The roads were wet this morning as it started raining shortly before the Jones family left the house. It was cloudy and dreary, the fall weather starting to show itself. Kailan was amused by the heavy rain drops hitting the car window. He had always loved thunderstorms and rain.

Rebecca on the other hand hated dreary weather. She preferred it to be sunny and bright.

“Why does it have to be grey and overcast? Can't it rain with the sun out?” She mumbled grouchely.

“This weather is going to become more common pumpkin. You had best get used to it.” Edward said as he hummed the tune of the song on the radio, smiling as he drove through the heavy rain.

Rebecca glared at her father for speaking such sacrilege. He could at least be more sensitive to her mood. Cloudy weather always annoyed her.

“Dad, you’re off key.” Kailan corrected his father as he continued to stare out of the window.

Edward paused momentarily to correct himself, then continued humming as he drove. Maria just sat there with a vacant look as she stared ahead. She was still opposed to Kailan entering dungeons but she had to be at least a bit flexible. She was praying that his talent rank was low and that his level was also. But she knew it wasn’t likely, he was too confident.

Even if it was, Kailan would probably insist on entering dungeons regardless. He had a purpose and it was something he was dedicated to. She could see it in his eyes at breakfast. She had never seen him so adamant about anything and it both scared her and intrigued her. What was so important that he would give his all to it, she wondered.

Edward pulled into the North side parking garage of the Hunters Bureau, winding around to the second floor. It was mostly empty so he picked a spot close to the stairwell. As everyone got out, Edward pulled a large umbrella out of the back, he and Maria both stood under it as they walked out from the garage onto the sidewalk. Kailan and Rebecca were wearing hoodies so they just pulled their hoods up.

They filed into the double doors and shook off the water in the entryway. After checking in with the receptionist, Edward left his umbrella behind her desk. Sitting in the lobby they received quite a number of stares from the other people that were also waiting there. Two of them in particular were staring right at Kailan. They seemed to be whispering amongst themselves as they took long glances at him.

There was even a young woman who threw a few coquettish looks in his direction. Kailan had a helpless look as he tried to avoid her stare. He was more interested in what the two sitting across from them were talking about. It wasn’t that they had hostility in their eyes, it was just that their look showed a great deal of interest, and a great deal of greed. It made him uncomfortable.

He knew that he would be popular, especially after the incident with Rebecca. So it didn’t really phase him that people were eying him and talking about him behind his back. He was already used to people staring at him when he was a kid. He was very cute and it attracted attention, naturally. But now that attention had many meanings.

Eva soon walked out from the North hall as usual and brought everyone back to her office. They were five minutes early so Eva helped to get everyone situated and went over a couple of details for Kailan to note. Most of which his family had already explained to him. Suzie from across the hall brought in hot chocolate, which everyone took gratefully.

Finally, it was 10:30, time for Kailan’s review. Eva walked out with Kailan after telling his family that it will be about 30 minutes before they return. She also added that they can ask Suzie if they need anything just like last time.

Eva took Kailan to the elevator at the end of the hall. This was the same elevator they had taken to the 4th floor where the Director’s office was. Only this time, Eva pressed the B button on the panel, taking them down to the basement. It was a short ride, though not as short as Kailan had expected, causing him to think that the basement level must be lower than a single floor down.

“How far down is B level?” He asked curiously.

“The basement floor is sort of our testing and training ground. Obviously we don’t have a lot of room at ground level, so we decided to install a deep level basement for this purpose. Actually there is more than one basement floor, but to get to the other levels you have to use another elevator that only takes you to those floors. We’re going to the 1st floor basement level which is approximately 18 meters below ground level, or 60 feet.” Eva responded as the elevator door opened and they both walked out.

“This is the 1st floor basement level. We have more offices here as well as an underground arena. It’s mainly used for training and testing. It’s not very big but it’s big enough for our purposes.” Eva continued to explain as she led Kailan down another hall and then into a central area that was filled with trees and plants.

It was like a garden retreat. There was light coming from the ceiling that felt like the rays of the sun. The trees dotted planters that were several feet away from the walls with a path leading between them on all four sides. The central area had a ring walkway that led down these paths and in the very center of the room was a fountain. There were benches in several locations and even some people walking by or sitting on the benches. Some were working while others were simply enjoying the scenery.

“This is the central hall. It connects to the four main halls on each side and is sort of a relaxation area. We have a number of employees that work underground most of their days so this gives them a breather from the stuffy concrete walls of their offices.” Eva explained.

Kailan nodded his head in understanding.

Eva walked around the fountain and continued down the path on the opposite side of where they came in. She stopped in front of a set of double doors directly ahead. Turning to Kailan she winked and then opened the door, inviting him in.

Kailan walked in through the doorway and was in awe. He had walked onto the top landing of a small scale Greek style arena. There were steps leading down to the main arena floor and long seating areas every few steps that wrapped around the entire arena. It was like something you would see gladiators fight in.

“This arena is used for our testing but it’s also used for rank fighting elimination rounds for the local region. But they only happen once every 3 years so most of the time it’s just used by members of the Bureau.”

“Rank fighting?” Kailan asked, turning his head to look at Eva questioningly.

“Yes. There’s actually a ranking for each of the Hunters around the world. Every 3 years we renew that ranking. It’s a huge event because it involves a lot of people. So we hold elimination rounds here before sending the top picks to the regional and then final rounds. The regional rounds are held in larger arenas within each nation. Then the final rounds are held in a random nation every year. It’s sort of like the Hunters’ version of the world olympics. It’s even broadcast globally.”

“I see.” Kailan figured it was a way for the various nations to gauge the power of the world’s Hunters and probably also a way for them to earn money. He recalled what his family had told him about how much money Hunters make and what he heard about the business side of guilds. It was clever and in its own way useful.

Eva and Kailan continued to walk down the stairs to the arena floor. There, they met with Douglas and Director Morris.

“You’re here for my review? I should have known.” Kailan called out to Director Morris.

“Anything that involves you I will have to be involved with as well. It was something that was decided at a level above my head. Besides, you’re a topic of great interest and I like staying ahead of any topics in the Hunters community. Especially when those topics are in my jurisdiction.” The Director responded smoothly.

“Sorry for the trouble. So what now?” Kailan smiled innocently as he questioned.

“We’ve already confirmed your talent rank and individual rank, so we’ll start by looking at your stats distributions.” Director Morris replied as he gestured for a strange looking man in a white lab coat nearby to come over.

The strange man was pulling a mobile workstation along with him.

“This is Dr. Ondra Nekola. He’s the head of the US Hunters Bureau’s research team. Headquarters decided that he would be dispatched here to research you.” Director Morris introduced.

“Oh, so this is the God being right? It’s very nice to meet you, very nice!” The Doctor was very excited and it showed.

“Ahaha. So now I’m a lab rat…” Kailan smiled helplessly as Dr Nekola shook his hand with great vigor.

“Oh yes, yes. You are an incredible find. I can’t wait to see what you can do. An actual, living, God. It’s incredible. Hahahahaha!”

Kailan was both amused and afraid. This man was clearly less a researcher and more a mad scientist.

“Right! Let’s get started shall we. Yes! Gaia! Show us the stat distributions of our new friend here!” Dr. Nekola spoke aloud with great gusto and flare as he adjusted one of the monitors on the mobile workstation.

“Restricted: You are not authorized to request this information.”

“What?! No, no, no. How can this be? You must show it to me!” The doctor refuted as he manhandled the monitor.

Kailan was taken aback. Events suddenly spun out of control faster than he had killed that Salarion warrior.

“Is he always like this?” Kailan asked as he turned to Director Morris.

The Director was speechless. One of his eyes started to twitch and a vein popped out of his forehead. He had never met Dr. Nekola before but he was warned that he was an eccentric. Still this was beyond his expectations.

“Please Gaia. Pwetty pwease… Just a wittle peek…” The doctor pleaded.

Kailan started to feel sorry for him at this point. Gaia would never release any information about a God without their permission first. It was hardcoded into her that she couldn’t.

“Gaia, I authorize Dr. Nekola to review my stat distribution information.” Kailan spoke out towards the monitor. He couldn’t watch this any longer.

Dr. Nekola looked back at Kailan curiously before turning back to the monitor.

“Oh? Lord Kailan? Is it because you’re a God? Gaia addresses you differently than others?” Dr. Nekola released the monitor as he ran up to Kailan and grabbed his hands, staring him in the eyes.

“This guy doesn’t understand the concept of boundaries…” Kailan thought as he backed his head away a bit. Dr. Nekola was too close to his face.

“Yes. Gaia recognizes all Gods and Goddesses. When speaking of a God or Goddess in a context that emphasises their species, Gaia will state their title as God or Goddess. But when speaking directly to them or speaking of them in general, Gods are referenced as Lords and Goddesses as Ladies.” Kailan replied.

“Oh! So there are even Goddesses. This is good! Yes, very good! I must write this down.” Dr. Nekola finally let Kailan go and backed away as he pulled out a small notepad and pencil from his pockets.

“Ehem. Dr. Nekola, I believe Kailan’s information is on the monitor now. Can we please focus on that.” Director Morris interrupted.

“Oh! Yes, yes. Let’s see now. Oh? Only level 1? I had heard, but it’s still curious…” He turned to Kailan slowly with a deadpan face as he raised one eyebrow.

“My powers were sealed because this realm couldn’t handle it. Apparently my level was also reset in the process.” Kailan explained.

“Oh? An interesting piece of data. So a God is too strong for a measly little realm like ours then? What would have happened if your power wasn’t sealed?” Dr. Nekola inquired.

“The realm isn’t strong enough right now. Eventually the realm’s power levels will grow the longer the Merger goes on, until it’s able to handle higher level beings. As for if a higher level being doesn’t have their power sealed before then, it would cause the collapse of the laws that build the foundation of the universe. After all, Gaia is a law, so if anything happens to cause her systems to collapse it would have a ripple effect. Basically, it would mean the absolute destruction of Midgard.” Kailan explained solemnly.

“Incredible. Then you would be a destroyer god yes? Hahaha.” Dr. Nekola poked as he jerked his head back to the monitor.

Kailan wasn’t sure what was going through this man’s brain, but he didn’t think it was anything good.

“Next we have… Mmmm, mhmhm… Power and Intellect are Primary. Versatility and Vitality are Secondary and the rest Tertiary. What an interesting stat distribution. With this he could be good at either melee or magical combat. He’s also tougher and faster than most. A beefy fist mage.” Dr. Nekola stated as he held his chin in one hand and glanced down the monitor from top to bottom. His face was as close to it as it was to Kailan’s moments ago.

“Beefy fist mage? He has such a strange way of interpreting things…” Everyone thought as they felt their stomachs churn.

“Note to self. This guy is nuts.” Kailan entered into his memories as he watched Dr. Nekola’s antics.

“Your stats must be quite amazing. Yes, quite amazing. You defeated a level 4 beasty according to the reports. Tell me, what exactly are your stats?” Dr. Nekola was extremely curious. A God would naturally have high stats right?

“Uh…”

“Ehem. I don’t think that’s necessary at this time.” Director Morris cut the good doctor off.

Eva and Douglas were a bit disappointed. They were both very curious about Kailan’s stats as well. When Dr. Nekola requested for Kailan to show his stats, they both perked up hoping to see something interesting.

The Director cleared his throat before turning to Kailan. “Still, this is an interesting distribution. It’s very rare for anyone to have primary in both attack stats. As Dr. Nekola suggested, are you… er… A melee mage type?”

“Actually I typically use a Nodachi for melee combat. I use magic to enhance my own abilities or debuff my opponents. So I’d be more closely related to a Magic Swordsman.” Kailan responded as he kept his eyes on Dr. Nekola. He wanted to be ready in case he needed to sidestep another assault.

“What?! You only use it to enhance or curse? What a waste… you have so much more potential. This simply won’t do. No, it won’t do at all!” Dr. Nekola’s face twisted as he went on a tirade, stomping his feet around.

“Uh… Well, I do use magic for other things such as healing, crowd control and such. But I don’t have very many abilities unlocked right now. The seal on my power also sealed most of my skills and removed my higher ranking combat skills.” Kailan explained.

“Skills? Oh! Yes, yes. Tell us about your skills! We need that too.” Dr. Nekola implored as he paused his strange dance and stared at Kailan once again, wide eyed.

“Uh… I have the Divine Swordsmanship and Divine Martial Arts passives. They enhance my sword and hand-to-hand combat skills. Both are Dragon rank. I also have 1st-9th Tier Thunder Magic, 1st-8th Tier Support Magic, 1st-7th Tier Nature Magic and 1st-6th Tier Curse Magic skills. But they are all sealed to 1st Tier right now.”

“What?! 6th and up tier magic?! Incredible. Truly astonishing! Even the most powerful mage on Earth can only use 2nd Tier Magic. Almost every other mage can only use 1st Tier. Tell me, what are they? What can they do? What skills do you have for them? I must know!” Dr. Nekola became hysterical again.

“Dr. Nekola! Please calm down. We will have plenty of time to go over other details later. Right now we are only doing Kailan’s Hunters Review.” Director Morris reprimanded. He was flabbergasted. In fact he was quickly approaching irate.

He didn’t think Dr. Nekola, the head of the Research Division of his Hunters Bureau, to be such a man. And now that he was here, he could tell he wasn’t going to have a peaceful day for a while. This man would probably drive him nuts.

“Hah! A Hunters Review… What a waste! Why become a Hunter? He’s a God! A God I say! He could rule the world.” Dr. Nekola put on a very sinister smile as he shouted towards the ceiling, his hands outstretched as if grabbing for the heavenly domain itself.

“Gods don’t rule worlds. It’s too small.” Kailan interrupted Dr. Nekola’s strange exclamation.

“Oh? They don’t? Then what do they do?” Dr. Nekola calmed down and stared quietly in curiosity.

“This guy is a rollercoaster… One minute he’s shouting at the ceiling hysterically, the next he’s got his pen and paper out with rapt attention, ready to write every word I say.” Kailan thought as he suddenly felt very tired.

“Thank you Dr. Nekola. I think we can take it from here.” Director Morris had had enough. He really was about to strangle this guy.

“But, science…”

“Science can wait. We have work to do and even more work to do after. Now, if you’ll excuse us.” Director Morris cut Dr. Nekola off as he gestured for him to leave.

They both just stood there in their present poses, staring each other down. Neither willing to budge.

“We can schedule some time at a later date to go over other things, Doctor. Just let Eva know when a good time is and she can relay that to me.” Kailan tried to mediate. It seemed that the good Doctor wouldn’t give up otherwise. Although he dreaded what would come later.

“Oh! Such a good boy. Very well. I shall take my leave. We will speak more again soon.” Dr. Nekola smiled as he patted Kailan’s shoulders rapidly.

“Alright, thank you Dr. Nekola.” Director Morris almost pushed him as he walked to lead him out.

Eva and Douglas stood in their place woodenly. Both were too shocked and horrified to move or say anything. They felt pity for Kailan, but even more pity for themselves considering that crazy man was going to be cohabitating with them for a while. Not to mention as Kailan’s watchers they would have to regularly deal with Dr. Nekola who was there for him.

The basement level also hosted the bureau’s dorms and both Eva and Douglas often lived there. They had their own apartments but it was normally easier if they were nearby. Dr. Nekola would also be using one of the dorm rooms during his stay.

“Maybe it’s time to spend more time at home than at work…” They both thought as a chill ran down their spines.

Director Morris came back shortly, his mood was clearly affected and he couldn’t keep a straight face. His right eye kept twitching like he was about to have a psychotic break. Clearly this doctor had a mysterious power to drive people mad with him, Kailan thought as he pitied the Director.

“Ehem. Let’s continue.”