Code Collector

Allen had no other choice if he was confronted like this. He couldn't possibly show Bernard his Inventory feature. That would only make him even more suspicious.

The sisters had already set their eyes on The Wandering Trader. Every Hunter in the camp, or maybe even the neighboring ones, were looking for him. Bernard wasn't different from those people.

After all, he was still a Hunter. If he knows Allen was the Wandering Trader, he would turn him in. There was ni doubt about that.

With a sigh, Allen conjured his hammer. It was the only decent Rare grade Code weapon he had. The others were weaker Codes or artificial weapon.

"So, you use this hammer," Bernard hummed. "That's good. Since we kinda have a similar weapon, I can teach you a lot."

"And why is it exactly that you're helping me?" Allen quirked his brow up, questioning the man. "Did Jake Summers also pay you to do this?"

Bernard chuckled and shook his head, "In his eyes, you're worth tenfold than you think you're worth."

This made Allen scoff, "So, he did. It seems like our millionaire friend here's willing to just throw money for his guinea pig."

"That's where you're wrong," Bernard muttered with a serious expression. He tends to turn from one expression to another a lot, like he couldn't decide for sure what his face would show.

"Jake is a man who values his partners. Even I, who just run small errands for him, I feel valued. He gives me everything I need without any question, as long as he knew that I am positive of my every decision," Bernard finished with a sigh. "He's a man without doubts when he knows you're capable."

"You seem to know him a lot," Allen smirked. "Do you two have a special relationship? Forbidden romance, perhaps?"

"Excuse me, sir, I am a married man," Bernard chuckled, his expression switching again. "And I am expecting a child soon, so what you're saying is very wild."

"I–" Allen paused, laughing at Bernard's reaction. "I was only kidding. I'm sorry."

"But you're not a kid anymore," Bernard sighed. "Anyway, let's get on with the training. First you have to master the weight of your weapon. Weight can make or break a fight. If your movements lag because your weapon is too heavy, you're doomed."

Allen wanted to say that the hammer only looked heavy, but it barely weighs anything at all. It was only like was holding a stick with a hollow insides. The same goes for the other weapons he had. Even the glaive who was long felt like it was only a fraction of the actual size.

"Codes doesn't work like the weapons in Earth," Bernard explained. "If you hold the handle at a disadvantageous angle, it'll weigh heavier. If you hold it on the right part, you'll have a better grip and it feels lighter."

Allen nodded, changing the position of his grip in the handle three times but it still weighed the same. He was just thinking that it's the work of the Snake, giving him as much boost as he could.

Speaking of the Snake, the quest was still in the list. He thought he had to hunt one of the beasts he encountered the day before, but it turns out that the quest was referring to another beast. But what could it be?

Dark Panthers are nocturnal beasts who hunts mostly boars and cows. The fattier the prey was, the more favorable it was for the panther.

"Should I use a bait?" Allen asked himself. He felt a metal slowly tapping his head, making him look up to see a Bernard with a deadpan.

"What are you thinking back there?" the man asked. "I thought you want to train?"

"Sorry," Allen whispered. "I was just thinking about the beasts the other day. I was almost killed. If it wasn't for you, it would be the end of it."

"That's why you need to train harder, buddy," Bernard ruffled Allen's hair. "You have to be stronger in order for you to grow. If you're as strong as me, you can take down as many beasts out there."

"Thank you," Allen smiled. "Even when you're just doing your job, thank you."

"May I ask what promted you to run so far?" Bernard asked. "If you could see how fast you were, I almost couldn't keep up. And your stamina was amazing, even then wolves' stamin were amazing."

"I don't know what happened," Allen confessed. "Everything just blacked out and I was in a trance. I didn't even realize that the surroundings had changed. Maybe that's why it was brighter on where I was at when I woke up from the trance."

Bernard pursed his lips. "I think you lack vitamins and minerals. Come with me. Let's hunt something so you can eat and learn techniques from me."

Allen couldn't resist the offer. If this man was able to take down the beasts whom made him look like he was a ragdoll, he should see him in action. When Bernard was fighting the wolves, Allen had already blacked out.

"Also, what is this place?" Allen asked. "It seems like it came from a fairy tale or some sh*t."

"This is my own private garden," Bernard said. "Whenever I am in Haven, I stay here to calm my mind."

"Whenever you're in Haven?" Allen's ears twitched at the words. "So, you have ascended?"

"Yes, just a small while ago," Bernard replied. "I come here from time to time for a clear mind. This place is serene and it makes my mind at ease."

That explains the overwhelming strength. He was already in Paradise. That was why he could easily handle multiple Rare grades at once. This man was a man of great stength and power.

And Allen had already planned a deal with him.