For the next two months, Mo Fan focused solely on cultivating his Lightning Element. His Stardust had expanded considerably in size, finally reaching the capacity to release Novice Level 1 Lightning Magic—"Lightning Force: Lightning Strike!"—three to four times in a row.
Now that he had achieved this milestone, Mo Fan decided it was time to gain some real-world experience. He aimed to join the City Demon Hunting Team, knowing that Lightning Mages were rare and would be quickly accepted. His goal was twofold: to gain practical demon-hunting knowledge, and to possibly obtain a Servant-Level Soul Essence that could upgrade Little Loach into a Stardust Magic Tool.
With these thoughts in mind, Mo Fan donned a hoodie and a mask to conceal his identity and made his way to the Hunter's Union.
The Hunter's Union was bustling with activity. People came and went like waves, giving the space the chaotic energy of both a marketplace and a job fair.
Mounted on the wall was a colossal LCD screen displaying the latest missions and their rewards. The bounties ranged from 100,000 RMB to well over a million.
"Iron Hammer Squad is looking for Ice Elemental Mages. Required: three years of battle experience and adept control of Ice Magic. Estimated reward: 20,000 RMB/month for two months."
"Wind Element Mages wanted. Must be skilled in luring One-eyed Magic Wolves. Other elements need not apply."
"Fire Mages, join our Fierce Wind Squad! Earn big while completing thrilling missions!"
Mo Fan noticed that many Mages came with resumes, trying to join established squads. Avoiding the crowded bulletin area, he slipped through the crowd and made his way to the City Demon Hunting Team's office. He knocked on the door.
After a short while, a young woman opened it and asked, "Yes?"
"I'm here to apply for the team," Mo Fan replied calmly.
"Sorry, we're not recruiting right now. Come back later when there's a vacancy," she said and began to close the door.
"Wait! I have the Lightning Element."
The girl paused, skepticism still in her voice. "Really?"
In response, Mo Fan raised his hand. A purple Star Path shimmered into existence, crackling with electricity.
Her eyes widened. "Come in."
Inside the office, a middle-aged man was lounging on a sofa. He looked up and asked, "Xiaoke, who is he?"
"He's here to join the team."
"We're not recruiting—"
"He's a Lightning Mage," she interrupted.
The captain immediately stood up and rushed over, gripping Mo Fan's shoulder with excitement. "Are you really a Lightning Mage?"
Mo Fan activated his Star Path again. The captain's eyes lit up.
"Sorry, I got a little too excited there," the man laughed. "What's your name?"
"Ming Chen," Mo Fan said, using his alias.
"And what's with the mask and hoodie?"
Mo Fan told the fake story he had prepared—that he was sent out by his clan to gain experience while keeping a low profile. The captain and the girl seemed to buy it.
"Well then, Ming Chen," the captain smiled, "since you're here and you're a Lightning Mage, welcome aboard. Do you have any experience?"
"No, but I can cast Lightning Strike instantly."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah, it's my innate talent."
"That's great! You can gain the rest of the experience with us."
The man extended his hand. "I'm Xu Dahuang, the captain. I specialize in Fire Magic. This here is Xiaoke, our Water Mage. A few more members are part of the team, but they're not here today."
"Understood, Captain. I'll be in your care," Mo Fan said respectfully.
"Good. Leave your phone number here so we can contact you when a mission comes up."
Mo Fan wrote down the number of a second-hand phone he had recently purchased. With the first step of his plan complete, he left the office and quietly returned to his dorm.
After returning to his dorm, Mo Fan sat on the bed, deep in thought about his future plans.
'For the next few months, I should focus on the Fire Element and raise it to Level 2, he decided. Once I gain some experience with the demon hunting team and save enough money to buy proper equipment, I can start hunting demons on my own—using my real name.'
Of course, he needed to remain cautious. The Black Vatican was still a looming threat, and keeping a low profile was vital to avoid drawing their attention.
The next few days passed peacefully—until one afternoon, his phone suddenly rang. He checked the caller ID: it was Xu Dahuang, the captain of the demon hunting team.
Picking up, Mo Fan said, "Hello, Captain."
"Ah, Ming Chen! How are you?" the captain's cheerful voice replied.
"I'm fine, Captain. Why did you call?"
"Oh yes! Ming Chen, we've got a commission. A demon has been sighted on the outskirts of the city."
"Understood. Where should I meet you?"
"Come to the Hunter's Union. We'll head out from there."
"Alright. I'll be there in half an hour."
Mo Fan quickly changed clothes and left his dorm. When he arrived at the union, he saw Captain Xu already there along with several other team members. As soon as the captain spotted him, he waved enthusiastically.
"Ming Chen! You're here. Come, let me introduce you to the rest of the team."
The captain gestured to the others. "Everyone, this is Ming Chen. He's our new Lightning Mage. Please get to know each other."
A tall, confident young man stepped forward first. "Li Wenjie, Wind Element," he said, flicking his hair back in a flashy manner.
Next came a round-faced man wearing a ridiculous flower hat. He grinned widely. "Call me Feishi. Earth Element."
Mo Fan looked around at the team. They were clearly a few years older and more experienced than him. He gave a polite nod. "I'm Ming Chen. Nice to meet you."
Just then, a beautiful girl with cold eyes spoke up, her tone sharp.
"Ming Chen, from your empty resume, it's clear you've never even seen a real Magical Beast. So let me give you a word of advice—don't get cocky just because you're a Lightning Mage. Try not to die out there."
Mo Fan glanced at the woman. There was something familiar about her.
"Oh, this is my vice-captain, Caitang, Ice Element," Captain Xu said with a smile.
Mo Fan's eyes narrowed as he recognized her.
'So this is Caitang... The original Mo Fan really was a piece of trash, spying on her while she was bathing. No wonder she hates him. Well, that's not my problem—she'll never know my true identity.'
With the team now assembled and introductions complete, Mo Fan's first real demon hunt was about to begin.