Hunter in the Wild

Chapter 3

The next morning I woke up really early, about six in the morning. Even though I was still tired I wanted to get there as soon as the store opened. I looked around the house as I was getting around. It was peaceful. There was a small sound I never heard before, it was rapid breathing. I looked at the coffee table and a puppy was lying on top of it.

I smiled and checked its name tag. "Hello there Zwei," I whispered.

His tail wagged a little when I said this. I smiled and grabbed my sidearm. Putting the pistol in a holster under my shirt I walked outside. I walked away as quietly as I could. When I was at the edge of the woods I turned and faced the house again. It was kinda epic the way the sun was making the sky bright orange over the place. Made it look majestic in a way.

Anyway, once I was deep enough in the woods I asked Ghost to give me a trans-mat. Since the airship probably wasn't running yet. When I arrived in Vale the city was just starting to come to life. People on their way to work, kids walking with their parents to daycare, even some parents with their kids at the park. I walked by the shop and noticed it was open. Honestly I was kinda shocked by that fact, most shops would be closed for another hour, maybe an extra half of one. I walked in and the owner greeted me.

"How's it going?" I replied.

"Not too bad for a day like today," he said wiping off the counter.

"So, about that job offer you mentioned yesterday..." I started.

"The offer still stands."

"I'll take it, sir."

"And the loft?"

"Thank you for the offer but I have another placed lined up."

I shook his hand as he continued.

"You can start today if you want to."

I nodded, and smiled. "I'd be delighted to sir."

"Sounds like you're gonna get a lot of hours here, kid. Just don't be late a lot and do things when I ask. Other than that you can do whatever you want when customers aren't around."

"Will do sir. Thank you, any uniform?"

He nodded slightly, "kinda, yes. Just an apron, nothing fancy. Just to keep the dust off of you." He reached under the counter and retrieved a red apron. I thanked him and put it on.

"Anything need to be done?" I said tying the strings in the back.

"Yes, can you carry a few boxes in and stock the magazines. A few subscriptions just came in this morning."

"Can do sir." I replied to him and walking into the back room. There were several crates that read 'Dust - Handle with care' on them. I left those alone and grabbed small cardboard boxes that had a magazine cover tapped onto the side so anyone could tell what it was. I hefted those inside and started stocking them. I took notice what I was stocking, it was a magazine for guns named 'Weapons Monthly'. I smirked and took a copy up to the owner.

"Hey boss, do I happen to get a discount?"

"A small one, but yes. Why? Want to buy that?"

"For a friend, yes."

"How about this, you keep that one and you can work it off?"

"Deal," I said placing the magazine with my things.

I worked for a couple hours, stocking shelves, filling dispensers, and helping customers find items, till lunch time came. The owner, whose name I still don't know, went out and bought lunch for me. I thanked him and we chatted on our lunch break.