“This gentleman here.” Jimmy gestured towards a dude wearing a red leather jacket. That jacket looked like a monster drop.

This dude had a sheathed dagger by his waist. Potions of all colors were tied to his belt. Big bottles or small vials, these potions were wrapped inside thick foam nets (for apples). Standing tall with his arms crossed, wearing a cold and distant expression, this guy looked like serious business.

“This is Red Fang. He holds power equivalent to a C-rank hunter in sanctuary standards.”

The concerned crowd became quieter.

“And this.” Jimmy pointed at the other escort behind him. “This is Spellbreaker.”

That escort was wearing a leather armor and a black cloak. He had a sword and a round shield on his back. By his waist, there were metal containers strapped on.

“Also a C-rank.”

“So don’t worry. They are not D-ranks. I’d like to live a few more years too.” Jimmy chuckled.

Some people became relaxed. Some people were still concerned. Some looked indecisive, hesitating to call off the trip or not.

“For those of you who are not familiar with the sanctuary’s ranking system.” Tour guide Jimmy continued.

“Only 10% of the population have what it takes to become a hunter. In other words, D-rank hunters sit at the top 10% in battle prowess. Average folks like you and me, we are just E-ranks.”

“Now C-ranks. They are in the top 3% already.”

“These guys can kill a small mist beast by themselves.”

“A single gentlemen here can fend off against a mid-sized beast by himself.”

“Since the big settlements clear out large-sized beasts frequently, we are guaranteed a safe trip.”

“Look. I am here with you guys. If I think it’s dangerous and risky, why would I be here?”

“Good? We are all set then. Let’s enjoy the vacation.” Jimmy clapped and smiled.

…

Turned out, the tour guide was not wrong.

The two escorts got onto the bus’s top after their introduction.

The tourists here even got to witness the escorts in action. A stone wolf appeared in the way. But after a flash of light, a hole appeared in the stone wolf’s body.

The tourists here couldn’t catch what had happened, but the mood got much lighter after this incident.

The bus driver put on some rock music. A smooth drive. Some passengers took a nap. Some read books.

Just like that, it was dinner time.

At a large-sized settlement. Inside a well-furnished restaurant.

‘This is bad… This is really really bad.’ Jeff looked around with a sweaty smile. ‘What. The heck. Were those old two guys talking about.’

Sitting at a long dining table with the other judges, all 40 chefs were looking at him now.

“Well judge Norman. What’s your feedback for chef Russo’s dish.”

“Erhm. I mean.” Jeff rested his chin on his hand, pretending to be in thought.

‘I have no idea what I’ve just ate. But it tasted holy macaroons amazing.’

“It’s good. It leaves a really nice sensation and after taste.”

Jeff paused in thought for a moment, and then started rephrasing the comments of the previous two judges (The parts Jeff could understand).

“Ok. I’ll start off with the plating. A very artistic presentation…”

Some whispering started in the crowd.

“Do you know this guy?”

“No clue.”

“Never heard of him before…”

Jeff took a sip of water. “Now the taste.”

In the crowd:

“Did he just…”

“Repeated what he heard.”

“Hmm…”

Ignoring the questioning gazes, Jeff paused in thought for a moment.

“But it’s a little too hot for me. A solid 7.5.” Jeff confidently nodded.

Jeff closed his eyes and relaxed a little. Felt like he’d just pulled off an improptu speech. ‘This is not a vacation! This is torment! 38 more dishes? Please. Get me out!’

…

“Well judge Norman. What’s your feedback for chef Alice Finley’s dish.”

“10 out of 10. I taste perfection.”

Alice smiled like she’s proud of herself.

A few judges put on polite smiles. A few judges closed their eyes, leaving no comments.

The other chefs: …

By now, it’s clear to them. Alice was a newbie. And Jeff was an imposter. One of them had a loaded pocket, or a strong background, or something.

But what could they do? Customers were kings and queens nowadays.

…

Just like that, 3 tedious days flew by.

With practice came perfection. Jeff felt pretty good about rephrasing what he’d heard now.

Though… The chefs and the judges remained their polite distance from this young couple.

Turned out, a single judge couldn’t sway the results. But nevertheless, Alice seemed to be having an amazing time.

“Alright chefs. We have arrived the Humming Creek Ranch.”

“Here, you will be hunting and collecting your fresh ingredients.” Jimmy seemed pumped and excited about this.

“Iceshrooms. Frost mint. Snowberries. Frost-furred rabbits. Just to name a few.”

“You might also encounter some old school prizes. Such as deer, and elks, and moose.”

“The Humming Creek settlement regularly clears out the mist beasts, but please stay within 10 miles of this settlement.”

“Also, our escorts will be roaming around. They might lend a hand if you need help.” Jimmy winked and rubbed his fingers together.

“The morning is yours. Enjoy the hunt!”

The chefs rushed to the storage of the bus. Crossbows. Recurve bows. Hunting rifles.

Well… These guys seemed ready… and informed.

In a moment, these guys hurried off. Looked like they didn’t want to waste a second. Still very competitive, yes.

“Well.” Jeff squatted and lifted Alice into his arms.

Alice widened her eyes in surprise. “What are you doing?”

“Taking you to the hunt.” Jeff squatted a little.

In a blink, leaving a burst of wind behind, the couple was gone.

Just like this, 3 more days flew by.

Jeff looked down at his stomach. It had visibly inflated a little.

On this bus, the tourists here were enjoying their time, completely oblivious that this bus went off the highway.

At the front seat, looking into the mist, Jimmy the tour guide let out a sigh.