The Cursed Wizard: A Game Made Real

Only then did Leo turn off his magic and pick up his glass again.

"As you can see, I have some confidence in my skills. I would appreciate it if you could introduce me to some good work."

Jenny grinned. "Considering that you came at the crack of dawn, you're a pretty nice guest. I like you."

Her tone was light, but there was a sharpness in her gaze. "But it's impossible for us to entrust you with important work right away. After working together for a while and building a certain level of trust, we can connect you with better clients. For now, your work will be limited. Is that okay?"

"I understand," Leo nodded.

"Good. Then let's write up a contract."

Once the agreement was made, everything moved quickly. Jenny produced a spurious employment contract stipulating that neither party bore any real responsibility or freedom. After signing, she disappeared behind the bar and returned with a thick folder.

"Let's get started. Since you've crawled this far, I believe there won't be anything particularly difficult."

Leo raised an eyebrow. "As long as you don't involve civilians."

Jenny shook her head. "That's unlikely. You can rest easy about that." She slid the folder toward him. "First, look at this."

Opening the file, Leo found pages filled with profiles and records. Each sheet displayed a person's photo, their details, and a large number printed in the center.

Leo stared for a moment before realizing what the numbers meant.

"A bounty?"

Jenny nodded. "It's simple, easy to judge performance, and offers immediate rewards. There's a reason bounty hunting remains popular." She pulled out a specific sheet and handed it to Leo. "This is a good starting point. Interested?"

Leo glanced at the paper. "I haven't been in the city long... I'm not in a position to be picky."

The photo showed a young man with pale skin and a nervous expression, smoking a cigarette with his faded brown hair swept back asymmetrically.

"Taylor Evans. A former Scavenger. He tried to steal Achilles security equipment from a shipment at Area 31 Port three days ago," Jenny explained.

The Hunt Begins

"Did he fail?" Leo asked, narrowing his eyes.

Jenny scoffed. "There's no way gutter trash could breach Achilles' security. The other scavengers were killed, and Taylor was the only one to escape. Achilles has washed their hands of this, leaving the clean up to us."

It was clear the power gap between Achilles and the Scavengers was vast.

"The branch Taylor belonged to withdrew a while ago. Even if things get rough, there shouldn't be any issues."

"Hmm..."

"The bounty is three million cells. Not a fortune, but decent for catching a rat. What do you think?"

Leo considered it. "Three million." The amount was enormous for someone like him, struggling to make ends meet. But the task itself seemed vague.

"It's too ambiguous," Leo said, flipping through the files for more information. His fingers stopped at a line. "There's a note about a blood sample being taken."

Jenny leaned over. "We do have it, for now."

"Can I use it?"

She gave him a puzzled look. "It probably won't be much use." Yet, she waved the old man over, who brought out a small bundle containing a torn piece of bloodstained clothing.

Leo tucked the sample into his pocket as he stood. "It'll help."

Jenny smirked. "Don't waste time on a Blood Mage. They charge more than five million cells per case. This sample's only good for identity verification."

"I'll manage," Leo said, walking out without further explanation.

He had no intention of seeking help from a Blood Mage. Their magic, while potent, came at a cost—shortening their lifespans. Leo knew better than to rely on such risky practices.

Tracking Taylor

Finding a secluded spot away from prying eyes, Leo crouched and placed the bloodstained fabric on the ground.

"… ..[Bloody Chase]."

Channelling his magic, a bright red circle appeared beneath the cloth, absorbing the blood before transforming into a single red thread. It slithered across the ground like a snake, guiding Leo forward.

This spell, common among hunters, was typically used to track prey. While not perfect, it sufficed for finding someone who lacked the means to counter it.

The thread led him through quieter areas until he arrived at a closed railway section beside an old construction site. Here, the city's outcasts lay on rusting rails, dressed in rags and surrounded by the stench of neglect.

The thread pointed to a man leaning against the wall in a corner.

"Taylor Evans?" Leo called.

The man remained still, appearing almost lifeless. Keeping a safe distance, Leo drew the laser cutter he had taken from the thug. As the blade ignited with a blue glow, he stepped forward, preparing to disable Taylor.

Suddenly, Taylor bolted, running frantically without a second glance.

"...Really?" Leo sighed, watching the man flee. Taylor was surprisingly fast despite his emaciated frame.

In a split second, Leo considered his options. He could chase, shoot, or try something less direct.

Raising his hand, Leo gathered his magic and swung it outward, sending a ripple through the air.

"[Sound Wave]."

The shockwave travelled at the speed of sound, catching up with Taylor and sending him sprawling to the ground within seconds.

As Leo approached, Taylor convulsed, blood dripping from his ears, incapacitated by the spell.

"Hmm," Leo muttered, watching the man tremble. The spell was often used for echolocation but could be devastating at higher outputs.

He thought about the necessity of protecting his own body. A single attack like this could leave him as helpless as Taylor.

Just as Leo bent to grab Taylor's ankle, a gunshot rang out. The magical field Leo had prepared shattered.

"A sniper," Leo realized.

He quickly erected a stronger barrier, one that could withstand heavier fire. Scanning the surroundings with his magic, he found no sign of the shooter.

"They must be using advanced techniques or are too far for me to detect."

But why shoot now? Leo's eyes landed on Taylor.

"They're trying to silence him." He quickly surmised it was Scavenger, attempting to eliminate Taylor before he could reveal anything about Achilles.

Determined not to leave loose ends, Leo took his pistol, aimed, and fired.

Taang!!

The bullet hit its mark, ending Taylor's life instantly.

"Jenny said alive was preferable, but dead works too."

Leo had no interest in the secrets Taylor might have held. His focus was now on the sniper who had tried to kill him.

"This is just the beginning," Leo thought, ready to hunt the hunter.