Mutagen

Day 318 - 1:28 PM - The Rainbow Farm, Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo

The test and examinations within the Registration and Management Building were quite hectic. However, the most troublesome thing was trying to get out of the building peacefully.

Since the combat examinations were done outside, an annoyingly large audience gathered and watched. It sure attracted quite an amount of attention. Maybe because it was rare for new [Freelancer] registrants to appear nowadays, or due to how the members of Mark's group went through the combat examinations like a breeze. Another thing was how Mark was barely scathed after the accident with the examiner. Furthermore, he recovered to top shape in seconds.

The medical and physical tests were done in private, so it was kind of peaceful. However, it was quite annoying for Mark since he was being pestered by the staff to test his [Regeneration].

Mark was the first possible [Rank 5 Regeneration Holder] after all.

How was Mark the first [Rank 5] in the first place? How was the nurse able to conclude it at a glance?

Apparently, the actual ranking of abilities was only set to four ranks. The [Rank 4], which should be highest, were abilities with powerful effects but had quite a number of bearers before the ranking was established. In short terms, [Rank 5] was a rather impossible ranking that only a few people could get into.

For example, [Strengthening] was a rather common ability, with even multiple partial and full variants. There were people who only had their arms or legs strengthened, while there were some who had their whole bodies getting stronger. Some had strengthened muscles for offense, and some were for defense.

And for Kenji to be a [Rank 5 Strength Ability Holder], it meant his ability far surpassed common sense. His strength was enough to punch a hole through a tank while not injuring himself in the process.

On the other hand, [Regeneration Ability Holders] were not only quite rare, but the [Rank 4] ones would not heal as fast as Mark. From test results, [Rank 4 Regeneration] allowed the healing of broken bones, but it would take at least an hour to fully recover a broken arm. Furthermore, only if it was broken neatly and not splintered. Splintered bones would hinder the healing, and the user would need to go under surgery to remove the splinters and heal properly.

But Mark? It only took a few seconds to heal his two arms and possibly his ribs and spine too. It was definitely above the established [Rank 4].

Unfortunately, the medical staff could only watch Mark in dismay as he left the testing area without getting his [Regeneration] tested.

After receiving their [Freelancer Tags], Mark's group went through the mission board. It was pretty much like an adventurer's guild in fiction, where missions were posted on a huge bulletin board at the center of the building.

It was not their intention to immediately pick a mission. They were just curious.

And looking at the posted missions, there was quite a variety.

[Collection Missions] were quite common. Most of these missions were given by the Japanese government to collect research samples of specific kinds of [Mutated Infected]. There were also cliche missions where melancholic survivors wanted to get something from their ruined homes. It was pretty much searching for mementos of their families.

Another was [Bounty Missions], where certain targets needed to be killed. Apparently, there were unique [Mutated Infected] that earned quite a notorious name. Under this mission, there was the continuous [Kill the Infected] mission where the [Freelancers] only needed to show proof of their kills to be rewarded.

Next, the [Escort Missions]. There was only a handful, and all of it involved government scientists. They needed to be escorted to specific areas with some soldiers to obtain research materials and stuff. It was a group mission and was definitely reserved for those large groups with enough strength.

Lastly, [Expedition Missions]. If needed, the military would work with the [Freelancers] to go or attack a particular place. For example, [Infected Nests]. There were no missions available for this currently. Its location on the board was vacant.

While looking at the mission board, Mark's sleeve was pulled by Abbygale. It was already past noon. Of course, the girls were hungry.

Getting out of the building was stupidly annoying. Groups who heard about the combat exam came to try and recruit Mark and his group members. They even ignored the fact that the members and leader of Black Lotus were with them.

Fortunately, the big guy guarding the building appeared to stop the commotion. And without a doubt, his presence this time was valuable since almost everyone was practically afraid of him. At this opportunity, Mark told everyone to not bother them since they were already a group.

The members of the Black Lotus were quite surprised as Mark spoke in an arrogant manner. It was totally different from when he spoke with their members. His haughty display would definitely offend people, and most people immediately backed off, turned off by that kind of attitude. Of course, not everyone.

With Mark's declaration and arrogant display, the group left the building with less resistance.

After leaving the noisy Registration and Management Building, Mark's group was supposed to go home to eat lunch. That was the idea. However, instead of getting picked up by the vehicle, Ren led Mark's group and walked a block away, right on the opposite side of the road.

The group walked as they looked around. It seemed there were still a good amount of people following Mark's group. The competition between [Survivor Groups] and [Freelancer Groups] was quite fierce. As such, smaller and weaker groups were desperate to get new talented members. Fortunately, the ones following behind were not too courageous to interfere with the Black Lotus around. They should give up after being ignored long enough.

Still, Mark's group was getting attention along the way. Not only was the Black Lotus one of the strongest groups around, but Mei's appearance was truly attention-turning. If not for the fact that she was walking while holding Mark's right hand, some idiots would surely be approaching her considering the number of people around the area.

It did not take long, and the group reached their destination.

Surprisingly, it was a tent compound divided into different areas with different themes. Each tent had outdoor tables and chairs for food. It seemed to be a wide outdoor barbeque venue.

"We're going to eat here. My treat," Ren said to Mark, which also perked up the ears of her members. "But in exchange, you owe me some explanations."

"There's no problem with that, I guess," Mark shrugged. "In any case, you don't have to worry. We don't have no intention to harm anyone unless they were the ones that tried to do us harm first. Since your bunch isn't bad, I can talk a bit more, but that's probably for later."

"Later. There are too many ears here," Ren said with a sigh. "Still, I can't believe that we got used just like that."

Ren, who had a troubled heart, led the group as they entered the venue. They were then led to a vacant area with several tables enclosed by dividers by a waitress. It had four tables, with each pair side by side, with more than enough seating for everyone. The best thing was that the area was the northernmost one that oversees the sceneries past the water channel between Toyosu and Harumi.

"It's unexpected that there are still eateries in business."

Mei told Mark while she looked around.

The place had different tents and divided areas, while there were several food stalls to choose from.

"What me to ask them?"

Mark told Mei in which she nodded because she was kind of curious. Well, not because she was from a business-oriented family, but because she was curious about the food being served. She had been into cooking as of late, and her curiosity for genuine foreign cuisine was expected.

Since it was an earnest request from his wife, Mark asked about the food stalls and how it was possible to still conduct business like this.

Apparently, these food stalls were owned by active [Survivor Groups] in the Reclaimed City. They were groups specialized in hunting [Evolved Animals], locally called [Evolved Beasts], and gathering wild vegetables and fruits. Some groups did start this business to earn credits to fund their equipment and other necessities, while others just because of their interest in it.

"There are other high-end restaurants too on the other side," Mako interjected, pointing in the northwest direction where the rich side of Toyosu was located. "But the prices are off the roof. It's basically a scam."

Restaurants were mostly owned by corporate groups that hired their own [Freelancer Groups] to hunt for them.

Soon, the waitress brought them several menus. Apparently, these food servers were jointly hired by the food stalls to serve customers. That was why although there were different stalls, the waitress brought menus from all those businesses.

They waited a few more minutes, and the food was served. The food stalls only served street food and quick meals, but it was way better than the food rationed freely.

When all the food was served, the waitress presented several food bills and brought a few gadgets that looked like credit card terminals.

Mark carefully watched Ren as she checked if the prices on the food bills and the gadgets matched. She then took out her registration card and swiped its right side on the gadgets.

The registration card, called the [Citizen Ship] card, also served as a bank card of sorts. It was also how [Freelancers] receive their payments in terms of credit currency. This was also how workers received their pay since money before the apocalypse was basically worthless now. Carrying bills might still work but carrying tons of coins was pretty much suicide. Well, paper bills could still give warmth and light after being burned.

"What do you want to do after lunch?" Ren asked Mark. "Do you want to visit places? We can give you a tour since we are free today."

"What places are there to visit?"

Mark asked back.

"There's a lot," Ren replied. "There are shops, the casino, there's also the PIT right on the other block where people find entertainment. They have performers, singers, and stuff. But in your case, I'll recommend the wholesale market. Groups set up stalls there to sell things they find and gather outside. There are also workshops there where you can find equipment."

Mark turned to his group and translated Ren's suggestion. And in a unanimous decision, they decided to visit the wholesale market.

And as decided, the group went to the wholesale market after lunch.

Back before the outbreak, the Toyosu wholesale market was the entire southwest district of Toyosu. Each kind of product had its own location within the district.

Now, the market was reduced to the fruits and vegetables building, where everything was being sold. The other parts of the district were now used for other facilities.

As expected, the members of the Black Lotus took quite an attention after their entry. Not only were they well known across the Reclaimed City, but their black-colored uniforms were pretty eye-catching.

"Well, this is something."

Mark voiced out.

The place was pretty remarkable. It was lively and noisy as vendors tried to take the attention of possible customers to buy their wares.

"The workshops are on the north side," Ren voiced out. "Let me bring you guys where we in Black Lotus get our equipment."

Mark and the rest followed Ren while looking at the stalls they passed by. It did not take long, and they reached a stall at the corner of the building with weapons and armor lying around on display.

"Ey, Gramps!" Ren called out to the bulky old man on the stall. "We brought some potential customers!"

"How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?"

The bulky old man with white hair and a wide forehead, wearing overalls, retorted.

Still, aside from how Ren called him, he was kind of happy that she brought customers.

The old man turned to Mark's group. They were easy to spot as the customers Ren had brought since they were not wearing the Black Lotus uniform.

However, when the old man saw Mark, he frowned.

"You there. Can you come here a little closer?"

Ren and the rest were surprised. This was quite unusual for the grumpy old man.

Mark did not sense any malice in the old man. Instead, he looked pretty curious. That was why Mark just went with the flow and approached the man.

The old man unceremoniously grabbed Mark's hands and began rubbing his palm and fingers. Looking at this scene, one would think that the stall owner was going senile or having some hand fetish.

But when the old man opened his mouth, the misunderstanding was cleared. Instead, it showed his expertise and the accuracy of his eyes.

"Are you a blacksmith or a crafter? Can you show me things you made before?"

In one glance, the old man knew...

Mark was in the same field as he was.

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