Roy scrolled through the list of available Hunters for recruitment. This time he wasn't under nearly as much pressure as when he searched for his first recruit.
After what seemed like hours, he finally came across two potential candidates. The problem was, his tokens weren't enough to recruit both.
They each cost 2 tokens, so he could only choose one.
[Name: –
Race: Canine (German Shepherd)
Status: Hunter
Allegiance: ???
Level: 0
…
Strength: 4
Agility: 5
Constitution: 5
Intelligence: 2
Ether Unit: 4/4
…
Skills: Venomous Bite (A); Predator's Stealth (A); Instant Blitz (B); Predator's Instincts (B)]
As for the other…
[Name: –
Race: Canine (Belgian Malinois)
Status: Hunter
Allegiance: ???
Level: 0
…
Strength: 5
Agility: 5
Constitution: 5
Intelligence: 2
Ether Unit: 4/4
…
Skills: Ancestral Descent (SS); Devour (A); Blink (A); Predator's Instincts (B)]
One might find it odd that he was choosing a non-human Hunter, but it made sense for two reasons.
First, human Hunters were listed at far higher token prices than their beast counterparts. Roy suspected it had to do with intelligence. Even though beast Hunters cost fewer tokens, they often had maxed physical stats.
At Level 0, the cap for any stat was 5. It was rare to find humans with maxed stats, and if they did have them, they wouldn't be listed for just 2 tokens.
Second, Roy was a Lord who'd awakened the Cosmic Policing System — he was naturally going to build an army of police officers. What police agency functions without a K-9 unit?
After mulling it over, he chose the second candidate. Though the first excelled at stealth, the Belgian Malinois had more overall potential.
Thankfully, no one else was vying for recruitment rights this time. The transaction went smoothly.
Immediately, space warped before Roy and spat out a figure.
It was a dog — tall for its species. Its profile confirmed a Belgian Malinois: fur black over brown, its large ears perked up in alarm as it landed.
The dog assessed its surroundings. After detecting no danger, it glanced at its summoner. It acted almost human-like, squinting at Roy while pacing silently around him.
After a few seconds, it sat in front of Roy, wagging its large, fluffy tail — a sign it felt comfortable.
Roy approached cautiously, arms outstretched. If this were a human, at least they could communicate. But this was a dog — intelligent for its species but still below a seven-year-old's level.
The dog sniffed Roy's palm, branding his scent to memory. Then it licked his hand and bent its head, anticipating a pet.
Roy smiled. So adorable. He moved closer and ruffled the dog's obsidian fur. "You're a guy, right?" he asked rhetorically. Surprisingly, the dog barked to affirm.
Woof!
Roy's eyes brightened. Indeed — this little guy is smart. "Let's call you Alpha, then."
Woof! Alpha backed away excitedly at being named.
The system requested a post, and Roy assigned the position all K-9 units held: Police Dog.
A brilliant light flashed in Alpha's pupil as Roy asked curiously, "Do animals also get systems?"
[Yes. But unlike humans' systems, theirs are modified and communicate mostly through instincts.]
Roy nodded in understanding. Glancing at Alpha, now alert, he could tell the dog already sensed the incoming danger.
Good. Now that that's done, it's time to step into the outpost.
He walked to the lone, small square building and stepped inside, Alpha right behind him.
Immediately, Roy felt the difference. The metallic clangs Richard made while working vanished the moment he entered. Though no wires powered the building externally, it was clearly energized by something.
Cool gusts from an air conditioner caressed his face and ruffled his silver hair. Electric bulbs dotted the ceiling, illuminating the small but cozy space.
Roy didn't waste time touring the outpost.
By the time he finished, his expression was dark. This place only has two cells, a toilet, and a reception desk. What the hell am I supposed to do with this?
He slumped into the sole chair — the receptionist's seat. It was surprisingly comfortable.
Then suddenly a screen popped into his view.
[Host has mounted the Control Recliner and can now access functions…]
[Territory Bird's-Eye View]
[Detailed Inspection]
[Building Modification] [
Locked!!!]
Roy's eyes widened. The surprises just kept coming. This time he didn't need to question the system — the labels told him exactly what these functions did.
Curious, he tapped Detailed Inspection and focused it on himself.
His stats appeared as usual, but the skill section now had detailed descriptions:
[Skills: Bash (SSS): A policeman's hits must hurt! User gains a 100× buff when wielding blunt weapons.
Eyes of Truth (SSS): A policeman sees through all. User detects lies, gains perfect accuracy, and sees weaknesses.
Endless Ammo (SSS): Who says a policeman must run out of bullets? User can summon infinite ammo as long as they have Ether.
Electric Amp (SSS): You think a police officer's taser isn't dangerous? Think again! Amplifies all electric artifacts by 1000×.
Eidetic Memory (A): A policeman never forgets! User gains photographic memory.
All Tactical Knowledge (A): Tanks? Grenades? Guns? A policeman can wield them all! User gains proficiency with all tactical weapons.
Martial Arts (A): Who said a policeman is useless without weapons? User has initial proficiency in all close-combat techniques.
Regal Aura (A): A policeman must be cool! Radiates a charming and intimidating aura.
Lord's Territory Blessing (SSS): Default skill of all Lords. Grants absolute teleportation within territory, limitless Ether replenishment, and a 10× buff within territory.]
Roy read through carefully. By the time he was done, his expression was grim.