Chapter 29: The Hunter’s Guild

It was nighttime when Allen woke up and was in his and Addison's training base.

Allen felt that his body had recovered a lot. The bones broken by the python had healed, but his head still hurt a little.

"You're awake? Your body's ability to recover amazes me."

An unfamiliar voice rang in Allen's ears, and Allen turned back to find a middle-aged black man.

"To introduce myself, I'm Scott Welber, a coworker at Addison's." Scott made a brief introduction of himself.

"Ms. Addison's coworker?" Allen was a little surprised; he had never heard Addison say she had a job, and Allen had thought she was a loner.

Scott nodded, "We were watching nearby when you fought the speckled snake today. Addison thought highly of you. She was confident that you would care for the speckled snake, which was the case."

Allen was already somewhat convinced by Scott's story, but he was still curious and asked, "What department do you work in?"

Scott handed his credentials to Allen, saying, "We're the Homeland Strategic Resource Security and Safety Department ...... sounds a bit like S.H.I.E.L.D., but we're pretty much the same in function. I prefer the other name, the Hunter's Guild."

"Wow, even, this is so cool. Hunters who roam the city hunting superpowered criminals who break the law!" Allen exclaimed, giving the ID back to Scott.

"That does sound cool. Your teacher is one of the best of us, and she would like you to join us." Scott finally stated his purpose.

'There is no young man who doesn't want to be a superhero!' Scott looked at Allen with a smile, sure Allen wouldn't refuse.

"Sorry, I wanted to think about it." Allen shrugged.

"Okay, welcome aboard ...... What did you say?" Scott froze in sudden reaction.

Allen looked at him in surprise and said, "I say I think about it. Superheroes sound cool, but Spider-Man is pretty miserable, too, right?"

Scott opened his mouth to say something but hesitated, finally patting Allen on the shoulder.

"Well, this requires careful consideration; here's my card; call me when you've thought it over." Scott smiled and handed Allen a business card.

Allen took it and was about to put it in his pocket when he realized he was stripped of Patrick's cartoon underwear.

"What did you do to me while I was unconscious?" Allen looked at Scott in horror.

In defense, Scott held up his hands: "Don't get me wrong. The clothes you're wearing were taken off by Jerome, who, as you know, had only a pair of underwear on him when you rescued him."

Allen's face sank. He could think of several passersby who must have been able to see him in nothing but a pair of cartoon briefs when Jerome brought him here in his clothes.

"Where is this asshole now!" Allen cursed through clenched teeth.

Scott shrugged, "I don't know. He left after he made sure you were okay."

Allen jumped out of bed, had practice clothes at the training facility, and immediately found and dressed.

Allen got dressed before he thought of something and asked, "Where did Mr. Addison go?"

Scott shook his head, "Ms. Addison has an important mission. I can't tell you."

Allen nodded and didn't pursue the matter. With Addison's strength, he couldn't help much.

Just as Allen was about to go after Jerome, Scott once again provided some critical information.

"The speckled snake was a hitman for Taber and his father, and killing you and Jerome was their order."

Allen frowned at Scott and asked, "I don't have any grudges against Taber and his father, do I? I just helped Jerome win a couple of bets. Why would they do that?"

Scott spread his hands, "Some people just have hearts as small as the tip of a pin."

"Aren't you guys in charge of this sort of thing? Why don't you arrest them?" Allen asked.

Scott shook his head and said, "We are only responsible for crimes committed by superpowered people. Taber and his son are ordinary people and can only be handed to the police."

'There are some places where you guys aren't as good as S.H.I.E.L.D., ' Allen mentally spats.

After saying goodbye to Scott, Allen went to Jerome because the other man had undressed him and because he wanted to see Jerome about dealing with Taber and his father.

Allen arrived at the address Jerome had provided, which was the bar's box.

After the bouncer confirmed Allen's identity, Allen pushed open the door to the box.

In the booth, Jerome was straddling a blonde waitress, his hands probing into the waitress's shirt and constantly fondling her breasts.

Allen's sudden intrusion startled the two people in the box, especially the waitress, who immediately got off Jerome's body and ran out of the box, covering her chest.