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Adventures in Marata
Description of the City "Marata":
As Xu Jian and Li Wei entered the city, the breathtaking sights of Marata unfolded before them — a fusion of grand architecture and bustling districts.
Its cobblestone streets, intricately carved, intersected with towering buildings topped with golden domes. People moved through crowded markets, where goods from every corner of the world were displayed. The air was thick with the scent of spices and food, and vibrant colors filled the scene — from the silken fabrics hanging above to the lights decorating the streets.
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Dialogue:
Li Wei, wide-eyed in awe:
"Oh, so this is Marata! Xu Jian, I never imagined it would be this beautiful."
Xu Jian, in a cold tone, his sharp eyes scanning the area:
"Yes... Just as I pictured it."
Li Wei noticed the chill in Xu Jian's demeanor, but before he could comment, Xu Jian's stomach growled loudly.
"Hahaha! Sounds like your stomach is protesting hard."
Xu Jian gave a faint smile, void of his usual warmth:
"Maybe I've neglected it too much."
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The Trouble Begins:
As they strolled through the city, a commotion broke out near a food stall. A bizarre-looking man with glowing red eyes and sharp fangs was shouting at an elderly woman:
"You filthy hag! How dare you touch me?!"
The woman, trembling:
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to..."
Before Li Wei could even react, Xu Jian moved like a flash — one swift strike, and the man's head was off.
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Facial Expressions:
Xu Jian's eyes were frozen, devoid of hesitation — pure, mechanical coldness. Even after striking the man down, he didn't blink or show an ounce of regret. The old woman was both terrified and grateful. Her lips quivered, but then a grateful smile broke through:
"Thank you! You saved my life!"
Li Wei stood frozen, eyes wide, mouth slightly agape, staring at Xu Jian in disbelief.
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Conversation with the Lady:
Xu Jian, emotionless:
"Are you a good cook?"
The lady, confused but nodding:
"Yes, of course."
Xu Jian:
"Then I want the entire menu."
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Food Scene:
Xu Jian and Li Wei sat beside the stall, facing a table overloaded with dishes. Xu Jian devoured the food with ferocity, as if he hadn't eaten in years — holding a cow leg with one hand, biting into it, draining a massive bowl of soup in one gulp — all with the same cold gaze.
Li Wei (chuckling while eating):
"What a way to show gratitude."
The lady (curious):
"Are you warriors? Did you come to join the bounty hunters?"
Xu Jian, disinterested:
"No. We're here randomly. But what does a bounty hunter do? And do they make a lot of money?"
The lady:
"Absolutely! Bounty hunters take on dangerous missions: assassinations, secret intel theft, VIP protection, and more. They're paid very well."
Li Wei (excited):
"That sounds great, right Xu Jian?"
Xu Jian:
"I like the sound of it. How do we become one?"
The lady pointed to a distant part of the city:
"See that spot up there? Beside the Grand Sacred Bank — that's the registration office for bounty hunters."
Li Wei (light laugh):
"Well, looks like our next adventure has begun!"
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Chapter Title: The Bounty Hunter's Path Begins
After wrapping up their conversation with the cook, Xu Jian and Li Wei headed toward the location she had pointed out — where the "Supreme Bounty Hunter Guild" awaited.
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Scene Description:
The city was buzzing with life. Everything pulsed with energy. The streets were paved with white stone, majestic statues guarded gates, and the air echoed with merchant voices. Xu Jian walked with calm determination, while Li Wei hurried to keep up, trying to understand the drastic shift in his friend's demeanor.
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New Chapter: The Closed Rooms Conspiracy
As they approached the grand guild gate in Marata, the scene was one of organized chaos. The guard at the door was stern, quickly becoming an annoyance.
Guard:
"Stop right there! Who do you think you are? This place isn't open to random wanderers!"
Xu Jian (coldly):
"You're just a pawn. And yet you dare block the path of someone far beyond your rank?"
The guard, enraged, lifted his hand to strike. But suddenly, a dark aura surrounded Xu Jian, making everyone around feel a chill in their souls. His face remained cold, but a terrifying anger flickered within — enough to make the guard hesitate, nearly mute.
Mysterious Man (from afar):
"That's enough! You have no right to stop anyone from entering, do you?"
A man with humble clothing but an aura of respect approached. He waved the guard aside.
Guard (scornfully):
"And who are you to interfere?"
Mysterious Man (calmly):
"I supervise new applicants. And this one proved himself just by being here."
Xu Jian and Li Wei entered, as the man began to explain:
Mysterious Man:
"Sir, the guild isn't just a refuge. It's a complex system based on skill. There are hunter ranks — Bronze to Diamond. The higher your rank, the more money and power you gain. But first, you must pass the basic test. It's not easy, and it's far from ordinary."
Xu Jian (interested):
"A test? What kind?"
Mysterious Man:
*"It's not about fighting. It's a test of intelligence and strategy. You'll enter a massive room with dozens of others. Your goal is to find the mastermind behind a conspiracy scenario. Simple rules:
1. You may not openly discuss your plans or thoughts.
2. Each participant is paired with a roommate until the end of the test.
3. It may last up to a month — and you must survive by any means."*
Li Wei:
"This sounds more like a trap than a test."
Mysterious Man (smiling):
"Survive it, and you'll be a true bounty hunter. Good luck."
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Xu Jian entered a large, noisy hall. Everyone eyed each other with suspicion. A tall youth with brown hair and cunning eyes approached, offering a handshake:
Stranger:
"Hey, looks like we're partners for this phase."
Xu Jian, cold and distant, didn't take the hand:
"I don't trust strangers."
The youth stepped back with a sly grin:
"Looks like this test is going to be fun."