Chapter 764: Divisions of Elders

Outside, the wide marble corridor stretched beneath high arched ceilings, lit by golden lamps that cast intricate patterns across the smooth floor. Waiting patiently nearby, leaning casually against the carved balustrade, was Elder Liam, his dark robes shifting slightly as he straightened with an amiable smile upon seeing Max emerge.

"Should I call you Max, or Guest Elder Max?" Elder Liam teased lightly, his eyes sparkling with a mix of humor and genuine respect, as though both mentor and equal stood in the same skin.

"Elder Liam, I’m still young, so I’d prefer if you just called me by my name," Max replied, a wry smile tugging at his lips as he rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the unfamiliar weight of the token resting in his pocket.

Liam chuckled, his laughter echoing softly in the corridor’s vaulted silence. "Very well, Max," he said, inclining his head in mock solemnity. But his expression turned thoughtful as Max’s eyes grew more serious.

"Elder Liam," Max began, his voice steady and curious, "President William mentioned something about levels among the elders. Can you explain that to me?"

Elder Liam hummed softly under his breath, folding his arms as he pondered how best to distill such a complex structure. "Aside from the six assigned elders of the Hunter Association—the senior core who oversee the entire organization—there are hundreds of other elders," he began, his tone shifting into the rhythm of a practiced teacher. "These elders are divided into levels, from Level One to Level Five. It’s a way of organizing the hierarchy, privileges, and responsibilities within the Association."

He met Max’s gaze directly, his expression serious but patient. "Since you’ve just been appointed as a Level One Guest Elder, there are limitations on what you can access. You’ll be allowed to exchange your merit points for techniques, skills, weapons, or treasures—but only those that fall within the scope of a Level One elder’s clearance. The higher your elder level, the greater the authority you have—and the more rare and powerful the items, techniques, or information you can claim from the Hunter Association’s vaults."

Max nodded firmly, his expression calm but resolute as he met Elder Liam’s eyes. "I understand," he said. "Thank you for explaining, Elder Liam."

Elder Liam’s smile returned, warm and approving, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good. I suspect you’ll be climbing those ranks faster than anyone expects," he said lightly. "Come. Let me show you where you can make your selections as a Guest Elder."

And with that, the two of them began walking down the gleaming corridor side by side, the echoes of their footsteps trailing behind them as Max took another step deeper into the inner workings—and hidden power—of the Hunter Association.

As they made their way deeper into the grand corridors of the Hunter Association Tower, Max glanced sideways at Elder Liam, his golden eyes bright with curiosity and sharp calculation.

"So that means killing monsters, Nulls, and similar threats gives me merit points, just like how everyone earned their points in the battlefield?" he asked, his voice calm but edged with eager interest, already thinking of the paths he could take to amass power and resources.

Elder Liam nodded, the motion smooth and deliberate, as though he’d answered this question a thousand times before. "Yes, merit points are the lifeblood of the Hunter Association," he explained, his voice carrying the easy cadence of a man who had long grown used to navigating the labyrinth of the Association’s rules and politics.

"Those who aren’t members of the Hunter Association—like most independent experts or warriors from other factions—can still earn merit points, but they’re limited in what they can exchange for. They’re restricted to things like access to the Void Hall or items from the Level 0 Chamber." His tone dropped slightly, as though the term "Level 0 Chamber" carried a faint note of disdain.

He shifted his sharp gaze back to Max. "For elders like us, though, the system is different. There are numerous ways to earn merit points. You can complete specific missions issued by the Association, many of which are posted in Hunter Association branches all across the Middle Domain. Almost every significant region has a branch office. So if you ever find yourself in any of those regions, it’s wise to look into the local Hunter Association missions while you’re there. They’re not just a source of income—they’re an excellent way to earn merit points, establish connections, and further cement your status."

"I see. Thanks, Elder Liam, for clearing my doubts." Max dipped his head in gratitude, genuine respect glinting in his eyes as he absorbed every word. He was already formulating plans in the back of his mind. ’So there’s another avenue to accumulate resources and power, parallel to the Great Ruler Empire’s system. I’ll need to balance both.’

Elder Liam gave him a mild, approving smile. "Hmm. Well, you’re entitled to choose one technique and one skill from the Level 1 section as a newly appointed Guest Elder. Let me take you there."

With that, Elder Liam turned, his dark robes billowing softly around his ankles as he led Max deeper into the massive tower. As they walked, he began explaining the complex inner structure of the Hunter Association Tower, his words painting a vivid mental map for Max to follow.

"The ground floor—also known as the Level 0 Section—is accessible to non-members of the Hunter Association," Elder Liam said, gesturing around them as they passed tall archways adorned with silvery runes. "It’s where all those who participated in the battlefield today are gathering to exchange their merit points, often for items from the Void Hall or other lower-tier resources. It’s busy down there because that’s the level accessible to anyone who fights and earns points, even if they don’t belong to our organization."

They ascended a broad staircase, each step polished until it gleamed like glass, reflecting golden light from chandeliers hanging high above. "The first floor, however, belongs to the Level 1 Section," Elder Liam continued. "Only elders with Level 1 status—or higher—can enter. It’s strictly guarded, and there are formations in place to keep unauthorized individuals from sneaking in. The Level 1 Section is where you’ll find the Level 1 Treasure Chamber, which contains techniques, skills, weapons, and various items suitable for those of your current rank. That’s where we’re heading now."