Chapter 6: Stigma Sync
"Perfect," Paul muttered, kneeling beside the mutated Twin-Headed Tiger. "Both the gun's power and my skills synced flawlessly."
Agent Soon stared at the corpse in awe. "You struck its vital point with 100% accuracy... that was unreal!"
Paul smirked slightly. I channeled the Stigma into the Iron Maw... it worked.
He felt a deep satisfaction—a harmony between his body, weapon, and power. The amplified shot wasn't just strength; it was precision crafted by his intent. As the adrenaline faded, Paul continued hunting until he ran out of bullets.
"That gun is amazing," Agent Soon said, panting. "But your skills... they're something else."
Paul gave a small laugh. "Thanks."
He pointed at the Twin-Headed Tiger's body. "How much would this fetch?"
Soon bent down and examined the untouched corpse. "Since you didn't damage the body, it should sell well. I'd say... 600,000 Shards after processing."
Paul's eyes widened. "Let's move it."
"I'll help," said Soon.
Paul tried lifting but struggled. Damn... my physical stats are still low.
"Heavy, huh?" Soon chuckled.
With teamwork, they managed to haul the beast into their transport. Paul slumped to the ground afterward, breathing heavily. A notification blinked on his watch:
Strength: +1 | Stamina: +1
"Nice," he muttered with a smile. As the sun dipped below the horizon, darkness blanketed the Field.
Today was worth it, Paul thought. I got to test my power and confirm the synergy with the gun.
As they drove back, a black snake lunged from the bushes—heading straight for Soon. But Paul had already noticed it. In a blink, he flung his combat knife.
Thwack.
The snake dropped with the blade embedded in its skull.
"You saved my life... again," Soon whispered.
"Just staying sharp," Paul replied.
---
The next morning, Paul awoke feeling refreshed. He checked the time—still before curfew the night before.
1:00 PM: Class starts.
He turned on his watch. A new message had arrived:
710,130 Shards Deposited.
> "Here is the payment. Hope to work with you again. —Agent Soon"
Paul grinned. That was faster than expected. Soon knows how to handle business.
"Now I can actually start investing in stocks," he muttered, already considering his options.
---
In the classroom, Paul arrived just before the bell. Today's subject: Monster Analysis.
He glanced at his stats:
Sharpshooter: Level 8
Miles Eyes
Timer
Analysis & Observation
Stigma of the Sharpshooter (New)
He smiled in satisfaction.
The professor walked in. "Today, we have a written exam."
The room filled with groans.
"I didn't study... I'm doomed," whispered Lila.
"Don't worry," Saul said, handing her his notes. "I've got you."
Lila blushed slightly. "Thanks..."
"Quiet down," the professor snapped, handing out papers.
> 1. Describe the monster Poltergeist.
2. List three survival tactics during a monster encounter.
3. Explain the difference between spectral and corporeal phantoms.
Most cadets sighed or stared blankly at their papers.
Paul, however, was calm. His stigma pulsed faintly.
Poltergeists... ghost-type monsters that possess humans. They cause physical disturbances and mimic behavior but are never truly alive.
He finished quickly and closed his book.
---
Meanwhile, in the Academy's networking lounge, Mira had organized a gathering for influential cadets. Louis approached her casually.
"Been a while," he said.
"Yeah," Mira replied, sipping her drink.
Lila joined them. "So... do you guys know Paul Wayne?"
Mira raised a brow. "Why?"
"What do you think of him?" Louis asked.
Mira shrugged. "Just average."
"No way," Lila said. "That guy defeated a Phantom with a gun. Even Saul couldn't do that."
"He's hiding something," Louis said.
"Maybe he's one of them," Lila added.
Mira's eyes narrowed. "If he were, he wouldn't have killed the Phantom."
"You don't know that," Lila shot back. "Maybe he's just coldhearted."
Louis crossed his arms. "So... none of you trust him?"
Mira looked away. "Basically."
---
Back in Paul's dorm room, he groaned, clutching his hand. The stigma's symbol on his hand burned fiercely.
"Not... again..." he gasped.
Pain overwhelmed him. His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the floor.
The room fell silent.
---
End of Chapter 6