image.”

“Daring to extort the Wuan Army—do you know how many of my brothers have killed demons without batting an eye? There are….” “Ding ding…

Jiangbei City Cabinet Public Service Center complaint submi…” “Damn, brother, let’s talk this out. Wrong number, just hang up.”

Edward Carter grabbed Samuel Thompson’s arm.

“…Edward Carter, it’s you again. What have you done this time…

Last time…” On the smart projection on Samuel Thompson’s arm, a big sister in a tight work uniform appeared. When she saw Edward Carter, her phoenix eyes immediately narrowed.

“Beep beep beep…” She hung up at once. Edward Carter grumbled, “One day I’ll marry that woman and have kids, then let’s see who dares complain about me.”

Then, his expression changed as he looked at Samuel Thompson, saying, “Ahem, little brother, busting this place didn’t earn you many merit points.”

“You know our Wuan Army is just glorified security—my brothers haven’t had new underwear issued in over half a year.”

“How about just a low-level, grade-one demon beast? Give me a straight answer.”

Samuel Thompson opened his AI and said, “Just transfer the payment directly.”