The atmosphere in the tavern grew a bit tense because of the recent incident.
After witnessing the strength of Bena and his group, some people began to re-evaluate whether they were qualified to join this shelter.
Bena’s group wasn’t affected by Lynch’s departure. They continued to wait quietly in the tavern.
They knew that truly strong individuals wouldn’t miss an opportunity due to a moment’s hesitation.
Sure enough, about half an hour later, a burly, middle-aged man walked up to Bena’s table.
"Hello, my name is Hawke." The middle-aged man’s voice was deep and resonant, giving off a steady and reliable impression.
"I heard you’re recruiting. I’d like to join."
Bena sized him up, noticing Hawke’s well-defined muscles and the numerous scars on his body. He had clearly been through many battles.
"Can you show us what you can do?" Bena asked.
Hawke nodded. He walked to the center of the tavern and suddenly smashed his fist into a nearby wooden pillar.
With a loud CRACK, a deep fissure appeared on the pillar, sending splinters flying everywhere.
The crowd in the tavern gasped in amazement. ’That kind of power is terrifying.’
Bena nodded in satisfaction. Hawke’s strength was far beyond that of an ordinary person; he would be a great asset in a fight.
Bena’s eyes narrowed. Without a word, he threw a punch.
Hawke’s reaction was extremely fast, and he threw a punch of his own to meet it.
The two fists collided with a BANG.
Hawke stumbled back several steps, while Bena only slid back half a step.
A smile appeared on Bena’s face.
’His strength isn’t quite on my level, but it’s not far off, and his reaction speed is excellent.’
"Welcome to the team." Bena extended his hand to Hawke.
Hawke shook Bena’s hand, a determined glint in his eyes:
"I’ll do my part for the shelter."
With Hawke joining them, Bena and his group felt even more confident.
They continued to wait in the tavern, hoping to recruit more capable people.
Just then, however, a dissonant voice rang out from a corner of the tavern.
"Hey, which shelter are you lot from?"
The drunken voice carried a hint of provocation.
Bena turned to look and saw a man in a worn-out leather jacket. He had a hideous scar on his face, and his eyes held a vicious, sinister glint.
"None of your damn business," Bena replied coldly.
The scarred man seemed to have been provoked. He staggered to his feet, pointed at Bena’s group, and cursed:
"You outsiders think you can just run wild in our October Town?"
Bena frowned. He didn’t want to cause trouble in October Town, but he wasn’t about to be provoked by some small-time thug.
"I’m warning you, don’t look for trouble." A hint of killing intent laced Bena’s voice.
The scarred man seemed intimidated by Bena’s aura. He froze for a moment but quickly regained his arrogant demeanor:
"You think I’m afraid of you?"
As he spoke, he reached for the weapon at his waist.
Bena was about to make a move, but Zhou Mei discreetly held him back. "Don’t be rash. Let me."
Zhou Mei stood up, walked over to the scarred man, and stared at him coldly. "What do you think you’re doing?"
The scarred man was startled by Zhou Mei’s gaze. He instinctively took a step back but quickly recovered, roaring in a fit of rage and embarrassment:
"Bitch, get lost!"
Zhou Mei ignored him. She suddenly lashed out, grabbing the scarred man’s wrist and giving it a sharp twist.
The scarred man let out a bloodcurdling scream. Zhou Mei had easily twisted his arm into a bizarre angle.
"AHHH!" The scarred man collapsed to the ground in agony, wailing endlessly.
Zhou Mei looked down at him coldly. "I’m warning you, don’t test my patience."
With that said, she turned and returned to her seat.
After witnessing Zhou Mei’s strength, everyone in the tavern drew a sharp, cold breath.
This woman was not only decisive but also incredibly powerful. She was clearly no ordinary person.
The next moment, someone in the crowd recognized Zhou Mei.
"Wait, isn’t that the weakling Beastification?"
"No, wasn’t Zhou Mei really weak before? How is she so strong now???"
"That shelter... could it have some kind of prehistoric technology that can strengthen the body??"
"I did hear she joined some shelter, but that wasn’t long ago, right?"
"If joining can make you that much stronger, that’s really something!"
...
The strength of Bena and his group made some people in the tavern start to reconsider their options.
They realized that joining this shelter might be an excellent choice.
Just then, a slender man walked up to Bena’s table.
"Hello, I hear you’re recruiting?" the man asked.
Bena sized him up, noticing his incredibly sharp eyes and a unique aura about him.
"That’s right, we are," Bena replied.
"My name is Neil, and I’m a Mutant Hunter," the man introduced himself.
"I’m very interested in this shelter. I’m wondering what kind of compensation you offer?"
Bena explained the shelter’s situation and benefits. After listening, a flicker of satisfaction showed in Neil’s eyes.
"Very good. I’m willing to join you," Neil said with a nod.
Bena replied:
"Of course, but our shelter doesn’t just take anyone."
Neil nodded and took a pile of miscellaneous items out of his backpack.
"These are my past trophies. They aren’t particularly valuable materials, but they are all tissue samples from powerful mutant creatures."
Neil placed the items on the table to show Bena and the others.
Bena looked at the trophies, a keen glint in his eyes.
While the materials weren’t rare, he could tell at a glance that they were tissues from specific mutant creatures.
Being able to hunt powerful mutant creatures was proof enough of Neil’s skill and experience.
Of course, whether he was just trying to bluff his way in or actually had the goods would be revealed in future battles and explorations.
For a profession like a Mutant Hunter, experience was the most important thing. Combat prowess was secondary.
"Welcome to the team." Bena extended his hand to Neil.
Neil shook Bena’s hand and said with a smile, "I look forward to fighting alongside you."
With Neil’s addition, their recruitment drive in October Town could be considered a great success.
Bena’s group didn’t stay in the tavern for long. After recruiting Hawke and Neil, they decided to leave and return to the shelter to plan their next move.
Bena looked at Hawke and Neil behind him:
"Go and pack your things."
"We’ll meet back here at the tavern in one hour."
"Any questions?"
The two shook their heads and said in unison:
"No problem."
"No problem."
...