Chapter 764: Divisions of Elders
Outside, the wide marble corridor stretched beneath high arched ceilings, lit by golden lamps that cast intricate patterns across the smooth floor. Waiting patiently nearby, leaning casually against the carved balustrade, was Elder Liam, his dark robes shifting slightly as he straightened with an amiable smile upon seeing Max emerge.
"Should I call you Max, or Guest Elder Max?" Elder Liam teased lightly, his eyes sparkling with a mix of humor and genuine respect, as though both mentor and equal stood in the same skin.
"Elder Liam, I’m still young, so I’d prefer if you just called me by my name," Max replied, a wry smile tugging at his lips as he rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the unfamiliar weight of the token resting in his pocket.
Liam chuckled, his laughter echoing softly in the corridor’s vaulted silence. "Very well, Max," he said, inclining his head in mock solemnity. But his expression turned thoughtful as Max’s eyes grew more serious.
"Elder Liam," Max began, his voice steady and curious, "President William mentioned something about levels among the elders. Can you explain that to me?"
Elder Liam hummed softly under his breath, folding his arms as he pondered how best to distill such a complex structure. "Aside from the six assigned elders of the Hunter Association—the senior core who oversee the entire organization—there are hundreds of other elders," he began, his tone shifting into the rhythm of a practiced teacher. "These elders are divided into levels, from Level One to Level Five. It’s a way of organizing the hierarchy, privileges, and responsibilities within the Association."
He met Max’s gaze directly, his expression serious but patient. "Since you’ve just been appointed as a Level One Guest Elder, there are limitations on what you can access. You’ll be allowed to exchange your merit points for techniques, skills, weapons, or treasures—but only those that fall within the scope of a Level One elder’s clearance. The higher your elder level, the greater the authority you have—and the more rare and powerful the items, techniques, or information you can claim from the Hunter Association’s vaults."
Max nodded firmly, his expression calm but resolute as he met Elder Liam’s eyes. "I understand," he said. "Thank you for explaining, Elder Liam."
Elder Liam’s smile returned, warm and approving, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Good. I suspect you’ll be climbing those ranks faster than anyone expects," he said lightly. "Come. Let me show you where you can make your selections as a Guest Elder."