Code Collector

Camp Twyla looked almost the same from Allen's previous camp. The tall and large metal walls protected the camp from the beasts outside while the rows of apartments were attached to it, encircling the entire camp.

Garry had mentioned that he will go to a butcher to sell the boar. If Allen could find out what slaughter house he will sell it to, he can buy out the hide or trade it with something. He has plenty of stock in his arsenal, so he might make his first actual deal.

Speaking of deals, the couple he saved from the bear was nowhere to be seen. Their faces didn't appear in the streets and when he asked about them, all the other Hunters couldn't answer.

He was quite upset about the couple scamming him, but if it wasn't for them, he wouldn't be able to get the bear's Code. A Rare grade could with such an effect would fetch him even higher prices if he can sell it to the right buyer.

But since he was operating underground, he can't just sell it to just anyone. He needs to have a trustworthy client he can sell the Code to. If not, he can just use it to put under his cloak.

While walking around with all the thoughts running in his mind, he saw the familiar ox-looking man. Garry just left a slaughter house at the side of the camp where not a lot of people go to.

It was the part where most factories were at. There weren't as much commercial buildings in this area, therefore there weren't a lot of people in the streets.

Allen hid in an alley and watched Garry walk away. He didn't have to encounter the man now that he had sold the boar, Allen can just befriend the butcher instead.

When he saw Garry walk away, Allen stepped out of the alley. He looked around to see if anyone was there, but the street was totally silent. It was the perfect opportunity for him to get inside the slaughter house and take the hide.

"What are you doing here?"

Allen froze after hearing Garry behind him. He slowly turned around and saw the large man crossing his arms with his right brow raised. "Were you following me?"

Allen grinned awkwardly. He regained his composure and cleared his throat to try and look intimidating, "Yes and no. Was I following you? No. Was I following the boar you were carrying? Easy, yes."

"So, you were following me?" Garry started tapping his foot that made Allen almost lose his composure again.

"I stand with my answer," Allen replied and turned. He walked to the counter of the slaughter house without minding the man glaring behind him. "Okay, fine. I was interested in the boar you were carrying earlier. Was that Rare grade?"

Garry snickered before he smirked and nodded, "Indeed. That beast was ferocious. Almost had a hard time catching it. Good thing my aim is spot on and my Swift Iron Boots carries me from one place to another without worrying about any sound."

"You're surprisingly…" Allen trailed off. "Talkative. You did not sound like this earlier. Do you have a secret twin?"

It felt like though Garry was a deer caught in headlights. His expression hardened and his composure was easily destroyed. "What in the hell are you talking about? What do you want with that boar?"

"I was trying to see if I can get the boar hide," Allen said. "If I can, that would be wonderful. I'll pay for it too."

"Go talk to the butcher then," Garry said. "It's theirs now."

"That was what I was trying to do before you ruined the moment and scare me," Allen scoffed. With just a few exchange of words, Garry had let his walls down.

The large man who looked like an ox was starting to feel embarrassed around Allen. He was winning this conversation. For the boy who had everyone look down on him, it felt good.

"Whatever, kid." With that, Garry fled the scene. Allen could still see the slight flushing of his cheeks after getting embarrassed.

"It is true what they say. Rock hard on the outside, soft like marshmallow inside," Allen said to himself before chuckling. "Now, let me get that hide."

–

"It's not for sale."

Allen could feel his world crumble after the butcher spoke the words. His eyes twitched and he tried to reason his way into getting the hide, but it seemed like the butcher would stand by his words.

"I'm sorry kid," the butcher, Shawn, said. "Beasts like this would fetch a way higher price after being processed. We can't just let it go."

Allen pursed his lips in disappointment. When Shawn turned and was about to walk away, Allen couldn't help but blurt out a lie, "I'm that Hunter's friend. He sold you the boar, didn't he? I'm his friend."

"Oh, yeah?" Shawn crossed his arms. "What's name then? And if you're really his friend, what's his biggest secret?"

"Garry," Allen said confidently. "Easy."

Shawn deadpanned, "Everyone knows that. Now, go."

"Wait!" Allen raised his arms up. "He's a Ranger that seemed to love his shotgun way too much. His shotgun was… err, given to him. Yes! It was given to him by a very important person that I cannot disclose."

The butcher's face immediately softened. He narrowed his eyes and looked at Allen up and down. Currently, he was wearing clothes that Jake lent him. It was a black button down shirt with a pair of black pants.

There were harnesses on his shirt made with high quality leather, as well as leather shoulder, elbow, and knee pads. His boots were also made with high grade leather with metal soles thay would clank every time he takes a step.

"You look rich," Shawn said. "Do you really know Garry? Was that actually his secret?"

For a moment, Allen stared at Shawn. He wanted to scoff after realizing that Shawn didn't actually know Garry's secret. He was just trying to milk information out of him.

"Yes," Allen lied. "That was Garry's secret. Wait, you didn't know?"

"No," Shawn shook his head. "That was why I was asking you. No one really gets close to Garry. He's a man with a few words."

"He gave me plenty," Allen whispered to himself. "But anyway, will you sell me the hide or not?"

Shawn sighed, "Fine. We have a deal. Give me fifty thousand dollars, and the hide is yours."

Allen frozed after hearing the price, "You've got to be kidding me."