《Rangers Endgame》


 Chapter 1

    Radiance. Although no one exactly knows where it came from, what we do know is that it flows through all living things, allowing us to perform extraordinary feats. Without it, we''d be unable to fight the monsters that threaten us. Those trained to bend it to their will introduced a new profession, rangers who ventured into uncharted lands to slay the beasts. It was thanks to their dances with death that allowed their loved ones to sleep soundly at night.


    *****


    The sun''s rays illuminated a small village. Parents spectated their children laughing and chasing one another through the vast green fields. A couple of isolated figures in the field swung away at each other, both wielding wooden katanas.


    A teenager with short dark hair and brown eyes sparred with an older woman around her late twenties. Her maroon hair was tied into a messy bun and she sported a tank top and sweats. He unleashed a flurry of attacks as she effortlessly defended against his onslaught.


    "Not bad, Yakeru."


    He swung his blade only for her to deflect and strike his head with the butt of her hilt, snickering as she did. Holding his forehead, he stumbled backward as she advanced. Suddenly, his blade emitted a low hum and began to glow an amber shade as he channeled radiance into it. Slicing through the air, he unleashed a radiant arc that soared at blistering speeds toward her. Unfazed, she ducked under the blast before it struck a tree behind her.


    ????????!


    Wood chips exploded from the trunk as Yakeru took note of the small gap in his assailant''s defenses.


    ''Gotcha!'' he exclaimed in his head.


    Taking advantage of the opening, he advanced only for her to channel her own radiance into her blade, infusing it. Before he could strike, she propelled herself through the air, spinning before slamming her sword into his as he reflexively blocked. The force of the shockwave blasted him backward, leaving a trail of dust behind him. Before he had time to recover he was met with a blade to his throat.


    "You yield?" she smirked.


    "You know that''s not fair, Akari. You said you weren''t gonna use that move."


    "Well if you''re gonna be a ranger you gotta expect the unexpected. I just want my baby brother to be prepared."


    A look of frustration crossed his face. She sheathed her dull blade and helped him to his feet before dusting himself off.


    "On the bright side, you''ve come a long way in these past few years."


    "Have I? I mean, five years of this and I still can''t beat you."


    He sheathed his sword as she chuckled.


    "Yeah, still got a long way to go if you wanna reach my level, huh?" she playfully nudged him with a smug grin on her face. "You obviously know your way around a sword, but you try too hard to outlast your opponent. That won''t work in every situation. Regardless, I think you''ll do great in the examination."


    He looked at her hopefully.


    "You think so?"


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    "Of course! You''re good with a sword, tenacious, smart, and have a good understanding of radiance. You''ll be fine."


    She offered a warm smile as they walked into their home. Upon walking inside, they hung up their sparring equipment next to more sheathed weapons. She then made her way into the kitchen.


    "Hungry?"


    "Starving."


    "Cool, do me a favor and set the table."


    After setting the table, Akari finished making lunch and they sat down to eat. Yakeru''s mouth watered after she set down a bowl of her signature dish, beef and carrot stew. Its pleasant scent hypnotized him, his tongue practically hanging out.


    "If you''re just gonna sit there and stare like an idiot, it''ll be more for me."


    Snapping out of his trance, they began to feast. As they ate, Akari took the liberty of bombarding him with questions.


    "So tell me, what do you do every time you enter a fight?"


    "Assume that my opponent is stronger than me. That way it''s less likely for me to make careless mistakes."


    "Good. What''s the most effective way to use radiance?"


    Yakeru continued to chew and then swallowed.


    "With a conduit. The body has trouble sustaining its raw power, making it difficult to control."


    He stuffed his face again, his cheeks puffed with his bowl''s contents.


    "How do radiant signatures work?"


    "When you output radiance it sends a ripple through the air, which you can sense. Kinda like how air molecules are pushed away when you blow from your mouth."


    He returned his attention to his steaming bowl, filling his mouth with more. She took a few more bites of the beef before she continued.


    "So is it a reliable way to measure someone''s power?"


    "Yes, if their attacks cause stronger ripples then it''s safe to assume that-"


    His explanation was interrupted by a fake low-pitched buzzer produced by his sister.


    "Wrong. Radiant signatures are an unreliable way of measuring one''s power. Just because someone outputs more radiance at a time doesn''t mean they''re stronger."


    She glanced down at the bowls of stew on the table and gestured toward his nearly empty bowl.


    "Think of radiance as the stew and the bowls as the amount of radiance we can store. We have, or rather had, the same amount of stew. But since you chose to wolf down so much at a time, you''re probably gonna make several trips to the bathroom later on while I, on the other hand, have been pacing myself. People who use radiance recklessly tend to exhaust themselves faster."


    "Oh, I see...wait is this you''re way of telling me to slow down?"


    "No, of course not~ I think most would find it rather charming whenever you eat like a pig." she smirked, clearly trying to muster a reaction from her brother with her sarcastic remark.


    Alas, she earned herself an eye roll from him as they continued to eat and make small talk. The day went by with them doing chores around the house until the sun disappeared beyond the horizon.


    *****


    The early sun floated its way into the sky the next day until its brilliant light peeked through Yakeru''s window. After several minutes of squirming, he dragged himself out of bed. Upon entering the kitchen he''s met with the welcoming aroma of eggs sizzling on a frying pan.


    "Look who''s up. Morning!"


    "Morning." he yawned.


    He pulled up a chair at the table before she eventually set a plate of eggs down in front of him.


    "Eat up. Can''t do an exam on an empty stomach."


    After he filled his stomach, he got himself ready for the day. He passed by the wooden katanas to grab a metallic one. Wrapping the belt around his waist Akari walked him to the door. She watched as he slipped into his combat boots and donned a light black coat. She couldn''t help but snicker, triggering an eyebrow raise from Yakeru.


    "What are you laughing at?"


    "Some kid who, despite the five years of training, can''t seem to put his belt on right."


    Looking down, he saw his sword was a little crooked. Heat rose to his face as he adjusted it.


    "Oh..." his cheeks flared in embarrassment. "Sorry, I''m just..."


    "Excited?"


    "''Nervous'' is a better word."


    Akari put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.


    "Don''t overthink it. You''ll do great."


    Yakeru smiled before she pulled him into a tight embrace.


    "Although I''d be lying if I said I wasn''t nervous myself. Who knows what kind of monsters you''ll face..."


    "Well if I pass the examination, I promise not to take missions I know I can''t handle."


    "I know. Like I said before, you''re smart."


    As a boy, his sister would always take him to see the big city. This would be his first time going solo so his nerves were spiking.


    They lingered in each other''s arms for a while longer before he eventually headed out the door. She waved him off as he walked down a trail, leading to what looked like skyscrapers in the distance.

 Chapter 2

    Yakeru crossed over a stone bridge and passed by capital guards dressed in blue and white military-grade armor and armed with spears standing on either side, giving the boy a welcoming nod. A cacophony of sounds filled his ears when he walked through the gate that divided the massive stone walls. Vendors advertising their products to potential customers, chattering voices, and the enticing aroma of food sizzling from outdoor restaurants all greeted him to the capital. Skyscrapers in the distance reached for the sky while a sea of people navigated the busy streets.


    ''The capital''s just as lively as I remember. Now let''s see.'' he tapped his chin, dusting off his early memories. ''The guild should be somewhere around here.''


    He weaved through the crowd, walking in the direction he believed the guild should be. After walking around aimlessly for a time, frustration began to set in.


    ''Maybe I should''ve looked for this place beforehand.''


    Just then, a young woman with ocean-blue eyes and long silver hair caught his eye. A leather breastplate rested on top of the tight tan shirt that accentuated her curves. She wore a rather plain leather gauntlet on her right forearm and had two daggers sheathed on her belt. The scent of vanilla lingered in the air as she walked past him. Looking back, he saw nearly every guy''s face turn bright red as their eyes tracked her.


    ''Wow. She must be really popular with the guys.''


    Like the others, it took a moment for him to peel his eyes away, but when he finally did, he slammed into a passerby with eyeglasses that nearly fell from his face. While he struggled to catch them in time, Yakeru scrambled to retrieve the stranger''s staff that dropped in the process from their head on collision.


    "Oh, I''m sorry!" Yakeru handed him his staff.


    "No, it''s fine. I wasn''t looking where I was going." the young man straightened his glasses before taking his staff.


    Yakeru gave him a quick look over. His attire was rather simple, sporting a baggy black cloak worn over a plain cream T. The young man took note of Yakeru''s sword and asked,


    "Are you a ranger?"


    "No. I''m actually heading over to the guild for the examination."


    "Oh I am too, but you''re going the wrong way. It''s the other way."


    He pointed in the opposite direction of where Yakeru was headed.


    "Right, thanks. Sorry, but I didn''t catch your name."


    "I''m Kenji and you are?"


    "Yakeru. Nice to meet you, Kenji."


    A warm smile formed on Kenji''s face as they shook hands.


    "A pleasure."


    Yakeru noticed his staff as they began walking toward the guild.


    "So I take it you''re like a conjurer. If you don''t mind me asking, how long have you been training for?"


    Kenji scratched the back of his head before replying.


    "Uhm let''s just say...for a while."


    "Oh, then you must be pretty strong then."


    "Oh, well, I wouldn''t say that. What about you?"


    "I''ve been training with my sister for a couple of years now. Hopefully, it pays off."


    "I''m sure it will."


    They continued until they came across a building in which rangers were entering and leaving. Yakeru followed Kenji up a small staircase that led to the guild''s doors.


    "This is it."


    Yakeru glanced around, the clinking of beer mugs and laughter greeted them as they stepped inside the lobby. Everywhere they looked, they saw an arsenal of various weaponry from the sheathed battle axes and swords to the wands and staffs displayed on her backs and hips. Most of them boasted about their missions and accomplishments.


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    "Yeah, I took down a Saberclaw just the other day." a beefed up man proudly placed his hands on his hips


    "Not bad. But that''s child''s play compared to fighting a dragon."


    "My clan and I are gonna hunt a rogue behemoth in the outer rim. You wanna join us?"


    "Nah, the boys and I are gonna hunt for an ancient amulet. Let me know how that mission goes though."


    Yakeru could barely process all the visual and audio stimulation.


    "Sure is lively in here."


    As they stood in line awaiting their turn to speak to the receptionist, a few heads turned to face them. Rangers whispered amongst each other from a table nearby.


    "Hey isn''t that that one kid?"


    "Yeah, I always recognize a failure."


    Yakeru took note when Kenji''s expression fell and turned his head, avoiding their gazes.


    ''Has he been here before or something?''


    The rangers continued to snicker before they reached the receptionist.


    "Greetings! How may I help you?"


    She looked over at Kenji and her eyes lit up.


    "Oh, good to see you, Kenji! I assume you''re here to take the exam again?"


    ''Again?'' Yakeru lifted an eyebrow.


    Kenji scratched the back of his head, trying to shake off his embarrassment.


    "Hi, yeah we''re both here for the exam actually."


    "Got it. Here you go."


    She reached under the desk, grabbed a couple of forms then slid them across the desk.


    "Just need you two to fill these out and bring them back, okay?"


    "Got it, thanks."


    She smiled as they took their forms to an empty table. As they began filling them out, Yakeru asked,


    "So you took this exam once already?"


    "Twice."


    "Oh, I see. So if you''re already a ranger why are you taking this practical exam again? If you wanna reevaluate your rank the guild should be able to promote you based on your previous missions."


    Kenji''s eyes drifted to the side. It was clear he was uncomfortable with what he was about to say.


    "Well, I''m not exactly a ranger...I didn''t do particularly well in the past exams. In other words, I''m an F rank."


    "There''s an F rank?"


    Kenji continued to avoid eye contact and pretended to be more preoccupied with filling out the form.


    "Yeah...it''s given to those who don''t actually qualify to go on any missions. So you''ll have to retake the examination to get at least an E rank. It''s basically a mark of shame in the ranger community."


    "Oh...I see."


    "It''s pathetic, I know."


    "I wouldn''t say that. I actually admire that you''re working hard to be a ranger, despite your shortcomings."


    "Sure..." he mumbled under his breath.


    They finished their forms and returned them to the receptionist.


    "Thank you. You can head through those doors and find a seat. The examination will begin in a few. Good luck you two!"


    They walked through a pair of doors to find a vast arena. Seated in the rows that stretched from one side of the room to the other were what they assumed were more examinees already chatting amongst themselves. They made their way to find empty seats as more people entered. Before long, a few rangers entered the room. Their mere presence was enough to quiet the crowd in anticipation.


    "Greetings, examinees. Thank you for coming. From this point forward these two rangers and I will serve as your examiners. They''re both C rank and I''m a B rank. I''ll get straight to the point and explain how this examination will go. You''ll group up in teams of three to participate in mock battles down in this arena."


    An examinee raised his hand from the crowd.


    "Sorry, I have a question!"


    "Go ahead."


    "I thought the guild used to do one-on-one mock battles. It was a good way of gauging one''s strength. Why change it to three-on-one?"


    His colleague stepped up before providing an answer.


    "Because power isn''t everything. Since you''ll be fighting monsters in groups this is designed to test your teamwork and gauge your strength."


    Yakeru cupped his chin in thought. If this was the case, it was safe to assume most, if not everyone, would team up with people they already knew. It''d be a gamble to group up with strangers in an exam designed to gauge not only power but teamwork. The only problem was that Yakeru was unfamiliar with anyone there, even Kenji was still somewhat of a stranger to him.


    ''Still, I should probably stick by his side.''


    The examiners nodded at each other and turned back to the crowd.


    "That''s all for now. Go ahead and get into your teams. I''m curious to see what you guys got."


    With that, the examinees began shuffling while Yakeru turned to Kenji.


    "So you think you''d like to team up?"


    "Sure, we''ll just need one more."


    They went around asking different examinees to join only to get rejected one by one. Some even walked away before they got the chance to ask. Eventually, they both stood there idly. They couldn''t help but notice a good number of examinees, mostly guys, migrating around someone.


    "Hey, join us!"


    "No, join my team!"


    "I promise we''ll protect you so you should join us instead."


    Though their view of this popular examinee was obscured thanks to the crowd they garnered, it was obvious they were somehow valuable to everyone. Yakeru sighed in defeat.


    "I guess we should just wait for someone?" Yakeru suggested with uncertainty in his voice.


    "Or we just face our instructor with just the two of us."


    "We''ll definitely fail if that''s the case."


    They sighed in unison as the popular figure elbowed her way through the sea of boys. Spotting the two moping kids on the opposite side of the arena, she made her way over. Despite walking away, she still formed a tail of people still pestering her to join their team. Ignoring them, she approached the two boys.


    "Is it just you two?"


    A familiar vanilla scent graced Yakeru''s nose. They looked up and his eyes shot open when he saw the same silver-haired girl standing before them. Out of all people, he didn''t think he''d be seeing her again. And out of everyone there, she wanted to join ????????? team? The pain he felt from pinching himself indicated he wasn''t dreaming.


    ''She''s taking the exam too?''

 Chapter 3

    Kenji looked up at the silver-haired beauty, his cheeks turning a vibrant red.


    "Uhm...yeah, it''s just us."


    "Good."


    She walked past them, taking a seat while crossing her arms. Yakeru raised an eyebrow at her. It wasn''t because he was ungrateful for having a third team member but she joined without giving them time to refuse.


    ''I guess we don''t have a choice though.''


    Yakeru looked back at the crowd of boys, steam spewing from their ears and nostrils. The amount of envy and hatred radiating from them was palpable. They stared daggers at him and Kenji as he awkwardly looked away.


    ''Great! Now she''s made us a target!'' he said, sweat droplets forming on his face.


    Kenji turned to the young woman as nervous laughter escaped him.


    "Hehe...we would''ve had to fight the examiners by ourselves if it weren''t for you. Thanks."


    "I only joined cuz you two seemed the least annoying out of everyone here."


    The boys stared at her in disbelief. Kenji didn''t know how to respond so Yakeru responded for him.


    "Oh...thanks, I guess...? May I ask you''re name?"


    "Fuyumi."


    "Oh, nice to meet you. I''m Yakeru and this is Ken-"


    "I don''t remember asking for yours."


    Her cold words wounded him as he was cut off. For a moment he contemplated kicking her off the team but it wasn''t like they had many options to choose from.


    ''Well, she sure is friendly...'' Kenji sarcastically remarked in his head.


    They sat beside her as she avoided eye contact with them. The other examinees calmed themselves after the two boys ''stole'' their most valuable potential ally though Yakeru sensed their personal feelings played a bigger role in why she was so sought after. Eventually, everyone took their seats with their new teams.


    "Alright, it seems like everyone''s good to go. If that''s the case, we can get started. So who would like to enter the arena first?"


    Someone from the crowd shot to their feet, hand raised high.


    "We volunteer!"


    The examiner smiled. "Then come on down, let''s see whatcha got."


    Upon entering the arena, the examiner grabbed his staff and entered with them.


    "I''ll be your first opponent. Ready?"


    The examinees drew their weapons.


    "Begin!"


    They charged forward as the examiner raised his staff. Their eyes widened as a radiant projectile was launched in their direction. Shoving past his teammates, an examinee infused his radiance into his shield.


    Since the body can only take so much, radiance is best used with a conduit. By infusing your weapon you could reinforce it to increase its durability and striking power.


    The projectile slammed into the shield instantly forming a smoke screen. The examiner looked to see two other assailants emerging from the smoke, flanking his sides.


    "Now!"


    "Right!"


    Winding up, they both leaped towards the examiner only to strike a radiant dome.


    "What the?!"


    Before they could react, the examiner struck the ground with the bottom of their staff. Radiance ripped through the floor causing all three assailants to be flung backward. Those using conduits like wands and staffs weren''t as fast as those using melee weapons. As such, they''re forced to rely on strong defenses and ranged attacks. Although


    Yakeru watched in awe as although the examiner held back, he still casually swatted away his enemies.


    ''It''s so cool to see actual rangers in action!''


    The conjurer watched as the examinees squirmed on the floor.


    "Although your coordination was good, you crumble when your attacks have no effect. D rank for both of you. And you." he pointed toward the shield welding examinee. "Your control over radiance allowed you to absorb the impact. By protecting your team, you enabled them to advance, but you failed to follow up with anything else. As a tank, you should always be on the front lines to defend your allies. C-rank."


    The examinees walked off as the examiner turned to the crowd.


    "Who''s next?"


    A group of examinees began making their way down as another examiner entered the arena, replacing the previous one. Everyone watched as the examinees drew their weapons. One held out his staff while the others stood to his flanks. Another unwinded a whip while the other pulled out a flail. The examiner placed a hand on the hilt of his longsword.


    Yakeru analyzed the situation. Since the three possessed long range capabilities that''d put the swordsman at a disadvantage.


    "Begin!"


    The examinees swung their whip and flail as the ranger rushed forward. Powerful snaps popped the air from the whip as the examiner weaved his way around the barrage. Glancing over, the flail cut through the air, aimed for his midsection. In one fluid motion, he unsheathed his sword, swiping it away. Metallic grinding assaulted their ears as he closed the distance, forcing the staff user to conjure a barrier. Slicing through the air, the examiner fired an arc of radiance, smashing through the barrier they''d just conjured. As he approached, he was met with a beam of energy that would''ve annihilated his top half had he not dodged it.


    "Holy!"


    The flail user tackled his teammate out of the beam''s path as it roared past them.


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    "Dude, what are you doing?! Just put up another barr-!"


    Before he could finish, the examiner appeared behind the staff user as they were distracted.


    "Too late."


    He struck him over the head with his hilt causing him to hunch over. Dropping his staff, he cupped the back of his head as a lump began to form. Before the others could retaliate a radiant arc slammed into them, sending them both flying. Yakeru''s mouth hung open at what just transpired.


    ''They didn''t stand a chance.''


    The examiner sheathed his sword as they continued squirming on the ground.


    "You guys started off strong."


    He turned to the staff user, the pain still surging through the back of his head.


    "But as soon as you took matters into your own hands your team felt apart. What you should''ve done was protect your team members with another barrier while they handled the heavy lifting. A ranger is worse than useless when their reckless actions endangers the lives of their party members. F-rank."


    The staff user clenched his fist in frustration. The mere mention of ''F-rank'' spawned mutters and snickers in the audience.


    "Dang, I''d hate to be that guy."


    "I guess that''s to be expected doing something reckless like that."


    The examiner turned to the whip user.


    "As for you, your synergy was good overall but you need to work on your recovery. In a real fight, monsters won''t relent so you need to make sure you can recover quickly to get back in the fight. D-rank. And you."


    Finally, he looked over at the flail user.


    "The ability to work under pressure is essential out on the field. The fact that you didn''t hesitate to push your teammate out of the way speaks volumes. Although you were only able to keep me on my toes for a short while I think you could manage with the right team. C-rank."


    The examinee elbowed the air, clearly proud of himself. They left the arena, the staff user hanging his head low as a few audience members snicker.


    "Who''s next?"


    Yakeru lightly elbowed Kenji. "Hey, I think I have a plan. As long as you can protect Fuyumi and I, we can-"


    Fuyumi stood to her feet. "Come on," she ordered.


    ''We don''t even have a strategy!'' Yakeru stared at her, stunned.


    With no choice, they tailed her into the arena. The examiner studied them as they entered, more specifically Fuyumi. After entering the arena, he felt a significant change in the atmosphere. The air seemed to drop in temperature and her icy glare made him shudder. He reflexively placed an unstable hand on his hilt though before he could protect himself his colleague placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll take them."


    "O-Oh...okay, if you''re certain."


    Leaving him alone with the examinees he turned to face them. They stared each other down as she drew a dagger. Keeping his eyes on them, he spun a polearm around his body in a stylish display of agility then pointed the blade in their direction.


    "Ready?" He asked.


    ''How do we approach this?'' Yakeru thought to himself.


    He wasn''t used to combating polearm users. The man was also a B-rank and he didn''t know the capabilities of Kenji or Fuyumi. It didn''t help that they didn''t have some sort of strategy either.


    "Now, begin!"


    Wasting no time, the examiner infused his polearm firing a missile. Kenji hurried to raise his staff, conjuring a barrier as the missile smashed into it. The force of the blast shattered the radiant wall, creating a smoke cloud. Yakeru turned to see a blade slicing through the smoke as he barely moved his sword to block it. The force of the attack staggered him as the examiner pivoted, landing a kick to Kenji''s chest. He gasped for air as the wind was knocked out of him sending him flying.


    Yakeru deflected another strike aimed at his midsection, immediately following up with a counterattack. The ranger sidestepped a diagonal swing and then elbowed him in the side making him skid backward. Pain pulsated through his ribs as the man effortlessly twirled the polearm around his body. Yakeru''s eyes struggled to keep up, unsure of which direction the attack would come from. While thrown off, he landed a kick to Yakeru''s stomach. Dust filled the air as he tumbled backward.


    Before he had a chance to make them yield, movement to his left alerted him before sidestepping a dagger aimed at his throat. Blood trickled down his neck where the blade had grazed him.


    ''Who just-!''


    His thought was interrupted by a well-placed kick to his chest. He leaped back, grasping his chest before Fuyumi emerged from the smoke, advancing toward him. A sharp boom echoed throughout the arena as their blades collided.


    ''She''s pushing me back?''


    Her dagger penetrated the ground as he redirected it. He spun low, attempting to sweep the disarmed examinee only for her to flip over him. While in midair, she unsheathed a second dagger. The light reflecting off her blade produced an arc as she swiped him across the face. Blood ran down his cheek as his eyes were now widened.


    ''Another one?!''


    Upon landing, she wasted no time and leaped toward him once more. Sweat formed on his forehead as he hurriedly fired multiple rounds of radiance in hopes of keeping her at bay. Yakeru, Kenji, and the whole audience watched with their jaws on the floor when she weaved through the missile barrage, closing the distance. The crowd was on the edge of their seats.


    "Dude, look at her go!"


    "Is she actually matching a B-rank right now?!"


    Infusing her dagger she swiped at the air, launching multiple projectiles of her own as he was forced to disengage. As he evaded he glanced over his shoulder to see that she''d appeared behind him. Her cold glare almost froze him in place.


    He''d been battling against horrific-looking creatures you''d see in nightmares for four years. He''d already gotten used to it by now. And yet, ''Why do I feel...nervous?''


    Adrenaline flooded his veins, forcing his body into overdrive. The sound of metallic bangs pierced the ears of those in the vicinity as the two exchanged deadly blows. People in the crowd glanced at each other nervously as it no longer seemed like an examination. Her two allies were still too in shock to intervene.


    Fuyumi slid under his polearm as he slashed where her chest used to be. Lunging forward, she swiped her blade toward his head before he deflected.


    As they continued, he couldn''t help but notice something was different about her. Her strikes were beginning to lag and her subtle panting made it clear she was exhausted. Dodging another attack, he slammed his foot into her stomach. The impact knocked the wind out of her and she stumbled backward trying to catch her breath.


    ''That''s my cue!''


    Before she could block, the polearm''s shaft smashed into her side sending her flying across the arena. Everyone was still in shock after the dust settled. The examiner leaned against his polearm for several seconds to catch his breath.


    "Well...I must admit...I wasn''t expecting to come across someone as talented as you. Although you had me on the ropes, you''ve over-exerted yourself. Against an opponent able to outlast you, you''d be in trouble. Nonetheless, I think you''re more than worthy of a B-ranking."


    The audience muttered amongst each other.


    "B-rank?!"


    "I don''t don''t think anyone would last very long against her."


    The examiner turned to face Yakeru, whose face clearly showed that he was still trying to process what had happened.


    "You. I got the sense you weren''t trying to defeat me, but rather you were focused on survival, which can only get you so far. You waited for gaps and when there weren''t any, you were defeated swiftly. In combat, there needs to be a balance between a strong defense and a good offense. But I will say you did good fending me off, even if it was for a short while. Think I''ll place you in C-rank. And you."


    Kenji hung his head low as the examiner glared at him.


    "You couldn''t support your teammate as he struggled. In a real life or death situation, you would''ve crumbled under the pressure."


    "I know..." he mumbled under his breath.


    "But that''s not to say you didn''t at least try. Plus you already have a good handle on radiance. In time you could be a strong asset, but I''ll still have to give you an E-rank."


    Kenji''s eyes widened as his face lit up in an instant.


    "An E-rank?!"


    The examiner raised an eyebrow as Kenji radiated joy.


    "Yes. Is there an issue with my assessment?"


    He shook his head, ecstatic.


    "No, not at all!"


    "Good. Now go, we have other examinees waiting."


    Fuyumi grabbed her daggers and followed Yakeru and Kenji out the door. The examiner, still breathing heavily, joined his colleague on the sideline as more examinees began to enter the arena.


    "Ready? Begin!"


    The group of examinees rushed the examiner. Amidst the constant roaring of energy blasts and metal clanking, the previous examiner took a seat. His colleague watched as he gulped down a water bottle he had placed there earlier in just a few seconds.


    "Interesting."


    Setting down the empty bottle, he used his sleeve to wipe his mouth.


    "Yeah, that kid seemed a little too excited to be placed in E-rank."


    "Well yeah, but I was talking about the girl. When was the last time an examinee was given a B rank?"


    "I don''t know, but I do know one thing..."


    Her cold glare crept its way back into his mind.


    "That girl is dangerous."

 Chapter 4

    Yakeru, Kenji, and Fuyumi sat in the lobby, spectating a couple of intoxicated rangers nearby one up each other. However, it was difficult to take their extreme claims seriously with their slurred speech. Yakeru and Kenji found it rather amusing while Fuyumi rested her chin in her hand, hoping she''d get called to the front desk soon. As if on cue, the receptionist waved them over and without wasting a second, she made her way over, followed by the other two newbies.


    "I''ve been informed that you three recently completed your examination. Here are your rank identifications. They also double as licenses."


    She handed them their ID cards, all stating their rank, names, and their specialties.


    "Congratulations! Feel free to browse the mission board. If you three intend on forming a party, keep in mind, since one of you is an E-rank, you can''t accept missions that are C-rank or higher."


    "Does that mean rangers can only take missions that are one rank above theirs, at most?" Yakeru wondered.


    "Correct. Of course, you could take lower-ranking missions but typically, rangers would prefer to take missions around their own rank. The higher the mission''s rank, the better the salary."


    "I see."


    Kenji was too busy marveling at his brand new ID. Yakeru glanced back at Fuyumi slipping hers into her back pocket as she silently approached the mission board. He didn''t mind tackling D-rank or even E-rank missions with his conjurer buddy to get his feet wet but he doubted a ranger of her caliber would be interested. He turned to scan the opposite side of the lobby.


    ''I guess we''ll have to find someone el-''


    He was startled out of his thought when Fuyumi slammed a mission sheet down on the front desk. To his surprise, it was D-rank.


    "We''ll take this one."


    Even Kenji was wrenched out of his trance. Yakeru stared at her blankly before mustering a "Sorry, what?"


    She turned to him, annoyance written all over her face.


    "Do I really have to spell it out for you?"


    Stunned, the two boys looked at each then back at Fuyumi. The receptionist glanced at the sheet.


    [Mission Type: Escort]


    D-rank


    Location: Inner rim


    "Ah, an escort mission. Sure, just as long as the missions aren''t two or more ranks above your own. I''d wish you all luck but considering you''ll have a B-rank accompanying you I''m sure you won''t need it."


    Yakeru nodded slowly, still partially in denial from the unimaginable scenario he found himself in. Not only was he about to go on his first mission, he''d also be accompanied by a high ranking ranger.


    "Right...okay I guess we''re off then."


    Fuyumi rolled up the mission sheet and then slipped it into her pocket.


    "Come on."


    Yakeru followed her out the door as Kenji scrambled to shove his new ID in his pocket to catch up. Once outside, she led them down the busy road while Kenji questioned her.


    "So where is this place?"


    "A farm in the eastern part of the inner rim. We''re gonna pick up a few supplies beforehand."


    "Probably a good idea."


    After walking for a few minutes they came across numerous shops and vendors. Eventually, they stopped at a local goods vendor. On display were freshly picked red apples that glinted in the sun''s light. A tinge of juice oozed from orange slices and grapes filled the bowls on the side. The merchant perked up at the sight of new customers.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "Hi there, could I interest you in anything?"


    They took a little of everything before paying and walking off.


    "Come again!"


    They made their way to the coordinates stated on the mission sheet. Kenji glanced at the aloof young woman who was already ahead of them, eager to escape the crowded streets. Something tugged at the corner of his mind ever since they''d departed from the guild.


    "So Fuyumi...may I ask why you''re staying with us? I mean I''m grateful that you are but you could''ve joined someone else''s party to take on higher ranked missions."


    She stopped dead in her tracks to look over her shoulder with that same icy glare that froze a veteran ranger in place not too long ago. The two came to a halt behind her and, despite the warm weather, they felt a suffocating chill run across their body.


    "Let me make one thing clear: We are not friends. The only reason I''m here is because I can tolerate you two."


    "O-Oh, I see."


    The boys concluded that if monsters didn''t kill them on their travels, her frost-like aura would. The moment she took her eyes off them they let out a heavy exhale, unaware that they were holding their breaths. Kenji took note of the subtle glances guys were giving her as they continued walking by. It didn''t take a genius to figure out she wasn''t exactly the social type. However, she naturally garnered quite a lot of attention which he could understand would get old to someone like her after a while so her reasoning seemed plausible enough.


    After elbowing through the sea of pedestrians, they''d finally reached the capital''s enormous gates with a couple of law enforcers standing guard. Leaving the city, Fuyumi continued making periodic glances at the coordinates stated on the mission sheet. Before long the paved road gradually gave way to a dirt path and the massive concrete walls protecting its inhabitants behind them shrunk the further out they went.


    They roamed the outskirts for about an hour before arriving at a desolate farm sitting peacefully on a hilltop. Carrots, potatoes, and such protruded from the soil beyond a plain wooden fence while a one-story house stood beside it.


    "This is it?" Yakeru asked.


    "Yes."


    Before they thought to give the front door a knock, a young man with a bowl cut in overalls strolled out of the farmhouse, noticing the armed strangers on his property right away.


    "Can I help you?"


    Fuyumi held out the mission sheet in front of her, dissipating his confusion.


    "Oh! You''re here for my mission. I''m Kaneki and this is my farm."


    "I''m Yakeru, a C-rank swordsman."


    "I''m Kenji, an E-rank conjurer."


    Kaneki looked toward their last member, awaiting her introduction. An awkward silence filled the air between them before she let out a relenting sigh.


    "Fuyumi."


    Judging from her delayed intro, he gathered she wasn''t much of a talker. He gestured for them to come inside to discuss the route they''d be taking. Once inside, they were welcomed with the sight of a well-kept home. Though the floors were wooden, they didn''t so much as creak and the walls were painted a creamy white. He guided them to a round dining table which presented organized silverware.


    "Please take a seat. Can I get you guys anything to drink?"


    Yakeru waved a dismissive hand as the group sat around the dining table.


    "No, I''m fine, thank you."


    "I''m okay as well," Kenji added.


    Fuyumi simply shook her head.


    "Okay then, let''s get straight to it."


    He took a seat across from them and laid out an old, yellow map. At the center was what they assumed was the capital, indicated by the ring-like structure forming a perimeter around the buildings inside. Around the capital were three regions separated by two black inked borders. The map appeared unfinished because the furthest region from the city barely had any landmark illustrations. He pointed at a particular spot in the first region just outside the capital.


    "We''re here. As you know, the inner rim is a relatively safe area. A scarce amount of monsters roam these parts from time to time though they''re pretty weak, ranging from E to D-tier."


    He pointed at a picture of what looked like huts and small buildings in a clearing surrounded by a dense forest.


    "We''ll be traveling here, Hanataru village," he then traced his finger along a squiggly line that cut through said forest. "And this is the path we''d be taking. The strongest monsters we''d see along the way are D-tier."


    With this, Yakeru was confident they''d complete this mission with little to no hiccups, especially since they had a powerful ally tagging along. He jutted a thumb in Fuyumi''s direction.


    "I''m sure we can handle this with her in our corner."


    "Oh, I see." Kaneki relaxed, turning to her. "Then I guess it''s safe to assume you''re fairly strong if others are vouching for you."


    Kenji reviewed the map, realizing how far the village is relative to them.


    "And how long will this journey take?"


    "The trip is about three hours. We could take a shorter route through the mid rim but we''d run the risk of encountering stronger monsters."


    "I see."


    Kaneki rolled up the map.


    "Well, that''s all I got for you guys. Would you all mind waiting outside? I need to get the supplies ready for transport then we''ll be good to head out."


    They nodded and made their way out the door. They were greeted by a light breeze as they stepped outside, waiting near the farm. Yakeru radiated with excitement and, assuming this wasn''t a dream, it would all go smoothly with a high ranking ranger tagging along.


    "This is crazy. I''m going on my first mission!"


    Fuyumi rolled her eyes as Kenji had trouble containing himself as well.


    ''Finally being able to participate in missions is pretty exciting!...Wait till you see me now old man.''


    Kaneki stepped out of the farmhouse, the wooden steps creaking under the weight of his large backpack.


    "You guys ready?"


    Yakeru nodded firmly.


    "Ready."


    "Alright, let''s go."


    With everything in order, they set off towards a forest on the horizon.

 Chapter 5

    The afternoon sunlight streamed through the gaps in the leaves above, illuminating the vast greenery of the forest. Yakeru and Kenji glanced around in awe. Flocks of birds sang a tune as they expertly glided through the trees. Curious wildlife observed the passerbys from a safe distance as they sauntered down the path. Yakeru marveled at a deer with three horns sprouting from its head monitoring them from behind a thick layer of shrubs.


    "Woah, check out that santsuno!"


    Kenji''s peripheral captured a blur with a hint of red scurrying off into a hole in a fallen tree.


    "Was that a twin-tailed fox? They look so cool in person!"


    The two boys were giddy with excitement as they pointed out every animal they came across, earning an eye roll from their more mature party member.


    "I swear I''m with children." Fuyumi sighed.


    Kaneki chuckled at her remark.


    "Forgive me, but aren''t you around the same age as them?"


    Instead of replying she continued walking. It''d been almost an hour and Yakeru and Kenji had done more sightseeing than escorting. Fortunately, Kaneki didn''t seem to mind. He assumed this might''ve been their first mission based on their reactions, but the girl was a little harder to crack. She''d barely said a word the entire trip, keeping a cautious eye out for any danger. Well, he couldn''t complain since that was her job after all.


    They traversed down the uneven path before a deafening silence washed over the forest. Fuyumi''s eyes darted from one shrubbery area to the next as her hand hovered over her dagger. Yakeru listened closely only to hear the sounds of their muffled footsteps on the soil.


    ''Why''d it get so quiet?'' Yakeru questioned, sensing the change in atmosphere.


    It was almost like the animals knew something they didn''t and chose to keep their distance. A patch of dirt began to morph behind them. Turning, they saw what looked like appendages manifesting from the dirt, startling Kaneki.


    Tan lanky arms rose up and pressed down with their hands, pushing the rest of their sickly thin bodies above the soil. Their fingers stretched into jagged claws and their orange eyes bulged out of their skulls. They opened their jaws far beyond human capability, revealing a black abyss in their mouths before emitting a high-pitched screech in their direction.


    Yakeru recalled the stories his sister used to tell him every day when she returned from her adventures. One such story mentioned her encounter with a type of monster with the ability to meld itself with nature, patiently waiting for unsuspecting passerbys.


    "Forest lurkers!" Yakeru roared.


    The lurkers charged them as Kenji hurried to raise his staff. Willing radiance into it, he conjured a barrier in front of the group just before a lurker rammed into it. It made wide, exaggerated swipes attempting to take it down as another flanked his side. Swinging its claws, it aimed for the conjurer''s neck before blue filled his vision. Its arm was swiftly dismembered as a blue liquid sprayed from the stump.


    Yakeru appeared where its arm had just been, his blade dripping with the blue substance. It screeched in agony before he thrusted his infused blade into its chest where its heart should be. Blood spewed from the wound as it collapsed. He couldn''t help but crack a small smile after taking down his first monster, even if it was rather easy. However, what they lacked in physicality they made up for in numbers.


    Distracted, Kenji''s wall of radiance was shattered, allowing the remaining lurkers to advance. They began to swarm them as Yakeru struggled to retrieve his sword from the corpse. Just before a lanky beast could avenge its fallen brother, raising its clawed hand, multiple streaks of light slashed through its midsection.


    Upon dropping to its knees, its diced-up top half crumbled with Fuyumi standing behind it, her blades now dripping with its blood. Another lunged forward and stabbed the air where her chest used to be. Ducking under its poor attempt to skewer her, she sliced through its legs. Its dismembered appendages snapped under the weight they used to support.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ????????!


    It used its arms to prop itself up but before it could react, she slashed through its neck as the last lurker tried to grab at her. Leaping into the air, she performed a flying roundhouse kick to the side of its severed head, launching it into the last lurker.


    ????????!


    Its ribs crunched from the impact as it slammed into a nearby tree, twitching before its corpse slid down motionless with its chest caved in.


    "Woah. You weren''t kidding about her, huh?" a stunned Kaneki muttered under his breath.


    She flicked her daggers, flinging the blood off her blades as Yakeru did the same after finally retrieving his sword.


    "Let''s go," she ordered, returning them to their sheaths and resuming her march down the path.


    Along their journey, they came across more lurkers though Fuyumi effortlessly slaughtered them all. Before long, she was soaked in blue. Yakeru and the others felt themselves relax as the dagger-wielding ranger took care of most of the grunt work. Regardless of her reasons for sticking around, having a B-rank accompany them on their travels was undoubtedly the best case scenario.


    Eventually, they heard what sounded like running water straight ahead. Arriving at a rope bridge, their suspicions were confirmed. Below them was a raging river crashing into the rocky cliff face as it raced downstream. Kaneki studied the map, tracing his finger from the bridge to Hanataru.


    "We''re nearly there," he assured, slipping the map into the bag''s side pocket.


    Fuyumi went first, then Kenji followed by Kaneki. As Yakeru stepped onto the bridge, a small shadow darted from one tree to the next. Startled, he spun in its direction but could only see as far as the overgrown brush would allow him. He scanned his surroundings, wondering if it was either his imagination or just another twin-tailed fox.


    "You coming, Yakeru?" Kaneki asked the paranoid ranger.


    "Uh, yeah. Just thought I saw something," he replied with uncertainty in his voice.


    As they began to cross, the old wooden planks creaked under their weight and strained the already withering ropes. They felt slight palpitations in their hearts as the fragile bridge threatened to drop them with every light sway. They reached about halfway when Fuyumi froze in place. Kenji figured her nerves had gotten the best of her but quickly realized how silly that notion was. If anything, the monsters they''ve seen thus far would''ve had that effect yet she left them as corpses.


    "Is something wrong?" he asked, puzzled.


    "What is that?" she squinted her eyes at a small figure on the other side.


    He peeked over her shoulder to see a small grey creature resembling a rabbit. The hairs on the back of Yakeru''s neck stood up as the sounds of shuffling behind him reached his ears. He spun around to see dozens of these grey creatures. They had a rabbit-like appearance yet their features were distorted. Their glowing red eyes slightly illuminated their unruly fur. Their crooked jaws exposed the chattering dagger-like teeth as foam gushed from their mouths.


    "Rabids!" Yakeru shouted.


    Dozens of them streamed out from the shrubs, locking their beady eyes onto their trapped prey. Both Yakeru and Fuyumi hurried to draw their weapons triggering Kenji to wave his hands frantically.


    "Wait! Don''t!" he was desperate to stop them from using their weapons. "We can''t risk cutting the bridge!"


    Hesitant, they followed his instructions and sheathed their blades, Yakeru whipping his head back to Kenji.


    "So what do we do then?!"


    Kaneki trembled as they began pouring onto the bridge, gnawing at the wood and ropes. A hanging plank dislodged before the violent rapids below tore it to shreds in an instant, serving as a reminder of what would happen should they fall in.


    Kenji held his staff close, his mind scrambling to find a solution to their predicament. Under normal circumstances, they could''ve easily taken E-tier monsters in a fight, but the unsteady bridge complicated the situation.


    ''Wait. Could I...?'' a light bulb went off in the conjurer''s head. Grabbing Fuyumi''s shoulder, he ordered her. "Get behind me!"


    Without the luxury of wasting precious time, she repositioned herself behind him before he conjured a wall in front of him. The wave of rabids slammed themselves into his barrier as he advanced forward. With each step, the monsters tumbled over the edge into the deadly waters below.


    ''If I can just push past these things in time...!''


    He looked back to see the rabids behind them gnawing at the ropes. With his heart pounding, he quickened his pace before a rope snapped. They gripped onto the remaining rope to regain their balance as the bridge swayed violently back and forth.


    "We''re almost there!" he resumed his march, brute forcing his way past the wave of rabids until he was finally on the other side.


    Once on solid ground, Fuyumi immediately sprung forward, hacking away at the remaining rabids as Yakeru and Kaneki hurried to safety.


    "Come on! We can still make it!" Kaneki urged.


    ????????!


    Yakeru''s heart skipped a beat as the second rope split in two. Kenji and Fuyumi''s eyes widened in horror as Yakeru and Kaneki descended into a free fall. Kenji reached out his hand in a futile attempt to save them.


    "Yakeru!!"

 Chapter 6

    Time seemed to slow as gravity seized control of them. The roaring waves grew louder with each passing second, muffling their otherwise piercing cries of fear. The wind whipped against their faces and the world around them became a blur. Yakeru screwed his eyes shut to avoid seeing the raging river rushing up to greet them while bracing himself for the inevitable collision.


    ????????????!!


    A searing pain shot through their bodies the moment they impacted. The rabids, having no sense of self preservation, tumbled in after them. After Fuyumi had finished off the remaining rabids from above, Kenji rushed to the edge of the cliff, hoping to see Yakeru and Kaneki resurface.


    "Come on! There''s only one way they could''ve gone!" Fuyumi urged before dashing away. She glanced back to see Kenji stuck in a trance with the same horrific look etched on his face, glaring down at the rapids below. "Kenji!"


    Snapping back to reality, he retrieved his staff and sprinted behind her as they rushed downstream off the path.


    Moments later, both Yakeru and Kaneki exploded to the surface, gasping for air. They flailed in a desperate attempt to stabilize themselves, the unforgiving rapids pummeling them with churning waters. The furry creatures that had miraculously survived the initial fall raced past them, making unsuccessful attempts to nip at the two. Yakeru could only catch glimpses of Kaneki through the turbulent waves.


    "Kan-!" he struggled to find his words as the fierce waters tried forcing its way into his lungs. "H-Hold...on!"


    The merciless current dragged them farther downstream and into a minefield of rocks and debris that jutted from the rapids. The river slung the surviving rabids downstream, exploding into a mist of red each time they slammed into a rock. As Yakeru tried swimming to what he thought was Kaneki, a jagged boulder came into view before darkness filled his vision.


    *****


    The dull sound of crickets chirping became more clear as Yakeru slowly regained consciousness. His eyes fluttered open, finding himself lying on solid ground, his body feeling cold and disoriented. The once blue sky was now a shade of orange blending with a vibrant red.


    With a groan, he struggled to push himself into a sitting up position, a dull aching sensation throbbing in his head.


    "Oh, you''re awake! Thank goodness...!" a familiar voice said in relief.


    Yakeru touched his head to feel a cloth strapped to it with bandages but jolted when a sudden sharp pain demanded he leave his injury alone. His hair and clothes were still damp as well. He surveyed his surroundings which appeared to be more forest and Kaneki, furiously rubbing his arms to heat himself.


    "What happened? Where are we?"


    "You hit your head after we fell in the river. Luckily, I wasn''t banged up too badly."


    His blurred vision became more clear as his fragmented memories pieced themselves together. An unstable bridge, the rushing wind from falling, a violent river, a large boulder...then he found himself here.


    He just then noticed Kaneki''s scrapes and bruises through his tattered wet shirt but overall he looked to be relatively okay.


    "We got swept pretty far downstream but I managed to grab you and pulled us out once the water was a little calmer. As for where we are...I''m not really sure."


    "...do you still have the map?"


    Kaneki shook his head somberly, squeezing what water he could out of his shirt.


    "It was in my bag when I lost it...sorry."


    "Oh, don''t be. I''m just glad to be alive. If it weren''t for you my sister would''ve probably ended up alone. So thank you."


    Kaneki scratched the back of his head, embarrassed by the praise.


    "Oh, it was no problem...actually, I struggled quite a lot to get us out so I guess it was a problem."


    They both couldn''t help but chuckle. Kaneki reached into a satchel beside him and offered an apple to Yakeru. It took a few pats on Yakeru''s hips for the confused rookie to realize that was his satchel. Nonetheless, he accepted.


    Stolen story; please report.


    "I found the food on you, but they''re a little wet."


    "It''s alright. I''d rather have wet food than no food at all."


    He bit into the apple, its sweet juices melting onto his tongue. Kaneki peeled an orange in the meantime before looking up.


    "So you mentioned you have a sister. You have any other family?"


    "No, just her and I. She''s been taking care of me for as long as I can remember. She''s the reason why I wanted to be a ranger."


    "Oh, that''s cool." he finished peeling the orange, biting into it.


    "Yeah. What about you? You have any family?" he wondered.


    "Just my mom and dad. They live in Hanataru. In fact, I grew up there."


    "You did?"


    "Yep. Everyone''s so kind to each other there. Although the village isn''t really doing well financially speaking and they don''t get much support from the capital. That''s why I wanna do what I can to help them out, you know?"


    His honorable quality made Yakeru break into a smile.


    "I see. You have a good heart."


    Kaneki remained silent, not sure how to respond to his compliment as they resumed eating the remaining food they had left.


    *****


    Meanwhile, twigs snapped, and leaves crunched under Kenji''s and Fuyumi''s feet as they cut through the thick forest. Nightfall began creeping up on them and they hadn''t found any sign of the others.


    "How far do you think they went?" Kenji asked.


    "Don''t know."


    "Well, we''re going pretty far. We should''ve seen some sign of them by now."


    "Those were strong rapids so they were probably swept pretty far away." the cool-headed Fuyumi rationalized. "Let''s just keep looking. It''d be a bad look if we failed our first mission. A low-ranking mission at that."


    Pushing past some shrubbery, they stumbled upon something unsightly. From afar, it appeared to be a bloody mangled mess of a body but couldn''t identify what it used to be from the distance they were at.


    "What the?!" Kenji blurted.


    It swarmed with flies and its bones jutted from a gash in its side. Instinctively, Fuyumi gripped the hilt of her daggers while Kenji fought the urge to vomit. As she approached it, Kenji worriedly grabbed her shoulder.


    "Wait! Whatever did this could still be nearby!"


    Fuyumi calmly brushed off his hand and looked down at the soil.


    "I don''t think so."


    She pointed toward the ground and he realized what she was alluding to. A set of large tracks were imprinted in the soil leading away from the corpse.


    "It left?" he asked no one in particular, confused.


    She knelt to examine the body, blood still oozing out from where its head should''ve been. Its ravaged corpse made it nearly impossible to identify from afar but judging by its fur and coloration, she was almost certain it was a santsuno deer.


    Kenji''s nerves shot into overdrive, his hands trembling as whatever did this could still be in the vicinity. As he scanned the luscious greenery, he spotted something lodged in a tree. Since there was barely any sunlight left, he cautiously approached the object and even then he had to squint. The texture was metallic and it shared the appearance of a needle...if needles were several times larger.


    "Is this a...quill?"


    "The fact that the corpse isn''t giving off an odor means it died recently too." she gathered, standing to her feet.


    Kenji studied the quill for a moment before realizing what it signified: A territorial marking. His eyes shot back and forth from the quill to the carcass and finally to the tracks the beast had left behind. They were twice as big as his foot and the streaks above each toe suggested it had claws.


    He deduced that forest lurkers would''ve been too slow to catch an animal as agile as a santsuno. Rabids, on the other hand, could potentially catch one but ultimately aren''t physically strong enough to completely decapitate one, let alone take it down. Besides, the tracks were too big for either monster.


    He looked toward the river to see Kaneki''s torn bag caught on a rock nearby. Some of its contents had already been swept away by the current.


    "Whatever did this must''ve seen something more appetizing...we need to find Yakeru and Kaneki fast! If we follow the tracks we can find the others!" he hurried away, dashing at speeds his party member didn''t think he was capable of.


    *****


    Yakeru and Kaneki finished the remaining food they had left. Yakeru glanced around, just now noticing something was missing.


    "Where''s your bag?"


    "I ditched it after we fell in the river."


    Realizing what he''d just said, Yakeru wondered,


    ''So does that mean we failed the mission?''


    Kaneki used his sleeve to wipe his mouth.


    "It''s been a while now. I was hoping your team would find us by now. Do you think something happened to them?"


    "With Fuyumi''s natural talent and Kenji''s brains?" he stifled a chuckle. "Not likely."


    Although he hadn''t known them long, he was certain a duo like them wouldn''t croak to the likes of inner rim monsters. He was certain they were on their way. Even so, he wished they''d pick up the pace since their wet clothing made even the lightest of breezes unbearable. They hadn''t stopped shivering during their entire interaction. Yakeru contemplated whether or not to keep moving but without the map, they''d be wandering aimlessly. He didn''t expect being a ranger would also entail a battle against the elements. Just when he thought their best option was to gather firewood, they perked up to the sound of rustling leaves and bushes nearby.


    "Speak of the devil." Yakeru breathed a sigh of relief, turning to see a shadow emerging from the brush. "See? Now that we''re all here, we can..."


    He trailed off as they watched the shadow lift itself on its hind legs, its top half now illuminated by the sun''s rays barely peeking over the horizon. Sweat droplets formed on their faces as Kaneki mumbled "...holy...", his lips quivering in fear.


    They froze in place as the towering beast loomed over them. Its fangs protruded from its jaws and saliva oozed from its red-stained mouth. Scars stretched from one side of its chest to the other in a diagonal pattern and quills of steel coated nearly every inch of its body.


    "What''s a steel-quilled bear doing here?!" Kaneki yelped.

 Chapter 7

    The bear''s ear-numbing roar quaked the air as Yakeru and Kaneki shielded their ears. It launched itself towards them, curling into a spiral. Slicing through the ground at blinding speeds, waves of debris exploded through the air on either side of it. The young ranger yanked the stiff Kaneki out of its path before it smashed into a tree in their place with a loud crash.


    Nature''s proud creation that once towered over its wildlife inhabitants was now collapsing in an instant. Crackling wood filled the forest as it tumbled, slamming into the ground with a deafening thud.


    The boys broke into a sprint, Yakeru clutching his forehead as pain began surging through it. He figured his injury would only get worse if not treated properly so his first instinct was to find somewhere to hide. As they dashed away, another roar rang their eardrums, scattering a flock of birds into the sky.


    After fleeing for what felt like forever, Kaneki''s stamina reached its limit. Resting their hands on their knees, they panted heavily behind a tree. Kaneki trembled at the sound of branches snapping growing louder with each passing second.


    Yakeru peered around the corner to see the monster sniffing out its prey, its fangs bared. It suddenly stopped and sniffed the air aggressively as if it caught their scent. Lifting itself on its hind legs, its nose continuously twitching before landing back on all fours. Slowly turning its gaze in their direction, the boy was forced to retreat behind the cover again. Kaneki lowered his voice to a quivering whisper.


    "W-What do we d-do?"


    The rookie ranger desperately calculated their options in his head. Steel-quilled bears were C-tier which implied that they''d unintentionally stumbled into mid rim territory. Kaneki mentioned that there was a shorter route through the mid rim to Hanataru but they couldn''t risk luring the beast to the village, assuming they could outrun an animal-type monster at all. On the other hand, if he made a stand, his injury made the likelihood of surviving a battle slim.


    ''Should I just distract it so he can make a run for it? Can I hold out long enough until the others find us? Are they even coming for us?'' the doubt that began to consume Yakeru''s thoughts sent his nerves into a frenzy.


    He gripped his arm to calm himself. Hesitant, he opened his mouth but before he could relay his plan, a giant paw reached around the corner. Without time to think, Yakeru forced Kaneki''s head down just as claws burrowed deep into the tree bark where his head used to be. Wood chips splintered as Kaneki scurried away, sweat dripping down Yakeru''s face as he regained his footing. He unsheathed his katana and swung for its blind spot.


    ????????????!


    A piercing boom resounded when his blade collided with its quills. Vibrations shot through him in response, sending his body into a series of jolts. The bear, however, was unfazed, it''s quill-like armor absorbing the the shock. His eyes widened as the monster winded up for another attack.


    ????????!


    Yakeru leaped backwards as it drove its claws into his last position, debris exploding from the impact and filling the area with thick smoke. Blood from his forehead seeped into his eyes, distorting his vision with a hazy red. He continuously wiped his eyes.


    ''Just as I thought. If this drags on, I''ll...!''


    The monster lunged through the smoke, demolishing the earth as it spiraled toward him. Yakeru rolled to his left as the steel-quilled beast steamrolled past him, nicking his jacket. He eyed the monster paving a crude trench through the earth as it circled back through the trees to meet him.


    Infusing his katana, he hastily fired multiple arcs toward it. The beast rammed through his barrage, explosions ringing out with every impact. The boy wiped his eyes vigorously, no longer able to gauge depth due to his impaired vision, the blurry image growing larger.


    Miscalculating the distance, its razor-sharp quills slashed open his back as he couldn''t leap out of the way in time. With a shriek of agony, he tumbled onto the dirt.


    The bear assumed its normal form again, its momentum dragging its legs through the soil as the wind swirled past it, trying to keep up. Yakeru''s arms and legs quivered as they struggled to support his weight.


    ''...my first mission...''


    The wind pushed aside the smokescreen as the bear trudged through it towards him.


    ''...I''m gonna die...on my first mission...''


    ??????????! ??????????! ??????????!


    The ground shook under the bear''s weight. His blood ran cold after glancing up to see the hulking silhouette with crimson eyes peering down at him. He could barely make out the scars on its chest. The monster inched its head closer to Yakeru''s, the defeated youth''s heart hammering away at his ribs.


    He began reminiscing about his comfortable life before. As a child, he''d always wait anxiously for his sister to return from her adventures, though his impatience never came from a place of worry but rather excitement. Every time she came back, she''d dive into a fresh new tale, each one vastly different from the last.


    Scorching fields of sand dominated by flaming raptors. A mysterious oceanic underworld filled with sunken ships, now home to sirens. Pairs of cold blue eyes watching you through the fierce blizzards of a snowy wasteland.


    New sights to discover and monsters lurking around every corner. Each story would add fuel to the fire, to his dream of becoming a ranger...but now it was coming to an abrupt end. A more recent memory played in his head.


    "???????? ???? ??????''???? ?????????? ???? ?? ???????????? ?????? ?????????? ???????????? ?????? ????????????????????."


    He couldn''t help but wonder if he''d still be in this predicament had he taken his sister''s warning to heart.


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    A foul stench leaked from the monster''s mouth when it unlocked its jaws, making his face scrunch up. Saliva hung from its fangs as his head began to enter the black abyss that was its mouth. He didn''t have the strength to resist. Instead, he accepted this outcome. Perhaps it''d be a painless demise since it went straight for his head. He squeezed his eyes shut, impatiently awaiting his end until...


    ??????????!


    A sharp clank followed by a light thud sounded beside him. He looked over to find a rock he hadn''t noticed before.


    ''...what the...?''


    The bear''s attention immediately shifted to Kaneki who was now on his feet, albeit barely since it seemed his trembling legs could fail him at any second. The beast must''ve assumed he was responsible for interrupting its feast because it growled in his direction.


    ''That''s right...he''s here too.'' Yakeru remembered.


    During their deadly exchange, he''d forgotten what his main objective was.


    Despite fear coursing through Kaneki''s veins, the will to save his escort, now companion, had overridden it. He grabbed another stone and lobbed it, whacking the bear in the nose. Rage filled its crimson eyes in an instant as it erupted into another deafening roar directed at Kaneki, saliva launching from its mouth.


    ''He entrusted his life to three strangers, including me...what kind of ranger would I be if I couldn''t protect him from one monster...!''


    He willed his arms to move as the wave of adrenaline numbed the throbbing in his head and the searing pain in his back. As the bear was distracted, he plunged his blade into its stomach. It shrieked in pain before Yakeru rolled from under it, pulling his sword out in the process. His eyes now burned with determination as the beast stumbled back, analyzing its wound.


    As it did, he took the time to tear a piece of fabric from his tattered shirt and tie it around his head. The excess blood soaked into the fabric, dyeing it a deep red as it flapped in the wind, resembling something of a makeshift headband. With a lowered stance and his sword at the ready, he narrowed his gaze.


    ''Those scars on its chest.''


    He didn''t realize it before since he was fighting to survive, his fear overriding reason. But now that he was fighting to kill, the bear''s weakness was all too apparent. The bear studied him, but the mouth-watering meal it had seen before disappeared, a threatening presence now emanating from the young swordsman.


    They stood there, shooting challenging gazes at one another before the quilled beast sprung forward once again, spiraling toward him but he effortlessly evaded. It slammed into a boulder and chunks of stone exploded into the air. The dry smell the smokescreen produced made the creature erupt into a fit of involuntary sneezes, disrupting its sense of smell. Emerging through the smoke, Yakeru infused his blade to increase its durability.


    The color of amber filled the monster''s field of view as he unleashed a flurry of slashes, each one targeting its chest. It howled as blood burst from its midsection.


    "Die...!" Yakeru hissed through his clenched teeth.


    Desperate, it swiped at Yakeru''s throat only for its claws to collide with his blade when he blocked. A sharp boom reverberated through the forest as he skidded back. Still locked onto its claws, he grinded his katana against them to deliver the finishing blow.


    "Die!"


    The blade pierced through the bear''s jugular. It flailed violently, flinging Yakeru into a nearby tree as blood gushed from its throat. He watched in satisfaction as it emitted a horrible gurgling sound before it finally collapsed, unmoving.


    ????????!


    The ranger laid there panting as the adrenaline wore off. He tried to smile at his accomplishment but the pain made it impossible. Kaneki rushed over to his side.


    "Are you okay?!"


    "...I don''t know..."


    "You''re gonna be fine, just..."


    He ran both hands through his hair as panic began to set in. He didn''t even seem to register the sound of hurrying footsteps in the distance.


    "Found them!"


    Kaneki looked over to see Fuyumi and Kenji rushing over to assist but Yakeru''s vision had already started to blur and their voices became fainter.


    "Yakeru? Yakeru!"


    Their voices became a jumbled mess of muffled sounds as Yakeru''s mind finally drifted into the abyss of unconsciousness...


    *****


    Groaning, Yakeru''s eyes fluttered open. The pain in his head and back had subsided a little. Tilting his head, he scanned his environment but couldn''t make out any details with his vision still blurry.


    "Where am I?"


    His eyes gradually adjusted and could tell that he was in a room. A sickly green paint peeled from the cracking walls. Sections of the ceiling had been eroded revealing the decaying support beams underneath.


    The deteriorating mattress he laid on had no bed frame and he could spot dust particles dancing in the light that poured through a single window.


    The door to his room creaked open and a middle-aged man walked in. His loose cream coat and the tray of elixirs he held suggested he was a medical professional. He recoiled in surprise, clearly not expecting to see his patient awake.


    "Oh, you''re conscious. How''re you feeling?"


    "Uhm, okay, I guess. Who are you?"


    He pulled up a chair next to Yakeru''s bedside and set the tray down on a stand.


    "Forgive me for not introducing myself. My name is Dajuan. I''m the doctor of Hanataru village."


    "Hanataru...so we made it. Wait, Kaneki! Where''s-"


    "Please don''t worry yourself." he patted the air, urging the youth to relax. "All of your friends are safe."


    He took one of the elixirs and swirled it gently.


    "So they''re here too?"


    "Yes, and I''ll inform them that you''re awake soon. For now, I need you to drink this. It''ll help with the healing process. Though it''s not of the same quality as the elixirs the capital can boast."


    He handed over the vial to Yakeru. After inspecting the green substance he downed the vial, an unpleasant taste making his face scrunch involuntarily.


    "It may have a sour taste to it as well."


    "Yeah...! I can see that."


    Dajuan stood to his feet and began making his way to the door.


    "As promised, I''ll inform the others. In the meantime, you should rest."


    He closed the door behind him leaving Yakeru alone with his thoughts. He glanced out the window, light beaming through the glass.


    ''Hope they didn''t go through too much trouble getting me here.''


    An hour went by and the familiar creak echoed through the room. He looked back to see Kenji and Kaneki rushing over to his bedside. Fuyumi, on the other hand, leaned against the doorframe with her arms crossed. Her expression was noticeably softer than usual.


    "Hey, how''re you feeling?" Kaneki asked with concern in his voice.


    "Better now, thanks."


    "You scared us. Are you sure you''re feeling alright?" Kenji wanted to confirm.


    "Positive."


    Yakeru peeked behind the two guys to get a better view of his more aloof party member. Her cold aura had vanished for once but she wasn''t exactly radiating warmth either.


    "It''s good to see you too, Fuyumi."


    She glanced away.


    "Yeah, whatever."


    He turned his attention back to Kenji and Kaneki, knowing he wouldn''t get anything else out of her.


    "So I''m assuming we failed the mission since your bag is gone?" he sighed, defeated.


    To his surprise, Kaneki shook his head.


    "Actually, no. Kenji and Fuyumi found my bag caught on a rock in the river although some of its contents were missing. But the map was still there which is how we managed to find the village. Not to mention the three of you protected me."


    "Oh, I see." relief washed over Yakeru.


    It would''ve been a shame nearly losing his life only to fail the mission anyways. Dajuan lightly knocked on the doorframe, grabbing everyone''s attention.


    "Apologies, but I really must do a check-up on Yakeru now."


    "Oh, right. See you, Yakeru." Kaneki said.


    "Get well soon." Kenji wished, walking through the door followed by Kaneki.


    Fuyumi lingered after they''d left, glancing back at her injured comrade before turning to leave. He could understand Kenji and Kaneki checking up on him, but he didn''t expect to see the ice queen too.


    ''Was she actually...worried about me?''

 Chapter 8

    Kenji and Fuyumi found themselves maneuvering through discarded belongings that littered the narrow dirt road. Rusted metal slabs were crudely placed together to form roofs over the clay homes that flanked either side. The elements had begun eating away at the structures'' aging paint and trash floated aimlessly through puddles of mucky water.


    Kenji wore a look of sympathy seeing the grimy villagers casually go about their day. He glanced back at Fuyumi, unable to get a read on her through her blank expression.


    "So we''re looking for what exactly?" he asked, trying to get his mind off of the horrible living conditions.


    "An artifact that''ll help us find each other if we get separated again."


    "Oh, I see."


    As the guild popularized adventuring, inventors, now known as artificers, saw an opportunity to profit off of the new mainstream profession with the launch of artifacts to support rangers on their expeditions. It was a booming success, to say the least, as various kinds of artifacts began flooding the market.


    Artifacts were more abundant in the capital, though small towns and villages usually offered a fair selection of them for travelers as well. They''d be lucky if Hanataru offered anything and if it did, they weren''t expecting something of high quality judging from the state the village was in.


    It suddenly dawned on him what she must''ve implied.


    ''Does that mean she''s planning on staying with us?''


    By a stroke of luck, they stumbled across a relatively well-kept stall. Making up the stall was a white sheet that provided shade to the vendor, tied to four log posts that were anchored to the ground. Artifacts of all shapes and sizes rested in a few trays, patiently waiting for someone to claim them. They didn''t look like much but it didn''t hurt to browse the rather limited selection.


    Most of them looked like duplicates as they shared the same cube-shaped design with runes inscribed on them. Others looked like simple metal rods and rings you could comfortably slip onto your wrist. As they looked over the strange artifacts, an elderly woman with disheveled grey hair greeted them with a warm smile behind the counter.


    "Welcome! I don''t usually get many customers. Are you two looking for anything in particular?"


    "What do you have that can track people?" Fuyumi responded bluntly.


    Kenji cringed at her choice of words but the woman didn''t seem to mind. Whether it came from a place of respect for rangers or if it was just a case of her being nice, he wasn''t sure. She tapped her chin in thought.


    "Hmm. Something with tracking capabilities...I think I have just the thing for you."


    She reached over and grabbed a peculiar item, presenting it to them.


    "This here is a talisman tracker."


    Fuyumi took the artifact from her frail hands to inspect it. As expected, it didn''t have the sleekest of designs but her interest suggested she didn''t mind as long as it did as advertised. It was made up of a simple clear stone embedded in a cheap circular, metallic frame.


    "As the name suggests, it can track other talismans that are imbued with radiance. Once active, it''ll start to glow. The closer you are to the other talisman the brighter it gets."


    Kenji studied the talisman, intrigue spreading across his face.


    "Interesting. I assume it emits radiance when it glows and will only track talismans with the same radiant signature."


    The shop owner grinned, impressed with the boy''s deductive skills.


    "Smart boy."


    "We''ll take three," Fuyumi demanded.


    "Sure, dear. That''ll be three silver."


    [10 silver = 1 gold


    10 gold = 1 platinum]


    She fished around in her pocket before pulling out three silver coins and trading them for three talismans. Kenji thanked her while jogging away to catch up with the already departing Fuyumi.


    "You youngsters take care of yourselves!" the woman waved.


    *****


    Meanwhile, at the infirmary, Yakeru rummaged through his belongings, dawning his normal attire.


    "As I said, you should be fine to be discharged, but I''d still recommend you not to push yourself," Dajuan warned as Yakeru slid into his boots.


    "Right. Thanks again for everything, Dajuan."


    "My pleasure and do take better care of yourself."


    "Will do." The kid chuckled in embarrassment, scratching the back of his head. He was at the same level as that bear yet nearly nearly lost his life to it. He wasn''t sure if he was making up excuses but enduring through a prior head injury while fighting wasn''t exactly ideal.


    Escorted outside, he was relieved to know he could finally breathe in fresh air...or so he thought. Somehow the air quality outside seemed worse than in the dusty infirmary. A whiff of what could only be described as rotten eggs and vegetables practically made his nose shrivel.


    He recalled Kaneki mentioning that Hanataru wasn''t the wealthiest of villages but it was even more dilapidated than he''d expected. He was also worried he''d stand out with his tattered jacket but it seemed he fitted in with the locals quite well. Although, he wasn''t sure if that was a good thing.


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    Looking off the side, he found Kaneki waiting near the entrance with an older man he didn''t recognize. The man was on the heavier side and sported chipped wooden armor. His bald spot parted his dark hair down the middle stopping at the back of his head. Kaneki spotted him as he made his approach.


    "Hey, Yakeru. Good to see you in good condition again." he greeted the ranger with a smile.


    "Good to feel like it too." Yakeru stretched his arms, glancing at the man.


    "I''d like you to meet my father." he gestured toward the man.


    "I''m Vlad, the village chief and head of Hanataru''s security. It''s good to finally meet you, Yakeru." he extended his hand before Yakeru shook it.


    "Likewise, sir. Kaneki mentioned you on our way here."


    "I see. I heard about your battle with that bear. Kaneki said despite being outmatched, you didn''t back down. The making of a brave warrior. I''m truly grateful he had someone like you by his side to protect him." he bowed in respect to the rookie whose face was now red with embarrassment.


    Yakeru could only chuckle sheepishly since Vlad didn''t know the full story.


    "Oh...well, I don''t know about being a ''brave warrior''. I was pretty scared when that thing showed up..."


    "As I would expect. But what is bravery without fear?"


    The ranger didn''t know how to respond. Luckily, a shout in the distance saved him from the awkward silence.


    "Sir!"


    They all turned to see a couple of men in the same shabby wooden armor jogging towards them. They stopped in front of their commanding officer, their hands shooting up to their foreheads in a salute.


    "Report," Vlad ordered.


    "Sir, we''ve scouted the dungeon but ran into C-tier monsters inside so we had no choice but to retreat. But our findings confirmed our suspicions."


    The second guard reached into his pocket and pulled out an object that gleamed once it was exposed to the light.


    "There are definitely radiant gems in that dungeon."


    Hope flickered in Vlad''s eyes and a smile crept onto his face upon hearing this.


    "Good work."


    Vlad turned to Yakeru and opened his mouth but hesitated, leaving the two boys confused.


    "Dad?"


    Vlad shook his head.


    "Sorry, I had a thought but it''s nothing."


    "Shall we send someone to the rangers guild to post a mission?" a guard questioned.


    Vlad cupped his chin in thought. To request the guild to put up a C-rank mission would mean paying a hefty fee. However, this wasn''t the main issue.


    By clearing a dungeon, rangers would usually profit in two fashions: The first is looting the dungeon of its valuables and selling them off and the second, of course, would be from their reward from the guild for clearing said dungeon.


    If word got out that a rare treasure, such as radiant gems, was discovered in a C-rank dungeon, rangers wouldn''t hesitate to seize the opportunity. Even if the guild could prohibit rangers from collecting the dungeon''s riches, for any reason, a chunk of the revenue would be lost and the mission would be neglected anyways. Vlad sighed reluctantly, coming to a conclusion.


    "No, this is a matter we''ll have to take care of ourselves."


    The guards stared at him, their expressions mixed with worry and confusion.


    "Then how will we deal with the monsters without rangers?"


    Yakeru had the same thought. From what he''s seen, Hanataru''s guards didn''t even possess quality-grade gear. Without rangers to reinforce Vlad and his men, it''d be a massacre. This was a no-brainer for the kid as he raised his hand, grabbing the guards'' attention.


    "Actually, I''m a ranger myself. I''d be willing to help." he volunteered.


    Kaneki stared at him in surprise.


    "You can''t be serious. You were just discharged. You can''t."


    "Kaneki''s right," his father agreed. "I can''t allow you to come with us. You still need to take it easy for the time being."


    "Well, what other choice do you have? Besides, I''m sure my team would like to help too."


    Vlad waved a dismissive hand.


    "No, I want you to rest. You''ve already done more than enough."


    As if on cue, Yakeru''s other two party members returned from the shop, Kenji relieved to see Yakeru on his feet.


    "Good to see you''ve recovered," he glanced between the guards and Yakeru with a puzzled look. "What''s going on?"


    Before Yakeru could explain, Vlad was quick to answer.


    "Nothing. We were just leaving. Thank you again for escorting my son here, rangers."


    He turned and walked off, urging his men to follow suit. Kenji shrugged slightly and approached Yakeru with the talisman in hand. Dropping it in Yakeru''s open palm, he explained what it was. Yakeru nodded along with a blank expression as he inspected the artifact.


    "You okay?" Kenji asked before Yakeru dived into his own explanation of what happened before they returned. Mentioning how they were going on a dungeon raid without the guild triggered a look of confusion on Kenji''s face.


    "I said I''d help but he turned me down."


    Kenji stared at him with wide eyes.


    "But you just got out of the infirmary."


    "I know, but-"


    "No." Fuyumi''s stern voice cut through their conversation, all eyes snapping on her. "You were almost killed by a C-tier monster. Besides, Kenji''s too weak for something like that."


    Despite speaking the truth, her words still stung. The young conjurer grew silent, looking down at his feet as she continued.


    "We''re going back."


    "Fuyumi, come on. Just look at these people," he gestured for her to survey the area.


    As she was about to fire back with a counterargument, her eyes had already begun to wander, almost against her will. She caught a glimpse of movement in a dark alley behind Yakeru. She paused, her rebuttal still hovering in her mind, dissolving the longer she stared.


    The alleyway looked just like the rest with overflowing trash bins and someone fishing through the piles. Only this time her face softened ever so slightly when she realized it was a child. The kid was shirtless with ragged shorts and sandals, scrounging through the garbage heap and placing any ''valuables'' he found into a sack.


    "They don''t have much but the guards said they found radiant gems in the dungeon. Do you know how valuable those are?" Yakeru questioned her.


    It took a few blinks for her to pry her gaze away from the child and return it to Yakeru.


    "Fine. But if something happens, don''t rely on me to save you." Fuyumi sighed in defeat.


    Their image of her gradually began to change slightly. Perhaps she wasn''t the cold hearted person they made her out to be. Kaneki scratched his head in confusion.


    "Uhm, I''m not the most knowledgeable in this kind of thing...what''s a radiant gem?" Kaneki pried.


    "It''s a rare phenomenon that happens when radiance is crystallized. Even my sister only came across them once. Since they''re rare, they can sell for a lot."


    "Oh, I see."


    Kaneki swirled with confliction. On one hand, he wanted the villagers'' living conditions to improve. On the other, he couldn''t shake the sense of dread knowing his father would plunge into the lion''s den. After all, he''d seen what a C-tier monster was capable of. His mind was now tugging toward the option Yakeru had suggested.


    "I don''t know, Yakeru..." Uncertainty made Kenji''s mouth go crooked.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll be fine. I promise. And Fuyumi will be there too so those monsters won''t stand a chance."


    Fuyumi rolled her eyes, irritated by how Yakeru implied he was going to rely on her even after she instructed him not to do so. Yakeru reinforced his point as Kenji''s fidgeting indicated he still wasn''t convinced.


    "Those guards aren''t like rangers. If they go in alone it could end badly."


    The thought of that made Kaneki shudder. Kenji dragged his gaze up to meet Yakeru''s.


    "Well...I guess if you''re sure. As for compensation, we could take a small fraction of the gems...that is if they''d give us permission to."


    Kaneki''s face dripped with worry, still unsure if Yakeru was fit to go on a dungeon raid so soon, and after his bout with a C-tier monster.


    "Are you sure about this?" Kaneki made one last confirmation.


    "Of course," Yakeru replied.


    "Okay then," Kaneki sighed before gesturing for them to follow him. "Come on, my dad''s gonna rally up some of his guys before they leave."

 Chapter 9

    The nauseating stench of Hanataru didn''t relent as Kaneki escorted the rangers through the village. It seemed the further they walked, the worse the living conditions became. The uncleanliness of the villagers attracted swarms of flies, though it appeared they''d already grown accustomed to them.


    Along the way, they passed an old, seemingly abandoned building. The bricks were withered and worn, the roof riddled with holes, and vines were already slithering up its crumbling walls. Yakeru stared at the building as they passed by, Kaneki taking note of the young ranger''s interest.


    "The last village chief used that building for a charity to help fund the capital in finding cures for diseases." Kaneki briefly explained.


    "Wow, that''s really noble of him," Yakeru exclaimed in admiration, his mind now painting images of what the previous village chief was like. He imagined a man radiating kindness and wearing a warm smile that lifted the spirits of those who were broken.


    "It would be if that were true," his voice took on a more somber note as his pace slowed. "As it turned out he was a man driven by greed, using a charity as an excuse to steal from the villagers. After squeezing out everything he could, he fled."


    His words shattered Yakeru''s initial impression, sympathy now written on his face. Kenji shared the same expression when hit with the truth while Fuyumi pretended to ignore the history lesson. Had she not turned her head, the others might''ve noticed the hint of pity in her eyes.


    "I''m sorry to hear that." Yakeru mustered as Kaneki regained his composure.


    "It''s alright. We have a chance to make things right again."


    After several more minutes, they arrived at a small dilapidated building and entered. It didn''t take long for Kaneki to spot his father in an office, stacks of papers piling on the desk he sat behind, ordering another guard.


    "Spread the word. I want our best guys on this."


    "Yes sir!" the guard saluted before rushing off, Vlad now noticing the unexpected visitors. He presumed this was about their conversation earlier.


    "You''re not here to tell me you''re coming with us are you?"


    "Yes. The three of us agreed to accompany you." Yakeru replied, Vlad almost rolling his eyes at the sheer persistence of this kid.


    "I know you mean well but you have to look after yourself right now," Vlad sighed. "As for the rest of you, you''ve already done enough escorting my boy here."


    "Sir, with all due respect," Kenji stepped forward. "If you and your men go into a C-rank dungeon it might not end well."


    Of course, the head of security was aware. Since this wasn''t an official mission, there wasn''t a reward for helping them. He couldn''t even offer one if he wanted to since the village was in a bind.


    He thought to himself for a brief moment, running through the consequences of entering a dungeon without the rangers'' aid. If their intel was correct, they might not make it out alive to enjoy their treasure.


    His mind has been racing ever since he received the report. He''d formulated several plans in his head, each one collapsing under the weight of one major flaw. It didn''t matter how much he was against Yakeru''s suggestion, his mind always wandered back to it.


    "Are you sure you want to do this?" he hesitantly asked.


    "Yes," Yakeru responded confidently.


    "...okay then." Vlad''s annoyed expression seemingly dissipated with a defeated yet slightly relieved sigh.


    He pulled out an old rolled-up map from a drawer and unraveled it atop on the desk, revealing a bird''s eye view of the Hanataru and the nearby landscapes. He tapped his finger on an image that they assumed was a cliff face, circled in red ink.


    "This is where the dungeon is located, about an hour northeast of here," he dragged his finger along a trail. "And this is the route we''ll be taking. It was going to take me days, maybe weeks, to come up with a plan to raid the dungeon without rangers. I suppose now I won''t have to worry. I''ll have my guys rally at Hanataru''s north gate first thing at sunrise."


    "We''ll be there." Yakeru nodded in agreement. "I know your guards have already sighted some C-tier monsters inside. Did they specify what kind?"


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    "They did. They said there were vamp-crawlers."


    Both Yakeru and Kenji practically stumbled backwards. Whether it was because of fearlessness or overconfidence, they were uncertain but Fuyumi stood there indifferently upon hearing this.


    "V-Vamp-crawlers?" Kenji shuddered.


    "I...I see..." Yakeru stuttered as his mind flooded with distant memories.


    From a young age, Akari''s stories would always infatuate the boy. However, one such story mentioned a monster that thrives in the shadows. Her description of this monster would always keep him awake at night. A pale humanoid creature that would slither out from under your bed or creek open your closet door in the dead of night to abduct disobedient children. Parents, even rangers, would search high and low but would uncover not a single trace of the children''s whereabouts as if they''d vanished off the face of the earth.


    Of course, now he realized she''d exaggerated her stories about this monster just to spook him into behaving, but that wasn''t to say there wasn''t lingering trauma from her cunning tactic.


    "My guys didn''t stay for long. With vamp-crawlers there, I don''t blame them." Vlad continued.


    He interlocked his fingers on his chipped desk.


    "Thank you for doing this...we''ll try and figure something out for compensation..."


    "Don''t worry, dad. We had an idea."


    After discussing the plan, everyone left as Vlad resumed his office work. Once outside, they were greeted with a not-so-welcoming rotten stench entangled with the light breeze. Since they''d be raiding the dungeon the next day, they''d need to find somewhere to stay for the night.


    Several minutes passed before they arrived at a rundown inn.


    HANATARU INN


    Yakeru had to tilt his head to read the crooked sign in what was supposed to be a window. The bent nails jutting out of the loose, uneven planks gave off the impression that the place was barely held together. They strolled inside, the floor creaking under their weight as the group estimated how long it''d take for the floor to collapse.


    After paying the owner of the rather rundown establishment, they made their way to their designated rooms and began settling in. Fuyumi walked next door without saying a word as Kaneki said his goodbyes to her.


    "See you tomorrow, Fuyumi."


    "Whatever." she coldly responded.


    She shut the door behind her, Kaneki turning to Yakeru and Kenji setting aside their belongings.


    "I guess she really isn''t the social type, huh?"


    "You have no idea," Kenji replied as he leaned his staff against the yellowish wall.


    "Well, I''m off to my mom''s place. I''ll escort you guys to the north gate tomorrow."


    Yakeru set his sword down on the cracked floor.


    "Will do, you have a good night."


    "Likewise."


    A small dust cloud shot into the air when their futons made contact with the floor before they erupted into a fit of coughs. When the cloud subsided, Yakeru cringed when he spotted a roach come out of hiding and scurried off into another corner of the room, though Kenji didn''t seem to notice. Ignoring his disgust, he blew out the lantern and they both slipped inside their respective futons.


    Kenji clenched his teeth in thought as he took longer to settle in. Ever since they were separated, something had been aching in the back of Kenji''s mind. The longer he suppressed the thought, the more it weighed on him. He couldn''t stand the feeling anymore, breaking the silence before Yakeru drifted off to sleep.


    "Uhm, Yakeru?"


    Yakeru squirmed before answering.


    "Hm? Yeah?"


    "I''m sorry." his sudden apology oozed with guilt.


    Yakeru then turned to face him, confusion in his eyes.


    "For what?"


    "For what happened on the bridge. I tried to push past the rabids but I just wasn''t fast enough. Because of that, you and Kaneki paid the price. You even had to fight a steel-quilled bear by yourself. So I''m sorry."


    Yakeru''s face softened.


    "Kenji, that wasn''t your fault. Besides, it could''ve been worse. If it weren''t for you, we all would''ve been in trouble if we used our weapons instead."


    Kenji stared at the floor as Yakeru continued.


    "If anything, I think you did great on your first mission."


    "If you say so..." Kenji uttered, not entirely convinced as Yakeru yawned, stretching his arms and legs.


    "Let''s get some rest. We can''t raid a dungeon half asleep."


    Kenji didn''t respond and before long, Yakeru dozed off. Kenji found it difficult to do the same with the recent events on repeat in his head.


    An hour flew by before he exhausted himself from contemplating the incident, surrendering to fatigue.


    Meanwhile, a fiery red filled Fuyumi''s vision as she stood amid a village ravaged by a raging inferno. Embers shot from burning homes and billowing smoke blanketed the night sky, filling the air with the stench of charred wood. She reflexively brought her hands up to shield her face from the bombardment of heat waves. Stepping back, her foot made contact with something warm. She glanced down to see her feet now soaked in a red liquid. Turning back, her eyes widened in horror to see the ground riddled with mangled corpses, men and women alike.


    "...run!"


    She froze as a familiar voice cried out to her.


    "Run, Fuyumi!"


    Suddenly, her eyes snapped open, her body shooting upright in her futon. Drenched in a cold sweat, her eyes darted from one corner of the room to the next. With moonlight casting its soft glow through the open window, she could make out familiar objects. The dusty wardrobe, the cobwebs lightly swaying in the corners of the room, the veiny cracks in the walls, and her equipment resting peacefully beside her.


    With a trembling hand, she gripped her chest to soothe her racing heart and steady her heaving. With the other, she grasped her futon to feel the fabric beneath her fingers. Though her rundown room gave off a gloomy vibe, the physical environment reassured her that she was no longer trapped within her nightmare''s grasp.


    With several deep breaths, she managed to tame her raging heart and calm her nerves. She wiped the sweat from her face before resting her forehead on her hands, sniffling. After several minutes, she curled back into her futon and stared at a spot on the wall until she relaxed just enough to drift back to sleep.

 Chapter 10

    Sunlight filtered through the window as Yakeru squinted his eyes open. He took a whiff, expecting to find the alluring aroma of eggs and toast drifting through the air only for his nostrils to be assaulted by dust particles. As a violent sneeze escaped him, he realized he''d unknowingly grown accustomed to Akari cooking breakfast every morning. The angle the sunlight entered the room was a bit off too, further proving that he was no longer in the comfort of his own home, but a different village entirely.


    He''d done little traveling over the years so waking up in a new environment was a bit jarring. He figured he''d have to get accustomed to unfamiliar settings anyway if he wanted to be a full fledged ranger. He shifted his body to face the opposite side of the room to avoid the light beaming in his eyes.


    "Time to go, Yakeru."


    Yakeru glanced up to see Kenji packing up.


    "Right..." he sat up, stretching his arms and letting out a yawn. "You know if Fuyumi is up yet?"


    "If she is, knowing her, she probably left without us."


    After gathering their things, they headed out the door. Yakeru knocked on Fuyumi''s door only for silence to greet him in response.


    "Fuyumi?" he knocked again but again he heard nothing on the other side.


    "Maybe she''s outside?" Kenji wondered.


    They made their way to the front desk and after returning their keys to the owner, Yakeru asked,


    "Excuse me. Did you happen to see a girl walk out?"


    "Oh, yes. You just missed her. She left a couple of minutes ago."


    "Oh, thank you."


    They made their way outside and spotted Fuyumi with Kaneki. The boys were a bit stunned at first to find their aloof party member hanging out with an acquaintance but upon further inspection that wasn''t the case. There was an awkward air between them as Kaneki anxiously rubbed his neck while Fuyumi tapped her foot impatiently. Kaneki''s awkwardness dispersed as soon as he saw Yakeru and Kenji approach them, greeting them with a wave. Fuyumi''s blank expression didn''t change at all upon seeing them.


    "Wow, you actually waited for us." Yakeru said with shock in his voice.


    "I was just about to go to the north gate by myself." Fuyumi responded tersely.


    "See?" Kenji put a hand up to his mouth to whisper to Yakeru. "Told you she would''ve left us."


    As they approached, it became clear something was off about her. There were faint bags under her eyes as Yakeru''s expression had a hint of worry for her.


    "Uhm, did you sleep okay, Fuyumi?"


    She stifled a yawn, turning her head to hide any trace of her exhaustion.


    "Yeah, of course I did."


    He didn''t buy it but he knew better not to pry.


    "If you say so. Anyways we should probably get going."


    "Right. Follow me." Kaneki began to lead them through the village.


    After making their way to the north gate, they could spot around a dozen guards, including Vlad, through the slew of villagers. The soon-to-depart men embraced their loved ones, some kids demanding that they''d better return with a thrilling story from their dungeon raid. Other kids however didn''t share their optimism, pleading for their fathers to stay while tugging their arms. Though, like all good fathers, they''d promise to make it back. The scene was eerily similar to men being drafted into war, saying their, potentially, final goodbyes to their families.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    The rangers assumed the more muscular of the guards were assigned as porters as not only were they the most built for it, but they also had large bags of mining equipment resting beside them. Kaneki guided the others, approaching Vlad as he chatted with a disheveled woman with dirty blonde hair.


    "Are you sure you''ll be alright?"


    "Positive. Please don''t worry."


    The guards turned their heads to Kaneki and the others. Most of them recognized their commanding officer''s son right away but were confused as to who the others were that were accompanying him. The guards muttered amongst themselves.


    "Who are those guys?"


    "I''m guessing those are the rangers the boss mentioned. They''re supposed to help on this dungeon raid."


    One of them snapped their fingers in realization.


    "Oh, that''s right! They escorted his son here, right?"


    "Yeah, hopefully, this will be a smooth raid with them here."


    A grin formed on Vlad''s face as they approached them.


    "Ah. There you are."


    The woman turned her attention from Vlad to Kaneki and the rangers. She wore a rather plain shirt and a long dark skirt that came down to her knees.


    "Mom, these are the rangers I told you about."


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you all!" she clapped her hands together, her eyes lighting up as she finally got to meet her son''s protectors. "Kaneki has told me so much about you!"


    She ecstatically reached for their hands leaving them with no choice but to shake.


    "It''s nice to meet you, ma''am." Yakeru replied as she radiated gratitude.


    "Kaneki told me what happened with that bear monster." she pulled her son into a tight hug, triggering redness in his face. "Thank you so much for protecting him."


    "Mom, please. Not in front of everyone...!" he turned his head slightly to hide his embarrassment.


    Yakeru and Kenji smiled at his expense while Fuyumi looked away, glumness flashing across her face. Before anyone could notice, a familiar voice called out from behind them.


    "Since you''re here, I assume you''re doing better, Yakeru."


    Yakeru turned, pleased to see the man who''d taken care of him after his scuffle with the bear.


    "Oh, hey Dajuan! It''s good to see you again. Yeah, I''m feeling a lot better thanks to you."


    He wore his normal attire, hauling a wagon full of elixirs.


    "Glad to hear it. I took the liberty of making health elixirs with the materials I had left since there are no healers with you. Please take these with you."


    The rangers and guards gathered around the wagon, taking elixirs for themselves.


    "This is very kind of you, Dajuan. Thank you. We''ll need these." Vlad said in appreciation.


    "My pleasure." Dajuan glanced in Yakeru''s direction. "And do take care of yourself, Yakeru. The last time you faced a C-tier monster you ended up in my infirmary." he jabbed.


    The boy nodded, hiding his frustration behind a forced smile.


    ''That''s because I was already injured!''


    Kaneki''s body language relaxed as he watched his father slip an elixir into his satchel. Vlad did a quick headcount before announcing their departure. Before they left, Kaneki and his mother embraced the commanding officer.


    "Please look after my husband." she pleaded to the rangers.


    "We''ll do our best, ma''am," Kenji reassured.


    "I still need you guys to escort me back so take care of yourselves." Kaneki reminded them.


    "We know," Yakeru waved a dismissive hand. "We''ll make it back, I promise."


    They set off as Kaneki, his mother, and the other families waved from the gate.


    After departing, the group followed the trail that cut through the forest. An hour had passed and the guards'' raggedy wooden armor rattled as they followed behind their leader to the cliff. The rangers kept up with Vlad toward the front as trees towered over them on both sides.


    "Are you positive you don''t wanna rest some more?" Vlad asked Yakeru for confirmation.


    "To be honest, I feel a lot better. I''ll be okay."


    "Alright then. As long as you''re certain."


    Vlad felt a wave of relief wash over him to see actual rangers accompanying him.


    "If I''m being honest, when I heard the report about this dungeon, I was hoping you''d come along with us. But it would''ve been unfair to ask such a thing since you were just discharged."


    Yakeru recalled their first meeting just outside the infirmary. Particularly, a moment in their interaction when he hesitated to speak and pretended to shrug it off. Now that he thought about it, that awkward moment made more sense.


    "Uhm, I have a question." the young ranger said, stepping over a decaying log.


    "I''m listening."


    "Even after rejecting our help at first, you and your men were about to enter a dungeon that''s at least C-rank by yourselves. Why?"


    Vlad stared ahead in thought.


    "I know what you''re thinking. It would''ve been a suicide mission if we went in alone. But I wanted to at least try." he peeked over his shoulder, prompting Yakeru to do the same. The guards trudged on and porters looked just as worn out as their armor did. "These guys wanted to try. It hurts to see men, women, and children living in poverty. The capital, or even the royal families for that matter, don''t do much to help us. Instead, they continue to squeeze taxes out of us. So if there''s even a chance to make the villagers'' lives even a little better, we''re taking it."


    "I understand."


    After an hour, they''d arrived at the entrance of the dungeon at the base of a cliff. The group set down their equipment to take a short breather. The guards lugging around the large backpacks were especially worn out as they downed their water bottles in mere seconds. Darkness engulfed the light entering the mouth of the cave as some curious guards peered into it.


    "So this is the dungeon, huh?"


    "Yeah. Hopefully, we won''t have to do a lot of fighting before we gather enough radiant gems."


    Vlad took a swig of his water and wiped his mouth with his sleeve.


    "Alright, while we''re here, let''s go over the formation."


    After everyone nodded in agreement, he grabbed a twig and sketched a visual representation of the formation as the others gathered around. Since Vlad was the leader of the group, he would be in the front. With Yakeru and Fuyumi specializing in close combat, they''d be to his left and right. The guards would cover the group''s rear in case they were flanked. Kenji and the porters would be in the dead center of the formation.


    This was, at the very least, a C-rank dungeon meaning E-rank rangers like Kenji would normally be denied entry. However, needless to say, this dungeon wasn''t on the guild''s radar, otherwise it most certainly would''ve been swept clean already. This meant there wasn''t an official mission for this dungeon and was technically fair game for anyone, regardless of their rank.


    Once everyone was clear on their roles, Vlad stood up and began marching into the mouth of the dungeon.


    "Alright, let''s go!" he ordered, the rangers and his men plunging into the abyss.

 Chapter 11

    The temperature dropped upon entering as they went down a gradual slope. The light emitting from Kenji''s staff cut through the shadows just far enough ahead before it was eventually swallowed by darkness. Light tapping echoed softly around them as water dripped from the stalactites above.


    Vlad had his longsword drawn while Yakeru and Fuyumi stood adjacent to him. The guards held their wooden shields and dull swords at the ready. Yakeru wasn''t sure how much of what he heard about vamp-crawlers was true so he made sure to stick close to the others like glue.


    "Stay alert," Vlad cautioned. "We don''t know how many of them are down here. Or if they''re the only type of monsters here for that matter."


    Kenji glanced back at the porters, adopting a stern expression. While his comrades would handle the fighting, he was tasked with protecting the men hauling the inventory. The porters gave the conjurer an assuring nod to signify their trust in him as he returned the gesture.


    A guard in front of him pointed at a particular rock formation off to the side.


    "Hey, I recognize that. We''re getting close."


    Before long, a light flickered in the distance. As they got closer, it became clear what they were staring at. Scattered along the base of the stone walls were tiny radiant gems. The way they twinkled made it seem like they''d just stumbled upon a cluster of stars. Vlad''s face lit up slightly, momentarily fantasizing about what the village could do with these gems.


    "Grab these while we still can," he ordered before his men carried out his command.


    They mined for several minutes, stuffing as many of the pocket-sized gems into their bags as they could. Yakeru and Fuyumi stood watch for anything suspicious. As the men moved along the wall, water dripped onto an isolated guard. He casually wiped his neck but before he could continue working he paused. The water felt thicker than what he''d expected. Massaging his fingers together, he cringed as it had a slimy texture to it.


    ''What is this stuff?''


    Suddenly, the hairs on everyone''s necks stood up just as a low hiss filled the dungeon''s caverns. The guard slowly shifted his gaze to the ceiling, his eyes landing on the silhouette of a lanky figure peering down at him. Before he could register what he was looking at, the creature had already pounced on him, plunging its fangs into his neck. What was supposed to be a scream came out as a weak whimper as it sunk its teeth deeper into his flesh.


    The rest of the group stumbled backward as a dozen more of these creatures dropped from the spaces between the stalactites. Licking their fangs, they slowly approached the group that had so generously offered themselves up as food. They crept on all fours, their skin a ghostly white and their jet-black eyes made their heads appear hollow.


    ''So these are the infamous vamp-crawlers!'' Yakeru gulped as a sweat droplet rolled down his face.


    Their doomed comrade flailed his legs desperately as his arms were trapped within the iron grasp of the creature. Despite its thin build, it possessed strength far greater than the average human. Eventually, his flailing stopped and his eyes rolled back into his skull. His body was stripped of all its color, shriveling like a deflated balloon.


    The vamp-crawler that had attacked him now set its hollow gaze on the rest of the group. It circled its tongue around its face, licking off the excess blood as it crawled over the corpse. Both Yakeru and Fuyumi drew their weapons, the collective hissing from the humanoids sending shivers down Yakeru''s spine.


    "Here they come!" Vlad roared as the beasts charged them.


    Fuyumi leaped forward, immediately slicing through a vamp-crawler''s neck. Kenji raised his staff, conjuring a radiant dome around himself and the porters. Yakeru began cutting down the monsters that somehow got past Fuyumi. As a last line of defense, the remaining guards surrounded the dome.


    Wood chips splintered off of Vlad''s shield as a vamp-crawler smashed into it. Reaching around his shield, it gripped onto his neck, inching him closer to its bared fangs.


    ''No you don''t!''


    Vlad plunged his sword into its stomach but it barely mustered a reaction from the creature. Instead, it clamped down on his neck harder, sealing off his airways and dragging him closer to its gaping mouth.


    Pulling his blade out, he relentlessly drove it into the monster again and again until it finally released him and stumbled backwards. Before it could reengage him, his blade sliced through its throat and it collapsed with a thud.


    He dropped to his knees, struggling to draw air. His throat was left bruised and swollen where it had grabbed him. Hurriedly reaching into his satchel, he pulled out his elixir and downed the vial before the swelling could deny its contents. Despite Vlad''s vulnerable state, more vamp-crawlers rushed the guards behind him.


    The sound of gurgled shrieks filled the cavern as both parties were cut down. Kenji braced himself as a vamp-crawler weaved around its assailants, its eyes set on those hiding within the dome.


    He poured enough radiance into the dome, making it around twelve inches thick. He was aware he was too weak for this dungeon so to compensate, he was forced to rely on his allies. With a sturdy barrier separating him from that bloodthirsty monster, he was confident he could protect the men behind him and stall until the others could slay it. The porters huddled inside, confident in their sanctuary. Kenji steeled himself, eying the creature that made its rapid approach.


    ''There''s no way it''ll be able to-!''


    ??????????!


    With a thunderous crash, the vamp-crawler shattered the wall along with the porters'' sense of security. Kenji''s desperate efforts to reinforce the dome ultimately proved to be futile. A shockwave of fear ripped through porters as Kenji fired a projectile in his haste. Although it slammed directly into the creature''s chest, it didn''t so much as flinch as his attack fizzled out upon impact.


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    Terror became more evident on Kenji''s face as the vamp-crawler latched onto a nearby porter, sinking its fangs in the man''s flesh. Kenji''s head echoed with the man''s shrieks as red sprayed from his neck, fear locking the kid in place as he watched helplessly.


    The lives he was responsible for were about to be extinguished before his eyes. The man''s struggling came to a gradual halt, his limbs going limp. But the creature''s hunger wasn''t yet satiated. It set its empty gaze on the young conjurer, sending a shiver down his spine. The vamp-crawler tossed aside the corpse, lunging for the boy. Before he could gather his wits, it had already seized him by the arm, slamming him into the ground. His heart pounded against his chest as his trembling eyes met the beast''s hollow gaze. As it opened its gaping mouth to burrow its teeth into him,


    ????????????!


    A blade slammed into its neck, forcing it to disengage with a shriek. Releasing the boy, he scurried away as his savior roared out,


    "Don''t worry, kid!" he reassured, trying to retrieve his sword that''d been jammed in the vamp-crawler''s neck. "We got your ba-!"


    He was interrupted by the creature''s pale hand snatching his head, driving his skull into the stone floor. The guard convulsed violently as the shock ripped through his cranium.


    With the sword still lodged in its neck, it plunged its fangs into the barely conscious man, his pleads coming out as gurgles from the blood that quickly filled his airways. Kenji had no choice but to watch the man''s body shrivel until Yakeru slashed through its top half with a radiant-imbued blade, its torso splitting in two.


    "Behind you!" Kenji warned as a monster dashed toward his flank.


    Yakeru sidestepped the vamp-crawler, tearing his shirt in the process as another barreled into him. With the wind knocked out of him, his sword flung from his grasp, tumbling back as the two monsters advanced toward him after a quick recovery. The first one went to pounce on him but to no avail as Yakeru recovered just in time to narrowly evade.


    The sounds of metal tearing through flesh sounded more distant as he sprinted after his sword, which landed further inside the dungeon. The second monster galloped towards him at frightening speeds. He dove to retrieve his weapon just as the vamp-crawler lunged after him. With dirt splashing onto his face, he swung blindly behind him at the source of the fast-approaching roar.


    ????????????!


    He felt something cold and heavy topple on top of him. Wiping his face, he could see the creature''s top half sprawled across him. The blood oozing from its mouth and lower section made him gag as he carefully removed the corpse. He scrambled to his feet, not having a chance to react to the blood splattered on him as he readied himself, anticipating another attack that never came. Instead, the second vamp-crawler merely glared at him...or rather behind him.


    It stared into the dungeon''s dark cavern and for the first time, he noticed a change in its expression. The black voids that were its eyes conveyed a hint of emotion he didn''t think was possible for these monsters to feel.


    Fear.


    It took cautious steps backwards, hissing at the empty space behind the boy.


    ''What''s it doing?'' he wondered, lowering his sword slightly.


    As it backed up, a streak of light whipped through its neck. It didn''t have a chance to yelp as its head separated from its shoulders, revealing Yakeru''s silver-haired comrade sheathing her dagger.


    "Why were you just standing there?" she questioned.


    He took a good look at the monster she''d cut before looking back at her.


    "Sorry. It was just...acting weird."


    She narrowed her gaze, failing to understand how a flimsy excuse could justify letting his guard down. Vlad soon jogged up beside her, massaging his throat as he did.


    "Yakeru...! Are you alright...?" Vlad''s voice came out as a harsh whisper.


    "I''m okay, thanks. What about you?" he glanced at the discoloration in the leader''s neck. "That doesn''t look too good."


    Vlad''s neck was still a light shade of purple but the swelling had subsided thanks to Dajuan''s elixir.


    "I''ll be alright...just a bit sore." he heaved as if he''d just run a marathon. "Why don''t we...rest here for a bit since this area''s cleared."


    Behind him, his men were pulling their shabby longswords out of the dead after defeating the last of the vamp-crawlers.


    Yakeru agreed and before long everyone set their belongings aside. The remaining guards plopped themselves down and drank their water in huge gulps. Harsh coughs escaped Vlad as a guard approached him.


    "We lost four men, sir. Should we pull out?"


    Vlad cupped his chin in thought.


    "The gems we gathered so far won''t sustain Hanataru. There''s a high chance there''ll be more of them further inside...although we don''t know what other monsters are down there..." he cleared his throat before continuing. "We''ll press forward. For now, rest up. Use your elixirs if you have to."


    Kenji sat isolated from the pack to reflect, fidgeting with his staff. No matter how hard he tried to ignore the thought, his mind always shot back to what had just happened. Glancing up, he saw the porters taking stock of the radiant gems they''d collected, appearing to calculate how much they''d be worth. During this time they dropped their voices to low murmurs so a certain conjurer wouldn''t overhear.


    "Hey did you see that kid back there?"


    "Yeah, one of those things broke through his defenses with one hit. He couldn''t even hurt the thing after it did." a guard responded with a scowl.


    "That kid cost us two of our guys." his comrade fumed at the idea of allying with a liability.


    "Ironic. I thought rangers were supposed to be stronger than us, but it looked like we did more work than he did." another guard joined in on the gossip. "Honestly, he''s no use if he can''t keep up with the rest of us." he muttered slyly.


    Despite whispering, Kenji could still make out their words as he still in earshot.


    Their trust in the young conjurer had all but evaporated. Kenji rested his head in his hands, gritting his teeth at his own negligence. No thanks to him, two men wouldn''t return home. Doubt began to consume him, his self-esteem taking a nosedive. His mind recalled a rather uncomfortable memory, a time just before he took the examination with Yakeru.


    "?????? ??????''?? ???????? ???????? ?????? ???????"


    "????????, ?? ???????????? ?????????????????? ?? ??????????????."


    The dungeon hasn''t been cleared yet and he''d already found himself in a scenario that reinforced the words of those rangers who gossiped about him back at the guild.


    "You alright?" Yakeru managed to sneak up on the moping conjurer, slumping down next to him. "You seem off."


    Kenji flinched when his friend seemingly appeared out of nowhere but forced a weak smile.


    "Yeah, I''m good." desperate to change the subject so Yakeru wouldn''t call him out for lying, he noticed his jacket more roughed up than before. "That poor jacket. Well, at least this time you didn''t get too banged up. It''d be a pain to have to carry you back again."


    Yakeru scratched the back of his head in response to his jab.


    "Hey, that bear caught me off guard, okay?"


    They chuckled a bit before Yakeru''s eyes wandered to the last vamp-crawler Fuyumi had cut down. During his recent battle with them, he''d deduced they were incapable of fear, throwing themselves into the fire just to get to their target. They''d be stabbed through the stomach and their necks chopped but they''d still resume their ruthless assault as if fear was beyond their comprehension. And yet...


    ''Why did it hesitate like that? Was it afraid of me?''


    He thought the notion was silly since he hadn''t done anything noteworthy to spark fearful behavior. He then remembered it wasn''t necessarily looking at him but rather behind him, further down the dungeon. He looked further into the darkness of the cavern, a strange ominous feeling washing over him.


    ''...or was it afraid of something else?''

 Chapter 12

    After an hour had passed, the group stood up to resume their march down the corridor. Other than finding the occasional gem in the ground, their journey was fairly uneventful. Surprisingly, they hadn''t come across any vamp-crawlers along the way, leaving many to speculate if they''d wiped them all out back towards the entrance.


    This put most of them on edge as they were left wondering why all the monsters would congregate towards the entrance to begin with. On the other hand, if this were true, they wouldn''t have to worry about any more skirmishes.


    Yakeru wasn''t sure if he was imagining it but he thought he could feel the temperature rising ever so slightly. He thought back to the fearful vamp-crawler, too afraid to move deeper into the dungeon to reach him. Yet, thus far, he hadn''t discovered the reason as to why. For some strange reason, this only filled him with dread, his anxiety pleading with him to turn back.


    As they crept further into the unknown with a heightened sense of vigilance, sweat began beading down their faces. Yakeru looked up to see heat waves spewing out from cracks in the ceiling refracting the light, confirming his suspicions.


    The group frequently drank what little water they had left as their clothes began sticking to them. Some went as far as licking every drop from their bottles while others opted to splash the cool, refreshing water on their reddened faces. Vlad and his men suffered more since their armor acted as a furnace, some even tempted to ditch their equipment entirely.


    "Hopefully it''s not much further..." a guard prayed under his breath.


    They hadn''t found many gems the further they explored and the heat had become unbearable. They weren''t sure if it was the refracting light but the cavern began to contort and warp around them, their bodies slowly succumbing to the heat.


    Vlad was moments away from calling off the search when they came across a set of large double doors with a heap of shattered, corroding chains resting in front of them.


    Vlad cleared his irritated throat.


    "What''s this?"


    "Dungeons usually have what''s called boss monsters," Yakeru replied, taking a closer look. "This is probably its lair."


    Vlad knelt to inspect the chains. Ancient runes were etched into them but the rust made them illegible. Although, it wasn''t like he''d be able to read them if the chains were pristine.


    They were obviously once acted as a seal to either forbid entry or keep something contained. But an unfathomable amount of time had reduced them to a mere relic of the past.


    Whatever the reason, he had a sinking feeling that something ominous awaited them on the other side. But if there was a chance to improve Hanataru''s situation, he couldn''t pass it by. He turned toward everyone.


    "The only reason we''re going in is to find more radiant gems." he glanced at Yakeru and Fuyumi. "Will you two be okay with holding off the boss long enough for us the gather the gems?"


    "Sure thing," Yakeru replied confidently while Fuyumi simply nodded.


    Kenji wore a look of confusion, wondering why he wasn''t included but he soon got his answer as Vlad mentioned the conjurer.


    "Kenji, we''ll need you to help gather the gems, if there are any."


    The kid deflated before reluctantly agreeing.


    "Right..."


    Vlad turned back to the doors, the weight of the unknown bearing down on him. Beyond the doors, he imagined a domain consumed by darkness with the rare flickering of light coming a gem here and there. He could already hear skittering from all directions accompanied by the occasional hiss.


    Vlad placed his shaky hands on both doors as his mind ran wild on what they''d encounter on the other side. After taking a deep breath, he pushed, a loud creaking greeting him in response. As the doors slowly opened, everyone shielded their eyes as an almost blinding light poured through the opening and a brisk breeze swept out of the room invitingly.


    After their eyes had adjusted, they were able to get a good look and what they saw made their jaws go slack.


    "No way...!" one exclaimed in awe.


    Beyond the doors were hundreds of crystals of various shapes and sizes sparkling with amber hues, bathing the vast chamber in a brilliant light.


    Strolling farther inside, they almost didn''t spot the figure sprawled out on the ground as they were so fixated on the crystals. As they slowed their pace out of caution, Yakeru turned his attention to another corner of the room to see another motionless figure in an alleyway of crystals. In fact, the further they went, the more they realized the chamber was littered with these humanoid figures. After staring at them for a moment, Vlad froze, triggering a chain reaction throughout the group as they identified them as corpses.


    "What the..." Vlad muttered under his breath.


    After realizing the bodies weren''t responding to their presence, he approached the nearest one cautiously, investigating it while maintaining a safe distance. It was a vamp-crawler but they appeared mutated.


    Boils cluttered its body and its blackened flesh was torn at the shoulders and elbows to compensate for its elongated arms. Its forearms decayed almost completely, exposing the bones that sharpened into makeshift spears. A large gash between its neck and shoulder split the poor creature diagonally across its chest. Lining the gash were rows of fractured ribs that looked to be forcefully rearranged and filed down, resembling dagger-like teeth. Dark veins bulged and eventually migrated to a single point on its back, to the largest boil.


    The ruthless combination of the gruesome sight and putrid stench made the guards swell with nausea.


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    Pinching her nose, Fuyumi courageously, yet cautiously, approached and nudged the corpse but, again, it didn''t respond.


    "W-What happened to them?" a guard muttered to no one in particular.


    "I think we should just leave..."


    "But what about these crystals? We''ll never get a chance like this again."


    "And what if these things wake up?! I''m not about to die a meaningless death."


    "Meaningless? Don''t tell me you forgot why we''re here."


    The guards erupted into a verbal battle, torn between continuing the raid and withdrawing all the while Vlad quietly studied the corpses.


    "Enough!" Vlad snapped, his men quieting down as he turned to Yakeru. "I thought you said there''d be a boss in here?"


    They scanned their surroundings again, scratching their heads. Yakeru was certain there''d be a boss but all they saw were crystals amidst countless disfigured vamp-crawler corpses. He ran through his mental records, questioning if he''d missed something from his sister''s stories.


    Perhaps bosses weren''t as common in some dungeons as he was led to believe? No, he clearly remembered her mentioning bosses at the end of dungeons. It was possible the boss could''ve fallen like its brethren but that only raised more questions.


    Needless to say, the place reeked of an ominous hostility.


    "There was supposed to..." Yakeru said, unsettled.


    "This is good then." a guard exclaimed. "If everything''s already dead, we can mine as many gems as we want!"


    Vlad''s demeanor became more serious. He figured rangers would know more about dungeons than him so for them to be clueless on what they were in for made him more uneasy.


    "One hour," Vlad said tersely. "These things haven''t moved since we came in here, even after arguing. They''re definitely dead and have been for a while now. Gather what you can within one hour. After that, we''re leaving. Mine in groups and do not, under any circumstances, stray too far from the exit."


    His guards reluctantly nodded in agreement before dispersing with their respective mining equipment, even if they knew they wouldn''t be able to work efficiently in such a sketchy environment.


    Out of fear that the dead might spring to life, they strategically mined in areas in the room where there were little to no corpses. If there were, they gave themselves enough room to bolt should that ever be necessary.


    Thirty minutes passed as a couple of guards hacked away with their pickaxes before stashing more gems into their bags, chatting.


    "Easy money." one exclaimed to his partner.


    "You said it. But I''d feel more comfortable if I didn''t have to worry about..." his partner trailed off, gulping down saliva while staring at a mutated vamp-crawler that was positioned in such a way that it seemed to be watching him. "...those things..."


    "We''ll be fine. They''re dead remember? By the way, you got some water?" he wiped the sweat from his brow.


    "Nah, we ran out before we found those doors."


    He sighed in exhaustion before whining about his dry throat. As they mined, a small gem was dislodged, sending it rolling around a corner as one of the guards followed it. Before he went to pick it up, he froze in place and listened. He narrowed his eyes as if that would improve his ability to hear. A low hum accompanied by a subtle sploshing sound peeked his curiosity. He couldn''t explain it, but he felt a strange urge to investigate, as if the humming flipped a switch in his mind. Retrieving the gem, he cautiously rounded a corner where he believed the humming was originating from.


    Turning the corner his eyes went wide and almost stumbled back as he uttered "What the!".


    Before him was a sphere, no larger than a human, hovering above shallow pit. Whereas the crystals had a more brilliant amber coloration to them, the sphere was a gloomy red, crimson glow pulsating through its twisted structure.


    For a brief moment, a fear bubbled within the guard but upon laying eyes on the foreign object, his body relaxed. His pupils dilated almost to the point where his eyes were completely black. A sense of peace washed over him as drew closer to the floating structure.


    Looking down, he could see a small pond of what looked to be fresh water. The clear water sparkled as the light from the crystals struck its surface. His face brightened instantly.


    "Woah...looks like this dungeon is giving me a lucky break!"


    His partner overheard him talking to himself and peeked around the corner.


    "What are you goin'' on abo-?" he paused, catching a glimpse of the red sphere before he too became compelled to walk closer, his eyes now dilated. "Woah."


    He and his partner made their approach, sinking their cupped hands into the cool water before drinking. For some strange reason, the water felt heavier than expected. Nonetheless, they continued to quench their thirst but no matter how much they drank, they weren''t satisfied. Soon they broke out into gurgled coughs and toppled over, their bodies violently convulsing.


    The red sphere''s glow had diminished and the humming ceased as if satisfied with the results, removing the facade of a once beautiful clear pond of water and morphing it into a pit of black sludge.


    At the exit, the rangers continued to stand guard, looking out for anything suspicious. Despite the cool air, sweat dotted Vlad''s face. The fact that they were mutilated corpses with no clear cause concerned him.


    "We''re heading out now." Vlad said.


    "Honestly, that''s probably a good idea." Yakeru concurred.


    Vlad formed a cone with his hands and shouted,


    "Alright, We''re leaving! Everyone meet back at the-!"


    He hunched over and coughed excessively leaving Yakeru worried.


    "Hey, don''t strain yourself!"


    "I appreciate your concern...but I''ll be okay."


    Fortunately, he didn''t have to strain his throat any more than he had to as his men began gathering around the two large doors. Vlad''s finger bounced from one man to the next as he did a head count.


    ''Wait...''


    He recounted but just like the first time he came up short.


    "We''re missing two."


    Everyone glanced around and counted but still came up short. He glanced over to two of his remaining men and gave them a nod, signaling them to search together. They waited anxiously as they disappeared around a corner. Vlad and Fuyumi seemed the only ones holding it together pretty well. They were all still trying to make sense of the situation.


    It was obvious the vamp-crawler Yakeru encountered earlier was afraid of turning into one of these malformed monsters. But he couldn''t wrap his head around how this happened in the first place.


    ''Is there something infectious in here or something?'' he observed everyone from where he stood yet, though they were in that room for about an hour, no one showed signs of transforming into something nightmarish. ''If it is an infection, does it only affect vamp-crawlers for some reason?''


    Suddenly, a bloodcurdling scream echoed throughout the room as everyone whipped their heads in its direction.


    "Porters, stay at the entrance! Everyone else, with me!" Vlad bolted in the direction where they believed the scream came from while the others tailed him.


    After rounding a few crystalized corners they came to a screeching halt. A horrific sight stood before them, turning their faces pale as a ghost.


    Standing there were two figures that sent chills down their spines. Loose flesh dangled from their decaying bodies and a mixture of blood and pus poured burst from their boils. An orange glow pulsated through their blackened veins. Their limbs were elongated and contorted unnaturally and their forearms had sharpened into javelins made of bone.


    Skewered from their spear-like appendages were the two men Vlad had sent earlier. The creatures'' vacant gaze locked onto the others, their eyes devoid of any humanity as they jerked their arms, flinging the two men away.


    Everyone stumbled backwards, eyes widened and minds racing. They didn''t notice the black tar-like substance near the creatures or even the red, misshapen sphere as the nightmarish sight before them claimed their attention.


    What frightened Vlad the most was not the grotesque creatures themselves, but the armor. The once-fitted wooden armor was now splintered and shattered to compensate for the wearers'' size increase. The armor that served as protection, a last line of defense for the wearer was now a remnant of who they once were.

 Chapter 13

    The creatures'' bladed arms snapped forward and skewered two more men, their eyes unable to track their movements. They didn''t have a chance to scream as the creatures forced their blades in opposite directions, splitting them in two.


    "Run!" Vlad roared.


    Guards tripped over themselves as they broke into a sprint towards the exit. Gurgled howls erupted from behind them but they didn''t dare look back. Chills ran down Kenji''s spine when the footsteps behind them grew louder. They were sporadic like the creatures didn''t know how to coordinate their steps yet they were somehow still gaining on them.


    An elongated arm reached around his front, sweeping the young conjurer and sending him into a tumble. Loose stones and gems cut open his face and palms before he could come to a stop. As he lifted himself up, a shooting pain in his ankle grounded him again. He yelped, clutching onto his ankle to soothe the worsening pain as Vlad''s men dashed past him. Even when extending a desperate hand they didn''t spare him a single glance.


    A profound sense of abandonment settled over him as watched their retreating figures. He should''ve expected as much. They''d already deemed him to be an inconvenience earlier, a burden to be discarded at a moment''s notice. It was foolish of him to believe anyone would respect the weakest of the group enough to lend a helping hand. Especially in a dire situation.


    As he continued writhing in pain, one of the creature''s blades had locked onto him. The infected guard thrusted its spear appendage towards him. The world around him slowed nearly to a halt, the blade mere inches away from his chest before...


    ??????????!


    A feminine figure slid between him and certain death, her silver hair whipping as she came to an abrupt stop after deflecting the blow. She engaged the monsters as both Yakeru and Vlad made their way over, helping the petrified boy wobble to his feet.


    "Sir, take Kenji and go!" Yakeru ordered, triggering a worried expression from the leader.


    "What about you?"


    "I can''t leave an ally behind. I''ll be fine just go!"


    Confliction flashed in Vlad''s eyes before he gave the swordsman a hesitant nod, taking Kenji who''d just snapped out of his trance and retreated. When Yakeru turned back, he found Fuyumi engaging in a fierce battle against the infected.


    Metallic bangs rang throughout the crystalized room as her daggers produced amber arcs that danced around her body, keeping her attackers at bay. The creatures swung their spear-like arms wildly as she effortlessly weaved through their strikes.


    Spotting an opening, she fired an arc that sliced through one of their necks. Dashing forward, she slammed her foot into its severed head, sending it soaring into the second infected.


    ????????!


    This flashy tactic was effective at slaying two forest lurkers before. However, this time it merely reduced the creature to a state of daze, making her face scrunch slightly in annoyance. Regardless, she adapted on the fly, leaping forward to take advantage of the gap in its defense. That is until she spotted a blur in her peripheral.


    ??????????!


    She reflexively raised her daggers, blocking an attack meant for her throat. Looking back, her eyes widened, baffled to find the infected she''d just decapitated not only still standing, but its onslaught hadn''t stopped either.


    ''How is that thing still-!'' she was shocked out of her thought by a slash to the back of her leg, bursting into a shriek of agony as she crumpled to the floor.


    In her daze, she allowed her second assailant to regain its composure and resume its assault. The monster took the golden opportunity to finish her, swinging its blade toward her neck again before she blocked it with her dagger.


    ????????!


    Although she avoided a fatal blow, the sheer force of its attack still sent her soaring into a wall, splitting fissures through the once sturdy structure.


    "Fuyumi!" Yakeru yelped.


    The creature erupted into a fit of sporadic heaves and let out what he could only describe as laughter, though it was hard to tell through its gurgling. When the smoke cloud finally cleared, he could see a battered, bloodied, and unmoving Fuyumi. He stood there, his nerves overstimulating his hands, making them tremble.


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    The Fuyumi he knew before was a force of nature. Anything foolish enough to cross paths with her was swiftly cut down. So to see her get casually swatted away like an insect shook the kid to his core.


    The creature''s head jerked violently this way and that until its hollow gaze found the boy. Keeping its head perfectly still, it rotated its body to face his direction, raising its bladed arms. He swallowed hard and steeled himself.


    ''No going back now!'' he drew his sword as it whipped its elongated arms at him.


    Engaging the infected guard, he evaded its wide swipes and deflected its jabs. Seeing as it knocked Fuyumi out of the fight, he deduced the beasts were around B-tier and it felt like it too.


    Sharp winds whistled past his ears with every narrow dodge and the force of its blows stung his muscles with every parry. His heart pounded and his swift movements whipped the beads of sweat off of his face.


    Its uncoordinated strikes told him he was up against a mindless beast, but it made up for it with its range and raw speed.


    It was nothing like his battle with the steel-quilled bear. At least with the bear, its movements were well telegraphed. But now he couldn''t close the distance with it flailing wildly, let alone keep up with it for long. Its bones were also reinforced making dismembering impossible.


    Glancing to his right, he ducked under an attack aimed at his midsection and leaped to his side, avoiding another that would''ve impaled his leg. As he recovered, he caught a glimpse of a large orange boil pulsating on its back. Decapitation didn''t seem to kill them so he assumed that boil was their weak spot.


    ''Wait!'' his brows shot up in realization as he momentarily broke his gaze from his opponent to look back.


    He spotted the second infected guard...standing there idly. He initially thought it was plotting, waiting for the perfect moment but that would''ve implied they had some level of intelligence which contradicted his observations.


    ''Doesn''t it know I''m here?''


    Returning his attention to his original adversary, he narrowly evaded a swing aimed at his head, slicing off the headless infected''s arm in the process. Losing his sword and balance, he tumbled to the ground before coming to a stop. To his horror, he landed right beside the headless infected, its contorted limbs staggering as it faced him. It winded its bladed arm back in preparation to impale him. Suddenly, he felt a wave of deja vu, frozen while starting up at his impending doom. His eyes slammed shut as they creature whipped its arm.


    ????????????!


    Surprisingly, he felt nothing. No pain. Not even a slight uncomfortable feeling. He figured this was how it felt when you''re granted a swift end. Although, the tiny grains he felt powdering the ground told him he was still very much alive.


    He cautiously peeked through his eyelids to find its spear appendage lashing out in the same direction it was attacked from, as if didn''t realize he was at its feet.


    ''I see.'' it clicked.


    Yakeru carefully stood to his feet so as to not put himself in the crossfire as the second monster repositioned to gain a visual on the boy.


    After taking a few steps away from the headless infected, his gaze never leaving it, he bent down to scoop up his sword. Several seconds later, the creature ceased its tantrum, retracting its arm and resuming its, quite literally, mindless totter.


    He shifted his attention back to his original opponent who had just launched another attack, weaving around and blocking its otherwise fatal strikes. Although he knew how it operated now, closing the distance would be near-impossible.


    ''First thing''s first.'' he thought, veering to the side to avoid a dismemberment.


    Blocking a strike, he skidded strategically between the headless infected and his assailant before the creature wailed at him again. The air whistled from its blade piercing through it as he ducked, plunging into the headless infected. Enraged, it flailed its remaining arm in the same direction, hoping to punish its aggressor.


    While distracted, Yakeru slipped around its flank and drove his sword into the orange boil on its back. It thrashed violently and although it no longer had a mouth, he imagined it would''ve been shrieking in agony by now.


    His theory was confirmed when it collapsed, motionless.


    ''I''m not out of the woods yet!'' he shot his narrowed gaze at the second infected which had already launched another assault.


    By now, his stamina had plummeted with each block and dodge. His breath got heavier and his throat was searing. Exhaustion weighed on him as he began taking nicks to his arms and sides, further ruining his jacket.


    The voice in his head began criticizing him for allowing this to become a battle of endurance against an opponent that seemingly had an endless supply of it.


    If it wasn''t for his infused sword, his blade would''ve shattered by now, sparks flinging into the air with each block and deflect.


    ''Wait!'' an idea flashed in his head that could potentially turn the tides.


    As the battle roared on, he began firing arcs of radiance. Each blast stopped just short of its target, bombarding the ground with a barrage of amber-colored explosions. He was at fatigue''s mercy, his movements growing more sloppy with every passing second.


    ''Just a little more!''


    He relentlessly fired blast after blast but not a single one reached the creature. A smokescreen gradually formed around it until its assault came to a halt, the thick cloud obscuring its vision.


    ''Now''s my chance!''


    The infected guard tottered aimlessly, its bladed arms hovering to its sides, awaiting their commands. It scanned its surroundings in hopes of locating its prey but to no avail.


    Then, the slightest sound of shuffling triggered an ear twitch from the creature as it shifted its gaze to the source. The sound grew louder with each passing second before a shadow burst through the cloud. Unfortunately, the monster was faster, firing its blade in its direction with one swift motion, impaling the figure and pinning it to the floor. A gurgled chuckle escaped its crooked mouth, seemingly basking in its victory before...


    ????????????!


    Something cold and sharp pierced through its orange boil on its back. It writhed in pain, dropping to its knees and flopping to the ground, a katana embedded in its back and a worn out, jacketless Yakeru wobbling over its corpse. As the smoke began to clear, he could see clearly where the creature had struck. His lips curling into a smile after his plan to divert the creature''s attention had worked flawlessly.


    "Just in time too..." he heaved, flopping to the ground, his energy completely sapped.

 Chapter 14

    Several minutes had passed, and Yakeru was still sprawled out on the ground, his body steadily regaining its energy. He still found it unfathomable how he managed to take down two B-tier monsters¡ªor perhaps one since one of them barely reacted to his presence.


    ''...what if that thing didn''t lose its head?'' he wondered, a chill climbing up his body from the thought of battling two B-tiers at once.


    Just dealing with one was strenuous enough. If Fuyumi hadn''t been there to remove one of their heads, he doubted he''d still be alive right now.


    ''That''s right!'' he remembered, turning to see Fuyumi still lying motionless against the wall.


    A jolt of panic shot through him as he suddenly recalled the reason why he''d stayed behind in the first place. With his energy somewhat replenished he summoned what little strength he had and pushed himself up. He still couldn''t muster the energy to stand but it was enough to drag his exhausted body to his unconscious ally.


    "Please be okay, please be okay..." he prayed.


    Her body a canvas of cuts and bruises but the subtle rising and falling of her chest reassured him.


    "Thank goodness..." he relaxed, reaching into her pocket. As he did, he reflexively snapped his hand back as something sharp pricked his finger.


    Noticing the green liquid dripping from her pocket, he assumed her elixir vial had shattered when she slammed into the wall. Pulling out his own elixir, he carefully cocked her head back and trickled the substance into her mouth.


    He sat beside her as seconds bled into minutes. He could only kick himself for allowing the battle to drag on as long as it did. If he''d killed the two infected in a timely manner, he would''ve come to her aid sooner.


    The only reason he decided to stay with her was because he''d noticed she had fewer bruises than before and her cuts slowly mended themselves, an indicator that the elixir was doing its job.


    He thought to carry her out himself but that idea was quickly scrapped since his hands and knees failed to support his weight.


    After what felt like an eternity, her bloodied fingers twitched. He knew she''d regain consciousness eventually but to see her eyes flutter open still filled him with an overwhelming sense of relief.


    "Fuyumi! You''re alr - owe!" His aching body reminded him that he was in no condition to act on excitement.


    She surveyed the area, realizing that she was still in the crystal tomb. About thirty feet in front of her were the two infected she''d nearly died to. She swept the room, seeing no sign of the group she''d come with, until her eyes landed on Yakeru.


    "Did you kill them yourself?" she asked, her voice still soft as a whisper.


    "Yeah. The others are outside." he tried to stand again but his knees buckled in response.


    She stared at him for a moment before pinching the bridge of her nose in annoyance. The soreness in his body still hindered his movements, even after resting for nearly 45 minutes. Thus, he got himself as comfortable as possible to recharge.


    He wasn''t expecting much from the ice queen except a verbal bashing for foolishly exhausting all his energy. So when his arm was gently slung over her shoulder, he recoiled. She slowly lifted him to his feet as he groaned, trying to ignore the pain.


    He didn''t think she was capable of such a kind gesture. Or perhaps it was more realistic to think she simply didn''t want to owe a debt.


    "You''re an idiot," she said tersely as they made their way to the exit.


    There it was. For a moment, he''d almost forgotten who this young lady was.


    "I know."


    At the mouth of the dungeon, Kenji, Vlad, and the other survivors waited anxiously. The sun had dyed the sky a vibrant orange and the fresh air danced between the trees.


    The guards were conversing with each other on the opposite side of the entrance from Kenji, or at least pretending to. There was an obvious tension between them and the kid. They couldn''t even will themselves to make eye contact with him.


    He expected as much after they''d tried to abandon him. In his eyes, death could''ve been a good alternative for him as he didn''t have much going for him back at home anyways.


    ''My old man''s gonna bash me for this one.'' he thought as if it was anything new.


    He fidgeted with his staff for a time until he heard movement from within the dungeon. Turning his head, he expected find a stray vamp-crawler. After all, they were known to leave their dens after sundown though he thought it was still too early for that.


    Nonetheless, he sprung to his feet, clutching onto his staff. Seeing how spooked the kid was, Vlad took his side with his sword drawn. Gazing into the dungeon, a faint light flickered through the darkness, growing brighter every second.


    Soon, they lowered their guards when Yakeru and Fuyumi emerged from the shadows.


    "You''re okay!" Kenji exclaimed, sprinting up to them as Yakeru extinguished the light emitting from a dagger, returning it to Fuyumi.


    "Thankfully," Yakeru replied as Vlad and Kenji supported him on either side.


    "At least this time you''re still conscious." Kenji jabbed as Yakeru let out a sheepish laugh before filling them in on what happened.


    *****


    The villagers were overjoyed to see their triumphant return. The rangers noticed quite a few familiar faces from before they departed as if they''d stayed at the gate.


    The kids couldn''t contain their excitement and bolted towards their fathers and latched onto them with a tight embrace. The adults watched in relief as Vlad and the others walked back through the north gate. Unfortunately, some of the villagers didn''t share the same reaction as they saw that some faces were missing from the group.


    They did a headcount, desperately hoping that they''d somehow missed their loved ones. Anxiety welled up in their chests as Vlad approached them. He wasn''t sure how to give his condolences with children present but it seemed his gloomy expression told the parents everything that needed to know. Their hands shot to their mouths, shock locking them in place, though the kids weren''t too quick to pick up on it. The others sensed the shift in the atmosphere, the air filling with stifled sniffles through the otherwise moment of silence.


    News of their return had also reached Dajuan hence why he took the liberty of preparing rooms for the injured. Vlad and the rangers were treated together while the others were monitored elsewhere.


    According to Dajuan, Vlad''s neck had suffered irreversible damage at this point. Though the elixirs improved his condition, they weren''t enough as he''d have to live with a harsh cough for the rest of his days. Besides the doctor having to fetch special herbs to soothe his irritated throat, he was stable.


    Kenji had only suffered minor injuries from his tumble in the ''boss room'', nothing a low-quality elixir couldn''t fix.


    Yakeru''s body was on the verge of giving out once more by the time they returned to Hanataru, regardless of having two shoulders to lean on. Fortunately, Dajuan had stamina elixirs lying around in his inventory. He had the kid drink health elixirs as well to mend his cuts. What he needed now was rest. Although he was merely performing his duty, Dajuan couldn''t help but feel slightly irritated after this boy landed himself in his infirmary a second time, almost 24 hours after he''d been discharged.


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    Despite being the strongest of the group, Fuyumi''s condition demanded more attention than the others. Underestimating those infected guards had caused her to reflect on herself. She''d tried using a maneuver she implemented against mere forest lurkers. Now she realized how foolish that was. Though she was a high rank, that didn''t translate to experience on the field.


    A chilling thought came to her mind. If the examination was designed to gauge your strength and coordination with others, one could be granted a high rank regardless of experience. She wondered how many past high-ranking rangers fell due to this overlooked flaw. She couldn''t allow herself to act too hastily.


    Vlad suddenly swung his legs over the edge of his bed to approach the conjurer.


    "Kenji," Vlad said tersely before bowing his head. "On behalf of my men, I want to apologize."


    "Huh? For what, sir?" Kenji wondered with a confused expression.


    "They were fully prepared to leave you behind in that dungeon to save themselves. Now they can''t face you for what they did, so I will. I''m sorry."


    "N-No that''s not necessary. You don''t have to apologize for them." he frantically waved his hands. "I''m not very strong, so I understand why they did it."


    Although Kenji''s words held true, anger still bubbled up inside him. However, it wasn''t directed towards the ones who''d abandoned him but rather toward himself for his lack of strength.


    "They''ll be hearing a mouthful once we''re discharged," Vlad assured before the door to their room swung open.


    "Dad!"


    Kaneki and his mother rushed to his side. While Vlad''s wife scolded him for being too careless on their raid, his son was thankful. After all, he was one of the lucky few to see his old man return. While Kaneki demanded details from their raid, Vlad didn''t go into depth to spare his wife.


    Since their injuries weren''t as severe, Dajuan discharged them the next day, though, not after giving Yakeru a stern warning.


    As they agreed, the rangers were rewarded a fraction of the gems. After gathering their belongings, the rangers met Kaneki as he said his goodbyes to his parents.


    "So what''ll you do now, dad?" he wondered.


    "Some of the villagers, including myself, have volunteered to help build a memorial for those who didn''t make it out," Vlad responded, a slightly gloomy note in his voice.


    "I see. I understand."


    Vlad approached Yakeru and the others, bowing his head in appreciation.


    "Thank you for everything that you''ve done. Your reward isn''t nearly enough to repay your kindness."


    "We were happy to help, sir." Yakeru smiled.


    Kaneki embraced his parents once more before heading off with his ranger escort.


    "Make sure he gets back safe." Vlad waved.


    "He will," Yakeru replied as Kaneki waved back before they disappeared into the forest.


    The hike back was the same as before until they''d reached the suspension bridge, or rather where it used to be. Since the bridge was out, they had to take a detour which delayed them by about an hour.


    The few lurkers and rabids they''d encountered didn''t stand a chance. Especially with a few days of experience under their belt. After Yakeru''s tussle with the bear and infected guards, E and D-tier monsters were a cakewalk in comparison.


    Arriving at Kaneki''s farmhouse, a choir of birds perched up on his wooden fence welcomed them with a symphony of hymns. Kaneki turned back to the rangers with a hint of sadness on his face.


    "Well, I guess this is goodbye then." he sighed.


    "Yeah, it was eventful, to say the least," Yakeru responded.


    "Yeah. If I get the chance, I''ll put in a good word for you guys at the guild."


    "Thanks, we could use it."


    After exchanging their final goodbyes, Kaneki retired to his home while the Rangers set off back to the capital.


    Fuyumi impatiently walked ahead of her colleagues while the boys strolled side by side. Kenji was noticeably quieter than usual, staring at the dirt path as they walked. Now that Yakeru thought about it, he hadn''t said much during their journey back to the farmhouse.


    "You okay?" he asked his conjurer friend.


    There was a delay before his question had registered, gradually pulling Kenji out of his thoughts.


    "Huh? Oh, yeah, I''m good." Kenji made a poor attempt at lying leaving Yakeru more skeptical than before.


    This was the second time he''d brushed him off. His behavior mirrored that of Fuyumi lately. He thought he''d grown close to Kenji but it seemed like he still didn''t trust him with whatever was going on in that big brain of his.


    "...If you say so," Yakeru muttered before changing the subject. "So what do you plan on doing with your gems?"


    "Well, there are some things I need to take care of at home so I''ll probably use the money for that. And you?"


    "I was thinking of grabbing some light armor. Maybe it''ll help with prolonged fights."


    "Yeah, getting injured is becoming a trend for you."


    Kenji''s words dripped with sarcasm.


    "Very funny." Yakeru retorted, looking forward at their female companion. "What about you, Fuyumi?"


    "That''s none of your business," she replied coldly without looking back.


    He sighed after his sly attempt to slip past her impenetrable defense had failed.


    ''Still as prickly as ever...'' he huffed in his head.


    Yakeru tried having small talk with Kenji but, again, he didn''t seem very interested. He prayed he wasn''t picking up Fuyumi''s ???????????????? aloof nature. He was perfectly content with one of her.


    Further along the path they pass by another group of three. The nicks and dents in their expensive-looking armor were a testament to their experience. One of them had a hiked with a staff in hand while others had melee weapons strapped to their hips; a longsword and dagger respectively.


    Although the newbies didn''t know their ranks, they assumed they were high-ranking rangers.


    "You folks hunting too?" the older swordsman of their party asked curiously, catching them off guard.


    "Hunting? No, we''re heading back to the guild." Yakeru replied.


    "Come on, Mitch. We don''t have much time." his party member called out from behind him.


    The man named Mitch glanced back at Yakeru and his party.


    "I see. Well, stay safe then. He could be anywhere." he gave an ominous warning.


    Mitch walked off to join his party, leaving Yakeru and the others confused.


    ''He?'' Yakeru wondered.


    He pondered on what the ranger said for a while, trying to understand the meaning behind it. Perhaps he was reading too much into it and that ranger named Mitch strangely refers to monsters as "he" and "she" instead of "it". After coming to a satisfied conclusion, they continued on.


    After an hour''s walk, they''d finally returned to the bustling streets of the capital. While Fuyumi''s expression barely changed, the boys were visibly relieved to return to a familiar setting. They didn''t think traveling would drain them, not only physically, but mentally. Of course, battling monsters had also put some strain on them, especially since they were still new to their profession.


    Maneuvering through pedestrians as they normally would to get to the guild, something caught their eye. Plastered to the wall of a nearby building was an image of a red-haired woman with the bolded word "missing" above her photo.


    On the same wall was another missing person poster, this time of a middle-aged bald man. Turning their heads, they could see another string of posters along a wall across the street. In fact, it was getting progressively harder to find a wall or light post without a missing person poster on it.


    "What happened when we were gone?" Kenji muttered to himself.


    Weaving through the crowd, they finally made it back to the guild.


    They waited in line to give their report on their original mission. Before arriving, they had a prior agreement not to mention their little dungeon raid. Although it was a mere side gig, they didn''t want to have to deal with potential consequences. Since the dungeon was just outside the inner rim anyway, Kenji might face repercussions because of his rank.


    As they got closer to the receptionist, the sheets on the mission board became more legible, but a particular mission sheet grabbed their attention. Unlike the other types - hunting, escorts, dungeon raids, nest exterminations, explorations, etc. - this one resembled something of a wanted poster.


    "Oh, hey!" the receptionist greeted them with a smile. "I was worried something might''ve happened to you three. How was your first mission?"


    Yakeru and Kenji gave their report as Fuyumi stood idly by, staring at the mission board.


    "Oh wow, I hope you weren''t injured too badly, Yakeru..."


    "I''m alright. The villagers were nice enough to lend their aid."


    She clapped her hands together and smiled.


    "Well, that''s good to hear." she reached under the counter and placed a pouch of silver coins before them. Here''s your compensation. Good work everyone!"


    Yakeru was rather surprised when presented with a single pouch of mere silver coins. Even after the suspension bridge collapsed, even after his near-death experience, none of it was a factor. They''d only receive compensation if the mission was completed. Another realization came to light as he pondered this.


    Missions offered a set reward which would be split among the participants. Therefore the more rangers there were, the less they''d earn for that mission.


    This fact alone would make it challenging for low-ranking rangers to make a profit if their party was too big. On the other end of the spectrum, higher-ranking rangers most likely wouldn''t have this issue since high-ranking missions netted a more handsome salary anyways.


    If it weren''t for the gems they were rewarded with from Hanataru, Yakeru would''ve been tempted to chance it, revealing details of their raid in hopes of a better reward.


    As the newbies split their earnings, Fuyumi asked,


    "What''s with the wanted mission?"


    "Oh, it''s a public mission. Of course, your standard mission would be private but that particular mission is open to everyone." the receptionist explained.


    "Why''s that?" Yakeru asked curiously.


    "You three haven''t been around for a while so it''s understandable why you wouldn''t know...there have been rangers going missing and bodies reported in the mid to outer rim. So the guild has issued a wanted mission to catch the culprit as quickly as possible," she said somberly, her head lowered.


    "I see," Kenji said as it all started to make sense.


    Though they''d never ventured into the outer rim, it was common knowledge that those uncharted lands were home to some of the most powerful monsters. Couple that with unfamiliar territory and the guild was bound to have casualties here and there. Though the way she phrased it made it sound as if it was one monster giving them trouble.


    "This monster must be pretty sneaky to avoid capture." Kenji figured.


    "Actually, according to eyewitness testimonies, it isn''t a monster at all that''s responsible but rather a person."


    Their eyes widened as they went speechless for a moment. Why a human would hunt other humans in some of the most dangerous parts of the world was beyond them.


    "A...person?" Yakeru stuttered, wondering if he''d heard correctly.


    "Yes...rangers that have encountered him usually don''t return but those that do have dubbed him ?????? ????????????."

 Chapter 15

    "The Ripper, huh?" Yakeru echoed the receptionist after the trio left the guild with their reward.


    The guild didn''t give them much information on this Ripper, only the bare essentials to help steer clear of him. Apparently, he usually wore a dark trench coat and a red scarf covering the lower half of his face with dark stringy hair covering the top half.


    They''d also recently recognized a pattern. The Ripper would exclusively make appearances between the mid to outer rim and has never been sighted in the inner rim. This meant low-ranking rangers wouldn''t have to worry themselves about encountering a serial killer.


    Inversely, the fact that this mysterious figure was able to murder high-ranking rangers was a testament to his strength. Additionally, for the entire duration they''ve been away, he''s managed to evade capture so it was safe to assume this matter wouldn''t be resolved overnight, even with the dispatch of A to S-rank rangers.


    As they continued walking, they came across an artifact shop, a reminder that they still needed to exchange their gems. The boys veered away from Fuyumi as she didn''t pay the shop any mind, confusing the two.


    "Aren''t you going to exchange your gems?" Kenji questioned.


    "No," she finally turned back to face them. "I have something else in mind. That said, I''ll be leaving now so meet me back at the guild tomorrow, got it?" she ordered, the boys subconsciously nodding in agreement so as not to disappoint her.


    As she was engulfed by the crowded streets, the two entered the store. A light jingle played above them as they strolled inside. Lining the shelves were an assortment of various artifacts each serving a different purpose.


    The boys'' astonished gazes wandered from the tablets engraved with intricate patterns to the glowing gemstones embedded in the knuckles of a metallic gauntlet. On the other side of the shop were exotic masks and pocket watches with their hands ticking over symbols rather than numbers.


    "Ah! Welcome!" the man behind the counter exclaimed, perking up from an artifact he was just fiddling with. "What can I do for you today?"


    "We just wanted to make an exchange," Yakeru said, still in a trance by all the gadgets on display.


    Walking up to the man, they set their gems on the counter, the artificer''s eyes lighting up in an instant.


    "Ohh what a find!"


    He picked one up, inspecting the glimmering stone with a magnified glass that was modified with more lenses than what the boys thought was necessary. But if the man''s suspicions were right, he couldn''t pass up this opportunity. Through the lenses, they revealed the unmistakable faint amber-colored aura radiating from the stone.


    "Oh yes," he gushed. "I can extract a decent amount of radiance from these!"


    He examined them from different angles before reaching a conclusion.


    "Given the fact that these are relatively small, they''ll net you around five platinum coins for each."


    The rangers agreed before the artificer reached under the counter and placed their platinum coins in front of them.


    "A pleasure doing business!" he said, scooping the gems into his greasy hands.


    They pocketed their coins before leaving the shop. Yakeru was under the impression that Kenji would go his separate way after they''d left but that wasn''t the case. Instead, he stuck to his side like a lost puppy as Yakeru scouted for a blacksmith, spotting one just down the street.


    "So, Yakeru. There''s something I wanted to talk to you about. It''s actually a favor I''d like to ask." the conjurer said, a tinge of embarrassment in his voice.


    "Hm? What is it?" Yakeru asked as they entered the blacksmith workshop. "Woah..."


    Beyond the doors was an assortment of different armor and weapons.


    "Look at all this stuff!" Yakeru exclaimed as he bolted to get a closer look, leaving Kenji at the door.


    Browsing the aisles, his eyes lit up at the sight of a set of armor with a sleek design. It resembled what a typical knight would wear. The crimson outlines around the helmet, torso, and gauntlets complimented the armor''s overall black aesthetic.


    "Phoenix Buster, huh?" Kenji read the tag aloud. "The alloy must be heat resistant. I heard that a Phoenix''s firepower could easily-"


    By the time he looked up, Yakeru was already on to the next armor set.


    "Venom spewer!" Yakeru''s eyes sparkled as Kenji shook his head.


    ''And there he goes. He''s like a kid at a candy store.''


    The armor had a helmet that took inspiration from a gas mask. It was mostly black with a touch of green which seemed to give off a subtle glow around the eyes and vents around the armor that he assumed the gas spewed from.


    "Uhm, Yakeru? Even with your platinum coins, I don''t think you can afford this stuff."


    His words killed Yakeru''s excitement.


    "Yeah, I know...they''re still pretty cool."


    "Yeah, they are."


    As they wandered, they stumbled upon a clearance section in a desolate corner of the shop. Yakeru fished around inside the mountain of cheap leather and dented alloy to find a suitable set of armor.


    "So about that favor..."


    "Oh, right. What was it?" Yakeru asked as he pulled out a light metallic breastplate. It wasn''t as sleek or pristine as the armors he saw earlier and the scratches and fingerprints were evidence it had been used.


    "Well, I was wondering if you''d help me train?" Kenji fidgeted as Yakeru inspected a plain-looking gauntlet.


    He looked up at the conjurer, his face twisting from confusion.


    "You want me...to help you train?"


    "Yeah, just for a bit. I just wanted to get a bit stronger."


    Yakeru tilted his head, puzzlement in his eyes.


    "Wouldn''t it make more sense to ask Fuyumi? She''s way stronger than I am. I''m sure you''d be better off asking her."


    "Seriously? The ice queen?" Kenji raised an eyebrow at his ridiculous suggestion.


    Yakeru''s eyes drifted to the side as his mind painted an accurate scene of their interaction. He imagined a rather terse and harsh rejection the very moment Kenji uttered the word "favor".


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    An embarrassed smile formed on the young swordsman''s face as now he understood his point which should''ve been obvious.


    "Oh, right..." he muttered. "Well, how about tomorrow, so you have time to check in with your family? I''m sure they''re worried about you with the Ripper running around."


    "My old man wouldn''t mind. Trust me..."


    "Are you sure?"


    "Positive."


    "Okay then," Yakeru said as he fished around the heap, recovering bits of armor that looked relatively intact. "We''ll head to my place then."


    Purchasing the armor, they left the shop, Yakeru leading the way through the streets and to his village.


    *****


    On the outskirts of the mid rim, a group of three ventured into a dark tunnel that seemed to be the entrance to the depths of the earth. The path was steep and the uneven terrain threatened them with a fatal drop should they not watch their step.


    The light radiating from the staff of a conjurer cut through the gloom, casting eerie shadows on the stone walls. The further they went the lower the temperature dropped, their bodies beginning to shiver in sporadic bursts.


    "H-How far do we have to g-go, Mitch?" a man asked through chattering teeth.


    "Not much further," Mitch replied as they came to a point where they could spot a flickering light at the end of the tunnel.


    As they approached the end, they were rewarded with a breathtaking scene.


    What came into view was a vast meadow covered in a glistening blanket of frost that would''ve been a field of greenery otherwise.


    The air carried a winter''s chill. Every blade of grass, every flower petal, every leaf had been touched by nature''s icy hand. Light from the surface that''d managed to slip through the cracks of the high ceiling struck the frozen field, dancing along the delicate, crystalline formations.


    Emitting from the ground were soft, almost see-through, white flames, harmlessly bobbing in the cool air.


    Supporting the ceiling was an interconnected web of crystalized pillars sprouting from every surface. Geysers scattered along the field puffed out frost that sparkled in the air before sprinkling on the surrounding area.


    "Doesn''t matter how many times I visit Starfrost Burrows. It never ceases to amaze me." Mitch said with a smile that appreciated nature''s design. "Alright, we can activate them now." He pulled out a small circular object from his satchel. It had an elaborate design with six grooves angled around the edge. He placed the device on his chest, pressing the center of it before an orange glow emitted from the grooves.


    Within seconds, the cold dissipated from Mitch''s body as he felt his temperature rise to a comfortable level. His party pulled out their own duplicates of the device and did the same.


    "Ahh...much better." the man holstering a dagger said contently.


    "Let''s find this thing quick before we run out of time." Mitch urged.


    "Yes, we know." his conjurer party member said. "If you ask me, these artifacts are overpriced for having a 6-hour time limit."


    "Doesn''t matter." the dagger wielder responded. "This hunt will net us more than what we spent."


    "Spread out. But don''t stray too far." Mitch ordered as his two party members nodded in agreement before splintering off.


    A couple hours flew by and they still hadn''t found any signs of what they were searching for. The frost-covered ground crunched softly beneath their boots as Mitch traced his finger along an iced-over tree. He kept his sheathed sword steady as he approached a frozen log. Before he could step over it, he stopped dead in his tracks.


    Staring at the log, something seemed off about it. Unlike the rest of the environment covered in a soft white blanket, this long, wide log appeared to have icy scales.


    "There you are." he said as the ''log'' began to slither across the ground.


    ????????!


    Leaping back, he expertly evaded a huge mass plowing through the ground where he was just standing. Hearing the commotion, his comrades sprinted to his position.


    Through the white smoke before them was a massive silhouette of a creature that had the build of a snake. As the smoke cleared, they got a clear view of the beast.


    It was easily 30 meters long with icy scales and a crown of icicles swooping out the back of its head. Its blue tongue flicked in and out as it peered down at them. The slits in its eyes narrowed, locking onto the insects foolish enough to invade it''s domain.


    "So this is our frost serpent, huh?" the staff user asked. "It''s quite big."


    "You should see the adults," Mitch responded nonchalantly as the beast let out a high-pitched roar, disrupting the once-still air.


    Despite its colossal size and ear-splitting roar, the experienced rangers remained unfazed. The serpent''s reptilian eyes boiled with anger as it failed to intimidate the bugs before it.


    "Now then." Mitch finally unsheathed his weapon as the dagger wielder followed suit. "Let''s get started."


    Infusing his blade, he launched a radiant arc that tore through the frost-covered ground. The crystalized titan weaved around his attack and opened its mouth, revealing its glistening fangs. A white light gathered in its throat, glowing brighter every second until-


    "You mind?" Mitch asked his conjurer companion.


    "On it," he responded, lifting his staff to manifest a barrier.


    -it unleashed a torrent of freezing flames, encasing everything in its path in a thick layer of ice. Fortunately, the staff user''s barrier was strong enough to withstand the barrage without showing so much as a crack.


    Likewise, the staff user''s relaxed posture was unwavering, even as massive ice spears formed around them causing the ground the quake. Mitch was indeed grateful to have such a capable ally by his side.


    As the beast ended its attack, so did the staff user with his defenses, dispersing the barrier and revealing the towering wall of ice before them. Mitch took a lowered stance, cocking his sword back before, in one fluid motion, his blade slashed through the thick ice, the amber light slicing it in two.


    Now that they had a visual, they could see why the serpent had stopped attacking them, or rather it was more accurate to say it was forced to disengage.


    The dagger wielder must''ve evaded the initial attack to flank it. Now the two combatants were trading blows, his dagger occasionally clashing with its fangs.


    The staff user didn''t show any hint of surprise when faced with this monster for the first time. Until now that is. Despite its massive build, it was weaving up and around the web of pillars in an astonishing display of agility.


    The dagger wielder wasn''t used to this type of environment so he struggled to keep up, using the pillars to catapult himself from one platform to the next.


    ??????????! ??????????!


    Their airborne exchanges continued to fill the crystalized domain with sharp bangs.


    It was clear to them that they were at a disadvantage. This was the frost serpent''s terf after all. It didn''t matter how hard their teammate pushed his body to go faster, he couldn''t match the speed of the serpent, let alone land a clean hit on it.


    As such, the conjurer hurried to assist his soon-to-be-exhausted teammate. Willing radiance into his staff, he fired high-caliber rounds in the beast''s direction but it quickly caught on to what he was doing and acted accordingly.


    Taking evasive action, its massive body whipped around the field as the missiles failed to track it. The dagger wielder easily zipped around the pillars, avoiding the missile barrage as well.


    The two rangers had an interesting training regimen. During their free time, they''d meet at a designated open field to spar. The staff user would usually open with an onslaught of missiles while the agile dagger wielder would try to close the distance. As such, his mind and body grew accustomed to dodging attacks coming from all sides.


    That said, avoiding stray missiles was hardly an issue for him and apparently it wasn''t for the serpent either. But, unknown to the serpent, the conjurer wasn''t aiming for it.


    ????????! ??????????????! ????????????! ??????????????!


    Thunderous explosions resounded throughout the vast underground field. The light shooting through the exploding crystal shards bathed the icy cavern in a kaleidoscope of dazzling colors.


    As the pillars crumbled, so did the ceiling. There wasn''t a need to relay the plan to the dagger wielder. After all, the three of them had been adventuring for quite a while now. He leaped away from the collapsing debris.


    Though frost serpents were powerful in their own right, they didn''t have the wits to comprehend strategy.


    ??????????!


    The serpent let out an agonizing screech as the ceiling came crashing down on top of it. It slammed into the ground, a cloud of frost spewing from the impact.


    "Nice work!" the dagger wielder praised.


    As it lied helplessly pinned underneath the rubble, the three rangers made their final move to slay it.


    As a last-ditch effort, the frost serpent opened its mouth, the same white light as before charging within the depths of its throat. However, the conjurer had expected something like this. Any living thing would get desperate when cornered.


    The conjurer waved his staff as an amber-colored aura began enveloping the two melee fighters. Their bodies felt lighter yet stronger as the aura fed them with an energy akin to that of adrenaline.


    "Go get him!" the conjurer cheered as the two launched themselves forward at blinding speeds. Cones of wind whistled around them as they easily cleared 100 yards in mere seconds.


    ??????????! ??????????!


    Before the serpent could react, they''d already sliced through its head. Sections of its head tumbled apart as the rest of its body went limp. As their buff wore off, they skidded across the frosty ground, their feet making small craters.


    ????????!


    With nothing containing the serpent''s charged-up attack, the condensed fire burst into an extravagant white explosion, leaving behind towering icicles once the dust settled.


    Though their high ranks only displayed their power, their experience was reflected in their unshakable composure and flawless teamwork.


    The two sheathed their blades under the sunlight that poured through the gaping hole in the ceiling with still a couple hours to spare on their artifacts.


    "Well done, boys." Mitch congratulated his comrades.

 Chapter 16

    The spear-like ice structures now encasing the headless serpent sparkled from the sunlight caressing its crystal surface. Since their artifacts had two hours left, indicated by two of its grooves still lit, Mitch''s party admired their work for a time. Mitch had hunted frost serpents before so a spectacle like this wasn''t anything new.


    Removing one of the serpent''s icy scales proved to be more difficult than expected. If this was a simple hunting mission, they would''ve already left. Instead, biologists asked for samples to continue their research on frost serpents.


    After they''d carefully removed one of its scales, they placed it in a jar and began to depart.


    "Can''t wait for that sweet reward." the dagger wielder babbled.


    His eyes closed and inhaled, pretending to mistake the scent of dry leaves and wood for the smell of coins.


    "I can practically smell it."


    "Relax, it''s not going anywhere." the conjurer sighed.


    They made their way back to the tunnel they''d come from. As his teammates conversed, the more experienced ranger slowed his pace. His gaze narrowed as if searching for something but was only met with the tunnel''s wall of darkness.


    He''d faced countless dangers throughout his life as a ranger so he thought he''d become numb to the feeling of adversity. Yet he couldn''t bring himself to move forward as if his body protested his commands. He wasn''t sure what was wrong but the voice in his head screamed for him not to enter that tunnel.


    His party members noticed his odd behavior, regarding him with raised eyebrows. That''s when they heard it. A soft whistle, accompanied by the sound of scraping, echoing from the tunnel stopped the men in their tracks.


    Their gazes never left the tunnel''s entrance. A pressure they hadn''t felt before weighed on the experienced rangers. The soft yet ominous tune carried a cold air that clung to their bones. Despite having more than an hour left on their artifacts, the chilling sensation crept up their bodies.


    They hardly regarded the frost serpent as intimidating, yet a simple tune rendered them unable to move? They couldn''t explain it. Never had they imagined that a simple lullaby could be weaponized to root them in place.


    The whistling grew louder along with the scraping which they could now discern as something metallic grinding against stone. Sparks flickered in the darkness, the petrified men seeing flashes of a dark-cloaked figure approaching them.


    "That has to be him...right?" the conjurer asked.


    "Without a doubt..." Mitch responded, struggling to contain his fear.


    Although they had a copy of the public hunt mission sheet, intending to eventually hunt the serial killer, they didn''t expect to run into him like this.


    Finally, the figure stepped into the light, confirming their suspicions. The mission sheet gave a general description of the Ripper that they looked over before their departure.


    A red scarf.


    A black trench coat.


    Dark stringy hair.


    There was no question about it.


    The man drew closer, continuing to drag what they now recognized as a scythe along the ground, digging a trail through the frosty soil. An amulet with an ancient design and a red gem embedded in its center hung from his neck. A subtle red mist oozed from him, flowing down to his feet like a crimson cloak.


    "Now would be a good time for those buffs," Mitch ordered his conjurer.


    "R-Right," he replied, waving his staff as radiance once again enveloped his two comrades. His face looked considerably more strained than before due to a combination of unease and strain.


    This was the second time he''d used this ability on them and it put stress on him. But if what they heard about the Ripper was true, they couldn''t afford to hold back.


    The two melee fighters arched themselves and blasted forward, leaving craters behind. They winded up their weapons as they made their rapid approach and perfectly synchronized their attacks.


    ??????????!


    A colony of sparks exploded from the impact, flying in every direction. The wind whipped the man''s trench coat as it stripped the ground behind him of its frost, exposing the pale greenery underneath.


    To their utter shock, the Ripper had blocked their strikes with the shaft of his scythe. It had a sinister red glow to it. Even as the wind parted his mask of stringy hair momentarily they couldn''t get a good look at his face as they were too dumbfounded.


    "How the..." the dagger wielder mumbled.


    Something wasn''t right. Even when the frost serpent had ample time to prepare for its last desperate attack, it still couldn''t react in time. And yet this man...


    He casually pushed them back with just enough force to send them skidding.


    Although they weren''t sure of the full extent of his power, they could tell he was holding back. By how much, they didn''t know but holding back nonetheless. The dagger wielder imagined a smug smile behind that curtain of hair which only angered him.


    Mitch and the dagger wielder gave each other knowing nods and dashed to the Ripper''s flanks. Fortunately, they''ve been working together for so long that they''ve become familiar with each other. Time was precious on the battlefield. Relaying plans to one another on the fly could prove detrimental regardless if it''s a sound strategy or not.


    Experienced rangers understood this. Additionally, an enemy such as the Ripper would remain oblivious to the plan if it wasn''t spoken aloud anyway.


    The two rangers closed the distance in a flash, both raising their weapons until...


    ????????????! ????????!


    Mitch felt something cold in his side. Looking down he found the scythe''s blade wedged between his ribs. At the same time, the Ripper had driven his foot into the dagger wielder''s stomach, doubling over as his last meal came bursting from his mouth.


    Mitch''s sword was still held high when the man ripped the blade from his side. His body finally realized it had been wounded, unleashing a torrent of shooting pain at the site.


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    "Aaagh!" he cried.


    He collapsed to the ground writhing in pain while scrambling to fish something out of his satchel.


    The Ripper then turned his attention to the barely recovered dagger wielder, launching an assault of his own as he swung the scythe from different angles.


    Dodging attacks from all sides? The dagger wielder thought this was his specialty. But the nicks and tears accumulating in his flesh evaporated his confidence.


    Gleaming arcs formed as the scythe danced around the Ripper''s body, reducing the man before him into chunks of meat. Mitch watched with wide eyes as his ally''s eviscerated body crumbled away, blood spewing from every wound.


    The conjurer fought his urge to vomit as the Ripper turned his head in his direction.


    The buff was no use. He could clearly match their speed and continuously enhancing two people at once took a toll on his pool of radiance.


    Releasing the buff, he then hurriedly fired missiles toward the man. However, the Ripper didn''t so much as flinch. Instead, he twirled the scythe in front of him, forming an impenetrable wall of slashes.


    "What in the...!" the conjurer was too dumbstruck, rendering him unable to finish his sentence.


    The scythe-wielding maniac rapidly advanced, slicing his way through the missile barrage while leaving behind a trail of red mist. The amulet around the Ripper''s neck began to give off a harsh red glow as an electric current popped around it.


    The current grew more violent as he leaped into the air with his scythe held high. Suddenly, a storm of crimson lightning erupted from him, drowning the icy cavern in a hellish red. Its haunting roar ripped through the once-still air, gnawing at the rangers'' eardrums. Debris flung each time the red tendrils found a surface to strike.


    This wasn''t radiance. It couldn''t have been.


    "Holy..." the conjurer''s thought was cut short after the Ripper had fired a disk of lightning towards him.


    As a last line of defense, he flicked his staff directly in front of him and called forth a wall of radiance. No matter how the Ripper thought he was, there was no way he could get past his defenses. Not even the frost serpent could achieve such a feat.


    He watched as the disk soared toward him until...


    ????????!


    Mitch watched with horrified eyes as the attack collided with the barrier. A thunderous explosion deafened him as chunks of the ground were launched in every direction, evaporating the frost in an instant.


    A red hue flickered through the cloud of vapor as the Ripper landed. When the smoke cleared, Mitch was greeted with a gruesome sight. Lying within a crater was his conjurer ally, or what was left of him. Sections of his flesh had been seared off, exposing the charred bones underneath.


    The Ripper stared at his remains. Mitch couldn''t see his expression but judging by the bouncing of his shoulders, it was clear he found this situation rather amusing.


    "The world can''t deny it now..." The Ripper murmured.


    Mitch didn''t know, neither cared what this maniac was on about, his trembling hand finally finding what he was rummaging for. He pulled out a health elixir and quickly downed its contents. The searing pain gradually vanished as his body stitched itself back together.


    He took a good look at what was left of his fallen comrades, the men he''d been adventuring with for years. His terror boiled into anger as he stood up carefully so as to not alert the Ripper, infusing his sword. This was his chance.


    He dashed forward while the Ripper''s back was turned and, in his blind rage, he slashed at his trench coat. The Ripper stumbled back in surprise as he failed to take into account his surroundings. If Mitch wasn''t blinded by the mist of anger, he would''ve gauged the distance properly and his blade would''ve gone deeper.


    Unfortunately from him, that wasn''t the case. Red lightning coiled around his scythe as kicked Mitch in his sternum, sending him plowing into an ice pillar.


    The force of the impact dislodged his artifact and nature''s cold grip once again began dragging down his body temperature. Before he could even think to recover, a crimson blade had already plunged into his chest.


    A faint whimper managed to escape his lips as the limited air in his punctured lungs didn''t allow him to scream. Red tendrils ate away at his flesh leaving behind a seared mess of a corpse, the intense heat bleeding through the pillar.


    After Mitch went limp he retrieved his scythe, holstering it on his back. He took the time to admire his handy work. A crooked grin split his face behind his scarf as a wheezy chuckle seeped through his yellow teeth. His trench coat whipped as he turned to leave, leaving behind the charred bodies for someone unfortunate rangers to discover.


    *****


    Yakeru and Kenji walked a dirt path until it splintered into trails leading to small houses that dotted the green fields.


    "There it is. My village."


    Kenji was in awe at the scenery. Grassy fields complimented the blue sky. Clothes hanging out to dry swayed in the gentle breeze while distant figures, what he assumed were kids, ran around outside.


    It was a complete contrast to Hanataru¡ªthe first village he''d ever been to. Initially, he knew nothing of life outside the capital. As a child, his father never gave him the privilage of venturing outside the capital. Not before his father''s accident and certainly not after. But now his new profession opened the doors for that opportunity.


    "Wow, it looks so peaceful." Kenji admired.


    "Come on. I''ll introduce you to my sister."


    Waves rippled through the grass as Yakeru led him to his residence. It was a one-story home and looked rather plain though Kenji saw it as an upgrade compared to what he saw at the last village.


    Yakeru gave the door a few knocks. He could hardly contain his excitement. Though it''s only been days, it felt like he hadn''t seen his sister in forever. He eagerly awaited to tell her all about his intense first adventure.


    Seconds after knocking, they heard rapid footsteps approaching from inside. The door clicked and swung open with his sister on the other side.


    "Hey, Akari," Yakeru said but stopped when he saw the state she was in.


    Akari''s eyes were wide and glassy, tears welling up in the corners. Her usually well-kept auburn hair was wild. The bags under her eyes suggested she hadn''t slept either. Worried, Yakeru asked,


    "Are you oka-" But was interrupted mid-sentence when she lunged at him, pulling him into a tight embrace.


    "Am I okay? I don''t hear from you for days all while some lunatic is running around and you ask if I''m okay?!" She released him to grip his shoulders, forcing him to look her in the eyes. "Don''t you know people are going missing left and right?!"


    She pulled him into another tight embrace. Yakeru was stunned for a moment but remembered he had been gone for the past few days.


    How could he have been so insensitive? He was so fixated, so thrilled about going on his first mission that the thought of telling her where he''d gone hadn''t even crossed his mind. Now a serial killer was making a name for themselves.


    He couldn''t imagine the amount of stress he put on her even if that wasn''t his intention. At the end of the day, he was still a kid, still prone to making stupid mistakes.


    "You little brat...!" She sniffled.


    "I''m sorry, Akari. I wasn''t thinking." He stroked her back consolingly.


    A tear slid down her face, despite her forcing them back.


    "You don''t say."


    They stayed in each other''s arms for a few minutes until she''d calmed down enough to look up, finally acknowledging the stranger Yakeru had come with. He stood awkwardly to the side, pretending to be preoccupied with his staff. She wiped the wet trails from her face left by the tears.


    "So who''s this?"


    Yakeru''s eyebrows shot up in realization.


    "Oh, right! This is Kenji. We took the examination together and he''s also in my party. Kenji, this is my sister, Akari."


    Kenji gave her a polite bow.


    "It''s nice to meet you, ma''am."


    She smiled and waved a hand.


    "Oh please, ''Akari''s'' fine. The word ''ma''am'' is a bit too formal for my taste. Plus it makes me feel old."


    "But aren''t you twen-" Yakeru was interrupted when her fist slammed into his arm. "Ow!"


    An innocent smile played on her face. She thought he knew better not to mention a woman''s age.


    "Anyways, come on in you two. I''ll make ya something to eat."


    After walking inside, Kenji politely excused himself for intruding. They sat at the dining table, Yakeru diving into the story of his first adventure. Kenji included minor details that Yakeru missed throughout the story while Akari prepared a small meal.


    She''d seen many sights over the years but none quite held a candle to her brother''s infectious excitement. The way he smiled brilliantly as he rambled about their travels warmed her heart. It was a feeling she always enjoyed when telling him stories of her own adventures.


    "Wow, you helped a whole village, huh? That''s impressive. I''m proud of you, kid," She set the food in front of the two boys. "Though I can''t say it''s comforting knowing you had to fight not only a C-tier monster, but two B-tiers too..."


    "I know. But our other party member, Fuyumi, is really strong. She practically carried us on our journey." Yakeru reassured, jutting his thumb toward his new armor which was now lying on the ground in a corner. "And I got some new armor too. Cool, right?"


    She eyed the scratched-up light armor in the lonely corner.


    "That''s new?"


    They continued making small talk before finishing their food. Akari stood up to collect their plates as Yakeru and Kenji grabbed their weapons.


    "We''re gonna do some light training outside. See you in a bit."


    She placed the dishes in the sink.


    "Cool, see ya when you get back."

 Chapter 17

    Fuyumi hiked down a trail lined with wooden planks. Fig trees danced in the breeze as a calm stream flowed beside her. Small houses and huts made of straw made up either side with locals carrying baskets up and down the stream, the lifeblood of the village. The stream''s gentle bobbing mingled with laughter and conversations, producing a tranquil atmosphere.


    Families gathered at the water''s edge, washing clothes and sharing news while children played, kicking around homemade soccer balls. Fishermen hauled large nets onto rafts while dozens of fish flailed around inside. On the opposite side, farmers tended to their fields, plucking weeds and sprinkling fertilizer.


    A dark-haired boy with freckles spotting his face awkwardly flung wet clothes over a line to dry before noticing Fuyumi walking toward him. Her presence alone was enough to light up his eyes and spread a wide smile across his face. He sprinted up to her, abandoning the basket of clothes, and threw his arms around her waist as she returned the gesture.


    "Welcome back, sis!" the boy gushed.


    "Hey, Kei," she patted his head, glancing left and right before reaching into her pocket. "Here."


    She pried him off and pulled out a glistening stone. He watched in awe as it dazzled in the sunlight.


    "Woah! What is it?"


    She took his hand and placed it in his palm before closing his fist.


    "A souvenir. Don''t tell anyone you have this."


    "Okay, can I tell dad?"


    "Sure. Where is he anyway?"


    Just then, a tall, muscular man emerged from their shed carrying harvesting tools. He had short silver hair that merged seamlessly into his beard. An annoyed expression formed on his face after seeing Kei had abandoned his chores, but when he realized why, his face softened considerably.


    "Fuyumi!" the man exclaimed.


    Kei ran up to him, proceeding to ignore his sister''s warning as he waved around his new shiny stone to the man, earning a facepalm from Fuyumi.


    "Dad, look! Look what Fuyumi got me!"


    He set his tools down before kneeling to inspect it closer.


    "Wow, what a find! But don''t let anyone see it, buddy, okay? Find a secret hiding spot for it in the house."


    "Okay!"


    Clutching onto it, Kei darted inside the house. Her father''s attention returned to Fuyumi as she approached, embracing her.


    "Hey," she mumbled, her voice still as monotone as ever.


    "You had me worried for a sec."


    Before she left home, she''d notified her family that she''d be going on a mission after the examination. Her father, and even her brother, knew how talented she was when it came to combat so they doubted the guild would hand her an F-ranking.


    What they didn''t expect, however, was all the accumulating missing persons nowadays. She didn''t think she''d stay in Hanataru for an extended period either so her father must''ve assumed the worst.


    "I know. The mission led us to a village but I ended up staying there longer than expected."


    "Did you, now?"


    Kei rushed out of the house, sliding in front of his sister.


    "So what happened in the exam? Were there a lot of people? Were they strong? Do you have a party? Did you fight monsters? What kind were they?" The boisterous kid bombarded her with an endless stream of questions.


    She dealt with this sort of behavior from him regularly so naturally she developed a surefire way to stop his interrogation cold. With an annoyed expression, she raised her hand just above his eyes and flicked his forehead with just enough force to make his head recoil.


    "Ow!" He rubbed his throbbing forehead.


    "If you calm down, I''ll tell you."


    After settling down, she explained everything that had happened up until her return.


    Being the child that he was, Kei''s eyes glowed with fascination. Naturally, he believed her knack for combat made her invincible and thus had no comprehension of the danger she was in. But her father knew better.


    Her father still displayed signs of worry. As such, she intentionally left out key details from her story. Namely, what happened to her during the dungeon raid. Although she was fortunate enough to have a capable ally practically save her, she couldn''t bring herself to burden her father with the stress of knowing she could''ve lost her life.


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    "You fought all those monsters without even getting hurt?" Kei questioned.


    "Uhm...yeah, I guess I did." she hesitated.


    "Awesome!"


    After her story concluded, a couple of kids made their way over a small bridge connecting both sides of the stream. One of them held a black striped ball.


    "Hey, Kei! You were still gonna play with us right?" a kid yelled out.


    "Oh yeah, let''s go!"


    His father gripped his shoulder, holding him back.


    "No you don''t." He pointed at the forgotten basket of clothes. "Finish the rest of your chores first, then you can play."


    Kei''s shoulders slumped in disappointment.


    "Okayyy..." he sighed, looking over at the two kids.


    "Sorry guys, I have to finish my chores. I''ll join you later."


    "It''s okay," they reassured him. "Just hurry up!"


    They ran back across the bridge, scurrying off to an open field as Kei dramatically dragged his feet back to the basket. It was always like this. Kei would usually get sidetracked, sometimes even neglecting his chores, but their father would always be there to set him straight. Kei didn''t seem to realize this now but his pouting act never worked on their father.


    Turning back to his daughter, he regarded her with a worried yet stern look, his eyes demanding she tell the truth. She might''ve gotten away with lying to her brother but her old man wasn''t nearly as naive.


    "So how badly were you hurt?" He laid a gentle hand on her shoulder.


    Her eyes drifted to the corner, unable to meet his gaze like a child being scolded.


    "...it wasn''t that bad. Just a cut on my leg, that''s all. I''m fine."


    He still got the sense she was softening her story for his sake but decided not to press her on it. Instead, he patted her arm, urging her inside.


    "Go rest up. You had a pretty eventful first experience and did a lot for that village...your mother would be proud of you."


    "Yeah...I guess she would."


    *****


    An hour had passed since Yakeru started helping Kenji with his training in the same grassy field. The constant firing of energy beams had attracted an audience of neighboring children who couldn''t help but spectate the two rangers in wonder. Of course, they had no clue what the two were up to which was why their parents instructed them to keep a safe distance.


    Kenji closed his eyes and held staff in the air. Ambient radiance streamed into it, giving it an amber glow.


    "Now fire!" Yakeru ordered.


    He did as instructed, firing a projectile that soared through the air toward a crudely made dummy Yakeru found collecting dust in the house. It was mostly made from straw and had a wooden post anchoring it to the ground. The projectile struck the dummy rather lightly before fizzling out upon impact.


    After carefully observing each projectile Kenji fired over the course of his training, he noted a couple different things. The first was each projectile would lose mass after being fired. The second was that their speed would greatly diminish about halfway to its target. These two combined made it nearly impossible for Kenji''s attacks to deal any noticeable damage indicated by the relatively unharmed dummy besides a few scratches.


    ''Doesn''t seem like he can pack much of a punch. Is it because he can''t gather enough radiance to do any real damage?''


    Perhaps it was time to revisit the basics. To Yakeru''s knowledge, one could manipulate radiance in two ways.


    The first was by using their radiance already absorbed and stored within the body. The second was using ambient radiance in the atmosphere. The reason why it was still draining for those who practiced the latter was because they have to use their own radiance that they''d coded so the ambient radiance knew how to behave.


    Yakeru snapped his fingers.


    "I got it."


    "Yeah?"


    "Let''s try something."


    Yakeru thought back to a little exercise he''d used to do to get a better feel for radiance during his earlier days under Akari''s mentorship. Since it was designed for melee fighters he''d have to modify it to suit a conjurer.


    "Try what?" Kenji perked up.


    "We''ll train your control over radiance instead." Yakeru pointed at the dummy. "I want you to gather as much of it as you can and focus it around the dummy."


    The idea was to strengthen one''s connection to radiance. Likewise to a muscle, training it over time would make it stronger. The more they used radiance, the more of it they''d be able to command at a time.


    "I want you to make it fall over. Do that and we can move on to something heavier."


    Kenji stared at the dummy and then glanced at Yakeru who gave him a nod.


    "Okay then."


    He raised his staff, amber particles swirling around it as the dummy swayed mockingly.


    "That''s it!" Yakeru encouraged him as an amber glow enveloped the dummy, forcing it to hunch over.


    Minutes passed and the dummy hadn''t moved an inch after Kenji had initially tilted it forward. His grip tightened around his staff and his hands began to tremble, his limits fast approaching and the dummy still hadn''t budged. His rather unimpressive showcase only frustrated him further.


    Eventually, he released the spell and the dummy snapped back to its original position. Air burst from Kenji''s mouth as he hadn''t realized he had been holding his breath.


    "I can''t even make a stupid dummy fall over!" He grunted, chucking his staff aside and plopping down in frustration.


    "Don''t beat yourself up. It''s gonna take time." Yakeru sat beside him.


    "You don''t get it!" Kenji snapped back. "You don''t give it a second thought cuz you can do this stuff so much better than I can. Even Fuyumi''s the embodiment of talent."


    Yakeru was taken aback by his sudden outburst, rendering him speechless for a moment.


    "U-uhm, well, there are things you''re better at than we are."


    Kenji turned to him with an eyebrow raised.


    "Oh really?" he spoke in a mocking tone, irritation still in his eyes. "Like what?"


    "Well, conjurers are better at manipulating radiance in the atmosphere while people like me rely more on the radiance we''ve already absorbed. Conjurers naturally have more options when it comes to different abilities."


    Kenji sighed, running a hand through his short, curly hair.


    "What good is having options if I can''t access those options in the first place, Yakeru?"


    "Don''t get so worked up. You don''t just get stronger overnight. You''ll get it with time."


    The tension in his shoulders subsided a bit, allowing them to relax more.


    "...I just don''t wanna burden anyone. No one respects those without power."


    "Kenji..."


    Yakeru''s mind went blank. As much as he wanted to give advice, he couldn''t. He wasn''t in the same boat as Kenji. Yakeru laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder.


    "How about we take a break?"


    "Yeah...maybe I just need a break...sorry I lashed out."


    Yakeru offered him a warm smile.


    "Hey, don''t worry about it."

 Chapter 18

    5 YEARS EARLIER:


    "Hurry up, boy!" a man shouted from downstairs. "Your food''s getting cold!"


    A young boy squirmed in his bed. He reached over shifting books and pencils out of the way and grabbed his glasses, placing them on his face before letting out a drawn out yawn.


    The capital streets would always swarm with pedestrians. Though over the years, he''d gotten used to waking up to the hundreds of voices hammering away at his window.


    "Coming, dad!"


    Sluggish, he dragged himself out of bed and headed toward the kitchen. The interior of the house was almost pristine. The navy blue curtains complemented the cream-colored walls. The hardwood floor reflected light beaming through the windows. The smell of toasted waffles was in the air. A middle-aged man with dark curly hair sliced butter and spread it along the top of the waffles. He wore an apron over a blue and white uniform that fitted him nicely over his lean build.


    "Hurry up and eat, Kenji. I have to go." He said, not bothering to spare his son a glance.


    Kenji sat at a round table as his father slid a plate of waffles in his direction.


    "There''s syrup in the pantry."


    His father threw a leftover waffle between his teeth before removing the apron, carelessly tossing it aside and pulling white gloves over his hands.


    "And Kenji," he pointed a firm finger in his direction. "Remember to do your chores before your studies. Got it?"


    His voice was a bit muffled from the food still in his mouth. The last time Kenji did it vice versa he''d lost track of time and never got around to his chores.


    "I''ve got things covered here."


    His father slipped his feet into some heavy boots and opened the door.


    "See you when I get back."


    He shut the door behind him, leaving Kenji alone in the house. After finishing his breakfast, Kenji then got to work. Since he was already in the kitchen, he started with the dishes. He scrubbed the plates and utensils before setting them aside to dry. He then moved on to the countertop and dining table, wiping them down and removing any lingering crumbs.


    He always double-checked his work to ensure everything was spotless. The last time he missed a few places he was forced to endure the wrath of his father''s verbal onslaught.


    Next, he tidied his room, smoothing his bedsheets to eliminate every imperfection. He picked up his notes and books off the floor that he''d used the night before and carefully organized them onto their designated shelves.


    With his chores completed, he would then tackle his studies. Sitting at his desk, he''d read through his book for that day''s topic, taking meticulous notes and underlining key points. Afterward, he''d review his notes to commit the information to memory and repeated the process for every chapter.


    *****


    The moonlight barely cast a glow through Kenji''s window as he scribbled away in a notebook. It wasn''t as lively outside as it was in the morning, only hearing the faintest of footsteps clattering outside before disappearing into the distance. It was at this time that he could hear the air gently brushing against his window without it being drowned out.


    He tapped a rectangular device to his left as it responded immediately to his touch, displaying the time in the form of a 3D hologram.


    12:34


    ''Is he working overtime or something?''


    It wasn''t out of the ordinary. Capital guards were usually stuck with extra hours, especially if they were stationed on the outskirts.


    A knock on the door snatched him out of his thoughts. It wasn''t like his dad to be locked out. He made his way to the front door.


    He slid a stool in front of the door to look through the peephole. There he saw two men dressed in familiar blue and white uniforms standing on the other side. The lock clicked and the door opened, revealing the boy''s confused expression.


    "Can I help you?"


    "Are you Kenji?" one of the men questioned.


    "Uhm, yes?"


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    The men glanced at each other as if expecting the other to say something before looking back at Kenji. He wasn''t sure what this was about but he got the sense he needed to brace himself. Their expressions were laced with sympathy and after a few seconds, one of them cleared his throat and spoke up.


    "There''s no easy way to say this but...it''s about your father."


    "Is he okay?" He felt his heart begin to pick up speed.


    "Well you see, he''s in the hospital right now."


    Kenji stared blankly at the two, unsure if he heard correctly.


    "W-what...?"


    "A pack of monsters attacked his post," the second guard chimed in to explain. "They said that it''ll take some time for him to recover but he''ll be forced to retire."


    Their voices became muffled, the world around Kenji blurring as his mind struggled to process the news. Events like this were a regular occurrence but he was too naive to think it would happen to his father.


    What would happen to them? How would they live moving forward? How much would change?...How much would his father change?


    Questions swirled in his mind as the two guards offered to take him to see his father. But he couldn''t hear them over the noise in his head.


    PRESENT DAY:


    By the time Kenji returned to his neighborhood, stars were twinkling in the night sky and activity in the capital had died down. The air was calm, the occasional pedestrian passing him by and retiring to their burgundy brick homes that lined either side as he quietly navigated the familiar streets.


    The gentle moon hue cast a soft glow on the pristine houses, accompanied by trimmed plants and vibrant flowers in window boxes.


    Nestled within the well-maintained neighborhood lay an aging house that stood as a stark contrast to its surroundings. Withered plants drooped lifelessly in the dry soil. The elements had eaten away at the paint, revealing patches of exposed cracked bricks.


    Kenji approached the front door, skipping steps to avoid twisting an ankle on the deteriorating stone. Unlocking the door, he swung it open with a creak that echoed through the home''s dark interior. Closing the door behind him he stepped over empty liquor bottles.


    The stench of alcohol contaminated the air. The walls, once adored with pristine cream wallpaper, were now peeling and discolored. Tattered curtains dangled in front of a cracked window.


    Making his way over to the living room, he passed by dozens of overdue medical bills scattered across a countertop. There also stood a photo of a group of capital guards huddled together wearing goofy grins. Amidst them was a lean man with dark curly hair.


    "Dad? I''m home." Kenji announced.


    He rounded a corner to find a disheveled man slouched on a dusty old sofa, his belly poking out from underneath his stained shirt. His wild overgrown curly hair seemed like it hadn''t seen a comb in ages. His hairy foot was propped up on the small coffee table in front of him as he watched a program on a holographic monitor.


    "And where have you been?" his father huffed.


    "I was out...I actually passed the exam this time." he replied in a firm tone.


    His father dug his untrimmed yellow nails into his thick, unruly beard. Shards of hair and specks of white floated on the sofa as he scratched vigorously.


    "Really, now? It doesn''t take several days to finish the exam."


    He took a swig of the beer in his hand and turned to him, positioning himself so his missing leg wouldn''t cause discomfort. The stench of alcohol grew stronger when he faced him. Kenji had gotten so used to the smell that his nose didn''t so much as twitch.


    "You lyin'' to me? You failed that test again, didn''t you? Not that I''m surprised."


    "No!" Kenji barked, eager to prove him wrong this time. "I ?????? pass. And I went on a mission too."


    His father narrowed his gaze, eying him up and down.


    "Show me your rank ID."


    Without hesitation, Kenji reached into his back pocket and pulled out his ID, tossing it to him. Upon inspecting it, he began to chuckle to himself, leaving Kenji slightly confused.


    "E-rank." He glanced up at Kenji with a disgusted expression. "This a joke? What kind of mission could you have possibly done as an E-rank ranger?"


    "Well...I..." Kenji fumbled over his words before attempting to salvage his confidence.


    "We went on an escort mission. And not just that, we managed to raid a dungeon infested with vamp-crawlers. Saving a village in the process."


    "Vamp-crawlers? Those things are C-tier. So the rangers you were with had to have been at least C-rank or higher."


    Kenji opened his mouth but paused. It was his first dungeon raid and not only could he do little to contribute to the team, but he also ran.


    "You couldn''t even fight them, could you?" he continued, reinforcing his point. "You''re party had to fight them for you."


    Though he was already swaying, he took another swig from the bottle he had in his hand.


    "Rangers like that didn''t let you tag along cuz you''re buddies. They just felt bad for you."


    The old man looked over at a glass casing hung on the wall showcasing a tattered white and blue uniform. One of its pant legs was missing right below the knee.


    His eyes shut and jaw clenched, the display case yanking his mind into a haunting memory of the past. He would''ve burned that uniform long ago had his pride in once serving the capital not interfered.


    He shook his head and took another swig, the booze the only thing keeping the trauma at bay.


    "A harsh world has no place for liabilities. They''re either killed or get others killed."


    Kenji wanted to counter his point so desperately...but something deep down agreed with his pessimism. He''d been saved by Yakeru from the forest lurkers, again by a Hanataru guard from a vamp crawler, and again by Fuyumi from the infected.


    His inadequacy didn''t end there. He was even responsible for the death of two of Vlad''s men after failing to stall a single vamp crawler. This would ultimately lead them to abandon him in the dungeon. How many more failures would it take for his friends to do the same?


    Reflecting on his past experiences only made him realize just how incompetent he was as a ranger. Kenji remained silent, biting his quivering lip as the gravity of his failures began to weigh on him.


    "It wouldn''t surprise me if you kept your tail between your legs while everyone else did the heavy lifting," he took his son''s silence as confirmation before carelessly flicking Kenji''s ID back to him. "Such a pathetic excuse of a son."


    Kenji stared at his ID on the floor before hesitantly retrieving it. With nothing else to say, the drunk wordlessly resumed watching his program while his son quietly retired to his room.


    He dropped his staff and slipped into his bed sheets. He wanted nothing more than to drift off but his father''s words echoing in his head left him restless.

 Chapter 19

    The following morning, Kenji roamed the busy capital streets, catching glimpses of new missing person posters through the bustling crowd. While on his way to the guild, he came across a vendor and eyed the various elixirs on display. Some were green, some blue, and some yellow.


    "Can I help you?" the merchant asked his potential customer.


    Kenji blinked several times before breaking out of his trance.


    "Oh, Uhm, sorry. I was just looking."


    "Well, is there something you''re looking for in particular?"


    His mind flashed back to his experiences as a ranger. In just under a week, he''d had more failures than his two party members combined. His father''s words floated in his head ever since that one-sided argument.


    After departing from Hanataru, he''d begun to slip into the depths of self-loathing for his inadequacy. Anyone would want to fight alongside the strong while the weak were discarded. He saw that now. There was only one solution: Power.


    Clenching his fist, he asked the merchant,


    "Do you have any enhancement elixirs?"


    "Why of course."


    After purchasing the elixir, the merchant thanked him for his patronage before he continued making his way down the street.


    At the guild, Yakeru and Fuyumi we''re already browsing the mission board. Yakeru had on his new light armor over a plain kimono and tattsuke bakama.


    The board had more high-ranked missions than usual. They assumed this was due to the Ripper.


    It was either more high-ranking rangers prioritized hunting him...or there weren''t enough left to deal with him anymore. Yakeru could only hope it wasn''t the latter.


    "We''ll do this one," Fuyumi said, taking a sheet from the board.


    He gave it a quick look over.


    [Fungus Blight Infestation]


    D-rank


    Location: Dark Ember Swamp, Inner rim


    A good find. This was one of, if not the only kind of monsters low-ranking rangers could fetch a decent reward from. This all stemmed from the Fungus Blights'' unique ability to continuously evolve.


    Born as E-tier fodder, if the infestation is left unchecked, they could rapidly grow stronger until reaching S-tier. The first recorded infestation went neglected for approximately a year. That''s all it took for those creatures to multiply into the thousands while growing in strength similar to that of an S-rank ranger, plunging the continent into a state of panic.


    Regrettably, it took the Phoenix Feather Bombing and the loss of hundreds of innocent lives just for humanity to acknowledge their destructive potential.


    "Oh. Okay...I thought you''d want to do something more relaxing after what we''ve already gone through." Yakeru assumed.


    "We''re killing monsters," she responded with a trace of resentment in her voice.


    "Right..."


    Something told him that if the mission didn''t involve slaying monsters, she wanted nothing to do with it. If this was the case, he wondered if he''d be able to keep up with such a single-minded party member.


    The guild doors swung open and a familiar face stepped in. Yakeru almost mistook him for someone else. The way he sauntered over to the two exuded a slight aura of confidence Yakeru hadn''t seen from him before.


    ''Kenji?'' Yakeru asked himself as the conjurer made his way over. "Hey, good mor-"


    "So what mission are we doing?" Kenji interrupted, catching Yakeru off guard. He seemed more eager to go on a mission this time around but Yakeru chose to shrug it off.


    Without greeting him, Fuyumi flashed the mission sheet to him as he skimmed over it.


    "I see."


    After notifying the guild receptionist, she stuffed the sheet in her satchel and the trio set off.


    *****


    After hours of travel, they''d arrived at a mucky swamp land. A foreboding gloom hung in heavily in the air. Massive roots bulged from the mud, lifting trees into the air as the rangers passed under them, following the wooden path.


    Scanning the area, thick algae stained the stagnant waters and plant life fell victim to decay. Within this eerie realm, a rare phenomenon would occur. What appeared to be black flakes peeled from the water''s surface, mingling with the ominous atmosphere.


    Yakeru stuck out his finger and curiously tapped on one of these flakes only for it to disintegrate upon contact.


    The stench of rotten wood intensified the further they went. As usual, Fuyumi marched ahead, leading the group forward.


    ''Does she ever slow down?'' Yakeru wondered.


    She pushed aside a wall of moss that drooped from a nearby tree. Both Yakeru and Kenji did the same, meeting her on the other side who now had her sights set on a humanoid figure in the distance. Their lower half was submerged in the mucky water. It seemed to have noticed them because it began to stagger through the water toward them.


    "I take it you''ve found one," Yakeru said as it approached, its features becoming more distinguishable. A dry hiss escaped through its rotted teeth. Cordyceps sprouted from one side of its face and its body was coated in fungus.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    "Seems so," she muttered a reply.


    The water rippled to their flanks as more of these creatures began to surface. They wobbled toward them with outstretched arms, revealing their bony appendages. Their bodies were malnourished and incomplete, their missing patches of skin exposing fragmented bones.


    Some had yet to grow in their eyes, wandering aimlessly as a result while others had underdeveloped muscle groups hindering their movements. Yakeru and Fuyumi drew their blades.


    "Alright, Kenji. Stand back and cover us. We''ll-"


    Fuyumi exploded into battle, immediately slicing through two blights in front of her. Yakeru grunted in annoyance.


    ''I know these things are just D-tier now but does she have to be so impulsive?!''


    She left him with no choice but to join her in the fray, slashing through a blight''s neck before moving on to the next. Fuyumi leaped through the air, firing double radiant arcs that slammed into two assailants on opposite sides of her.


    ????????!


    Mushrooms exploded into brown clouds of mist as she then pounced onto another, driving her two daggers into its head. Using its momentum when it collapsed, she rolled over its corpse, slicing through another blight''s midsection.


    Yakeru swiftly cut down his assailants, dismembering them with an imbued blade. In one fluid motion, he ducked under claws swiping at his head and slashed through a pair of thin legs. When it dropped with a slash he twirled the hilt to reverse his grip and thrust his blade into another blight that was too sluggish to evade.


    Like forest lurkers, fungus blights weren''t very strong at this stage but they made up for it with sheer numbers. Yakeru was starting to realize this as blights began slowly filling his field of view.


    Kenji picked up on this early on and fired in their direction, carving away at their weak bodies. Although his projectiles didn''t pack much of a punch, they were enough to stagger them. Fortunately, their bodies were still fragile at this stage so it wasn''t hard to disrupt their movements.


    "Thanks!" Yakeru exclaimed as he brought down his blade on one of their necks.


    "No problem!"


    Yakeru cut down as many blights as he could after they were hit by Kenji''s attacks.


    Amid the battle, the water splashed violently behind the conjurer. The ground trembled ever so slightly with every evenly paced splash that he assumed were footsteps. The sounds of crackling wood made him freeze. Slowly turning, his eyes widened as he was engulfed in a shadow.


    A towering creature stood before him. Vines strangled its body, pulsating around its bulky frame. Releasing its jaws, it exposed its black jagged teeth, a thick brown mist pouring from its mouth. Its yellow eyes peered down at the frozen conjurer as it trudged toward him.


    With widened eyes, he watched as it effortlessly ripped out a tree root, holding it like a club. Yakeru watched as the beast raised its makeshift weapon high, preparing to bring it down on his petrified friend.


    "Kenji, move!"


    His shout was enough for Kenji to snap out of it.


    ????????!


    The "club" came crashing down right when Kenji leaped out of its path. Mucky water exploded into the air then crashed down on the boy and nearby blights. The black flakes, once floating through the battlefield, disintegrated without having time to disperse from the shockwave.


    Fuyumi snapped her head toward the commotion. Yakeru was occupied fending off a wave of blights to assist Kenji. Was it up to her to save him again?


    She began to move but was cut off by a blight. After cutting it down another appeared.


    And another.


    And another.


    For each blight she dispatched, three more took its place. She was already too far from her party and she was only getting pushed further back as more blights filled the space between them.


    Kenji exploded from the waters gasping for air, algae now entangled in his hair.


    He scrambled to his staff and held it up to the monster looming over him. He launched multiple projectiles at the beast but it remained unfazed. Unlike its brethren, it wasn''t just this blight''s body that was much more developed, it had heightened intelligence as well, demonstrated by its ability to use the environment to its advantage.


    It howled in his direction and swung its weapon once more. Conjuring a barrier, it smashed through it with ease, shattering it upon impact and sending him skipping violently across the stagnant water''s surface.


    He screamed as pain radiated across his body as he struggled to stand. His party was too preoccupied with this creature''s pawns to save him this time.


    ??????????! ??????????!


    Glancing back, he found the monster trudging his way, carelessly trampling on the smaller blights. The brute''s face twisted into a look of dissatisfaction when it realized this insignificant pest was still breathing. As it sped up its pace, Kenji remembered something he''d brought with him.


    He rummaged through his satchel hoping to find it.


    ''Come on!''


    The stomps were getting louder by the second but luckily he''d found what he was looking for.


    ''Yes!'' He pulled out a vial of yellow liquid. Fortunately, it hadn''t broken from getting tossed around. He popped open the lid and downed the substance.


    Tossing the empty vial to the side, he felt his body begin to change. His muscles tensed making movement rigid as radiance began to envelop him. He felt his body absorbing more radiance than it should making it more difficult to contain by the second. The water beneath him levitated, the light from his body shooting through it, giving it a brilliant glow.


    Through the small gaps in their fight, Yakeru and Fuyumi could spot the vibrant light suddenly emanating from the conjurer.


    ''What is that?'' Yakeru wondered.


    By this time the blight had reached him, raising its club overhead with both hands this time. Kenji sluggishly raised his staff in return. If this wasn''t enough, at least it''d be a quick demise.


    ''Please work!'' Kenji prayed, shutting his eyes in case it backfired.


    As the radiance in his body reached its maximum capacity, he unleashed it all in an extravagant beam of energy, the recoil launching him backwards. The beam roared, parting the water and effortlessly tearing a hole through the brute''s midsection before slamming into a tree behind it, exploding into wood fragments.


    The tree crackled as it tumbled, the blights unlucky enough to be standing underneath it crushed into nothing.


    "Woah..." was all that Yakeru could muster as Kenji''s attack rendered him almost speechless.


    When Kenji opened his eyes, he found himself lying flat in the mud. Taking the time to reorient himself, his eyes widened when he saw that the brutish fungus blight was now lying motionless.


    As he stared at its body, more blight began to swarm him. However, a newfound confidence welled within him. This was his first time killing a monster...and it was at least C-tier.


    He turned to a fungus blight that had gotten within range and raised his staff to its chest. He could still feel the palpable power raging inside him¨Ca good indicator that the enhancement elixir''s effects hadn''t worn off.


    He fired another blast, eviscerating more monsters than he intended to. His gaping mouth of surprise curled into a smile as he blasted another wave of blights.


    "Ha...haha..." he chuckled as he easily tore through their numbers. Before, he''d be at the mercy of even E-tier monsters. But now...


    After finishing off the remaining blights, Yakeru sprinted over to Kenji.


    "You okay? That hit you took looked pretty bad..." he asked worriedly.


    By now, the excess radiance enveloping Kenji had evaporated and his muscles were finally able to relax. He had a few cuts, a couple bruises, a bit sore and was completely covered in muck but otherwise, he seemed okay.


    "Yeah, I''m fine. In fact," Kenji looked over at what remained of the monsters he''d just slaughtered. "I feel great."


    Fuyumi walked over to them while sheathing her daggers.


    "Didn''t expect you to have an enhancement elixir."


    "Yeah, well, it''s good to be prepared I guess."


    With that, she began making her way out of the swamp, leaving them behind assuming they''d follow.


    "We''re done here. Come on."


    Before Yakeru could follow, he turned to find Kenji caught in a trance, staring at the corpses he''d left behind. Yakeru felt his hairs stand on end when he saw his expression. An ear to ear smile split his face and his pupils were contracted within his widened eyes.


    He''d never seen him with such a disturbing expression before, his words getting caught in his throat.


    "U-uhm," Yakeru mustered. "A-are you sure you''re okay?"


    Kenji snapped out of his trance, his face returning to a neutral expression before he looked at Yakeru.


    "Yeah, of course."

 Chapter 20

    Five rangers strolled down a dirt road. Water droplets smacked their faces as they passed by a waterfall. Flocks of birds with two sets of wings soared majestically across the blue sky in the distance. Massive jagged rock formations on the horizon pierced the clouds.


    "We''ve been out here for four days." one of them, sporting knight armor and a sword, said. "You think we''ll ever find this guy?"


    "Eventually." the leader of the group responded. He wore a similar set of armor and a dark cape that whipped in the wind.


    Their outfits all followed a similar theme, with knight helm insignias branded on each of their armor, either on their shoulder or breastplate. An insignia representing their allegiance to the same clan.


    They weren''t as popular in the guild as some of the other clans such as The Fiends or Saberclaw, but they were confident in their abilities. They were all A-rank after all.


    They passed through a couple of ring-shaped stone structures that looked ancient in appearance. Even if they could read the runes engraved in them, it''d be difficult to make out what they said with the overgrown moss and vines that obscured most of the writing.


    The group rested at a riverbed, dipping their canteens in the clear water as they admired the decaying ruins, overgrown with vegetation, beside them.


    "You know, I heard this place used to be a hotspot for hunters. For some strange reason, they only hunted one type of monster." one of them said, pointing at the cracks and holes in the ground. "Not sure why the place turned out the way it did though."


    "Spare us the history lesson. We''re here for one reason."


    "Yeah. Speaking of, what was his description again?" a ranger with a red fur collar asked.


    The leader pulled out a mission sheet and read,


    "Black trench coat, a red scarf, a scythe..."


    "Yep, definitely fits the description of a psycho." another ranger chimed in, setting aside his battle ax. "When we catch this guy, everyone will praise the Knight Clan. Just watch."


    Minutes passed as they rested and made small talk. Soon, one of the men stood up.


    "I''ll be back. Gonna go take a leak."


    "Make it quick. We''ll be headin'' out soon."


    "Got it." the ranger said as he pushed past the brush and into the ruins to relieve himself.


    The group passed the time with more small talk. Thirty minutes passed but their comrade still hadn''t returned.


    The air felt heavier than usual, an eerie silence blanketing the area, making their breathing seem louder than normal.


    They glanced at each other and then at their leader for guidance. It didn''t take him long to come to a decision. He stood to his feet and drew his longsword.


    "Let''s find him. Stay vigilant and watch your step."


    His clan members nodded in agreement before also drawing their weapons and following him into the brush.


    Fanning out, they thoroughly searched the deteriorating structures and lush greenery for their lost clan member, occasionally calling out to him but each time was met with no response.


    How far could he have gone?


    Their search led them further into the ruins and along the way, they came across a large metallic sign. Through the rust that ate away at its once pristine surface, they were barely able to make out the propaganda with what appeared to be an image of someone with a proud smile beside it.


    [He?p us m?rch ??to ? new ag?, an age ?f unl?it?d ??ergy!]


    Cracks, like jagged veins, split the ground and structures, deep chasms swallowing small buildings whole. Cautiously maneuvering through a large crumbling building, they spotted shattered glass belonging to what they assumed were pods half buried in the soil with vines slithering over them.


    Within the canisters lay the skeletal remains of some kind of bipedal creatures, painting a haunting picture. Their skulls'' empty eye sockets stared into the void and their jaws hung open in a permanent scream.


    The rangers'' hairs stood on end and goosebumps spread along their bodies when passing through.


    Deciding to cover more ground, they split up. The red-collared ranger pushed aside some bushes only to stumble on something solid, nearly twisting his ankle.


    "Geez! What in the..."


    Looking back, he assumed it to be just a rock but upon further study, it was oddly shaped and hairy. Using his foot, he gently nudged the "rock" to shift it on its side. When he did, his eyes widened and yelped loud enough for his cry to echo through the woods.


    There lay a head with its eyes rolled back into its skull.


    He stumbled onto his behind, nearly vomiting on himself as the others came rushing to his aid.


    "What''s wrong?!"


    "What happened?!" the leader shouted before looking down at the severed head.


    Their legs nearly gave out from the horrific sight. As the others clamped their hands to their mouths, desperate to keep their last meal in, the leader analyzed the situation.


    The entire time, they hadn''t heard their ally cry out or metallic clanging which suggested he was ambushed and met his end swiftly.


    With that information, it was more than apparent that they were dealing with some kind of skilled hunter¨Can apex predator.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    "Wait. We''re missing another!"


    Only the leader and one other ranger rendezvoused with the red-collared ranger. Surely their fourth heard their comrade''s shriek, right?


    As the situation escalated, sweat rolled down the leader''s cheek as they drew their swords. That''s when they heard it. A soft lullaby in the form of a whistle whispered menacingly through the trees.


    Their heads darted from one tree to the next, desperately trying to pinpoint the source but by now panic began to cloud their minds. Rangers were supposed to be the hunters. Not the hunted.


    Out in the distance, a dim red light shone between the trees.


    ????????!


    In an instant, a streak of crimson light whipped through the deteriorating structures, crashing into the red-collared ranger and split fissures in the already weakened ground. His skeleton was briefly visible through the blinding light that burned their retinas.


    Reflexively slamming their eyes shut, they sunk to their knees, at the mercy of the thunder roaring in their ears. When it was over, they slowly opened their eyes, their ears were still ringing.


    What remained of the red-collared ranger was a blackened sizzling corpse inside a charred suit of armor.


    "Metal makes good conductors." a hoarse voice exclaimed.


    "Kugh!"


    The leader snapped his head in the direction of the voice but his remaining party member had already been impaled. His teammate collapsed lifelessly, approaching from behind it was a dark figure twirling a scythe to his side.


    All of his comrades were no more. He''d just started building his clan a few months prior. Gathering the resources, members, taking on difficult missions to climb the hierarchy in the guild. Yet all of it was for nothing. This man¨Cthis monster¨Chad taken everything.


    He didn''t see a way to defeat this guy. He''d wiped out his entire party before anyone could react.


    ''...but why hasn''t he killed me yet?''


    He looked over to see the tree tilting to its side as the man appeared to be admiring his handy work. The Ripper glanced at his amulet, glowing fiercely before he gave a satisfied nod and began walking away, cackling. He didn''t seem to notice the cracks subtly forming beneath his feet. The leader was clearly outmatched but that didn''t mean he was out of options.


    "What? Can''t finish the job?" the leader taunted. "How weak."


    The Ripper froze mid-step. His expression changed, the once amused look on his face then twisted into one of bewilderment mixed with rage. He turned his head to face the sweating leader, the anger in his eyes burning through the slits in his stringy hair. With the man now stationary, an opening presented itself.


    The ranger infused his sword, plunging it into the unstable ground. Pillars of amber shot into the air, attempting to cage the Ripper inside while tearing the earth apart. The Ripper''s eyes widened in shock when a gaping maw began to open up beneath him, devouring everything within its reach in an instant.


    The ranger leaped back to avoid the devastation. When the dust settled, the ripper had disappeared. His plan had worked flawlessly. He carefully sat to not disturb the fragile surface and let out a breath he''d been holding in.


    For some reason, he wasn''t satisfied with this outcome. He''d defeated the ripper at the cost of his entire party.


    "...Well...I''ll¡ª!" Something cold pierced his back and blood seeped from his mouth. When he glanced down, he found a curved blade peering out from his midsection.


    "Weak?" The familiar hoarse voice echoed from behind him.


    The ranger couldn''t respond as blood began to fill his airways. He thought he had the upper hand but the Ripper''s speed seemed to have compensated for his lack of situational awareness.


    The mere action of infusing his scythe caused electric currents to surge through the ranger''s body. A bloodcurdling scream echoed through the ruins as arcs of lightning burrowed out of his body, searing his flesh and bones.


    When the screaming stopped, he ripped his scythe out and watched the ranger''s smoking body topple over.


    "What do you know of weakness?" He snarled.


    *****


    After returning to the guild, Yakeru and the others gave their report on the mission.


    "Based on your description, that blight had to have evolved into a C-tier monster. So I''m relieved to see you''re not hurt, Kenji."


    "I guess I got lucky."


    "Very. Here you go."


    She placed pouches of coins on the counter with a smile.


    "Thank you for taking care of the infestation before it got any worse."


    They each took and pocketed their coins. As the reward promised on the mission sheet, they''ve earned quite a bit more than their first mission.


    "It wasn''t a problem." Yakeru chimed in. "Take care."


    "You as well."


    She waved as they turned to exit through the doors. Once outside, Fuyumi glanced back at the two.


    "Same time tomorrow morning, got it?" she ordered.


    They agreed before she disappeared into the crowd. Yakeru and Kenji began walking down the road in the opposite direction. By now, they had a sense that this would be somewhat of a normal routine: Meet their cold and demanding party member in the morning, choose a mission that included the slaying of monsters, slay said monsters, return for their rewards, then rinse and repeat.


    They''d been on two missions but Yakeru was already feeling exhausted from so much fighting. At least he''d be treated to new sights to explore in the meantime.


    "Oh, by the way, are you coming by to train today?" Yakeru questioned.


    Kenji didn''t respond, seemingly caught in a trance. He followed Kenji''s gaze to find multiple stalls down the street, one of which was selling elixirs. The conjurer either didn''t hear his question or it hadn''t registered but he began to gravitate towards the stall.


    "Kenji?" Yakeru followed.


    As Kenji approached, the merchant perked up and put on a bright smile.


    "Welcome!" He exclaimed as he got a good look at the boy. He studied the kid for a moment, searching his memories to see where he''d seen this familiar face before. "Uhm, don''t I know you?"


    "I was here earlier today."


    "That''s right!" The merchant snapped his fingers in realization. "Forgive my terrible memory. I take it the elixir was to your liking?"


    "Yes, so I was hoping to buy some more."


    "Why of course!" The merchant rubbed his hands greedily. "So long as you have the funds."


    Yakeru watched as he pulled out a few coins¡ªthe same coins he''d been rewarded with not even thirty minutes ago. After exchanging them for a few more enhancement elixirs, he slipped the vials into his satchel.


    "Will that be all? Perhaps you''ll need a health elixir too? You never know." He put on an innocent smile in hopes of squeezing more money out of the kid.


    "No, thank you. These will do."


    "A shame. Do come again!"


    Kenji began to walk away as if unaware of Yakeru''s presence even as he walked past him.


    "Kenji!"


    He finally stopped to acknowledge him.


    "What?" He asked without turning to him.


    "I was just going to ask if you still wanted to-"


    "I''m not training." Kenji interrupted in a rather aggressive tone.


    Yakeru''s words paused in his throat as he was taken aback. His mind called back to events that occurred earlier.


    His gloomy face in the dungeon.


    His unwillingness to speak a word on their way from Hanataru.


    His outburst during their training.


    ...That disturbing smile in the Dark Ember Swamp...


    Yakeru had seen the signs before but wasn''t sure how to proceed. He let out a sigh to calm himself before deciding to confront him.


    "L-Look, if something''s going on, you can tell me. You know that, right?"


    If it weren''t for the constant chatter around them and hoofs clopping up and down the street, there''d be a deafening silence right now. Finally, Kenji had the decency to turn towards him to speak.


    "Thanks, but I''m okay." He said with an expressionless face which made his response all the more unconvincing. Though still, Yakeru didn''t know how to respond as Kenji continued. "There''s something I''d like to do."


    With that, he left Yakeru behind and disappeared around a corner. He didn''t know what to make of his sudden change in aura. Having no choice, he headed home, still digesting the interaction.


    Meanwhile, Kenji pondered the possibilities of enhancement elixirs. The fungus blights didn''t stand a chance, not even the C-tier blight. He wasn''t expecting to turn the tides of battle so quickly.


    Enhancement elixirs could bolster one''s abilities beyond their limits, evening the odds or even outright demolishing their opponents. Yet for some strange reason, they weren''t used very often. They weren''t very pricey so it wasn''t like weren''t affordable.


    But that didn''t matter. He approached a capital gate and gazed into the distance. Glancing down at the elixir in his hand, he wondered,


    ''Can I kill something stronger?''


    A smile crept across his face as he curled his hand into a fist, the thought filling him with excitement.


    "Only one way to find out."

 Chapter 21: The Great Red Plains

    After returning home, Yakeru practically threw himself in the shower, eager to wash the stench of swamp water off his body. With how physically demanding his new job was, the warm water on his body was very therapeutic for him.


    After drying himself off and putting on a change of clothes, he headed to the kitchen where he found his sister whipping up a meal for them. Before, he''d be the one looking forward to hearing all about her adventures. Now the roles were reversed as she urged him to give her the details of his latest adventure.


    "Fungus Blights, huh?" Akari placed two bowls of beef and carrot stew on the dining table. "Good that you nipped them in the bud when you did. You didn''t get hurt, did you?"


    "No, I''m fine. They were around E to D-tier anyway so they weren''t that strong." He sat at the table.


    "Don''t get too cocky," she said, sitting across from him. "Just because something isn''t much of a threat doesn''t mean you should let your guard down. Weak monsters are still monsters."


    "I know, I know. ''Always assume my opponent is stronger.'' You''ve already engrained that into my head."


    "Nice to know you haven''t forgotten." She said before eating.


    "The only blight there that could''ve posed a threat was around C-tier. But Kenji took it out." Yakeru said, idly stirring his stew.


    Akari''s eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise after hearing this. It wasn''t difficult to piece together that Kenji wasn''t the strongest of the party based on Yakeru''s story of his first experience doing a mission. Even if it seemed like he''d softened Kenji''s shortcomings.


    Briefly spectating their little training session from yesterday only confirmed her assumptions about the young conjurer.


    "Really? He improved that much after your little training session?"


    Yakeru paused for a moment. Of course he hadn''t improved. Not in the slightest. But he couldn''t bring himself to say something so blunt.


    "He brought along an enhancement elixir."


    "Oh, I see." She said between bites. "That''d be the first monster he''s killed, right?"


    "Yeah..." Yakeru poked at a sliced carrot floating through the steaming bowl.


    Akari stared at him for a moment. Despite beef and carrot stew being his favorite dish, he hadn''t so much as touched it during their whole conversation, signaling something was off.


    "So what''s up?" She probed.


    "Huh?"


    "Don''t ''huh'' me. I''ve known you long enough to know when you have something on your mind."


    She remembered him mentioning a third party member they''d been running missions with. Someone strong yet not the social type. She narrowed her eyes in suspicion.


    "That Fuyumi girl isn''t causing any friction is she?"


    His eyes shot open as if surprised she would think such a thing.


    "No, no! It''s nothing like that! She''s actually really nice when she wants to be."


    "Ending your sentence with ''when she wants to be'' doesn''t exactly improve my impression of her." She countered leaving Yakeru a bit flustered.


    "Just...it''s nothing. I promise it''s nothing major."


    ''Or at least I hope not.'' He added in his head.


    "Well, then eat up or it''ll get cold."


    He did as she suggested, appearing to be deep in thought.


    ''I hope I''m just reading into this too much. It was his first time taking down a monster. I should be happy for him...so why am I worried?''


    *****


    Hours had passed since Kenji departed from the capital by carriage, traveling through an unfamiliar landscape. He scanned his surroundings, intrigued by the mysterious craters that dotted the plains and the warped trees sprouting from the crimson grass. Monstrous craggy rock formations jutted from the earth on either side of him and herds of human-sized birds pecked at the ground.


    As he was dropped off, the white and burgundy birds raised their heads to study the boy as if disturbed by his presence.


    "Easy now..."


    Luckily they resumed eating the grass once enough distance was put between them. They didn''t seem aggressive despite their intimidating size.


    He paid the coachman before the carriage rode off into the distance.


    "Now then, there has to be something stronger that I can kill here..."


    This plain stretched between the inner and mid-rim. He didn''t have much information on the area, only that the majority of monsters were C and B-tier. What type of monsters that lurked in these parts, he didn''t know, thus he moved cautiously.


    He also didn''t have a party accompanying him so he had no one to rely on. If things went south, he''d be forced to retreat.


    He passed a cliff face and grazed his hand along its jagged surface. Ducking under a tree that almost twisted into the ground, he came across a metallic sphere suspended in midair. A soft white glow emitted from its grooves as some unknown force warped the light around it.


    Confused yet curious, he approached it cautiously. Once he came within a certain distance of the mysterious object, its color suddenly shifted to a blood red. Kenji stopped in his tracks almost as if his body had locked in place.


    ''What just happened?'' he wondered, unsure if he should be worried.


    Pebbles began to gradually levitate toward it. Loose rubble dragged along the ground, gravitating to the sphere.


    Soon the earth began to tremble as the cliff face fractured. He felt himself sliding toward the sphere. So much so that he was forced to grasp onto a nearby tree. It was as if gravity had shifted, pulling him toward the sphere.


    Boulders were ripped from the cliff face and swirled around it. The more debris that slung toward it, the more a golem started to take shape.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "This must be a gravity dyson!" he assumed, still clinging onto the tree that, luckily, was strong enough to withstand the intense gravity well.


    After its golem was complete, the strength of its gravity subsided just enough for its creation to still be held together, leaving behind a crater.


    It resembled a typical stone golem, except it didn''t have legs. Instead, its lower half consisted of swirling debris. The dyson itself had cleverly concealed itself somewhere within the golem.


    This told him that the dyson wasn''t very durable and relied on its environment to compensate.


    As the golem outstretched its large hand, a section of the earth tore apart. It swung its arm, flinging the debris toward Kenji.


    ????????!


    He leaped out of the way as the ground he was just standing on was pulverized. The golem scanned the area for him through the dust.


    Kenji hid behind a boulder, pulling out an elixir from his pouch and drinking its contents.


    He''d never encountered a gravity dyson before but based on the crater it left earlier, he concluded that its gravity field had a limited range.


    Just as his body began to swirl with radiance, the boulder he''d hid behind was ripped from the ground. The golem whipped its arm and sent it crashing into a barrier Kenji conjured. He waved his staff and fired a blast toward the beast. With a flick of its wrist, it warped the terrain in front of it, pulling together chunks of the earth to tank the brunt.


    ????????!


    Without delay, he fired a second time. He couldn''t allow it to advance. As long as he stayed out of range and continued his onslaught, it wouldn''t have any breathing room.


    The dyson rearranged the debris that made up the monster''s arm and formed a shield.


    ??????????!


    His attack had eviscerated the golem''s top half but despite that, it began gathering more rubble to fill the missing mass. He assumed the dyson was buried in its chest cavity or maybe its head so naturally he thought he''d finished the fight with that attack. Apparently not but that only narrowed down where the dyson was located.


    As the golem pulled itself back together, he''d already fired another devastating blast, tearing apart its lower section. Confident this time, Kenji nearly let down his guard when his eyes widened in shock. The golem began repairing itself again.


    He was positive that the dyson was in its lower half...unless,


    ''It must be repositioning itself.''


    This made this fight exponentially more challenging as he was clueless about where the main body was located. His elixir was still in effect, however, so there was still a chance at victory.


    He raised his staff again, bombarding the golem with a flurry of projectiles. Each one punched holes through its body, slowly eating away at its mass.


    He ceased fire after a dense smoke cloud had formed. Surely that was enough to end things. He waved his hand, coughing as he tried maneuvering his way through the cloud when he came to a sudden halt.


    "Huh?!"


    His body felt heavier and his movements were sluggish. He fought to keep himself upright but the mysterious force grew stronger in objection. The additional weight buckled his knees and he face-planted into the dirt, forming a small crater. He gritted his teeth as he realized what was happening.


    "No...! Not like this...!"


    As the smoke cleared, he could see the golem''s outstretched hand. It waved its other hand as a chunk of rock was ripped from the cliff.


    If it weren''t for the increased gravity locking Kenji in place, he''d be trembling. His mind scrambled for a solution to his predicament, clutching onto his staff as the golem positioned the boulder above him.


    At that moment, he thought of the only thing he could do, willing radiance into his staff.


    "Hope this works!" he prayed as the golem released the boulder, sending it tumbling down. Before it could crush him, he conjured a dome around himself.


    ??????????!


    The boulder buried him beneath the surface upon impact. Using its ability, the golem lifted the boulder and tossed it to the side to scan the area for the ranger.


    As it approached, a tremor began to shake the earth. As it glanced down a beam of radiance erupted from the ground, slamming into its arm.


    Kenji stood just below the surface, peering through the tunnel left behind by his surprise attack. Observing from below, again, it didn''t seem like he hit the dyson because it started repairing itself. However, he''d noticed a flaw in its strategy to conceal itself, something he hadn''t seen in the heat of battle.


    Before he alerted the dyson, the light was warped around it. The golem had small crevices, allowing light to pass through its body in some areas. But occasionally, he''d see the light bend. This bending of light would dance from one point inside the golem to the next, allowing him to pinpoint its location.


    "Got you now!" he exclaimed confidently.


    As it was busy "regenerating" its missing limb, the boy aimed his staff, tracing it in the air to track the bending light before he fired.


    ????????!


    The shockwave from the blast ripped the golem apart, sending stones flying in all directions.


    Kenji dove into cover as the debris hammered the surface. After the commotion ceased, he built up the courage to climb out of the tunnel he''d left behind. He peeked outside to see the area demolished and lying at the center of the ruins was what used to be a metal sphere, now twisted and sparking.


    "I did it..." he panted, relief washing over him as he stood up from the hole to get a better look. "I actually did it!"


    There was an obsessive look in his eyes as he celebrated, a smile creeping along his face. The radiance around him gradually dissipated.


    "So this is what power feels like."


    He checked his satchel and confirmed he had three more elixirs. It took one to take down one gravity dyson, but now that he was familiar with their tactics, he estimated he could kill at least two, possibly three, before having to use another elixir.


    With that, he burned through another hour slaughtering dysons. As expected, they never deviated from their usual tactics. This only presented more opportunities to refine his strategy.


    The only issue he had was when they were clustered together. If he triggered one, they''d all be alerted so his original strategy was to trigger them, retreat, then pick them off one by one while ensuring he was out of range of their gravity field.


    This wasn''t very efficient since it''d burn through his elixir quickly. After a while, he took a new, more effective approach to deal with these clusters, sniping them from afar while they were still idle.


    "These things didn''t stand a chance," he muttered.


    After he''d exhausted all his elixirs, he rested on a stone slab to admire his work, looking out at the dozens of dented and smoking scrap metal he''d left behind.


    As he went to stand, though, he was hit with a sudden wave of throbbing pain, grounding him again.


    "What''s going on?!" He panicked, clutching his chest.


    The throbbing pain quickly turned into a burning sensation that spread throughout his body. His muscles were sore and his breathing became constricted.


    He writhed on the ground for several minutes as the excruciating pain intensified.


    He didn''t think to bring a health elixir since he figured he could kill the monsters in the area quickly enough so he had no means to soothe his pain.


    However, after those agonizing minutes, it''d subsided just as sudden as it had appeared. He took a few minutes to steady his breathing before attempting to stand.


    Still sore, he carefully placed one foot under him before pushing himself upright. Using the boulder as support, he rubbed his chest. Surprisingly, the pain had almost completely vanished.


    "What was that?" he said in confusion.


    He did do a considerable amount of fighting recently. From fungus blights in the swamp to gravity dysons it wasn''t exactly far-fetched to say his body had had enough. He was a conjurer after all, unlike Yakeru and Fuyumi who had more endurance than him.


    Chalking up that unpleasant experience to simple exhaustion, he began heading home once he felt comfortable to do so.


    *****


    It was already nightfall by the time he arrived. The streets weren''t as lively this time around as he navigated through the familiar neighborhood.


    He walked into his deteriorating home to find his father slouched on the couch. The rusty door hinges must''ve gotten his attention because he glanced back.


    "Oh, it''s just you," he mumbled, his cheeks the usual red.


    The alcoholic took a swig of the drink in his hand only to find it empty. Irritated, he tipped it upside down but only droplets came out.


    "Make yourself useful for once and grab me another beer."


    Kenji didn''t even get a chance to take his shoes off before he started barking orders. Regardless, he reluctantly obeyed, walking into the kitchen and coming out with a cold beer, tossing it to him.


    "Here."


    Catching it, his father asked,


    "You still leeching off strong rangers?"


    Kenji clenched his fist in anger.


    "I''ve been holding my own." he countered.


    His father placed the edge of the bottle cap on the table and slammed his hand down on top, effortlessly popping it off.


    "Yeah, sure." he huffed, slightly amused.


    Kenji wanted to add more but didn''t bother. He wasn''t in the mood for another fight and frankly, he couldn''t muster the energy for one either. Instead, he marched to his room and slammed the door. Collapsing onto his bed, his mind began to race.


    There was no respect for the weak.


    At this point, he was willing to do whatever it took to gain that which he longed for. He weighed his opinions, searching for the fastest solution in his head. Images of the missing person''s posters flickered through his mind.


    His eyes lit up.


    "That''s it!" He exclaimed, shooting upright. The solution was obvious. For the world to recognize his potential...


    "I''ll just have to hunt ??????."

 Chapter 22: The Real Hunt

    **THE GUILD**


    "Hey, did you hear?" A ranger asked, setting down his beer mug. "I heard they found more bodies in Starfrost Burrows the other day. It wasn''t the work of a serpent either."


    A heavy-set man downed his beer, foam seeping from the corners of his mouth before slamming down his mug.


    "Oooh yeh, I heard about aaat too." The heavy-set man slurred, his cheeks flushed.


    "Really?" A female ranger in her late twenties asked.


    She sported a large witch''s hat and a revealing outfit that brought attention to her cleavage. She lounged back in her chair with her legs crossed casually, gently swirling the drink in her shot glass. "It''s rather impressive he''s managed to escape capture for this long, isn''t it?"


    "Pfft!" A tall man sitting at the same table sputtered. "That guy ain''t nothing. I''ll show you when we find him."


    Just then, a couple of young men approached their table.


    One wore a leather chest plate with a mace strapped to his back.


    The other didn''t wear any armor at all but rather a plain cream cloak over ordinary civilian clothing. The wand at his hip told them he was a conjurer.


    They both looked at the woman with fawning eyes, making their intentions all too obvious.


    "Wow...uhm! Ahem!" The mace user cleared his throat before starting over. "Do you guys mind if we join your party?"


    The older men looked at each other for a moment before bursting out in laughter. The woman shook her head in amusement, shooting them a smirk that said ''Not a chance''.


    After composing themselves, the heavy-set man spoke up.


    "Listen, kiddos. You really think we gunna let a couple scrubs in our party? Geh outta here! Shoo!" He stood up, emphasizing his large size to intimidate the boys, but stumbled in his drunken state, triggering another round of snickers from his party.


    With no choice, the boys left, leaving the table to continue their conversation.


    Each interaction with other rangers ended more or less the same way, with them walking away in a defeated posture. They''d been on the lookout all morning, desperately searching for anyone willing to let a couple of low-ranking rangers into their party.


    Funnily enough, they''ve only been approaching teams that so happen to have women in them.


    Unfortunately, the high-ranking rangers weren''t willing to sacrifice their pay by letting these two tag along.


    After a while, they sat in a lonely corner, observing the bustling lobby.


    "This sucks."


    "You''re telling me. How are we supposed to gain popularity when we keep getting shot down?"


    Just then, they spotted a young swordsman and a silver-haired girl examining the mission board. The boys glanced at each other, nodding before they made their approach.


    Yakeru overheard the rowdy rangers at the bar section boast about slaying an A-tier monster in the outer rim as usual. Fuyumi was too busy browsing the board for a suitable mission. Another hunt mission, he reckoned.


    He glanced at the clock mounted on the wall.


    11:52


    ''Where is he?''


    He stood up and walked over to Fuyumi after she signaled him to come over. She had a sheet in hand and, unsurprisingly, it involved hunting.


    [Ogre Sighting]


    D-rank


    Western Wall, Inner rim


    "Sure, but what about Kenji?"


    She reluctantly glanced over at the other rangers drinking and chatting in the lobby. She wasn''t keen on waiting but she also didn''t want to scout for another party member.


    "Excuse me?" The mace user interrupted. "Do you guys mind if..."


    He trailed off as Fuyumi turned to acknowledge them. His breath caught in his throat and the boys'' faces turned beet red. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only her in their sight.


    Everything from her enchanting blue eyes to her silky smooth hair to her curvaceous figure had them both hypnotized.


    Fuyumi lifted an eyebrow in confusion. The conjurer was the first to snap out of his trance. His companion was still unresponsive so he took this golden opportunity to chat her up.


    He stepped forward with his best smile.


    "Excuse him. He doesn''t know how to act around beauties like you." He winked, taking advantage of his friend''s daze.


    He made sure to puff out his scrawny chest to accentuate his masculinity.


    "Get lost." She said firmly, cringing at his advances.


    The boys were crushed in an instant and the conjurer''s once confident posture deflated.


    Even Yakeru couldn''t hold in his wince as he spectated the embarrassing sight. Now he understood what she had to deal with. The poor girl.


    The mace user broke out of his stupor, desperately trying to salvage what he could.


    "W-wait, wait! We were actually looking for a party to join. I-is it just the two of you?" He fumbled over his words as Fuyumi was now glaring holes through them.


    "We were waiting for someone, but I don''t think they''re gonna make it," Yakeru answered.


    She looked at Yakeru as if she couldn''t believe what he was suggesting.


    "No, we''re not teaming up with these losers," Fuyumi said, her tone becoming more assertive.


    The boys'' self-esteem was crushed further into the ground after taking another critical blow.


    "Come on. It won''t be that bad. We don''t have our third and they''re looking for a party. Let''s just help each other out and see how it goes." Yakeru tried to convince her.


    "And we''re both D-rank," the conjurer said proudly. "So we won''t be in the way either. Promise!" He gave a thumbs up.


    She narrowed her eyes at the two causing them to straighten up.


    "S-so what do you say?" The mace user asked.


    "Fine." She begrudgingly accepted. It was already clear Kenji wasn''t coming.


    The two grinned excitedly at one another, earning an eye roll from Fuyumi. She flashed them the mission sheet and briefly explained what they''d be doing.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    "Got it. Ready when you guys are." The wand user said, ready to follow their lead.


    She''d already regretted her decision as she nudged past them, forcing them to follow her through the doors. Yakeru looked back through the doors into the guild, hoping he had just somehow missed Kenji. The distance between him and the others grew as he lingered for a moment before realizing he wasn''t coming.


    ''Maybe he overslept? He shouldn''t have any problems finding a team while we''re gone, right?''


    Meanwhile, Kenji elbowed his way through the sea of people navigating the capital streets. After getting tossed around, Kenji finally made it to the poster on the wall and carefully peeled it off. Inspecting it, the details stated:


    [Have you seen this man?


    Ken Sato


    Occupation: Ranger


    Age: 22


    Eyes: Brown


    Hair: Brown


    Height: 6''1"


    Weight: 150lbs


    Last Seen: Dragonyte Hills on March 17th at 7:34 pm.]


    It was time to do the next thing on the agenda. He explored the crowded streets until he found a library. Silence filled the air as he entered. Visitors sat at long tables flipping through a variety of books while others were on their way out with books in hand.


    Of course, low-ranking rangers couldn''t participate in the hunt for the Ripper so it was safe to assume the guild wouldn''t give him a copy of the public hunt mission sheet. The next best thing was to gather enough posters and use the missing persons'' last known location to pinpoint the general area where the ripper preferred to strike.


    He browsed the aisles, coming across a geological section.


    After thumbing through pages from the books he grabbed, he found a map that mostly showed landscapes of the inner and mid-rim. Like any map, the outer rim still hadn''t been updated so most of it was blank.


    ''Perfect.''


    He set the book down on a table in the corner of the library, then pulled out the posters he''d gathered prior and studied the descriptions of where the missing people were last seen.


    [Dragonyte Hills]


    [Stone Cloud Valley]


    [Azel''s Abandoned Chapel]


    [Starfrost Burrows]


    Looking back and forth, tracing his finger along the map, it didn''t take him long to recognize a pattern.


    ''Most of these are located in the mid-rim around the same general area.'' He pinpointed.


    He folded the corner of the page to not lose his place in the book before closing it. After meeting the librarian to borrow the book, he headed out.


    All that was left was to buy a few more enhancement elixirs. Walking a few blocks, it didn''t take long to find a shop selling elixirs. As usual, he purchased a few vials of the stuff and slipped them into a separate pocket in his satchel.


    Leaving the shop, he made his way down the road and hailed a coachman. His father''s words played in his head along with scenes of his failure at Hanataru.


    ''As long as I have power, I can survive in a harsh world.''


    *****


    Since the ogre was sighted just outside the walls, it didn''t take long to hunt it.


    During their journey, the two newcomers competed for Fuyumi''s attention. They were determined to redeem themselves after she''d rejected them. So they did what any normal person would do¡ªbombard her with the most egregious pick-up lines.


    In the event she snapped, Yakeru watched from a safe distance as she grew increasingly irritated.


    The monster''s tracks led the group to a large tree stump that could rival the size of a small building with a stream cutting in between its massive roots.


    The ogre was likely using the tree as its home until the four intruders raided it. The beast stood about eight feet tall with a bulky build.


    The two D-ranks were the first to spring into battle, eager to impress the silver-haired beauty, but their showboating only got them swatted away like flies, Fuyumi facepalming.


    Once again, she''d done the heavy lifting. Just as Yakeru expected, the monster wasn''t even close to matching her fighting prowess. Her agility made her untouchable and her strikes were quick but lethal.


    Before long, the beast was vanquished and it served as a humbling experience for the D-ranks as well.


    "Woah..." the mace user muttered, staring at Fuyumi in admiration. "She''s amazing!"


    "Told you," Yakeru said.


    Up until this point, whether she realized it or not, Fuyumi had been doing most, if not all, of the work. Nonetheless, it seemed the D-ranks were far from ungrateful. They probably even felt invincible with her by their side, but only Yakeru knew her limitations. And of course Kenji.


    ''I wonder if he ever made it to the guild?''


    "Come on, or we''re leaving you behind," Fuyumi warned, noticing how spaced out Yakeru was.


    He looked over to see the group already heading back and jogged over.


    Upon arriving back at the guild, they gave their report¡ªor at least that''s what it was supposed to be.


    The D-ranks made it out to be this exhilarating story rather than a concise report. That was the first time they''d seen someone take down a monster with little to no effort so of course they''d gush over Fuyumi.


    Though, the receptionist didn''t seem to mind. She''d been accustomed to receiving formal reports from rangers for who knows how long so this must''ve been refreshing for her.


    "Wow! That must''ve been quite exciting to see!"


    "You bet it was! That ogre didn''t stand a chance! She was all like ?????????? and ??????????!" The mace user exclaimed with enthusiastic gestures.


    Their silly sound effects earned a slight giggle from the receptionist and an eye roll from Fuyumi.


    It was then that she noticed Fuyumi impatiently tapping her finger on the desk. Picking up on this, she raised her hand, signaling to the young men that there was no need to continue. A line had formed behind them with others presumably waiting to give their reports too so it was time to wrap things up.


    "As entertaining as you boys are, I''m afraid others are waiting."


    She reached under the counter and plopped down a sack filled with coins.


    "Thank you for completing your mission and have a wonderful rest of your day!"


    The D-ranks snagged their compensation. Their eyes lit up as they peeked inside the sack.


    "Maybe I can finally replace this armor."


    "Yeah, you look ridiculous with that on."


    The mace user glanced at Fuyumi, blushing. She glared in response, knowing exactly what his next words would be.


    "So, how about we do this again somet-?"


    "Absolutely not. Both of you are insufferable." She interrupted, her voice laced with venom.


    The two doubled over as she landed another devastating blow to their self-esteem.


    "Then...I suppose we''ll take our leave," the wand user responded with defeated posture.


    Satisfied with what they''d earned, the two waved to Yakeru and Fuyumi before making their way to the doors, Yakeru being the only one who gave a small wave back.


    His expression turned to one of disappointment after they''d left. He did a double take of the lobby but didn''t see any sign of the conjurer anywhere.


    "Quick question."


    The receptionist perked up.


    "You haven''t happened to see Kenji stop by, have you?"


    "No, I haven''t seen him all day. Is there something wrong?"


    He recalled the aftermath of their battle with the fungus blights.


    "No...thanks anyway."


    He took his compensation and followed Fuyumi out the door.


    He couldn''t help but worry about his friend. During the time they spent together, Kenji felt like he couldn''t contribute as much as his peers. He felt terrible about what happened on that bridge and struggled in their first dungeon raid. He must''ve gotten a rush after killing fungus blights. And then it hit him.


    ''He said he wanted to try something after buying those enhancement elixirs.''


    Did that mean he wanted to see if he could fight stronger monsters? The first fungus blight he killed had to have been at least C-tier. If he wanted to fight a stronger monster, he''d have to go to the mid-rim.


    ''Did he bite off more than he can chew?!''


    Yakeru''s eyes widened as he came to a horrific realization. The guild receptionist mentioned that rangers were being hunted in the mid and outer rims.


    ''Don''t tell me...!''


    If he did go to the mid-rim, there was a chance he''d have a run-in with the Ripper.


    "Come on," Fuyumi said, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Let''s go find him."


    "You want to help look for him?"


    "It''d be problematic for me if something were to happen to him. I don''t want to have to replace him with someone else."


    He didn''t expect her to indirectly admit that someone was irreplaceable but he got the sense that it was simply because he''s easier to have around. The two D-ranks were proof of that.


    If regulations were different, she would''ve gladly tackled every mission solo.


    Yakeru gave her a determined nod.


    "Right."


    *****


    Kenji had already ventured into the mid-rim. The gravity dysons he fought prior were native to the mid-rim but were nowhere near where he was currently headed. Perhaps this was the reason why he hadn''t encountered the Ripper.


    Looking up, he could see stars beginning to dot the evening sky. Crickets chirped and the cool air brushed against the thin trees that made up the forest. Jellyfish-like creatures drifted through the air in every direction, their bioluminescence illuminating the area with a red glow.


    He''d never seen fire husks before so he took a moment to watch in awe. They remained nonreactive to his presence as he marched through them. He wasn''t too bothered either.


    As he continued passing through the forest, he spotted something familiar. Lodged in a nearby tree was a gleaming object. Taking a step closer, he let out an amused sigh as he identified it to be a quill.


    This changed nothing.


    Before, the mere sight of it would be enough to make him anxious. But now that he knew he could take on stronger beasts, finding himself in a steel-quilled bear''s territory wasn''t a cause for concern.


    After all, he had everything he needed.


    ''I have all the power I need...at least for now.''


    Power was the only thing that occupied his thoughts. His thirst for overwhelming strength and desire to dominate only intensified. By hunting the most wanted man, he''d finally command the respect he longed for.


    He kept his eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary.


    It was then he noticed a small anomaly. A fire husk''s glow was blinking and seemed to be floating away in the distance. He glanced over and spotted another husk sporadically blinking its red light.


    Slowly but surely the once unbothered fire husks dispersed, plunging the area into almost complete darkness. He watched as the flickering warm colors faded into the distance.


    They were unbothered by his presence mere moments ago, so he couldn''t understand why they were so frightened.


    That''s when he heard it¡ªa soft yet haunting lullaby that sent a shiver down his spine, piercing through the eerie silence. It possessed a melodic but fragmented nature, adding to the forest''s already foreboding atmosphere.


    "Is that...a whistle?"

 Chapter 23: Reality Check

    Kenji found it difficult to move as if submerged in water.


    He strained his senses but couldn''t pinpoint the source of the whistling, seemingly hidden among the gnarled branches and tangled brush. Each note floated in the wind, filling him with a strong sense of unease.


    Sweat slid down his face as the haunting melody continued to taunt him. With an unsteady hand, he drew his elixir, uncertain of whether or not to drink it right away.


    He only had three vials and they were all enhancement elixirs. Before then, he had gotten accustomed to killing monsters so quickly that he didn''t think of purchasing a health elixir in the event he was injured.


    Frantically scanning his surroundings, he spotted something off in the distance, a shadow moving through the trees. As it moved, he could faintly make out the silhouette of a human. The whistling gradually narrowed towards the direction of the figure as it approached.


    The figure''s attire flapped in the nightly air as it reached behind its back and pulled something out. Kenji''s heart skipped a beat when the man flicked his wrist and a curved blade whipped out of the shaft.


    There was no doubt about it now. This had to have been him.


    Not wasting any more time, he popped open the lid of the vial and gulped down its contents. As usual, radiance began to swirl around him. By now the moonlight had illuminated the Ripper''s top half. A dark red mist emitted from him as if wearing the darkness like a cloak. Crimson tendrils slithered around what he could now see was a scythe.


    ''What is that...?!''


    Kenji had never seen such a sight before. It was as if this man''s radiance had been corrupted somehow.


    There was no time to ponder. Kenji lifted his staff toward the ripper.


    "Let''s see what you''re made of." He challenged, willing radiance into his staff.


    He fired a huge blast with enough force to send him stumbling back from the recoil. The torrent of radiance roared through the trees, carving a trench through the earth.


    The blast was wide enough to fill his entire vision with amber, it was almost blinding. His pupils contracted and a toothy grin crept across his face in satisfaction. No one could avoid this attack.


    When the dust settled the Ripper was nowhere to be seen. He didn''t think that blast would leave no trace of the man.


    He either underestimated his own abilities or overestimated the Ripper.


    Just as he was about to leave, a red blur dashed across his peripheral followed by shuffling.


    Instinctively, he conjured a barrier just as a blade sliced into it. The blade still managed to pierce halfway through the barrier, despite being enhanced. If it hadn''t been for the elixir, he would''ve been decapitated.


    Suddenly, Kenji began feeling a familiar burning sensation throughout his body, only this time it was more intense, bringing him to his knees. He gripped his chest to soothe the pain but it only worsened.


    ''What''s happening?!''


    The ripper glared at him through the barrier.


    "Let me show you what true power looks like." He hissed.


    ??????????????! ??????????????!


    His scythe glowed a hot red, bolts of lightning cascading along the length of the blade. The air around them buzzed, intensifying with each passing second.


    Terrified, Kenji did the only thing he could think of. He backed off and conjured a dome around himself, causing the initial barrier to evaporate.


    With a grin, the Ripper released the stored energy in his scythe.


    ????????!


    The ear-splitting explosion tore through the dome like paper. The blinding light burned Kenji''s retinas as he was catapulted back several meters.


    Slamming into a tree, his body snapped back from the abrupt stop. A searing pain tore at his side as his ribs took the full brunt of the impact.


    Blood spilled from his head as the world spun around him, the ringing in his ears deafening. The physical trauma combined with his already throbbing insides made for an excruciating experience as he let out a primal scream.


    By now, the radiance once swirling around him had dissipated. Clutching onto his side, he desperately dragged his useless body away from the chaos.


    A calm whistle cut through the smoke behind him, filling him with a sense of terror. He didn''t dare look back. Despite the adrenaline pumping through his veins, he couldn''t move any faster than a snail''s pace.


    He frantically fished for another vial but pricked his fingers on something sharp. His face went pale when he saw there was yellow liquid seeping from his satchel. His enhancement elixirs, the only things providing him with strength and false confidence, had shattered.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    ''I''m really going to die...''


    Leisurely walking through the smoke, the Ripper approached and saw that the boy''s belongings were scattered about.


    A pair of broken glasses and a torn rank ID card. Stooping down, he examined the card.


    "An E-rank," he huffed in amusement.


    Whatever possessed the boy to venture into such dangerous territory was beyond him. However, his foolery was now going to get him killed. Such an easy life for the taking to sustain his amulet''s power.


    His gaze returned to the boy who had barely put any distance between them, his lips twisting into a face-splitting smile.


    "Did you think the monsters here would show restraint because you''re a child?" He asked rhetorically, resuming his menacing approach toward the wounded conjurer.


    Kenji had already exhausted his strength, unable to drag himself any longer. He glanced back to see a tall, dark outline, the white of the figure''s eye peering through his stringy hair the only distinguishable feature. The figure resembled a reaper, its shadow slowly consuming the kid.


    "No...please...!" Kenji begged, his raging heart slamming against his broken ribs.


    The figure ignored his pleas as it raised its scythe. He slammed his eyes shut as he heard the blade whistle through the air as it came down.


    ??????????!


    After a few seconds of anticipation, he reluctantly pried open his eyes to see a second figure. She stood between him and his assailant, a dagger stopping the scythe in its tracks. The Ripper leaped back as a second dagger sliced the air where his neck used to be.


    Skidding back, he took the time to assess the unexpected situation he found himself in.


    The familiar young woman stood in front of the injured kid protectively. Kenji''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "F-Fuyumi...?"


    "You idiot. You have no business being out here!" She snapped, her face twisting in a mix of anger and frustration.


    Out from the shadows, a radiant arc hurdled through the dense vegetation toward the Ripper. As he was focused on his new opponent in front of him, the arc of energy exploded against his back, lurching him to his knee with a grunt.


    Although his cloak of red mist provided some protection from radiant-based attacks, his back was still throbbing from the impact.


    As he dropped, Yakeru emerged from the brush, katana held high for a finishing blow. However, after alerting the Ripper to his presence, he missed his neck by a hair''s breadth as the man evaded.


    The Ripper swiftly hopped back a few meters to reorient himself and reassess.


    Yakeru quickly retreated to Fuyumi, protecting his wounded ally after his ambush had failed. Although he''s never seen him in person, it didn''t take a genius to figure out who the scythe wielder was.


    ''So this is him...'' he gulped.


    "How...did you guys find me?" The writhing Kenji asked.


    "Did you already forget what we bought in Hanataru?" Fuyumi quizzed him.


    He glanced at his belongings strewn across the dirt floor. There he could see his broken talisman, his brows shooting up in realization.


    "Thank goodness you still had your talisman on you. When our talismans stopped glowing, we thought you were..." Yakeru couldn''t bring himself to finish, his eyes still fixated on the man before them. "Luckily we were nearby to hear that explosion."


    Kenji returned his gaze to his friends still standing in front of him with their weapons at the ready. Before he could thank them, there was still crucial information he needed to relay.


    "Be careful...!" He strained through clenched teeth, his burning chest making breathing difficult. "His radiance...is more akin to lightning...like it''s been corrupted or changed somehow."


    ''Corrupted?'' Fuyumi echoed in her head.


    She and Yakeru glanced at each other, confusion evident on their faces. They''ve never heard of radiance changing its form before.


    "What do you mean by corr-" When she turned back, she found the Ripper mere inches away from her. She reflexively jerked her head to the side, narrowly avoiding the silver blur that just missed her but still managing to slice open her cheek.


    Dumbfounded, she stared as the man who somehow cleared several meters in a heartbeat.


    Had it not been for her quick reflexes, her head would''ve been cleaved in two, though her violent reaction made her lose her footing.


    ''I only looked away for a second!''


    Frustrated that his killing blow had missed its target, the Ripper used his scythe''s momentum to pivot and swing again. This time her loss of balance made his second strike impossible to evade.


    ??????????!


    Yakeru had come between her and the scythe, blocking the blow as the scythe''s blade stopped inches away from her trembling eye.


    As the young swordsman locked eyes with the serial killer, his mind snapped back to Kenji. The Ripper''s obsessive eyes eerily resembled that of his friend''s during their time in the Dark Ember Swamp.


    The amulet began to glow as the Ripper infused his scythe with radiance in the form of dark mist. An electric current crackled around the shaft, illuminating a now horrified Yakeru. Though Kenji warned him about his radiance, he still wasn''t prepared to see lightning bending to his will.


    ''What the...!''


    Before he could react, the red tendrils had reached him, chaotically whipping around his body as he shrieked in agony.


    The current momentarily seized control of his muscles, jerking his limbs this way and that before launching him away. He soared through the air before tumbling to a stop, forming a dust trail.


    His armor was now a smoldering mess, the excess electricity flickering out of the unconscious Yakeru.


    Fuyumi and Kenji stared in shock, unable to process what happened to their comrade.


    "Y...Yakeru...?!" Kenji squeezed out but got no response.


    Fuyumi snapped out of her daze when the Ripper advanced toward her. Blocking an overhead strike, she swung her second dagger to his side.


    He spun his body, avoiding her strike and slicing through her stomach. Before she could react to the pain she''d already been slashed again along her thigh.


    She stumbled back as he infused his weapon, disks of crimson dancing around his body as he gracefully twirled his scythe.


    His inhuman agility made it impossible to read where the blade was. Having no other choice, she leaped away just as the blade slashed into the ground where she used to be.


    ????????!


    A violent shockwave tore through the earth, uprooting trees and shattering boulders. Fuyumi managed to land on a small ledge, avoiding the blast.


    ????-??????! ????-??????! ????-??????!


    Her heart was in a frenzy and her nerves made her hands tremble. When the smoke cleared, she found him standing silently in a web of fissures, a hint of annoyance in his uncanny gaze.


    Her face went pale as she swallowed hard, fear finally having a firm grasp on her.


    She tried her best to regain her composure after gaining some distance. A stream of questions formed in her head as she started to fill with regret.


    Would it have been better not to search for their ally? Would things be different had they known they''d be battling the ripper? If so, would they even have a fighting chance?


    It didn''t seem like a battle they could win even if they were prepared for it.


    "This guy..." she muttered in a shaky voice as he finally decided to move, pulling his crackling blade from the ground.


    "A slippery one, aren''t you? It''ll make trying to kill you all the more infuriating." He said calmly as if this was just a sport to him.

 Chapter 24: Power Reigns

    ????????!


    An earth-trembling explosion rattled Yakeru awake but winced in pain. Examining his condition, he found his armor had been seared and was still sizzling. Bits of the fabric underneath had holes burned into them, leaving his skin singed.


    Surveying the area, he found Kenji slouched behind debris. His condition didn''t seem to be improving as he kept groaning silently.


    He then looked off into the distance to see an injured Fuyumi perched up on a ledge while the Ripper taunted her, blood seeping from her wounds. It was conclusive at this point.


    ''We can''t possibly beat this guy.'' Yakeru thought.


    By now, it was clear they were outmatched in terms of both speed and strength. But it wasn''t like they could retreat either. Trying to drag the injured conjurer away would only slow them down. It wasn''t like Yakeru could bring himself to leave him behind anyway, regardless of their dire situation.


    However, there was one good thing that came out of this. After the Ripper''s retaliation, he seemed to have lost track of Kenji, too fixated on catching their more agile teammate.


    ''Good. We can probably use that to our advantage.''


    Kenji continued groaning, the unrelenting pain so agonizing he didn''t respond to the pebbles hitting him. Eventually, he opened his clenched eyes, now realizing Yakeru was trying to get his attention.


    He glanced over at the swordsman bringing his finger up to his mouth, gesturing for him to be quiet. He pointed at himself and Fuyumi before mouthing, "We''ll be back."


    Having no other option, Kenji nodded with a glint of hope in his eyes. Fuyumi continued to observe the ripper''s every move.


    "Fuyumi!" Yakeru roared.


    She didn''t avert her eyes, refusing to let the Ripper get the drop on her again.


    "Let''s go!"


    "What?" She asked, confused.


    "Just trust me!"


    After a long pause, she took a deep breath and reluctantly wrenched her gaze away to see Yakeru making a break for it. A red glow flashed in her peripheral.


    Just as she predicted, the Ripper made his move the moment she broke eye contact as two disk-shaped projectiles were launched in her direction.


    ??????????! ??????????!


    She leaped away just as the projectiles sliced through the rocky ledge she was once perched on.


    Pursuing Yakeru, she could tell his movements were more sluggish so it wasn''t much trouble catching up despite a gash in her leg.


    "What about Kenji?!"


    "We''ll go back for him. Right now we can''t fight that guy head-on."


    They were headed in the same direction they''d come so if she didn''t know better, she''d think he was fleeing.


    The forest thickened with trees and shrubs the further they ran as Yakeru frantically scanned the environment.


    ''I know we saw them somewhere around here!''


    When they passed through this part of the forest the first time, they spotted something familiar lodged in several trees. Earlier, Fuyumi recognized them as territorial markings so he took a mental note for later.


    It''d be impossible for them to take on a physically superior opponent, but Yakeru did note one weakness the Ripper had during their brief exchange. He was oblivious to his surroundings and seemed to have tunnel vision, likely due to his overreliance on power.


    "So what''s your plan?" She asked, leaping over a fallen log.


    It was then that they saw it. A quill was lodged in a tree.


    "He''s too tunnel-visioned to notice his surroundings. We''ll exploit that."


    Suddenly, radiant disks soared through the night sky, striking a tree behind them.


    ????????!


    The shockwave from the explosion flung them off course, the Ripper now hot on their tail. Crackling wood filled their ears as the tree tumbled with a resounding thud. It didn''t take long for Fuyumi to recover, unlike Yakeru who struggled to stand to his feet.


    Before she could rush over to him it was already too late. The Ripper had leaped over the fallen tree, his eyes locked on the young swordsman but she was too far to intercept. With his scythe cocked back, he was preparing to behead the boy when they heard an ear-splitting roar.


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    The Ripper whipped his head in the direction of the roar to see a steel-quilled bear burst from the brush, spiraling towards him. For the first time, his eyes filled with terror as he couldn''t dodge in mid-air.


    Before he could land, the beast slammed into him, a mixture of screeching metal and tearing flesh filling the forest. Barreling further through the dense greenery, he was flung into a boulder with a booming crash.


    After nearly losing his head, it took a minute for Yakeru to calm himself and get his bearings. Though he wasn''t betting on a random bear defeating a serial killer capable of overpowering high-ranking rangers, he was certain that it could buy them time. How much time, he didn''t know.


    "Come on!" Yakeru barked. "It won''t hold him off for long!"


    They both rushed back to retrieve their fallen ally.


    Kenji sat in isolation against the tree, anxiously awaiting their return. The searing pain in his side hadn''t stopped, and neither did the burning sensation in his body.


    He''d obviously broken something in his side but he couldn''t explain why it felt like liquid fire was coursing through his veins.


    ''Does the Ripper have something to do with it?'' he pondered.


    No, he distinctly remembered the same sensation after defeating the gravity dysons. Only it wasn''t as intense and didn''t last nearly as long.


    As much as he wanted to stand and fight, it was simply impossible in his condition.


    ''I''m...in the same predicament...'' he groaned, waiting for his team to return. ''I have to rely on them...again.''


    "Kenji!" A familiar voice called out.


    Yakeru emerged from the bushes, sliding in front of Kenji with Fuyumi right behind him.


    "Come on, let''s go!" Yakeru hurried to help him up to his feet.


    Fuyumi kept watch just in case their assailant returned earlier than expected.


    "Hurry up," she urged.


    Kenji yelped as the pain surging through his body intensified in protest. Yakeru swung his arm over his shoulder, apologizing for putting him through more suffering as they began to stagger away.


    ??????????...


    The smoke cleared revealing a bruised and bloodied Ripper. A couple of quills were lodged into his leg and stomach. He felt a searing pain in his side when trying to move.


    Since dodging the bear wasn''t an option, he''d blocked the surprise attack instead. He gritted his teeth and with a shaky hand, he reached down and yanked the quill out of his leg.


    The bear trudged toward him, snarling with anger and disappointment in its eyes after seeing he was still conscious.


    The only reason few rangers would survive an encounter with him before was because he allowed them to. He needed them to spread the word of his existence. Everyone needed to know of the lurking demon. If he could prove his might against experienced rangers, what would people think if he was bested by a couple of kids, of all things?


    "I won''t let anyone look down on me again..." he gritted.


    He yanked the second quill out of his stomach before eyeing the beast indifferently.


    With another challenging roar, the bear leaped into a spiral toward him, barreling through the trees. He retrieved his scythe, instantly infusing it upon contact and raised it high.


    In one fell swoop, he swung it down, slicing through its steel armor as both halves tumbled off to his sides.


    Although he still possessed power, his wounded body made it difficult to wield as effectively as before. Regardless, he had no intention of allowing the brats to escape.


    In the meantime, Kenji continued his painful trudge, using his staff and Yakeru as support. The whole reason he was out here was to prove he could hold his own. Though in the end, he''d only proved his overreliance on others.


    ''Even now...I''m just slowing them down...''


    Kenji clenched his fist as he filled with misplaced determination.


    "...I have to...hunt him."


    Yakeru looked at him in disbelief.


    "You mean to tell me you actually tried hunting him?"


    Kenji gritted his teeth as he hesitated.


    "...of course..."


    Yakeru wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. He wanted to assume that it was just bad luck that Kenji had an unfortunate run-in. Even so, they still found him in the mid-rim, somewhere he shouldn''t be in the first place.


    Yakeru stared at him with a dumbfounded expression.


    "I...I need to prove..."


    "Prove what?!" Yakeru snapped. "You could''ve gotten yourself killed! Whatever you wanted to prove, it''s not worth your life!"


    Never in a hundred years would he have thought that Kenji, of all people, would do something so reckless. Furious, Yakeru shook his head in disappointment and looked forward.


    "We''ll talk about this later."


    Kenji stared down at the uneven terrain, his mind spinning as he contemplated. Just then, Fuyumi spotted movement through the trees. Her eyes widened as a scythe, already infused, collided with her daggers. The sheer force was enough to fling her back. Yakeru shoved Kenji out of her path as she slammed into him, tumbling back.


    The sudden movement made Kenji yelp involuntarily before hitting the ground. His satchel snapped from his hip, sending broken vials flying out.


    Yakeru and Fuyumi squirmed before slowly getting their bearings. Yakeru frantically searched for Kenji but when he found him he froze in horror.


    The Ripper had already reached him. All he could do was watch as the man bent down in front of the helpless conjurer.


    Kenji''s heart pounded in his chest as his eyes met the Ripper''s, the man''s crazed gaze reflecting his chaotic mind.


    After a moment of silently staring at one another, the Ripper glanced over to the broken vials, studying the yellow substance they once held. For the first time, Kenji saw his expression soften. He didn''t think such a thing was possible for lunatics.


    "I see now." The man muttered, the pieces coming together. Earlier, this boy had displayed power that shouldn''t have been possible for an E-rank. It hadn''t occurred to him that he used enhancement elixirs.


    "You used outside help to compensate for your lack of strength," he looked back at the boy. "So you''ve seen it too. How the world is governed by power. How those who have it are praised and respected while those who lack it are ridiculed and discarded. Power is something else, isn''t it? You chase the high and can''t seem to get enough of dominating your enemies."


    Yakeru gritted his teeth, furious as this psychopath filled his friend''s head with garbage.


    "Kenji, don''t listen to this serial killer''s ramblings! He''s just making an excuse to justify his obsession with power." He accused.


    The Ripper scoffed and turned to the ignorant swordsman.


    "Do you not train your body to get stronger? Do influencers not wish to sway public opinion? Do politicians not seek to be elected to office?" He burst into maniacal laughter at the absurdity of the youth''s assumption. "Young fool. We''re all obsessed with power. You''re just too naive to see it!"


    He wobbled to his feet, readying his scythe in both hands as he glared at Yakeru and Fuyumi. The look in his eyes was different from before, his gaze fuming with anger.


    He obviously didn''t wish to harm Kenji at this point¡ªperhaps sympathizing with him¡ªso they didn''t have to worry about him for now.


    The two rangers readied their weapons as well before the Ripper exploded into battle.


    Soon, metallic clashes reverberated throughout the forest while Kenji was forced to watch helplessly.


    He gripped his side as the pain continued to eat away at him. But that was nothing compared to what he would endure from watching his comrades fight in vain.

 Chapter 25: Turn The Tides

    Kenji clenched his fist and squeezed his eyes shut, unable to will himself to watch the bloodshed. Clanging blades filled his ears accompanied by the occasional splashing of blood. Lying there with a relentless burning pain searing away his insides, all he could do was ponder his situation.


    His past failures combined with ridicule had driven him to his quest for power¡ªa goal that twisted into an obsession, clouding his judgment.


    Had it not been for his relentless pursuit of power and respect, he wouldn''t be in this predicament and his comrades wouldn''t have to suffer on his behalf. Once again, he''d burdened those around him.


    A pang in Kenji''s chest formed as he realized he was going to be responsible for more deaths. He began into a state of self-loathing and guilt. Deeming himself as an inconvenience, he came to a reluctant conclusion.


    ''Maybe I should just disappear...then I won''t have to worry about burdening anyone...''


    He let his body relax, moments away from accepting his demise until he was jerked back to reality, hearing the air crackle followed by Yakeru erupting into a yelp. He still couldn''t muster the courage to open his eyes, his imagination forced to paint an image based on the screams he heard and the stench of blood in the air.


    "Look out!" He heard Yakeru''s voice bark, warning his ally.


    "He''s charging again!" Fuyumi''s voice roared out followed by a loud crash.


    "Aghh!"


    Although the shrieks of his comrades fighting desperately didn''t comfort him, it also reminded him of an undeniable fact.


    ''...but...they''re trying to save me...''


    They wouldn''t have gone out of their way to rescue him had they shared the same opinion of him. If he had given up now, their efforts would''ve been for nothing.


    He doubted they''d survive even with his support, but if he did nothing at all, death was a guarantee.


    ''They''ve already shed enough blood for me...!''


    The screams of his teammates prompted him to act hastily as time wasn''t on his side. Swallowing hard, he desperately ran through their options in his head.


    He wasn''t in any condition to fight, let alone stand. Even if he could, he didn''t have elixirs to spare. Then there was their quick and agile opponent. He figured whatever they''d done to him after running off must''ve weakened him. However, through what he heard, they still stood no chance.


    ''Come on...think!''


    No matter which way he looked at it, he found it hopeless.


    ''...I''m more useless now since I can barely move...''


    Those last few words lingered in his mind for a moment.


    ''I can barely move...''


    Those words seemed to hold some importance somehow. He replayed his recent memories.


    His mind went back to his first battle with a gravity dyson. He remembered it clearly when it pinned him to the ground by increasing the gravity around him.


    His mind then snapped back to his short training session with Yakeru. There was a drill he''d done involving weighing down the training dummy.


    ''That''s it!''


    An idea popped inside his head, sparking determination within him and finally giving him the strength to pry his eyes open. As he did, the scene was exactly as he''d expected. Both of his teammates were forced onto their back foot with little breathing room.


    Yakeru had just been kneed in the nose, blood spewing from his nostrils as he let out an agonizing shriek. Fuyumi''s dry panting indicated her stamina had drained a considerable amount, allowing the Ripper to drive his foot into her stomach. Her last meal mixed with stomach acid came rocketing from her mouth as she tumbled back.


    The battle was just as one-sided as he imagined. Although, this didn''t seem to make him shrink into himself like he expected. Rather, it added fuel to his now burning determination.


    ''I don''t need to immobilize him completely. I just have to slow him down.''


    With every ounce of strength he could muster, he reached over and grabbed his staff, his body screaming for him to stop. Willing the last of his radiance into it, he could feel the burning sensation intensify as blood trickled from his mouth. Regardless, he relentlessly pumped every drop of radiance into his conduit.


    The Ripper lunged at the writhing Fuyumi, winding up his scythe for the finishing blow. Yakeru was too far to intercept this time. He watched with horrified eyes while clutching his bloodied nose, the scene seemingly moving in slow motion.


    "Fuyumi!"


    Before the blade could connect, the Ripper started radiating a faint amber hue. His grip on the scythe became unsteady and his feet seemed to have dug deep in the dirt floor with each step.


    As he swung, his scythe lagged behind and drove itself into the ground just before it struck the girl. She saw her terrified reflection in the blade before scurrying away to gather herself.


    "What?" The Ripper questioned. Although he was wounded, he was certain he should''ve hit his target.


    He stood in place for a moment trying to process what just happened, giving Fuyumi time to stand to her feet. The pain in Yakeru''s nose subsided slightly for him to stagger upright as well.


    The Ripper went to remove his scythe, though strangely, it felt heavier than before. With more effort than usual, he pried it from the ground before looking down at his arms, noticing the faint glow. He was hunched over as if there were weight on his shoulders. Each small movement he made took more effort than normal.


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    ''What''s going on?''


    By now, Fuyumi had gathered her bearings. Seizing the opportunity, she rushed him.


    ??????????!


    Although he was able to block her attack, she took note of his slower movements. It was like exhaustion had abruptly hampered his ability to maneuver.


    ''No way,'' she thought. ''That glow has more to do with it.''


    The Ripper''s radiance was dark red in color up until now so the amber coloration couldn''t have been coming from him. She glanced over and, to her surprise, found Kenji clutching onto his glowing staff.


    ''Is he doing this?''


    He was in terrible shape so she hadn''t expected assistance from him.


    She turned her attention back to her assailant as strands of crimson light flickered around his scythe.


    Yakeru observed the Ripper. Throughout their battle, every time his scythe was infused, the amulet would glow in turn. It was obvious at this point where that abnormal power was coming from.


    A disk of lightning roared above Fuyumi as she slid underneath it, slashing the man across the stomach before he could react.


    His eyes widened with fear. Up until this point, he hadn''t been directly injured by these two before.


    He leaped back, hoping to gain some distance but only managed to put a few feet in between himself and the rangers. Every movement became arduous as his muscles worked overtime against the mysterious force.


    ''What''s happening?!''


    The once-agile combatant strained to use his weapon effectively, each swing demanding a tremendous amount of exertion.


    Yakeru rushed forward, aiming for his legs. The kid wasn''t nearly as fast as him so normally his attacks would prove futile. Though this time, he managed to slice both. Even if he just nicked them, it was still progress.


    While the physical hindrance began eroding the Ripper''s focus, it restored the young rangers'' confidence.


    ????????!


    With great effort, the man blocked the swordman''s second swing, however he wasn''t expecting the boy to reach for his chest with his bare hand¡ªwhere his amulet was.


    "No!" the Ripper reflexively shouted, grabbing his wrist as his body was now too heavy to evade him.


    "I knew it!" Yakeru exclaimed. "Fuyumi, target his amulet!"


    She nodded before glancing at Kenji.


    "Whatever you''re doing, keep going!"


    "Hurry, I can''t keep this up for long!"


    The Ripper swept his gaze toward Kenji, regretful of his decision to keep the conjurer conscious. He shoved Yakeru''s arm away before infusing his scythe again.


    With bones fractured, it became increasingly difficult to support the extra weight. Regardless, he refused to let some random kids best him.


    He couldn''t raise his scythe over his head so instead he allowed the blade to drop. Slicing into the ground, the dispersed energy wasn''t enough to destroy his surroundings but it did create a smokescreen which he used for concealment.


    He sneaked his way through the cloud that enveloped the battlefield in search of Kenji.


    ''I suppose I should''ve taken him out first.'' he thought.


    He thought he could get away with leaving the wounded E-rank to rot but he''s proven to be quite the nuisance after all.


    Trudging through the thick smoke, he spotted a shadow in front of him. It was hunched down beside a tree almost as if they were injured.


    ''Got you.'' his eyes practically curved up, pleased that his search took less time than he''d thought. But before he could act, a gleaming object flashed from the shadow.


    ????????????!


    He yelped as a dagger pierced through the smoke and plunged deep into his shoulder. Fuyumi burst through the smoke, swinging for his amulet.


    ??????????!


    Her blade collided with the shaft of his scythe before shoving her away. The battle had dragged on for so long that he felt his radiance pool plummeting. However, he couldn''t outmaneuver his opponents.


    In his desperation, he began charging up his scythe for one final attack. Even after straining his body to its limits, the lightning flickering around him was less prominent, giving Fuyumi ample time to react.


    "Not this time!"


    Parrying his blade, she slammed her foot into the open wound on his stomach. Blood rocketed from his mouth, the radiance infused into his weapon dissipating immediately.


    The dagger''s hilt was still jutting out of his dangling arm. His amber-colored aura began to dim and flicker, meaning only one thing.


    ''We don''t have much time!''


    Soon after, Yakeru lunged through the smoke, launching his own assault. As he made his rapid approach, they both infused their weapons in unison. The Ripper tried doing the same to maximize his defense but his reserves had already dropped too low. Now fearful, he hid cowardly behind his scythe.


    ??????????!


    Both Yakeru and Fuyumi synchronized their attacks and slammed their blades down. Sparks exploded from the collision as the scythe''s blade snapped from the shaft, the now horrified Ripper stumbling backwards.


    Their combined efforts threw the two rangers off balance as they miscalculated the force they''d put behind their strikes. Nonetheless, Yakeru couldn''t help but crack a confident smile.


    Through sheer willpower, Kenji relentlessly poured everything he had into his staff, though he could feel himself slipping into unconsciousness. His vision blurred and blood erupted through the gaps in his clenched teeth. It felt as if his organs were ripping themselves apart, the burning sensation now scorching his insides.


    His grip loosened around his staff as he was far past his limit. He could only pray that he contributed just enough to turn the tides.


    ??????????????.


    Finally, he''d exhausted all his strength, his staff dropping to the ground and his body going limp.


    The aura around the battered Ripper finally disappeared. Wiggling his fingers, he could feel the weight lifting off his body, enabling him to move freely again. The uncertainty in his eyes had vanished, now searing with unbridled anger.


    Without delay, he snatched his dismembered blade from the air with his bare hand and whipped it at Fuyumi. He intended to slash her throat but in his blind rage, he''d misjudged the distance. Instead, he collided with her dagger, producing a resounding shriek as her weapon flung from her hand.


    Now that he was mobile again, he was hellbent on making these three suffer for this humiliation. However, since his body overexerted itself from being under so much pressure, he''d already exhausted himself.


    Ducking under his second swipe, she grabbed the dagger still lodged in his shoulder and wrenched it out, causing a fountain of red to spew out. Using his shrieking as a distraction, she slashed across his chest where the amulet was, the chain holding it around his neck snapping.


    The moment the connection was severed, a geyser of blood-red energy exploded from his body. His borrowed strength funneled back into the amulet, stripping the serial killer of his power along with the fear he once commanded.


    "NOO!" With a shouting plea, he desperately tried snatching the relic but it was just out of reach.


    Yakeru swung his katana, intercepting the now helpless man as he reflexively brought his severed blade up.


    ??????????!


    He pathetically shrunk into himself, terrified now that he''d lost his power. His blade didn''t allow for a stable grip, now slick with his blood.


    Imbuing his sword, Yakeru summoned all his strength. Amber swirled vibrantly around his sword as it screeched against the scythe''s blade, creating flashes of blinding light before launching a projectile.


    The point-blank attack shattered the scythe''s blade and catapulted the Ripper through the air before slamming into a tree. The trunk exploded with splintered wood, blasting the air out of his lungs.


    The two rangers panted heavily, oblivious that they''d been breathing so hard until then. Yakeru scrambled to the ground and clutched the amulet close to his chest, curling his body protectively.


    "I...I got it!"


    Fuyumi collapsed against a tree, trying to catch her breath.


    "Relax...I don''t think he''s getting up anytime soon."


    Puzzled, he looked in man''s direction and, sure enough, he was still lying there, motionless. After suffering so much physical trauma in a short period, it made sense he lost consciousness.


    "Oh, I see."


    He slipped the amulet into his satchel just as he remembered,


    "Kenji!"


    He hobbled his way over, his body on the verge of giving out, and checked his pulse.


    ????-??????...????-??????...????-??????...


    "Thank goodness..."


    After taking a short break, their strength was somewhat replenished.


    Fuyumi stumbled over to the Ripper to inspect his condition. At first glance, one would assume that he was dead but his faint breathing indicated he was just unconscious. She turned to Yakeru who was still beside the conjurer.


    "Let''s take Kenji and get moving. He still needs medical attention."


    "Right. What about him?" Yakeru pointed to the man with his chin.


    "He comes too. Let''s restrain him just in case."

 Chapter 26: From Weak to Weaker

    Stars twinkled in the otherwise black sky. The lanterns that hung overhead casted a glow on a village''s stone road. The streets were baron apart from the few men that patrolled them. They were armed with high quality spears and their blue and white uniforms gave off a sense of authority.


    A couple of men guarded one of the few gates into the village. One had his spear leaning against the wooden pillars aligned into a wall surrounding the inhabitants as he squatted down, yawning.


    "Hey...you mind if I rest my eyes for a bit?"


    His partner narrowed his eyes at him.


    "I most certainly do."


    "Come ooon..." he moaned. "There''s a reason why this is a two-man job, ya know?"


    "We have to stay vigilant. What would the council think if they heard the capital guards they''ve stationed here were slacking off?"


    The exhausted guard looked at his partner with a tilted head.


    "Yeah...But what difference does it make to put capital guards here? What are we supposed to do against a guy that can single handedly kill squads of high-ranking rangers?" He countered.


    "That''s not the point," his serious looking partner said with a stern face. "Ultimately, it''s our duty to put the villagers'' minds at ease. Even if we would be helpless against such a relentless force."


    An owl hooted as the crouched guard yawned again. Just then, the more vigilant guard spotted movement in the distance. He strained his eyes to see the faint shadows of two humanoids. One of them seemed to be dragging something along the ground while the other looked to be taller than the average person, walking with a hunched back.


    "Heads up, this might be trouble." He tightened his grip around his spear.


    His partner nonchalantly rose to his feet, retrieving his spear with a reluctant grunt.


    "You always say that. It''s probably just some rangers who need a place to crash."


    It was an ordinary thing to see rangers visiting a village for a place to sleep...but for it to happen this late at night? Something about that didn''t sit right with his partner.


    "Halt!" The serious guard barked. "Identify yourselves!"


    The figures continued to march forward as if they didn''t hear him at all. His face grew more grim as he readied his spear. The heavy-eyed guard became more anxious since the figures showed no signs of stopping, he too readying his weapon.


    "I said stop!"


    Still no response. As they approached, the lights from the village gradually illuminated the figures, making their features more clear. The tall figure wasn''t tall at all, but rather it was a boy carrying someone who seemed to be unconscious on their back. The other was a girl dragging what looked to be a corpse. The half-asleep guard was now wide awake as his partner assumed the worst.


    "A body?!"


    "N-no, that can''t be, right?"


    The boy dropped to his knees and set the person down before collapsing. The girl dropped the other person she was lugging around and plopped to the ground. The guards took that opportunity to cautiously close the distance with their spears trained on them.


    These people were obviously exhausted but regardless, the guards remained on high alert. After all, it wasn''t every day someone would casually drag a body around.


    Torn clothing were wrapped around their arms and legs as makeshift bandages, exposing their bruised skin.


    "Identify yourselves, now!"


    The boy panted but altered his gaze to look at the guard. He held his nose, a stream of dried blood running from it. With his other hand, he pulled out his rank ID and flashed it to the guards. The girl did the same.


    "We''re rangers...my friend needs help...he''s been out cold for a while now..."


    He gestured toward the other boy who he was carrying earlier. The men looked at each other then lowered their spears.


    "My apologies. We''ll get you all to an infirmary."


    He then looked over Fuyumi''s shoulder and his eyes went wide. Although he''s never seen him, every guard was given a description of the serial killer.


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    The scythe was missing but the bloodied black trench coat and the tattered red scarf binding his hands behind his back were more than enough to identify who this was. His chest faintly moved in and out indicating he was still alive.


    "No way! This is the guy?"


    "A-are you the ones who captured him?!"


    Yakeru and Fuyumi glanced at each other then back at the guards.


    "Yeah...I guess we did." Yakeru responded through a weak smile.


    They couldn''t believe their eyes. These rangers had just shown them their rank IDs earlier leaving them speechless. By then, the Ripper built up a notorious reputation for killing A and, on occasion, S-rank rangers. Needless to say, this party should''ve been wiped out.


    ''How is it possible that a C and B-rank were able to defeat this guy?''


    He looked at the unconscious boy.


    ''He said this was his friend so it''s safe to say he''s a ranger too. Was he the one who actually defeated him? Is he stronger than these two?''


    Nonetheless, there was no time to speculate. These rangers needed medical attention.


    "Alert the others!" the vigilant guard ordered his partner.


    "Got it!"


    *****


    The next morning, Kenji''s eyes fluttered open, sunlight barely peaking through a window to his right. He tried moving his arm but could only lift it a few inches off the bed before it plopped back down. His body still felt sore and the sharp pain in his side had subsided, although it would return if he moved too much.


    After his eyes adjusted, his surroundings began to take shape. The room had a blue and white theme to it. The room soaked in a soft light, casting a soothing ambience that contrasted with his groggy state. Medical supplies rested on a tray beside him. He gradually realized he was lying in a bed, his leg and arm in casts and gauze fastened to his head.


    As his senses began to sharpen, the movement to his left became more audible. Shifting his head, he found his two companions in their own separate beds.


    They didn''t seem to notice he was awake. They were wrapped in bandages, Yakeru having a nasal strip on his nose.


    "Yakeru? Fuyumi?" He groaned.


    They snapped their heads toward him, Yakeru''s eyes going wide in surprise.


    "Kenji! You''re oka-owe!" Yakeru winced, grabbing his legs.


    "Are we in a hospital?"


    "Yeah, we took a beating after that fight."


    Those words jogged Kenji''s memory in an instant. Everything from last night came flooding back. The sounds of nearby screams and the sensation of being burned alive from the inside as he sat helplessly on the sidelines rushed through his head.


    "The Ripper! What happened to him?! Did he get away?! Did-"


    "Relax," Fuyumi''s curt reply interrupted. "We beat him thanks to you."


    Kenji''s shoulders relaxed in response to her reassurance. His last ditch effort to slow the killer''s movement to a crawl faded back into his memory.


    "Good..." he breathed.


    "What were you thinking?" She blurted as he looked at her confused. "An E-rank diving head first into the mid-rim? Going after the Ripper by yourself? And for what? Cuz you had something to prove?! What a flimsy excuse."


    It hadn''t even been five minutes after Kenji regained consciousness and she already started berating him. Though she wasn''t wrong. He allowed his obsession to push him into making a rash decision.


    "I know...and I''m sorry for getting you two involved," he looked at the ceiling as he said this, too ashamed to face them. "I let my desire for power and recognition turn into an obsession...and because of that both of you were hurt. I''m so sorry."


    Yakeru''s expression softened as he filled with guilt. Kenji showed signs of strange behavior before their battle with that serial killer. He tried convincing himself that it wasn''t anything serious only for the situation to worsen.


    "I''m sorry too," Yakeru responded. "I knew something was wrong but I didn''t do anything about it..."


    Kenji shook his head.


    "It''s okay. I pushed you away so it was my fault."


    "You''re right. It is," Fuyumi said accusingly. "But...I''m glad that you''re okay."


    She waited a moment for a response that never came. Instead, silence filled the room. She turned to find them both staring at her wide eyed with their jaws hanging open as if stunned by what came out of her mouth.


    "What are you two idiots staring at?"


    They looked at each other then back at Fuyumi before Yakeru replied with, "That might''ve been the nicest thing you''ve ever said."


    For the first time, her cheeks tinged with a light shade of pink. As nonchalantly as she could, she turned her head to mask her flustered state and, in classic Fuyumi fashion, she resorted to her go-to response.


    "Whatever."


    The boys smirked at her reaction before Yakeru turned to Kenji.


    "So how''re you feeling?"


    "A little better now."


    Just then, the door to their room opened. A man in a white buttoned-down coat and a black tie walked in holding a clipboard. His gentle gaze landed on Kenji.


    "Ah, you''re awake earlier than expected," he said, walking in. "How''re you feeling?"


    He had a certain aura about him that put Kenji at ease.


    "I''m doing better. Still a bit sore."


    "I see."


    After checking up on his other two patients, he returned his attention to Kenji.


    "You were in terrible shape when they brought you in. Your radiance was completely drained and you had a few fractured bones."


    He flipped through some pages on his clipboard before stopping on a page, his expression unreadable.


    "...I need to ask, have you, by any chance, been taking enhancement elixirs?"


    "Yes, why?"


    He gave a soft sigh and pinched his lips as if his suspicions were confirmed. Setting aside his clipboard, he looked at his patient.


    "We figured. We found traces of it in your system. It would explain why you were in such rough shape."


    Kenji looked at him with puzzlement in his eyes.


    "What do you mean?"


    He pulled up a chair to sit beside Kenji.


    "You see...everyone has what''s called radiant channels. They run throughout the body like veins but serve a different purpose. They''re responsible for absorbing, storing, and expelling radiance. Enhancement elixirs stimulate these channels, forcing them to work overtime. It''s safe to take enhancement elixirs in moderation, however, excessive use can tear these channels apart and force the body to shut down."


    Kenji stood silent for a moment trying to process this information.


    "So what you''re saying is my body started shutting down so it could...reboot, so to speak?"


    "Correct. And because you didn''t give your channels time to rest, I''m afraid you''ll experience long-lasting, irreversible side effects."


    "Y-you mean..." Kenji stammered, his eyes growing wide in realization.


    "Yes, your channels have suffered permanent damage."

 Chapter 27: An Unexpected Visit

    "Your channels will be scarred once they heal. You won''t be able to absorb and store as much radiance as before."


    Yakeru and Fuyumi both turned their heads to Kenji who stared off into space trying to process this new information. Yakeru wore a worried expression, unsure how he would take this.


    Now that Kenji thought about it, it made sense why he experienced pain after using so many elixirs one after the other. He felt stupid to dismiss it as simple exhaustion. He was already weak to begin with but now he would never realize his full potential. It was ironic¡ªhis quest to grow stronger had ultimately made him weaker.


    "I''m sure you have a lot to process but we really should proceed with a checkup."


    Kenji remained silent but slowly nodded. After doing a quick checkup on his patients, he scribbled the results on his clipboard.


    "So how long until we''re released?" Yakeru questioned.


    "About a week or so. But..." He looked over at Kenji who still found it difficult to move a muscle. "You''ll need to remain here for a while, especially with your broken rib. Hospital health elixirs are usually stronger than what you see in vendors but they still have their limits."


    "Makes sense. Thank you."


    The doctor made his way to the door but looked back at the three.


    "I''ll be back to check on you guys. In the meantime, you have a visitor."


    The trio tilted their heads in confusion as the man left the room. Before they could question who it could be, another man strolled into the room. Everyone''s attention immediately shifted to this new mysterious man.


    His short, dark hair with streaks of grey running through it was slicked back and his brown eyes held a gentle gaze. His fitted black suit coupled with his confident demeanor gave off a commanding presence.


    "Allow me to introduce myself," he raised his hand to his stomach and gave a slight bow. "My name is Adrian Anders, the Guild Master of the Rangers Guild."


    Yakeru, Kenji, and even Fuyumi''s eyes shot open. Yakeru stared carefully shifting his body to the edge of his bed to give a respectful bow. As he gritted his teeth trying to ignore the lingering pain, Adrian raised his hand to stop him.


    "Please, there''s no need to push yourself. I''d rather you rest, Yakeru."


    "Oh, well," he slowly crawled back into bed. "It''s a pleasure to meet you Mr. An¡ªwait, you know who I am?"


    "I try to know all our rangers. Especially the ones who defeated the infamous Ripper," he swept his gaze. "Fuyumi, Kenji."


    Yakeru''s cheeks heated up in embarrassment. Of course, the Guild Master would''ve had records of them.


    "Oh, right."


    "When I heard that murderer had been caught, I wanted to meet the S-ranks who''d caught him...I never would''ve expected a B, C, and E-rank to be the ones to capture him."


    He wasn''t sure how they could defeat someone notorious for hunting high-rankers. Since this was unprecedented, he conducted a short interview.


    He was shocked to hear that Kenji intentionally ventured into the mid-rim to hunt the Ripper. Kenji kept his reasoning behind his actions to himself as he recounted what happened.


    When they finished their story, Adrian cupped his chin in thought, a deep sigh laced with irritation escaping his nose. After a few seconds, he offered them a deep bow of gratitude.


    "On behalf of the Rangers Guild, I thank you for bringing in the Ripper. Alive, no less. Many people have lost their lives during this hunt so we are truly grateful that you three have prevented further casualties."


    Something was still a miss. Someone as big as the Guild Master wouldn''t travel all this way just to say ''thank you''. If that was the case why not just send one of his subordinates? They knew there had to have been more to this.


    "However," he continued. "Not only have you endangered your safety, you also deliberately hunted the Ripper. Since this mission was ranked S, none of you were qualified to participate either. Because of this, not only will you not be compensated..."


    Their suspicions were confirmed. Sweat formed on Yakeru''s face as they braced themselves for the worst. Frankly, they weren''t concerned with being properly compensated for their troubles. Coming out of the whole ordeal with their lives was more than enough. It was what he said next that had them on edge.


    "Intentionally interfering with any mission of any kind that you''re not taking part in is considered a serious crime."


    With this, the rangers tensed up.


    "After the guild was founded, rangers would take missions and complete them as usual. But some would seize opportunities to interfere with others'' missions, mostly in hopes of reaping rewards for themselves. This became a problem during the guild''s early years. If there was a mission they could pillage, they would. So a law was passed to help prevent this." He explained.


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    "Wait a minute," Fuyumi blurted out. "We were just trying to save our skins. We don''t care about a reward."


    "I understand, but unfortunately, the fact of the matter is you still interfered with the hunt. Which is punishable by jail time."


    Yakeru and Kenji both went pale as a ghost. They couldn''t believe what they were hearing. After what they''ve just gone through, the guild was just going to throw them behind bars? Fuyumi''s blood got heated when hearing this.


    "You mean you''re just going to follow your stupid rules at the expense of those fighting for their lives?!"


    "Unfortunately, under normal circumstances, I would."


    Her blood reached its boiling point as she shot up from her bed and began marching toward the Guild Master, her eyes fuming with rage.


    "You son of a-!"


    He raised his hand in front of her and spoke in a calm yet louder tone.


    "Let me finish."


    She stopped dead in her tracks, anger still boiling inside her. Yakeru and Kenji stared at her in shock. Even when she was calm, she could still be scary but to see her in a rage was a new sight to them.


    "As I was saying, under normal circumstances I wouldn''t have a choice. However, these aren''t normal circumstances. Regardless of how you captured him, the fact of the matter is you still managed to do so. And because of this, I''m willing to substitute your sentences with something more reasonable."


    Fuyumi''s shoulders relaxed slightly but her gaze remained firm. The color of Yakeru and Kenji''s faces gradually returned as well.


    "That being said, I believe temporarily confiscating your rank IDs and suspending you from the guild will suffice. Naturally, you won''t be able to work as rangers during this time."


    Yakeru thought for a moment. The only reason he was letting them off easy was because they managed to defeat the infamous serial killer. Had they not, they''d be thrown in jail. He still struggled to process their remarkable victory.


    Power.


    Speed.


    Endurance.


    Experience.


    They were at a disadvantage in every category, desperately clinging to luck. Even with the Ripper''s injuries, he still proved to be a challenge for the young rangers. He wasn''t sure if the amulet somehow bolstered his pain tolerance or if he was simply inhuman. Ultimately, his desperation turned him into a sloppy fighter.


    "And if we refuse, we go behind bars?" Yakeru swallowed.


    "Correct."


    "Okay then..."


    Having no other choice, the three ultimately accepted his terms. With a pleased expression, Adrian nodded.


    "Good...I know you three must''ve gone through a lot and this might not seem fair, but it can''t be helped."


    He turned to leave but lingered in the doorway. He glanced back at the trio.


    "It''s still hard for me to believe but, again, thank you."


    With that, he exited the room leaving them pondering. They were still relatively new to being rangers and now they were already getting their IDs taken away. If word got out, this would most definitely paint a bad image for them in the ranger community.


    On the other hand, if people hear that an E, C, and B-rank defeated the Ripper, it could attract the attention of clans. However, although it''d be nice to earn a higher salary if they were scouted by one, it''d be best to keep the identities of the ones who took down the Ripper a secret for now to avoid unwanted attention.


    Minutes passed with Yakeru and Kenji making small talk. As usual, Fuyumi wasn''t interested in mindless chatter.


    Moments later, the door once again swung open and a small figure darted inside.


    "Fuyumi!"


    A kid younger than they were hugged Fuyumi by the waist.


    "Hey, Kei."


    Both Yakeru and Kenji were stunned to see her pat the kid''s head. They had never seen her display even a hint of affection towards anyone until now. They had no clue who this kid was but they assumed it had to have been a relative.


    A man followed behind Kei and went straight to Fuyumi.


    "Hey, how''re you feeling?" The man asked, worry evident on his face.


    "I''m fine, dad."


    "What happened, sis?! Are you okay?" Kei finally glanced up at her, still clinging to her waist with tears building up in the corners of his eyes.


    Her father looked at her expectedly, also eager to hear how his daughter ended up in such a state.


    Staring at Kei, she hesitated a moment. There was no way she could tell him that a murderer hospitalized her. How could a mere child even begin to process that kind of information?


    "Nothing. I just fought a monster a bit stronger than me, that''s all."


    "Did you win?"


    "I''m alive, aren''t I?"


    His face began to glow with admiration.


    "Wow, you''re so cool!"


    Yakeru couldn''t help but smile, seeing a bit of himself in the boy.


    She looked up at her father who was still worried about her but it seemed like he bought it too. She hated lying to her family, but she had to spare them somehow.


    Once again, the door flung open and, this time, a red-haired woman came storming inside. Yakeru gave a surprised look as the familiar woman practically sprinted up to him.


    "Akari? Didn''t think you''d be he-"


    A forceful flick to his forehead interrupted him.


    "Ow! You can''t just go around flicking patients!"


    Ignoring him, she yanked him into a tight embrace.


    "Are you okay? You weren''t hurt too bad, right?!"


    Her tight squeeze sent waves of pain throughout his body.


    "N-no but it still hurts!"


    She released and immediately began scolding him.


    "What were you thinking?! You had no business being in the mid-rim in the first place! What if that maniac had gotten you?!"


    He stared at her for a moment. If she was on the verge of a breakdown now, there was no way he could subject her to the truth. Despite her best efforts to keep her composure, a couple of tears slid down her face anyway.


    "When...when I heard what happened...I..."


    He pulled her into a hug and she returned the gesture.


    "You brat...that was the first time I legitimately fainted."


    "I''m sorry I made you worry, Akari. You don''t deserve this." He stroked her back consolingly.


    Kenji watched as the two held each other and Kei continued to bombard Fuyumi with questions. So much so that their father had to hold him back. He sighed internally and resumed staring at the ceiling. He was the only one who didn''t have a visitor, not that he was surprised but it still would''ve been nice.


    "And you," Akari said in Kenji''s direction. "Don''t think I''ve forgotten about you, Kenji. How''re you feeling?"


    Kenji was stunned for a moment. They''d briefly met before but he never expected her to remember him, let alone care about how he was doing.


    "Uhm, I''m doing okay, thanks."


    "Really? Cuz you look more banged up than this idiot here." She jutted her thumb at her hospitalized brother.


    "Hey!"


    Kenji''s chest warmed as a small smile formed on his face seeing Yakeru bicker with Akari and Fuyumi growing more annoyed with Kei''s interrogation. He felt guilty knowing their families almost lost them because of him. He doubted he could truly forgive himself for nearly losing those who stuck by his side and his scars would serve as a reminder of the consequences of obsession.

 Chapter 28: The Announcement

    Months passed since Yakeru, Fuyumi, and Kenji were suspended from the guild, and the Ripper was locked behind bars. The guild confiscated the Ripper''s amulet and hired relic researchers and artificers to study the amulet. They discovered that it was a relic that could corrupt the user''s radiance, bolstering their strength in the process. However, it was at the expense of the user''s mind.


    This relic went missing mere days before the Ripper made his first appearance. The guild sent five rangers to search for this relic that supposedly bestowed power to its user. Days went by and they never returned. Eventually, a few travelers stumbled across four corpses in the same area where the relic was supposed to be located. The fifth ranger was never found.


    Yakeru and Kenji roamed the busy capital streets. Merchants shouted to the passerbys in an attempt to sell them their products and hoofs clopped on the stone pavement as they pulled carriages along.


    "So this place is where again?" Yakeru questioned.


    Kenji looked down at the sheet in his hands.


    "It''ll be held at the square."


    Ever since the Ripper was captured, people from all over have been losing faith in the guild as a whole. Even the guild has realized that some threats might be too big to overcome. If only the guild had seen this before. Perhaps they could''ve avoided so many casualties if they had. This was why the council needed to make an urgent announcement to the capital.


    Yakeru and Kenji arrived at the square which was abnormally packed with normal civilians and nobles alike than usual. A lengthy stage was placed at the end of the square with several guards forming a perimeter around it to keep away the boisterous crowd.


    They''d get eaten alive if they tried to weave between the sea of people to get a better view so they stood where they were instead.


    After a while of waiting, several figures emerged from backstage through the towering curtains. Their elegant attire, befitting of noble status, implied that they were royalty. They were cloaked in robes of the finest fabrics and adorned with jewels that caught the light. Their dignified demeanor commanded respect and admiration as they strode across the stage.


    "Isn''t that the council?" Yakeru overheard a woman ask someone beside her.


    "What''s the council doing here?"


    Yakeru strained his eyes as a familiar figure appeared on stage. "Hey, isn''t that...?"


    "Adrian?" Kenji finished his sentence. "Looks like it."


    Once the group of people made their entrance, a couple of artifacts lying along the stage activated, displaying a large holographic live feed of the stage.


    The once-rowdy crowd immediately quieted down in their presence. The older man stepped up to the podium and spoke into the sound-amplifying artifact.


    "Greetings, citizens of the capital. My name is Adrian Anders, the Guild Master of the Rangers Guild."


    He had everyone''s undivided attention at this point. It wasn''t every day that you''d see the Guild Master hosting an event such as this with the council accompanying him.


    "First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone here for attending this event...the most recent happenings have led many rangers, your loved ones, to lose their lives. Let us take a moment of silence for those we''ve lost."


    Everyone bowed their heads, their faces turning gloomy as silence enveloped the square, only disturbed by the occasional weeping from the ones still grieving. Rangers from all over have attempted to put an end to the Ripper''s killing spree. It was one thing losing a loved one to a mindless beast driven by instinct, but losing them to a human with free will made bearing the burden that much harder. After a few minutes had passed, Adrian continued.


    "For years, rangers have been putting their lives on the line so that the rest of us can sleep soundly at night. We hadn''t considered the possibility of one of our own becoming the very thing we fight against. This has led many to question the adequacy of our management and has tragically undermined the trust that the public has put in the guild."


    "You don''t say!" someone from the crowd sarcastically blurted out.


    "I thought rangers were supposed to hunt monsters, not each other!"


    "Where were the strong rangers at when we needed them, huh?!" a woman shouted.


    Yakeru and Kenji looked around as more people began firing insults and complaints about the guild''s failure.


    "Because of our carelessness, many lives were needlessly lost. And for that, on behalf of the guild, we would like to express our deepest apologies." Adrian bowed deeply.


    "That ain''t enough!"


    "Yeah! A ''sorry'' ain''t gonna bring my kid back!" a tearful middle-aged man shouted.


    "How did you let this happen?!"


    "Enough!"


    The boisterous crowd quieted down after a fed-up council member stepped forward. Adrian stood up straight and nodded his head at the councilman in appreciation. There''s only so much hate a man could take so it must have been relieving to have someone to take the wheel, a council member no less. Adrian stepped back as the man took his place at the podium.


    "I am Councilman Rei Yamato. And as Mr. Anders has said, we are sorry for your losses. We are all deeply affected by these events that have transpired. As such, the council has taken action to prevent such events from repeating themselves."


    Many people gritted their teeth, the crowd still radiating anger but even they knew better not to lash out at a councilman.


    "While it is obvious we cannot change the past, we can still control the future. For years, the guild has managed its rangers and operated as a separate entity. However, in these recent dark times, it was shown to be insufficient. Therefore, from this point onward, I would like to announce that the guild will now be under the supervision of the council.


    He looked over and, from backstage, six individuals trickled out from behind the curtain. Each person sported a pristine white uniform lined luxuriously with gold and a short black mantle, each outfit varying slightly to accommodate their different builds. The audience watched in awe and curiosity as they made their way across the stage, kneeling before each council member. After commanding them to rise, the six of them were each presented with a platinum pin.


    "These fine men and women were specifically chosen from their respective clans. They have proven time and again that they are among the most intelligent and powerful individuals among the rangers and have agreed to work under the direct command of the council to help ensure the safety of our home."


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    The six mysterious figures spun in unison to face the crowd, their hands tucked behind their back at attention.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce to you, the Sentinels!"


    The crowd erupted into applause, pleased to hear this news. Some of the strongest rangers were already off on missions in the outer rim. As a result, many rangers lost their lives to the Ripper. A wave of reassurance washed over the crowd as the Sentinels aimed a salute to the audience. Yakeru glanced over at Kenji who looked to be satisfied with this then looked back at the stage.


    ''Sentinels, huh?''


    After the announcement had ended, the two made their way to the guild. Pushing open the doors, they were met with the all too familiar sound of clanking beer mugs. They walked up to the receptionist as she greeted them.


    "Welcome back you two!"


    "Thanks, it''s good to be back," Yakeru replied.


    She looked Yakeru up and down, admiring his new light armor. Although not the highest of quality, it was more heat resistant than his previous armor.


    "I like the new armor, Yakeru. It looks nice on you."


    "Oh, thanks," he replied sheepishly as heat rose to his cheeks.


    "I assume you''re here for your rank IDs. Give me a moment to fetch them for you."


    "Take your time."


    As they waited, they overheard the conversations of the lobby. They expected to hear them boasting about how they hunted a behemoth or slayed a dragon. But to their surprise, it was about something entirely different.


    "Hey, you hear about that rumor going around?"


    "About the low-ranking rangers?"


    "Oh yeah, they said some scrubs captured the Ripper. Can you believe it?"


    A burly man rolled his eyes and sucked his teeth.


    "Pssh. That ain''t nuh''in but a lie. No way some low ranks fought that guy and won. I heard a clan full of A-ranks went huntin'' for him in some ruins. They never came back."


    "Some said there was something weird going on with his radiance too, right?"


    "Yeah. I heard he smoked an S-rank I used to run missions with. Guess that explains why I don''t see him anymore..."


    Luckily, to protect Yakeru, Kenji, and Fuyumi, the guild refused to disclose the identities of the ones responsible for capturing the Ripper. After eavesdropping for some time, the receptionist eventually returned with their IDs.


    "Feel free to browse the board if you''d like."


    More rangers approached the receptionist to give reports so they stepped out of the way. It was then that they heard a familiar voice from behind them.


    "About time you got here."


    Startled, they turned to see who it was to find Fuyumi standing there, annoyed that they were late.


    "Oh, it''s you. Sorry, we went to the square to see what the announcement was." Kenji explained.


    "Yeah, apparently they formed some sort of private force called Sentinels."


    "I don''t care."


    They haven''t seen each other for months but he''s spent enough time with her to half expect that kind of response.


    "Of course you don''t." Yakeru sighed.


    She walked passed him and headed straight to the mission board. Yakeru shook his head with a small smile.


    ''Some things never change I guess.''


    She skimmed through the available missions pinned to the board. There weren''t that many sheets this time around. Perhaps because rangers didn''t have to worry about catching some murderer on the loose. Although they were still only left with a few options to choose from.


    Most of them recommended parties of four or more. But Yakeru reckoned Fuyumi wasn''t willing to let another straggler or two tag along. She wasn''t too thrilled at the thought of the extra company the first time. That''s when one sheet that caught her eye, however.


    [Kobold Dungeon Raid]


    D-rank


    Location: Southern base of Scar Peak, Inner rim


    She''d like something easier for Kenji since he struggled when it came to D or even E-tier monsters. And with scarred radiant channels, this might prove to be even more troublesome for the conjurer. But this was their only option at the end of the day.


    She went to remove the sheet when her hand bumped into someone else''s reaching for the same sheet. Both hands retracted as Fuyumi looked to her side.


    "Sorry. Well this is awkward, isn''t it?" someone asked rhetorically.


    A young man stood next to her. He had on light armor that resembled Yakeru''s old armor before their battle with the Ripper. At first glance, it didn''t seem like he possessed a weapon¡ªonly a thin chain wrapped around his gauntlet with a dart attached to the end of it.


    "I was just about to take that for my party since it''s the only mission ranked D." The crimson, spiky-haired teen explained.


    She narrowed her eyes and looked him up and down. Everything else that the board offered were missions ranked B or higher. Although he knew Fuyumi hated the idea of joining other rangers, the solution to this dilemma was quite simple. Kenji stepped forward.


    "I''m Kenji, an E-rank conjurer. If it''s not too much trouble, why don''t you come with us?"


    "No."


    As he expected, Fuyumi interjected.


    "We''ll be taking this. You can find another one."


    Her bluntness caused the young man to recoil slightly, not expecting such a hostile vibe from this girl. He scratched the back of his head before elaborating further.


    "We would, but there aren''t any other missions that my teammate can do."


    Yakeru nudged his cold teammate, thinking it''d be a good idea to forge connections.


    "Come on, it can''t possibly be as bad as last time."


    She gave an annoyed sigh, thinking long and hard as if this was a matter of life or death.


    "Your rank," she demanded with a stern expression.


    "I''m Kazeki and I''m a C-rank."


    He extended a hand to her with a friendly smile but she only glared at him, leaving his hand unaccompanied until Yakeru shook it in her place.


    "I''m Yakeru. I''m also a C-rank."


    Kazeki inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that Yakeru saved him from the deathly awkwardness of leaving him hanging. Still, he waited for an introduction from her that never came before the conjurer spoke up.


    "Oh, and that''s Fuyumi. She''s a B-rank," he introduced as she looked at Kenji with a hint of shock showing through her usual cold expression, surprised at the betrayal of her own party member. "She''s also not the social type."


    Kazeki lightly chuckled at his playful jab toward her.


    "B-rank, huh? You must be really good," Kazeki assumed. "Well, it''s a pleasure to meet you all."


    "Uhm, Kazeki?"


    Their attention shifted to a rather petite young lady with dark blue hair styled into a bob cut and a wand holstered on her hip. She lightly tapped Kazeki''s shoulder.


    "Have you had the chance to find a mission?" She asked in a soft tone.


    "I''m still working on it. I''m trying to negotiate."


    She faced the two boys and offered them a warm smile.


    "I suppose I should introduce myself then. I''m Aoi and I''m a D-rank conjurer. Pleased to meet you." She gave a polite bow.


    The boys introduced themselves to the young lady while Fuyumi studied her. The way she carried herself coupled with her soft expression radiated a gentle aura. For now, her only worry was their third party member, and, as if on cue, a large ranger about twice their size trudged over to the group.


    The imposing figure loomed over Yakeru and Kenji causing them to gulp. He carried a massive battle axe that rested on his shoulder, too big for any normal person to use, let alone lift. His armor seemed to contain his muscles rather than protect them.


    "Oh, and this is our third and final team member," Kazeki confirmed.


    The giant outstretched his massive hand toward Yakeru. He stared at his hand, the man''s intimidating form making the thought of shaking a daunting task. After mustering all the courage he could, he rose his trembling hand.


    "Oh, uhm, I''m Yakeru, C-ra-!"


    As soon as he accepted the gesture, the giant crushed his hand. Pain surged through his entire arm and he could''ve sworn he felt something break.


    ''There goes another hospital bill!'' Yakeru shrieked in his head, desperately trying to hold a calm face.


    "Kateshi, A-rank! It is an honor to meet you!" The man exclaimed with a huge grin, oblivious to how hard he was squeezing.


    His arm dangled after Kateshi let go, feeling a slight numbness. He moved on to shake Kenji''s hand and the outcome was the same. Only this time he heard something crunch in his hand, Kenji resisting the urge to pass out.


    "Okay, ya big ape, let go before ya break something." Kazeki teasingly ordered.


    He released him after they finished their introductions. Despite his obliviousness to his own strength, it was evident he meant no harm. His loud body language and enthusiastic nature were proof of that.


    Although this was a definite red flag for Fuyumi, his A-ranking swayed her decision. Someone of his caliber could prove quite beneficial as a whole, even if they were just hunting kobolds. This would also be the first time she''d fight alongside someone stronger than her so she might learn a thing or two. After long contemplation, she finally came to a conclusion.


    "Fine then, you can come with us."


    "Great!" Kazeki exclaimed, pleased.


    Aoi''s face brightened while Kateshi grinned.


    "Just don''t get in my way."


    She wasn''t directing this toward Kateshi, but rather Kazeki and Aoi as they were lower ranks.


    "Sure thing." Kazeki agreed.


    "Now then. Shall we make our departure?" Kateshi confirmed.


    "Yep. If you guys are ready, we should get going now." Kazeki suggested.


    They snagged the mission sheet from the board and began making their way out.

 Chapter 29: Joint Party

    Yakeru and Kazeki''s groups stopped by an elixir vendor, the sight of all the various elixirs on display flooding Kenji''s head with bad memories. It wasn''t that long ago that he was purchasing enhancement elixirs. Though now they were here for health elixirs.


    "Thank you for your business and come again!"


    The group pocketed their vials before making their way down the busy street.


    "Can''t believe you guys run missions without health elixirs or even a healer," Kazeki mentioned.


    Kenji scratched the back of his head and chuckled. Now that he thought about it, it did seem silly not to bring health elixirs since none of them were healers.


    "I guess we didn''t really think about that, to be honest."


    They''d only used health elixirs once before, though their quality wasn''t the greatest. Perhaps they relied on Fuyumi for so long that it didn''t even occur to them that they''d need such a thing.


    "Still," Aoi chimed in. "It''s dangerous not to be prepared. You guys should be more careful."


    Her soft yet worried tone made it clear she was genuine.


    "I, for one, am impressed that you three have managed to slay monsters without the aid of elixirs," Kateshi remarked with a grin.


    ''Who said that was the case?'' Kenji corrected in his head, shamefully glancing to the side.


    Aoi lightly slapped Kateshi''s arm.


    "Please don''t say anything that might encourage them!"


    "Of course, my apologies."


    Pleased with his response they resumed their walk until the sound of hoofs clopping from behind them grew louder. Kazeki stuck his thumb out to hail the carriage as it came to a gradual stop beside them. Something Yakeru or Fuyumi hadn''t considered during their early days as rangers was transportation. This was mainly due to the capital''s transport service being expensive. However, now that they''ve saved enough from their profitable occupation, they could afford to spend their gold on it.


    "Come on, we''ll hitch a ride," Kazeki suggested. According to the mission sheet, the dungeon was located near the outskirts of the inner rim.


    Kobolds thrived in dark, underground environments, only coming out of hiding at night to hunt. On rare occasions, they''d attack small human settlements. Due to this, it was safe to assume there wouldn''t be any towns nearby for miles.


    Kazeki flashed the sheet to the coachman and explained where they were headed. The coachman cupped his chin in thought for a brief moment before snapping his fingers.


    "I know a place." the coachman said, gesturing them to hop aboard.


    ????????. ????????. ????????.


    Hours had passed since they''d left the big city, the coachman directing the horses along a stone road. Six-legged creatures snacked on the grass while bathing in sunlight as they passed by.


    The six rangers relaxed in the carriage chatting about their experiences. Of course, Fuyumi wanted no part in it as she saw such small talk as trivial. Luckily, Kazeki and his group didn''t seem to take it personally. In fact, according to their stories, they''ve met a few socially inept people during previous adventures so this was no different.


    "Seriously?! You guys fought Scorpio knights?!" Yakeru gasped.


    "Well, I wouldn''t say ???? did." Aoi corrected.


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    Scorpio knights were four-armed humanoid-type monsters that possessed numerous abilities including a reinforced exoskeleton, superhuman strength, and a scorpion-like tail. In terms of physical strength, they were comparable to steel-quilled bears and their armor was just as durable. What set them apart were their tails.


    If a person were to so much as get pricked by its stinger, their life would meet an excruciating end in just under an hour. Because of this, any rangers planning on hunting these monsters are highly advised to take antidotes with them.


    Even then, their armor consisted of small flexible plating that allowed for more agile movement, making these creatures slippery in combat. Combine all of these factors and you''d have the recipe for a monster capable of giving even experienced rangers a run for their money.


    "Yeah, this big ape took care of all the heavy lifting for us. All we had to do was make sure he didn''t croak." Kazeki winked, prodding Kateshi with an elbow making him sheepishly scratch the back of his head.


    "Come now, if it were not for your support and Miss Aoi''s healing, things would have been much worse."


    "Oh, but that''s still impressive, though," Kenji said.


    Fuyumi was strong in the sense that she was extremely agile. Coupling that with her natural talent for combat made for a dangerous combination. But both Yakeru and Kenji knew her limits. But knowing they had someone strong enough to contend with several Scorpio knights simultaneously to pick up the slack put their minds at ease.


    ''Wait.'' Yakeru had to do a double take.


    A small detail in what Kateshi had just said flew right over his head, not registering until now. He snapped his head toward Aoi wearing a surprised look in response.


    "You''re a healer?!"


    "W-Why yes," she flinched, her eyes going wide in realization. "Oh my! I''m sorry. I must not have mentioned that during our introductions."


    She gave a slight apologetic bow. This wasn''t as big a deal to them as it was to her. The fact that she was apologizing for it made Yakeru feel bad for making her feel the need to. It was more of the fact that healers weren''t very abundant anymore.


    Back in the earlier days, inexperienced rangers were more abundant which made more room for error when on missions. This led to healers being in such high demand to compensate. However, throughout generations, rangers have only gotten stronger, so much so that healers grew more obsolete.


    The logic here was if you could become strong enough to deal with monsters quickly, there wouldn''t be a need for healers in the first place. Unfortunately, most rangers nowadays have adopted this mindset.


    Luckily, people like Aoi are wise enough to understand that anything could unfold during a mission. This was why it was best to have a safety net of sorts.


    "No, it''s fine," Yakeru shook his head apologetically. "It''s just that we don''t usually see many healers."


    "Wait, but if you''re a healer, why''d we get health elixirs?" Kenji questioned.


    Healers were undoubtedly more valuable than health elixirs. Sure, they could use health elixirs but they were a one-and-done use only. Healers on the other hand could heal several times over before eventually burning out. Of course, it''d also depend on the severity of their injury.


    "Don''t worry," Kazeki answered. "When we first formed our party, she used to force us to buy them."


    "Why of course. Although you''d have a decent understanding of the kind of mission you accept, there''s still room for unpredictability." Aoi doubled down.


    Kenji thought for a moment, their past experiences proving her point.


    "I see. If something were to happen we''d still have our health elixirs."


    She smiled softly in Kenji''s direction, pleased to see that he was so understanding.


    This caught Fuyumi''s attention as she glanced at Aoi. Although she wasn''t too thrilled to have three others accompany them on this mission, there was some good that could come out of it. If this Aoi girl was as good of a healer as her party boasted, she was more valuable than she''d imagined. Although she didn''t feel the need to have one on this mission, even she could acknowledge that it''d be good to have one in their back pocket. There was also an A-rank in their party and if he''s as strong as their stories suggested, it''d only benefit them. However, actions speak louder than words so she''d see soon enough.


    They continued making small talk with one another with Fuyumi being the exception. Watching the scenery go by through the tarp was more interesting to her. As the fabric gently flapped in the wind, she perked up slightly to a sight in the distance that she hadn''t seen before.


    "We''re here." She finally spoke.


    Kazeki stopped mid-sentence as he was just in the middle of another story as his group looked at her. She was so quiet for the entirety of the ride that they''d forgotten she was there for a moment.


    They all peeked out from the back one at a time to get a good look at their destination. Close by was a majestic mountain, standing as a testament to nature''s raw power. What set this particular mountain apart from others were the massive deep gashes cutting through its rocky surface, resembling a giant claw mark.


    "Truly a sight to behold," Kateshi exclaimed.


    "You said it." Kazeki agreed.


    As they neared the mountain, small structures nestled within one of the gashes began to take shape¡ªa human settlement from the looks of it. They were still too far away to make out any details but based on the coachman''s description of where they were headed, this had to be the place.


    ''So that must be Yama Village.'' Yakeru concluded.

 Chapter 30: Yama Village

    As the carriage approached the large gated entrance, the sounds of the bustling village grew louder. Guards armed with spears outside the gate signaled the coachman to halt. He complied with their order, stopping the carriage in front of the gate as a guard approached him while the other went around to the back of the carriage.


    "Sorry sir, but we''ll have to do an inspection. Standard procedure."


    "I understand." The coachman nodded.


    The second guard pulled back the fabric to find six rangers staring back at him. He didn''t so much as flinch after coming face to face with passengers who were all armed. Yakeru assumed rangers must travel to Yama village often enough for him to be so non-reactive. Instead, he calmly asked, "You guys rangers?"


    "Sure are," Kazeki replied.


    "Alright, I''ll just need to confirm. Please hand me your rank IDs and you can be on your way."


    They nodded in agreement before handing their IDs over one at a time. After confirming their identities, he handed them back to their respective owners.


    "Welcome to Yama Village."


    He rounded the corner, giving a thumbs-up to his partner, signaling him to pull a lever and granting them passage. Soon after the metallic gates parted and the coachman directed the horses into the village.


    Stepping out onto the road, Kazeki flung his arms in the air in an exaggerated stretch.


    "Man, I was startin'' to cramp."


    Yakeru and Kenji walked up to the coachman and reached into their pockets. Before they could pull their money out to pay the fee, Kazeki had already placed a heavy pouch in the man''s hand.


    "Don''t worry guys, I got it."


    "Are you sure?" Kenji questioned. "We don''t have a problem chipping in."


    He waved a dismissive hand while shaking his head.


    "Don''t worry about it. But if you guys really feel bad about it, you could pay me back when we head back to the capital."


    Kenji smiled at his kind gesture.


    "Will do."


    Sauntering down the paved road, the group of Rangers was greeted with a lively atmosphere. Manmade structures made from stone and timber seamlessly blended with the natural, rugged terrain.


    Terraces jutted out from the mountainside, providing breathtaking views of the horizon. Cobblestone steps winded up and down slopes, connecting clusters of homes and shops.


    Villagers of all ages roamed the streets. Wet and dried clothes hung overhead from ropes connecting from one building to another. Looking over, they spotted water cascading from the colossal rocky walls, meandering through the village in streams. Aoi smiled to herself as she spectated children playing and splashing around with their friends.


    "Wow, this place looks wonderful," she commented.


    They crossed the bridge over a stream, coming across what looked to be a food market. Vendors were organized along a spacious road with merchants selling their products.


    "This seems more like a town than a village, don''t you think?" Yakeru asked.


    "My thoughts exactly," Kazeki replied before analyzing the mission sheet. "Looks like the dungeon is a couple miles below us. But since we''re on this pointy rock, we''ll be making a lot of twists and turns just to get there."


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    The sun was gradually setting at this point. Kobolds usually hunt at night meaning the dungeon would be mostly vacant during evening hours.


    "How ''bout we crash for the night? We can raid the dungeon tomorrow morning."


    Yakeru immediately drew parallels to the vamp-crawler dungeon.


    ''Hopefully, things won''t go horribly wrong this time.''


    Unlike his first dungeon raid, he''d be accompanied by a full team of rangers. What made these circumstances better was the fact that a B and A-rank were accompanying them on a D-rank mission. Kenji wouldn''t have as much of an issue with this.


    "Good idea," Kenji replied. "That way the kobolds can all be in one place."


    The group asked around to find the nearest inn and after navigating through the bustling streets they located one. But something caught their attention as they approached, their eyes widening.


    "Woah," Yakeru muttered.


    Standing on a stone pedestal were four metallic statues¡ªtwo warriors wielding a sword and dual daggers while the other two seemed to be conjurers. The rangers'' gazes traced up the statues in awe, the sunlight gleaming off their polished surface.


    "Cool," Kazeki remarked.


    "It''s so beautiful and well-kept. I wonder who they are?"


    "The Iris Party." a voice said behind them.


    They turned to face the source of the familiar voice to see Fuyumi gazing up at the statues.


    "They founded this village back when higher-tiered monsters were more abundant in the inner rim."


    "I see that you''re very knowledgeable, Fuyumi." Aoi complimented.


    "It will be welcoming to have such a comrade fighting alongside us." Kateshi grinned.


    They gushed over Fuyumi. However, Yakeru and Kenji stared at her in shock as they''d never heard their more aloof party member speak so much at a time. She never shared anything about herself or what she knew before so it was almost frightening that she was doing it now so suddenly.


    Fuyumi was about to continue but caught herself after realizing she was drawing an unbearable amount of attention to herself. She shifted her gaze to a random kid kicking a soccer ball with his friends, looking quite flustered.


    "Yeah, whatever."


    She nearly let her guard down. By keeping her cards close to her chest she could avoid prying eyes. Besides, she wasn''t experienced with communicating her feelings¡ªor communicating, period. Kazeki and his two companions returned their gazes to the statues but Yakeru and Kenji still needed time to process Fuyumi''s sudden change in character. They didn''t realize they were staring until Fuyumi wanted to look back at the statue but instead locked eyes with them. Her eyes narrowed into a cold glare.


    "What are you two staring at?"


    "Nothing!" the two exclaimed in unison as they whipped their heads in the opposite direction, concealing the sweat accumulating on their faces.


    As they did, they had a clear view of the horizon. The earth and sky, bathed in a vibrant orange, seemingly merged into infinity. The vast landscape was adorned with rolling hills and flowing rivers. Below them, they could faintly hear the howls of monsters lurking beneath the lush greenery of a jungle.


    Yakeru took a moment to relax before turning back to the group.


    "Night''s coming, we should check in now." He suggested.


    They snapped out of their trance and proceeded inside the inn. A light bell rang above them as they entered, alerting the well-dressed receptionist behind the desk to their presence.


    "Welcome to Yama Inn! How may I help you?" the wavy-haired man asked with a welcoming smile.


    Walking up to him, they had a better view of the lobby. The polished wooden floors reflected its surroundings and decorations hung from the stone walls.


    Beyond the lobby was a cafeteria with an elongated counter filled with various foods, a few guests already feasting with their families and friends.


    They approached the receptionist and reserved a couple of rooms.


    "Our inn is packed right now since the Iris Festival is this week and we''re a bit understaffed. It''ll take some time to prepare your rooms. I apologize for the inconvenience."


    "The Iris Festival?" Kazeki inquired.


    "Yes. Every year, we hold a festival that lasts for a week to honor the founders of this village."


    "I see," he turned to the rest of the group. "What do you guys think about checking out this festival while they get our rooms situated?"


    "That''s a wonderful idea. It''d be a good opportunity to experience the village''s culture." Aoi beamed.


    The group agreed with his proposal as Fuyumi already started making her exit.


    "You all go ahead. I''m going to look around." She excused herself.


    "Oh, okay," Aoi responded as Fuyumi disappeared through the door.


    Aoi and her group formed puzzled expressions in response. Fuyumi had been giving off mixed impressions lately so they weren''t sure what to think.


    "I hope she''s not leaving because of something I said." Aoi worried.


    "Don''t worry," Yakeru reassured. "She''s just like that. We''ll see her again."


    Aoi breathed a sigh of relief.


    "I didn''t think we''d be cooped up in that carriage for so long. You guys wanna grab some food while we''re at it?" Kazeki suggested.


    "Absolutely! It will give us time to learn more about our new comrades." Kateshi agreed, walking behind Yakeru and Kenji, placing his bear-sized hands on their shoulders.


    "Sure." Yakeru accepted, excited to hear more of their stories.


    "That''s not a bad idea." Kenji concurred.


    "Then it is settled! We shall feast together!" Kateshi harrumphed, marching out the door.


    "Slow down, ya big ape."

 Chapter 31: The Iris Festival

    Since the village was nestled within a massive gash on the side of the mountain, most of the stars were naturally blocked from view. However, the millions of bioluminescent bugs congregating on the vast rocky ceiling made up for the obstructed view of the night sky.


    The rangers sat around a stone table, seemingly erected from the earth itself, with various foods. As Kazeki munched on some toasted bread, melted cheese oozed from its interior. Yakeru passed around a bowl filled with exotic fruits around the size of apples. Their texture was rough and thorns jutted out of its surface. Aoi carefully picked one from the bowl and peeled back the thorns one by one, removing its skin to reveal its soft, juicy interior. The moment she bit into it, her face lit up in delight.


    "Mmm! This is delightful!" she exclaimed before passing the bowl.


    "They''re thorn berries. They only grow in the mountains." Yakeru explained.


    "Oh, so you''ve had some before?" Kazeki asked curiously.


    Yakeru nodded.


    "Yeah, but not often. My sister used to bring them home on occasion. Actually, she used to bring home all kinds of food and souvenirs whenever she went out."


    "Wow, she must''ve seen a lot then. I envy her."


    Kazeki grabbed a thorn berry, adding it to his plate.


    "Does that mean you wanted to travel then?" Yakeru inquired.


    "Absolutely. I couldn''t stand being cooped up in my village. So I decided to be a ranger to see the world. Sure danger comes with the territory but I like to think I''ve got a good team to watch my back." He complimented his allies, eliciting a smile from them.


    Most people wouldn''t dare venture into the mid to outer rim. Even if you wanted to most weren''t permitted. Except, of course, rangers and, now, sentinels.


    Most of the mid to outer rim have been accurately mapped out but much of the land was still left untouched by humans. The thought of that fueled Kazeki''s passion to venture into uncharted territory. Yakeru knew that feeling all too well himself.


    "Sounds exciting," Kenji said. "How about yourself, Aoi?"


    "Well, ever since I was little, I''ve always enjoyed helping others," she looked at the villagers who were excitedly preparing for the main event. "I don''t like to see people injured. To know that some people are willing to march into danger every day doesn''t exactly put me at ease. I suppose that''s why I chose to study healing. And since healers are scarce, that''s all the more reason to be one."


    With a tilted head, she clapped her hands together with a soft smile. Though Yakeru nor Kenji wasn''t very familiar with this girl, her sincereness was practically tangible. From the short time they''d spent together so far, she was the polar opposite of Fuyumi. Perhaps they were being naive but they believed this girl could be trusted.


    Kenji inwardly acknowledged that although his teammates might not need her healing, he might. Especially after their battle with the recently detained Ripper. With his channels scarred, making even a scratch on the weakest of monsters would prove to be quite the chore. However, their last battle has shown him that pure firepower isn''t the only way to contribute to the team.


    ''Hopefully, she won''t have to support me often.''


    During his temporary ban from the guild he had plenty of time to think and, although limited, experiment. But this would be the first time trying this new technique on real monsters.


    Kateshi took a bite of his thorn berry and gave a quick, firm nod of approval.


    "Delicious! This would make the perfect ration!"


    While he had a bright grin on his face the others looked at him with confused expressions except for Aoi who was stifling a giggle.


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    "No way, ya big ape. You''d prick yourself every time you go to grab the thing."


    "No worries. We are accompanied by an exceptional healer!"


    He flashed his signature grin in Aoi''s direction who flinched slightly. She looked away flustered before mustering a reply.


    "You give me too much credit, Kateshi. However, I''m still working toward becoming an exceptional healer."


    Their night continued with them digging into other fruits and vegetables while making more small talk. After several more minutes passed, a group of people walked out from behind a small building. Men carried out djembes and makeshift banjos while women danced out into the clearing in perfect unison.


    "Oh, it''s starting!" Aoi clapped her hands together.


    A rhythmic melody played as the men slammed on the drums and tugged the strings of the banjos. Performers twirled torches, casting a warm glow on the applauding audience. The rangers watched as children clumsily tried dancing to the music with bright expressions.


    "I do hope Fuyumi can see this wonderful performance also."


    It was unlikely. She was never the type to waste time on such things she deemed trivial. The only thing worthy of her attention were monsters. Both Yakeru and Kenji knew her well enough to know she couldn''t be bothered with festivals. Getting her to have a meal with them would be a difficult task on its own.


    "I''m sure she''s out doing her own thing," Yakeru said.


    After some time, the festival concluded and the rangers returned to the inn.


    When they entered, they noticed the atmosphere was different than before. The lobby was mostly empty with the cafeteria, once bustling with hungry guests, was now vacant. The receptionist glanced up in response to the bell.


    "Oh, welcome back," the receptionist greeted. "I hope you all enjoyed yourselves."


    "Sure did," Kazeki replied.


    "Glad to hear it. Your rooms are ready now. We hope you enjoy your stay."


    He handed over their keys and after giving directions to where their rooms were, they were off. After arriving, Yakeru unlocked the door and was met with a much more pristine room than he expected.


    Instead of futons, there were two beds with blankets neatly folded on top. The wooden flooring was clearly scrubbed recently as it gave off a subtle shine, the light from the lamps dancing across its surface. The stone walls were adorned with decorations and there were boardgames stacked on a simple round table for their entertainment¡ªa far cry from the last inn he, Kenji, and Fuyumi stayed at.


    "Homey," Kazeki remarked as they strolled inside, admiring the impressive room.


    They set aside their belongings while Yakeru and Kenji were still absorbing the atmosphere. They had their worries about the cleanliness of where they''d be sleeping but were pleased to find that the room had been properly tended to.


    They couldn''t help but notice a problem, however. Each bed was only big enough for one person. The boys glanced at each other in awkward silence before Kazeki popped the question they were all thinking.


    "Soo...who''s sleeping on the floor?"


    "I will volunteer!" The hulking brute exclaimed, poking his chest with his thumb.


    The guy was easily twice the size of a normal person. Even if they''d push the two beds together there''d be barely enough space for him. Perhaps he knew this already.


    "Me too," Yakeru also volunteered. "You''ve already paid for this room so you should at least sleep comfortably."


    "Thanks," Kazeki responded.


    As Aoi unlocked the door to her room next door to them, she flinched when she spotted a figure hunched over some belongings.


    "Oh!" She gripped her chest as if to keep her heart from leaping out.


    The mysterious person looked back at her before Aoi breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn''t expecting to see Fuyumi inside. She had already claimed her territory with her belongings sprawled on her side of the room. She tilted her head at Aoi''s surprised expression.


    "What?"


    "Oh, I just wasn''t expecting to see you, that''s all."


    She gave a slight shrug, crawling in her bed and sliding the sheets over her. After she took a moment to recover from the sudden surprise she walked inside and began setting her belongings on the opposite side of the room. It didn''t take long for the room to plunge into awkward silence. It felt as if the air was heavier yet Fuyumi didn''t seem fazed at all.


    The silence was too unbearable for Aoi to handle. She hadn''t gotten the chance to know her closed-off teammate. Perhaps this was the perfect time to close the distance.


    "So...I recall you mentioning the founders of the village. Have you, perhaps, been to Scar Peak before?" She asked in a desperate attempt to strike up a conversation.


    "No."


    "Neither have I, but I do find the view to be quite mesmerizing," she said through a smile.


    "Okay."


    Aoi''s mind scrambled to find another topic in hopes of avoiding that awkward silence again.


    "Uhm, so did you happen to watch the festival?"


    "No."


    "I''m sorry to hear that. It was truly a beautiful performance. My mother and I would always go to festivals like the one here. What about your family? What are they like?"


    "..."


    Somehow, the tension between them grew. She couldn''t help but think she had stepped on a landmine because Fuyumi turned to face the wall.


    ''Oh no! Did I touch on a sore subject?''


    "Good night," Fuyumi said coldly.


    With this, she hoped she made it clear to Aoi that she had zero intentions of conversing with her. Aoi was taken aback. In the short time they''ve spent together, she felt as if she knew everything and nothing about this aloof ranger. She sighed inwardly and with no other choice she finished setting her things aside and crawled into bed.


    "Good night, Fuyumi..."

 Chapter 32: An Unforseen Threat

    Houses crackled as they were engulfed in a raging inferno. The stench of charred wood filled the air and pools of blood reflected embers drifting into the smokey sky. Screams erupted from the burning houses followed by animalistic grunts and roars.


    "...run!" a familiar voice cried out.


    Mere seconds passed until the screaming ceased before two glowing crimson eyes shone from a house''s dark interior, the raging flames obstructing the body the eyes belonged to.


    "Run, Fuyumi!"


    Blood began to ooze from the doorway before it morphed into tendrils that stretched from the house.


    "Fuyumi!"


    Rows of dagger-like teeth forming an impossibly wide grin became visible as the creature slowly emerged from the house.


    "Fuyumi!"


    "...Fuyumi?"


    Without warning, Fuyumi jolted awake, gasping for fresh air, causing Aoi to reflexively retract the hand she supposedly used to try and wake her up. Aoi took a few steps back as Fuyumi gripped her chest to settle her raging heart. She frantically scanned her surroundings to find that she was still in the inn.


    "I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to frighten you." she bowed apologetically.


    Fuyumi wiped the sweat from her forehead. It was only when her heart rate stabilized and her breathing slowed that she recalled why she was there in the first place. She glanced out the window to see sunlight filtering through the blinds.


    "It''s just the others were getting ready to leave."


    "Right."


    Aoi gave a hesitant nod. She didn''t expect such a reaction from her. She gathered the rest of her things as Fuyumi continued to sit idly on her bed appearing to be deep in thought. She ran a hand through her hair, a concerned look forming on Aoi''s face.


    "Excuse me for asking but did you perhaps sleep okay?"


    "I''m fine. Don''t worry about me," she replied, peeling the covers off and sliding to the edge of the bed.


    Once the girls packed their belongings they headed to the lobby where they met with the rest of their party.


    Once they got to the cafeteria, they found all the guests pausing what they were initially doing, as if frozen in time. All of them were staring at the table of rangers¡ªmore specifically, Kateshi and his mountain of empty plates on his side of the table¡ªwith baffled expressions.


    Kateshi had just wolfed down his nth plate of food, making Yakeru and Kenji flush with embarrassment. However, Kazeki seemed relatively unfazed by his party member''s animalistic behavior. He has spent a considerable amount of time with Kateshi after all so he must''ve built up a tolerance to this sort of thing.


    Fuyumi stood silently across the cafeteria with an unamused expression plastered on her face as the giant finished gobbling up a creamed bagel in an impressive two bites.


    "I think you''ve had enough, you big ape." Kazeki facepalmed.


    Kateshi erupted into a loud burp that sounded more like a roar before responding.


    "The cuisines here are simply too exquisite to let go to waste!"


    "If they''re really that exquisite, I''m sure they won''t go to waste." Yakeru chimed in with an awkward smile.


    Aoi approached the boys while Fuyumi hesitated, too afraid to be associated with the brute. She was certain that letting an A-rank tag along wouldn''t be a big issue but she was slowly beginning to regret her decision. How could the strongest ranger in their team turn out to be the most obnoxious?


    "Good morning, everyone," Aoi beamed.


    "Hey, g''morning. I was wondering when you two would get here."


    Aoi gave Kazeki a slight bow.


    "Apologies. I didn''t want to leave Fuyumi behind."


    "No need to apologize," Kazeki reassured. "Let''s eat somethin'' before we head out."


    Fuyumi contemplated walking out of the inn''s exit for a moment. Kateshi was drawing a lot of attention to himself. Yet Kazeki nor Aoi didn''t seem to mind since Kazeki resumed gnawing on his apple and Aoi nonchalantly made her way to the food section to pick out her breakfast. Perhaps because they were used to it by now, but she wondered how much time they''d spent together to build up that kind of resilience. Yakeru and Kenji were the only ones fidgeting uncomfortably at the attention their table was receiving.


    "Are you going to eat, Fuyumi?" Kenji asked after finishing his scrambled eggs.


    With a heavy sigh, she reluctantly made her way to the counter across the cafeteria, avoiding eye contact with her party. It''d be foolish to go into battle on an empty stomach. After grabbing an apple from one of the many fruit baskets, she headed straight for the door.


    "Not gonna have breakfast with us?" Kazeki asked.


    "I''ll just meet you outside."


    She didn''t look back as she walked through the door and disappeared around the corner. Yakeru and Kenji inwardly shook their heads as they expected this outcome.


    Once outside, she settled down on a bench carved out of what used to be a small boulder across the street. She watched the pedestrians walk by as she ate her apple. Minutes went by until she was left with the core. Standing up she walked over to a nearby garbage bin but noticed something along the way.


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    Approaching her direction were four armed men. Their flashy armor seemed to catch the attention of other villagers as well. Out of all the village guards she''s seen she''s never encountered one armed with anything other than a spear or a longsword. Although two of them had sheathed swords the other two had hatchets and a staff. Their matching color schemes and insignias told her they were from the same clan.


    ''More rangers?''


    As the rangers marched forward, the supposed leader of the party finally locked eyes with Fuyumi. He waved and, to her dismay, approached her. She narrowed her eyes expectantly as his group walked toward her.


    "Not many guards that use daggers. You out on a mission too?" the leader asked with a smile.


    "Why''s that any of your business?"


    His eyebrows flicked up in surprise for a moment. Like most, he wasn''t expecting such a prickly response. Two of his team members tilted their heads while the other narrowed his eyes. It didn''t take the leader long to collect himself, however.


    "Just wondering is all."


    The door to the inn swung open and out marched Kateshi followed by the others. If it weren''t for the other rangers sporting flashy armor they might''ve missed Fuyumi. If Yakeru and Kenji didn''t know any better they''d think she was making small talk with a few colleagues. The flashy rangers looked over to see the hulking brute trudge over to them causing one of them to gulp down saliva.


    "Ah, there you are, Fuyumi!" he said before looking at the four rangers with a wide grin. "Greetings!"


    They were taken aback by his loud yet friendly personality, despite his intimidating build.


    "Uh, yeah, hi."


    Fuyumi inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. Despite his obnoxious aura, she deduced it was good for one thing and one thing only: taking the spotlight off of her.


    "Hey," Kazeki greeted. "Just passing by?"


    "Yeah. We got a mission to exterminate a nest on the south side of this mountain."


    "Really? We''re actually doing a dungeon raid at the southern base of this mountain." Yakeru replied.


    Fuyumi knew where this was going. If she didn''t act soon, there''d be another team that would slow her down.


    "Why don''t we-"


    Before Yakeru could finish, she grabbed him by the wrist and yanked him away.


    "We''re leaving."


    This ultimately forced Kenji to follow suit. Kazeki and his group looked back and forth between the rangers and Fuyumi who was rapidly gaining distance.


    "I guess that''s our cue."


    Kazeki and Kateshi waved to them while Aoi gave them a slight bow before leaving.


    "You could''ve at least said ''bye'' to them." Kazeki teased after catching up.


    She didn''t respond to his playful jab.


    "She''s always like this. You''ll get used to it." Kenji responded for her.


    Kazeki glanced back at the other rangers to find them still standing there. Perhaps they were stunned that Fuyumi was willing to walk off. Or, since they were all going in the same direction, it''d be awkward to follow close behind without interacting with them.


    Since the path to the base of the mountain had many twists and turns, it took hours to reach ground level. Once they finally set foot on relatively leveled ground, they were greeted with jungle scenery. Vines tangled in the branches above drooped down and moss covered the trees. Chirps reverberated throughout the green thicket as the rangers stepped over large roots that bulged out of the soil. The scene resembled a primordial landscape, untouched by man.


    Small luminescent plants grew on the exposed tree roots, leaving a subtle blue hue on the surrounding area.


    "Wow, look at all these glitter bulb flowers! I bet this place would look beautiful at night." Aoi thought, crouching to get a better look at the exotic plants.


    "Yeah, but give them an extra 50 years or so and these things will turn into philorium sacks."


    Aoi''s expression fell slightly to Kazeki''s words. Yakeru and Kenji looked at him with tilted heads.


    "Philorium sacks?" Kenji echoed.


    "They''re glitter bulbs that start producing philorium inside," Kazeki explained. "It''s a chemical that ignites when exposed to oxygen."


    Their eyes widened in response before snapping their gazes back and forth to the dozens of glitter bulbs that surrounded them.


    "Oh, no need to worry. They''re harmless as they are now." Aoi reassured.


    Indeed, they had nothing to fear but something about walking through a future minefield was crazy to think about. Despite being in earshot, Fuyumi seemed indifferent to this information as she pressed forward.


    Sunlight struggled to pierce through the thick leaves above. Exotic birds, once perched on a root, dispersed once the rangers walked too close. Fuyumi glanced down at the mission sheet periodically as they continued their trek.


    "This place is supposed to be near the mountain, right?" Kazeki asked.


    "Yeah," Fuyumi replied curtly.


    "My only hope is that our foes will put up a good fight!"


    "You always wanna fight somethin''."


    Aoi giggled in response to Kateshi''s comment. Kobolds were D-tier monsters while he was an A-rank ranger. If anything, he''d wipe the floor with them.


    "Perhaps you shouldn''t get your hopes up. These will be D-tier monsters after all."


    Kateshi looked at her as if trying to process what she''d said, a big smile playing on his lips after.


    "Then I shall have the boss fulfill my desire!"


    "The boss would be C-tier at most," Yakeru explained, brushing a loose vine out of his path. "Chances are, it still wouldn''t even be a fight for you."


    This didn''t seem to concern him. Instead, his wide grin persisted as they continued forward. As they maneuvered through the lush jungle, Yakeru noticed that Fuyumi had stopped. He came to a halt behind her and found her staring at something in the distance. A figure obscured by plants lay on the ground several feet in front of them.


    "Is something wrong?"


    As usual, he didn''t get a response. Instead, she walked forward to get a better look. Yakeru looked back at the others who shared a similar quizzical look as he did before he cautiously approached her again. As he did, the figure slowly took on a humanoid shape...but its scales, pointed teeth, and tail made it clear this thing was anything but human.


    "A kobold..." Yakeru muttered.


    A gaping hole in its chest cavity exposed its shattered ribs as green fluids oozed out. Its scales were cracked and torn, the fleshy body underneath looking shriveled almost like a deflated balloon. There was a large bite mark on its neck as well.


    A primitive spear was lying at the monster''s side. According to his sister''s stories, kobolds weren''t the brightest creatures but they were intelligent enough to use weapons.


    But this wasn''t the only deceased kobold they''d stumbled across.


    "There''s another over there too." Kenji pointed at a kobold slouched against a tree with green blood spilling from where its head used to be.


    "And another over there," Kazeki said.


    A handful of kobolds would usually stand guard at their dungeon''s entrance. So it was safe to assume that they weren''t going to find many bodies outside. However...


    "If these things couldn''t protect the dungeon, there''s a high likelihood there''ll be casualties inside too." Kenji deduced.


    A thought came to Yakeru''s mind. Adrian had said in the past that some rangers would go out of their way to reap rewards from other rangers'' missions.


    "You think other rangers came by and raided the dungeon already?" Yakeru asked Kenji.


    "It''s unlikely. Some of these kobolds have bite marks."


    Aoi scanned the area, trying to absorb this information before her eyes landed on Fuyumi. Surprisingly, she didn''t seem too concerned about the corpses surrounding her but rather she was focused on another detail the others seemed to miss.


    "Fuyumi?" Aoi asked.


    Fuyumi stared at a gash in the side of a tree. Within the gash was a red liquid. Sliding her finger along the substance, she could easily tell what it was.


    "Blood."


    Aoi tilted her head in confusion as this only formed more questions than answers. Kobolds'' blood was green in color yet there was red blood at the scene as well. No other deceased life form was there other than the kobolds. Not only that, the red blood seemed to only appear in gashes in the environment, almost as if someone used their body as a weapon, punching holes and decapitating these kobolds, devastating their surroundings while injuring themselves. But if that were the case, wouldn''t there be a trail of blood left behind by their self-destructive actions?


    Not only that, there were several paw tracks in the soil as well. Fuyumi''s fists turned white as she clenched them in realization.


    "Bloodhounds were here."

 Chapter 33: Down We Go

    "Bloodhounds?" Yakeru questioned with a tilted head.


    He was familiar with various kinds of monsters thanks to Akari, but this was the first he had heard about this type of creature.


    "Yes. They''re A-tier animal-type monsters with the ability to manipulate their blood to form constructs like weapons and armor."


    Yakeru glanced back at the few shriveled-up corpses the bloodhounds left behind. Memories of his first dungeon experience flashed through his head. Vamp-crawlers would also leave shriveled bodies in their wake.


    "Blood is the only thing they need for sustenance," she continued. "Depending on the type of blood, it can even make them stronger."


    "But why go to the inner rim just to attack kobolds?"


    Fuyumi stood silent for a moment, studying the gash in the tree before responding.


    "Because they prefer to prey on the weak."


    Vamp-crawlers had a similar need for blood. Consuming it gave them more physical strength. However, according to Fuyumi, bloodhounds took this to a whole new level. Not only did they need blood for sustenance, they could use that same blood to create powerful weaponry to slaughter their enemies. Yakeru could quickly see why these things were A-tier. But something was still a miss. He and Kenji had been running missions with Fuyumi for a while now, but her interactions with other monsters implied she wasn''t too familiar with them compared to how knowledgeable she was about bloodhounds.


    "How do you know so much about these things?" Yakeru inquired.


    He could tell she was going to say something but, for some reason, stopped herself, distant chirping filling the silence.


    "Let''s just go..." She dodged the question as she continued onwards, leaving everyone confused.


    If bloodhounds attacked these kobolds, chances are they ventured inside the dungeon to wipe them out. However, these were A-tier monsters. Although their team had two high-rankers, surely she wouldn''t endanger the lives of her other party members by rushing into a possibly bloodhound-infested dungeon, right?


    "Uhm, well," Kenji hesitated, thinking of a way to reason with her. "There''s a chance there''ll still be inside. Maybe we should let this go and report back to the guild."


    She stopped and glared back at the group with cold eyes.


    "If you want to leave, then leave. I''ll kill these things myself if I have to."


    With that, she resumed her march. They couldn''t help but feel something was off. Yakeru and Kenji got this feeling especially. She knew she had to take on missions while in a group and respected that...until now. Yakeru reluctantly began to walk forward.


    "Come on," he urged. "If there are bloodhounds in there, we''ll have an A and B-rank going with us. If things go wrong we also have a healer and health elixirs."


    Kenji thought long and hard before nodding. At first, one would think Yakeru would be dragging Kateshi along too but this wasn''t the case. The brute''s passion for fighting was simply too strong as he too followed behind them.


    "This dungeon raid might prove to be more interesting than I anticipated!"


    Seeing the giant trudge forward gave a confidence boost to both Kazeki and Aoi.


    After pushing through the thick jungle, the team came across something strange. A tree root sprouted up high and curved down into the ground again, taking the shape of a doorframe. The ground attached to the top drooped down on the opposite side, creating a hole in the earth that looked like an entrance to an underground domain.


    "This is it," Fuyumi said, peering into the darkness.


    Memories of their first dungeon raid flooded Yakeru''s mind. Their first dungeon experience took place in a dungeon located within a mountain. For the most part, they were traveling on a leveled plain. But it appeared as if this dungeon wouldn''t give them that luxury.


    "Well, I guess we should get moving," Yakeru said.


    Fuyumi entered first followed by Yakeru and the others. Dry leaves crunched and twigs snapped as they ventured inside. As expected they were traveling down a gradual slope. Particles danced in the sun''s rays struggling to peer through the small cracks in the dungeon''s ceiling. Chills ran down their spines as the light revealed another kobold corpse. Like its fallen comrades outside, it appeared like this one had met a gruesome death as well. It was shriveled like the others and missing its legs.


    "How horrible..." Aoi muttered with a sympathetic expression.


    "There''s no need to feel bad for them," Fuyumi said coldly with a hollow look in her eye. "Monsters deserve no mercy."


    More deceased kobolds came into view and the cracks in the ceiling became less abundant the further they went.


    "The fact that they''re not giving off an odor means they must''ve died recently." Kenji deduced.


    Fortunately, they weren''t completely consumed by darkness. The cavern gradually became illuminated by a gentle blue glow as glitter bulb flowers slowly came into view. The soft hues that touched the lifeless bodies cast eerie shadows along the walls. Cautious, Yakeru strained his eyes trying to see further ahead.


    "It''s strange how we aren''t seeing any bloodhounds yet."


    "If they killed everything here they would''ve already vacated." Fuyumi explained.


    They maneuvered around some roots that managed to burrow through the dungeon''s interior, creating a web of twisted wooden tendrils. A faint orange glow came into view. They hadn''t seen any torches on their way in or around the dungeon''s entrance. The only source of light they had before that point was from the sun and glitter bulbs sprouting from the floors and walls. Curious, the group continued forward as the orange speck before them divided into several more identical lights the closer they got.


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    Fuyumi, who had been leading them, halted, causing the others to do the same.


    "Woah..." Yakeru exhaled.


    Before them was a gaping pit of nothingness. Beyond that pit were what looked like orange boils latched onto the floor, walls, and ceiling. The sacks were barely see-through with an unknown liquid slowly swirling around inside.


    "What are those things?" Yakeru questioned before glancing back at Kazeki to see his face growing pale.


    Although they had zero clue what these were, based on his ghostly complexion, he assumed these sacks weren''t anything good.


    "Remember what we said about glitter bulbs earlier?" Kazeki gulped.


    Their eyes shot open in realization before they slowly returned their attention back to the orange orbs.


    ''So ?????????? are philorium sacks.''


    If these things were outside it wouldn''t have been as bad but they were in an enclosed space. If just one of them were to detonate, it''d be enough to set off a chain reaction.


    "Well...at least we know a little more about kobolds," Kenji said with a lowered voice to not disturb the bombs, worried that speaking too loudly would cause the sacks on the walls and ceiling to dislodge. "They''re clever for using their environment to their advantage. Then again, they aren''t the brightest for endangering themselves like this."


    "I guess you''re right," Yakeru agreed. "And if they use these to ward off intruders, it''s safe to say that the bloodhounds turned back after coming this far."


    Fuyumi kneeled down on the edge of the pit to inspect the scorch marks around it, telling her a few philorium sacks had already been tripped. There weren''t any remains nearby meaning the bloodhound that set them off had either survived and retreated or it got trapped in the pit.


    "Such a shame. I was looking forward to a strong foe." Kateshi lowered his voice as even he knew better not to risk disturbing the orange boils.


    Kazeki rolled his eyes in response to Kateshi''s remark. Of course, he''d want nothing more than a good fight. This revelation was a huge letdown for him, maybe even more so for Fuyumi. Yakeru was the only one who noticed her expression change from anger to disappointment.


    "You okay, Fuyumi?" He asked, concerned.


    "It''s nothing," she sighed before standing to her feet and turning to Kazeki. "You seem to know more about philorium sacks than we do. Can we bypass them?"


    "Yeah, but we''ll have to take our time. These things are sensitive and they don''t look too secure."


    "Then let''s go." Fuyumi turned back to face the minefield.


    *****


    Atop Scar Peak, the four rangers sporting flashy armor had departed from Yama village, proceeding down a path that wrapped around the mountain. Below them was a thick patch of greenery that stretched for miles as flocks of birds were gliding across it.


    "How much further?"


    "We should be closing in on it now."


    As they continued, the terrain gradually changed. Stone spikes, varying from different sizes, jutted out from the rocky floor and walls. Orange veins strangled the spike formations, pulsating every few seconds.


    "Careful. They use these veins as an alarm system. Don''t touch them." The leader warned his team as they nodded.


    Carefully weaving through the spikes, they came across a crater, the spikes protruding away from its center. The rangers approached the crater and peered into it, their lips curling into satisfied smiles.


    "There they are."


    Inside were several human-sized eggs, a blanket of slimy substance covering them. Four creatures stood hunched over the eggs, their bodies sickly thin. The creatures shifted their gazes to the rangers, their arms half-buried in the ground. Their faces had no discernible features other than the two glowing orange slits they assumed were their eyes.


    ????????????...


    One by one, they began to slowly pull their arms out from the mountain, the veins caressing the eggs slithering back into the ground and reappearing as a part of the monsters'' arms. The threads whipped chaotically before reassembling themselves to form limbs.


    Their backs tore open and thin orange tendrils emerged, slithering into the air. This was most likely done as a means to intimidate the rangers however they didn''t budge. Instead, they looked over at their leader expectedly.


    "You got it, right?"


    "Of course. Just stand back and leave this to me."


    His teammates obediently took a few steps back as the monsters decided to trudge forward after realizing their fear tactic had failed. Their arms dragged along on the ground as they were too long for their bodies. The ranger leader reached into his satchel and pulled out an elixir vial with a red substance inside.


    ''Let''s see if this stuff really is as good as it''s advertised.''


    Popping open the lid, he downed the red liquid, his Adam''s apple bobbing up and down. He dropped the vial on the ground to his side and seconds later...


    "Tch!"


    He groaned in pain, collapsing onto his hands and knees with a thud. His veins began to bulge in his chest and spread up into his neck until they reached his forehead. At this point, the monsters were getting closer.


    "Are you okay?!" one of his teammates shouted in concern.


    His teammates began to rush over when they saw him coughing up blood but stopped after he shot out his palm to them.


    "I''m fine! I just...wasn''t expecting this!"


    His body felt like it would explode at any second and his legs didn''t respond to his commands. But as he lifted his head, his widened eyes spotted the creatures slowly closing the distance.


    He''d been gifted with this elixir by a stranger who promised him immense power, far beyond that of ordinary elixirs. This was his chance to experiment. If these monsters came too close, his party members would have no choice but to eradicate them. He couldn''t allow that.


    With this in mind, he dragged one foot under him and willed himself to stand.


    His party now had worried expressions as their leader wobbled to his feet and with a shaky hand, unsheathed his sword. One of the monsters closed in on them rather quickly. Now that it was in range, it shot its tendrils at the man''s chest as he infused his weapon. Before they could impale him, he winded up his sword and slashed at the air.


    ????????!


    A massive wave of radiance smashed into the crater, eviscerating the nest. The violent shockwave flung the rangers back several feet, debris firing in every direction. Fissures sliced through the mountain as boulders dislodged from the stone walls and came barreling down on them.


    "Holy-!" a ranger spat out as he hurriedly conjured a dome to protect his party.


    ??????????!


    Boulders crashed down on top of them and tumbled off the side of the mountain into the jungle below. When the dust cleared, the conjurer released the shield and the party rushed to the leader''s side. His breathing was erratic and his eyes were now bloodshot.


    "I knew that elixir was bad news!"


    "How are we gonna explain this to the clan leader?!"


    One of them reached into their satchel and pulled a health elixir before carefully pouring the green substance into his mouth. Moments went by but his condition only seemed to worsen, as if the health elixir had zero effect. The group was left with no other option.


    "Hang in there man! We''ll get you help!"


    He groaned as two men lifted him off the ground, his muscle spasms making it difficult to swing his arms over their shoulders. As soon as they did this, however, blood gushed from his mouth like a waterfall. They carried him carefully down the path away from the destruction he''d left behind.


    *****


    Yakeru and the others carefully navigated through the minefield that nature itself had created. Their hearts raced as the bombs overhead threatened to drop on them. They ducked under tree roots and stepped over the explosives when suddenly...


    ????????????...


    Everyone froze in place. Yakeru''s heart was already beating fast but the faint rumble around them made it race even faster. Kazeki forced his head to glance back in Kateshi''s direction who paused midway ducking under a tree root.


    "P-please tell me that was your stomach...?" He joked, desperate to calm his raging nerves. However, it amounted to nothing when the giant shook his head.


    ????????????!


    ''We need to get out of here!''


    As if everyone read Kazeki''s mind, they quickened their pace. Kenji was the first to reach the end of the death trap followed by Kateshi. The others were nearly at the end of the minefield when Yakeru''s worst fear manifested before his eyes.


    ????????????!!


    His eyes trembled and his heart leaped in his throat. The world slowed nearly to a halt as his surroundings blurred.


    A philorium sack had dislodged from the ceiling, dropping right in front of him.

 Chapter 34: Depths

    Aoi was the first to act, performing a quickdraw maneuver and flicking her wand in Yakeru''s direction as a green aura embraced him. Yakeru didn''t have time to react before the philorium sack struck the ground before him.


    ????????!


    His vision flashed with white in an instant, the explosion hurling him backwards. He couldn''t even scream as the air came blasting out of his lungs.


    Soaring through the cavern, he slammed into Fuyumi before they both tumbled. Though his new armor was more heat resistant, the gaps allowed the heat to burn the exposed parts of his body. Although the blast scorched his skin, the green aura that enveloped him soothed the pain and began healing his wounds.


    ????????! ????????! ????????????!


    Ear-splitting explosions quickly filled the dungeon''s now fiery interior. Without time to think, they sprung to their feet and dashed back toward the exit. Aoi flicked her glowing wand toward Kazeki just as a shockwave slammed him into a wall, the aura nullifying the pain shooting through his back.


    "Kazeki, look out!" Kenji shouted.


    ??????????????!


    The ground fractured, giving way beneath him as he began descending into the pit. Thinking quickly, he unraveled the light chain around his arm, revealing the dart at the end of it. Spinning the dart, he generated enough momentum to fling it above his head and securely wrap itself around a tree root.


    ??????????!


    The chain produced a sharp snap when he reached the end of his line, immediately halting his free fall before the darkness below could swallow him whole. As he dangled there above the abyss, he realized how hard he was breathing.


    ????????! ????????????!


    Thunderous roars ripped through the cavern, growing louder with each passing second. Yakeru''s body acted on its own, yanking Aoi by the wrist and tugging her away. However, he couldn''t run very far as he couldn''t move faster than a staggering pace. The initial explosion had burned his legs and although Aoi reacted quickly, she didn''t have nearly enough time to heal all of his injuries.


    ??????????!


    Aoi screamed as the floor beneath them opened up and soon they tumbled down into an abyss.


    Fuyumi sprinted away from the chaos. Leaping over sinkholes and sliding under falling debris, she made a desperate attempt to get herself to safety only for the ceiling to cave in front of her. She skidded to a stop as the ground sliced open before it too could no longer support her weight, giving out underneath her.


    When the smoke cleared, all Kazeki, Kenji, and Kateshi heard was silence.


    "Yakeru?! Fuyumi?!" Kenji shouted with a shakey voice.


    "Aoi?!" Kazeki screamed out but the sounds of loose rocks tumbling into the abyss was the only thing they heard in response.


    Kenji tightened his shaky grip around his staff. He couldn''t help but draw parallels to their first mission. At least back then, Yakeru and Kaneki fell into a river which, somewhat, broke their fall. The blackness below made it impossible to determine how deep the pit went. However, unlike the last time this happened this time, he had a means to track them.


    After their battle with the Ripper, he''d purchased a brand new talisman. However, its radiant signature had to be retuned to synchronize with the ones Yakeru and Fuyumi already had. This fact alone was enough to settle Kenji''s nerves even if not by much.


    "Miss Aoi?!" Kateshi shouted in distress. "Sir Yakeru?! Miss Fuyumi?! Can you hear us?!!"


    "Shush!" Kazeki pressed a finger against his lips, desperately trying to quiet down the brute. "We''re still not in the clear. Look."


    He pointed a finger behind him. To their surprise, there were still several more philorium sacks that survived the chain reaction from earlier. Kazeki''s arm began succumbing to numbness as he continued to dangle over the pit. Swinging his legs back and forth, he generated enough momentum to fling himself to Kateshi who caught his arm, making sure he made a stable landing.


    Retracting his chain dart, he assessed his current state. Although his armor had absorbed some of the damage, his body still had scorch marks and blood oozed from his many wounds. Had it not been for Aoi''s quick thinking, things would''ve been a lot worse for him.


    "Are you okay?!" Kenji asked as he rushed over to check his condition.


    With a shaky hand, Kazeki fished around in his satchel.


    "Y-Yeah...I just...need to drink this..." he stammered, pulling out the health elixir they bought a day prior.


    He carefully cocked his head back and downed the liquid. Seconds later his wounds gradually began to mend before Kateshi helped him to his feet.


    "...we''re going after them," Kazeki ordered.


    "Right, but we need a plan," Kenji replied, pulling out the talisman from his satchel and flashing it to them. "We can track them with this. But it might be a while until we can reach them. We don''t know how many kobolds are down here or how many other traps they''ve set."


    "Just leave our enemies to me. I will slay all who oppose us." The hulking brute reassured.


    As if on cue, they heard pebbles shifting from down the cavern accompanied by slithering.


    The trio turned their heads to the source of the sound only to discover a set of glowing orange eyes piercing through the darkness. A scaly snout poked out from the shadows before the rest of its lizard-like body followed. It wore a tattered brown cloth around its groin and wielded a primitive spear made up of a basic wooden shaft and a sharpened stone.


    Its tongue flicked in and out of its mouth as more of these bipedal reptile creatures emerged from the shadows with makeshift weapons of their own. Kenji shoved the talisman back in his satchel, studying the monsters approaching their cornered prey. This would be the first time he''s encountered such monsters so he had no prior knowledge of their combat capabilities. He was certain of a few things though.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ''They''re smart enough to build weapons and set traps. But the fact that they need weapons to begin with probably means they aren''t very effective at hunting without them.''


    However, they barely wore anything that could protect them in combat which meant their scales probably served as armor. Kenji turned to Kateshi. Compared to him and Kazeki, who by now was only armed with a chain dart wouldn''t be as effective at killing these things as the brute.


    "Do you mind taking these monsters?"


    "I shall slay them where they stand." Kateshi grinned as he infused his battle axe.


    There were dozens of lizard men closing in on their position. Although they were mere D-tier monsters, they had strength in numbers which meant Kateshi might have to go all out. However, if it came down to that, it might do more harm than good in close quarters. He didn''t know what kind of power an A-rank possessed but he didn''t want to chance it and cause the ground to give out again since now they knew it was hollow.


    "I''ll do what I can to support you from behind," Kenji said, raising his staff. "Just try to hold back. We don''t want this place to collapse on top of us."


    "Agreed. Now, to battle!"


    He lunged forward with his axe held high as Kenji willed radiance into his staff. Kateshi''s blade swooped down across his massive frame, slicing two kobolds horizontally in two.


    "Kreeik?!"


    "Kreeeeik!"


    The scaly beasts rushed toward him to avenge their fallen comrades, preparing to thrust their spears into his chest. However, before they could launch their attack, a suffocating amber aura appeared around them, hindering their movements.


    "Kreeik?"


    As Kateshi spun around, a streak of gleaming light sliced through their necks and their heads collapsed to the stone floor. Kateshi continued dismembering the kobolds one by one as Kazeki narrowed his eyes. The monsters'' movements were slower than before. He turned his attention to Kenji who''d been holding his glowing staff forward. It didn''t take a genius to put the two and two together.


    "How are you doing that?"


    "It''s a long story..."


    By inhibiting the monsters'' movements he could make it significantly easier for his teammates. Although his radiant channels were permanently damaged, hindering his body''s ability to absorb and output radiance, his control over radiance remained intact.


    ''Yes! I can still support my team like this.'' he exclaimed inwardly with a satisfied grin.


    ????????????!


    Another kobold fell under Kateshi''s blade as three new kobolds had their movements impaired. Though Kenji''s newfound power was extremely useful, even after rigorous training during his temporary ban from the guild, he could only debuff three targets at a time.


    As the brute cut down the hindered monsters, the unaffected kobolds took the opportunity to ambush him from behind. Kazeki stepped forward in response.


    "I''m positive the big ape can handle this on his own, but..."


    Radiance gradually crawled down the length of his chain until it reached the dart, allowing it to levitate. With the flick of his wrist, the dart zipped across the cavern at lightning speed, gauging out the kobolds'' eyes in rapid succession.


    "Kreeik!"


    "Kreeik!"


    "Kreeeik!"


    The creatures toppled over one another, grasping at where their eyes used to be, green blood gushing from their sockets.


    "Woah..." Kenji mustered, transfixed on the jumbled mass of reptiles squirming in pain as the dart returned to its owner.


    "You got your tricks and I got mine," Kazeki remarked, looking back at Kateshi who gave him an appreciative thumbs up.


    As the helpless beasts writhed, Kateshi finished them off one by one. Kenji was relieved to see that these two rangers proving themselves in combat. Judging by Kazeki''s surprised expression earlier, it was safe to say the feeling was mutual about Kenji''s unique ability as well. Kateshi pulled his axe out of a kobold''s head as it collapsed with a thud.


    "That was the last of them. Appreciate the assist you two." Kateshi shot them a grin.


    "Anytime, big guy."


    "Okay," Kenji once again pulled out the talisman. "We should get moving then."


    Down in the abyss below, Yakeru''s eyes flickered open. His blurred vision was only able to spot faint blue lights scattered here and there. As his senses returned, he started to make out his surroundings.


    The part of the cave system he found himself in looked no different from earlier except it was more spacious. How spacious, he didn''t know since the scarce glitter bulbs around him provided limited lighting. The tree roots poking through the walls had been destroyed by the ceiling collapsing on top of them. He could still hear loose rocks trickling down the large chamber.


    He groaned, slowly placing his burned and bloodied hand under him, but immediately after pushing, an intense wave of pain shot through his entire body. As he plopped back down, letting out a hoarse yelp, he noticed he couldn''t feel his right leg.


    Panic began to set in. Was it gone? Would he have to make an agonizing crawl to the exit? Would he bleed out before that even happened? Was he truly alone in a dark cavern?


    The gravity of the situation hit him like a sack of bricks as his breathing became erratic. Closing his eyes, he took deep breaths to tame his nerves.


    ''Calm yourself, Yakeru. You won''t get anywhere if you panic.''


    He wasn''t sure how much time had gone by as he continuously breathed in and out. The unrelenting pain ate away at his body but eventually it subsided, albeit not by much.


    ''It''s good enough...''


    The torrent of negative thoughts had somewhat disappeared, allowing him to think more clearly than before.


    He remembered he''d fallen into this pit with Aoi yet there were no signs of her from what he could tell. Although he found it troublesome to turn his head to scan his surroundings, his yelp from earlier should''ve grabbed her attention. Unless she was already...


    ''No! Don''t think like that.''


    Gritting his teeth, he forced his head to tilt down and could barely make out the shape of a flat boulder resting on top of his leg. Relief washed over him.


    ''It must''ve cut off my circulation.''


    Returning his head to its original position, he carefully inched his hand for his sword so he wouldn''t agitate his wounds. The boulder didn''t seem too large so perhaps he could break it in two to free himself. Grabbing the handle, he slowly began pulling the blade out.


    ????????...????????...


    The awkward position he was in prevented him from unsheathing his sword. He was lying flat on his stomach and the hilt repeatedly hit the floor every time he tried removing it from the scabbard. He shifted his body slightly only for another wave of pain to surge through it.


    "Agh!!"


    He lay there motionless once more, contemplating his options. He couldn''t even reach his satchel to grab his health elixir with the amount of pain he was in. Even if he could unsheath his sword, could his weakened body even generate enough force to put a scratch on the boulder?


    ''It''s no use...I''m trapped...''


    The inky blackness amplified every sound and sensation, the dripping of water and shifting rocks the only stimulation for his ears. Time became distorted as minutes and hours blended together. He became aware of how dry his mouth was and cramps began to form as he remained in the same position for who knew how long. He tried to recall the last thing he said to Akari but in his weakened state his mind had begun to fog.


    His eyes were fixed on a blue hue across the room, the only light within his field of view, as he was confronted with the fragile existence of man. It didn''t matter how much he trained his body or how far he pushed his mental fortitude as there will always be limits. And he was discovering his as the light began to warp and the sounds he was hearing became harder to distinguish. Eventually, he started hearing new sounds, faint whispers and footsteps that seemed to be just outside his peripheral.


    Perhaps the surviving kobolds had found him and were preparing to finish him. Good. They''d be doing him a favor. As he stared at the now dancing blue light within view, he was about to accept his fate until a voice whispered through the darkness.


    "Hello...?"


    He couldn''t tell if his mind was playing tricks on him. The fabrications of his mind had already begun to bleed into reality. The voice spoke again, this time sounding slightly closer.


    "Yakeru...?!"


    He couldn''t believe it. The familiar voice alone restored hope as the moving blue light went back to its original position and the ambient sounds started to die down.


    "...Aoi...?"

 Chapter 35: Reminiscing

    Sakura trees swayed in the warm breeze, their light pink peddles floating down the vibrant green hills. Houses were scattered along a calm river, meandering through a valley and cutting through a bustling village. Villagers migrated through the small buildings as children ran with handmade kites that soared through the air.


    Behind a house in a grassy field, a dark-haired woman with ocean blue eyes, around her early thirties, soaked clothes in a tub of soapy water. Squeezing the water from a blouse back into the tub, she grabbed a couple of clothespins to hang it on a line above her.


    A small bell on her hip jingled as a gentle wind brushed against it. She continued with her chores, softly humming a tune to herself as a figure prowled behind her. Its blue predatory eyes had locked onto its prey, its hunched posture an indicator it was preparing to pounce.


    As it made its silent approach, the woman paused her chores and her humming stopped abruptly as if sensing its presence, a smirk playing on her lips. As the figure launched its surprise attack, she sidestepped to her left, causing the figure to narrowly miss its target and skid across the grass.


    "You''ll have to try harder than that, Fuyumi." the woman snickered.


    Fuyumi''s forehead wrinkled in frustration as she eyed the bell on the woman''s hip. She watched as the woman casually squeezed the water from a shirt back into the tub. The young girl glanced at a dried white dress that hung from the line, a thought popping into her head.


    She snatched the dress down, tossing it over the tub of water. The once composed woman now had a look of shock, baffled by the child''s audacity. Dashing over, she caught the dress as a tip of its fabric tapped the water''s surface, producing a gentle ripple. Capitalizing on the new opening, Fuyumi rushed to her side with an outstretched hand. Just as her finger was mere inches away from the bell, the woman smirked as she twirled the wet shirt in her other hand and swatted the back of Fuyumi''s hand.


    ????????!


    "Ow!" she yelped, reflexively retracting her now reddened hand.


    "Such a dirty trick young lady. But that won''t work either." the woman shot her a smug yet playful smile.


    Fuyumi gritted her teeth, her frustration only growing as she dashed forward again. In a graceful display of agility, the woman evaded her every attempt at stealing the bell. As Fuyumi grew more desperate, she began weaving in kicks into her assault in hopes of throwing her off balance but to no avail. The woman easily blocked and parried everything she threw before catching her wrist and using her momentum to redirect her off to the side. Fuyumi stumbled momentarily as the woman hung the dress back in its original place, continuing to hum to herself.


    Finally, the child had enough and recklessly charged in, arms wide for a tackle. The woman casually took a couple of steps back, causing Fuyumi to whiz past her. Unable to stop herself, her momentum sent her tumbling over the tub''s edge, collapsing face-first into the soapy water.


    ????????????!


    The woman placed a hand in front of her mouth, failing to stifle a giggle as Fuyumi scrambled out of the tub completely soaked and her head covered in foam.


    "No fair, mom!" She pouted, spacing her drenched arms apart and hunching over so her shirt wouldn''t stick to her.


    "Oh? And trying to ruin my dress is?" her mother looked at her with a raised brow.


    Fuyumi whipped her arms in an attempt to shake the soap and water off.


    "It''s not like it was gonna get dirty..." she pouted as she ran her fingers through her shoulder-length silver hair, removing the liquid soap in the process.


    Her mother swung the wet shirt she had in her hands over the line before approaching her daughter.


    "Give me your hand, dear."


    Her soft voice was soothing, enough to make Fuyumi''s frustration dissipate. She held out her hand as her mother placed the bell in her palm. Confusion crossed her face as her mother assisted in removing the remaining bubbles from her hair. Before Fuyumi could question her, she answered while cupping her daughter''s cheek.


    "Go clean yourself up. Afterward, we''ll grab lunch together at your favorite place, yeah?" she smiled softly.


    Fuyumi''s face lit up in an instant.


    "Okay!" she beamed before scurrying back through the house''s sliding back door.


    Fuyumi''s eyes blinked open, her vision blurry. She groaned, sliding her hands under her and pushing herself up to one knee. As her vision cleared, she excitedly scanned her surroundings in hopes of finding her mother. However, she was met with disappointment as the glitter bulbs dotting the cavern''s walls, slightly illuminating the massive tree root she stood on, brought her back to reality. Her once hopeful expression evaporated, replaced with gloom as she realized it was only a dream.


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    Shaking her head to regain focus, she looked over the edge to find numerous roots protruding from the stone walls, twisting into the ground below, making nice platforms for a safe descent. She patted her belt but found an empty sheath and sighed, figuring she''d dropped her dagger after using it to slow her fall.


    She examined herself, stretching to test if she was in pain. Fortunately, cuts and bruises were the only injuries she sustained. She then made her careful descent, leaping from one root to another until reaching the bottom.


    ????????????!


    The glitter bulbs scattered here and there didn''t offer much light but it was just enough for her to see what she''d landed in. Splotches of green covered the ground. Her eyes widened ever so slightly as she surveyed the open cavern. Shriveled-up bodies littered the stone floor as if they''d been mummified, the calling card of a bloodhound.


    She recalled the first pit the group encountered before. She''d suspected a few philorium sacks had been triggered before they''d arrived. These kobolds probably tried ambushing what they''d trapped down here.


    She carefully stepped over the corpses scanning the ground but the only weapons she could find were broken spears.


    ''It''s gotta be here somewhere.''


    After several minutes of searching the area, she found a familiar shape in the distance. Walking toward it, the blue glow of her surroundings reflected off the dagger''s blade.


    As she reached down to grab it, she stopped halfway. Something had caught her eye. Just as what they''d witnessed on their way to the dungeon, there was a minuscule amount of red blood scratched into the wall beside the dagger. Her gaze then followed a trail of blood down the vast cavern. She then turned back to the corpses the monster had left behind as the situation became clear.


    ''A bloodhound is down here with us,'' she determined, a spark of anger flickering in her eyes. ''I guess with the kobolds numbers it was bound to get injured.''


    As she retrieved her dagger and returned it to its sheath, a thought popped into her head. She glanced back at the incalculable amount of corpses left behind. If kobolds made their way down here, that would mean she could reach the exit from her position. But something else was nagging at the corner of her mind.


    Monsters who were native to these parts would know the dungeon''s interior like the back of their hands, but an outsider? She was almost certain that the bloodhound trapped down here was still lurking. And if any of her comrades were unfortunate enough to find themselves running into a ruthless beast like a bloodhound, it would end with their deaths. Even a single bloodhound could easily match an A-rank, such as Kateshi, in combat. With this in mind, a new priority formulated in her mind.


    Her gaze traced the blood from the wall down the cavern as she began marching toward its owner.


    ''I''ll regroup later.''


    In another part of the cave system, Yakeru found himself trapped in a large chamber when he heard a familiar voice call out to him.


    "Yakeru?!" the voice echoed through the massive cavern. "Where are you?! Shout if you can hear me!"


    Hope glimmered in his eyes as he remained trapped.


    "...Aoi...?!" he strained. "...I''m over here...!"


    Soon he began to hear hurried footsteps approaching and the silhouette of a person emerged through the glitter bulbs'' soft glow.


    "...over here...!"


    "Hang on, I''m coming!"


    The figure climbed over heaps of debris before eventually reaching the bloodied swordsman.


    "Are you okay?" she gasped as she kneeled beside his battered body.


    "Yeah...just need some healing..."


    "Of course."


    With a worried expression, she looked him over a second time. He was riddled with burns, gashes, and bruises. Blood oozed out from wounds that were too severe to close on their own. To make matters worse, the boulder on his leg could''ve crushed his bones. Even if she were to free him from the boulder''s grasp and heal him, he wouldn''t be able to walk. She stood to her feet and drew the wand holstered on her hip.


    "Hold on, I''ll set you free," she said infusing her wand.


    Radiance gathered around the tip of her wand before she fired a single round at the boulder.


    ????????. ??????????...


    A small crack had barely formed in the rock. Although she primarily trained her radiance to heal she wasn''t ignorant to its other uses. Firing off small blasts of radiance would be quite handy when venturing into uncharted territory, even if she wasn''t as strong as her fellow teammates. She fired again.


    ????????. ??????????????...


    ''One more should do it.''


    She shut her eyes as radiance swirled around her wand before firing once more.


    ????????! ??????????????!


    The fracture had finally split the boulder into two slabs. She scrambled to the smaller chunk that had broken off and tucked her fingers underneath it. Summoning every ounce of strength, her body trembled as she lifted with all her might, her face turning beet red and her veins bulging in her forehead. The stone scaped against the floor, producing a dry screech that echoed through the room. Freeing his leg, she scrambled to his side, panting.


    "...thanks, Aoi."


    "Please refrain from speaking."


    After catching her breath she raised her wand and traced an invisible circle over the injured swordsman. He glanced back and instead of the amber-colored radiance he was used to seeing, soft green orbs of light accumulated around her wand and floated down to him. His wounds gradually healed as they caressed his skin. His burn marks and bruises faded while his wounds mended. Soon the agonizing pain from before had disappeared, enabling him to finally flip himself over and sit up straight.


    "Wow Aoi..." he said in amazement as he examined his once-wounded arms. "Thank you so much!"


    Aoi tried to respond but instead broke into a fit of wet coughs. Blood trickled from the corners of her mouth as she collapsed on her hands and knees, still coughing.


    "Woah! Are yo-ouch!"


    As he moved to help her up, a torrent of pain shot through his leg. It didn''t take long for it to subside, however. He was almost certain it was broken, even after receiving her aid.


    Yakeru returned his attention to her as she continued to cough into her palm.


    "Hey, are you okay?!"


    "Y...Yes...I''m just a little fatigued is all." she removed her hand to reveal her palm now painted red. "As you can imagine, I''ve suffered a few injuries myself and had to heal. I''ve already exhausted so much of my reserves so I can''t fully heal you. My apologies."


    He shook his head.


    "You''ve already done more than enough, thank you."


    Now that he could think straight with most of the pain gone, he recalled the rest of the team.


    "I''m guessing you didn''t find anyone else down here?"


    "I didn''t. Hopefully, they didn''t find themselves in the same predicament."


    "Yeah, hopefully," he pulled out his talisman, its faint glow grabbing her attention.


    "Is that a talisman tracker by chance?"


    "Yeah, it''ll let us know if Fuyumi or Kenji are nearby. But for now, let''s rest up."

 Chapter 36: Overwhelming Odds

    ????????! ????????! ????????!


    With Yakeru''s katana, Aoi relentlessly hacked away at a tree root. It hadn''t even been ten minutes and sweat dripped down her face and her breathing became heavier. Eventually, her body had had enough, demanding rest as she plopped down on a nearby stone.


    "Woah, careful! Don''t overexert yourself," Yakeru worriedly said.


    "I''m sorry. As you can probably gather, I don''t excel in swordsmanship." She panted, wiping away the accumulating sweat.


    "It''s okay. Rest for now. When you''re ready I''ll tell you how to swing the sword."


    She nodded in appreciation. Minutes passed and her breathing became steady enough to regain her composure. She stood to her feet and approached the root, ready to resume chopping away at it.


    "Place your hands toward the top of the hilt and keep your dominant foot in front of the other."


    She did as he instructed.


    "Now, raise the sword so it''s almost parallel to the ground and breathe," he said as she raised the sword, taking deep breaths. "Now strike!"


    In one fluid motion, she swung the blade down. Although it still didn''t cut all the way through, the blade had buried itself much deeper than before. Placing her foot on the root, she pried the sword out and repeated the steps once more, this time slicing straight through like a hot knife through butter.


    "I did it!" She exclaimed proudly.


    "Nice work, Aoi. You did great for your first time."


    "It was all thanks to you," she said retrieving the root.


    Having no prior experience with swordsmanship, she chalked it up to swinging a blade until you hit your target, so long as you didn''t hit yourself. She failed to take into account the intricacies of the practice. Adjusting her technique made a huge improvement but she knew she still couldn''t compare to regular practitioners.


    Footwork, technique, timing, distance, and many more skills would have to be refined to mold an exceptional swordsman, separating the experts from the amateurs. Knowing this, she now had more respect for those who spent years honing their skills with a blade.


    As she approached her injured comrade, Yakeru tore some of the fabric from his sleeve. She placed the root parallel to his broken leg and wrapped the fabric around them both. He winced as she tightened the fabric, securing the crude splint in place.


    "How''s that? Is it too tight?"


    "It''s fine," he rubbed his leg to soothe the pain. "Thanks. I guess we should start heading out now."


    He searched his satchel for a moment before fishing out his talisman.


    "I do hope everyone''s alright..."


    Aoi returned his sword to its scabbard and swung his arm over her shoulder, carefully lifting him to his feet. He winced again as he tried to regain his balance though a broken leg didn''t make it easy. Fortunately, Aoi''s support made the task somewhat doable.


    He limped forward, Aoi supporting him from his side. If only the health elixirs they''d brought with them could heal broken bones, he wouldn''t be in this mess. Aoi was already mustering the last of her strength to keep him steady.


    They traversed the uneven terrain, ducking under roots and climbing slight inclines, the talisman gradually glowing brighter with every step.


    "We must be getting closer to whoever''s down here with us."


    As they continued forward, the talisman as their guide, the moist air drifting throughout the cavern suddenly assaulted them with a rotten stench the moment they stepped into the next chamber. Their faces scrunched as they pinched their noses.


    "Ugh! What is that?!" Yakeru fought the urge to vomit.


    "I-I don''t know!" Aoi gagged.


    A deep sense of dread slithered up their bodies as they reluctantly inched their way into the chamber. Upon entering, they froze in place and their eyes widened in horror. Dozens of kobold corpses lay scattered along the ground.


    If Yakeru''s memory served him right, Kenji and Kateshi were the first rangers to escape the philorium sack section of the dungeon which only left Kazeki and Fuyumi. Surely a C or B-rank could kill measly D-tier kobolds. However, the foul smell disproved that theory as it indicated that they''d been dead for a while now.


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    Upon taking a closer look, they stumbled back as they recognized a detail that confirmed what attacked them. Every last one of their shriveled bodies had bite marks. If there was any truth to Fuyumi''s words then...


    "W-We need to get out of here." Yakeru stuttered, a cold shiver running down his spine as he realized the gravity of the situation.


    "S-should we turn back?"


    Yakeru looked down at the talisman that was glowing more prominently than before. Whoever they were tracking, be it Fuyumi or Kenji, was trapped down here as well. Wouldn''t their chances of escape be greater if there were more of them?


    Understanding the possibility of a lurking A-tier monster, he was about to respond until...


    Krieegh...


    The faint sound of a kobold came from their side but it sounded non-threatening. Instead, it sounded in pain, crying out for its brethren to rush to its aid. The duo snapped their attention in the direction of the cry as Yakeru instinctively raised a protective arm in front of Aoi.


    Krieeeg-!


    Its high-pitched squeal filled the dimly lit cavern followed by a powerful crunch of what they assumed were its bones. Crimson eyes pierced through the darkness accompanied by a guttural growl. Aoi took a trembling step back, no longer helping to support Yakeru but instead clutching onto his torn attire.


    "T-That must b-be..." she stuttered, shaking uncontrollably.


    The wide-eyed Yakeru stood frozen as a bipedal wolf-like creature emerged from the shadows. Without realizing it, he''d lost all strength in his fingers, allowing the glowing talisman to slip from his hand.


    It stood at around 8 feet tall with patches of blood splotched onto its unruly grey fur coating its bulky frame. The beast opened its mouth, allowing the mangled kobold, once trapped in its jaws, to flop lifelessly to the ground.


    Its beady red eyes held a piercing intensity, locking the rangers in place as a surge of primal fear overwhelmed them. Strands of saliva dangled from its blood-stained mouth as the corners of its mouth peeled back into a nightmarish grin, exposing rows of razor-sharp teeth. Its chest heaved with each labored breath as if fueled by an insatiable hunger.


    Their terror only worsened, anchoring them in place as the beast slowly placed one foot after the other toward them. Each of its steps only strengthened the grip their fear had on them. Not even the Ripper exuded this much pressure.


    Though his body screamed for him to run, his injured leg didn''t give him that luxury. Even if he could, could he even outrun an animal-type monster?


    ''T-This is nothing like before...''


    The first time he was forced to fight while injured, though victorious, he nearly lost his life. Replicating that same outcome would be impossible given the current circumstances. Even with a fully recovered body and a healer whose radiance was replenished, this was still an A-tier monster.


    Yakeru bit his lower lip, the metallic taste of blood freeing him from his fear-induced paralysis. He made a quick scan around the room. Neither of them could possibly outrun this bloodhound together. His lip quivered as he came to the haunting realization that one of them would need to be sacrificed.


    "...Aoi..." he uttered before placing a hand on his sword''s handle. "W-When I give you the s-signal...run..."


    Her eyes widened even further. Was he honestly suggesting that she abandon him?


    "Y-Yakeru, no...you can''t fight that thing!"


    "I know...b-but I can''t run with this leg either. I can at least buy you time."


    Blood began seeping from the creature''s body before morphing into tendrils. The talisman''s glow had amplified by this point but Yakeru nor Aoi seemed to notice, their trembling gazes locked onto the approaching creature. Yakeru tightened his grip on his handle before relaying his plan.


    "Aoi, if there are kobolds down here then there must be a way out from here...just go."


    "Yakeru..."


    Saliva launched from its dagger-like teeth as it erupted into a roar. As it continued with its battle cry, Yakeru took that opportunity to imbue his katana.


    "Go!"


    She hesitantly released him as, in one swift motion, he unsheathed his blade while firing a crescent blast of radiance toward the beast. The force of the blast parted dirt and debris as it soared across the ground.


    ????????!


    Most of his weight was on his healthy leg. However, unleashing an attack like this made his balance rather difficult to control. He attempted to keep himself steady but the strength in his leg wasn''t enough to support his weight anymore. He stumbled back onto the floor as the cloud of dust cleared, revealing a crimson shield-like construct. However, to his horror, Aoi had stayed put.


    "Please, just go!" he barked.


    Although she knew his argument was sound, her conscience prevented her from using her injured ally as bait for her own escape. She grabbed onto him, prepared to drag him if she had to.


    "...I''m so sorry..."


    His efforts were ultimately in vain as the construct bubbled and warped itself into several tendrils that protruded from the bloodhound''s forearm. The only opportunity for escape had just now evaporated. By now the talisman was glowing even brighter than it had before yet both rangers were too fixated on the monster before them. Without hesitation, the bloodhound launched the tendrils toward the terrified duo.


    Images of Akari flashed before his trembling eyes as Aoi buried her face in his shoulder to brace herself. As the sharpened tendrils were mere inches away from impaling them, a blur dashed across Yakeru''s field of view, leaving trails of amber behind it.


    The tendrils were immediately dismembered and splashed onto the stone floor as they reverted back into their liquid state. Yakeru and even the bloodhound''s gaze tracked the figure skidding across the ground to a halt.


    Yakeru''s shoulders relaxed as he realized who it was, softly patting Aoi''s trembling figure.


    "It''s okay, Aoi. We''re in good hands now." Yakeru reassured as relief washed over him, dissipating the worries he had.


    Aoi gathered the courage to peek at what had happened, her eyes landing on a familiar figure.


    "F-Fuyumi?" Aoi said in disbelief.


    Fuyumi turned to face the bloodhound with dual daggers in her hands. A deep growl seeped through the creature''s clenched jaws as it glared at Fuyumi. She returned the gesture, her eyes narrowing into slits as her gaze locked onto the beast.


    Aoi watched, mixed between admiring her ally''s bravery and concern for her safety. Just a moment ago, this monster''s presence alone was enough to immobilize her. Yet here Fuyumi was with a fierce glare that screamed ''I challenge you''. Although, if what Fuyumi had said about bloodhounds earlier was true, this wouldn''t be an easy fight.


    "If you two can move, stay out of the crossfire. I''ll be the one to end this thing''s existence." She hissed, her words fuming with anger as she and the bloodhound readied themselves for battle.

 Chapter 37: Wounds and Scars

    6 YEARS EARLIER:


    The night sky glittered with stars. Crickets chirped and the sound of wolves howling echoed in the distance. The cool gust swept through the Sakura trees, bobbing the branches in a village sitting quietly in a valley. Guards patrolled the streets, providing the residents with a sense of security as people headed inside for the night.


    Fuyumi sat Kei in his booster seat at the dining table as he began to suck his thumb. She then sprinted into the kitchen, grabbing a small cake topped with vanilla frosting. The sink was still filled to the brim with cooking utensils she and her father used to bake the cake.


    Neither of them had any experience baking so they struggled to make something edible after numerous attempts. However, it wasn''t as bad as she''d initially thought. What should''ve been a tedious and frustrating process turned out to be a lighthearted experience.


    After setting the cake on the table and confirming it was just out of Kei''s reach, she dashed to her room and retrieved a box wrapped in a polka dot gift wrap along with a pot of violet flowers, a soft light gently pulsating from the base of the stem to its peddles.


    She ran back to the dining table and placed them next to the cake. Running laps around the house, she began blowing out most of the lanterns, plunging the house into almost complete darkness before returning to the dining table, panting softly.


    "Mom''s gonna love this, right Kei?"


    "Gah gah!" Kei blurted, his chubby arms reaching over the table, demanding she bring the cake closer.


    She simply smiled while taking cover behind some furniture.


    "Now we wait."


    Since her father worked evening hours, Fuyumi was left to celebrate her mother''s birthday alone with her little brother. Her mother was usually off to work in the mornings which gave Fuyumi ample time to set up before she came home. The night went on with her continuously shushing her baby brother as he constantly strung random syllables into incomprehensible speech.


    It had nearly been an hour as she sat in the same spot awaiting her mother''s return. Cramps began to form, forcing her to reposition herself. That''s when she noticed the scent of something that wasn''t present before. The faint stench of smoke trickled into the room causing her to freeze. She took a few minutes to confirm that her mind wasn''t playing tricks on her but when the smell persisted she slowly stood to her feet.


    ''Did I leave something on?'' she questioned, approaching the kitchen.


    She rounded the corner to investigate, but nothing was out of the ordinary. She pinched her nose and opened the oven, expecting a cloud of smoke to come pouring out but to her surprise it was empty. Carefully feeling around inside, she confirmed it was cool.


    The stench only intensified and now she could smell a hint of burning wood. She returned to the table to make sure Kei was okay before scrambling to find the source of the smell. Yet after searching the house from top to bottom she failed to locate the source. Her heart began beating faster as she had no clue what to do.


    Her parents were gone and the smell of burning wood didn''t relent. She wondered if she should take Kei and leave before the house filled with smoke.


    She was then startled out of her thoughts by a blood-curdling shriek from outside. Although terrified, her curiosity was strong enough to force her to walk toward the front door. Sliding it open, she froze, her eyes going wide.


    30 MINUTES EARLIER:


    "Have a good night, sir!" A woman exclaimed.


    "Thank you, you as well." a man said carrying a paper bag full of clothes.


    The man exited through the shop''s front door. She glanced outside, the soft warm glow of a nearby street lantern illuminated the building across the street. An older woman emerged from the back of the shop, carrying a white blouse.


    "Hana, why don''t you head home? I can close up shop." the woman suggested, hanging up the blouse in its designated area.


    Hana looked at the clock mounted on the wall.


    8:42 pm


    "It''s still early. I can help you close up."


    The woman waved a dismissive hand.


    "Oh please, I need to work these old bones anyway. I already feel bad that you had to work on your birthday. I''m sure your family is waiting for you."


    Hana couldn''t help but crack a smile.


    "Thank you. But please don''t work yourself too hard."


    "It''s a slow day, dear. Don''t worry about me." Her supervisor said with a wink.


    After thanking her again, Hana gathered her things, punched out, and headed out the door. The light from street lanterns lit the desolate road. As she strolled through the village, she''d occasionally see guards on patrol. They wore metallic plating and were armed with the traditional spear just like most other guards in neighboring villages.


    She felt a pang of guilt in her chest. Her family, her daughter especially, was looking forward to spending more time together today. It was a shame the shop she worked at was short-staffed today of all days. There weren''t any interesting attractions in her village so her husband was planning on touring the capital with the family. However, their plans were ruined when she was called into work, forcing him to reschedule.


    As she made her way home, a resonant toll reverberated through the air, shattering the calm atmosphere. The bell tower at the village square sounded, piercing the village as a strong sense of foreboding crept into the village.


    She stopped in her tracks, wearing a confused expression as the guards that were once on patrol froze to look at each other as if to confirm what they were hearing was real through their partners'' facial expressions. One by one, the patrol units sprung into action, pounding on every door. Eventually, villagers poured out onto the streets as the guards escorted them to the village gates.


    "Ma''am!" a guard exclaimed, jogging over. "Please come with me. It''s not safe out here."


    "What''s going on?" she questioned.


    Feeling a bit frustrated, the man gently grabbed her by the arm.


    "There''s no time to explain, ma''am. We need to get you to sa-!"


    ??????????!


    Without warning, a wolf-like creature exploded through a nearby building, trampling the guard. The creature''s piercing eyes swept its surroundings, petrifying other nearby guards and Hana. It then returned its gaze to the guard pinned beneath it. It must''ve realized its natural claws weren''t strong enough to pierce through the man''s armor because blood seeped through its paw, molding it into larger claws. After tearing through his armor with ease, it dug its dagger-like teeth into his flesh.


    The man''s shriek of agony was enough to snap everyone out of their petrified state. As his comrades rushed to his aid, Hana stumbled back in a daze before sprinting away. The horrifying combination of screaming men, tearing flesh, and animalistic growls filled her ears behind her. Soon the smell of burning wood reached her nose and as she rounded a corner, her eyes widened further than before.


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    Houses and buildings were engulfed in a raging inferno. Countless guards scrambled to evacuate civilians while keeping these bloodhounds at bay. Although the guards outnumbered them, they were hopelessly outmatched.


    Chaos erupted in every direction as the monsters attacked indiscriminately but one thought immediately popped into Hana''s head. Horrified at the realization, she sprinted through the chaos toward her home. Her ears were bombarded with urgent cries mingling with the roaring blaze, creating a cacophony of desperation echoing through the streets.


    Men and women rushed to rescue fear-stricken children only to be swiftly intercepted and devoured. Tendrils made from the beasts'' blood shot from their bodies, skewering prey that attempted to flee. The night sky was now shrouded in a cloud of thick smoke as screams filled the air.


    As she dashed by an alleyway, she caught a glimpse of a man waving a metal pipe in an attempt to keep a bloodhound at bay. Behind him was a child clutching onto what she assumed was her mother. The wooden fence behind them went up in flames so they were cornered. Tears streamed down their faces as the man shouted, "Stay back!!"


    The beast must''ve sensed the terror in his voice because instead of backing down it raised its paw, a spear-like construct jetting out, piercing the man''s chest.


    The pipe slipped through his fingers as he gurgled blood before going limp. The woman and child cried their eyes out as the beast approached them. What happened next Hana could only imagine as their desperate cries were abruptly silenced.


    The world around her moved in a blur of red and orange as the howling and screaming became muffled. Embers spewed from burning homes as her arms shielding her face were bombarded with intense heat waves. But she pushed through it, her heart racing as only one thought occupied her mind. She prayed, clinging to the hope that her family was safe.


    She was approaching her property when she spotted a girl staring at the burning homes. She recognized that silver hair anywhere. The paralyzed girl watched as the kids she used to play with, the men her father used to drink with, and the women her mother used to shop with were either engulfed by the raging flames or ravaged by the rabid beasts.


    "Fuyumi! Run!!"


    Snapping out of her trance, Fuyumi''s gaze searched for the source of the one calling out to her before her eyes landed on her mother.


    "Run, Fuyumi! Run!!" Hana desperately pleaded for her daughter to escape while she still could.


    She stumbled back with trembling legs before dashing inside the house. By this time, tears were streaming down Kei''s face. Whether it was from his sister leaving him by himself, the smoke that had accumulated in the house, or a combination of both, she didn''t know but she knew she needed to rush him to safety.


    She swept the crying 1-year-old out of his seat just as Hana burst into the room, the sounds of shrieks and howling followed after her.


    "Take Kei and go!" she hurriedly ushered her kids into the guest room.


    Rushing inside, Hana tore the mat from beneath them, exposing a hatch. Unlocking it, she slid it open, revealing a small underground compartment, just big enough for four people.


    ??????????!


    Their heads snapped in the direction of the commotion. Hana was the first to return her attention to the open hatch. The mere sound of growling echoing through the house had paralyzed her daughter in place so she practically had to shove her into the compartment. After Fuyumi and Kei were safe, she took one step inside when a snout poked around the corner followed by a set of deep red eyes that gazed hungrily at Hana.


    She froze, her eyes meeting with the bloodhound''s. If she were to hide with her kids now, she''d put them in danger. Her motherly instincts kicked in as she turned to face the approaching beast.


    "Stay there and don''t you dare come out." She murmured, discreetly sliding the hatch door closed with her foot before Fuyumi could protest.


    Saliva dripped onto the matted floor as its tongue dangled from its mouth. By this time, the fire had spread to their home. Taking exaggerated steps toward her, blood seeped through its grey fur forming a tendril and whipping it towards her. She weaved under it as it smashed into the burning wall, dislodging a support beam.


    Fuyumi was forced to spectate the altercation through a slit in the floor. She watched as her mother rammed her foot into the wooden beam, breaking it to make a makeshift weapon. The bloodhound tilted its snout up with an almost amused expression before trudging towards her, bearing its claws as if it thought using its ability would''ve been too easy.


    When it got in striking distance, it swiped where her head used to be before she struck its face with the burning wood, producing a sizzling thud. For a brief moment, it yelped in pain as a patch of its fur had been seared off, leaving a scorch mark on its face.


    Hana took several steps back, almost regretful as it emitted a deep growl filled with rage. Several more tendrils manifested before they all thrust toward her at once. Although she was able to evade the first few, she was soon overwhelmed and impaled through her back. Her shriek was muffled as blood rapidly filled her airways.


    Fuyumi reflexively covered her mouth to stifle a scream as her mother was tossed away like a ragdoll, landing over the slit in the floor. A stream of tears fell from her eyes as she watched her mother barely cling to life.


    "D...on''t...loo...k..." Her mother strained as the hound gripped her head and sunk its teeth into her shoulder.


    Fuyumi watched as the light in her eyes was snuffed out, her body shriveling as if she''d aged a hundred years in seconds.


    When it was finished with its meal it turned and retreated out of the burning house, unable to pick up Fuyumi and Kei''s scent through the smoke.


    "...m...om?..." She squeezed through jagged breaths, unable to accept the events. "...m...mom...?"


    No matter how many times she pleaded for her to wake up, there was no response. She dropped to her knees, the sounds of snapping wood drowning out her cries as her eyes remained fixed on her mother''s corpse above.


    Shaking uncontrollably as her hands were still clasped over her quivering lips, the devastating reality slowly sinking in. A downpour fell from her eyes, drenching her cheeks in anguish.


    PRESENT DAY:


    A palpable tension lingered in the dungeon''s cool air as Fuyumi shot the beast a vengeful gaze. The creature narrowed its eyes with a mocking grin still plastered on its face. Blood secreted through the bloodhound''s skin, molding into more tendrils. Aoi helped Yakeru stand to his feet as he gestured to a nearby boulder.


    "Let''s take cover there."


    "Okay but..." she glanced back at Fuyumi who seemed like she''d pounce on the bloodhound at any second. "Will she be alright by herself?"


    "You don''t need to worry about her. Trust me." He smiled knowingly.


    Fuyumi was the only one able to deduce what happened to the kobolds and was obviously familiar with bloodhounds and how they operated.


    "If anyone can kill a bloodhound, it''s her."


    Sliding behind the boulder to rest, they spectated the impending battle. The beast studied Fuyumi for several seconds before she made her move, exploding into combat.


    Tendrils shot in her direction as she weaved and sliced through them. Aoi watched in amazement as Fuyumi leaped from one tree root to another, dodging the tendrils'' relentless onslaught in an astonishing display of agility.


    Several crimson-colored explosions went off with each tendril she severed, filling the bloodhound''s field of view. Soon, an amber light pierced through the curtain of red, forcing the beast to manifest a shield.


    ????????!


    The blast of radiance slammed into its shield as Fuyumi reappeared behind the creature. As it swung its shield behind itself, she slashed through its arm causing it to howl in pain.


    If it hadn''t repositioned its body, its head would''ve been removed from its shoulders. Fuyumi''s quick thinking coupled with her natural agility made for a deadly combination. Aoi had encountered various kinds of rangers before but never had she seen anything like this before.


    "Wow, she''s incredible!"


    Fuyumi slid across the ground and without a second wasted, charged forward again. Its wounded arm bled profusely before slowing then halting completely. She leaped in the air to meet its eye level, her gaze locked onto its neck.


    ??????????!


    Her daggers slammed into its shield as the blood from its wound swirled around its arm, encasing it in a gauntlet with its fingers protruding out into massive jagged claws. Her eyes widened as she instinctively placed both feet onto its shield and launched herself away like a springboard.


    ??????????!


    What would''ve been a fatal blow instead ended up as lacerations on her left calf. She landed on a boulder and leaped away once more, avoiding a tendril that smashed into it.


    ????????!


    She stumbled on her second landing as the pain in her leg began to spike. After creating enough distance, the tendril retracted back to its owner.


    "Fuyumi! Are you okay?!" Aoi shouted in concern.


    Although Yakeru and Aoi were in a much more vulnerable state, the bloodhound didn''t even glance their way. Instead, its hungry eyes were fixated on its dagger-wielding opponent. Fuyumi kneeled to rub her calf in an attempt to soothe the pain, her eyes never leaving the bloodhound.


    "I''m fine." She reassured as the bloodhound''s nose twitched, sniffing the air.


    It lowered its piercing gaze to its gauntlet to see her blood trickling down the ends of its claws. With a pleased grin, it realized it had injured Fuyumi before wrapping its long flat tongue around its claws. Aoi and Yakeru recoiled in disgust as the creature mockingly licked Fuyumi''s blood from the gauntlet''s knuckle to the tip of its claws.


    Fuyumi merely glared at it, unfazed until Aoi spoke up once again.


    "Please, if you need help I can-"


    "No. I said I''d take care of this myself."


    From Aoi''s facial expression, she clearly wanted to say more but hesitated. She couldn''t understand why Fuyumi was being difficult at a time like this.


    Fuyumi attempted to stand but the strength in her left leg had already begun diminishing. She collapsed back to the stone floor with a groan. At this point, the bloodhound thought to use the same fear tactic on her that it used moments earlier to petrify Yakeru and, especially, Aoi. It growled, taking long exaggerated strides over in Fuyumi''s direction.


    Instead of shrinking into herself, she remained cool and collected. She reached into her satchel and pulled out her elixir, popping open the lid and drinking its contents.


    Gradually, her wounds began to mend. Before long, the gashes in her leg sealed themselves as scars formed in their place. The strength in her leg had also returned as she stood up making the bloodhound stop in its tracks. Tossing the vial aside, she spoke in a confident yet resentful tone.


    "Let''s continue."

 Chapter 38: The Bloodhound

    The bloodhound allowed its jaw to go slack as its tongue traced a circle around its mouth, covering it in thick saliva. A shiver ran down Aoi''s spine as Yakeru looked over at Fuyumi resuming her defensive stance, both daggers held in a reverse grip.


    Fuyumi has always been enigmatic since she would never vocalize her feelings. Though, recently he''s been witnessing a new side of her. Her usual cold aura now burned with a searing hatred. It didn''t take a genius to figure out that she was somehow connected to bloodhounds. Her obsession with monsters and apparent resentment for bloodhounds alluded to a personal vendetta.


    Both combatants continued their standoff, both studying one another. Fuyumi analyzed the bloodhound''s arsenal. With her leg fully healed, she could avoid the beast''s massive claws on its right paw, however, she''d also have to deal with its shield held in its left paw. She''d also have to consider its tendrils which swayed idly from side to side, daring her to step in range. Even if it sensed that its current defenses wouldn''t suffice, it''d manifest more appropriate weaponry on the spot to counter her, if the situation called for it.


    Although bloodhounds weren''t the smartest of creatures, their versatile ability more than made up for it. Truly a monster worthy of an A-tier.


    ''This might come down to an endurance match.'' Fuyumi concluded.


    Though rage flooded her veins, even she could acknowledge she couldn''t afford to act recklessly. The first time she''d charged into battle against monsters of similar caliber to her she was incapacitated, forcing Yakeru to come to her rescue. Now, Yakeru''s leg reduced him to a helpless bystander. However, it wasn''t like he could take on a monster that was even stronger than she was. It made no difference since this was personal anyway.


    Refocusing on the threat before her, she sprung forward. At the same time, the bloodhound launched its tendrils to intercept her. Once again, she expertly avoided its attempts to impale her.


    Aoi spectated her from the sideline while Yakeru slouched behind the boulder, looking up at Aoi. There was no need to witness the battle for himself since her astonishment said it all. Yet his mind couldn''t help but replay the events of their first dungeon raid. She struggled against the infected guards in that dungeon. The fact that this bloodhound was stronger than those infected guards made his anxiety swell up.


    Fuyumi performed a backflip over a tendril attempting to sweep her legs. As she landed she deflected the beast''s claws that swiped at her head. Dashing around its side, she swung her dagger only for it to collide with its shield.


    Frustration began to flood her mind as she pondered,


    ''How can I get past that shield?!''


    Of course, she could easily dodge the bloodhound''s attacks, however, she could already feel the effects of fatigue setting in. She glanced up and leaped back as its massive claws smashed into the ground.


    ????????!


    She shielded her eyes with her arm as smoke spewed in her direction. Before she could recover, a tendril rocketed through the smokescreen, slicing open her side. She yelped as the beast''s shield and gauntlet returned to their liquid states and were absorbed back into the hound''s body. Just then, more tendrils manifested from its torso, shooting them into the smoke.


    She retreated, hopping from one root to another while the tendrils kept narrowly missing her by a few inches.


    ????????! ????????! ??????????!


    When the smoke cleared, Fuyumi was panting several meters away. She clutched onto her fresh wound, the bloodhound recalled its tendrils as, once again, she was out of striking range. Aoi''s once astonished expression contorted into one of worry. The sweat sliding down Fuyumi''s face and the second wound she''d suffered were enough to make her question if this was a battle she could win on her own. She had already exhausted her healing supplies and at the rate she was going, the situation had turned dire.


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    "Fuyumi, please let me help!"


    Although Aoi was certain she had hit her limit from healing Yakeru earlier, if it meant the three of them could survive this encounter, she''d gladly push herself further to aid her comrade. Finally, Fuyumi caught her breath, her gaze never left the bloodhound.


    "What part of ''back off'' do you not understand?" she snapped back stubbornly.


    Aoi''s worried expression remained. Despite Fuyumi''s incredible combat prowess, she was clearly struggling to kill this A-tier monster.


    Would it have been better for them to retreat? No, Yakeru''s leg wouldn''t allow it and she couldn''t bring herself to leave Fuyumi behind anyway.


    Aoi ran shaky fingers through her now unruly dark blue hair, realizing they were forced to fight a losing battle. Another option would be to stall for time until the rest of their party could find them but that relied too heavily on luck.


    However, Fuyumi didn''t share this same hopeless mindset. In fact, her confidence spiked as she noticed a detail that Aoi had missed.


    There were more tendrils swaying on either side of their owner. Yet, its shield and gauntlet were missing now.


    ''Does that mean it''s limited on how many constructs it can make at a time?'' Fuyumi analyzed.


    Just then, the bloodhound absorbed a few of its tendrils and the blood oozing from its wound swirled around its arm, forming the same gauntlet. Based on her observation, it was safe to say that there was a limit.


    With this new information, she wouldn''t have to worry about this thing ending up with an uncountable amount of weapons by the end of their battle. Despite that, her low stamina was going to be problematic.


    ''Even with its limitation, if I don''t end this quickly, I''ll die anyways...''


    With this final assessment, she wiped the sweat from her brow before willing herself to stand. She readied her daggers, blood still dripping from her side. Launching forward, she avoided the tendrils onslaught.


    ????????! ??????????!


    The soreness in her throat burned and her breaths became heavier with every step. The mini explosions going off around her were enough to throw her slightly off balance. She sidestepped to the left, evading the crimson claws that would''ve annihilated her if she hadn''t.


    She skidded to the beast''s side and leaped up in the air, winding up her daggers with her gaze locked onto its throat. Just as she anticipated, it absorbed a couple of its tendrils, replacing them with a shield that manifested in its paw. As it swung its shield up to protect its neck, Fuyumi quickly switched to her real target and lobbed one of her daggers, impaling the creature''s vulnerable leg.


    As it yelped in pain, she seized the opportunity to deal as much damage as possible. She propelled herself off of its shield and gauntlet, her blade emitting a sharp whistle as she delivered a series of quick and devastating slashes down the length of its body. Tearing through its midsection, she skidded across the ground as the hound let out an agonizing howl.


    Infusing her remaining dagger, she fired a blast of radiance toward its exposed head.


    ????????!


    The ear-piercing explosion forced everyone to shield their ears as a violent gust of wind shot out in every direction, whipping their clothes and kicking up smoke.


    She erupted into a fit of coughs that brought her to her hands and knees. Her body felt immersed in a concoction of different kinds of pain, from the searing pain in her throat to the stabbing pain in her side to the throbbing pain in her legs.


    Yet despite it all, she could relax knowing she had vanquished the bloodhound. Perhaps, they wouldn''t have to worry about kobolds either since the beast had already taken care of them. All that was left was to wait for rescue to arrive.


    "Fuyumi!" Aoi''s shout dripped with worry as she came out of hiding to rush to her side. "Are you alright?!"


    "...I''ll live..." She replied, her body feeling drained.


    Yakeru''s anxiety subsided. Still slouched behind the boulder, he assumed the fight was over since Aoi briefly left him behind to check on Fuyumi. But that''s when he heard it.


    A deep growl poured out of the smokescreen, making his blood go cold. He dragged himself to peek around the corner to confirm what he heard. The beast was still concealed but the fact that Aoi had stopped dead in her tracks and forced her stiff neck to look behind her told him his mind wasn''t playing tricks on him.


    It was still alive.


    Fuyumi''s eyes widened in disbelief as the smoke finally cleared. The bloodhound was on one knee, clutching onto its bleeding face. With clenched teeth and rage in its eyes, it snarled in Fuyumi''s direction as a lengthy tendril materialized on its back.


    "No...no way...!" Fuyumi stammered.


    With a wide arc, it swung its tendril in her direction. Fuyumi poured every ounce of strength she had left into her legs but it was no use. With her injuries and low stamina, her body had reached its limit. All she could do was watch as the tendril approached her side, filling her vision with red. Bringing up her arm, she closed her eyes and braced herself.


    ????????!


    The tendril smashed into her, several cracks sounding from her arm, whipping her across the cavern. Wood chips exploded in all directions as she collided with a tree root, tumbling across the floor before her limp body came to a stop.


    Yakeru and Aoi''s pupils contracted in absolute terror as their comrade lied motionless, their only hope of survival snatched away.

 Chapter 39: Tooth and Nail

    Yakeru''s gaze shot back to the bloodhound who was tending to its wounds. With a mixture of both rage and agony in its eyes, it absorbed its tendril and began manipulating the blood pouring out from its body to stop the bleeding.


    Aoi coughed, waving her hand to clear the dust until Fuyumi came into view. She rolled her over on her back to assess the damage. Blood spilled out of every laceration that littered her body, regions of her skin swelled and dark splotches began to form.


    Her right ring and pinky fingers were contorted at unsightly angles and the gash in her side formed a pool of red underneath her. The only indication that she was still alive was her shallow breathing.


    Aoi scrambled to retrieve her wand, clutching it with trembling hands as she contemplated. After healing Yakeru and Kazeki when the philorium sacks were set off, then herself after she tumbled down into the pit, and Yakeru again after freeing him, she''d already reached her limit. Even if she healed her, it was possible she''d still be in worse shape than Yakeru but if she didn''t help her now, they''d lose their best chance of survival.


    "Aoi!" Yakeru shouted, tossing his health elixir to her.


    She had a look of confusion as she caught it.


    "But this won''t be enough."


    "I know, but if you give it to her and then heal her yourself, she''ll be in better shape!"


    She glanced over at the bloodhound who was still moaning to itself, still tending to its wounds. She looked down at the elixir, then back at the unconscious Fuyumi.


    He was right. Since she didn''t have much radiance left she wouldn''t be of much help had she just healed her outright. With this in mind, she popped open the elixir.


    After carefully pouring the health elixir down Fuyumi''s throat, her injuries began to heal. Some of the deep cuts in her body had begun mending themselves back together and the swelling from her bruises had come to a halt.


    The bloodhound''s eyes radiated with both rage and pain. It reached down and yanked the dagger out of its leg, putting it between its fingers and by casually flexing its fingers it snapped the blade in half. As it took a knee with one paw on the ground to steady itself, the blood from its wounds levitated and swirled around its body. Yakeru wasn''t sure what it was trying to accomplish but whatever it was, it couldn''t be good.


    After a moment of waiting, Fuyumi''s condition had improved, though not by much. From what Aoi could see, there were still several deep cuts remaining and most of the blackened bruises hadn''t returned to Fuyumi''s natural skin color. More importantly, she hadn''t regained consciousness. Left with no other option, Aoi raised her wand over her.


    Soft green orbs manifested and caressed Fuyumi''s skin before more of her wounds began to heal. Aoi just started casting but she already felt fatigued, breaking into a fit of coughs. Blood trickled from the corners of her mouth as her body was hit with throbbing pain. However, she knew that if she stopped now, she wouldn''t have the strength to continue and the hound would finish what it started.


    She gritted her teeth, mustering every ounce of willpower she could as her reserves plummeted and the backlash intensified. She began to feel lightheaded and her vision started to blur. Blood spilled from her mouth and the throbbing pain became too much to bear. One by one, the green orbs evaporated as her wand slipped from her hand. The last thing she saw was the stone floor coming closer before there was a thud.


    "Aoi?!" Yakeru tested to see if she was still conscious. "Aoi!"


    She remained unresponsive even as the beast let out a rage-filled growl.


    When his gaze returned to the bloodhound, his eyes widened in realization. The blood that once poured from its wounds now formed into makeshift crimson armor that covered its head and torso. Since it was bleeding profusely earlier, the armor took on a bulky appearance as jagged spikes protruded from its back.


    The bloodhound stood up, consuming Yakeru in its shadow. It seemed as though its beedy red eyes pierced through his soul as it peered down at him.


    ??????????! ??????????! ??????????!


    He felt as if his heart would explode at any moment as it hammered away in his chest. Fighting against his fear, he forced his sword out of its scabbard and helplessly held it out in front of him. The blade trembled as terror began to overtake him. The bloodhound made its trudge toward him, the only one still conscious. After all, it preferred its prey to be fully aware. How else was it supposed to hear them wail?


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    His heart pounded faster with every step the creature took. Its top half was partially shrouded in shadows, the solidified blood around its body making its outline disproportionate. The dim light grazed its wolf-like face just enough to see creases forming on its snout as its demonic smile split its face, its left eye gleaming from its silhouette.


    The youth''s hair stood on end as a chill ran down his spine. However, before it could advance any closer, its left ear twitched. They both heard faint movement coming from down the cavern.


    It stopped its approach and as it turned its head to the source, its smile contorted into a scowl. Yakeru worked up the courage to peel his eyes away from the bloodhound to see what could''ve changed its mood so quickly. Then he understood immediately.


    Down the dimly lit cavern, Fuyumi willed herself to stand, her eyes trained on the beast through the slits in her grime-covered hair. With her relatively unharmed left hand, she grabbed her remaining dagger next to the unconscious Aoi, analyzing the bloodhound''s new form.


    "I see. So you made clunky armor to stop the bleeding." She assessed.


    Her eyes burned with unwavering confidence and anger, unaware of her body''s battered state¡ªor rather her rage had overridden the pain for her to notice. This was her last chance to vanquish the beast. Since it was in such a weakened state, this would be her best chance to do so.


    Wobbling, she carefully took a step forward. Then another. And another until she worked up enough momentum to sprint as fast as her damaged body would allow her to, preparing for one final assault.


    The bloodhound''s expression went from one of frustration to one of worry as if it was thinking ''How could she still move like that after suffering so many injuries?!''.


    As she rapidly approached the wounded bloodhound, something became evident to her. Although the armor provided some protection, it sacrificed free movement.


    Earlier she had concluded that it could only manipulate a limited amount of its blood at a time. Additionally, without excess blood to consume, it couldn''t accelerate its healing. Although it was now sporting armor, it had left its neck exposed.


    In a last-ditch effort to stop the dagger-wielding maniac, it reached back with both paws in the air, blood swirling out from its pores, and conjured a war hammer. However, just as she anticipated, its bulky armor inhibited its movements, performing a telegraphed wide swing so obvious even the slowest of rangers could evade it.


    Miscalculating the distance she''d already traveled, she dashed past the hammer as it smashed into the stone floor behind her.


    ????????!


    Taking advantage of the shockwave, she was propelled forward at blistering speeds as she infused her dagger, the blade producing a trail of amber. After rapidly closing the distance, she rammed her blade into the beast''s throat, a small wind current exuding from the point of impact.


    The hound''s yelp shifted to a high-pitched gurgle as blood filled its throat. The armor it was wearing began to liquefy and its hammer slipped from its grasp, splashing onto the floor as it reverted to its original state.


    Although the blade was lodged deep inside its neck, the bloodhound raised its trembling arms to pry her off. With an unholy glint in her eyes, she clutched onto its fur which was now dyed a crimson red, and began relentlessly pumping every ounce of radiance she had into her blade, her veins bulging in her forehead.


    The light coursing through its body dimly illuminated its insides, revealing the skeleton''s silhouette.


    ??????! ??????!


    Radiance resembling a raging fire burst out of its many wounds. Her passion was almost palpable as the seemingly endless stream of radiance shredded the bloodhound''s insides. The beast collapsed to its knees as its body had reached its limit. Finally, a powerful wave of radiance forced its way out of its torso and mouth in a bright, fiery explosion, forcing Yakeru to shield his eyes.


    ????????!


    When he brought his arm down to survey his surroundings he found that the walls of the cavern were painted red. When his eyes drifted to the center of the cavern he saw an unconscious Fuyumi and the bloodhound, or what was left of it. Most of its torso was missing and if he were a ranger just now stumbling upon a scene such as this, he''d have thought another monster, bigger and stronger, was down here with him.


    He scrambled to his feet and limped over to his teammate as quickly as his broken leg would let him. Plopping down beside her, he checked the pulse on her neck before breathing a sigh of relief.


    She wasn''t in the best condition to fight. She still had cuts, bruises, broken bones and, despite the combined efforts of the health elixir and Aoi healing abilities, the gash on her side hadn''t fully closed either.


    He couldn''t understand how she was still able to fight despite her terrible condition. The only rational thing he could think of was her emotional state. He had gotten used to how closed off and emotionless Fuyumi was, that''s why her shift in aura was easily noticeable.


    "I''ve heard how people can pull off ridiculous feats when enraged but this is crazy."


    He still couldn''t process what he''d just witnessed but a thought crept into his mind, reminding him of how dire their situation was. If at any point Fuyumi were to hesitate in her final assault...


    He gulped as goosebumps formed on his body just thinking about how the worst case scenario could''ve played out. He stood up and limped over to Aoi who was also unconscious but just to be sure he felt for a pulse. After confirming, he pondered what his next move should be. He was certain that there weren''t any kobolds in this area.


    For a moment, the thought of scouting for the exit crossed his mind but without assistance, he''d risk worsening his condition. He also couldn''t drag them out on his own either.


    The best, or rather the only option he had was to stay put. He sat on the floor beside Aoi with his sheathed blade in hand. Kenji, Kateshi, and Kazeki were still in the dungeon with them. He knew this because the talisman was still glowing. Assuming nothing had happened to them, his only hope now was to wait for rescue.


    He looked between Aoi and Fuyumi lying motionless.


    "Hang in there a little longer guys."

 Chapter 40: Search and Rescue

    Countless kobolds lay motionless with gashes in their chests. The more Kenji saw Kateshi in action, the more he realized the brute didn''t need much assistance. He started to understand what Kazeki meant when he said the guy could take care of all the heavy lifting while on their way to Yama Village.


    The brute effortlessly cleared a path for his comrades. Even when he was holding back, in terms of raw power, the kobolds were no match for the A-rank. He seemingly had an endless supply of stamina and endurance as he continuously cleaved the lizardmen apart that would occasionally try to ambush them from the shadows.


    Once in a while, their numbers would worry the young conjurer so he''d inhibit their movements while Kazeki would target their eyes with his chain dart with expert precision.


    Judging from the stories they shared in the carriage on their way to the village, his chain dart was more effective outdoors. He''d use his body as leverage to perform wide rapid swings that would act as a protective barrier around him while simultaneously cutting down targets that came within range. It might''ve been a perfect blend between offense and defense but he didn''t have the same luxury in an enclosed space. Therefore, he resorted to supporting Kateshi from afar.


    With every step, Kenji''s talisman would glow brighter so it was relieving to know they were headed in the right direction.


    "We should be approaching them in a bit."


    "Hopefully they''re all okay," Kazeki said holding onto hope.


    Suddenly, the boys halted dead in their tracks to a wave of pins and needles surging from their feet to the top of their heads. Amber particles in the atmosphere became visible, momentarily rippling through the air before fading away.


    They glanced at each other with confused expressions.


    "I can''t be the only one who felt that signature, right?" Kazeki confirmed.


    "No, I felt it too."


    "I as well."


    To feel a powerful radiant signature down in a dungeon meant two things: One, the person responsible outputted an enormous amount of radiance at once, or two, they were nearby.


    Since the wave originated from their feet, it was safe to assume that Yakeru and the others were responsible. They continued their journey.


    They weren''t entirely sure of the situation the others found themselves in but Kenji knew something was wrong. If Yakeru or Fuyumi were on the move, the glow on his talisman was bound to fluctuate. Yet, after some time, it was steadily glowing brighter, which meant they were stationary. The sudden radiant signature they felt earlier was also a sign that they were in danger.


    Realizing this, with great effort, he yanked his mind away from imagining the worst-case scenario. Although he felt a tinge of guilt withholding this kind of information from Kazeki and Kateshi, he didn''t want to worry them further.


    The rangers lost track of how many kobolds they''d encountered traversing the dimly lit dungeon. After cutting through waves of kobolds they reached a set of large double doors. They were simple wooden doors with mold growing between their many cracks.


    They reminded Kenji of his first experience seeing doors like these, Kateshi stepping up to the doors.


    "Kateshi, we should be cautious when going in," Kenji warned as his teammate placed both hands on either door.


    "Not to worry my friend! I am confident in our abilities to slay whatever lies beyond these doors!" He grinned, pushing them open with a loud creak that reverberated through the hall.


    Before the three rangers were five kobolds who all turned their attention to the intruders.


    The walls were lined with torches, their orange light drowning out the dim glow of the glitter bulbs along the floor. Behind the kobolds were what appeared to be small animal corpses piled on top of one another. From where they stood, they could make out small holes in their bodies which they assumed were from their spears.


    The kobold in the center appeared different from the others. It stood at at least 8 feet tall with red coloration to its scales and spikes which protruded along its spine. A makeshift battle axe, made of wood and stone, rested on its shoulder.


    "That must be the boss and its lackeys," Kazeki assumed.


    Two kobolds stood on either side of the boss wearing leather straps across their tattered brown garbs and loincloth covering their pelvis, all armed with spears. Although the monsters shot the boys threatening glares and emitted growls in their direction, they never attacked them.


    "Something''s off." Kenji scanned the room suspiciously.


    Every kobold they encountered on their way to the boss chamber engaged them first. This was the first time they''d seen them refrain from attacking first. Kazeki seemed to have noticed this as well but Kateshi wasn''t too concerned as he trudged forward.


    "Kateshi, wait!" Kazeki warned.


    "What is the matter?" Kateshi stopped and looked back at his two companions.


    "Don''t you see?" He pointed in the kobolds'' direction who were still growling. "They''re not attacking us even though we''ve invaded their territory. Doesn''t that scream ''trap'' to you?"


    Kateshi cupped his chin in thought for a moment as if it was a difficult concept.


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    "Ah, I see your point."


    Kenji and Kazeki scanned the room for anything out of the ordinary until they noticed a thin streak of gleaming light hovering above the floor. They looked at each other and nodded as Kazeki unraveled his chain dart, whipping it along what he assumed was a wire.


    Moments after the line snapped, a massive axe dislodged from the ceiling, swinging mere inches away from Kateshi''s nose and smashing into the wall to his left, shaking the room. With a tinge of horror and relief in his eyes, Kateshi stared at the axe embedded in the wall. Had he taken a couple more steps he would''ve been in two by now. Composing himself, he returned his gaze to the kobolds before him who had surprised looks on their scaly faces since their trap had failed.


    "Now''s your chance." Kazeki retracted his weapon.


    "Right, I shall grant them an honorable demise!" Kateshi''s signature grin returned as he imbued his battle axe.


    These kobolds were obviously different from the rest. If the boss entrusted these four to be its guards, they could only assume they were stronger than the rest of their brethren.


    "Kazeki, how about you and I take care of the guards so Kateshi can handle the boss uninterrupted?"


    Kazeki simply rested a reassuring hand on Kenji''s shoulder and gently shook his head.


    "Just watch."


    The kobold guards finally stepped forward, spears pointed at the rangers. The boss let out a primal screech before jutting out its finger towards the rangers, commanding his subordinates to advance. The four kobolds dashed forward while the boss leaped with its axe held high.


    "Uhm, do you really think he''ll be o-"


    ??????????!


    As Kateshi swung his blade, a wave of radiance tore through the guards'' scales in an instant, revealing their gooey skin underneath. The room quaked as the boss slammed into the wall behind it.


    Kenji instinctively formed a barrier above himself and Kazeki as rocks and pebbles rained down on them. Although the falling debris wasn''t all that heavy, it still took a toll on him as he dropped to his knees, his body quivering from the stress. After the commotion had stopped, he released the barrier.


    "Are you okay?" Kazeki asked, concerned as he kept beside Kenji.


    "Yeah. I''ll be fine." Kenji responded as he looked up and his jaw went slack.


    Embedded in the wall was a motionless boss with Kateshi walking over to a corner of the room. Its scales were cracked and patches of its skin were exposed.


    "Incredible..." He praised.


    "We''re lucky he''s on our side, huh?" Kazeki chuckled, noticing Kateshi moving to investigate something in the corner of the room that had apparently caught his attention. "Something wrong?"


    The two rangers joined the brute, walking by the boss who was now foaming from the mouth and its eyes rolled in the back of its head. When they approached his sides, they could immediately see what he was looking at.


    A section of the floor had given way thanks to the force of Kateshi''s attack. The hole was about 10 feet in diameter. Rocks had been aligned to make a crude staircase that descended into the darkness. The thought of their missing teammates crept back into Kenji''s mind and from the look on Kateshi and Kazeki''s faces, the thought occurred to them as well.


    "You think they could be down there?" Kazeki asked no one in particular.


    "I suppose the only way to know for certain is to see for ourselves," Kateshi said as he began walking down the stone steps with the others following close behind him.


    The further down they went, the more on edge Kenji felt. If the others really were responsible for the radiant signature they felt earlier, then he was sure they had to have been in trouble. The distance they traveled had to have been at least 50 meters. With that distance, a ranger would''ve had to output an absurd amount of radiance for them to have felt it where they did.


    Finally, they reached a point where the ground was more leveled. Compared to the upper level, the terrain down here was rough, climbing over boulders, trudging up steep inclines, and leaping across small ravines. Eventually, they stumbled across the carnage that the bloodhound had left behind. Shriveled corpses were scattered along the ground, leaving both Kenji and Kazeki with pits in their stomachs. However, the reassuring fact that an A-rank was accompanying them somewhat put them at ease.


    The talisman glowed brighter than ever before once they rounded a corner. Their eyes widened at the sight before them. It wasn''t the bodies that caught their attention, but rather the familiar figure that was sitting upright, turning to face them.


    "Thank goodness you guys found us." A weakened Yakeru said.


    Kenji and the others rushed to him, spotting Aoi, who was still unconscious, beside him.


    "Yakeru! Are you okay?" Kenji dropped his staff inspecting his injured friend.


    "For the most part, yeah," he smiled weakly. "I have Aoi and Fuyumi to thank for that."


    Kazeki kneeled over Aoi and brushed her bangs aside. His worry only worsened when he got a good look at the dried blood that once oozed from the corners of her mouth.


    "She''s okay, just unconscious. She pushed herself beyond her limit to save Fuyumi." Yakeru explained, easing Kazeki''s nerves.


    "Speaking of, where is she?" Kenji questioned just as he saw Kateshi standing in place, staring at something that was barely illuminated.


    Kenji and Kazeki followed his gaze and spotted her next to an oddly shaped lump of terrain...no, it was something entirely different upon further inspection. Yakeru''s rescuers tilted their heads in confusion, unable to process the clump of flesh with what appeared to be ribs jutting out of it, resting in a pool of blood.


    "Uhm, what am I looking at?" Kazeki struggled to ask, the question somehow seeming silly to him.


    "That is...or rather was a bloodhound," Yakeru confirmed.


    Their eyes shot open in an instant.


    "What?!" Kenji blurted out. "A bloodhound was here this whole time?! How many others are here?"


    "I think this was the only one...Fuyumi managed to kill it."


    Kateshi walked up to the battered Fuyumi while Kenji and Kazeki''s gazes snapped to Yakeru. They remembered what she''d said earlier about these A-tier monsters and their unique ability. According to her, these monsters were fairly strong so stumbling across a mangled mess of a bloodhound caught them off guard.


    "You mean she singlehandedly killed that thing by herself?" Kazeki asked.


    "Almost...like I said, Aoi played a huge role in this too. If it weren''t for her healing, things would''ve been a lot worse for us."


    Kateshi confirmed that Fuyumi was still breathing, her chest moving up and down, before he looked to his left and studied what remained of the A-tier monster.


    "She must be an exceptional fighter," he praised as he pulled out his health elixir, pouring it into her mouth. "Even I would be matched in combat against a beast of this caliber."


    Although a handful of her cuts began to stitch themselves back together and bruises disappeared, the gash in her side barely budged. Upon closer inspection, her rib on the opposite side of the gash appeared to be prodding her skin, creating an awkward lump on her side. It seemed like Yakeru did his best to stop the bleeding using articles of clothing as makeshift bandages as well.


    Kenji studied a random stone on the floor in thought. Because of his relationship with Fuyumi, he was able to imagine a vague scenario in his head of how the fierce battle might''ve unfolded.


    Attempting to nurse her back to health wouldn''t help her regain consciousness since she had most likely drained her reserves just as Aoi had. Instead, they''d have to passively reabsorb radiance which would take time.


    Yakeru snapped him out of his thoughts with a wince, clutching onto his leg.


    "How about we get out of here? I''ll give you guys more details later." Yakeru suggested before he noticed a strange dark stone resting a few feet away from him.


    Looking closer, it was one of the bloodhound''s fangs, figuring it must''ve dislodged after its top half had exploded. He picked it up, slipping it into his pocket before Kenji carefully helped him to his feet. Kateshi gently lifted Fuyumi while Kazeki did the same with Aoi and the rangers began making their way to the exit.

 Chapter 41: Return to Yama

    By the time they''d reached the exit, it was already dark out. Just as Aoi had predicted before they entered, the glitter bulbs scattered throughout the vegetation were truly mesmerizing, their soft hues resembling a sea of stars stretching through the trees.


    Kazeki glanced back at the unconscious Aoi piggybacking on him.


    "Just as you said, this really is a beautiful sight."


    It felt as if it took them ages to find their way out. With Kazeki and Kateshi having to carry their teammates and with Yakeru''s injured leg it took longer to get to the exit. Not to mention the detour they were forced to take since pits opened up in the floor the way they came. So when they finally arrived back at the entrance, relief washed over them.


    The cool night air brushing against their skin was a welcomed change. Kazeki took exaggerated inhales, relieved he wouldn''t have to stay in that stuffy dungeon any longer.


    As they made their way through the jungle, Kateshi spotted something that wasn''t there on their way to the dungeon. Usually, the thick greenery above them would''ve blocked out the moonlight but there was a wide gap in the otherwise dense branches and leaves above them, allowing the soft light to trickle in. This allowed him to spot a massive boulder a few dozen feet away. Had it not been for the moonlight, he''d have run into it.


    "I do not recall this being here." He approached it with a tilted head.


    Kazeki peeked around his muscular bicep, spotting the silhouettes of several more boulders behind the one in front of them.


    "It''s not the only one."


    Yakeru studied the boulders for a moment, cupping his chin. He also couldn''t recall there being any obstacles on their way to the dungeon of the sort so it was strange to come across some on their way back. They were certainly too big for anyone to move on their own and there weren''t any monsters in the area physically strong enough to do so either. It was only when he tilted his head up to see the moonlight peer through the gaps in the leaves and broken branches.


    "I think they may have fallen from the mountain." Yakeru speculated.


    "Makes sense," Kenji agreed. "That would explain the sudden quake we felt earlier that caused the philorium sacks to detonate."


    An avalanche was plausible. The mountain seemed stable during the journey to the dungeon. However, you''d need a powerful force for an event like that to occur.


    ''What could''ve possibly caused an avalanche so violent that we felt it underground?'' Yakeru pondered as they continued, taking a detour around the cluster of jagged boulders until the path revealed itself again.


    The path led to a clearing once they''d reached the base of the mountain. Trudging up the steady incline, they were forced to take periodic breaks, courtesy of the extra weight. As for Yakeru, the pain in his leg only worsened as limping, regardless of Kenji''s support, only became increasingly stressful. He was even tempted to ask the giant of the group to carry him.


    Nonetheless, they powered through their troubles until the trail had flattened out. As they continued they came across more rubble that halted their progress.


    "More? Seriously?" Kazeki groaned.


    There were massive chunks taken out of the side of the mountain.


    "I''m guessing this is where the avalanche started." Kenji deduced.


    Unlike before, bypassing this hurdle would mean taking a massive detour around the entire mountain which would take hours. They simply didn''t have the energy to spare, especially with the extra baggage.


    "It would seem we have no choice but to push through!" Kateshi exclaimed, gently setting down Fuyumi and grabbing his battle axe once holstered on his back.


    Imbuing his axe, he winded up before Kenji shouted, "No, stop!"


    He stopped mid-swing.


    "Hm? What seems to be the issue?"


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    "Are you trying to risk another avalanche you big ape? Besides it looks like we have just enough wiggle room to get through."


    Kateshi looked back at the rubble before him and sure enough, he spotted narrow passageways between the rocks. He looked back, giving Kazeki and Kenji an understanding nod.


    Holstering his axe on his back, he scooped up his unconscious teammate and approached the debris. As they did, a strange glistening stone caught their attention, one with a cylindrical shape. Upon closer inspection, they realized it wasn''t a stone at all but rather a vial, faintly reflecting the dim moonlight, with droplets of a red substance inside. Kenji stooped down, carefully picking it up so he wouldn''t spill the liquid inside.


    "I''ve never seen a red elixir before..." Kazeki remarked.


    "Most strange indeed. Perhaps they have discovered a new type of elixir." Kateshi concured


    There were various elixirs on the market. They all served a different purpose and were color-coded, making it easy to differentiate them from each other, such as:


    Health elixirs - Green


    Enhancement elixirs - Blue


    Stamina elixirs - Violet


    To their knowledge, they''ve never seen an elixir with red coloration.


    Why was it lying in this rubble of all places?


    Why haven''t they seen this type of elixir before?


    Was it a new type?


    If so, what type was it?


    Why haven''t they seen it at any vendors?


    Questions flooded their minds but Yakeru''s groan reminded them of their original task: getting back to Yama Village. Kenji pocketed the vial for later before the group squeezed through the narrow spaces created by the boulders and resumed their journey.


    *****


    Fuyumi jolted awake with cold sweat droplets sliding down her face, though her lurch earned her a sharp pain shooting through her side.


    "Tch!!"


    "Woah! Careful!"


    She turned her head in the direction of the familiar voice to find Yakeru lying in a bed wearing a hospital gown and a cast on his leg. She glanced down to find herself wearing a gown of her own, her ring and pinky fingers in splints while nearly half of her body was wrapped in bandages. She slouched back in bed before the sharp pain had a chance to intensify from sitting up.


    "We''re still recovering so try not to move so much."


    She took a moment to scan the room. Unlike other hospitals, this one was mostly made of stone, the architecture blending seamlessly with comforting decors. It was then that she noticed someone was missing.


    "Where''s Aoi?" She asked.


    "She was transferred to another ward. She wasn''t severely injured or anything, just unconscious from exhausting her radiance."


    "I see."


    "Yeah..."


    As expected, the room was plunged into silence. The combination of faint murmurs from the nurses escorting other patients down the hall became more audible through the wooden door.


    As they sat in silence, she studied the room a bit more. Yakeru on the other hand, squirmed, not because of the awkward situation he found himself in, but because something had been tugging at the corner of his mind after they arrived at the dungeon. It was likely the ice queen wouldn''t think much of his feelings on the matter but his curiosity got the better of him.


    "You know, back there in the dungeon...I''ve never seen you fight like that before."


    As expected, she didn''t so much as look in his direction. All he could do was assume she was silently listening to what he had to say and hope she wouldn''t be dismissive afterward.


    "The monsters we''ve hunted before, you were always so calm and collected. But this time it seemed like you were willing to throw yourself into the fire to kill that bloodhound," he continued.


    Memories of their time together played out in his head. She always had an aloof persona, keeping everyone at arm''s length and making it difficult to get close to her. Regardless of whether she intended it or not, her soft side would periodically slip through the cracks of her stone-cold exterior. From their first meeting, he never imagined he''d form an attachment to such a person...unfortunately, the feeling wasn''t mutual.


    "It was concerning. I don''t know what kind of connection you have to those things and I know you don''t really see us as your friends but...I''m willing to listen if you''d like."


    He wasn''t sure if it was just his imagination but he could''ve sworn he saw a tinge of guilt flash across her face. She studied the ceiling, her cool guise giving way to uncertainty as she hesitated to speak as if debating with herself. A moment passed before she took a deep breath and broke the silence.


    "Their kind is responsible for taking my home..." she said with reluctance in her voice as her bruised hand tightened its grip on her bedsheets. Her voice, usually defensive and cold, quivered as she spoke. "...and someone important to me."


    He lay silently and listened. He wasn''t expecting much so he was surprised by her sudden vulnerability. Although he was curious about who she was referring to, he allowed her to reveal more at her own pace.


    "I''m so sorry. That must''ve been a horrible experience." He replied sympathetically. He''d never seen even a remotely similar traumatic event before so he couldn''t imagine what that was like.


    Her eyes refused to leave the ceiling as she struggled to put her feelings into words, her voice smaller than before.


    "...now, every time I close my eyes, all I see is..." she sniffled.


    Turning her head away, she used her sleeve to wipe a tear that had formed in her eye as she quickly changed the subject.


    "So where are the others?"


    Sensing her discomfort, he dropped the subject. He couldn''t help but feel relieved knowing that she was willing to open up to him now.


    "Well, Kateshi said he was going to check on Aoi while Kenji and Kazeki went out to find a local elixir shop."


    She gave a disappointed sigh.


    "Kenji isn''t planning something shady again, is he?"


    Yakeru let out a chuckle.


    "No, no, it''s nothing like that. On our way back to the village, we found an elixir we''d never seen before. They thought if they could find a brewer it could shed light on what kind of elixir it is."

 Chapter 42: Mysterious Elixir

    Kenji and Kazeki roamed the bustling streets scanning each two-story building wearing confused expressions. Food vendors were organized across the street to their left. The welcoming aroma of sizzling steak nearly made Kazeki salivate.


    "Across from the food market..." Kenji recited, his eyes searching up and down the road.


    "We might''ve passed it already."


    "How? We just got here."


    Just then, they spotted a shack-looking building wedged between two taller buildings. Wooden planks painted brown made up its exterior with double swinging doors in the front like you''d see in saloons.


    YAMA ELIXIRS


    "A shop tucked away out of sight? We would''ve never found this on our own." Kazeki complained as he and Kenji walked through the swinging doors.


    The once boisterous crowd the vendors had attracted across the street softened once inside. The warm lighting illuminated various vials of elixirs on display. The polished wooden floor reflected the boys as they walked in and there wasn''t a trace of dust or dirt to be seen.


    An older gentleman, probably in his late 40s, stood across from them behind a lengthy counter that stretched from one side of the shop to the other. He seemed too preoccupied with wiping down a particular spot on the counter to notice them. Making their approach, it took them entering his peripheral vision to prompt him to glance up. He wore a monocle in his left eye and had a well-trimmed beard and a curly mustache. His smooth head was just as glossy as the floor.


    "Ah, customers." he smiled, showing off his pearly white teeth.


    "Quite the establishment you have. This place is spotless."Kazeki complimented.


    "One must take pride in their establishment, young lad," The man chuckled. "How may I help you this fine afternoon?"


    "We were wondering if you could take a look at something," Kenji explained as he pulled out the vial and a couple of silver coins, placing them in front of the man.


    The man slid the coins under the counter and picked up the vial to examine it closely, adjusting his monocle. Based on the confused expression he wore, it was safe to assume he hadn''t seen a red elixir before either.


    He grabbed a small plastic slab from behind the counter and popped open the lid. He then carefully tipped the vial over as a droplet of the red substance dripped onto the slab and slid it under a microscope. Minutes passed and the man''s face only seemed to become more confused the longer he observed the substance.


    "May I ask where you found this?"


    "It was near some rubble on the south side of the mountain."


    "...this is quite interesting."


    The boys both looked at each other and then back at the balding man.


    "How so?" Kazeki questioned, his eyebrow raised.


    The man handed the closed vial over to Kenji before elaborating.


    "It shares the characteristics of enhancement elixirs yet it doesn''t seem to be as stable as them." He cupped his chin, puzzled. "Unfortunately, I don''t have the proper instruments to study it further."


    Kenji pocketed the vial with a half-disappointed look on his face. At the very least, they knew it was related to enhancement elixirs, though, more unstable. His mind wandered back to when he first became a ranger¡ªone who became obsessed with power. His radiant channels were permanently scarred after excessively using enhancement elixirs. What would''ve happened had he discovered ???????? elixir?


    "Might I suggest you have the capital take a look?"


    "Couldn''t hurt," Kazeki replied. "Thanks for your help."


    "My pleasure. Do take care, lads." the balding man smiled as the rangers left through the swinging doors.


    "Well that was a bust," Kazeki sighed. "I guess we really should let the capital take it from here."


    "Yeah. Let''s go see how the others are doing." Kenji replied as they made their way back to the hospital.


    *****


    Aoi sat up in her hospital bed wearing a blue gown. Sunlight poured through the window curtains caressing the side of her face and unruly dark blue hair. She placed her palm firmly against a clear stone that pulsated a yellow light every few seconds. A doctor sat across from her, scribbling down notes on his clipboard for a moment before looking up at her.


    "That should do it. Your radiance should be replenished," he spoke calmly. "I''ll grab the release forms. Please wait here a moment."


    He left through the door as she turned to Kateshi who, surprisingly, sat quietly beside her.


    "Will that suffice? I told you there''s no need to worry." She gave him a reassuring smile.


    "I will always worry for my companions," he responded. "Especially for those who have gone through a great ordeal."


    Aoi had been unconscious for an entire day. After one''s radiance is depleted it takes an estimate of two days for it to replenish. Ever since she regained consciousness, Kateshi has been eager to ensure she was well.


    "?????? ?????? ?????????"


    "?????? ?????? ?????????????? ???????????????????????"


    "?????????? ???? ???? ?????????? ????????????????????????!"


    "?????????? ?????? ???????????? ???????? ??????????????? ?????????????? ???????? ?????????????????"


    "???? ?????? ?????????? ???????????????? ?????? ?????????????"


    "???????? ?????? ?????????? ???? ???? ?????????????????"


    "?? ?????????? ???????????? ???????? ??????????????!"


    "??????????????, ???????????? ??????''??! ?? ???????? ?????? ??''?? ????????, ????????????."


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Yet despite his pestering, she knew very well she was lucky to have such a loyal companion who only wanted the best for her.


    It was always like this, even when they first formed their party. They were tasked with exterminating a desert naga nest in the Fire Glades, a vast desert region in the mid-rim. During their journey, one of their team members had exhausted their water. Despite there being six rangers in their party at the time, Kateshi was the first to give up his water for them. The sun had also been relentlessly bombarding them with scorching heat. One ranger in particular was sweating profusely until Kateshi positioned his massive frame between him and the sun''s rays, providing shade.


    Aoi smiled to herself as she reminisced before the doctor returned to her room with the forms in hand. After reviewing and filling out the forms, she was finally released.


    The doctor escorted them through the hallways. As they walked by the many nurses tending to their patients, she couldn''t help but notice heads turning in their direction. Although feeling a bit embarrassed, she understood the reason.


    Kateshi''s head nearly touched the ceiling and the wooden floor creaked under the weight of the brute, echoing down the narrow hallway. Some nurses had even instinctively grabbed onto nearby support beams in the event the floor would collapse. Of course, the giant was somehow oblivious to it all.


    "Excuse me?" Aoi tapped on the doctor''s shoulder, prompting him to turn his attention to her.


    "Yes?"


    "Would you mind taking us to see a couple of patients here? Do you know Yakeru and Fuyumi by chance?"


    "Of course. Right this way." He replied, guiding them to a different ward.


    Approaching a room that had its door open, Aoi peeked inside to see Yakeru sitting upright eating a meal. She knocked on the door to get his attention.


    "Good afternoon. I thought we''d stop by to see how you''re doing. I''m sorry if this is a bad time."


    "It''s okay. I''m glad you''re doing okay now. Come in." He invited.


    As soon as she stepped inside, she saw a fully conscious Fuyumi.


    "Fuyumi!" She gasped, pressing down softly on her chest in relief. "I''m so glad you''re awake."


    Fuyumi gave a curt nod as Aoi fast-walked over to her bedside. It was only when Fuyumi laid eyes on the man behind her, ducking under the doorframe, that her expression shifted in an instant.


    "Sir Yakeru! Miss Fuyumi! It is good to see you two are doing well!" He exclaimed with his signature grin plastered on his face.


    Her face dripped with annoyance as the loudmouth, mountain of a man trudged into the room.


    "I have heard that you put on an impressive showcase of your combat prowess. Slaying a bloodhound must have been no easy feat. You must truly be a capable warrior!"


    ''...a capable warrior?'' Fuyumi wondered, looking down at her bedsheets.


    Recently she hadn''t viewed herself the same way.


    She knew she didn''t have much experience when it came to hunting monsters. However, unlike her colleagues, she was fortunate enough to have a knack for combat to compensate. This became more apparent to her the more she hunted but recently she hadn''t viewed herself the same way. When faced with overwhelming odds, natural talent could only take someone so far. She rejected Aoi since she didn''t see assistance as necessary at the time.


    Was she growing complacent or did her personal feelings cloud her judgment? Perhaps it was a combination of both.


    Nevertheless, if Aoi hadn''t stepped in she would''ve lost her life. She turned to face the healer.


    "Hey, Aoi?"


    "Yes?"


    "Uhm...thanks. You know, for what you did for me. We wouldn''t have made it if it weren''t for you."


    For a moment, Aoi''s jaw went slack before she composed herself to muster a response.


    "Oh, there''s no need to thank me. As a healer, it''s my responsibility to renew your vitality," she reasoned, rubbing her arm shyly as she clearly didn''t expect her to show gratitude. "Truthfully, I should be thanking you."


    Aoi turned to Yakeru in hopes of transferring the spotlight to him.


    "So, uhm, how are you feeling, Yakeru?"


    "I''m doing better now, thanks. But we''ll be here for another three weeks or so."


    "I see. I was just recently discharged myself," she replied.


    Just then, the door to their room swung open and in came Kenji and Kazeki. It was a pleasant surprise to see Aoi back on her feet.


    "Hey, we heard Fuyumi was finally awake," Kazeki said walking in. "Good to see you walking again, Aoi."


    Aoi nodded in response as Kenji walked over to the side of Fuyumi''s bed.


    "How''re you feeling?" Kenji asked.


    "Fine." She responded tersely, uncomfortable with how crowded the room had gotten. However, she didn''t find herself too upset since they must''ve been worried after she hadn''t woke up until two days later.


    Several minutes flew by as the group caught up with one another. Kateshi informed his two hospitalized comrades about what happened after they were separated. From the countless hordes of kobolds they bulldozed through to the boss that he annihilated in one attack. Throughout their story, Yakeru had been listening attentively, amazed by how they cleared the dungeon with sheer brute strength.


    ''If only I was there to see it.'' Yakeru wished.


    Afterward, Yakeru and Aoi shared their rather terrifying run-in with the bloodhound. Kateshi, Kazeki, and Kenji already had a vague idea of what transpired based on everyone''s condition when they arrived. But it gave them chills knowing that if Fuyumi had failed¡ªif not for Aoi, she would have¡ªthey would''ve come across three corpses instead. Fortunately, that wasn''t the case.


    "Hey, by the way. Did you ever find an elixir shop?" Yakeru asked.


    "Sure did. But we weren''t able to get a lot of info on the stuff." Kazeki replied with a sigh.


    Naturally, both Aoi and Fuyumi were confused. Fuyumi did, however, recall Yakeru mentioning something about an elixir they hadn''t seen before.


    "An elixir?" Aoi questioned with a tilted head.


    "Yeah." Kenji flashed the red elixir in view for a moment before slipping it back into his pocket.


    The two informed everyone what they''d learned about the elixir and how someone must''ve triggered an avalanche by using it. Aoi and Fuyumi were surprised to hear that an avalanche had occurred but figured that it must''ve been the reason why the philorium sacks were triggered.


    "Since we can''t do much with the elixir, we were planning on handing it over to the capital once you two were better," Kenji said.


    "I see," Yakeru muttered as they all heard a knock at the door before it opened, the dark-haired man in a white coat poking his head in.


    "Excuse me. Pardon the intrusion but it''s time we examined Fuyumi''s condition. I''m afraid I''ll have to ask everyone to wait outside in the meantime."


    Everyone nodded in compliance and said their goodbyes. After they filed out, four medical professionals walked in, one of them pushing a stretcher. After several minutes of careful maneuvering, they''d finally loaded her onto the stretcher and wheeled her into what Yakeru could only assume was another section of the hospital. The room was noticeably quieter this time aside from the occasional burst of wind that would rattle the window from outside.


    Was it because Kateshi was gone?


    The last time he was alone like this was when he found himself in the infirmary back in Hanataru.


    ''I wonder how Kaneki and his father are doing.''


    He never did hear if Hanataru began to prosper from that dungeon raid.


    Before he could continue his pondering, the familiar wooden creaking echoed through the room. He turned to find Aoi standing in the doorway.


    "Oh, hey, Aoi. Didn''t expect to see you back so soon. Where are the others?"


    "They all agreed to go out to eat," she said walking up to his bedside.


    "I see. You''re not hungry?"


    "Well, I''ve built up an appetite but there''s something I''ve been meaning to tell you..." She rubbed her elbow, shyly studying the wall.


    "Oh? What is it?"


    A brief moment of silence enveloped the room as her cheeks changed to a light shade of red, though it could''ve been his imagination.


    "I...I wanted to say thank you...for what you did."


    Yakeru couldn''t help but look confused, an eyebrow raised.


    "Uhm, I''m sorry? I don''t follow."


    They haven''t known each other long, so the only event she could be referencing is their recent dungeon raid. The only issue was he couldn''t recall anything he did that was noteworthy. If anything, he saw himself as a burden, having to be dragged out of that dungeon with a busted leg. And if it weren''t for her, he probably would''ve still been trapped under that boulder until he died of starvation, thirst, a kobold, or that bloodhound. If anything, Aoi played a bigger role than he did during that raid.


    The confused expression on him must''ve become more apparent because she sighed softly.


    "You don''t remember?"


    "Sorry, but I can''t say I do."


    Her eyes wandered a bit before responding.


    "As you''re aware, I''ve met quite a few people during my time as a ranger. Though, without fail, they always found themselves fleeing when the odds were stacked against them, understandably so."


    He quietly listened, curious as to what point she was trying to make.


    "...Our encounter with that bloodhound was a terrible experience...it massacred countless kobolds on its own and possessed an overwhelming presence...and yet despite being outmatched, despite your condition, you still drew your sword to protect me."


    Her eyes finally met his, a soft smile radiating with gratitude formed on her face.


    "And for that, I''m truly grateful. Thank you."

 Chapter 43: A Special Gift

    Yakeru looked at her, eyes slightly wider than before. He replayed the recent events in his head as if to confirm what she just said.


    She was right.


    He, a weakened C-rank ranger, was prepared to confront an A-tier monster who had previously massacred who knew how many kobolds beforehand. He''d never thought much of it before.


    Was it because his body was moving on its own?


    "Oh, well, uhm..." he stuttered, somehow struggling to find the right words. "It was nothing. I guess I was just doing what anyone would do."


    "There are few people who share your modesty," she said before glancing out the window. "I should find the others before they go too far."


    "Oh, alright then."


    They exchanged goodbyes before she left the room.


    Aoi leaned against the stone wall, placing a hand over her racing heart as she became consciously aware of how much heat had risen to her freckled face. She couldn''t wrap her head around why she felt so embarrassed.


    ''Did he notice? Did I look strange?''


    She began to feel more self-conscious the more she thought about it. Furiously shaking her head, the redness in her cheeks subsided and she regained enough composure to walk down the hall.


    Yakeru''s eyes lingered on the door she left through as silence once again filled the room, her words echoing through his head for several minutes before he decided to finish his meal.


    *****


    "Easy now...slow and steady. There you go." a brown-haired physical therapist supported Yakeru as he sluggishly walked forward.


    Three weeks had passed since he''d put any weight on either of his legs. Beside him, Fuyumi was receiving the same physical therapy, being assisted by a middle-aged black-haired woman. After they''d recovered from their injuries they were immediately transferred to the hospital''s P.T. Ward.


    He wore a leg brace on his once-broken leg while Fuyumi sported two, courtesy of Yama Hospital. It was a type of durable plastic exoskeleton with soft padding to ensure a comfortable fit. A gem was embedded in the side of the brace giving it a yellow glow.


    According to the therapists, the gem was forged from the heart of a Junky, a monster capable of reinforcing and strengthening its body. The gem could achieve a similar effect to those wearing the brace, though the effects of the gem are temporary. This was then used to support the injured until the affected area had regained its natural strength.


    This was another reason why Yakeru couldn''t walk straight. His strength in his legs was disproportionate to each other, which made the simple task of walking just a few feet rather challenging.


    "How do the braces feel? Too tight?" the black-haired woman asked Fuyumi.


    "No, they''re fine."


    "Same here," Yakeru replied briefly, inspecting its intricate design. "In fact, it feels really comfortable."


    "Glad to hear it," the brown-haired man said with a small smile. "They came from Daisuke Prosthetics Corp. So I''d hope so."


    With Fuyumi''s legs, back, and side still sore, she pushed through it. She seemed to be getting the hang of walking again faster than Yakeru, despite being in bed longer than him since her injuries were more severe. Meanwhile, Yakeru continued to stumble forward here and there. He never thought he''d take such a basic skill for granted.


    After gradually getting used to walking again, they stopped leaning on their respective therapists for support, Fuyumi being the first to walk straight again. Yakeru chalked it up to her having two braces compared to his one.


    The physical therapists were pleased to see the two rangers pacing up and down the hall without the need for assistance.


    "Will you two be okay? Would you like us to help you outside?"


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "No, thanks." Fuyumi denied.


    "I''m okay, thank you for all your help." Yakeru bowed as much as he could without toppling over.


    "You''re welcome. Let us at least escort you there."


    After making their way to the front desk to fill out release forms, they were greeted by Kenji and the others who then escorted them outside. Immediately upon opening the doors, a cool breeze caressed their skin, reminding them of their elevation.


    "It is good to see the both of you upright!" Kateshi exclaimed.


    "Let us know if you need a shoulder to lean on, okay?" Kenji offered.


    "Thanks but I think we''ve gotten used to it by now," Yakeru said as he stumbled forward slightly. "For the most part..."


    Both Yakeru and Fuyumi tottered down the road with Kenji and Aoi on standby to catch them should they fall over. They made small talk as they made their way to the carriages on the outskirts of the village. Although this dungeon raid didn''t go quite as planned, they were still able to share a light laugh thanks to Kazeki. Fuyumi, as usual, didn''t crack so much as a smile as she studied the stone road. It didn''t take Yakeru long to notice. She''d always been the quiet type so he was used to it but something felt different this time, like her mind was elsewhere.


    As they arrived at a fork in the road, Fuyumi suddenly split from the group, eliciting confused looks from everyone.


    "Uhm, you know the carriage services are this way right?"


    "Go on ahead. There''s something I need to do."


    Their expressions turned from confusion to curiosity when she said this. She''d just gotten used to walking again not even thirty minutes ago. Unsure of how far she intended to walk on her own, Aoi spoke up.


    "Well, at least let one of us accompany you, just to be safe."


    Fuyumi stared at her for a moment, making her shudder but her slightly worried expression remained. If it weren''t for her condition, she would''ve been perfectly capable of running an errand by herself.


    "It shouldn''t take long," she replied but her reassurance didn''t seem to dissipate Aoi''s concern. "But if you insist. Come on."


    A small smile formed on Aoi''s lips as she made her way over to her.


    "We''ll meet with you all later," Fuyumi assured the rest of the group as they walked off.


    Aoi stood by her side as they temporarily went their separate ways. There were fewer villagers and buildings the further down the road they went making Aoi question where they were headed.


    "Hope you don''t mind me asking but where are we going?"


    "You''ll see when we get there."


    Fuyumi stumbled here and there on their way down the road, prompting Aoi to brace her when she did. Eventually, the stone beneath their feet gradually transitioned into dirt. That''s when Fuyumi stopped in front of a small one-story glass structure with a sign reading ''MOMO''S GREENHOUSE''.


    Fuyumi casually strolled inside forcing Aoi to follow suit. Once inside, they were greeted with a welcoming perfumed aroma of roses, lilacs, and various other flowers growing within the greenhouse. It was also noticeably warmer inside.


    "Wow, look at all these flowers!" Aoi beamed as she gravitated towards a lily, forgetting why she joined Fuyumi in the first place.


    "Oh, looks like I have some customers." A familiar voice sounded from a curtain of vines.


    A woman, around her late twenties, rounded the corner and placed a pot of roses in a window beside various potted flowers. Her brunette hair was tied into a messy bun and she wore a tan linen apron with dirt smeared here and there.


    "Hey, I know you. You came by during the week of the festival, right?" The woman asked, recognizing Fuyumi''s silver hair.


    "Yes."


    "And I see you brought a friend." She shot Aoi a warm smile.


    "You have quite a beautiful selection of flowers." Aoi complimented.


    "Awe, thank you. Some of what you see on display are imported to Yama since they don''t grow in this area."


    "No wonder I don''t recognize some of them." Aoi stole a second glance at the exotic flowers.


    "Feel free to take a look around."


    "I will, thank you."


    The woman turned her attention back to Fuyumi who seemed to be spaced out.


    "Well then, I take it you''re here for the violet dancers you reserved. They''re in the back, I''ll fetch them for you." She said, retreating around the corner.


    Fuyumi looked over at Aoi who seemed to be infatuated with a particular flower. It had several stems sprouting from the soil in a spiral pattern that eventually merged into one, blooming into draping sky-blue petals.


    She was like a kid at a candy store. It actually reminded Fuyumi of her first mission. Yakeru and Kenji exuded the same excitement when laying eyes on exotic animals for the first time. She''d always seen that child-like curiosity repulsive until recently. She didn''t exactly know what changed but now she found it almost...charming in a strange way.


    ''I might be spending too much time with those two.'' She shook her head.


    Moments later, the woman returned carrying a pot of violet flowers. The flowers swayed from side to side every time the soft light from the base of the stem gently pulsated to its peddles, giving the impression that the flowers were dancing.


    "Here you are." She traded the pot of flowers in exchange for a few coins.


    "Thanks."


    "Thank ??????. You two take care now." She waved as Fuyumi wordlessly tapped Aoi''s shoulder, snapping her out of the hypnotic state the flowers seemed to have put her in and following her outside.


    Due to the extra weight of the pot, Fuyumi periodically stumbled down the road. Fortunately, Aoi caught her every time, though it didn''t take her long to adjust.


    With every pulse, the violet dancers continuously swayed back and forth, piquing Aoi''s curiosity about the plant.


    "That greenhouse had such a fascinating selection," she said, studying the plant. "How did you know about it?"


    "I found it after we came here."


    Now that she mentioned it, Aoi remembered her going off on her own while the rest of the group went to see the festival.


    "Oh, I see."


    After several minutes, they''d rendezvous with the rest of the group who were standing idly by a carriage they were supposedly taking.


    "There you are! Come on, our ride''s ready." Kazeki informed them as everyone proceeded to climb in the back.

 Chapter 44: Distant Memories

    The carriage rumbled steadily down the dirt road. The road cut through the lush fields, the blanket of green swaying rhythmically in the breeze. Fuyumi gazed out at the receding mountain, the manmade structures within one of its many gashes shrinking with every passing moment.


    "I didn''t peg you as the flower type," Kazeki said, looking at the violet dancers.


    "They''re not for me," Fuyumi replied, her eyes fixed on the passing trees.


    "Oh, so it''s a gift for someone? A souvenir?"


    "Something like that. Don''t worry about it." She sighed.


    "Right." He returned his attention to the others, resuming their conversation.


    He didn''t seem fazed by her response this time around as he must''ve gotten used to her by now. During their trip back, their voices faded into the background as she processed the recent events.


    After her traumatic experience, she obsessively gathered information on bloodhounds; their capabilities, sustenance, behavior, hierarch system, preferences...anything.


    She wasn''t sure if it was a good thing but due to their tendency to prey on the weak, they''ve made frequent contact with humans and thus studying them was made simple for mankind. However, over time, their arrogant nature had only brought their kind closer to extinction. This would explain why she hadn''t seen any bloodhound related missions.


    During her research, she discovered that there was always a leader in every pack. In this case, there were the standard bloodhounds and the S-tier variant, alpha bloodhounds, which were significantly more powerful.


    ''It was just an ordinary bloodhound...''


    The thought of nearly losing her life to a standard type sent a wave of frustration through her. Though, the near-death experience forced her to realize there was room for improvement. After all, she hadn''t forgotten about a particular scarred bloodhound that took her mother from her. Assuming it was still alive, enough time had passed for it to have evolved into an alpha bloodhound.


    ''If you''re still out there, I''ll hunt you.'' She rested her cheek in her palm until she drifted off.


    When they returned to the bustling streets of the capital, they tipped the coachman before proceeding through the double doors of the guild. The stench of alcohol lingering in the air filled their noses as they pushed passed the rangers skimming over the mission board. Like clockwork, the receptionist greeted them before documenting their report. It wasn''t until they mentioned a specific detail that her eyebrows raised.


    "I''m sorry but did you say you encountered a bloodhound? In a D-rank dungeon?"


    "Unfortunately, yes. Thankfully Fuyumi was there and, with the help of our healer, it was defeated." Yakeru replied, Aoi bashfully looking away.


    The receptionist subtly looked them up and down.


    It certainly would explain their tattered attire, dented armor, and the braces strapped to their legs. It was unlikely that mere kobolds would leave them in such a state.


    "I see. I''m terribly sorry you were subjected to an experience like that. I''m glad to see that you all made it back safe and sound."


    "Question? This be considered a Misranked Mission, right?" Kazeki wanted to confirm, his tone indicating he wanted his friends to receive more compensation for their trouble.


    "Not quite," she responded, eliciting a mix between a confused and irritated expression from Kazeki. "A Misranked Mission occurs when the mission isn''t appropriately ranked due to false information. According to your report, the intel was fairly accurate. Unfortunately, it just so happened that a third party got involved after the intel was gathered."


    "Are you serious? We almost lost people because of an A-tier monster!" His temper boiled, drawing unwanted attention.


    "I understand your frustration and I do apologize. If you''d like, I could talk with my supervisor and see what I can do." She bowed apologetically.


    He couldn''t bring himself to be too upset. After all, it was their idea to enter the dungeon despite being aware of the possibility of a bloodhound waiting for them. Besides, the receptionist wasn''t at fault here as she was merely doing her job.


    "No, it''s fine," he grunted in defeat as she handed over their reward.


    "Thank you for clearing the dungeon. Please get some rest. Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience."


    He clutched onto the pouch of coins, his expression torn between beratement and acceptance.


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    "It''s alright, Kazeki." Yakeru placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Making it out alive was more than enough."


    This seemed to calm him down enough to release his death grip on the pouch. They split their reward six ways before thanking the receptionist and leaving the guild.


    Once outside, they stood around for a moment. They hadn''t known each other for long yet they knew exactly what each other were thinking.


    "Well, I guess this is where we part ways, huh?" Kazeki muttered reluctantly.


    "Yeah, but maybe we could do this again sometime," Yakeru suggested, putting a hopeful smile on Kazeki''s face.


    "I''d be down for that."


    "I, too, am not opposed!" Kateshi concurred.


    Strangely Fuyumi didn''t object but instead stayed silent. She still held onto her pot of violet dancers,  studying them with a neutral expression. Perhaps her mind had wandered elsewhere. As the boys exchanged their goodbyes, Aoi approached the distracted ranger.


    "Thank you again for saving us, Fuyumi." She gave her a deep bow filled with respect and gratitude.


    "It was nothing."


    "I understand if you''d rather keep your distance, but I truly enjoyed my time with you and I do hope to cross paths with you again."


    This girl...it was like her charm was bypassing her defenses. The entire time Fuyumi''s known her, she was so polite and mature it was almost nauseating. But, strangely enough, she couldn''t bring herself to casually dismiss her. Especially not after she gave her a second chance to defeat that A-tier monster.


    "...sure, I guess." Fuyumi relented.


    Aoi recoiled, surprise evident on her face but pleased all the same. Before leaving, she stole one last look at Yakeru.


    "I look forward to seeing you again, Yakeru."


    "Likewise."


    After exchanging their last goodbyes Kazeki''s group sauntered down the road. As they disappeared into the crowd, Yakeru pondered, glancing down at his braced leg.


    ''How am I going to explain this to Akari?''


    He would certainly get a scolding the moment he stepped foot in his home. Clearing the dungeon did prove to be more troublesome than expected, no thanks to the kobolds'' cleverness to trap their own den. Not to mention their run-in with that bloodhound.


    Would it be better not to mention his little scuffle with the A-tier monster? He didn''t particularly enjoy lying to her but he also didn''t want to give her another reason to worry. Especially not after what happened with the Ripper. After rambling in his head, Yakeru''s eyebrows shot up as he suddenly remembered something.


    "Oh! Before I forget." He fished around in his satchel before pulling out the fang he found, offering it to Fuyumi. "Here. It''s from the bloodhound. I know you lost one of your daggers so maybe you could sell this to buy a new one."


    In their line of work, many rangers would harvest parts of the monsters they''ve slain and sell them off. Though this wasn''t a bad idea, something else came to mind.


    She stared at it for a moment before she accepted, stuffing it into her pocket.


    "Thanks, Yakeru."


    Looking up, she noticed the faint hue of orange coloration in the clouds.


    "There''s something I want to do. I''ll see you two later."


    "Okay, have a safe trip back then." He waved as she turned to leave.


    Now left with Kenji, there was one thing left to do on the agenda.


    "We should find a patrol," Kenji suggested.


    Yakeru agreed and together they set off to search for guards. Since dusk was approaching, the amount of patrols would multiply. Ideally, they''d want to hand over their findings to a Sentinel but the likelihood of that was slim.


    Yakeru''s mind wandered, fabricating a scenario where he''d meet one of the six Sentinels. They were supposedly some of the strongest, if not the strongest, group of individuals known currently. He wondered if they''d come across as arrogant with such power. They also had a huge responsibility to protect the innocent from those like the Ripper. Perhaps they''d have more stern personalities.


    He could only imagine as the two sauntered down the road, its population now dying down. Eventually, they spotted what they were searching for. Rounding a corner were two capital guards making their rounds. Approaching them, they explained everything and what they found before handing over the near-empty vial.


    "Thank you for coming forward with this information."


    "We''ll make sure this vial is further analyzed."


    After assuring the rangers, the two parties went their separate ways. Continuing their patrol, one of the guards gave the artifact he had on hand a light squeeze, turning it a white hue.


    "Patrol 23 to Sentinel Kiyoshi."


    It only took a few seconds for a voice to emit from the artifact.


    ["Go ahead."] A clear and crisp voice sounded, almost like the one speaking was standing there with them.


    He studied the vial a moment as he responded.


    "A couple of rangers gave us a tip on an unidentified elixir. They have reason to believe that it''s more potent than the enhancement elixirs currently on the market. We''re in possession of it now. How should we proceed?"


    ["Rendezvous at the square. I want to take a look."]


    *****


    The sky painted orange now bled into red. A blanket of white covered the mountaintops. A small village consisting of few structures¡ªhouses, an inn, and a single shop¡ªdotted a field, the air hanging heavy with solitude.


    Hours had passed but Fuyumi had finally arrived at her destination. The carriage dropped her off on the main trail, darkened tree stumps protruding from the earth on either side. Men wheeled carts around houses and women called their kids inside as nightfall was fast approaching.


    Walking through the village, she could still smell the stench of burning wood flooding the air. However, when she scanned her surroundings, everything seemed normal. Occasionally, she''d catch glimpses of charred wood fragments through the tall grass, remnants of the village''s earlier years.


    Shaking her head, she pressed on until she came across a large black cube-like structure in the center of the village. Countless names were engraved into it on all its sides with various items lying all around it, though flowers and flickering candles were more abundant.


    She approached the memorial and placed the pot violet dancers under the name ''Hana''.


    "Hey, mom. I got your favorite." She kneeled, embracing the calm silence.


    Moments passed as more villagers came and went, some replacing withering flowers with more vibrant ones. Eventually, those paying their respects to their respective loved ones soon trickled out, leaving Fuyumi alone in front of a dimly lit memorial.


    Minutes later, she stood to her feet and looked to the sky, stars beginning to peak around clouds. Monsters were more active around this time so it''d be unwise to journey back to her family now. Especially when she wasn''t in good condition to fight and missing a dagger. The smart thing would be to rent a room for the night.


    Without further delay, she left to check in at the inn she''d seen earlier.

 Chapter 45: A Certain Emptiness

    "What?!" Akari shot up from her seat. "You took an explosion point blank?!"


    "To be fair, it wasn''t my fault! You see, there was a quake that triggered them." Yakeru desperately tried to explain the situation before his sister had the chance to berate him but his attempt was in vain.


    "I can''t believe you! Just because it was a D-rank mission doesn''t mean you should take it lightly! Are you hurt?" She instinctively lifted his shirt and searched for any signs of injury.


    "I know, I know. I''m sorry. But I''m okay, really."


    Ignoring him, she continued to inspect his body until she was satisfied.


    "See? I''m fine."


    She sat beside him at the dining table, placing a bowl of chili in front of him. Its steamy aroma reached his nose making his mouth water. Though the food in Yama was a welcomed change, he''d be lying if he said he didn''t miss his sister''s cooking.


    "I don''t care. You gotta be more careful, dummy." She continued scolding him.


    "I know. I''m sorry." He repeated.


    "I don''t want you to be sorry, I want you to take better care of yourself! Honestly...you weren''t hurt too badly were you?" She asked more so to get a comforting answer knowing full well you can''t exactly shrug off an explosion.


    "N-No...I wasn''t." He lied, swelling with guilt.


    After waking up trapped, he remembered it being extremely difficult to move an inch without sending lightning bolts of pain through his body. And that was with Aoi''s quick reaction to heal him on the spot.


    Akari was very well aware of what becoming a ranger entailed so she trained him vigorously. People lose their lives every day to various creatures so she couldn''t help but feel regretful for allowing him to take on such a dangerous profession.


    "I swear, you never fail to make my heart leap into my throat. Maybe I should start looking into getting you a guardian." She considered.


    He continued to explain everything that happened during the raid. Of course, he glossed over a major detail. She was already having second thoughts about letting him be a ranger so he didn''t know how she''d react if he revealed his run-in with that bloodhound.


    At the end of his story, she bombarded him with an endless stream of questions. Half of them stemmed from the worry that still lingered within her. And the other from curiosity about the mission itself. After the interrogation, he was finally allowed to dig into his bowl of chili, which had cooled down some.


    Finishing his dinner, Akari helped him up and he retired to his room. Flopping onto his bed, he submitted to his exhaustion and allowed his consciousness to drift.


    THE CAPITAL:


    Two guards stood within a lifeless square in the capital. An old missing person poster rustled as the wind carried it down the desolate road. The light posts cast their warm glow onto the vacant vendors spaced along the street. Unlike daylight hours when the streets are live with activity, the atmosphere during nightfall was more eerie in some areas of the city.


    "How long''s it gonna take him?" One of the guards fidgeted impatiently with his spear.


    "His unit was scheduled to patrol the Yamato Estate. It''s a little far from here."


    His partner scratched his head, irritated.


    "Still, he''s taking his sweet time to get here. We don''t have time to be standing around. We still gotta job to do."


    "You''re right, you do." A man''s voice interrupted.


    Startled, the two men turned their gazes in the direction of the voice. A tall brown-haired man sporting a pristine white and gold uniform approached the two. Gold straps lined a mantle that draped over his left shoulder. Every step he took sounded with authority as the two guards snapped to attention in response to his presence.


    "Need I remind you that it''s your job to report suspicious activities and be on standby if necessary?" He said in a stern tone, a cold sweat forming on the guards'' brows.


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    "Y-Yes sir, Sentinel Kiyoshi. My apologies." The first guard stammered.


    Pleased, Kiyoshi softened his gaze and turned to the second guard.


    "So what seems to be the issue?"


    The guard handed the vial over to the Sentinel which he then examined. He was suspicious when hearing the report but after seeing its abnormal coloration in person, there was no doubt about it. The guard briefly explained where it came from before he pocketed the vial.


    "I''ll hand this over to an analyst and see what they have to say. In the meantime, resume your patrol."


    "Yes sir!" They exclaimed, saluting in unison.


    Kiyoshi sauntered down the stone road while the guards left in the opposite direction.


    *****


    The next morning, Fuyumi awoke to a flock of birds singing their morning tune outside her window. She lay there, her ocean-blue eyes admiring the dragon painting hung on the wall for a moment before sliding out of her futon. She slid open the window, the morning sun greeting her as she did. Although the inn was one story, she could still clearly see the memorial in the almost barren field across from her, spotting a handful of villagers already paying their respects.


    She listened silently to the passing breeze and chirping birds. The birds native to her old village had highly developed vocal tracks. As a result, their singing sounded more majestic than other species of birds. Every morning, she''d always drag her mother outside to listen to the choir of birds singing their harmonic melody. They''d stay outside for minutes, sometimes hours, admiring the performance, Fuyumi and Hana alike swaying their heads from side to side in sync with the tune.


    This was the first time she''d heard them in years.


    But now it was like their song had lost its influence on her as a sigh slipped through her lips.


    "It''s not the same without you..."


    After strapping on her leg braces, she briefly washed up and tidied up her belongings before heading to the inn''s lobby. The receptionist wished her safe travels after she returned her room key and left the building.


    The dull atmosphere in the village was a complete contrast to how she remembered. The paths once bustling with activity were now barren, even in daylight hours, as if the hounds sapped the life from the village itself as well. Guards were nowhere to be seen and the very few villagers she''d passed by ignored her, continuing with their work with hollow eyes. She could almost see the ghosts of those who lost their lives during the evacuation effort still fleeing from beasts that were no longer there.


    The sight of the blacksmith shop further down the street jogged her memory as to why she came here. Of course, it was to visit the memorial but there was also a second reason. She walked inside, the jingling bell overhead catching the blacksmith''s attention.


    He was a short elderly man with a thick grey beard hanging from his wrinkled face. His receding hairline made way for her reflection.


    "Greetings, young lady. How may I help you?"


    She reached into her satchel and pulled out the fang Yakeru had given her.


    "Is it possible to turn this into a dagger?"


    He grabbed the fang, inspecting it closer.


    "Ahh, a bloodhound''s fang I see. Sure, I can make a dagger outta this. But it''ll take time. About five to six hours."


    "That''s fine," she searched her pocket again and placed a few gold coins on the counter. "I''ll be back in a few hours." She said, already making her way out the door.


    As she made her way through the village, she "stumbled" upon her old street. Strolling down the street she saw her former home. Whoever lived there had the place slightly remodeled as she didn''t recall the extra windows in the front of the house. An image of a blazing house flashed in her mind before she managed to pull herself together, shaking her head to dislodge her thoughts.


    She resumed her walk as a small tan dog rounded a corner, its long coat of fur bobbing fiercely as it stormed up to the fence surrounding the property. It barked its head off as it tailed her, clawing at the wood with its trimmed nails to reach her but to no avail.


    Once she''d wandered past the house, the tiny mutt lost interest. It dashed away soon after, its attention focused on a squirrel that had invaded its territory. Fuyumi''s mood lifted ever so slightly in response, letting out a faint huff of amusement as she continued down the street.


    She went on wandering through the village as she reminisced. Some of the landscape was unrecognizable due to the tall grass and missing buildings. If it weren''t for the traces of burnt wood and the memorial she would''ve thought she was in the wrong village.


    Hours later, she returned to the blacksmith, the bell once again alerting him to her presence.


    "Welcome back."


    "Is it ready?"


    "Sure is." Reaching behind him, he grabbed a dagger with a slick dark blade. Its black coloration faded into a crimson red towards the blade''s gleaming edge.


    He handed over the dagger, its handle wrapped in white bandages. It must not have been ordinary bandages because it felt like she had a more stable grip than her second dagger.


    "Those bandages are from a mummy," the blacksmith explained as he puffed out his chest, clearly proud of his work.


    "I''ve never seen one before."


    "Oh? Those things use slip-resistant bandages to grab hold of their victims. Apparently, they''re hard to wiggle out of so applying them to a handle would make it difficult for the weapon to slip from your grasp."


    "I see."


    "And one more thing. That fang''s siphon gland was still intact. Meaning it can extract the blood of whatever it cuts into."


    A blood siphon effect, an improved grip, not to mention a slick design. Compared to her previous dagger, this was a direct upgrade. She knew she''d made the right choice forging a weapon from the bloodhound''s fang. She purchased another sheath as her last one wasn''t suitable for her new blood fang dagger. Selling her old sheath for a handful of silver coins, she replaced it with the new one and slid the dagger into it.


    "Will that be all?"


    "Yeah, thanks."


    "My pleasure. Take care now." He gave her a wave before she left through the shop''s front door.


    After double-checking her mental checklist, she inwardly nodded in satisfaction. She made her way back to the memorial to bid her mother farewell. Minutes passed before she decided to set off, walking down the road that led her out of the village.

 Chapter 46: Payback

    Kiyoshi made his way down a narrow corridor with doors on either side. His steel-toe boots thudded against the tiled floor, echoing through the hall. Once he''d reached a set of double steel doors at the end of the hall, he grabbed the artifact holstered on his chest and placed it against a metallic box embedded in the wall. The box emitted a soft green glow, releasing the mechanical lock with a hiss before he pushed them open.


    On the other side of the doors were underutilized shelves that would otherwise be lined with elixirs. Instead, tables and countertops were littered with various artifacts and vials. The relatively spacious room reeked of a combination of chemicals and must.


    In the middle of the room was a woman with stringy dark hair sporting a lab coat that used to be white, splotched with grease and an unknown yellow substance, fiddling with a clear spherical device with an elixir vial hovering in its center. Dark bags tugged at her eyes like she hadn''t slept for days. It was a common occurrence for her to be so engrossed in her work that she''d either refuse sleep or outright forget to.


    "Ah, Sentinel Kiyoshi! You''re here." The woman exclaimed.


    Kiyoshi approached the unkept woman, bracing his nose as the musty stench worsened the further he ventured into the room.


    "I understand your work is of great importance to you, but would it hurt to keep your lab tidy, Aki?"


    "Why waste precious time cleaning when I could use that time for more productive matters?"


    Kiyoshi shook his head and sighed. It felt like he would pass out at any moment from the lack of fresh air so he got straight to the point.


    "What did you need to talk about?"


    "I can''t believe you had me postpone the development of ARD..."


    "ARD?" Kiyoshi raised an eyebrow.


    "Atmospheric Radiance Detector. But that''s besides the point." She waved dismissively.


    Pulling a lever, the spherical device deactivated causing the vial to float down to the bottom. Aki popped open the hatch on the top and snatched the vial.


    "I''ve never seen anything like this. It''s highly unstable and, after days of study, I can safely say it''s definitely similar to enhancement elixirs except this could boost one''s power even further. Additionally, its effects appear to be permanent. Rangers would kill to get their hands on this!"


    "I see. So it''s merely a stronger enhancement elixir?"


    "Yes, but there is a catch." Aki placed the vial on the table.


    "Go on?"


    The air in the room suddenly shifted as Aki adopted a serious expression.


    "You''re familiar with what happens when you consume too many enhancement elixirs too quickly, yes?"


    "That''s right."


    Aki fidgeted with the vial, rolling it back and forth with her greasy finger.


    "Since it has similar qualities, it functions similarly as well¡ªforcing your channels to work overtime and all. Obviously, that''d be exhausting after a while but that''s not even the worst part. Since the effects are permanent, if you have underdeveloped channels, you''d continuously get torn to shreds from the inside unless your channels are developed enough to handle it."


    "If that''s the case then..."


    "Yes. Just one vial of this stuff has the potential to kill you."


    Kiyoshi cupped his chin in thought. "So it''s similar to overclock syndrome..."


    Aki tilted her head with a slightly scrunched face.


    "Ehh, kinda. People with overclock syndrome suffer for years longer before death comes for them," she dangled the vial in front of him, the leftover red substance swishing around inside. "This stuff on the other hand can tear your channels apart faster¡ªhours, even. Whoever''s manufacturing this stuff has a twisted definition of the phrase ''high risk, high reward''."


    This information was quite disturbing. If people were buying this elixir, it was safe to assume they were oblivious to the potential side effects. If that were the case, the manufacturer was willing to leave that piece of crucial information undisclosed in hopes of making more profit.


    "I''ll have to inform the council of this. I appreciate you for bringing this to my attention."


    "You do that. By the way, if you find a vial that''s actually full of this stuff, bring it to me. I wanna have enough of it to study further."


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    "Will do." Kiyoshi finally made his getaway from that musty lab, leaving Aki behind with her devices.


    *****


    The smell of eggs drifted into Yakeru''s room. Though still asleep, his nose twitched, its alluring aroma nearly enough to urge his unconscious body to sleepwalk to the kitchen.


    "Hurry up, squirt! Breakfast is almost ready!" Akari''s shout was enough to stir him awake.


    A long, drawn-out yawn escaped him as he stretched his limbs. Sliding out of the comfort of his bed, he made his way to the dining room, the scent growing stronger.


    The sound of sizzling eggs filled the kitchen as Yakeru approached.


    "Mornin''." Akari smiled.


    "Morning." He sat at the dining table, looking out of the window as he did. The sky was clear and villagers were out and about.


    "Beautiful day, right?" She asked, placing a plate of sunny-side-up eggs and toast in front of him. "Now that your leg''s all better, you gonna head to the guild?"


    "Yep."


    "Try to take an easy mission this time. Like helping farmers or gathering berries or something."


    Before he could dig into his steaming breakfast, he paused, staring at her with puzzlement in his eyes.


    "...Right, because that''s totally what you trained me fo¡ªow!"


    His sarcastic remark was cut short by a firm pinch to his cheek. Akari narrowed her eyes at him, threatening to tighten her grip.


    "I''m serious, Yakeru."


    "Oh keh! I sowwy!" he begged before she released him. "Don''t worry, I''ll do something simple."


    "Good."


    He rubbed his reddened cheek for a moment before tending to his breakfast. For several minutes, the pair conversed, bouncing from one topic to another as they ate.


    "Oh, that reminds me. I need to run some errands in the capital so we might as well go together." She pushed around her food, a smile of nostalgia forming. "It''ll be just like old times."


    "Sure, why not?"


    His memory rewound the clock, reminiscing when she''d bring him to the big city. Since he grew up on the outskirts, she''d occasionally take him to go sightseeing. Looking up at the buildings towering proudly over the smaller structures towards the edge of the capital always filled him with awe as a child.


    A particular memory came to mind. He was hoisted up on his sister''s shoulders, gazing upon a breathtaking view from a balcony made for tourists. The way the tiny figures below weaved between buildings and the endless expanse of green fields and mountain ranges made room for the imagination to speculate what lies beyond the horizon. All of it was etched into his memory.


    It''d been ages since he''d gone to the big city with his sister. He also got the sense she was developing some kind of trauma since he''d always manage to land himself in the hospital so he couldn''t bring himself to reject her proposal anyway. He owed it to her so he had no objections.


    After finishing up breakfast they got themselves together, Akari with her casual wear and Yakeru donning his shabby light armor.


    The wind blowing formed rhythmic ripples through the fields as they left. Although Yakeru has been to the capital countless times recently, this time a smile formed on his face. With Akari by his side, a wave of nostalgia washed over him.


    After arriving in the capital, he almost immediately regretted accompanying her. He lost count of how many stores they''d been to and displeasure was written all over his face. Fortunately, it was still early so technically he wasn''t in a rush to head to the guild.


    ''I just wish I didn''t have to carry all this stuff!''


    Although Akari wanted to restock on food and ingredients, most of their time was spent in the fashion district. Like a zombie, Yakeru mindlessly tottered behind his sister, his arms growing increasingly worn out with each store they visited.


    He dropped the bags to rest his arms every chance he got. He never thought he''d feel excitement every time he spotted a bench. Surely she''d schemed this as payback for worrying her so much recently. He thought he familiarized himself with her tactics but somehow he still walked right into her trap.


    After what felt like hours, she''d finally relented with a, "Okay, I think I''m about done here."


    She even had the nerve to shoot him a smug smirk with the sole intention of irritating him further. As they made their way down the street, a shop caught the teen''s attention.


    "Hm? See something you want?" She asked.


    "I just wanna check something quickly."


    Unlike the stores that they''d been shopping at, this one seemed to be dedicated to selling artifacts. When they entered, his suspicion was confirmed. Along the walls were shelves filled with various kinds of artifacts. They browsed the different aisles for a few minutes before a peculiar stone caught his eye.


    He set the bags down and inspected the strange stone closer. Rotating it, it was no ordinary stone, at least not aesthetically. It was a clear stone that was perfectly spherical which seemed as if it held a raging blue inferno inside, desperate to escape its confinement.


    "Ah, a fine choice." A man''s voice said from beside him, making Yakeru recoil violently. "Sorry. I didn''t mean to startle you."


    ''You mean that wasn''t intentional?'' He questioned in his head.


    The portly man was an inch or two shorter than he was. His grey hair was tied back into a bun and big round glasses rested on his jutting nose. Yakeru regained his composure.


    "Oh! Uhh, what kind of stone is this? It doesn''t look like any artifact I''ve seen before."


    "Well, that''s because it was forged from an artifact," he explained. "That particular stone has the power to absorb and redirect energy. Whether it be kinetic, radiance, whatever."


    Yakeru''s eyes widened.


    "You''re claiming that this can essentially make me invincible?"


    The man laughed at him as if he should''ve already known the answer to his own question.


    "It''s not without its drawbacks, boy. You''d need to destroy the stone so the power within can take effect. That said, it''s a one-time use kind of thing. But once it''s active, theoretically it can withstand an attack from even the strongest of monsters and would get hit back with the same amount of force."


    Yakeru looked down at the stone still resting in his palm. None of the other artifacts appealed to him but this ''get out of jail card'' sounded promising, even if he could only use it once. If this was as effective as it was advertised, perhaps it would help him avoid hospital beds.


    After some thought, he decided to purchase the stone and stuff it into his satchel for the time being. It was ironic since out of all the stores they''d been to, he''d only bought one item.


    "Thank you and come again soon!" The man waved.


    Yakeru retrieved his sister''s bags and met her outside where she hailed a carriage, loading everything into the back.


    "I''m off now," she said, pulling her little brother into a tender embrace. "Please be careful, okay?"


    "I will, I promise."


    They lingered in each other''s arms for a while longer before pulling apart.


    "Love you, kid." She smiled, ruffling his hair.


    "Yeah, love you too."


    She climbed into the carriage, waving at the young ranger as he returned the gesture. Once out of view, Yakeru turned.


    "Next stop: The guild."

 Chapter 47: The Council

    There was a noticeably scarce amount of rangers at the guild that day than most other days. This was probably the reason why a particular someone noticed him the moment he stepped foot through the doors.


    "Hey, Yakeru! Over here!" A familiar voice called out to him.


    He turned to his left to see Kenji and, surprisingly, Fuyumi lounging at a table. He expected her to be off doing her own thing but that wasn''t the case here. Perhaps she was warming up to their company.


    ''She did say she found us less annoying than others.'' Yakeru rationalized.


    He sluggishly made his way over to them, his arms dangling unnaturally as if they''d lost all strength. Kenji gave him a look of concern while Fuyumi''s expression was more akin to confusion. He dragged a chair out from the table and sank into its seat, fatigue apparent on his face.


    "Uhm, are you okay?" Kenji asked.


    "I went shopping with Akari this morning...big mistake."


    "I see. How''s your leg?"


    "A lot better, thanks. How about you, Fuyumi?"


    "They''re fine." She answered simply, resting her cheek in her palm.


    "So did you guys find a mission to do already?" Yakeru wondered.


    "Yeah, in fact we did. Or I did, more accurately."


    Usually, it was the stoic dagger wielder who called the shots so having Kenji pick the mission struck Yakeru as a little strange.


    "You let him pick?" He asked Fuyumi.


    "He was already here when I arrived." She responded, seemingly indifferent.


    "I see." His attention turned to the conjurer. "So what''d you pick?"


    They were usually off risking their lives hunting monsters, courtesy of Fuyumi. Although he didn''t know what mission they''d be doing, for some strange reason, he felt a slight wave of relief knowing Kenji had been the one to pick the mission.


    "I thought we''d do something a little easier."


    What were the odds? Just mere moments ago he''d promised his sister to take it easy so this worked perfectly. Not to mention her shopping spree took a toll on him.


    "What kind of mission?"


    "An investigation. Village residents in the inner rim have reported small tremors and toxic gas so they want rangers to check it out."


    "Interesting."


    Monsters from the inner rim were relatively weak so natural forces, such as storms and earthquakes, would typically scare them off. With this in mind, it was safe to assume there weren''t going to be any encounters during this investigation. He couldn''t tell if Fuyumi realized this or not since he didn''t exactly sense dissatisfaction from her. He knew how much she despised monsters after all.


    "And we''re also going to be working with another party. A clan to be exact."


    Fuyumi sighed the second he uttered the words ''Working with''. It wasn''t a sigh of discontent but rather one filled with...conflict. She had a tendency to get grumpy when others were involved so he wasn''t sure if he''d gotten the wrong impression.


    This would also be the first time they''ve allied themselves with a clan. Yakeru''s eyes sparkled with excitement when hearing this. The only interaction they''ve had with a clan, although brief, was during their time in Yama.


    "Wait, a clan?! How did you manage that?"


    "Well, they''re a small clan and their leader is pretty laid back. I guess he didn''t see a problem with letting us join them on the mission. He even said he''d get us the necessary artifacts for the mission while I waited for you guys."


    Clans were groups of rangers bound together by contract. Those under contract earn a higher salary than freelancers and usually consist of more competent rangers. This in turn spawned the superiority mindset that most clan rangers adopted. Fortunately, according to Kenji, this wasn''t going to be the case.


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    "Oh, gotcha." Yakeru glanced over to Fuyumi who hadn''t said much. "I assume you have a lot to say about this?"


    "I''m fine with it, I guess." She responded with a trace of hesitance in her voice.


    "..."


    "..."


    Yakeru stared at her in disbelief and judging from Kenji''s shared expression, he hadn''t anticipated her reaction either. The girl who had always insisted they take on missions by themselves wanted to ally herself with strangers? The thought of them sharing a table with an imposter gave them a colder chill than what Fuyumi''s aura was capable of. Surely this wasn''t the same girl they''d come to know...right?


    "...Okay, who are you and what have you done with the real Fuyumi?" Yakeru questioned the suspected doppelganger.


    "Oh shut up." She huffed softly instead of hurling the insult at him.


    From her response, he figured that she''d gotten quite comfortable with them. Or at least comfortable enough to lighten up a bit.


    "Teaming up with that other group wasn''t so bad in the end. So I''m willing to give it another shot, I guess." She explained but they could hear the reluctance in her voice.


    Her two comrades didn''t know what to make of this. This was a complete contrast to her usual callused self. Was it because she realized the importance of others after her near-death experience?


    "W-Well, I suppose this would be a good opportunity to see how coordinated a clan team operates anyway." Kenji fumbled over his words, still stupefied by Fuyumi''s response.


    After giving his reasoning some thought, she nodded in response. Yakeru inwardly breathed a sigh of relief as they didn''t have to butt heads trying to convince her to tag along this time.


    They lounged for a time while Yakeru ordered a glass of water and regained his strength. After several minutes of small talk, he tipped the waitress and the group headed out to purchase supplies and continued to the mission area.


    As Kenji''s eyes traced over the mission sheet''s details, they marched in the direction of the reported quakes and gas.


    *****


    Kiyoshi stood before six individuals all dressed in elegant attire seated at a table shaped like a semi-circle. The room was spacious enough to comfortably hold at least fifty people. The floor was made from marble with columns sprouting up evenly along the white walls.


    Standing idly behind the individuals was another Sentinel, an upside-down war hammer standing upright beside his massive frame.


    "A strange elixir you say?" One council member wanted to confirm, stroking his brown beard that concealed some of his wrinkles.


    He wore a black vest and dress pants with a black and gold leather coat that hung from his shoulders.


    "Yes." Sentinel Kiyoshi replied.


    "And what makes this elixir stand out from the rest?" A councilman questioned, a glint reflecting in his rectangular glasses.


    He crossed his arms over his white jacket, his black bowtie still visible on his collar.


    "The artificer and elixir expert, Aki, has examined the sample and has come to the conclusion that the elixir is dangerous for human consumption. Though it shares similarities to enhancement elixirs, the side effects are potentially fatal."


    Eyebrows rose as he explained Aki''s findings in more detail. Murmurs filled the room as the council absorbed the new information on this unidentified substance.


    For an elixir to be sold on the market, it must be verified by the capital. Over the years, distributors would alter the ingredients of their products, making them more addictive in a sneaky attempt to earn more profit. Nowadays you''d need to jump through legal hoops to verify the products are safe for the general public.


    Though they''ve established a solid system to weed out ''bad products'' it wasn''t without its limits. This unidentified elixir was proof of that as it managed to slip under the capital''s radar until now.


    How long have they been manufacturing this?


    How long has this elixir gone undetected?


    Even the Sentinel standing guard seemed intrigued as his eyes drifted up to a corner of the room, allowing this information to marinate.


    "With the council''s blessing, I''d like to conduct an official investigation." Kiyoshi resumed.


    The councilmen glanced at one another as if they could sense each other''s thoughts. A member wearing a blue suit with white feathers sprouting from his collar rested his hands on the semi-circle table, his fingers interlocked with each other.


    "An elixir that poses a threat to its consumer. Who knows what''ll happen if we allow this to continue."


    Enhancement elixirs were rather common among rangers. If word got out that a new type of elixir was being distributed, one far stronger, two possible scenarios would occur: There''d be mass deaths and the survivors would possibly go rampant.


    What if those obsessed with power were to discover this elixir? The capital would have its hands full with countless rampant Rippers as if one wasn''t bad enough.


    "We have no information on when production began. If this has been in production for a while, we may be dealing with a small underground group. Otherwise, we would''ve received word of this elixir''s existence earlier."


    "Aki is widely considered to be the best analyst. If what she claims holds true, the capital must step in."


    "I concur."


    "Aye."


    "Aye."


    The council collectively agreed with one another and turned back to the Sentinel who stood silently before them, his hands tucked behind his back.


    "Very well," the brown-bearded councilman nodded. "You shall conduct a thorough investigation on this matter and report to us periodically on your findings."


    "I will uncover who the distributor is and why it''s being manufactured," Kiyoshi bowed deeply. "You have my word."


    After being dismissed, he walked out of the room with new determination. Although, something had been lingering in the back of his mind since he was dismissed.


    ''Could an underground organization truly be behind this?''


    If so, he could only imagine them causing more harm than good. Whatever the distributor''s intentions, the fact was these elixirs were dangerous. Selfish desires were the standard motive of many criminals so he could assume they were no different. Even if it was at the expense of others.


    ''Regardless, justice has a way of weeding out criminals.''


    The only lead he had was the rangers who found it to begin with. No one had any business owning an enhancement elixir on that mountain unless you were a ranger. With this in mind, the guild would be a good starting place to fish out the culprits who were in possession of it.

 Chapter 48: The Bison Clan

    The sun had reached its highest point in the sky as noon approached. A small village stood quietly on a desolate plain in the inner rim. Lounging near the entrance to a mine shaft embedded in the side of a cliff were six rangers. Though they all wore relatively different attire, the one thing they had in common was their bison insignia, which were either stitched into the fabric of their clothing or branded onto their armor.


    A few rangers took the high ground, absorbing the view of the vast horizon before it was obscured by mountains. The others sat across from one another at a slab of rock playing cards.


    "So who are these rangers we''re teaming with again?" A man with slick back blonde hair asked his two other comrades.


    "I''ve only met one of them," a heavyweight man replied as he set down a card from his hand onto a piece of fabric so as to not ruin their elegant design. "Kenji, I believe his name was? He said he''d be here with two others in a bit."


    "Didn''t think we''d ever be hangin'' out with small fry." The blonde chuckled, placing a card on top of his.


    "Give them a chance. You might actually like them." The heavy-set man teased.


    "I don''t think he likes giving people chances. At least when it comes to girls." A rather thin and timid teenager weaseled his way into the conversation as he placed down two of the same colored cards of his own.


    "Correction, I don''t catch feelings for girls. They''re fun for one night but after that"¡ªthe blonde jutted his thumb out behind him¡ª"I''m outta there."


    "What about the last girl you were with? The one you met in the fashion district: Jaz. She seemed nice but you brushed her off the next day." The timid kid wanted to prove a point.


    "Cuz she woulda been just as clingy as the others. Trust me bud, you''ll understand women when you''re older." He placed a hand on his shoulder like a mentor would which only seemed to trigger a disgusted look from the boy.


    Just then, a few young women trickled out of a nearby building carrying what appeared to be wet clothes. The blonde couldn''t help but notice the women hanging up their clothes on a line stretching from one pole to another. As they were, they glanced over to the rangers and spotted him looking their way. Taking this golden opportunity, he showed off his straight pearly white teeth with a smile and threw in a wink for good measure. This seemed to do the trick because they erupted into a fit of giggles before returning his gesture with flirtatious waves.


    "I''ll never understand you youngsters nowadays. Why not settle down with someone you truly care for?" The heavy-set man shook his head in disapproval as he set down a card of the same number as the previous one.


    "Why settle for one flavor when there''s a whole variety of them to try?" The blonde countered, exuding with overconfidence.


    The men, and teenager, set down a few more cards before the cocky ranger smirked as he drew a card.


    "Looks like it''s my lucky day," he said, a smug expression plastered on his handsome face as he revealed his hand on the flat boulder.


    The old man drew a card as well and nonchalantly placed his hand down. His opponents studied the cards wide-eyed before sighing in resignation.


    "Again?" The kid slumped in defeat.


    "Remind me to never play against you again, old man." The blonde said, pushing silver and gold coins to the victor''s side.


    "Gotta humble you somehow, Bo." The heavy man smirked, accepting his money and pulling it into the accumulating pile of coins.


    "By taking all my money? You''re lucky I have enough to spare." He retorted.


    Funnily enough, he challenged the big guy again which he happily accepted. The boy joined in as well, regardless if he was short on funds, though the two didn''t mind. He was still learning the ins and outs of this card game.


    The satisfying sound of the heavy man effortlessly bridging the deck of cards filled their ears. He shuffled them a few more times before dealing five cards each to his younger opponents.


    The blonde placed a bet for more money this time around. Either he''d formulated a new strategy to counter the old man and claim his earnings or he hadn''t yet learned his lesson.


    After a few minutes of playing, their companions began murmuring to one another.


    "Hey, you think that''s them?" One of them squinted their eyes at three approaching figures.


    "Could be."


    "No one should be coming here. That has to be them."


    The figures closed in on them, eventually grabbing the timid teen''s attention as he was the one initially facing them. Glancing up, his eyes went wide as the center figure put him in a trance.


    "Woah...check ?????? out...!"


    The mere mention of a girl was enough to snatch the blonde''s attention away from the card game. He followed the boy''s gaze and spotted the figure himself, his eyes immediately gleaming with infatuation. From the way she swayed her hips to the way her long, silky smooth hair flowed gracefully in the afternoon breeze...


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    ''I didn''t think such a person could even exist...she''s almost as gorgeous as I am.''


    He turned to his younger colleague. He was the one who spotted her. In his mind, it was only right to allow him to have first dibs.


    "Well? Go talk to her."


    The kid violently recoiled with a baffled expression as if the blonde had said something utterly ridiculous.


    "A-Are you insane?! N-No way!"


    The more the boy thought about it, the more flustered he became. He tilted his head down, averting his gaze at the pile of cards they''d discarded earlier to hide his reddened face.


    "S-She''s totally out of my league. You talk to her."


    The blonde merely shrugged and grinned as the opportunity presented itself.


    This was his chance.


    "Well, if you say so. If you''re not gonna jump on this opportunity, I will," he placed his hand face down and stood up from his makeshift stone seat. "Excuse me, gentlemen."


    He confidently strode over to the silver-haired beauty earning him a sigh of disapproval from the old man. The tall stud made his approach, making sure to puff out his chest and sway his broad shoulders for extra flare. He grew more besotted with every step. The way the sunlight graced her face made her more radiant the closer he got.


    He stopped a few feet away from her, tilting his head while running his fingers through his slick hair and softening his gaze.


    "Hey there. Forgive me, but I couldn''t help but notice how enchanting you are. I''m Bo. Might I ask your name, beautiful?" He spoke softly, his teeth glistening as he flashed a smile.


    He grinned inwardly, knowing full well she wouldn''t be able to resist his advancement. He''d approached countless women in his time and refined his art. Those who were caught in his sights were almost instantly pulled in by the deadly combination of his magnetic charm and his devilish good looks.


    She approached him.


    ''That''s right. I just scored bi-!''


    Before he could finish that thought, she''d walked right past him as if he were a ghost. The pleasant fragrance of vanilla lingered in the air before disappearing as she continued towards the mine, not sparing him a single glance.


    ''...she ignored me?!'' He stood like a statue, stunned by the audacity of that young woman.


    Before long, her two companions reached him and gave him apologetic smiles before they too walked past him. After a few moments, he finally regained just enough composure to turn his head back. His timid friend wore a look of shock at the unprecedented turn of events. The heavy-set man, on the other hand, threw salt in the wound, snickering after his cocky friend suffered a massive blow to his ego.


    ''Oh shut up, you old geezer!''


    The heavy old man packed up his deck of cards as he recognized the young conjurer in the group and stood to his feet to greet them.


    "It''s good to see you again, Kenji."


    "Likewise, sir."


    "I''m sure you''re familiar with everyone here, except Bo."


    The blonde perked up, still processing what had just occurred, at the mention of his name as he approached.


    "You would''ve met him back at the guild, though he was too...preoccupied to introduce himself." He glared at the blonde as he said this.


    Judging from his small interaction, or lack thereof, with Fuyumi, he imagined he was referring to Bo hitting on other women. The old man, wearing a metallic shield on his back, looked over at Kenji''s two other teammates.


    "We''re the Bison Clan. We mostly do missions that either don''t entail combat or very little of it," he briefly explained. "I''m Hiroto, the leader of this clan and an A-rank tank. I''ll be protecting us from loose debris. It''s a pleasure to meet you!" He exclaimed wearing a welcoming smile.


    The stud made his way over and outstretched his hand to Kenji.


    "Sorry we didn''t meet earlier today. I''m Bo, a B-rank. I specialize in swordsmanship and will be protecting our conjurers." He gave an apologetic smile.


    At least he had the decency to introduce himself now without the old man telling him to. Kenji shook his hand.


    "I''m Kenji, an E-rank. I''m a conjurer and specialize in debuffing."


    The other rangers dropped down from their vantage point in preparation for their introductions. The timid lad stood to his feet and approached Yakeru and Fuyumi.


    "My name''s Touma. I-I''m a D-rank conjurer and a scout." He fumbled as he was in the presence of an attractive young woman.


    A lean man, a little on the shorter side, stepped up. He carried a wand on his hip and wore a brown cloak that stopped short above his hip. A leather strap wrapped diagonally across his chest.


    "I''m Riku. A C-rank conjurer. I''ll be drilling." He briefly stated.


    Yakeru glanced over to Fuyumi who relaxed her weight slightly on one leg, crossing her arms with a blank expression. He couldn''t help but draw parallels between her and this Riku guy.


    Another ranger, tall and lanky, wearing a brown robe, stood before them.


    "I''m Haruto. A C-rank conjurer and field researcher. I''ll be the one monitoring the seismic activity and air quality. It''s very nice to meet you." his square glasses caught the sun''s glare when he pushed them up with his index and middle fingers.


    So far, it seemed like this team consisted of rangers who specialized in utility and support. It made sense since this was merely an investigation mission. One more ranger stepped forward between Riku and Haruto.


    "My name''s Alek. I''m a B-rank conjurer and I specialize in radiance transfer. We don''t know how long we''ll be down there for so I''ll be replenishing your radiance if necessary." He puffed out his chest, his confidence seemingly stemming from the fact that he was the ''battery'' of the group, so to speak.


    Without him, they wouldn''t accomplish much.


    Their party consisted of one tank, three melee fighters, and five conjurers. If this was a mission where monsters would be plentiful, they''d be in trouble as this team wasn''t very balanced. Fortunately, they wouldn''t have to worry about combat and even if there were a handful of low-tier monsters, they still had three combatants, two of them being B-rank.


    Next up were the newcomers.


    "I''m Yakeru," he spoke up. "I''m a C-rank specializing in swordsmanship."


    And finally,


    "Fuyumi. B-rank. I use daggers." She briefly stated, her arms remaining crossed.


    The clan probably expected her to say more because they just stared at her for a moment, the gentle breeze being the only sound to break the silence. Hiroto finally cleared his throat, realizing she was finished with her introduction and began laying out the plan.


    Their job was to venture inside and locate the source of the gas and tremors and put a stop to it. Hiroto would be at the center of the formation. This way it''d be easier to protect everyone from falling rubble. To his left and right would be Yakeru and Bo while Fuyumi guarded the front. Yakeru noticed her roll her eyes most likely because she had to stand next to the man she deemed the most irritating of the group. Behind them would be the conjurers in an arc formation. This was how they''d traverse the mine.


    ????????????...


    The ground beneath them trembled ever so slightly. Though it wasn''t strong enough to thrash the rangers around, it was enough to startle them. Touma was frightened the most as the hairs on his forearm stood up. Eventually, the tremor subsided after a few seconds before Hiroto approached Yakeru and his team.


    "Here," he reached into his satchel and passed around pendants to Yakeru''s group. "Put these on. They were forged from a Fumetsu Dragonyte. They''ll protect you from the gas."


    The pendant had green symbols carved into the front of its pearly surface. Once they''d put them on, the symbols began to give off a soft green glow. The rest of the clan pulled out their own pendants and did the same.


    With that, they were prepared for what was to come.


    "Alright, let''s go!"

 Chapter 49: The Mine

    Unlike their second dungeon raid, lamps were strategically placed along the mine shaft''s rigid walls, providing orange artificial lighting. The lights would periodically flicker, plunging small areas of the shaft into a momentary darkness. That combined with the occasional decaying support beam and loose rocks echoing in the distance gave the narrow corridor an ominous vibe. The temperature gradually dropped the further they went.


    "Creepy..." Touma muttered.


    "You''ll be fine, bud," Bo reassured over his shoulder.


    To make the most of their time, the clan had done some research on the mine while waiting for Yakeru''s group.


    According to the locals, the men of the village used the mine to gather coal and iron. Traders would often swing by the village to offer their goods and in return, they''d receive minerals from the mine. However, the gas combined with small tremors has rendered the mine unfit to work in, hence why it''s been evacuated.


    Some speculated that an ancient relic was responsible for the air pollution. However, after interviewing the miners, they''d come to the conclusion no one had dug up any relics. Others theorized that the mine had reached geysers which in turn leaked gas into the shaft.


    The monsters in the inner rim were considered the weakest compared to the mid and outer rims. So once again, they ruled out the possibility of monsters powerful enough to cause the very earth to tremble. Since this was a manmade cave, the likelihood of encountering monsters to begin with was minuscule anyway.


    Continuing further, they could spot various mining equipment scattered along the ground implying that the miners left in a hurry. The deeper they went, the more abundant iron ore and coal seemed to be. Since the mine belonged to the villagers, they weren''t granted permission to reap any of the valuables they came across. This was the main reason why so many rangers chose to ignore this mission since a large chunk of revenue would be gone.


    Eventually, the group arrived at a clearing. The chamber was about twenty meters wide with abandoned carts filled with coal and iron ore scattered along the floor.


    ????????????...


    Another tremor shook the mine, only this time it was stronger since they were no longer on the surface. Pebbles dropped from above, prompting them to shield their heads instinctively. The lamps shook and flickered more sporadically as the rangers stumbled a bit. Hiroto glanced back at Haruto.


    "You''re up," he commanded.


    Haruto nodded before resting the bottom of his staff on the uneven stone floor. Moments after imbuing his conduit, a soft wave of radiance pulsated outwards in all directions. Each pulse he emitted revealed faint vibrating specks of amber in the air. They resembled sparks from metal clashing with metal.


    They stood there momentarily as the conjurer was in deep concentration, his eyes screwed shut. Yakeru remembered him saying he''d map the seismic activity, but he wasn''t expecting it to entail something of this fashion. It was like standing in a colony of fireflies. The casual looks of the other clan members indicated they were quite used to seeing this spectacle.


    After a few more moments, the quake had finally subsided and Haruto''s pulses ceased. He quickly searched his back pocket, pulled out a small notebook and pen, and began scribbling.


    "Well?" Hiroto asked, looking back at him.


    "It''s no good," Haruto sighed, shutting his book and slipping it back into his pocket. "I have a vague idea of where it''s coming from but we need to go further inside to pinpoint it."


    "What about the gas?"


    "It''s already made its way into this room. It''s not exactly filled with the stuff, but I did detect traces of it," he turned to the rest of the group. "It''ll only get more polluted from this point forward so make sure you keep your pendants handy. If you lose it, you''re dead."


    Yakeru swallowed his saliva, as did Kenji and Touma.


    "Well then, let''s keep moving," Hiroto ordered.


    The group pressed on past the first room and into another narrow hall just wide enough for four people. Small boulders occasionally blocked their path so they''d have to climb over them one at a time but otherwise, they didn''t struggle too much. Occasionally, they''d stop to take a breather, Haruto sensing their surroundings as they did so.


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    Though everyone''s attention was focused on the mission at hand, something had been tugging at the corner of Touma''s mind since they entered the shaft. He caught up to Bo who was ahead of him and asked,


    "Hey, so what happened?"


    "What do you mean?" He raised a confused eyebrow.


    "You know..." He glanced over at Fuyumi who was already making distance. "With her."


    "Oh, her?" Bo raised two fingers. "There are two types of women: Those who like to chase and those who like to be chased. In this case, it''s the latter."


    "Really? Because it looked like she ignored you." He unintentionally rubbed salt in the wound, Bo practically doubling over from his jab.


    "Oh, quiet you! Trust me, she''s just playing hard to get."


    "Is that how it is?"


    "Yes, it is."


    They continued their trudge, climbing over and squeezing through debris before coming across another open room with quite a dilemma. The entire time, they were traveling down one path but now this room had split it into four. Hiroto briefly considered splitting up but that would easily spell disaster if another quake were to happen. Since they were deeper inside, the tremors would be stronger meaning he needed to keep everyone in one place to protect them from falling rubble. He glanced back at Touma.


    "Do your thing, youngster."


    Touma responded with a nod as he lifted his staff. It glowed vibrantly before multiple orbs materialized around him. His eyes shined like headlights before the orbs shot down each cavern.


    "Dead end...no...not that one either..." He muttered to himself, his amber-colored eyes darting back and forth.


    After some time had passed, his lips curled into a small smile before his expression dropped slightly. His staff had lost its glow and his eyes returned to their natural brown color. He turned to Hiroto with concern in his eyes.


    "Something the matter?" The tank asked.


    "Well...I found the right path but..."


    "Yes?" He raised a confused eyebrow.


    Touma hesitated for a moment before sharing what he saw.


    "It could''ve been my imagination but...I could''ve sworn I spotted movement too."


    Everyone looked at Touma with a mix of concern and annoyance. Perhaps because they knew that the mine was evacuated already so it''d be impossible for anyone to still be alive down here with the polluted air.


    "Are you sure it wasn''t just some loose rocks shifting? We''ve been feeling tremors for a while now." Alek questioned with slight irritation in his voice, not wanting to entertain the idea that there could be something down there waiting for them.


    "I''m positive. They weren''t rocks falling from the ceiling or anything like that. They were slithering across the ground," his voice had a tinge of worry as saying it aloud gave him goosebumps. "The orb I sent dissipated before I could get a good look."


    "Monsters then?" Riku suggested.


    "That''s impossible," Kenji answered, looking down the dim hall. "The tremors would''ve scared them away. Even if there were monsters here, they can''t survive in this gas."


    As the group began to speculate, Hiroto cupped his chin in thought before reaching a decision.


    "Alright. We''ll take an hour break. If you need to fill your bellies, do it now. Afterward, we''ll continue on."


    Everyone nodded in agreement and went to various corners of the room. Some pulled out canteens of water and alcohol. Others started with the lunches they had packed prior. Alek knelt beside an exhausted Haruto, his breaths becoming heavier. From the moment they entered the shaft to now, he had done most of the heavy lifting, measuring the strength of the quakes relative to their position, locating their origin, keeping tabs on the air pollution...


    He was exhausting his radiance faster than anyone there. Alek noticed this and hovered his wand over his worn-out comrade. Orbs of light materialized and floated down. As soon as they merged with him, his breathing stabilized more.


    Yakeru observed from the opposite side of the room as he munched on his sandwich. The scene reminded him of a certain healer he''d met relatively recently. Touma sat close by, popping open a bottle of water. His hand shook ever so slightly but enough to make droplets flick out of the bottle.


    "Are you okay?" Yakeru asked.


    "Huh? Oh! Yeah. I''ll be fine," he made a poor attempt to shrug off the question. "Just...a little concerned about what I saw and how we''d deal with it, you know? A-And the tremors. What if it''s not just a simple earthquake?"


    Yakeru listened to his venting teammate until it was his turn to speak. He said in a soft tone,


    "I get it. It''s the fear of the unknown."


    "Yeah..." Touma glanced over at Bo who took confident strides up to the aloof Fuyumi.


    She was just finishing a fruit she''d brought with her. He had a profile view of her that he could only describe as breathtaking as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. Though she didn''t look up, she must''ve sensed the handsome swordsman was about to shoot his shot again because a subtle sigh slipped from her mouth.


    He''d convinced himself that their last interaction was merely a fluke and he''d get a word out of her this time. He preemptively prepared his pickup line and opened his mouth but before he could say a word, she''d already gathered her things and walked away. Once again, he froze in place, amazed by her audacity.


    ''Again?!'' His eye twitched with irritation.


    A small smile formed on Touma''s face watching the comedic scene.


    "How long have you two known each other?" Yakeru asked curiously and to get the kid''s mind off his worries.


    "You mean Bo? We''ve been friends since I joined the clan and he kinda sees me as his little brother. As you can tell, I can be a bit shy and unsure. That''s why I admire him because he''s the total opposite." His smile faltered.


    "Wipe that frown off your face, youngster."


    Despite his size, the pot-bellied Hiroto managed to sneak up beside them with a deck of cards in hand.


    "It''ll do you no good to drown yourself in uncertainty." He smiled warmly, flashing his deck. "Now how about a game of Jo-ku?"

 Chapter 50: A Sticky Situation

    After a couple of games of trial and error, Yakeru finally got the hang of Jo-ku. He strategically discarded a couple of cards in exchange for new ones. Feeling confident, he placed his hand down with a smug smile only for Hiroto to do the same. Since he was still new to the game, it took him a few seconds to register that Hiroto had bested him for a third time.


    "So much for ''Third time''s a charm''."


    "It''s not your fault. He''s just really good at this." Touma comforted Yakeru as Hiroto chuckled, gathering his cards.


    Yakeru couldn''t help but admire their elegant design. They had gold borders that turned to spirals at the corners. They seemed to have a subtle rainbow effect when the light hit it a certain way as well.


    "Neat, huh?" Hiroto snapped him out of his trance.


    "Oh, yeah. They''re really cool. It must''ve cost a lot to get them."


    He collected the rest of his cards and organized them before effortlessly performing a spring flourish between his hands.


    "They were a gift from my daughter. Even when her budget was limited, she still remembered how much I enjoy card games. Since they''re limited edition, I''m sure she went through a lot of trouble snagging the last deck before they sold out."


    "Oh, I can''t imagine those were easy to find. She sounds very kind and thoughtful."


    "Yeah," he shuffled the cards absentmindedly, mustering a weak smile to no one in particular. "She waits for me every time I go out."


    "I see."


    Hiroto bridged and shuffled them a few more times before dealing. Touma managed to secure a win here and there, putting a smile on his face, but the more experienced jo-ku player, Hiroto, won the majority of the time. Overall, the timid boy seemed more at ease.


    ????????????...!


    The cards stuttered across the fabric. Veins cracked into the walls and the group of rangers braced themselves. Both Yakeru and Touma hurriedly discarded their hands as Hiroto grabbed the four corners of the fabric and covered his cards. Everyone bolted towards Hiroto as he grabbed his shield. Once everyone was accounted for, he imbued it, projecting a barrier above them.


    The ceiling split apart, allowing for boulders to rain down on them. The boulders produced ripples in the barrier each time they smashed into it. Amidst the commotion, Yakeru just so happened to look Hiroto''s way. The old man''s expression was hardened, unwavering. His stance faltered not once as rubble hammered his reinforced shield.


    There were other details he, Kenji, and Fuyumi took note of as well. The moment the clan felt the quake, they bolted to Hiroto seemingly without a second thought. Kenji and Fuyumi were both close enough so they weren''t in immediate danger. Alek even took the liberty to replenish Hiroto''s radiance while he protected them without being asked to do so.


    The clan understood each others'' roles to such an extent that they seemingly acted on reflex. It spoke volumes about their coordination.


    After a few seconds longer, the quake subsided and the debris settled.


    "Holy crap..." Alek murmured.


    "Everyone, pack your things. It''s time we keep moving." Hiroto commanded, assuming their belongings weren''t already crushed.


    Fuyumi had a trace of worry on her face. The clan members didn''t seem to notice but Yakeru had known Fuyumi long enough to catch the subtle shifts in her expressions. He watched silently as her eyes darted around to confirm her two companions were both accounted for before her face softened in satisfaction.


    Hiroto deactivated his barrier while the others scavenged the area of what remained. As expected, most of their items were ruined though allowing them to set out quicker.


    Kenji nudged Yakeru''s shoulder.


    "Hey. Alek''s pretty impressive, right?"


    "What do you mean?"


    Kenji glanced over at Alek dusting himself off.


    "I mean he''s been replenishing the teams'' radiance the whole time without showing any signs of fatigue."


    Yakeru''s eyebrows shot up, finally understanding what his comrade was getting at.


    "Oh, yeah. You''re right. His channels must be highly developed."


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    The team finished gathering their things and headed out. Now that they knew something awaited them ahead, they treaded carefully.


    "Remember, something might be down here with us. We have to assume the worst so stay alert." Hiroto cautioned his allies.


    Touma, although timid, was naturally aware of his surroundings. This made him perfect to play the role of a scout. Even if most of his allies didn''t see much potential in him. Either way, if he claimed to have seen something, Hiroto knew to take him seriously. Their lives were in his hands, after all.


    Their light source only became more scarce the further they went down as multiple lamps had been knocked down and broken.


    "W-We''re closing in on the area where I saw those moving shadows..." Touma warned, clutching onto his staff.


    Hiroto raised his shield in response before quietly ushering his force to move forward. Shadows on the walls, floor, and ceiling became more abundant from the gradual lack of light. A partial clearing came into view, the entrance to the room only illuminated by a single lamp that had survived the quakes. As for the room itself, it was already consumed by darkness.


    "Alek. Give us some light." Hiroto ordered.


    Nothing happened.


    Expecting the shaft to brighten, the group was instead startled by what sounded like a wooden thud softly echoing behind them. They all glanced back expecting to see their teammate but the shadows made it challenging to see three feet in front of them.


    "Alek?" Hiroto tried keeping his composure but the worry in his voice betrayed him.


    The only response he received was incoherent sounds too quiet to make out.


    "Light! Anyone!"


    Kenji wasted little time and infused his staff, brightening the shaft. As he did, everyone reflexively stumbled back in shock.


    An almost transparent green sludge was latched onto Alek''s head, his panicked screams muffled. Movement slithered above Touma''s field of view in his peripheral vision. Mustering every ounce of courage, he tilted his head up and his face turned pale. The others followed his gaze, sharing similar reactions.


    Dozens of sludge-like creatures dangled from the ceiling in preparation for an ambush.


    "Slimes!" Hiroto roared, manifesting a barrier above them.


    ????????????! ????????????!


    Before long, the once-amber-colored barrier turned a dark shade of green as the slimes descended onto their prey.


    "Damage dealers, form a perimeter around the conjurers!" Hiroto ordered.


    It took a few moments for Yakeru and Fuyumi to gather their wits but they eventually did as they were ordered. Bo, however, kept his eyes glued to Alek who continued to shriek through the green mass clamped to his face. Moments passed before he sprinted to assist his comrade, drawing his sword as he did.


    "Bo! Get back here!"


    He ignored the old man, weaving through the green minefield.


    Slimes began to skid across the ground towards the group taking shelter under the barrier. The slimes were mostly made up of a gooey substance except for their center. They had a dark bean-shaped center that pulsated every couple of seconds. It didn''t take a genius to figure out what they needed to target.


    Yakeru hacked and slashed at the aggressors, aiming for their center mass. Fuyumi took advantage of her athleticism, zipping around the room to compensate for their missing damage dealer.


    As Bo reached the suffocating ranger, his face went pale. Alek thrashed around hopelessly, desperate to remove the slimy mass only for his hands to sink into its near-liquid exterior. Bo raised his sword, his eyes locked onto the slime''s weak point but hesitation froze him in place.


    "Stop moving!"


    It was futile. Alek couldn''t make out the muffled voice or the vague figure through his obstructed vision. Every time Bo decided to go through with a swing, Alek''s appendages would flail in the way.


    A guttural screech tore out of his throat as patches of hair disintegrated from his scalp. His flesh ripped from his face, exposing the delicate muscles and tissue underneath. Bo watched with trembling eyes as his comrade was consumed alive.


    Alas, his assistance was in vain as Alek''s muffled screams were silenced and his body went limp. The sight of Bo''s former clan mate turned food ignited a rage within him.


    "You...!" Bo raised his longsword and drove it into the unsuspecting slime feasting on his friend.


    Its body spasmed violently before sprawling out on the stone floor. He whipped around, slicing through more slimes that had tried to ambush him.


    Fuyumi slashed through her assailants one by one, leaving the terrain with green splotches and her allies in awe. Since slimes lacked blood, her bloodhound blade''s siphon effect was useless in this fight. Nonetheless, she tried covering as much ground as she could with the little stamina she had left. Most of the group were noncombatants so it was practically her, Yakeru, and Bo against these creatures.


    Her movements began to slow and her breaths became heavier. Taking advantage of the situation, a slime managed to latch onto her leg. For a moment she tried shaking it off as she fended off more slimes but that only seemed to tighten its hold, cutting off the circulation. The moment she decided to direct more of her attention on her leg was when another slime clamped onto her back. Panic began to set in as the creatures started eating through at her clothes to reach her flesh. Her movements became more frantic, growing more desperate to pry them off as more of them lunged toward her.


    Before they could reach her, Kenji had already prepared to cast his ability. Igniting his staff with radiance, the slimes halted mid-lunge before they were slammed into the stone floor, killing them instantly. The monsters clinging to her had also whipped down to the ground, revealing torn fabric.


    ??????????!


    They were crushed under the increased weight which shocked him. Normally he couldn''t kill monsters by merely increasing their weight though he assumed it was because their bodies were fragile.


    There were still dozens of them advancing towards them but taking that new knowledge into account, he raised his staff. Slimes that were once skidding across the room''s floor came to a sudden stop. Their bodies contorted before their bean-shaped hearts caved in, killing them instantly.


    The other conjurers stared at him in surprise. To them, it seemed as if he was somehow forcing the monsters to self-destruct. They weren''t sure how an E-rank was capable of this but that soon didn''t matter as the cavern began to shake.


    ????????????!!


    The room trembled and the roof split apart. The quake threw everyone off balance, enough to shake Bo out of his feral frenzy. Realizing the situation, he darted across the room, avoiding crashing debris, and slid under Hiroto''s barrier.


    ????????! ??????????!


    One by one, the slimes were crushed as the rangers stumbled over. Sweat slid down Hiroto''s face, struggling to keep the barrier stable as they were buried under the rubble.

 Chapter 51: The Impossible

    After several minutes of violently getting thrashed around, the quake finally subsided. Everyone erupted into a fit of coughs as dust filled the air. Yakeru and Fuyumi whipped the green goo off of their weapons. Hiroto groaned as he couldn''t yet release the barrier without the rubble on top being cleared.


    "Riku!" he strained, the moment reminding him that his body wasn''t what it used to be.


    "I''m on it!"


    He drew his wand, screwed his eyes shut, and began casting. He pointed his wand at a boulder that had crashed into the barrier and it started to glow. With the flick of his wrist, the boulder had vanished into thin air.


    ??????????!


    Hiroto became visibly relieved as some of the weight he''d been shouldering was removed. Yakeru and Kenji were both in shock. Someone had just made a rock disappear without a trace right before their eyes. Riku proceeded to do the same to another boulder.


    ??????????!


    The boys snapped out of their trance and looked in the direction of the crash. Boulders were resting in the corner of the chamber they hadn''t noticed before.


    ??????????!


    Another appeared seemingly out of nowhere. They studied the materializing rubble for a few seconds before it clicked. He wasn''t making matter disappear but displacing it. Yakeru had heard stories of rangers capable of bending the fabric of space itself to achieve a teleportation effect. Though, to see it in person was surreal, like a child seeing a magic trick for the first time.


    Kenji wondered why he chose not to use this ability during their fight. Judging from Riku''s stiff body language, he assumed it required an extreme amount of concentration. To perform it on one''s self or another moving target in the heat of battle must''ve required the skill to be as natural as breathing. He couldn''t imagine how long it''d take to reach that kind of mastery.


    "Slimes..." Bo whispered, sitting in the corner with his face in his palm. "They were just slimes...If I hadn''t hesitated, maybe he..."


    Riku squeezed his eyes tighter, refusing to break concentration as the others watched. Touma was especially distraught to see his once-confident friend in distress. By now, Yakeru was well aware that anything could happen on a mission. His past experiences were proof of that. Even the weakest of monsters were still monsters.


    "There was nothing you could''ve done, youngster. Yeah...there was nothing you could''ve done..." Hiroto consoled as the weight he supported became more manageable. Although, it sounded less like him comforting a friend and more like he was trying to soothe his own conscience.


    He''d practically sacrificed an ally to ensure the majority of his party''s safety. They''d gone on numerous missions together, shared meals together, laughed together, endured challenges together... The debris he carried didn''t weigh him down nearly as much as the burden of being leader. He clenched his teeth contemplating if he''d made the right decision.


    "H-How did they get in the mine at all?" Touma stammered.


    "That''s what you''re asking?" Haruto snapped back. "Why didn''t those things vacate the area when they felt the quakes in the first place?!"


    "They must''ve mined close to a dungeon which allowed the slimes to migrate inside," Kenji theorized, kneeling in front of a motionless slime to study its see-through body. "As for why they didn''t leave...it doesn''t seem like they have nervous systems. I suppose that''s why they wouldn''t have known about the quakes."


    Haruto glanced down seemingly satisfied with his explanation. Touma sat next to Bo, resting a hand on his shoulder. His confidence had all but disappeared at this point, replaced with a look of guilt.


    As Riku continued to remove the debris, Fuyumi plopped down with her head cocked back, panting heavily. She''d once again over-exerted herself, though this time it wasn''t her fault. She looked over at the playboy, her expression a mixure of exhaustion and disdain, but that man was no longer present. Instead, she saw someone who was drowning in self-hatred with his companion rubbing his back consolingly. Her face softened as even she couldn''t muster the will to stay angry at a man who''d lost someone before his eyes. Ironically, she saw a glimpse of herself in him which she had mixed feelings about.


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    Kenji approached her, offering some water.


    "Thanks," she accepted.


    "No problem."


    She took big gulps, allowing the cool water to soothe her burning throat. Before long she left the canteen empty and handed it back to him.


    "And...thanks for earlier too," she looked away, her hair hiding the embarrassment on her face from having to be saved from mere slimes.


    "Of course, don''t worry about it," he smiled.


    Several minutes passed and Riku was finally able to clear the debris on his radiant shield, revealing the green mess underneath. They took a few minutes to process the recent events before trudging forward.


    "Let''s go. We still have a job to do." Hiroto spoke.


    With Fuyumi''s stamina somewhat replenished, she followed suit. Marching down the dark cavern, they ran into more debris, prompting Riku to clear a path. Touma and Haruto''s specialties weren''t underutilized either as they still encountered multiple paths and Haruto was close to pinpointing the source of both the gas and tremors.


    Without Alek, they were forced to reserve as much radiance as possible. Their leader was already showing signs of exhaustion from having to hold a barrier for several minutes.


    Hiroto came to a halt and signaled the team to do the same. Before them was a caved-in floor though the rubble made it a gradual slope. The already scarce light from the mine couldn''t reach the pit. Yakeru stared into the darkness, gravitating towards it as if the abyss was inviting him.


    "The gas and quakes are coming from down there," Haruto confirmed.


    Without having to give the order, Touma already sent an orb into the abyss to ensure it was safe. The light produced by the orbs was enough to snap Yakeru out of his trance. Minutes passed and Touma''s expression didn''t seem to change until...


    "Woah...what the?!" he stepped back in surprise as if what he saw was actually in front of him.


    "What? What do you see?" Bo questioned, everyone now having a look of puzzlement.


    Touma deactivated his ability and his eyes went to their normal color once more. He looked at Bo with both curiosity and worry in his eyes.


    "From what I could make out, it''s safe. As for what I saw...I...I think it''s better if you see for yourself."


    Confused, Haruto lit his staff, granting them a light source as they carefully descended down the slope. With no support beams or mining equipment in sight, it was clear this part of the cave was untouched by miners.


    The cave didn''t go down as far as they anticipated but at the end of it was a faint violet light which grew brighter with every step. Once they''d reached the end of the cave, their eyes shot open.


    "What the?" Riku blurted.


    On the other side of the cavern was a large clearing that stretched far beyond their view. They peered agape at the thousands - no - millions of luminescent specks that glittered throughout the massive chamber. For a moment, they''d forgotten they were underground as the beautiful scenery made it seem like a dream. It was enough to even bring Touma''s defenses down.


    "This is so...surreal," Touma muttered, his eyes glued to the mesmerizing view.


    Hypnotized, Haruto extinguished his light and the group wandered inside the vast, open room. Stepping inside, they studied the large area. It was like approaching a field of glitter bulbs.


    "Strange..." Hiroto mumbled, kneeling to examine the ground.


    "What is it?" Yakeru asked, puzzled.


    There were skid marks all over the ground. Hiroto glanced up and squinted to see numerous large holes in the walls. No, not holes but rather tunnels. What was more suspicious was that there were no signs of deterioration in the room.


    The Bison clan has been on countless expeditions so they were quite familiar with various terrains. This vast room on the other hand was something of an anomaly.


    "This room should''ve collapsed from the quakes by now," Kenji stated, spooked by what he''d just said.


    Even if there weren''t any tremors, the place was simply too large to stand on its own without any pillars. The only difference was this room was filled with unknown violet specks. Kenji speculated if they were somehow responsible for keeping the place stable.


    The further they walked, the more goosebumps they accumulated. A part of them wanted to lay down and relax but the other wanted to get out as soon as humanly possible. Haruto activated his ability to confirm a thought.


    "The gas is the most concentrated in here," he said. "If I had to guess, whatever these purple things are, they''re polluting the air."


    "So, how do we get rid of them?" The handsome swordsman looked around in confusion.


    "Maybe we don''t have to. We can just seal off the entrance, right?" Haruto proposed a seemingly obvious solution with a hint of annoyance in his voice.


    "We don''t know where the gas would redirect to. Even if it was safe to do so, we still don''t know what''s causing the tremors." Hiroto said as the group scanned the area.


    ????????????!!


    As if on cue, the room trembled, the rangers struggling to keep their balance. Dust dropped from the ceiling and veins split the ground. With the earth shaking, they awkwardly sprinted up to Hiroto, huddling beside him as he prepared to raise a barrier. Haruto hurried over, panic evident on his face but his attempt was in vain.


    A massive figure erupted from the ground before Haruto disappeared from sight. A thick cloud of violet mist obscured their vision.


    Whatever the creature was, it had eight glowing purple eyes that pierced through the smokescreen several stories above them. When the mist somewhat cleared, their faces turned a ghostly white.


    The creature resembled an arthropod, except it was large enough to easily swallow any of them whole. Its hide was made up of dark scaly armor and had countless rows of razor sharp teeth filling the slit in its face that they assumed was its mouth.


    "I-Is this some kind of s-sick joke?" Riku stuttered in disbelief, having to cock his head back just to look at the colossal-sized beast.


    "Y-You gotta be kidding me...!" Bo staggered backwards. "What the hell''s a behemoth doing in the inner rim?!"

 Chapter 52: The Behemoth

    The rangers'' eyes trembled with terror as they were consumed by the behemoth''s shadow. Its unbridled hostility gripped their throats and rooted their legs in fear. Impaled on one of its mandibles was a familiar figure. With horrified eyes, Touma stumbled back.


    "H-H-Haruto...!" he muttered.


    "...h...hel...p...m...e..." Haruto whimpered, blood oozing from his wounds.


    It was impossible to calculate how long this thing was since part of its body was still buried underground though the exposed part was at least twenty meters long. Yakeru swallowed hard as he too had to nearly look straight up at the imposing figure. He didn''t think monsters could grow to such a colossal scale. Even Fuyumi''s face was drained of its color.


    "W-We''re all finished..." Riku sank to his knees in complete resignation.


    With both mandibles, it guided the still-conscious ranger into its mouth.


    "AHH-!" his cries were cut short as the beast devoured him whole, a cloud of purple mist spewing from the crevasses of its obsidian armor.


    "Go! Run!!" Hiroto was the first to snap out of his stupor, urging his petrified teammates to make a break for it.


    With great effort, they peeled their gazes away from the behemoth and raced towards the exit. The horrific sounds of flesh tearing and bones crunching echoed in their heads before a thunderous roar exploded from behind them, forcing them to shield their ears. The earth trembled once more and Yakeru glanced back only to find the beast barrelling towards them. Its legs moved with terrifying swiftness, propelling its enormous size forward in a relentless pursuit as it effortlessly pulverized boulders in its path. Its eyes burned with an insatiable bloodlust aimed at the fools who''d invaded its territory.


    The longer they ran, the more they realized outrunning a beast capable of tunneling through solid rock was futile as they gained zero distance. As the behemoth closed in on them, the bulky armor on its ''neck'' slid over its head, its movement creating a gale of mist.


    Realizing they couldn''t escape, Kenji willed radiance into his staff in an attempt to slow the creature''s advancement. Blood immediately erupted from his nose, bringing him to his knees as the beast''s sheer size completely negated the debuff.


    It thrust itself at the closest target, Touma, before Hiroto stepped between them, conjuring a barrier at a slight angle.


    ????????!!


    A deafening explosion reverberated through the large chamber as he parried the force of the blow, shattering the thick wall of radiance. He slid back several feet, recovering from the violent recoil. Although he protected Touma from what would''ve been an instant kill, the shockwave still launched the boy away.


    Seizing the opportunity created by Hiroto, Fuyumi doubled back to assist the old man. Bo glanced back at the two, then the creature. The mere sight of the titanic monstrosity filled him with a second wave of fear. Not wanting to lose any more comrades because of his hesitance, he steeled himself, drawing his sword and joining the fight.


    "Bo! What are you doing?!" Touma shouted.


    "Keep going! I''ll catch up!"


    The two willed radiance into their blades as they charged the beast. Hiroto nodded at Fuyumi as if they had a prior agreement before he offered his shield as a springboard and launched her through the air.


    She twirled her body using her increased momentum. Sparks flew as her blades glided across the creature''s exoskeleton, leaving behind a trail of brilliant amber.


    While she attacked high Bo opted for a low assault. He evaded the spider-like appendages that struck the ground like javelins as he dished out precise attacks.


    The sharp sound of clinging metal pierced the cavern. Though even with the combined efforts of two B-ranks and one A-rank, they didn''t leave so much as a scratch on it. Unfazed, the behemoth slammed through the stone floor.


    ????????!


    Powerful winds shot them backwards and debris exploded through the air. The rest of the group was forced to scatter if they didn''t want to get crushed by raining boulders. Fuyumi barely recovered fast enough to throw herself away from a boulder smashing into the ground. Bo, unfortunately, didn''t possess the same reflexes and was pinned under a slab of earth.


    "Bo!" Touma cried, rushing over to his injured comrade, along with Yakeru and Kenji.


    Together, they tried lifting the rock but even with their combined strength, it wasn''t enough.


    "What are you doing...?! I told you to go!" Bo hoarsely barked.


    Touma turned back to see Riku nearing the exit.


    "Riku! We need your help! Please!"


    Riku stopped in his tracks, mere feet away from the exit. He glanced at the pleading teen, then back at the exit. He stood frozen, debating over the deafening roars and thunderous explosions from behind him.


    "Riku!!"


    He gritted his teeth in new resolve and sprinted back towards his fallen ally.


    "Riku, take Touma and go!" Bo demanded.


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    Riku ignored him and proceeded to remove the slab of stone lying on his foot. The fear searing through his body and the continuous chaos nearby made it difficult to concentrate. He fumbled with his wand a moment before grasping it tightly. Soon the rock slab disappeared and reappeared a few feet away.


    Touma and Kenji slung Bo''s arms over their shoulders while Riku finally had enough, bolting for the exit.


    "Riku, wait!" Yakeru extended a helpless hand.


    ??????????!


    Flying debris smashed in front of the wand user, a broken stone hitting him square in the chest as he got the wind knocked out of him. He tumbled back several meters before coming to a stop to recover. His body ached as he struggled to stand, Yakeru rushed over to him but stopped, staring at a particular accessory of his.


    "R-Riku...your pendant...!"


    He glanced down to see the pendant that had been protecting him from the gas for hours now shattered. He looked at Yakeru, his face pale as the gas found its way into his lungs. He erupted in a fit of coughs before blood poured from his mouth. Boils formed on his skin, bursting with pus. His eyes turned bloodshot and veins bulged all over his body.


    "Help! Please!" he begged, reaching for Yakeru''s pendant in desperation. Blood began seeping out of every orifice until the anguish on his face was no longer apparent. "AAGHHH! HELP ME!"


    Yakeru backed away in horror as he watched the conjurer''s body liquefy before his eyes. His shrieks turned to gurgles before he was silenced, reduced to a heap of flesh and bones.


    "Yakeru!"


    It took a minute to realize Kenji was shouting for him. He still didn''t have time to process what had happened. His legs wouldn''t move even as the behemoth thrashed around, shaking the room. Kenji sprinted to him.


    "Yakeru!" he yanked his arm. "We need to go, now!"


    He snapped out of the trance and nodded, still shaken up after witnessing that unsightly scene. He glanced back to see the A-rank leader battling the towering beast with Fuyumi who was already showing signs of exhaustion.


    Hiroto deflected another attack as the behemoth tunneled into the ground again. Fuyumi had been evading and counter-attacking the whole time. Yet despite her best efforts slashing away at its outer shell, its armor made it practically impervious to damage.


    Hiroto was rather impressed that she managed to survive this long, but even he could tell the girl was running out of time. Her stamina had taken a hit back at the room with the slimes now she was pushing herself even harder to keep up with the titan. She panted and her movements grew sluggish allowing the beast to finally nick her leg.


    She tumbled to the ground and without wasting a second, it charged her at full speed.


    ????????!!


    If Hiroto hadn''t leaped in front of her, barrier ready, she would''ve been pulverized.


    "Go, youngster! Make sure everyone gets out safely! I can hold it off!"


    She nodded, retreating back to the others, fishing out a health elixir and drinking its contents as she did. Yakeru and Touma were hard at work carrying Bo toward the exit. Kenji helped Fuyumi stabilize her strides as most of her stamina had been drained already. It felt like they were moving at a snail''s pace, the group constantly glancing over their shoulders to keep tabs on the beast thrashing about.


    The creature took full advantage of its massive build to pummel the old man.


    ????????!! ??????????!!


    It tunneled around him, trapping him in a purple smokescreen that impaired his vision. He parried and deflected each and every blow that would''ve been fatal had he taken them head-on.


    He parried again before it tunneled and attempted the same strategy from a different angle. He only had a few feet of visibility which translated to half a second to react. One slight miscalculation would spell his end. The radiance in his reserves plummeted and his already deteriorating body ached as he continued to ward off the behemoth''s onslaught.


    It slammed against his radiant wall once again, shattering it before drilling into the earth. The ground cracked and trembled more violently beneath him this time. He looked down as the stone floor began to cave in slightly. His eyes widened as he realized what was about to happen but it was already too late. Not that he could flee in his worn-out state anyway.


    He aimed his shield down and cast one final barrier, pouring every ounce of radiance into it before uttering,


    "Well played..."


    The colossal beast rocketed from beneath him shattering his defenses and sending him soaring. He smashed into the ground near his team, leaving behind a dust cloud.


    "Hiroto!" Kenji yelped.


    "Is he moving?!" Bo panicked. "Say something!"


    Yakeru peeled off from the group behind and sprinted toward the crater the leader had created from the impact.


    "Where are you going?!" Fuyumi shouted.


    "Keep going! I''ll be right behind you!" he continued sprinting.


    He snuck a glance in the beast''s direction. Judging from its beady eyes, it seemed to be basking in pleasure after swatting a rather annoying insect.


    He waved away the dust to reveal a gravely wounded Hiroto. His twisted armor and shield were painted red from the blood that gushed out of where his arm used to be. Patches of skin had been torn off and his left leg was bent at an awkward angle. His once nicely kept cards were scattered around him, red, bent, and torn.


    Despite his condition, he was still barely conscious, coughing up a fountain of blood. Yakeru hurriedly kneeled beside him, fumbling in his satchel before pulling out a health elixir. The limitations on such items must''ve slipped his panicked mind because he began to offer it when Hiroto stopped him.


    "Put that thing away...it''s over." he let out a gurgled whisper.


    "No, you have to get up. The others. Your team!" Yakeru tried to motivate the dying leader. "Your daughter. She''s waiting for you, remember?"


    Hiroto forced a weak smile.


    "...I know...I''m going to see her now..."


    Yakeru slumped in defeat as Hiroto''s stream of blood made a trail toward a card that had miraculously survived the impact. He placed an urging hand on the boy''s arm.


    "It''s okay, youngster...I want this...go while you still can..."


    His vision began to fill with a white light, embracing him with its brilliance. He let out a faint gasp as the silhouette of a girl materialized beside Yakeru, though the kid appeared oblivious. His lips curled into a weak smile as he uttered,


    "...I missed you..."


    The stream reached the card, drowning it in a sickly crimson. His hand slid down the kid''s arm before going limp and his eyes drained of its color. Yakeru stared at him for a moment before accepting the turn of events, gently sliding the fallen leader''s eyelids closed. The behemoth turned its attention to the fleeing rangers as well as Yakeru. They were still ways away from the exit and it''d be impossible to outrun a monster of its caliber.


    ''At this rate, we''re all gonna...''


    His mind scrambled to calculate their options as his allies hurried to the exit. As he slipped his elixir back into his satchel, his hand nudged a familiar item. A spark of hope flickered as he pulled the item out.


    It was the same stone he''d bought from the artifact shop. At that moment, he recalled what the shop owner said.


    "???????? ???????????????????? ?????????? ?????? ?????? ?????????? ???? ???????????? ?????? ???????????????? ????????????."


    If what he claimed holds true, this was their only hope. But even so, there was no guarantee that he''d survive the backlash but if he didn''t try they''d all die anyways. He clenched his teeth in frustration as no matter how many times he ran through the scenarios in his head he always came to the same conclusion.


    "There''s no other way."


    Taking a deep breath, he tightened his grip around the stone until it shattered. The energy stored within exploded, smothering him with its power. His now azure hair stood up and a near-palpable aura enveloped him as it produced an almost blinding blue light that snatched the behemoth''s attention.


    "Well?" he strained with a challenging gaze. "Come on."

 Chapter 53: David and Goliath

    The group of survivors was transfixed on the raging blue furnace enveloping Yakeru. Even the behemoth glanced back at him. They stumbled back, baffled as now the mere presence of Yakeru disturbed the ambient radiance in the air and the space around him appeared to distort.


    Touma and Bo assumed that it was some unknown power he kept to himself. Kenji and Fuyumi, however, knew better. They''ve completed numerous missions together and not once did he show any signs of hiding a trump card.


    "What is that?" the wide-eyed Bo asked.


    "I...I have no idea." Kenji muttered, his mouth agape.


    Yakeru took deep breaths to keep his anxiety at bay as he watched the behemoth, the mere action of rotating its massive form to face its new challenger sending gusts of wind in his direction. Touma and Bo were the only ones left of the Bison clan. Kenji and Touma supported the injured Bo on their shoulders with Fuyumi beside them, spectating the inevitable battle about to unfold.


    "That idiot." Fuyumi spat. "What''s he thinking?"


    The behemoth narrowed all eight of its eyes at Yakeru as it arched its body like a predator preparing to pounce on its prey.


    "Come on," he growled, returning the gesture, his eyes fuming with determination.


    After a brief standoff, the titanic beast stormed towards its adversary, excavating a chasm in its path and leaving a tsunami of rubble in its wake. It approached him at frightening speeds, donning armor over its head in preparation for their clash. The young ranger loaded his fist in response, a vortex of azure swirling around his arm, before unleashing the full force of his unhinged power.


    The cataclysmic collision produced a deafening roar as he rammed his fist into the armored behemoth. The shockwave sliced fissures through the earth, sending fragmented tectonic plates rocketing into the air. The azure blaze intertwined with the violet mist, engaging in a vicious wrestling match.


    The evacuees were blasted backwards, the fierce winds firing debris in their direction as they tumbled into cover from the sheer magnitude of their power. Flown into a crater, Fuyumi was the first to regain her footing and whip her head back to the two opposing forces, the turbulent flame-like energy raging against the armored colossus.


    "Yakeru!" Fuyumi tried to reach him but the powerful winds acted as a barrier.


    For a brief moment, the two titans of power were at a stalemate. However, although the gem''s energy protected Yakeru from initially getting pulverized, the searing pop in his shoulder indicated the beast''s sheer overwhelming strength was straining its limits.


    The violent torrent of wind relentlessly ate away at his armor and gnawed gashes into his skin, his body spewing geysers of crimson. His heels dug into the ground as the behemoth''s eyes seared with an unbridled urge to crush him into oblivion.


    One by one, his bones began to fracture under the immense weight, sending lightning bolts of unimaginable pain tearing through his body. He didn''t even have the luxury to let out a primal scream of agony as the drastic change in air pressure nearly sucked the air from his lungs and made it impossible to hear his own cries.


    The determination on his face all but vanished, replaced with that of despair. The unbearable agony filled him with regret. He wished he''d traded this outcome for a quick and painless end. Instead, he foolishly opted for a long, drawn-out demise in exchange for saving everyone.


    He placed his free hand in front of the other in a vain attempt to keep the titan at bay. His torment would only continue as his vision began to blur and images of his life with his sister flooded his mind. Through the rush of recollections, he relived every moment that defined their bond¡ªthe thrilling tales she''d share of her travels, the teasing remarks she used to get under his skin, the laughter they shared with each training session. All of it was about to fade into nothingness as he came to the haunting realization that he wouldn''t make it home.


    ''I''m sorry Akari. I''m so sorry. I''m so sorry. I''m so sorry...'' he cried, the biting winds flinging away his tears.


    The edges of his vision had begun to darken, slowly consuming everything in sight as his consciousness started to fade. Before darkness could fully overtake him, an ear-splitting explosion rang out. The surge of azure energy had finally absorbed the full brunt of the behemoth''s attack and ejected it all at once.


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    The titan shrieked in agony as the blast effortlessly sliced through its once-impenetrable armor. It collapsed with an earth-shattering thud as several plates of its armor had been fully desquamated, flinging them across the chamber and exposing the gooey, veiny flesh underneath. It flailed its spider-like appendages in an attempt to stand but to no avail.


    "...it...actually worked..." he whimpered with a hoarse voice, blood erupting from his mouth.


    The azure flames flickered out of existence as his power wore off. His consciousness faded and he crumpled to what remained of the ground, his body sapped of energy.


    The violent winds subsided allowing for a clear view of the devastation. Fuyumi jumped to her feet and sprinted towards the wailing behemoth.


    "Wait! What are you doing?!" Kenji tried to stop her advancement but she ignored him.


    "We have to finish that thing!"


    Her breaths were already heavy but this was their only chance to inflict damage on the monster. Whatever Yakeru did, she knew she couldn''t waste his efforts. She willed radiance into her blades as she approached the behemoth. Sprinting up one of its mangled legs, she could spot where its armor had been and plunged her blades into the beast''s flesh. It squirmed in pain as she slashed away at it, her bloodhound''s fang coming into effect.


    A trail of blood siphoned into the blade with each slash. As it thrashed around, she lost her balance and tumbled to the ground. Before she could recover, its leg was already fast approaching to skewer her. Kenji raised his staff and with blood pouring from his mouth and nose, he successfully slowed the leg''s movement allowing Fuyumi to leap out of the way as its spear-like appendage impaled the ground.


    She leaped onto its exposed skin again and drove her bloodhound''s fang into it. Perhaps she''d hit an artery because a louder howl ripped out of its throat as it writhed in a desperate attempt to get this ''thing'' off of it. The blacksmith was proven right as no matter how much it jerked its massive body around, she never lost her grip.


    The more it moved, the more her blade dragged along its delicate flesh, absorbing more blood as it did. Finally, the beast''s movements came to a gradual halt before its body went limp and its legs spasmed.


    She slid down, dragging her blade to slow her descent, and landed on the devastated stone floor. She flopped down, breathing heavily as her body ached. She looked up at the once unstoppable force of nature now nothing but a ravaged corpse. Because of Yakeru, they were not only able to survive but defeat the behemoth. Unfortunately, this wasn''t the time to admire their monumental achievement.


    After recovering some of her stamina, she stumbled over to the crater Yakeru had lost consciousness in.


    "Yakeru!" she slid down to him, blood oozing from the gashes his body was littered with.


    She reached into his satchel and grabbed his health elixir, carefully sitting him up to pour it down his throat. His shoulder was badly bruised and his arms bent in places they shouldn''t.


    Touma rushed over with an elixir of his own and hurriedly offered it. Though Yakeru''s wounds began to mend themselves, he''d already lost a concerning amount of blood. Fuyumi slung his arm around her shoulder and looked at Touma expectedly who was still in shock at Yakeru''s ruined body.


    "Don''t just stand there. Help me!"


    He snapped out of his trance and did as she said, supporting his other side.


    Kenji was resting against a rock since he''d strained his channels again. His eyes widened as he saw his bloodied friend being carried out. She looked at him as they passed by, hunched over on the rock.


    "You gonna be okay?"


    "Yeah..." Using his staff as support, he wobbled to his feet as his body radiated with a throbbing pain. "I''ll be fine. Just worry about Yakeru. I can''t imagine health elixirs will stave off his injuries for long."


    She nodded and they continued on. Kenji rested with Bo, the others getting a headstart, before slinging his arm around his shoulder.


    "You sure you''re gonna be fine helping me?" Bo questioned, his voice laced with concern.


    "Yeah. Don''t worry."


    "Alright. Then don''t drop me."


    They took one more look at the massive centipede-like corpse that twisted and turned around the room. Giant pits now littered the ground and the once-beautiful chamber they''d walked into was now dilapidated after it was turned into a battlefield not too long ago. It pained them to leave that place with fewer numbers than what they had walking in. Bo spotted pieces of the behemoth''s armor lying on the ground. He thought to himself for a moment before shaking his head.


    ''Nah...No way we can bring that back with us. But...''


    The way they came was in more disrepair than they remembered. Support beams had given way leaving sections of the mine caved in. They caught up to Fuyumi squeezing through some rubble. Touma stood there, gripping his arm to stop it from trembling.


    "Touma?" Bo asked in a worried tone.


    "I-I''m fine..." he replied, carefully maneuvering through the debris.


    With great effort, they reached the entrance, a cool air welcoming them. By the time they did, it was already nightfall, the moonlight struggling to pierce the clouds as they blanketed the night sky.


    They set Yakeru down and plopped onto a slab of rock, soaking in the fresh air. They didn''t realize how suffocating it was in the mine until they''d arrived outside. Fuyumi''s eyes landed on Yakeru''s broken form, his breathing still shallow. Her hands trembled ever so slightly out of fear of losing a frie- a teammate. Quickly burying her emotions, she reasoned that it''d be a hassle if she had to replace him.


    After a few seconds, she gathered all the stamina she could muster and supported him again.


    "Let''s keep moving."


    "Right," Kenji agreed. "I don''t think Yakeru has much time."


    Bo and Touma nodded in unison as they stood up, stumbling towards the warm glow of lanterns the neighboring village provided.

 Chapter 54: A Wish To Unsee

    A bright light seeped through Yakeru''s closed eyelids as he desperately tried to open them. He tried moving his head so it''d be easier to see without getting blinded but didn''t have the strength. In fact, his hands, legs, his entire body wouldn''t respond to his commands. He couldn''t even turn his head without feeling like his neck would break. With his vision blurry and his mind cloudy, he still couldn''t figure out if he was dead or not.


    Finally, his eyes blinked open. He squinted, waiting for them to adjust before scanning his surroundings in his field of view. The room was pristine, the walls a vibrant green, and the white linens flapped gently from the breeze coming through the open window.


    To his right was a glass spherical artifact that seemed to manipulate the air indicated by the faint grey streaks swirling inside the sphere. Attached to it was a tube that ran down its side and connected to the respirator fastened to his face. A feeding tube protruded from his stomach and the side of the bed kept pulsating with a soft green color. All four of his limbs were in casts, his right arm in a sling, and his neck in a brace.


    "H...ow did I...get h...ere?...What h...happ...ened...?" his voice came out as a strained whisper.


    His mind was still scrambled as he tried piecing together the recent events. He recalled entering that dungeon with another team of rangers. Or was it a dungeon? There he could vaguely make out the image of a creature with a gooey texture. He recalled it becoming increasingly difficult to maintain his balance the further he went into the dungeon though he couldn''t find a reason for it. There was also an accessory, a pendant he wore although he couldn''t remember what it was for or where he got it from. Perhaps someone close gifted it to him so it had sentimental value?


    Then his mind arrived at what he could only describe as a room of violet specks like he was drifting in space with a sea of stars. For some reason, he felt like that place had value but couldn''t figure out the reason. He closed his eyes, digging through his muddled memories before a vague shape appeared before him. It was a massive silhouette with eight piercing violet eyes from what he assumed was its head peering down at him. With every movement, the very earth shook and the weight of its unbearable presence was enough to bring him to his knees. His eyes shot open after a wave of memories came flooding back.


    The splintering of his bones. The air being ripped out of his lungs. The excruciating tearing of his muscles.


    His body remembered everything.


    The overwhelming flashbacks sent his heart into a frenzy and a jolt through his body. He reflexively wanted to put a hand over his chest but a sharp pain in his arm demanded he stay still. The bed, once pulsating with a steady, gentle glow, now grew more sporadic in response. For several minutes, he took deep breaths to tame his raging heart, eventually calming himself.


    Soon after, the door to his room creaked open and in came what he assumed was a nurse. She was a short-haired blonde woman who carried a tray full of medical supplies and vials. She was about to step inside the room when she made eye contact with the ranger. Her eyes widened as the strength in her hands suddenly disappeared and dropped the tray. The sound of clanging metal and glass shattering filled the room as a mixed expression of relief and panic spread across her face.


    She stumbled back and sprinted down the hall. "Doctor! The patient! He''s awake!"


    Moments later a doctor skidded into the doorframe, nearly tripping over the fallen tray. He wore a look of shock at the mere sight of the patient''s open eyes. Yakeru could barely make out the blurry image of a man in a white coat in his peripheral vision. The doctor whipped his head back to the nurse who was panting in the doorway.


    "Grab the PIA! Quickly!"


    The nurse nodded and darted down the hall.


    "Can you hear me?" the doctor turned back to his patient.


    "Yeah...What...ha...ppened..." he could barely form a coherent sentence.


    "Your party brought you here after what happened. You''ve been in a coma for four days."


    He stared at the ceiling, still digesting the recent events. He wasn''t sure who''d survived to bring him here as he passed out before the behemoth was defeated.


    "...who...sur...vived...?"


    "There were four others. The swordsman is receiving treatment for his foot and his companion has been transferred to a psychiatric ward...I don''t think that boy will continue being a ranger."


    Yakeru felt terrible for Touma. It was unfortunate he had to see his clan be killed off one by one.


    "Fuyu...mi...and...K...Kenji...?"


    "The girl is checked into a nearby inn while the other went to inform your family."


    "...I...see..."


    The nurse rushed back into the room with two devices in hand. In her right was some type of metallic helmet with a clear gem embedded in the forehead while in her left was a glass slab in a plastic casing. She handed the doctor the glass slab before carefully slipping the helmet on Yakeru. He wasn''t sure what they were doing and he didn''t have the strength to ask.


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    The nurse flipped a switch on the side of the helmet and a blue glow emitted from the gem. Soon after, a mysterious force drew an image of a brain onto the glass slab. A couple of red dots appeared over the image. Of course, Yakeru couldn''t tell exactly what he was looking at but judging from their expressions, he assumed there was something off.


    The doctor looked back at his patient. "You''re going to be okay with time. For now, get some rest."


    "I''ll come to check on you periodically, okay?" the nurse assured him before she removed the helmet and left after the doctor.


    Yakeru stared at the ceiling for a moment before his eyelids felt heavier. He heard the faint breeze outside his window before he allowed himself to drift.


    *****


    Hours later he awoke to the sounds of footsteps in the hallway. They grew louder and stopped in the doorway. A shiver surged down his spine as he felt a cold gaze on him. He still couldn''t turn his head without pain in his neck so again he had to rely on his peripheral.


    "Yakeru..." an all too familiar voice called out to him, confirming his sister. Only this time her voice dripped with frost.


    By her expression and tone, she was torn between scolding him and being thankful he was alive. With the state her little brother was in, she struggled to keep it together, sniffling as she made her approach. In the doorway, he could also make out the outline of a boy holding a staff which he assumed was Kenji.


    She pulled up a chair and sat beside Yakeru as a tear rolled down her cheek past her quivering lip. The hurricane of emotions became more than she could bottle up as she broke down. Burying her face in his bedsheets, the room quickly filled with muffled wails. Her trembling body shook the bed while her hiccups and sobs made her speech indiscernible though she seemed to be switching between berating him and expressing gratitude.


    "You idiot! Thank goodness you''re alive! What''s wrong with you?!"


    Kenji silently retreated back into the hallway. As much as he wanted to check on his friend, he decided it was best for Akari to be alone with him first. Yakeru could only stare at his balling sister, tears welling in his eyes as the thought of nearly leaving her behind filled him with an overwhelming sense of guilt.


    For thirty minutes, she''d soaked his sheets in her tears. Her breathing was still erratic but she''d calmed down enough to lift her head, revealing her swollen eyes.


    "I didn''t want to believe Kenji when he told me...I''m so glad you''re alive."


    "...I''m sorry..." Yakeru coughed out. "Every time I go out...I end up...hurting you."


    Irritation spread across her drenched face as she clenched his sheets, her knuckles turning white.


    "I told you, I don''t want your ''sorry''. I want you to come home in one piece! Why is that too much to ask?"


    He remained silent as Akari vented. Soon, the same doctor appeared in the doorway, knocking.


    "Miss? You wouldn''t happen to be his sister, would you?"


    She turned to him, his expression softened as he got a good look at her wet face and reddened eyes. She nodded while sniffling.


    "There''s something I''d like to inform you about. Do you mind stepping outside for a moment?"


    She nodded again, following him out in the hall as she wiped her face. Though faint, Yakeru could barely make out their voices.


    "...what is it? What happened to him? Is he gonna be okay?" she stifled her sobs.


    "Our miners reported gas in the shaft and small tremors but otherwise, we''re not entirely sure what happened. His party refused to talk about it. As for his condition, it''ll take time for him to recover but I assure you he''ll be okay. We performed a brain scan not too long ago and there didn''t seem to be any permanent damage either."


    He heard an audible sigh of relief from Akari.


    "Although, he''ll need both physical and speech therapy to fully recover. When he arrived, his body...it didn''t look good. He underwent emergency surgery to get multiple bone fragments removed before they were lodged in his ligaments. Several muscle fibers were torn and we had to reset many of his joints. He lost a considerable amount of blood and there were signs of oxygen deprivation as well. Once he fully heals, there''ll be some tissue scarring. It may be a good idea for him to retire because if he suffers severe injuries like this again, he''ll be crippled for the rest of his life...or worse."


    They continued their talk as Kenji finally found the opportunity to slip into the room along with Fuyumi. Her eyes widened ever so slightly when she confirmed for herself that he was conscious.


    "You''re awake." she tried to remain stoic but the hint of relief in her voice betrayed her. "How''re you feeling?"


    "I can''t move...but I''ll be fine...I''m glad you...two are alright."


    They conversed for a while before Kenji''s curiosity got the better of him.


    "Hey, that blue light. What was that?"


    Yakeru could hardly raise a confused eyebrow. "...blue...light?"


    "You used it to fight the behemoth, remember?"


    Yakeru searched his memories and the vague flickering of fire came to mind. He began piecing together the moment he broke the gem to when he blacked out. He could still feel his knuckles crush against the behemoth''s cold exterior.


    "...it was supposed to be a trump card..." Flashes of the fallen replayed in his head. "...but I guess I used it too late..."


    "I see."


    A knock on the door made everyone turn their heads, except for Yakeru as his stiff neck threatened to hit him with a wave of pain if he did so.


    "Bo!" Kenji blurted.


    From what Yakeru could tell, he was using crutches and the support of a nurse to hobble his way over.


    "How are you guys feeling?" he asked.


    "Fine." Fuyumi gave a straightforward answer. Ironically, this was the only time she''d talked to him at all.


    "Good, thanks. How about you? How''s your foot?" Kenji asked, looking down at his cast.


    "Hangin'' in there." he looked over at Yakeru surprised to see he was conscious. "So you really are awake. When I heard the nurse make a fuss about someone waking up, I figured it was you. How are you, Yakeru?"


    He took a few seconds to respond, his fragmented mind lagging even when asked a simple question.


    "...I''m...doing okay..."


    "Good to hear it. I wanted to let you know that there''s a gift waiting for you at the mine''s entrance so don''t leave without it. Think of it as a ''thank you'' for saving us."


    "I see...Sorry about...what happened with...Touma..." Yakeru squeezed out.


    "It''s not your fault." Bo glanced down, reminiscing about the times when his shy companion would challenge their leader to a game of Jo-ku before a tear welled up in his eye.


    "Are you okay?" Kenji worried.


    "I''m fine," he turned his head away and cleared his throat. "W-Well it''s good to see that you''re doing well, Yakeru. I should get back to my room now."


    He tried scurrying away but his foot prevented that. With a look of sympathy, the nurse helped him out the door and down the hall, the tear Bo held back sliding down his face. He sucked in a jagged breath to keep his emotions from leaking out.


    ''Look what you did old geezer...now who am I gonna play Jo-ku with?''

 Chapter 55: Aftermath

    Two months rolled around and Yakeru had fully recovered, thanks to his therapy. However, somewhere during the process, he realized no amount of therapy would heal his memory stained with the gruesome images of his fallen comrades. He''d been close to death on multiple occasions before but always managed to escape its clutches. Down in that shaft was the very first time he truly felt death''s cold embrace, a more terrifying experience than merely looking it in the eyes.


    He didn''t know what it was, but upon waking up in that hospital bed, he felt as if he''d lost something. He could no longer view the world through the lens of naivety.


    Bo was discharged before him and left to check on Touma but made sure to remind Yakeru about his ''thank you gift''. Akari had already departed as she had to take care of some things back home but promised to return when he was expected to make a full recovery. Kenji and Fuyumi stuck around until he was discharged.


    Like before, he needed leg braces to walk properly, though they were of slightly lower quality than the one he wore in Yama. The design and material were a bit different too. The nurses waved him off as he and his companions left for the mine.


    "You gonna be okay walking on your own?" Kenji asked the ex-patient.


    "I''ll be fine."


    Although he wore two, unlike the last time, he was already accustomed to wearing them so getting used to walking again wasn''t as arduous as the first time.


    They walked down the dirt road, passing villagers by. Since the place was smaller compared to other villages it didn''t take long to reach the exit gate. They could already spot what they assumed were miners hard at work. With the behemoth gone, they were back in business.


    As they approached the entrance, a man in a drenched white tank top stood up from a stone he''d been lounging on.


    "Are you Yakeru?" the man asked.


    "Yeah." he eyed him up and down.


    "Bo wanted us to deliver something to you." he stepped to the side, revealing a familiar plate of armor leaning against the wall. It even still had some skin attached underneath it. Yakeru''s eyes widened in surprise.


    "That''s..."


    "Yeah. Bo hired an excavation team to retrieve it for you. The boys were a little skeptical about heading down there but he let us borrow some pendants for the lingering gas and assured us there weren''t any more monsters." he grabbed the plate which, side by side, took up half his size and handed it over to the the ranger. "Thank you for everything. We saw what was left of your party down there...I''m sorry."


    Yakeru accepted the plate of armor. "Thanks..."


    It didn''t take much contemplation to figure out what he should do with it. During his battle, his armor was torn to shreds. Akari even had to stop by again with spare clothes so making new armor out of the plate was a no-brainer. The only problem was cost. Although he''d already saved quite a lot, he''d also been doing low-ranked missions that didn''t accumulate as much revenue as the higher-ranked ones. He imagined it would cost an arm and a leg to forge wearable armor out of near-indestructible alloy.


    As he debated his options, a carriage pulled up beside them, and hopping out the back was Akari.


    "Hey, need a ride?" she half-joked.


    A couple of miners helped load the plate into the back as Akari wrapped her arms around her fully recovered brother.


    "How do you feel?"


    "Better now."


    "Good." her eyes narrowed as she sneakily flicked his forehead with enough force to make his head recoil.


    "That''s for making me break down." There was a sliver of playfulness behind her scolding tone. He stumbled back, massaging what now felt like a welt on his forehead.


    "Okay, I get it! Sorry." He apologized as Kenji and Fuyumi climbed into the back of the carriage.


    Akari pulled Yakeru into another embrace, the lingering trauma from seeing her brother at death''s door causing her trembling arms to squeeze a bit tighter than intended.


    They climbed into the back and before long they headed off to the Capital. As usual, Fuyumi watched the horizon as the village shrunk in the distance.


    Images of the behemoth flashed in her mind. Though she dealt the finishing blow, she couldn''t help but feel frustrated. The feeling she got when first laying eyes on that creature was similar to what she felt six years ago. In the face of overwhelming power, a strangling sensation of helplessness followed.


    "You''re Fuyumi, correct?"


    Her thoughts were interrupted as she turned her attention to Akari.


    "Yes."


    "It''s nice to officially meet you. I''m Akari, Yakeru''s sister. I''m sorry I haven''t gotten the chance to introduce myself. We ran into each other before but I figured it wasn''t the best time since your family was visiting you."


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    Fuyumi vaguely remembered seeing her from somewhere but couldn''t figure out where. The only time her family visited her was when she was hospitalized from their battle with the Ripper. Then it clicked.


    "It''s fine."


    Akari looked her up and down, glanced back at Yakeru, then back at her with a faint sly smile tugging at the corner of her lips.


    "You know, Yakeru has told me a lot about you."


    His ears perked at the mention of his name, narrowing his eyes at her in suspicion. He''d known her long enough to know when she was scheming something.


    ''What''s that woman planning now?''


    The slight lift in her brow hinted at a trace of intrigue buried beneath her composed expression as she glanced his way.


    "I have to say, it''s very comforting knowing he has someone as reliable as you by his side," she shot her an innocent smile. "So Fuyumi, what do you think of my little brother?"


    Fuyumi looked in his direction again, contemplating her response. He was willing to go out of his way to help Kenji in his time of need, even if it put him on the serial killer''s radar. He didn''t hesitate to protect Aoi from an A-tier monster despite their drastic power difference. And recently, he was prepared to sacrifice everything to defeat that behemoth and save everyone, including her. His actions, even if self-destructive, spoke volumes of his selfless nature. It was clear to her what kind of person he was.


    She looked back at Akari. After everything they''d been through together, she confidently said, "He''s an idiot."


    "I couldn''t agree with you more." Akari chuckled.


    Yakeru''s eye twitched in annoyance. "You say that like I''m not here."


    "Well, you''re not exactly the type to weigh the consequences of your actions." Akari reinforced her point.


    While Yakeru bickered with Akari and Fuyumi resumed idly spectating the outside through the flapping fabric, Kenji had been theorizing. Back in that shaft, the behemoth was simply too large for his ability to have any effect on it. It was only when he decided to target individual parts of its body, such as its leg before it had a chance to skewer Fuyumi, that he saw a noticeable difference.


    ''I wonder if it''s more efficient to target smaller parts of the body rather than the body as a whole?''


    It would undoubtedly throw his enemies off balance since their weight would be unevenly distributed, although a variation like that would demand a certain amount of precision. He''d have to experiment with it later.


    *****


    Their carriage parted through the never-ending sea of pedestrians before making a stop by the guild. The rangers got out, Yakeru leaving his plate in the carriage with Akari for later. They walked inside the building, passing by other fellow rangers either browsing the mission board or departing on an adventure.


    The receptionist was in the middle of sorting paperwork until she happened to look up. It took a moment for her to process the three faces but when she did she dropped the pile of papers and her eyes went wide.


    "You''re so clumsy." her coworker smirked teasingly.


    "Oh my! Pardon me!" she scrambled to retrieve the scattered forms before setting them aside, now disorganized. "I wasn''t expecting to see you. I assumed the worst after you''ve been gone for two months. How did your mission go? And...where''s the rest of your party?"


    Her cheeks were still flushed from fumbling earlier. The three of them glanced at each other before giving their report. The further they went with their story, the wider the receptionist''s eyes grew. Her hand shot over her agape mouth the moment they mentioned ''behemoth''. Her coworker and even a few rangers in earshot exchanged shocked glances.


    "A behemoth...in the inner rim?" she questioned, unsure if she heard them correctly.


    "Yes, a behemoth," Yakeru confirmed.


    After laying out the rather gruesome report, the receptionist hung her head to process what she''d just heard. Their story sparked a chain reaction of murmurs that spread throughout the lobby. News of the guild sending an ill-prepared party of rangers on a suicide mission would undoubtedly spread like wildfire. The public was already losing faith in the guild after the Ripper. Who knows how they''d react to a disaster such as this.


    The receptionist raised her head with an empathetic look. She opened her mouth but nothing came out. Misranked missions were so rare that even an experienced employee like herself was unsure of what to say in this situation. So she said the only thing she could think of.


    "I''m terribly sorry. That must''ve been a truly horrible experience. Rest assured, you will receive additional compensation for your troubles. It''ll take around two business days to-"


    Yakeru narrowed his eyes into a piercing gaze, making her flinch. "What about the fallen? How will the guild explain their needless deaths to their families still waiting for their return?"


    She stumbled over her words for a moment under the pressure before her coworker came to her rescue. "The guild will acknowledge this colossal error. A formal apology will be issued to their families and they will also be properly compensated for this tragedy.


    The two receptionists bowed deeply to dispel some of the tension before placing their standard rewards on the counter. Their responses didn''t exactly sound as genuine as they could''ve been since they wanted to maintain a level of professionalism. Kenji tightened his fist around his staff in boiling anger as they couldn''t truly comprehend the nightmare they had to endure and no amount of money could reverse the damage already done. Yakeru laid a hand on his shoulder which seemed to dissipate some of his anger.


    "Let''s go," he said calmly, taking his reward while the others did the same.


    Fuyumi and Kenji followed Yakeru out the door but not before glaring back at the receptionists.


    After they''d left, the first receptionist let out the breath she''d unknowingly been holding while her coworker placed a consoling hand on her shoulder.


    The three rangers informed each other they''d be taking breaks from missions. They went their separate ways while Yakeru climbed into the same carriage that''d been waiting for him.


    "Well?" Akari probed.


    "I''ll need to come back in a couple days to pick up extra pay for their mistake."


    "I see."


    Yakeru sat silently, studying his feet in deep thought.


    "How''re you holding up?" She asked worriedly.


    "I don''t know." He looked out at the passing crowd, knots churning in his chest and his hand shakey. "Watching people die when they didn''t have to...that''s just..."


    "I know." She replied sympathetically, looking away as she recalled her own experiences.


    "Does it ever get easier?" He asked, hopeful.


    She hesitated for a moment, searching for the words to comfort her brother but she couldn''t bring herself to lie to him like that.


    "Oh, Yakeru...I''m sorry," She rubbed his back consolingly. "I wish I could say that it does. But the world can be a cruel and unpredictable place. It''s not fair but that''s our reality."


    If it weren''t for the bustling crowd and the wooden wheels creaking over the pavement, they''d be sitting in silence. Hunched over with his fingers crossed, he continued digesting what had transpired that day.


    Alek''s muffled cries, Haruto''s impaled corpse, Riku''s desperate pleas, Hiroto''s twisted body...death''s icy touch.


    What was supposed to be a laid-back mission turned into a horrific experience that''ll forever be seared into his memory.

 Chapter 56: Ongoing Investigation

    It was a quiet ride as Yakeru was stuck in his thoughts. He couldn''t see himself fully processing the gruesome scenes he had to endure down in that mineshaft anytime soon. The thought of early retirement crossed his mind several times after waking up in the hospital.


    He was ignorant to believe he''d seen it all¡ªa steel-quilled bear, vamp-crawlers, infected humans, a serial killer, a bloodhound, numerous near-death experiences¡ªbut he was reminded just how cruel life can be as it casually threw a behemoth at him like some sick joke.


    As their carriage came to a stop in front of a blacksmith shop, Yakeru got off.


    "I''ll be back," he informed his sister as she nodded.


    Walking into the shop, he saw a middle-aged man with a scruffy beard sitting behind the counter. The shop had an assortment of weapons and armor all forged from various materials and alloys.


    "What can I do for you young man?" The middle-aged man asked, setting aside a gauntlet he was just polishing.


    "I wanted to know if you could forge something out of a monster''s armor plate."


    "Pfft. Of course," The man chortled. "Though the quality will depend on the material you''re referring to."


    "It''s in my carriage. I''ll show you what you''ll be working with and you can tell me what you think."


    The man agreed as they walked out to the carriage. As he looked inside, he acknowledged the red-haired woman with a nod but upon looking over at the large plate in the corner, he stumbled backwards with his mouth agape.


    "Th...that''s...not a behemoth''s plate, is it?"


    "It is." Yakeru nodded.


    The smith looked the young swordsman up and down, studying him. Rangers passed through his shop quite frequently and judging from their stories, he knew defeating a behemoth was no easy task¡ªonly the elite have managed to do it¡ªbut the kid didn''t look like much.


    "H...How did you manage to get your hands on this?"


    "By fighting one," Yakeru answered curtly.


    Even with his answer, the man couldn''t believe it. He assumed his party must''ve had strong rangers to pull off such a feat.


    "I was hoping you could make armor out of it," Yakeru said to get back on topic. "Would that be possible?"


    "Well...to make wearable armor out of this is going to take a while. First, I''d have to remove the flesh still stuck to the thing which is a long and methodical process. That itself will take around 12 hours at the very least. Then, I''d have to heat the alloy to thousands of degrees just to mold it. Afterwards, I''d have to carefully forge the armor you''d like but it''ll take a while for it to cool down as well. Then, I''ve gotta get the leather and padding to put under the armor to make it wearable. The whole process will take around a week to finish. Then there''s cost."


    "Money won''t be a problem," Yakeru said dismissively.


    After discussing payment, the two heaved the slab of armor off the carriage and carried it into the shop. Climbing back into the carriage, he and his sister set off back home.


    Returning home, Akari tipped the coachman as Yakeru wordlessly walked inside. Following him, he''d already made his way to his room.


    Day turned into night and the house was eerily quiet. Whether they were conversing, doing chores, or training, the house would normally be filled with activity. But she hadn''t heard anything from her brother''s room.


    After removing his worn-out armor and tossing aside his sword, Yakeru lay in bed pondering. If it weren''t for that gem, Akari would''ve been grieving at a tombstone by now. However, that wasn''t to say he could rely solely on artifacts and external factors to bail him out of sticky situations. He needed to grow stronger to become more self-sufficient. Not just for himself, but to ensure his safe return home to his sister.


    The following day, Yakeru was stirred awake. He groaned, hearing the muffled voice of his sister and her blurry figure looming over his bedside.


    "Time to get up, kid."


    "But it''s still early." He groggled, tossing and turning.


    "It''s noon. Now get up. We have visitors who want to speak with you. And make yourself decent." She said, making her way out.


    He lay there, grumbling until he gathered the willpower to lift himself off of his comfortable mattress. He splashed water on his face and tidied himself up before following after Akari.


    He wasn''t expecting company but if there was, he expected to see his party members checking up on him. As he rounded the corner to the living room, however, he nearly stumbled back.


    A man and woman both dressed in pristine white uniforms turned their heads to him. The man''s short dark brown hair gleamed as the light struck his head and his brown eyes held a gentle gaze. He had a sword sheathed inside an intricately designed scabbard strapped to his hip with a shield on his back.


    The woman on the other hand had a more neutral expression as she sipped her mug. The thick earth-toned scarf wrapped comfortably around her neck complimented her braided blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulder. Her rolled-up sleeves exposed the small tattoos of various beasts running down the insides of her forearms.


    A leather belt lined with what looked to be metal cartridges wrapped loosely around her hips but what struck Yakeru as the most strange was her conduit slung across her back. It was around 4 feet long and at first glance, he almost mistook it for a staff but the meticulous and bulky design pointed to something else entirely.


    It was made up of wood and metal. His curious eyes traced its contours from the bottom which was curved, to the trigger, and up to the hollowed-out tip.


    "Good afternoon," he greeted politely. "You must be Yakeru."


    "Uhm, yes." Yakeru blinked, unsure if his eyes were deceiving him.


    The man got up from his seat and extended his hand which Yakeru subconsciously accepted, still staring at him in disbelief.


    "I''m Sentinel Kiyoshi and this is my partner, Sentinel Haruka."


    "It''s an honor to meet you both."


    "The pleasure''s mine. I apologize if this is a bad time but we''re currently investigating a recent case. The guild informed us of your party''s return from a mission. If it''s not too much trouble, we''d like to ask you a few questions regarding your stay in Yama Village."


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    "Oh, yes. That''s fine."


    Sitting beside his sister and across from the Sentinels, they began the interview. Since this took place months ago, Yakeru answered as best as he could remember. Haruka jotted in a small notepad as he recounted the events from their arrival until their departure from the village.


    Throughout the interaction, he tried his best to keep his cool. He still couldn''t believe there was not one, but two Sentinels in his dining room.


    After the interview, the two of them got up, Haruka slipping her notepad in her back pocket as she turned to Akari.


    "Thank you for the tea, ma''am," Haruka spoke for the first time, bowing slightly.


    "It was my pleasure," Akari responded, trying to remain composed when noticing the empty mug. She may have fooled her guests but Yakeru could tell that his sister was struggling to contain her elation knowing that a Sentinel enjoyed her tea.


    "Thank you for your time. Again, I apologize for any inconvenience we''ve caused. You folks enjoy the rest of your day." Kiyoshi waved as the two left their home.


    "Right. You too," Yakeru replied awkwardly.


    The two Sentinels made their way down the trail. Kiyoshi gave a warm wave to the curious children who loosely followed behind them as they made their way back to the main road. Parents either lounging around or tending to the fields watched, murmuring to one another with surprised stares.


    "So what do you think?" Haruka asked her partner.


    "His story lines up with the other members of his party and the guild''s official report. But there''s one thing I''m quite curious about."


    "You mean the supposed clan they met during their stay?"


    "Exactly." He tapped his chin. "So far, they were the only two parties that were in Yama the day the elixir was found. Let''s stop by the guild."


    Taking a carriage back to the capital, they walked inside the guild. Upon entering, the once rowdy lobby plunged into near silence in an instant. Conversations quieted and boasting was replaced with whispers of admiration and envy. Drunks in the bar section sobered up quickly, the Sentinels'' presence alone seeming to wash away the red in their cheeks.


    "Woah. You seeing what I''m seeing?"


    "Yeah, man. That''s them."


    "What are the council''s lapdogs doing here?"


    "Something big must''ve happened."


    Murmurs continued to trickle through the lobby as rangers found themselves making a path for them to approach the front desk. The receptionist straightened up, subconsciously tucking her hands behind her back in response to the respect their status commanded.


    "Welcome, how may I be of assistance?" She asked either one of them.


    Kiyoshi explained the matter to her, asking to see records of any parties that stayed in Yama Village around the time when the elixir was found. After fetching documents from the back room she handed them over to the Sentinels. Haruka reviewed the papers and confirmed there was another party in Yama, a clan to be exact.


    "Where is this clan now?" He asked.


    "They should be in one of the meeting rooms they rented upstairs. Did something happen?"


    "We just need to ask them a few questions. Which room are they in?"


    She gave them the room number before they started making their way there. The guild had two stories¡ªthe first being a public space and the second operating as more of an office space reserved for the Guild Master, clans, and general meetings.


    The upstairs was noticeably more tidy than the first floor and the stench of alcohol didn''t follow them. The walls, decorated with various old paintings that looked like they should''ve been in a museum, remained spotless as they kept walking. A red rug lined with gold was laid out over the floor. Walking down the hall, they passed by numerous doors with different insignias on them. One door had a grim reaper representing the Fiends Clan while the door across from it had four red claw marks tearing through fabric, representing the Saberclaw Clan.


    Eventually, they arrived at the clan''s meeting room. There was a generic spider web insignia painted on the door and they could hear muffled voices on the other side. The voices went quiet after knocking a few times, replaced with approaching footsteps. With a click, the door opened to reveal a man with his bottom half in flashy leg armor while his top half consisted of only a plain grey shirt.


    The man''s eyes widened when he realized who was standing outside, nearly shutting the door on them but his hesitation stopped him. Figuring that would only cause them trouble, he reluctantly asked, "Uhm, can I help you?"


    "Excuse our intrusion," Kiyoshi pardoned himself and his partner. "But there''s something we''d like to discuss with this clan."


    "Sorry, but we''re busy. Perhaps another time." Thinking this flimsy explanation would suffice, the man began closing the door when Kiyoshi stopped it with his hand.


    "I don''t think you understand. The council has sent us to conduct an investigation. Need I remind you, that the guild is now under our supervision so it''s in your best interest to cooperate. Surely you have a general idea of the consequences should you choose not to." Kiyoshi''s voice grew more stern.


    The man glanced down, appearing to weigh his options before opening the door all the way.


    "Okay. Come on in. Make yourselves comfortable."


    "Thank you. Rest assured, once we finish here, we''ll be on our way."


    He and his partner strolled inside and got a better view of the interior. It was a rather plain-looking room with barely any personalized decorations. A single window in the back of the room allowed natural light to pour in and two lamps on either side of the room sat on top of small countertops. There was a coffee table in the center of the room between two couches with three other members sitting down. All of them had half of their armor on as well.


    They stared at the Sentinels as they entered and sat on the opposite side of them.


    "To what do we owe the pleasure?" The man sneered as he sat with his clan members, the Sentinels ignoring his sarcasm.


    "We''d like to ask you about your visit to Yama Village."


    The men looked at each other then back at the Sentinels.


    "What would you like to know?"


    As the Sentinels asked them questions about their stay in Yama, the men answered. So far, it''d been a normal interview aside from the subtle rudeness of the clan members.


    "Approximately, how long ago did you go there?" Kiyoshi asked.


    "About two months ago." One of them sighed impatiently.


    "And what was the reason for being there?"


    "We just needed to exterminate a nest on the mountain."


    Kiyoshi looked over at Haruka who gave him a nod of affirmation.


    "I see," Kiyoshi continued. "And how many of you went on this mission?"


    "There were only three of us." The man in the grey shirt claimed.


    "And what happened after you''d completed the mission."


    "What else? We immediately went back to claim our reward." The same man crossed his arms and lifted an eyebrow as if that information should''ve been obvious.


    The twitching of Haruka''s brow told Kiyoshi she was losing her patience. The feeling was mutual for Kiyoshi but the clan was open with their answers so he couldn''t complain. As the interview concluded, Kiyoshi and Haruka glanced at each other. He knew just from the look in her eyes.


    They looked back at the group of men before them.


    "''Thank you for your time. We''ll be on our way now''." Haruka said.


    "Right. Go ahead and see yourselves ou-"


    "Is what I would''ve said had you not lied to us." She cut in, her eyes narrowed.


    The tone in the room suddenly shifted, the clan''s sense of control fading as Kiyoshi and Haruka''s gazes bored into them.


    "W-What do you mean? What we''ve said was true." The man in grey stuttered.


    "Really now?" She questioned, pulling out the documents from earlier making the men gulp. "You said there were only three of you on that mission. However, it was stated in the report that you left with four."


    "O-Oh, yeah. Well, you see, he got injured, leaving only three of us to deal with the nest. We were attacked by lurkers on our way to Scar Peak."


    "Your clan member was injured despite the lowest rank in your clan being C? I find it insulting that you expect us to be convinced that mere inner rim monsters were responsible." Kiyoshi said as his eyes narrowed into a piercing gaze, sending shivers down their spines.


    The men''s overconfidence in the situation had disappeared at this point.


    "What really happened to your fourth?" He interrogated.


    Beads of sweat slid down the men''s faces as they looked at each other, hoping one of them could mend their lie. However, they all hesitated. Haruka looked over the report once more.


    "How is it possible that a capable B-rank ranger was put out of commission after making contact with D-tier monsters?" She pressed.


    Silence filled the room as the pressure on the men became too much to bear. Eventually, one of them cracked, spilling the truth about what actually happened. Though his teammates tried to cut in with another coverup story as a last-ditch effort, they were quickly shut down by Haruka reading off from the report.


    "And where is this ranger now?" Kiyoshi asked.


    "He''s...gone..."


    "I see...and the elixir, who''s the distributor and where are they located?"


    "...he got it from River Town. But I swear we don''t know who the distributor is because we weren''t there when he bought it." For a split second, Kiyoshi''s jaw went slack as the man in grey mentioned what village the elixir came from but he quickly regained composure. "We had no idea that elixir would do that to him. We were afraid so...we tried to cover it up..."


    Kiyoshi stared at him, his gaze unrelenting.


    "Regardless, you still intentionally provided us with false information during an investigation which is a crime." Kiyoshi rose from his seat, pulling out an artifact; translucent cuffs. "I have no choice but to place you all under arrest."

 Chapter 57: The Fiends

    Once the cuffs were placed onto the clan members'' wrists, veins of amber climbed down the men''s arms and siphoned into the cuffs, turning them amber. After the Ripper''s capture, Aki had developed artifacts designed to detain rangers. These cuffs would funnel the wearer''s radiance into them but leave just enough for them to stay conscious. This way, even if they were to break free, they''d be too exhausted to fight or flee.


    After clan members were arrested and escorted outside for capital guards to take them away, Kiyoshi and Haruka left the guild to hail a carriage.


    "They weren''t the brightest, thinking they could cover up what happened," Haruka remarked, but her partner didn''t respond, seemingly in deep thought. "Is something the matter?"


    "The town they referred to is where I grew up." He gave a straightforward answer, watching thoughtfully as a carriage approached. "To think there''s a distributor there..."


    "What''s River Town like?" She asked, curious.


    A smile of reminiscence formed on his lips as fond memories of his time there began to resurface. "As the name implies, rivers and streams wind up and down the town. Before I left to study law enforcement, I recall beasts roaming freely through the town living in harmony with its people. It''s one of the only settlements located in the mid rim that remains undisturbed by monsters because of the terrain that surrounds it¡ªa vast lake that protects it and the townspeople."


    "Sounds like a good place to take a vacation." She said as the carriage pulled up beside them.


    "Indeed. But I''m afraid this will be a business trip."


    "You''re all about business, aren''t you?"


    He climbed into the back as she followed after him. "Crime doesn''t rest so neither should we."


    *****


    The next day, Yakeru made his way to the guild to pick up the additional compensation that was promised. The capital walls grew larger as he silently walked down the road; it was times like these that he allowed his thoughts to wander. Recently his mind would always go back to the recent events. He knew he''d eventually come to terms with his trauma but that experience made him question why he chose to continue as a ranger.


    ''To think there are people who deal with that kind of stuff on a regular basis.''


    Reaching the capital, he elbowed his way through the usual crowd and found his way to the guild. Opening the door, his eyes drifted around the lobby and found a familiar conjurer sitting by his lonesome counting his sack of coins. Yakeru approached the receptionist and was given an extra sack of platinum coins.


    Before he could turn to leave, the receptionist stopped him.


    "Hold on a moment," She said as he turned to face her. "Although defeating a behemoth wasn''t initially in the mission''s description, the guild has taken note of your resolve and ability to slay a beast of its caliber."


    She presented him with a brand new rank ID card.


    "Therefore, the guild has decided to promote you from C to B-rank. Congratulations."


    Yakeru stared at the card, stunned for a moment before accepting it. Inspecting it closer, it still had the same design as his old ID card, the only difference stating that he was now a B-rank. Although, he technically wasn''t the one to slay the monster, he was still promoted which he now assumed Fuyumi had gotten promoted as well as Kenji.


    "I see."


    He''d thought getting a promotion would fill him with a sense of accomplishment¡ªproof that his hard, arduous work had paid off. However, under the circumstances, he didn''t feel such excitement. Nonetheless, he thanked her before making his way over to the conjurer, startling him as he sat at his table.


    "Oh. Hey, Yakeru."


    "Hey, Kenji." He set his bag of coins on the table to count with him.


    "You just came for your extra coin too, huh?"


    "Yeah, I wasn''t going to stay long but I wanted to see how you were holding up."


    Kenji puffed air through his nose. "I should be asking you that. Sure, we''ve all seen things we''d rather forget but...we were so close to losing you too. Are you feeling any better?"


    Yakeru wasn''t sure how to respond. It''d been two months since that day and he still hadn''t fully processed it.


    "I''ll manage." He replied curtly, idly counting his coins.


    "I see."


    Kenji scooped his platinum coins back into the sack, satisfied with his compensation. After counting his coins, Yakeru placed them back in the sack when he noticed glances from other tables. Although it was impossible to overhear what they were muttering about over the noisy rangers, he had a good idea what their choice of topic was. After all, the guild had failed to keep their recent mission undisclosed.


    That''s when he noticed the shift in everyone''s attention. Their gazes followed a group of four people coming from the office spaces upstairs. Although their melee weapons told them they were warrior-type rangers, they wore minimal armor¡ªmainly black uniforms lined with silver and a cloak to add to the dark aesthetic.


    Their presence alone parted the lobby of rangers as they approached the mission board.


    "Woah aren''t those guys the Fiends?" A portly man asked his buddy.


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    "Yeah, I heard about them. I''ve never seen them up close before." His friend responded.


    "You think I''d have a shot at joining?" Another asked half-jokingly.


    "I heard they have some weirdo in their higher ranks so I don''t know if that''s such a good idea."


    From what Yakeru knew, larger clans usually tackled high-ranking missions, which would take weeks, sometimes months, to complete. To make their expeditions easier, they built and usually stayed at the outposts in the inner and mid-rim. Rarely would anyone get the chance to see them, only gracing others with their presence if they needed to pick up a mission or restock on supplies.


    The leader, from what he could tell since he was at the front and center of the pack, had short crimson hair that hung just short of his dark blue eyes. His slender figure would allow for agile movements, complimented by the gaudy rapier on his hip. His uniform was more refined than his colleagues''. The fabric was of the highest quality and consisted of platinum lining the cuffs of his sleeves and the mantle draped over his shoulder. A golden grim reaper insignia was branded onto his right shoulder plate.


    As the leader turned to the door, he and Yakeru locked eyes. He raised his brow before doing something unexpected¡ªapproached their table, carrying himself with a haughty arrogance. His eyes flickered between the young swordsman and the conjurer before he finally spoke.


    "Hey, you two are pretty famous."


    "Is that so?" Yakeru asked, not sure why he chose to approach them.


    "Yeah. You are the commoners that got roughed up in that mine, right?" He confirmed though it sounded like he already knew.


    Yakeru''s brow twitched to his crass question. "That has nothing to do with you." His voice grew more prickly.


    "Relax. I''m only curious. The rumors made that monster out to be some unstoppable force of nature. But it only turned out to be some measly behemoth." His shoulders slumped in mock disappointment.


    Yakeru clenched his fist while even Kenji tightened his grip around his staff in irritation. Although Yakeru knew this guy clearly wanted to stir up trouble, he couldn''t help but feel aggravated by his jabs.


    "Look, we don''t want any trouble," Kenji tried to defuse, standing to his feet. "Let''s go, Yakeru."


    "Right," Yakeru replied, not giving this guy the satisfaction of a reaction. However, as he tried to follow Kenji out, the Fiend leader stepped in his way.


    "How cowardly do you have to be to run away from a casual conversation? Then again I''m not surprised." He lifted his chin to remain looking down on Yakeru.


    Yakeru narrowed his eyes in irritation. "Excuse me?"


    "If you can''t handle something as simple as a little chat then maybe you''re not cut out to be a ranger, just like how your party wasn''t."


    Yakeru''s eyes widened slightly in shock at his audacity to call out those who lost their lives. The confrontation attracted concerned looks from throughout the lobby¡ªconcern for the B-rank as he wasn''t aware of what he was getting into.


    "What did you just say?" Yakeru hissed.


    "Am I wrong? If your party was even remotely competent they would still be here." He insulted, a smirk forming on his lips.


    Yakeru''s temper had reached its limit. The veins in his forehead bulged as he raised his fist, intending to drive it into his jaw. However, the Fiends leader parried with ease and countered with a punch of his own, burying his fist in his stomach.


    Yakeru doubled over, fluids spilling from his mouth as the crowd watching the altercation were conflicted whether or not to stop it. The fact that the Fiends were involved made everyone hesitate. Kenji, however, tried rushing to his friend''s aid but was quickly seized by the arms and held back by the redhead''s goons.


    "What''s the rush? Just sit back and watch the show." One of them said as he struggled to break free but to no avail.


    The leader looked down on Yakeru clutching his stomach, his smirk never leaving his face.


    "Done already? To think you''re a survivor."


    Yakeru wiped his mouth with his left sleeve, discreetly sliding the hand on his stomach to the hilt of his sword. The Fiend seemed to love running his mouth and gloating. Perhaps he could take advantage of that.


    In one swift motion, he unsheathed his sword and swung for his legs but as if he saw this coming, he casually stepped back, avoiding the slash. The onlookers were shocked by how fast this had escalated, exchanging nervous glances.


    With his blade to his side and blood boiling, Yakeru sprung forward, prepared to defend his fallen comrades'' honor. The redhead''s smirk widened into a smug grin as he nonchalantly sidestepped another swing. Mockingly dancing around the youth''s barrage with a sneer and hands in his pockets, he reduced the once-skilled swordsman to a sloppy amateur. Although Yakeru''s frustration made him careless, the arrogant redhead chose not to capitalize on the many openings he found.


    His blade produced sharp whistling with every missed strike, inflating the haughty leader''s ego. A collection of shuffling feet, murmurs, and gasps sounded around the two.


    Unexpectedly, during his onslaught, he''d managed to nick the redhead''s arm though it wasn''t deep enough to break skin. Surprised, the Fiend decided it was best to end this scuffle. Dodging to his left, his hand shot from his pocket and struck Yakeru''s throat with the web of his thumb with expert precision.


    Dropping his sword, Yakeru reflexively clutched his throbbing throat, his breaths coming out labored. Before he had the chance to recover, his legs had already been swept from under him as he came crashing through a table.


    Kenji was finally released, rushing to his writhing friend. The Fiend leader slipped his hand back in his pocket, amusement evident on his face. Just when Yakeru was reaching for his sword, an unknown force locked his hand in place. Looking down, he could see a faint streak of gleaming light that seized him by his wrist.


    Rangers that were circled around them muttered amongst each other when someone called out from the crowd.


    "What''s going on here?!" The familiar voice roared.


    The crowd parted to reveal none other than the Guild Master with a Sentinel accompanying him. The white-uniformed Sentinel had one hand up, the streak of light originating from his curled finger. Adrian stepped between the two teens, his stern face demanding an explanation.


    "Guild Master. I was just having a casual conversation when this barbarian attacked me. I merely acted in self-defense." The Fiends leader answered innocently.


    Adrian looked at Yakeru and followed his arm to his hand which was still frozen before he could grab his sword.


    "You can release him now Sentinel Sokuba," Adrian ordered.


    The Sentinel named Sokuba obeyed, relaxing his finger as the light, what Yakeru now understood was some kind of wire, unraveled itself from his wrist and returned to the Sentinel. Yakeru sheathed his sword as Kenji helped him to his feet.


    "You can''t possibly believe that bulls-"


    "You two," Adrian''s stern voice cut Yakeru off, shooting a furious gaze at him and Kenji. Outside!" He demanded before telling one of his employees to clean up the mess they''d made.


    As Yakeru and Kenji made their way outside, Yakeru heard the redhead behind him mutter, "I guess that''s what you should expect from commoners¡ªuncivilized."


    Adrian met them outside, pinching the bridge of his nose in disappointment. "Why''d it have to be you two..."


    "Sorry for causing a scene." Yakeru apologized. "But if he didn''t antagonize us, I wouldn''t have-"


    "To be frank, I don''t care who antagonized who. You realize an unsanctioned duel within the guild is strictly prohibited?"


    Yakeru bit his tongue and looked down, ashamed that he allowed himself to lose his composure to some snobby teenager.


    "The council will expect me to ban you from the guild." Adrian sighed, conflicted.


    Yakeru''s eyes grew wide as he now realized the severity of his actions.


    "However, it feels wrong for me to ban one of the rangers responsible for capturing the Ripper. So I''ll try to negotiate with the council...I don''t know how Councilman Yamato will react to this."


    "Councilman Yamato?" Kenji echoed. Yakeru and Kenji recalled that name from when the Sentinels were first announced months ago. "Why him specifically?"


    "Don''t you know? The boy you attacked is Kane Yamato, the son of Councilman Rei Yamato."

 Chapter 58: Royally Screwed

    "The council will see you now, Mr. Anders." A well-dressed woman informed the suited Guild Master who had been waiting in a grand luxurious lobby.


    A few days had passed since the altercation in his guild. During that time, he''d contacted the council regarding Yakeru''s actions. The council agreed to meet with the Guild Master seeing how urgent he made the matter seem. He''d compiled a list of Yakeru''s and his comrades'' reports to make a case in hopes that the council would show mercy to the one who assisted in capturing the serial killer.


    The woman''s heels clicked against the marble floor as she escorted him through the luxurious hall filled with extravagant paintings and designs. Arriving at a set of large double doors with two capital guards clad in silver armor on either side, they pushed open the doors in unison.


    On the other side of the double doors was the council seated at a crescent table with a tall, broad-shouldered Sentinel standing imposingly behind them as their guardian. The doors closed behind him and he approached the council, giving a respectful bow.


    "Mr. Anders." Rei Yamato spoke. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"


    Adrian straightened himself. "I understand you may have more important matters so I am thankful you have decided to approve this meeting. I wanted to discuss Yakeru, to report on his record as a ranger."


    Rei''s face scrunched with disdain at the mention of the boy who attacked his son. "And I presume you have given him appropriate punishment?"


    "That''s why I come before you. I believe a ban is much too harsh for the boy and request that the council reconsider."


    "Excuse me?" Rei narrowed his eyes. "Need I remind you that raising a weapon against not only a colleague but royalty is unacceptable? I won''t tolerate such insubordination and neither should you."


    "Now, now. Perhaps we should listen to what he has to say Councilman Yamato." A fellow council member in a broad fur coat suggested, calming Rei.


    It had been months since Adrian last had the honor of being in the council''s presence. Since their first meeting, he always had the sense that Rei''s patience was quite limited. Now it seemed like the Councilman was on a short fuse since the Yamato House was involved.


    Adrian continued. "Yakeru has built a rather impressive record in the short time he has been with the guild. According to his fellow rangers, he continuously exhibits selfless behavior and is a hard worker. He has proven himself reliable on many occasions and those he has worked with always form positive impressions of him. There are many reports that reflect this."


    "Regardless, we cannot ignore how he attempted to lay a hand on a colleague which cannot and will not be allowed." A Councilman with a grey goatee cut in.


    "Thank you." Rei agreed, turning back to Adrian. "May I remind you of the guild''s inability to manage its own rangers? It''s because of your original management department''s inadequacy that led us here and now you''re asking us to reverse the boy''s punishment after exhibiting aggressive behavior?"


    "Yakeru has recently been involved in the Misranked Mission Incident. His violent outburst was likely a result of post-traumatic stress." Adrian reasoned.


    "All the more reason to let the boy go." Rei countered.


    "I concur. Would he not pose a danger to not only himself but to his peers?" Another Councilman added.


    "To allow such a thing to occur without repercussions would reflect poorly on us and the guild." The goatee Councilman doubled down.


    "Misconduct must not be condoned, Mr Anders. Wouldn''t you agree?" Rei questioned.


    Adrian looked down at the marble floor, the council''s words swirling in his head. For some reason, memory replayed his first time meeting the young swordsman. After listening to his reason for ending up in that hospital, he kept a close eye on him. Every mission he''d been on included him ending up in a hospital bed.


    Adrian looked back at the council, specifically locking eyes with Rei Yamato. "With all due respect, you''re ignoring the fact many rangers have gone through similar ordeals. It''s in the job description. Yakeru is not inherently a bad person. Time and time again he has needed medical attention because he was always prepared to give his life for the sake of another."


    Rei''s scowl softened ever so slightly as even he could acknowledge an admirable trait. Adrian was going to continue his rant when he stopped himself, realizing he''d deviated from his original argument. He cleared his throat.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "I''m not asking you to lift his ban. I''m urging the council to at least give him a chance."


    The councilmen looked at each other while Rei cupped his chin. After a long pause, the old man''s anger had seemingly disappeared and a smile played on his lips.


    "Perhaps there is an alternative."


    *****


    After Yakeru was sent home, his thoughts veered back to his scuffle with Kane. According to Guild Master Adrian, he was the son of Councilman Rei Yamato and a renowned prodigy. He founded the Fiends Clan and would build up a reputation for hunting the most A-tier monsters out of any clan and, on occasion, would hunt S-tier monsters. His A-rank and royal status also played a huge part in attracting new recruits and thus the Fiends quickly grew into the biggest clan in the guild currently.


    To think Yakeru would be foolish enough to make enemies with not only the Fiends'' leader but possibly his entire royal family. Now that he had a clear head, he could see that his recklessness could have serious ramifications for not only him but for his sister as well.


    ''How should I break this to her?''


    Days had passed, leaving Yakeru with plenty of opportunities to explain what had happened at the guild but he could never find the right words. What struck her as odd, however, was he''d try to say something about his last visit to the guild but then abruptly veered off to something seemingly trivial.


    One morning as they were having breakfast they heard a knock at the door. Akari went to answer it but what she didn''t expect was to find the Guild Master, wearing a fitted black vest and tie, standing on the other side.


    "Guild Master Adrian." She said, surprised.


    "Good morning, ma''am. I apologize for my unexpected visit. I just wanted to relay some information to Yakeru. This is his residence, correct?"


    Overhearing Adrian''s voice, Yakeru had already made his way over to the front door.


    "Good morning, Guild Master Adrian. What brings you here?" The kid asked.


    "I wanted to let you know about the situation pertaining to your ban."


    Akari lifted an eyebrow, confused as to what he meant by ''ban''.


    "I''m sorry, but would you mind elaborating?" She asked for clarification.


    Sweat formed on Yakeru''s face as Adrian dove into a deep explanation of what transpired a few days prior, oblivious to the nervous behavior Yakeru exhibited. Throughout his explanation, Akari seemed relatively calm but the kid knew better, the throbbing vein in her temple a telltale sign she was growing increasingly frustrated.


    "After some back and forth, the council decided to be a bit more...lenient with your punishment. In one month from now, you will participate in what''s called a Clan Skirmish where usually two clans would battle against one another for monetary gain or to settle disputes. Obviously, in this case, you''ll be facing the Fiends Clan. Since you''re not affiliated with any clan, you''re free to recruit anyone you wish who is willing to ally themselves with you, so long as they''re currently working under the guild. The Skirmish will take place in the Abandoned City of Terv located south of the inner rim. Should you win the Skirmish, you may resume your work as a ranger and claim one of the Fiends'' outposts of your choosing. However, should you lose, you''ll be expected to surrender your property and all of your possessions to the Yamato House and you will never be allowed employment in the Capital again."


    ''They call that more lenient?!'' Yakeru exclaimed internally.


    "Is that so?" Akari placed a threatening hand disguised as a calm gesture on Yakeru''s shoulder, making him shudder.


    Her furious gaze, masked with an innocent smile, practically bored holes into the side of his head. He didn''t dare make eye contact¡ªrather he was far too fear-stricken to do so. She looked back at Adrian and politely bowed.


    "Thank you, Guild Master, for bringing this to my attention."


    Adrian dipped his head in response and turned to the boy. "I''m sorry I couldn''t do more to help. The council has more jurisdiction now than before."


    "You did what you could. I can only be appreciative." He reassured. "While you''re here, would the guild happen to know the residence of my party members? I''d like to start getting all the help I can get."


    "Of course," Adrian said before sharing his party''s information, Yakeru thanking him afterward. "I better head off then. Good day to you both." He tipped his hat before leaving.


    Akari closed the door as Yakeru quietly tiptoed backwards.


    "Where do you think you''re going?" Her seemingly calm tone sizzled with anger.


    He froze as she turned to face him. Her face was still plastered with the same smile but her aura reeked of murderous intent.


    "When were you planning on sharing this with me, dear brother?" She cracked her knuckles, her slow gait instilling fear within him.


    "Just let me explain!" He pleaded, raising his hands in a placating manner.


    Since Adrian had already given her the gist of what happened, it didn''t take long for Yakeru to explain his side of the story. Akari''s eyes were narrowed in disappointment for the whole duration despite him suggesting that he wasn''t at fault. By the end of it, she dropped her face in her hands, letting out a frustrated grunt.


    "You know better not to do something so childish."


    "What was I supposed to do, just let what he said slide? Sorry, but he was the one who wanted trouble." He tightened his fist just thinking about it.


    "And that''s supposed to justify pulling a weapon on a royal figure? Do you realize what sort of predicament you put us in?" Her voice roared throughout the house causing Yakeru to avert his gaze.


    He couldn''t argue. The Fiends was the largest and possibly the most influential clan in the guild. Kane was considered a genius among his peers and after their brawl, he could see why. He had no information on the rest of his followers but he had no doubt they were also among the most talented.


    The more the situation marinated, the more his confidence plummeted. Facing a group of talents with the backing of the Yamato House seemed like impossible odds but it wasn''t like he could forfeit either.


    Yakeru hunched over the dining table, burying his face in his hands. "I''ll figure something out..." He tried to convince himself more than his sister.


    "What''s done is done." She sighed.


    After they finished eating, she threw something on and made herself decent, catching Yakeru off guard as he didn''t remember her mentioning that she was going out.


    "Are you going somewhere?"


    "????''???? going somewhere. There''s an old friend of mine that I''d like you to meet."

 Chapter 59: A Mentor

    After leaving their village, Yakeru and Akari hitched a ride on a carriage and began making their way to her supposed friend. She didn''t give any information on this person so Yakeru was confused as to why she brought them up in the first place. He still had much on his mind so he initially wasn''t too keen on going with her but she insisted.


    "Who''s this friend?" Yakeru asked curiously.


    "A buddy of mine before I gave up my old life." She answered vaguely.


    "That doesn''t tell me anything."


    It was unlike her to have dragged him along at a problematic time like this. Meeting a stranger he wasn''t acquainted with wasn''t exactly at the top of his list of priorities. He could''ve been doing something more productive like training or recruiting rangers for the skirmish. Surely she knew time was of the essence...or perhaps she was fully aware that it was all futile. Maybe she wanted to redeem a solid and make arrangements to move into a new place beforehand. Now that he thought about it, that was most likely the case.


    The carriage pulled onto the main road of a small village a couple of hours away from his hometown. The village didn''t appear too different from his own with houses dotting the grassy fields, the only difference being a stream meandering through the quiet village. Every house looked relatively the same from the outside with one story and an empty yard. All except one.


    Unlike the wooden homes before it, this one was made from bricks and most of the yard was dirt with patches of grass here and there. Stopping in front of the house, Akari tipped the coachman and got out followed by Yakeru. As they approached, they felt a small tremor in the earth, making Yakeru stumble. However, when he looked around he was surprised to find that the villagers weren''t too concerned about it as they continued with their daily lives.


    "Seems like the big guy''s working." Akari assumed, casually ignoring the quake to walk around the property.


    ''What kind of work could he possibly be doing to make the ground shake?''


    As they rounded the corner, Yakeru''s eyes widened in surprise. The mixture of small craters dotting the field, fallen logs, and boulders gave off a wasteland vibe. The only indicator that anyone was here were the makeshift targets randomly placed throughout the area.


    Amidst it all was a tall muscular man wielding a claymore with expert precision. The sword was almost the size of him but with just a simple twist of his body, he sliced a boulder in two and destroyed the intended target behind it. What shocked Yakeru the most wasn''t the fact that he''d sliced through a rock weighing several tons, it was the man himself. Just before every attack, he caught a glimpse of amber being infused into, not his sword, but rather...


    ''No, that can''t be right.'' Yakeru brushed off, chalking it up to his eyes playing tricks on him.


    It was only when the boulder''s top half slid off onto the ground producing a dry thud that the man noticed he had an audience. Once his eyes landed on the one standing next to Yakeru, he rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn''t hallucinating. When he opened them again, she gave him a casual wave.


    "Akari?" The man questioned as he drove his blade into the ground and made his way over.


    "It''s been a while." She smiled.


    "It is you! Wow, I haven''t seen you since our time in the Fire Glades."


    Shaking her hand, as he was too grimy to embrace his old friend, Yakeru got a better look at him. He had short spiky dark hair and there was a scar that stretched horizontally across his face just underneath his brown eyes. He wore a simple white tank top now drenched in his sweat and grey sweatpants.


    "I like what you did with your hair." She teased, noticing streaks of grey on his sideburns.


    "Stylish, don''t you think?" He quipped back.


    Akari glanced behind him to get a better view of the destruction he''d casually left behind.


    "I see you haven''t lost your touch."


    "Nah, I''m past my prime so I''m a bit rusty." He looked over at Yakeru to acknowledge him. "And who might this young man be?"


    Akari pat Yakeru''s back. "I''d like you to meet my troublemaking brother."


    "So ???????? is Yakeru. Akari couldn''t go one mission without mentioning you. I''m Itsuki. It''s a pleasure to finally meet you." He offered his hand.


    "It''s nice to meet you too, sir." Yakeru accepted.


    "Please, don''t start with the formalities. Itsuki''s fine." He smiled warmly.


    They spotted movement from the makeshift training ground, a shadow weaving through the rubble before coming out in the open. Exposing itself to the light, Yakeru could see that it was nothing but a twin-tailed fox trotting up to Itsuki''s side.


    "Oh, and this little guy is Dash, " he introduced. One tail was black while the other was bright red, the two colors wrapping around the small fox in a spiral pattern.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    "Hey, buddy." Akari knelt down, allowing it to sniff her extended hand. It recognized her scent almost immediately and excitedly jumped to its hind legs to lick her face. "I know, I missed you too." She laughed softly as she scratched its chin, both tails wagging. "You''ve gotten bigger. Has this old man been treating you well?"


    "You''re a tamer?" Yakeru asked Itsuki.


    "I am. I''ve had him for ten years now."


    Yakeru had heard of tamers before but they were rare to come across. Although it was perfectly fine to own domesticated beasts, as a precaution, it was made illegal to bring them into the Capital. This was the reason why he hadn''t seen any rangers walking their pet steel-quilled bears in and out of the guild.


    Pleased with the amount of affection it received from Akari, the fox sniffed Yakeru a moment before turning away, appearing disinterested, and darting back to the training ground which Dash more than likely saw as a playground.


    "Please, come in," Itsuki said, snapping Yakeru out of his thoughts and gesturing them inside.


    After following him inside, they were struck by a sense of rugged strength. A spherical artifact flickered to life above them, illuminating the house''s interior. The main living space had sturdy furniture, each bearing marks of wear and use. Spare claymores rested along a large weapon rack. However, what caught the kid''s attention was what was above the rack.


    Scales and the heads of monsters were displayed as trophies on the wall, showcasing the man''s previous battles. As the young swordsman lagged behind, his gaze tracing over the slain beasts, he recognized some of the monsters, some from his sister''s stories and others he had actually fought himself.


    Making their way to the couch, Itsuki offered his guests some refreshments which the two respectfully declined. As Itsuki sat beside his former teammate, they immediately started catching up. They chatted about what they''d been up to since they last saw each other, their conversation filled with light teasing and laughter. Yakeru could tell the two were quite close just from their instant rapport. Eventually, Akari stated the reason why they were there.


    "So about our visit. How do you feel about being somewhat of a guardian?"


    "A guardian?" Itsuki echoed as Yakeru raised an eyebrow, just as confused.


    "Yeah. You see Yakeru here is a full-fledged ranger now. But unfortunately, he tends to find himself in...dire situations."


    "Situations that aren''t entirely my fault. I can handle myself." Yakeru defended himself. He remembered her mentioning finding him a guardian before but he didn''t think she was serious.


    "Right, because landing yourself in the hospital every time you go out is considered ''handling yourself''." She rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But that''s not the only reason why I wanted your help. You see, this brat here has gotten us involved in some drama."


    Yakeru fidgeted as she explained their current situation, still ashamed. He could tell by the slight widening of Itsuki''s eyes that he wasn''t expecting to hear this. His gaze shifted between Akari and Yakeru occasionally as if looking for confirmation that what she was saying was true. At the end of her explanation, Itsuki sat there tapping stubble on his chin.


    "That''s quite the predicament," Itsuki noted as he turned to Yakeru. "The Fiends can''t be taken lightly. Do you have a clan of your own?"


    "No. I was hoping a few rangers I usually go on missions with would help though."


    "Oh? How many would that be?" Itsuki wanted to confirm.


    Yakeru scratched his cheek. "Two..."


    Itsuki sighed, a look of doubt flashing across his face. Even if they recruited a veteran such as himself and a couple of other rangers, the Fiends were still a large clan.


    "How long until the Skirmish?" Itsuki asked either one of them.


    "About a month from now."


    Yakeru doubted he''d lend a hand but surprisingly Itsuki''s lips curled into a smile.


    "Come with me outside, kid."


    Confused, Yakeru and Akari followed him out back to where his training ground was. Akari stood in the shade next to Dash who was drinking greedily from a bowl that they assumed was designated to him whenever he played outside for long stretches of time.


    Yakeru watched as Itsuki pulled his claymore out of the ground and turned to face him.


    "Alright, kid." Itsuki firmly planted himself. "Move me."


    Yakeru regarded him with another look of confusion while Akari shook her head knowingly.


    "Move you?" He confirmed.


    "You heard correctly. You may use whatever means to do so." Itsuki added.


    "Uhm, okay?"


    Yakeru knew there was some kind of caveat he couldn''t see but he wouldn''t know unless he acted. He gripped his sword''s handle and dropped into a stance before launching forward. Using his signature opener, in one fluid motion, he unsheathed his sword and swung for the muscular man''s midsection.


    His field of view flashed with amber and a clang reverberated through the air, sending a sharp jolt through his body. Suddenly, Yakeru found himself tumbling backward, a dust trail forming behind him. Lifting himself to his knee, he was stunned to find himself back where he started. After he recovered, he took the time to assess Itsuki who had his sword positioned in a way that would''ve blocked his strike.


    What the kid didn''t understand was how he was knocked back assuming the man had only blocked. It was as if he hit a brick wall that somehow pushed him back.


    "I hope that''s not your best attempt," Itsuki smirked.


    Dash had emptied his water bowl at this point and was spectating in amusement alongside Akari. Yakeru narrowed his eyes in concentration, now focusing on Itsuki''s legs. Lunging forward, the kid infused his blade in hopes of overpowering his opponent''s defense, swinging low as Itsuki prepared to block once more.


    A high-pitched metallic wail resounded the moment their blades met, staggering Yakeru once again. However, the force of the collision didn''t knock him backward this time as he was expecting. Instead, Itsuki unexpectedly swung for a counterattack. It wasn''t the attack itself that caught the boy off guard but rather how slow and nonchalant it was.


    Having ample time to bring his sword up, they clashed once more but surprisingly, despite how sluggish his attack was, it still sent him soaring several meters backward before tumbling to a stop. The sight of a kid getting launched away was so silly even Dash shook his head to how cartoonish it seemed.


    Yakeru was flabbergasted. None of it made any sense. The man hadn''t infused his sword once and yet he was still able to pull off bizarre feats? Was it due to a combination of his large sword and muscular build? No, a counterattack like that would''ve lacked the strength to send him flying like he did.


    He took a knee and examined his opponent and that''s when he noticed it. He''d seen it earlier but was convinced that his eyes had deceived him. It was for a brief moment but his arms were...flickering with radiance before it dissipated.


    "Do you see it now?" Itsuki asked, driving his claymore into the ground.


    "H-How are you doing that?" Yakeru stuttered in complete disbelief.


    Ignoring his question, the man walked over to the boy still on one knee.


    "So a guardian, eh? I''ll do you one better." Itsuki smirked, offering his hand to the dumbfounded Yakeru. "How about a mentor?"

 Chapter 60: Recruitment

    Yakeru and Akari had departed from the village after the young swordsman eagerly accepted Itsuki''s offer. He''d promised to mold the boy into not only a fierce fighter but an unconventional one as well. He knew he could learn a thing or two from a veteran ranger but he never imagined the extent of what he''d be learning.


    His mind began theorizing how Itsuki managed to infuse his body without injury but couldn''t come up with a solid answer. As much as he wanted to learn how he''d done it, there were more important matters to attend to. As of now, he only had one ally for the Clan Skirmish. He needed to recruit as many people as he could as soon as possible. After dropping off his sister back at home, he went to do just that.


    *****


    Fuyumi huffed, sweat accumulating on her face and seeping through her tank top as she ran at a steady pace. The clear skies allowed for the sun''s rays to bombard her. The combination of water droplets sprinkling on her skin whenever she passed by the kids playing in the stream and the occasional breeze would always feel brisk.


    She''d gotten accustomed to short fights early on as a ranger but her more recent battles highlighted one weakness: her meager endurance. She''d neglected this flaw for far too long and it had nearly gotten her killed multiple times. Thus, she''d made it a priority to improve this area by running around the perimeter of her village every day. It had only been a few days but she already started seeing progress even if not by much. She remembered first struggling to run a full lap but it became less strenuous over time.


    Finishing up her last lap, she approached her house, noticing someone she didn''t recognize before she went on her run. As she came to a gradual stop, the figure began to take on a more familiar shape. Sitting on the grass, the boy watched as she stopped in front of the property, panting with her hands on her knees.


    "What are you doing here, Yakeru?" She asked between labored breaths.


    "Sorry for coming unannounced. I needed to speak with you but your father said you were doing your daily jog."


    "I see." She grabbed a towel and soaked it in a pail of cool water to wipe her face with. "And what did you want to talk about so much that you went out of your way to find my address?" She questioned accusingly, placing a hand on her hip.


    Yakeru''s eye twitched at what she was insinuating. "Relax, it''s not like that."


    "Then what is it like?"


    He took the time to explain his situation but intentionally left out a couple of details, afraid he''d give her more ammunition for a verbal onslaught. Once she absorbed everything, she shook her head in disappointment.


    "You''re officially the dumbest person I know."


    "So can I rely on you?" Yakeru ignored.


    "That depends. What do I get in return?"


    "Well, if we win, they have to hand over any Fiends outpost of our choosing. I''m sure they''d have quality equipment and an arsenal of weapons you could use to hunt monsters more efficiently."


    Fuyumi raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. However, the fact that they were willing to give up something as valuable as an outpost also meant they were quite confident in their abilities.


    "And how long do we have until the Skirmish?" She asked.


    "About a month."


    "That''s it?" She doubted a royal would play fair but it was still surprising hearing the unreasonable amount of time they had to prepare.


    He sighed, leaning back to look at the sky. "That''s it."


    It wasn''t only the fact that they had little time, they''d also taken a break from missions after the incident. She wasn''t sure if Yakeru was mentally fit for a Clan Skirmish. Walking over, she sat beside him with the towel draped around her neck. He still picked up on the faint fragrance of vanilla on her.


    "By the way, how are you doing now?" She asked, looking forward.


    "I''m holding up better." He shot her a side glance, noticing small scars on the side of her head that would''ve otherwise been hidden had her hair not been pulled back into a ponytail. She still had her signature expressionless look almost as if she was unaffected by the event. "And you? You don''t seem too shaken up."


    "I''ve seen things go downhill before. I guess you could say I''m used to it." She replied somberly, her gaze now fixed on the ground.


    "I see. Sorry."


    She could tell he was still processing what they''d experienced. A moment of silence passed as they listened to the ambient sounds of the birds singing, water splashing in the distance, and the light breeze that played with their hair. The aloof ranger studied her feet, trying to find the right words before speaking again.


    "Uhm, I can''t guarantee a proper response but...I can lend an ear...if you want or whatever." She glanced away, clearly inexperienced with consoling others.


    Yakeru looked at her for a moment, suppressing a chuckle after her rough attempt at comforting him. "I appreciate that."


    "Hey, sis!" A familiar voice called out from behind, grabbing their attention. "Dad wanted me to tell you that it''s time to eat."


    Yakeru recognized the boy standing in the doorway from a while back. If his memory served him right, he remembered seeing him visiting Fuyumi after the Ripper had hospitalized her.


    Kei looked Yakeru up and down. "Hey, are you in my sister''s party?"


    "I am. I''m Yakeru. It''s nice to meet you." He introduced.


    "I''m Kei. Fuyumi talked about you guys a couple times. What rank are you? Are you as strong as my sister? What kind of monsters have you fought? Were they strong? Is it true you fought a behe¡ªmmph!" He was interrupted by a wet hand towel thrown in his face.


    "Go back inside, Kei. I''ll be there in a minute." Fuyumi said, getting up to retrieve her towel.


    "Ouch, that hurt." He removed the towel to reveal his pouting face.


    "Now." She said sternly, grabbing her towel as the kid went back inside.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    She sighed before looking back at her colleague. "He tends to run his mouth a little too much."


    "It''s fine. So what do you say? Will you help me? It would certainly help to have an A-rank in my corner."


    Fuyumi raised a brow. "How''d you know I was an A-rank now?"


    "Kenji and I were promoted after we all defeated the behemoth. I figured they promoted you too."


    "I see."


    She contemplated for a moment. If her team won, they''d be rewarded handsomely. Even if they lost, there''d be no consequences for her specifically but Yakeru would lose all of his possessions. She was no stranger to the feeling of losing her home. There was no good reason why he''d have to go through something similar.


    "Fine. But I expect you to be on top of your game." She responded.


    "Thank you." He got up and started walking away. "And don''t worry about me. I don''t plan on making it easy for them."


    After leaving her village, he set out to the Capital. His new armor was scheduled to be ready around this time after all.


    He figured he was fortunate enough to have gotten that behemoth armor plate. With it being nearly indestructible it was one of the only advantages he had although he didn''t doubt the Fiends also had access to quality equipment. Now that he thought about it, this was more of a matter of evening the playing field¡ªhardly an edge.


    After an hour, he''d arrived at the blacksmith, the jingling bell grabbing the smith''s customers'' attention. Just as Yakeru entered, he stopped as he didn''t expect to see who was inside. The customers turned to look at him, surprised to see him as well. One of them wore a grin which Yakeru could spot from anywhere with how bright it was.


    "Sir Yakeru! It is a pleasant surprise to see you again my friend!" One of them exclaimed.


    "Hey, Kateshi," Yakeru responded, shocked to see his former comrades.


    It had only been a few months since the last time he partied up with these three but it seemed like Kateshi''s armor had weathered quite considerably. The silver armor he remembered only had a few scratches and small dents from his previous battles. However, now there were brown flakes peeling from the edges of it, an indication it was gradually being consumed by rust.


    "Yakeru!" Kazeki walked up to his friend, locking his hand and pulling him into a hug.


    "Good to see you." Yakeru turned to their final party member who shot him a warm smile. "You too, Aoi."


    "Likewise." She smiled, giving a slight bow.


    "What brings you all here?" Yakeru asked curiously.


    "Well, this big ape got ambushed on our last mission and roughed up his armor," Kazeki jutted a thumb over his shoulder. "We''re just putting in an order for a new set."


    Yakeru could totally imagine the brute walking into a trap as he''d almost seen him do it before.


    "I see." Yakeru shook his head with a faint smile. "I actually came to pick up armor myself."


    The smith rounded the corner with a new set of armor.


    "Let''s try this one." He said, suggesting he''d made several trips to the back to find an armor set that could actually fit the giant. "Oh, it''s you. Your set is ready. Wait here." He said after realizing Yakeru was in his shop.


    He handed over the replacement armor set to Kateshi and left to retrieve Yakeru''s order. The group of friends caught up on what they''d been up to as Kateshi tried on his new set. Apparently, the trio went on a mission a few days ago to eliminate a queen acid beetle. To no surprise, Kateshi made light work of the queen''s pawns but what he didn''t know was her guards'' ability to camouflage, hence how he was ambushed. Had it not been for Aoi, they might''ve lost him.


    As they continued conversing, Aoi couldn''t help but notice a change in Yakeru. For some reason, she didn''t sense the same lighthearted air he had from before. Their friend appeared shrouded in a veil of gloom and his eyes, once filled with optimism and a longing for adventure, now held a haunted look.


    The smith returned with the armor set, snapping them out of their thoughts. Yakeru ran his hand across the obsidian armor, its surface smooth unlike its original rough and jagged form. Although the alloy wasn''t as thick as it once was, its light weight would allow for more mobility but was still incredibly durable. The polished organic metal now had a sleek design to it, its elegant contours clean and sharp. It hardly resembled the behemoth''s armor plate at all.


    Yakeru heard Kazeki let out an impressed whistle. "Wow. Ain''t that a beauty. Must cost a fortune."


    Starting with the greaves, he felt the comfortable fit and the satisfying clicking of the armor securing into place. The breastplate gleamed as he carefully lowered it on his torso. He fastened his gauntlets and shoulder plates onto his arms and adjusted the fit. The armor weighed slightly more than his previous set but it was more than worth it for the extra protection. With the final adjustment, he moved around a bit to confirm the set didn''t sacrifice mobility and dexterity.


    "That''ll be twenty platinum coins for the behemoth armor set." The smith said, earning Yakeru confused gazes from his former party members.


    Satisfied with the product, he paid for the armor with the extra compensation provided by the guild as Kazeki echoed, "Behemoth armor set?"


    "Yeah," Yakeru answered simply.


    Kazeki had a thought but dismissed it immediately as there was no way it could''ve been possible. "Those are pretty rare. You lucked out finding a set in mint condition."


    "I wouldn''t call it luck. Not in the slightest."


    "What do you mean?" Aoi asked curiously.


    Sighing, he gave them a very general explanation, skipping over many details that would''ve taken too long to go over¡ªfrankly, he didn''t want to talk about the horrific details anyways. Mentioning he was one of the lucky few who survived the Misranked Mission Incident, everyone gasped.


    "Y-You mean you were there?" Kazeki asked to confirm he heard correctly.


    "Unfortunately."


    "My deepest condolences." Kateshi''s usual loud voice was reduced to a somber tone.


    "That must''ve been terrible," Aoi added, concern evident in her voice.


    "It''s fine," Yakeru dismissed, readjusting the leather strap on his gauntlet. "I already have a lot to keep my mind off it."


    Now that he thought about it, this coincidence could work in his favor. They''d already proven themselves reliable so it would certainly help to have them by his side during the Clan Skirmish. As he explained his predicament to them, their faces, mainly Kazeki''s and Aoi''s, showed mixed emotions. They didn''t think he was the type to start drama with a royal family.


    "So I kind of need more people on board." Yakeru scratched his cheek, not expecting any of them to get involved. They only ran one mission with him after all. "I understand if you guys don''t wa-"


    "Do not fret my friend. You can rely on me!" Kateshi grinned, slamming a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It will be an invigorating experience battling strong foes!"


    Everyone else shook their heads as they should''ve expected him to agree on a whim.


    "Hey, if a friend''s in need, I''ll be there," Kazeki assured, playfully punching Yakeru''s arm. "Besides, if we win, I could use that outpost as a free rest stop for my travels."


    Aoi shuffled shyly, fidgeting with her fitted robes. "Well, since it''s you, I don''t mind lending my help at all. After all, I still haven''t repaid my debt."


    The corners of Yakeru''s lips curled up in appreciation. "Thanks, guys. I won''t forget this."


    Saying his goodbyes, Yakeru left the shop as the once hopeful blacksmith deflated and sighed after the armor he''d given Kateshi couldn''t fit him either. Since Yakeru was already in the Capital, he figured he might as well pay Kenji a visit. It was at this moment that he realized he didn''t have many connections in his workplace. Perhaps this was due to Fuyumi more or less calling the shots. He smiled to himself, remembering they''d always butt heads on whether or not to expand their party earlier in their career. Recently, this wasn''t the case as she was gradually becoming more open to the idea.


    The thought of asking Touma and Bo to help him also crossed his mind but he couldn''t bring himself to. Both had most likely retired early and it''d be inconsiderate to ask them to return to the life they abandoned after enduring something traumatic.


    ''I hope they''re doing okay.''


    He arrived at the address Adrian had told him and knocked on the deteriorating door. He heard shuffling and what sounded like glass bottles clanking against each other from the other side before the door clicked open.


    "Yakeru?" Kenji revealed himself on the other side.


    "Hey." Yakeru greeted, subconsciously taking a step back as the strong stench of alcohol radiated out from the doorway.


    Glancing inside, he found a man snoring on a yellow-stained couch. Kenji stepped outside and closed the door behind him.


    "Sorry. The house isn''t very tidy and I don''t want to subject you to the smell either." His conjurer friend scratched the back of his neck, embarrassed.


    "Can''t be any worse than the guild."


    "Trust me, the guild smells heavenly compared to in here. So did you hear back from Adrian?" Kenji wondered.


    "Yeah, he said the council wouldn''t ban me if I beat the Fiends in a Clan Skirmish. So I thought I''d ask if you''d be willing to-"


    "I''ll help you." Kenji cut in, taking Yakeru by surprise.


    "That''s quite impulsive. I haven''t even told you what you''d get if we win."


    "That doesn''t matter because I still have a debt to pay." Kenji patted his friend''s shoulder. "You came to my rescue before so now I''ll do the same."

 Chapter 61: Snails Pace

    The next morning, Yakeru wasted no time getting ready for the day. It was going to be his first training session with his new mentor, Itsuki. The last time he was this excited was when Akari had finally agreed to let him be a ranger on the condition that she trained him vigorously. He clad himself in his brand new light armor forged by the scale of a behemoth, hugged his sister goodbye, and made his way to Itsuki''s village.


    A couple of hours later, he was approaching Itsuki''s brick home. Just like the first time he''d visited, a small quake shook the ground around his property. Perhaps this was the reason the veteran ranger decided to make his house more sturdy than the rest. As he turned the corner, he found Itsuki once again on the training ground, honing his strikes. Just as the man was about to perform an overhead slash and no doubt cause another quake, he noticed the youth using the brick wall for stability, preparing himself.


    "Ah, you''re here," Itsuki said as Dash trotted up to the boy with a limp rodent in his jaws. Dropping his food, he sniffed Yakeru''s leg as the kid released the wall and kneeled down to greet him with a head pat.


    "Yes. Are you always out training when you''re not on missions?" Yakeru asked as he approached.


    "Of course. That''s precious time to do something productive." Itsuki looked the kid up and down. He''d met many rangers in his time but rarely ever saw such quality armor. "That''s quite the armor you have."


    "Just got it the other day."


    "I see. Well, I''m sure you''re eager to learn but before we start, I wanna get one thing out the way." Itsuki stabbed his claymore into the ground and rested his arm on the handle as he casually ignited his hand with radiance.


    Yakeru had seen him do this before but to see it again and up close made him gaze at it in amazement. Unlike a conduit that would glow when radiance was funneled into it, radiance imbued into the body appeared as a gentle flame.


    "As you can see, it''s not impossible to infuse your body. It''s just a tedious process to learn." Itsuki explained, extinguishing his hand before giving it a shake to soothe the throbbing. "For the next few days, I want you to get more comfortable infusing your legs so you won''t need your sword."


    "My legs?" Yakeru echoed. "Why only my legs?"


    "Although encompassing your entire body comes with benefits like increased strength, speed, and durability, it''ll drain you much faster as opposed to focusing on certain parts of the body. The second reason is that your fighting style focuses more on speed. At least that''s what I gathered from our little game the other day." He patted the kid''s back with a smirk.


    "Right."


    Itsuki took a few steps back as Dash dug into his freshly caught meal beside the tamer. Yakeru closed his eyes, concentrating on guiding his radiance into his lower half. After a few moments, vines of amber crawled down his legs, and patches of his skin began to shine through the fabric of his armor. His legs weren''t fully infused yet and he still winced from the growing pain. His form began to tremble as his muscles contracted involuntarily, a reflex to prevent him from tearing his body apart. Blinding heat strangled his legs as the light gradually covered his bottom half. Eventually, the pain grew too much to bear and he was forced to release it.


    He plopped to the grass as his legs now struggled to support him. "How in the world are you so good at this?"


    "It takes time. Although I know that''s not a luxury you have right now, but don''t you worry. I''ll mold you into a force the Fiends will fear." He winked. "Now get up and try again."


    Yakeru was starting to understand why people used conduits as a substitute. He already knew trying this unorthodox technique wouldn''t be easy but practicing it made it more evident. Since conduits were more commonly used, the human body didn''t adapt to withstand the stress of imbuing itself. Drawing out that power without having anywhere to funnel it into would slowly rip the body apart. If it took every ounce of willpower to push through the pain, he didn''t have a clue how he was supposed to maintain it while in motion.


    The periodic breaks he took would usually consist of him either spectating Itsuki''s training or watching Dash scare squirrels out of his territory. Since twin-tailed foxes were relatively low on the food chain, they''ve developed heightened senses and enhanced agility to easily traverse through harsh terrain. Seeing the little critter outmaneuver and snatch up an intruder at blistering speeds was entertaining to watch...and frightening.


    ''I guess that''s why he named him Dash.'' Yakeru mused as he resumed his torturous workout.


    As he was absorbed in his training, his perception of time had gotten lost somewhere down the line. The sun had already begun to touch the horizon.


    "Let''s call it a day, kid," Itsuki said, wiping sweat from his face.


    "Right." Yakeru agreed not because it was getting late, but because he''d begun to lose feeling in his legs.


    The next morning, he followed the same rigorous routine but this time was different. He noticed he was able to extend the infusion duration by a second or two. Although his legs burned and ached, he couldn''t help but smile at his progress, even if it was at a snail''s pace.


    Aside from the problem of sustainability, he ran into another issue that he''d have to address eventually which was his plummeting reserves. He''d always have to rest not only so his body could recover, but for his channels to replenish.


    He could only practice for two minutes at a time¡ªthree if he mustered every ounce of will to push his limits¡ªbefore stopping to resupply his channels. From the time he''d become a ranger until now, he could feel that his channels had become more developed, but even then, this ''improper'' way of utilizing radiance ate through too much of his reserves.


    It wasn''t until the fifth day that he felt he had built up enough resilience to hold it for about five seconds.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "Good. You''re improving faster than I thought. Keep this up and you''ll be in a good position to face Kane." Itsuki praised after gulping down water to cool himself from his own training.


    Yakeru released the infusion, his legs giving out from under him and dropping to the ground. "I still can''t hold it as long as you can."


    "Because I''ve been doing this since before you even held a sword. Trust me, you''re doing just fine. Once you''ve rested up, I''m gonna show you the next part of your training."


    "Does it include more torture?" Yakeru asked sarcastically.


    Itsuki responded with a knowing smirk. "It definitely won''t be any easier. I''ll demonstrate for you."


    Itsuki took a few steps back as he began imbuing his body. Unlike focusing on his arms like last time, he decided to imbue his bottom half. As the radiance slowly crawled down the length of his legs, Yakeru couldn''t help but notice how little he reacted to the pain. The only indication of an uncomfortable feeling was the single twitch of his brow.


    With his legs fully infused, he slid his left foot back and launched himself forward. There was barely any time for Yakeru''s eyes to register movement, only the trail of amber left behind and the vague silhouette of a person. Just as he was about to lose track of his mentor, Itsuki slowed to a screeching halt, creating a dust cloud that struggled to keep up. The boy wanted to comment on how amazing that feat was but the words were lost on his tongue as he could only stare in awe.


    "It''s trickier than it looks but with enough practice, you''ll get a good handle on it," Itsuki said, releasing the radiance and turning to the kid to find his mouth agape.


    "You...you didn''t even need the help of a conjurer." Yakeru stammered.


    "Neat right? I''m not very skilled when it comes to speed so I was a little slow there." He stated, earning an unconvinced look from Yakeru. "However, there''s a caveat to this. Augmenting yourself instead of having a conjurer do it means it''ll be significantly harder to cast another radiant-based attack at the same time, especially if you''re a beginner. For now, just practice walking while infused."


    "I see...I''ll try."


    Itsuki spectated along with Dash as Yakeru attempted to replicate what he''d just seen. Infusing his legs, he lifted his foot to take a step forward, feeling lighter than before. However, the moment his foot left the ground, his radiance dissipated immediately.


    "Don''t get complacent because you learned how to walk during infancy. Try again." Itsuki said.


    The kid infused his legs once more and went to take a step but it ended with the same results.


    "Again," Itsuki repeated.


    The day went on with the boy repeatedly trying to walk and although he hadn''t seen any progress, he quickly took note of the main problem he had with this technique. Even now, self-infusion was still a bit challenging but sustaining it while in motion was the hurdle he''d dreaded.


    He drew a line in the soil two feet ahead of him and made it his mission to reach it without breaking focus or before five seconds was up. He failed again and again but by the next day, he was finally able to ''comfortably'' make it two feet before his concentration wavered.


    By the end of the week, he was able to painstakingly make it to six feet. To make things worse, he wasn''t walking as naturally as he''d like, his legs jittering awkwardly before completing a step. Occasionally, he''d catch himself comparing his sluggish walking to Itsuki''s fluid sprinting.


    ''Baby steps, Yakeru. Baby steps.'' He reminded himself, prying his mind out of the trap of comparing himself to an expert. He happened to look over at Dash who had stopped eating his meal to watch, an amused expression etched onto the fox''s face. "You try learning to walk all over again, fox." He blurted.


    "I hear a lot of talking but don''t see enough training," Itsuki warned, snapping Yakeru back to the task at hand.


    Ten days had passed, and the boy could finally slowly walk more naturally before his legs needed time to rest. During this time, it became more evident that his steps were lighter when infused so it took more time to get used to it.


    His next goal was to achieve a fraction of the speed Itsuki had demonstrated days ago. Itsuki watched as the kid went into a clearing, drawing another line in the dirt about ten feet away from where he''d be starting.


    After attempting to sprint a few times, he was once again stonewalled by another problem: coordination. His increased speed made it nearly impossible to control his footing and momentum. Attempt after attempt, he always managed to end up eating a mouthful of dirt. Itsuki and his companion shared hysterical laughs at the kid''s little comedy skit.


    He ignored them as he continued his practice. For this to work, he needed to predict where his foot would land after the first step. It''d be a tedious process, but he figured he''d start by leaping forward once to get an idea of where he''d land.


    Itsuki cupped his chin in interest as he watched the boy push himself forward once, return to his starting position, and repeat. He purposely gave him little instructions and guidance to force Yakeru to problem-solve himself so he found it intriguing whenever he discovered workarounds.


    "As entertaining as it is, I gotta admit, Dash, the kid has determination." Itsuki pet Dash''s head as the fox let out a reluctant sigh of agreeance.


    The youth''s strategy seemed to work as he was eventually able to chain together a sequence of quick leaps before tumbling.


    "Again." Yakeru turned and walked back to the starting point.


    "Again." He repeated, wiping the dirt that caked his face.


    Somewhere in his training, his leaps gradually started to resemble sprinting, and with each failed attempt, the distance between him and the line shortened.


    With his mind somewhat freed from calculating his own movements, he could focus more on sustaining the infusion before he was forced to release it. It was at this point that he realized he''d have to pull this off while in the middle of combat but he shook that thought from his head to worry about later.


    "You almost have it." Yakeru encouraged himself, positioning himself at the starting point again.


    As the days passed by, he relentlessly trained and pushed himself further.


    "One more time!" He pushed off, producing a faint amber trail behind him.


    His footing was more stable than before but by the time he''d reached the line, he began to stumble. He released the infusion before his legs gave out and wobbled past the line. Keeping his arms out for balance, he remained upright as he looked back in disbelief. The line was behind him now.


    "Hehe..." A meek laugh escaped him as his eyes traced the groove in the ground he''d excavated from the days of practicing this skill.


    He allowed his body to flop to the ground as he silently basked in his victory. Itsuki got up from the chair he''d brought outside a couple of days ago and walked over with a satisfied smile.


    "Very well done, kid. I''m impressed."


    "You better be. Because my legs are shot." Yakeru quipped back.


    "Of course they are. You came a long way."


    "Yeah. This technique is nothing short of amazing. It makes me wonder why people don''t try it." Yakeru panted.


    "As humans, we default to whatever option is more convenient. You have to infuse in bursts to keep your radiance from ripping your body apart, concentrate on a specific part of the body you want to be affected, focus on the kind of effect you want to achieve, manage the intensity of the output, all while fighting an opponent or multiple opponents at a time. So it''s understandable why people would see it as a daunting and cumbersome task. ''Why go through the hassle when using a conduit is significantly easier?'' They''re looking for magic through convenience. But what people don''t realize is that the real magic comes from the work they usually avoid."


    The kid let his words sink in before responding. "I see."


    "You can take the day off tomorrow. Afterward, you''ll move on to the next part of training."


    "Which is?"


    Itsuki gave a knowing smirk as he dangled a small silver jingle bell over the boy. "I''m sure you''re familiar with that kid''s game Snatch-Away, right?"

 Chapter 62: Snatch-Away

    Yakeru leaped from one boulder to the next in hot pursuit of the twin-tailed fox weaving effortlessly through the wreckage. After hours of chasing, Dash''s movements slowed ever-so-slightly, allowing Yakeru to finally close the distance.


    "I got you now!" Yakeru shouted as Dash easily evaded his attempt at swiping the bell hanging from his neck.


    The youth once again lost his footing and crashed into a dry log, spewing dust and debris in the air. When the smoke cleared, Yakeru was sprawled upside down inside the log. He watched from an inverted perspective as the black and red colored fox casually hopped down from one rock to another before strutting away, the bell jingling mockingly.


    "You weren''t even close that time." Itsuki teased as Yakeru stood right side up.


    "I noticed." He dusted himself off.


    "Do you know what you did wrong?"


    "My...timing was off?"


    His mentor shook his head. "You gambled. Once you got close enough, you made a bet, throwing away strategy in the small hope that you''d succeed. In my experience, gambling on the field doesn''t end well. Your second mistake was trying to sustain your infusion at all times but that''ll only disrupt your flow which your opponent can take advantage of. Infusing in bursts will ensure you last longer."


    Yakeru nodded. "Understood."


    After his day off, he got back to work, only this time he was training with the elusive fox. The objective wasn''t only to steal the bell, but to develop a sense of situational awareness while moving at high speeds. The only problem was the horrible match-up. Although he''d gotten somewhat used to his increased speed, it was still incomparable to a twin-tailed fox''s seamless agility, lightning-fast reflexes, and impeccable coordination. These creatures knew exactly how to maneuver in harsh terrain and it showed during the numerous times he''d failed to catch the little critter. The difference between them was night and day.


    ''How am I supposed to catch something that''s physiologically designed to outmaneuver me?'' He pondered, frustration bubbling.


    Coming to no satisfying conclusion, he decided to head back to the lounge area of the training grounds that Itsuki set up more for himself than for the kid. Watching Dash drink from his bowl, he clicked his tongue in annoyance.


    During this part of his training, he needed to combine the previous lessons. Building resilience, concentration, control, agility, and coordination separately was already challenging. Applying them all at once to utilize the technique properly was another hurdle in itself.


    It also didn''t help that now he had to hone his spatial awareness since he was training in the actual training grounds congested with natural obstacles and uneven ground. It was frustrating how even the slightest miscalculation in trajectory would make him face plant or crash into debris. With these factors, he failed to see how he could manage completing this task in less than a month, before the Clan Skirmish.


    Yakeru went home after the sun began dipping beneath the horizon allowing a shroud of darkness to spread through the sky.


    The next morning, Yakeru and Dash were back at it again. The fox effortlessly kept a safe distance at all times, getting a kick out of the boy''s futile attempts.


    "This is why no one picks the fastest kid to be the bell bearer," Yakeru grumbled as he burst toward the arrogant fox, missing its tail by a foot and crashing into hard ground.


    The past five days had been filled with frustration and resentment toward himself for comparing himself to Itsuki. Although overcoming difficulties soothed him to an extent, Dash was a constant reminder of just how much he needed to learn. He''d come a long way but the little critter was still leagues faster than him.


    Dash evaded the boy''s attempt, hopping from one obstacle to another as Yakeru aggressively pursued him. Taking his mentor''s advice, he shortened his infusions and propelled himself around the training grounds. While this tip relieved him of the physical stress it put on his body, he still wasn''t coordinated enough to stabilize his landings.


    The next day, Yakeru started to recognize Dash''s micro-movements which allowed him to plan accordingly. If he attacked high, Dash would go low, blocking line of sight by weaving between debris. If he went low, Dash would usually go high and outmaneuver him. Flanking wasn''t an option because the fox was faster than him anyway so reaching his blindspot was near impossible. At least as of now.


    With his legs coalescing with radiance, Yakeru bounced from one boulder to the next. His speed and agility was still inferior to that of the fox, even when pushing himself to his limits, so he needed to be crafty. The bell jingled teasingly as Dash slowed his pace just enough so he stayed just out of Yakeru''s reach, taunting him.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    "Now''s my chance!" He exclaimed as an idea came to mind.


    Veering off course, he took advantage of the fox''s overconfidence and vanished in his blind spot, startling him. By the time Dash had a visual on Yakeru, he could only perceive him as a blur darting chaotically around him. Stumbling from his landing, Yakeru appeared behind Dash as the fox remained in a daze. Recovering from his bad footing, Yakeru launched himself toward Dash''s flank. The distance he cleared was near-instant but as soon as victory seemed within his grasp, Dash, without even having to glance back, leaped vertically and completely avoided Yakeru''s ambush.


    The kid went wide-eyed as he''d never seen him do that before, crashing into the log the critter was just standing on. When the dust cleared, Dash mockingly landed on top of the dazed Yakeru and strutted away, a taunting cackle escaping the fox''s mouth.


    "You little..." Yakeru gritted.


    The next couple of days passed and Yakeru had gotten better at utilizing the technique he''d been learning. Yet, although he''d reached a level that he could clear about ten meters with little pain or problems with footing, he still hadn''t laid a finger on Dash which only fueled the fox''s ego.


    ''How do I bypass a twin-tailed fox''s hyperacute intuition?'' He pondered. ''His agility makes him untouchable...and coupled with his uncanny coordination and senses...Ugh!''


    He rubbed his temples in frustration as there were too many variables to account for. There was still something he was missing but what? On top of everything, Dash was smart too. There had been multiple occasions¡ªan embarrassing amount¡ªwhen the fox would willingly let Yakeru draw close to him only to bait out a swipe and make him fumble.


    With every training session, the kid started observing the fox closely even when they were taking a break. He obsessively noted small details like approximately how far Dash could jump, how long before his stamina reached its limit, and even insignificant details like which side of his bowl he preferred to drink from.


    He studied the fox, determined to finally catch him and wipe that infuriating smug look off his face that appeared more frequently these days. He did, however, notice one detail while he was hunting another squirrel. He hadn''t eaten for a few hours by this time so he decided to take the opportunity to turn the intruder into his next meal.


    During his hunt, his movements were abnormal, winding up and around debris. The squirrel, once running relatively straight, immediately started to zig-zag back and forth. Yakeru leaned in, intrigued after realizing that Dash''s hunting looked fundamentally different than when he just wanted to chase squirrels away, which he would run straight toward them.


    Dash appeared in front of the squirrel, causing it to double back but, as if he predicted that would happen, he lunged and caught the squirrel. It squirmed in his jaws as he whipped his head wildly until it stopped moving.


    As much as Yakeru hated to admit it, Dash was impressive. He deduced two things from this small chase: First, Dash was able to influence the squirrel''s movements making it easier to predict its route. The second thing he uncovered was that the fox had intentionally lunged where the squirrel was going to be rather than where it was currently positioned.


    At that moment, he realized that his method of catching Dash more resembled Dash''s way of chasing away squirrels rather than hunting them.


    "That''s it!" Yakeru exclaimed, his mind already formulating a plan.


    "What''s it?" Itsuki asked, handing the kid a glass of water.


    Accepting the glass, he explained, "I think I figured out a way to catch Dash."


    "Oh?" His mentor took a seat in the shade, sipping on his mug. "Then I look forward to seeing your plan in action."


    He was still lacking in the speed and coordination department so he still had much to improve on before putting his strategy into action.


    For the next two days, Yakeru focused on refining his coordination and increasing his bursts of speed. Since moving at an increased speed blurred the world around him, he needed to predict when to brace himself and how beforehand. Even if radiance could help him with the initial burst of speed, it was much more difficult to stop in the location he intended to.


    Dash hadn''t suspected a thing, thinking he was the one still in control but Yakeru was purposely not trying to catch the fox, but merely trying to keep up. He could tell Dash''s ego had skyrocketed ever since his first training session with him.


    ''It''ll make it all the more satisfying when it comes crashing down.'' Yakeru thought, the corner of his lips lifting into a small smirk.


    After shifting his objective, he''d seen a noticeable difference. The stress on his legs had reduced and he no longer had to consciously calculate where he needed to burst forward and approximate where he''d end up, freeing up space so he could concentrate on herding the fox.


    The next training session, Yakeru was confident enough in his ability to snatch the bell. As usual, Dash got a head start and after a few seconds, Yakeru crouched down, infused his legs, and launched himself.


    Itsuki spectated from the sidelines and could tell, even at a glance, that the boy had improved significantly. His movements, although a bit sluggish, were more deliberate and his endurance allowed him to chase down Dash for several more minutes than usual.


    Yakeru locked onto the fox, never allowing him to break line of sight. He remembered what he''d seen days prior. He needed to hunt him, not chase him. Hot on Dash''s tail¡ªor tails¡ªhe began moving to his right, urging the fox to veer left. As expected, Dash kept his distance while Yakeru zipped through the training grounds to get a feel for his movements.


    As Dash started to lose track of the blur, Yakeru appeared in front of him. He crouched down, readying himself to pounce on the critter but Dash saw this coming from a mile away. The fox preemptively leaped into the air as Yakeru''s body language obviously suggested that he was aiming low. What the fox didn''t account for, however, was that the kid feinted him as he quickly readjusted and propelled himself up.


    The landscape below him stretched as he catapulted through the air, aiming for the location where he anticipated Dash would be once he arrived. For the first time, Dash''s eyes went wide as he realized his grave mistake. As he reached his maximum height, a gust of wind followed by a trail of amber spun him wildly before he was able to land.


    Dash trembled slightly but soon realized that he was still alive after patting himself. But something was missing. He briefly sniffed the area but couldn''t find it.


    "Lose something?"


    Dash turned his head to find Yakeru several meters away, dangling the bell with a satisfied smirk.

 Chapter 63: Light Sparring

    Dash whined as Yakeru stood triumphantly. After all these days of being clowned on, humbling the fox was a welcomed and most satisfying change. Itsuki clapped as he rose from his seat.


    "Very well done. Your agility and control have seen big improvements. As for your overall speed and coordination, although good, they could use more work."


    Yakeru plopped down on a log to catch his breath and rest his throbbing legs. "Right."


    "Rest up while you still can." Itsuki began heading inside. "There''s still one more thing we have to do."


    Although curious about what the next phase of his training was, he didn''t have the energy to dwell on it for very long. He''d been honing his mentor''s technique for almost a month now and he still hadn''t reached a level of mastery he was satisfied with.


    Regardless, he was still impressed. His senses had become sharper and his reflexes had gotten faster. He also noticed that his calf and thigh muscles had become more defined over the past few weeks of use. Even his upper body had adapted to a degree to compensate each time he needed to brace himself.


    He wondered how long it would take to reach Itsuki''s level. He hadn''t seen much of what he could do but his brief sparring session with him proved he was much stronger than he was.


    In the midst of his thoughts, Yakeru happened to sneak a glance in Dash''s direction who was drinking from his bowl. As the fox looked up and made brief eye contact, his face turned pouty, and snapped his head away with a light huff.


    "You''re such a sore loser." Yakeru teased.


    As Dash continued drinking, his ears perked up, detecting slight movement in the distance. Alert, his head shot up and before long he was darting across miniature wasteland that was Itsuki''s backyard. Yakeru lifted a confused brow but assumed he picked up an intruder''s scent. Soon after, Yakeru was engulfed in a shadow. He looked up to find a human silhouette rapidly approaching from the roof of the house and, by reflex, quickly infused his legs to blitz away at the last second.


    The figure crashed into the earth with a resounding boom as a gust of violent winds spewed dust in every direction. The boy broke into a fit of coughs as a claymore sliced away the smokescreen, pointing in his direction to reveal Itsuki.


    "I thought you were letting me rest?" Yakeru asked, confused.


    "On the field, you''ll have little time for that. You''re a ranger so you should know you should always be on your toes."


    "Right. ''You gotta expect the unexpected''." Yakeru replied, recalling his sister''s words.


    "Now, let''s see how well you apply what you learned in combat." Itsuki infused his arms.


    Dash hopped into Itsuki''s lounge chair that had toppled over from his owner''s extravagant entrance and watched from the sidelines. Yakeru remembered the last time he''d ''fought'' Itsuki. He didn''t stand a chance when trying to get him to move even an inch so he opted to switch his strategy.


    Yakeru initiated the engagement, launching forward as he drew his sword. Itsuki held his claymore low as the boy approached the side his claymore was on. For a moment, Itsuki found this odd since he could easily block or parry it but didn''t think too much of it. However, as soon as Yakeru saw him raise his sword to block, he pushed off of his right leg, fainting and swinging for his blind spot.


    Itsuki''s lips curled in satisfaction as he quickly leaped back, avoiding the attack. Yakeru didn''t waste a second, pushing off again to resume his assault. Since claymores were heavier than katanas, they were inherently slower. With this in mind, it''d be difficult to defend against an onslaught.


    The young swordsman unleashed a flurry of quick slashes but to his surprise, Itsuki was having little trouble blocking what he could and avoiding what he couldn''t. The veteran had spent years developing his fighting style and had put in place countermeasures in the event he faced a faster opponent.


    Now that they were legitimately sparring, Itsuki could gauge not just the boy''s capabilities but his potential. Just from this little exchange, he saw much of Akari in Yakeru as the kid performed movesets strikingly similar to his former party member. Although he lacked her finesse and elegance, there was clear effort put into honing his swordsmanship to make his style his own.


    It hadn''t even been a full month and the boy had learned faster than he''d anticipated. Every counterattack Itsuki threw at him was met with air as Yakeru swiftly dodged his attempts.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    "Good reflexes, kid." Itsuki praised as he pivoted and raised his sword. "But you''ve become too predictable."


    He aimed at an empty spot on the ground before Yakeru appeared there. The youth''s eyes widened as he watched the claymore''s rapid approach. He instinctively brought up his katana as the claymore slammed into his blade with tremendous force that tore through every muscle fiber in his body.


    A web of cracks split the earth beneath them as Yakeru gritted his teeth, struggling against his mentor''s sheer strength. Fortunately, his infused legs could withstand the pressure thanks to his training.


    Locking blades, Itsuki casually swiped his giant sword and flung Yakeru backward. Gathering himself, he looked back at Itsuki who was now smirking. He''d read Yakeru like a book to the point that he could accurately predict where the kid was going to be. Yakeru needed another strategy. Fortunately, they were surrounded by obstacles that could be advantageous for him.


    Infusing his legs once more, he darted to a nearby boulder, using it to propel himself around the training grounds. Soon, Itsuki found himself standing in the middle of a web of amber whizzing from every direction. Noticing that his mentor was disoriented, he launched himself toward him. However, Itsuki merely smirked again as he, for the first time, infused his giant sword and plunged it into the earth, a shockwave ripping out from the impact.


    Yakeru was once again sent hurdling backward. Shards of debris fired in his direction as he took cover behind one of the only remaining obstacles on the field. When the commotion passed, he peaked his head out to find the field, once cluttered with nature''s scraps, now void of any cover.


    "You almost had me there," Itsuki pried his sword from the small crater he''d created. "Now let''s see how you fair when your advantage is stripped away."


    Yakeru gulped and stood to his feet again. They haven''t been sparring for long and his lower half was already beginning to feel sore. As he patted himself down, he tried to recall the last time he was outmatched but came out victorious. His first dungeon experience came to mind when he was forced to battle infected guards. His strategy then was to obscure their vision before making his move.


    With a new game plan, he infused his sword and launched a crescent of radiance just below his mentor. The unfazed Itsuki, having years of experience under his belt, merely stood nonchalantly and watched, knowing the attack wouldn''t hit him.


    Upon striking the ground before him, a thick dust cloud formed around him. Although he couldn''t see the boy, he could still make out the faint jingling of the bell he still had on him.


    ''He probably should''ve dropped that before we started.'' Itsuki thought as he charged toward the sound.


    As he burst through the cloud with his claymore raised, he was about to take a swing at the approximate location of the sound when he suddenly stopped. The bell was lying on the ground. Realizing it was a trap, he swiftly swung behind him to find Yakeru winding up as well.


    The claymore''s blade halted mere inches away from the boy''s face, the force of the swing sending a gust of wind that whipped his hair. Yakeru on the other hand stopped mid-swing, shocked that despite his mentor''s heavier sword, Itsuki''s blade would''ve reached him before his katana could complete its arcing path.


    "You did well, kid," Itsuki smiled, resting his claymore on his shoulder. "With a little more experience, you''ll turn out to be a much better combatant."


    Yakeru sheathed his katana and dropped to the ground. "You''re still quicker than me."


    "No, I''m not. The reason why I won is because I was forced to predict you''re movements. If your opponent can do that, then it doesn''t matter how fast you are."


    "I see," Yakeru panted, rubbing his throbbing legs. "I would''ve gotten you had you not cleared the field. Most of the time, there''s going to be some kind of terrain around for me to work with."


    "True. But if you''re gonna be fighting humans now, that means your opponents will be smarter. The more they recognize your strengths, the more they''ll strategize to nullify them. If it ever comes down to it, you''ll have to play dirty."


    Yakeru simply nodded in understanding before looking down in thought. "It''s in two days now. Do you think I''m ready?"


    Itsuki patted the kid''s shoulder with a smile. "You''ve trained hard and have gotten farther than I anticipated. Although you can make some improvements, I believe you''re in a good position to give even the Fiends a run for their money."


    "Well then"¡ªYakeru bowed to his mentor¡ª"thank you for training me up until now."


    "No thanks needed. It was a treat for me too."


    Dash was still noticeably salty about his loss but begrudgingly accepted Yakeru''s goodbye pat, Dash''s tails wagging in harmony despite how much he pretended not to enjoy it. Although the fox had frustrated him more than he would like to admit, the two still formed a bond during their time together.


    Heading home allowed him time to think. The Clan Skirmish was in a couple of days and his nerves were starting to get to him. His biggest threat, from what he knew, was Kane. Their last bout left him beaten and humiliated but he was sure he''d trained long and hard enough for a round two. He hoped that the others had been training just as hard as he had to make up for their lack of numbers.


    Arriving home, he walked into the house, greeted by the welcoming aroma of steaming steak. Turning the corner, he found Akari already preparing dinner.


    "I''m back." He announced himself, tiredly setting aside his sword.


    She shot him a warm smile. "Welcome back. The food will be ready in a bit."


    He nodded and went to wash up before coming back thirty minutes later to her setting plates on the table, their contents consisting of sizzling strips of steak topped with spices and mashed potatoes on the side. As they sat down to eat, they conversed about his training.


    He''d gotten used to going on missions so frequently that he almost forgot the comfort his home brought him. Although he was nervous about what was to come, his only family gave him peace. Taking a break from it all, seeing his sister, training with Itsuki, and even recruiting allies had helped with taking his mind off his trauma also.


    He knew very well that these next couple of days might be his last in this house so he planned to make the most of it. However, that wasn''t to say he was going to give the Fiends an easy time either.

 Chapter 64: The Royal Prodigy

    7 YEARS EARLIER:


    The young master had only been training for four months and had already become proficient in fencing. His elegant movements made him elusive and his strikes and parries were quick and purposeful, mirroring that of a seasoned expert. The two combatants danced around each other, filling the grand room, adorned with rich tapestries and intricate chandeliers, with sharp clashes from their rapiers. The other students in the seating area watched in awe as the young prodigy effortlessly kept up with his instructor with a perfect blend of offense and defense.


    The boy weaved a strike meant for his head and whipped his dull blade along his opponent''s knee, producing a piercing snap that made him buckle. Reflexively dropping his weapon and collapsing on his unharmed knee, he suddenly found the boy''s pommel mere inches away from his throat. Although he was in no danger, it was at moments like these that he was reminded of the boy''s incredible talent which, in a way, terrified him to an extent.


    "...I concede. Very well done, Master Kane." The man said.


    The onlookers erupted into applause as the instructor rose to his feet and gestured for his student to join his classmates. Sheathing his rapier, as soon as Kane joined his peers, they began showering him with praise.


    "Wow! You were amazing Kane!"


    "Your footwork was impeccable!"


    "He couldn''t even tag you once!"


    A faint smile formed on the young boy''s lips as he allowed them to bathe him in compliments.


    "It''s all about staying on your toes and keeping your guard up until you see an opening. It''s not hard." Kane responded calmly as his classmates continued to gush.


    Another student was called up to the middle of the room and unsheathed his rapier. The instructor and student both dropped into their stances, eyeing each other. The man nodded his head, signaling to begin as the student immediately thrust forward.


    The match wasn''t nearly as awe-inspiring compared to Kane''s match. The student, although holding out, lacked proper footwork and his defense was mediocre at best, the micro gaps allowing the instructor to tag him multiple times in the span of a few seconds.


    Kane''s chin sunk into his hand in complete boredom as the instructor practically bulldozed through every other student as they pushed themselves harder to achieve even a fraction of the talent that he possessed. The instructor went on to inform the others what they needed to work on but, as expected, he struggled to give Kane any valid pointers. Why would he? He was his best student by far, after all.


    As the bell dismissed the class, everyone went to their polished wooden lockers and removed their sparring gear. They changed into their school uniforms which consisted of a white shirt, a navy blue dress jacket lined with gold and the academy''s sword and shield insignia imprinted on the sleeve, and trousers to match. Walking past a rack beside the double doors, the kids routinely put away their rapiers as they made their way to the exit.


    Walking through the set of large doors, Kane was greeted by a flock of birds dispersing into the sky. As his eyes adjusted to the morning sun peeking over the main building, he stepped out into the vast courtyard.


    Oak trees dotted the area with a large fountain at its center. Spires towered over the field with the main building straight ahead, a majestic structure serving as the heart of the fine institution.


    More royal and noble students from different sections of the academy gradually poured out into the courtyard. A cacophony of conversations quickly filled the courtyard. Kids of different courses, indicated by the slight variation in their insignias, navigated to their next class. Walking further with his friends trailing close behind him, they made their way to a series of interconnected buildings that made up the campus.


    Entering the building, the halls were more compact with students. Beams of light filtered through the stained glass windows, striking the marble floors and elaborate woodwork with an array of dazzling colors.


    Reaching their destination, basic radiance comprehension, they entered the classroom with students already in their seats. Instruments and artifacts of the same design were set on each table, awaiting usage. The trivial conversations in the room stopped the moment Kane stepped in, immediately replaced by awe. The boy deliberately took his time getting to his seat, savoring the attention.


    Taking his seat, they waited as more students trickled in until the professor finally arrived wearing a black and blue robe.


    "Good morning, everyone." The professor greeted. "I hope you reviewed the material from last week because we''ll be building off of that concept today."Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Everyone murmured excitedly as the professor clapped his hands to gather their attention again.


    "I see that all of you are very eager so why don''t we get started? At your tables are cylindrical artifacts that are sensitive to radiance." He explained as the kids already began inspecting their artifacts. "Each of them has a meter that will display how much radiance is funneled into it. Using your knowledge from last week on how to manipulate radiance, your task is to imbue these artifacts. You should be able to fill the gauge by the end of the week."


    Everyone began shuffling around the room, excited to show off their radiance pools to their friends. Kane''s group got to work immediately. The kids around him clutched onto their respective cylinders, closed their eyes, and concentrated. Meager amounts of amber veins slithered down each of their arms, finding their way to the artifacts.


    Kane watched as their artifacts began to give off a faint glow, their gauges slowly starting to fill. However, their shaky hands were an indicator that they were struggling quite a bit to fill it up even a quarter of the way.


    Surprisingly, one of the students from an adjacent table managed to barely fill it about a third of the way. The professor walked over and noticed their progress, impressed as he cupped his goatee. The student began to tremble before she was forced to release her radiance.


    "Did you see that, professor?" She exclaimed.


    "I sure did. Your hard work is paying off. At this rate, you''ll finish the project in no time. Don''t strain yourself though." He responded.


    Kane rolled his eyes, finding his classmate''s excitement misplaced.


    ''Hard work? Please.'' He scoffed as he picked up his artifact.


    Almost immediately after making contact, the gauge ignited, rapidly filling to his touch until it was full. His friends around him watched in amazement as the gauge glowed brighter beyond what they thought was possible.


    The professor and neighboring tables all shifted their gazes to see the royal leaning back with one hand on the back of his head while the other casually poured more radiance into the artifact. It buzzed with harsh intensity as the firm glass on the gauge cracked. The gauge shattered and the tightly condensed radiance burst through the opening in a chaotic whirlwind that made even Kane flinch.


    Once the radiance had vanished into the atmosphere, the professor couldn''t help but applaud his star student accompanied by the ''Woahs!'' rippling through the classroom.


    "Well done, Master Kane! As expected of a prodigy," the professor praised. "However, do try to take better care of school property."


    The young boy carelessly dropped the smoking artifact on the table before leaning back in his seat, pleased with himself.


    "I wouldn''t worry," he assured with a smug look. "It''ll hardly be an inconvenience for my family to replace it."


    He closed his eyes and relished in the praise he got from the room. His radiant channels were always more developed than his peers and had a knack for fencing as well. He''d always grasp concepts faster and his radiance manipulation, although still rough, was improving at a rate that even the professors and instructors couldn''t help but admire.


    The time it took others to progress through hard work was almost insignificant compared to his progression. With the backing of the Yamato House, he had access to resources nobles, and especially commoners, could only dream of. He was truly the next generation''s star.


    PRESENT DAY:


    Kane lounged on a bench within his estate with a book in hand. The ambient sounds of water flowing from an artificial stream and the occasional chirping filled the vast courtyard. Multicolored flowers bloomed within the perfectly trimmed hedges surrounding the carefully tended lawn that blanketed the area in a vibrant green. At some point, he became so engrossed in his book that he didn''t notice the clattering of wheels against the stone-paved pathway growing closer.


    A brunette woman dressed in maid attire, appearing to be in her mid-twenties, pushed a cart full of snacks toward the young master. It wasn''t until she pulled up beside him that he finally pried his eyes away from the page to acknowledge her.


    "You''re late. How long does it take to make something simple?" He accussed.


    "Forgive me, Master Kane. The other maids have taken the day off so today''s chores and responsibilities have fallen onto me." The maid dipped her head apologetically.


    "Whatever." He dismissed as she proceeded to set a bowl beside him filled with a variety of fruits.


    "Will that be all, Master Kane?" She asked routinely, secretly hoping he''d send her away so she wouldn''t have to deal with his snobby attitude for the time being.


    "You''re free to go." He shooed her away.


    She bowed before grabbing the cart and wheeling it away. As she departed, a second figure came into view wearing a fur robe. Kane felt his presence almost immediately and looked up to confirm who it was.


    "You''re out here again?" The man asked.


    "Oh, it''s just you, father." He dismissed.


    "You should be training. At a time like this, I''d have our Sentinel spar with you but unfortunately, he''s out of town right now. Regardless, the Skirmish is in a couple of days and you have yet to make any kind of preparations." Rei chided.


    "Are you implying that some low-class nobody could pose a threat to me?" Kane looked genuinely offended. "I''ve seen forest lurkers more competent than him."


    "That''s irrelevant. While your enemy is probably working hard to overcome his limits you''re lounging around eating a bowl of grapes. It would be wise of you to prepare yourself for the worst."


    "Don''t give me that, father. You know full well what I''m capable of. There''s no need to refine what''s already been refined." Kane''s words oozed with confidence. "I''ve proved time and time again that ''hard work'' can never measure up to raw talent. In addition, we have numbers and the guild has already confirmed that he''s not affiliated with any clan."


    Kane popped a grape in his mouth as he turned the page. "I doubt a commoner could cough up anything valuable so when all of this is over, they''ll be a Fiends outpost on that plot of land."


    Rei narrowed his eyes. He''d been urging his son to prepare for weeks but the arrogant boy wouldn''t budge. With his resources and skills, Kane was convinced he could easily win the Skirmish so any preparations would be a waste of time. As if lounging around wasn''t already a time waster.


    Rei turned to leave in resignation but not without shooting his arrogant son a look of forewarning. "If you''re that confident, I expect a flawless victory."

 Chapter 65: Before the Skirmish

    It was the big day. Yakeru had donned his new behemoth armor and made his way to Terv, the designated city where the Skirmish was supposed to be held, along with Akari. The ride there made his leg bounce with anticipation.


    Itsuki gave Yakeru the remaining two days to rest but that didn''t stop the kid from training on his own. He spent that time refining Blitz Step¡ªwhat he decided to name the technique he learned. As expected, he couldn''t master it, especially without the Itsuki''s guidance, in two days'' time but he was able to squeeze out an extra foot of distance before stopping.


    Naturally, Akari was curious to see what this technique looked like in action. ''Surprised'' would be an understatement. His description of Blitz Step didn''t do the actual technique justice. From her perspective, his blurry form, which barely resembled a human, cleared a distance of 11 feet in a fraction of a second.


    She was already aware of Itsuki''s rather unorthodox way of manipulating radiance but she hadn''t seen anyone augment their speed without the aid of a conjurer. Perhaps now he stood a chance against his sister but sadly he wouldn''t know for sure since there were more important matters to tend to.


    Riding up a gradual incline, an encampment of sorts came into view as their carriage approached. A man dressed in a traditional capital guard uniform stood at the entrance with a spear. The coachman stopped the carriage when the guard signaled with his hand. As protocol, he went around the back for an inspection to find Yakeru, Itsuki, and Akari.


    "Spectators or participants?"


    "We''re participants." The kid gestured to himself and Itsuki. "And she''ll be spectating."


    "Your names?"


    "Yakeru and Itsuki."


    "Yakeru? You''re the one going against the Fiends?" The guard confirmed.


    "Yes," Yakeru replied curtly.


    The guard raised a surprised eyebrow as he looked him up and down. Besides the armor, he didn''t look like much.


    "...good luck." The guard said insincerely, knowing full well the impossible odds he''d face.


    Granting them entry, the coachman pulled inside the gate and onto the cliff''s dry rocky surface. The encampment was bustling with activity. Tents were set up and a guardrail had been built along the cliff''s edge with a crowd of people chatting and looking out over the horizon.


    Looking past the crowd, they could spot the silhouettes of deteriorating buildings below that made up a city¡ªor what used to be one. They were still too far to make out any details but Yakeru assumed that was where the Skirmish would be.


    Yakeru tipped the coachman as they were dropped off before they were approached by two more capital guards who offered to escort them.


    "Do your best, okay?" Akari pulled her brother into a hug.


    "I will."


    "And I swear if you end up in the infirmary again..."


    "He''ll be fine." Itsuki cut in to reassure her. "I''ll make sure of it."


    They lingered in each other''s arms a while longer before going to their own designated areas. Walking through the encampment, they coincidentally passed by several infirmary tents, the wind flapping the tarps mockingly. With any luck, Yakeru wouldn''t need to pay the field medics a visit.


    Still following the guard, they caught a whiff of a pleasant smell nearby.


    "Skewered steak! Come and get your skewered steak here!" A short burly man shouted as customers flocked to his stand.


    Behind the stand was a blazing fire inside a stone pit with a chef sprinkling a precise amount of seasoning over the meat sizzling tantalizingly on the large pan. His gaze followed another guard who walked over to what he assumed was his friends, chomping on his skewered steak. The man sat on a log carved out into a makeshift bench as they started placing bets.


    "My money''s on the underdogs." A lanky guard said.


    "Same here. Everyone loves an underdog story." A short-haired petite female guard responded.


    "Pfft! Come on, guys. Let''s be reasonable. This is the Fiends we''re talking about." The man who had just arrived cut in. "They''re gonna wipe the floor with those freelancers."


    "You''re just biased cuz your nephew''s a Fiends member." The woman accused.


    He snapped his head away as his cheeks flushed in denial.


    "That ain''t got nothing to do with it. Just don''t cry to me when I take your gold, okay?" He teased.


    Walking out of earshot, they approached a large area surrounded by guards in an arc formation. Once they saw they were being escorted by a guard, they let him through. His escort brought him to a smaller section of the area with only a few tables and chairs while the opposite side had house-sized tents, each one with a reaper insignia on the front.


    The numerous tents lined together put into perspective how large the opposing force actually was. Walking by, he could see rangers in the same Fiends uniforms through the tarps. He lost count after the sixtieth clan member he passed and even then there were still tents behind the ones he could see. Most of them had scowls while others were annoyed, most likely because they were dragged out there to decimate a few nobodies in a Skirmish. Just looking in their direction made Yakeru''s heart beat faster.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Itsuki placed a comforting hand on the kid''s shoulder. "They usually don''t have both sides right next to one another. Kane probably wanted it set up this way to intimidate us."


    "Right."


    As they were guided to their area, Yakeru already spotted familiar faces. Kenji and Fuyumi sat by themselves at a long table, the conjurer greeting the with a wave while the quiet ranger gave them a nod. Both his party members had plates of cubed meat with a side of almonds that he assumed was from the cooking stand they just passed.


    "You two are early," Yakeru said as the guard began returning to where he was stationed.


    "I thought it''d be a good idea to scout the competition beforehand. Fuyumi just got here a few minutes ago."


    The two of them looked Yakeru up and down. His armor sets before were more simple compared to what he was wearing now.


    "Did you just buy that armor?" Kenji asked, noticing how familiar the material looked.


    "Yeah, it''s from the plate from the mine."


    Fuyumi gave a curt nod of approval while Kenji mentioned that it had more personality to it than his previous armors.


    After introducing his mentor to his party, Itsuki went into a conversation with Kenji to learn more about their strengths and weaknesses. As expected, Fuyumi made sure only to reveal what he needed to know. Since Yakeru was already familiar with them, he found himself staring absentmindedly at the Fiends'' side. More rangers trickled into their respective tents to join up with their clan members. Some were bulky and muscular while others were lean and looked more nimble.


    "Something wrong?" Fuyumi asked, snapping Yakeru out of his trance. Now that he had spent a considerable amount of time with her, he was able to detect the faint concern in her even tone.


    Noticing his subconscious fidgeting, he responded, "Just a bit anxious that''s all."


    She sat there unsure of what to say for a moment. It didn''t take long for awkward silence to fill the space between them as Itsuki fed tips to the more inexperienced conjurer. Her mind went blank while searching for words of encouragement so she did the only thing she could think of.


    "Here." She slid her bowl of almonds to him, catching him off guard. "They help with anxiety. We''ll need you at your best."


    He looked at the half-empty bowl before taking an almond. "Thanks."


    Surprisingly, the simple gesture itself was enough to put him at ease. As he ate silently he heard a familiar voice sound from behind.


    "Well, isn''t this a surprise." The voice made the group turn to face the source.


    Yakeru immediately narrowed his eyes, his gaze searing with disdain. Kane sauntered towards them with his signature smug grin on his face. Behind him were three men armed with spears wearing the same uniforms as typical capital guards. However, instead of the normal white and blue color scheme he''d grown accustomed to, these men had black and blue colors¡ªpersonal guards he assumed. Kane gave Yakeru''s new armor a once over.


    "I guess commoners have money after all."


    "What do you want?" Yakeru''s voice dropped to a deeper tone laced with venom.


    Kane lifted his hands in mock surrender. "Why the sudden hostility? I just came to see what your team is packing for myself. I guess I got my hopes up for nothing though."


    To his right was a young woman with wavey black hair with bangs nearly covering her crimson eyes. Her uniform was tailor-made for her as it hugged her slim figure and had a gold reaper insignia on her shoulder whereas every other Fiends member, aside from Kane, had a silver one. She wore a dark blazer with a red ribbon tied lazily around her unbuttoned collar, long black stockings that reached her skirt, and a plain silver ring on her right hand. The woman''s uninterested gaze drifted across their table until she settled on the young swordsman.


    "Yakeru I presume?"


    "You know me?" He asked.


    "Everyone from the guild knows the boy who attacked a royal. You were also involved in the incident a few months ago." The slight tug at her lips formed a small smile as she spoke in a low, almost sultry tone. "To see something so horrible can have a devastating impact on one''s mind without the proper...therapy. If you''d like, I can help you with that."


    She slid her hands to her knees to lean in, making Yakeru lean back uncomfortably. Although her soothing tone alone could have any guy smitten, something about her was...off.


    There was an intensity in her gaze that seemed almost predatory that conflicted with the sweetness in her voice, creating an eerie contrast. The way her scarlet eyes stared into his, unblinking paired with an unsettling faint smile while remaining absolutely motionless produced a foreboding air.


    There was an obvious disconnect between the allure in her voice and her uncanny body language that put even Fuyumi on edge. He wasn''t sure if his ally was protecting him or if she was just annoyed but she spoke up before he had the chance to respond.


    "Don''t you have somewhere else to be?" Fuyumi intervened, her words tinged with irritation and vigilance.


    The woman''s gaze drifted to her, her face reverting back into an impassive mask.


    "I don''t believe I was speaking to you." She snapped back.


    Fuyumi narrowed her eyes as she stood to her feet to confront her. "Now you are. Whatever game you''re playing, we don''t have time for it. So how about you do us a favor and get lost."


    The woman tilted her head, her face unnervingly still. Her now vacant eyes locked onto her with an intensity that felt invasive. Another smile abruptly played on her lips and her gaze relaxed. With a hand on her hip, she regarded the silver-haired ranger with a scrutinizing look.


    "You''re Fuyumi, yes? A feisty one you are. I like that. It means there''s an unresolved issue buried beneath the surface." She diagnosed. "What, are you bitter because I only offered him treatment?"


    Fuyumi''s face flared with indignation. "My business doesn''t concern you." With caution in her eyes, she defensively stepped in front of Yakeru, arms crossed. "Now keep it moving or I''ll move you myself."


    The two of them stood face to face, both unwavering. Fuyumi stared daggers at her while the dark-haired woman regarded her with amusement. The table and even the guards could sense the suffocating tension in the air. Kane on the other hand wordlessly watched, looking more entertained than concerned for his ally.


    "I sure hear a lot of talk. Are you actually going to back up that bravado, sweetie? Or are you just a pretty face?" The woman blatantly antagonized.


    "Would you like to find out?" Fuyumi hissed, reaching for her bloodhound dagger.


    "Fuyumi." Yakeru''s unexpectedly authoritative tone cut through the tension, freezing her hand midway. "Now''s not the place or time. But once the skirmish starts, you can let her have it."


    She hesitated before deciding it wasn''t worth it. As she sat back down, the woman sighed in disappointment.


    "How boring. I suppose I''ll have to meet you on the field."


    "I look forward to it." Fuyumi glared.


    Kane shook his head, discontented with how the situation was resolved. Yakeru returned his narrowed gaze to him. "If all you wanted to do was stir trouble, I suggest you leave."


    Kane stifled a laugh at his poor attempt to get rid of him.


    "It''s funny how you think you can give royalty an order." He responded, lifting his chin as if to look down on him further.


    Before Yakeru could respond, Kane was suddenly consumed by a shadow. He glanced back to see a hulking silhouette looming over him that wiped the smug look off his face. The guards clearly wanted to perform their only duty, to protect the Fiends leader, but fear had locked them in place.


    "Is there a problem?" The brutish figure demanded.


    After a few seconds, Kane managed to regain his composure. With hands in his pockets and a nonchalant stride to mask his nervousness, he said, "Tch. Let''s go, Maya. We wasted enough time on these commoners already."


    The woman named Maya lingered for a moment before turning, her eyes still unblinking, and followed behind Kane and his personal guards. Once they retreated to their side, the figure approached the table. Yakeru had an idea of who it was that managed to scare Kane away but his signature grin was all the confirmation he needed.


    "Good to see you, Kateshi."

 Chapter 66: Game Plan

    Kazeki and Aoi rounded the giant to greet everyone, Kazeki waving while Aoi opted for a polite bow. Since Itsuki was the only one they didn''t know, Yakeru took the time to introduce him.


    Kateshi walked up to his mentor. Although many would consider Itsuki tall and muscular, Kateshi had still one-upped him in height. Kateshi outstretched his hand towards the man, triggering flashbacks of when Yakeru first met the brute. He could still feel the bone-crushing pain from shaking his hand for the first time.


    "I don''t think you should..." Yakeru was about to warn him, worried for his mentor. However, as soon as Itsuki accepted his gesture, his veins bulged and muscles flexed as if his body focused its strength on his hand to keep it from shattering.


    "It is an honor to meet you!" Kateshi''s pearly white teeth shone through his grin, again, oblivious to how hard he was squeezing.


    "Right back at you big guy," Itsuki smirked. If he was in pain, he did a phenomenal job at hiding it.


    Minutes after everyone finished their introductions, a voice crackled to life across the entire encampment, grabbing everyone''s attention.


    ["Hello? Is this thing on?"] A mysterious voice confirmed as he became more clear. ["Ah. Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome you all to today''s Clan Skirmish!"]


    The encampment erupted into a roar.


    ["As you all know, the chosen battleground will be the Abandoned City of Terv where the two opposing sides will engage in a fierce battle to see who will come out on top! However, since the Fiends outnumber their opponents by a great margin, a new rule will be put in place for this occasion."] The boisterous voice informed. ["Kane Yamato, the leader of the Fiends and prodigy of the Yamato House, will play the role of king. If Kane is defeated or surrenders, it will be an immediate loss for the Fiends."]


    Yakeru glanced over at Kane across the encampment. He was leaning back in a chair, casually speaking with one of his lackeys as if the rules were irrelevant to him. The voice continued.


    ["The match will have a time limit of 24 hours. During this time, contestants are prohibited from using elixirs of any kind. If neither side can best the other within the allotted time, the winners will be decided based on performance. In the event of an emergency, there is a Sentinel on standby. Contestants, you have 30 minutes left to prepare!"]


    The voice cut out as the crowded encampment grew more lively in anticipation. Yakeru turned back to his table to discuss the task at hand.


    "Let''s go over our plan." He declared as Kateshi''s group sat themselves at the long table.


    Kateshi''s group started by sharing their roles, strengths, and weaknesses with Itsuki while he did the same. Itsuki and Kateshi had similar builds and fighting styles, the only difference being Itsuki would implement more strategy in his battles.


    After revealing what they specialized in they moved on to how they would actually go about fighting the Fiends. The most obvious disadvantage they had was their meager numbers, something Yakeru had been concerned about from the beginning. Although his mentor had molded him into a stronger combatant, he pondered if it would''ve been wiser to build up his team rather than spend the majority of his time chasing a fox.


    Another problem would be the major players on the Fiends'' side.


    "Kenji, you mentioned you were here first to scout the competition. Did you notice anything useful?" Yakeru asked.


    "As a matter of fact, yes. I caught a glimpse of someone with a slightly different insignia on their outfit. The other clan members seemed to treat him with more respect so I''m assuming they''re important in some way."


    "He''s probably a veteran," Itsuki deduced. "Clan members of higher ranks get better treatment."


    "Good to know." Yakeru cupped his chin, remembering the strange woman from earlier. "Maya¡ªI think her name was¡ªhad a different insignia too so she''s probably stronger than most of their team."


    As he recalled more details about their brief interaction, he realized something he hadn''t paid too much attention to before.


    "...Do any of you remember what her conduit was?" He asked before everyone present shook their heads in response.


    Anyone could easily determine what kind of ranger a person was based on the type of conduit they had. Unless she was concealing it in her blazer, there was no indication of whether she was a warrior type or a conjurer. They already didn''t know much about her but this revelation only made her potentially more dangerous.


    "How about we focus on what we do know? Their numbers and, of course, Kane." Kenji suggested. He glanced over at Yakeru for a brief moment. "It''s obvious that Kane is a skilled fighter and he knows it, which, in turn, fuels his ego. He wants us to know that he''s above everyone else, he can''t help it. So I''m willing to bet that he''ll hunker down in the most luxurious building he can find. But since he''s the...king..." Kenji uttered distastefully.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    "We only have to target him." Yakeru finished.


    "But how would we get to him?" Kazeki asked. "It''s not like his personal army would just let us waltz right up to him."


    "I say we smash through their defenses and cripple their forces and morale!" Kateshi declared with utmost confidence.


    "That won''t go down the way you think it will, you big ape."


    Kenji cupped his chin in thought. Of course, attempting to bulldoze through their defenses would put them in a bad position. However...


    "Maybe Kateshi''s onto something," Kenji said before he explained. "If we caused enough of a commotion, more Fiends would be drawn to us."


    "But would that not further worsen our predicament?" Aoi worried.


    "Not if it''s a decoy." Kenji looked over to Kateshi. "What do you say?"


    "If I am to draw attention to myself, so be it!" Kateshi accepted his role with a blinding grin as if he didn''t already hog attention naturally.


    "With that said, I think it''ll be a good idea to have Aoi there with him since he''s taking the brunt," Itsuki suggested.


    "Good idea. I''ll be there for support as well." Kenji volunteered. "Now for the second and third teams. Yakeru and Itsuki will be on Team 2 and Fuyumi and Kazeki on Team 3. Your teams will be responsible for hunting Kane."


    "How would we manage that?" Fuyumi questioned.


    "Once we identify the most exotic building, your teams will infiltrate it from opposite sides and overwhelm him."


    "And how would we coordinate the attack?" Fuyumi brought up.


    "That''s a good point," Kazeki agreed. "We don''t have access to communication artifacts like what capital guards and Sentinels have."


    Kenji looked down, searching for a solution for this overlooked aspect of the plan. He was silent for a few seconds before his eyes lit up.


    "The tracker talismans. Teams 2 and 3 can use them as a way to keep tabs on each other. If the talismans glow at a steady rate, that would mean both teams are moving parallel to each other at the same pace."


    Yakeru watched as Kenji laid out their plan of attack. He couldn''t help but admire his friend''s ability to effortlessly devise a strategy on the fly. He could practically see the cogs turning in his head as he relayed the plan and proposed solutions to mitigate flaws.


    The basic premise was for team 1 to play decoy, drawing as much attention as possible, while teams 2 and 3 hunted the main target. However, the plan hinged on an improbable factor.


    "Yakeru? Is something the matter?" Aoi asked, her head tilted.


    Yakeru had been tapping his finger on the wooden table in deep thought as everyone looked at him curiously.


    "Kane''s lieutenants are bugging me." He admitted. "We can''t assume they''re dumb enough to leave their ''king'' by his lonesome. We might be able to use the city''s sewer system to bypass them though."


    Fuyumi and Aoi shuddered slightly when the sewers were mentioned.


    "That''s why I suggest Itsuki and Fuyumi accompany you for good measure," Kenji assured. "And as for the sewers, we don''t know its layout so it might end up leading you away from the target. Besides, you''d probably pass out from the high concentration of hydrogen sulfide down there or worse..."


    Yakeru wasn''t completely convinced. The fact that they had no information on what Kane''s higher-ups were capable of left him apprehensive. The plan relied on no setbacks but this was probably the best shot they had.


    *****


    "If we send out patrols to create a perimeter in Terv, we''ll have a tactical advantage over them." A tall dark-haired man with a gold reaper on his chest proposed as Kane absentmindedly stared at the tent''s ceiling while leaning back in his decorative chair.


    "Yep."


    "Once we''re able to identify their position, we might be able to swarm them."


    "Mhm."


    The man''s brow twitched. "Master Kane, if it''s not too much to ask, I''d like your input."


    Kane glanced over at the commoners'' side. They were still spitballing futile ideas to one another as if this contest hadn''t already been decided.


    "Do as you''d like, Marcus," Kane responded indifferently.


    It was at times like these that Marcus wondered why he joined the Fiends to begin with. The well-toned man took his job as second in command more seriously than Kane did as leader. He''d terminated his contract with the Saberclaw Clan after the Fiends offered better pay and a higher position. For the two years he''d known Kane, he debated with himself whether or not he''d made an impulsive decision to join his ranks.


    The arrogant brat only cared about growing his numbers with a few talents here and there. There were some skillful rangers that would''ve actually been beneficial for the longevity of the clan had they joined but Kane shot them down with little hesitation or plausible explanation. It became so consistent that Marcus couldn''t help but question if Kane was deliberately choosing those weaker than him so he would remain at the top.


    This enabled the Fiends'' rapid growth since it was easier to recruit weaker rangers who were desperate to be affiliated with the top clan. Marcus found it embarrassing that Kane would stoop so low, flaunting his clan like some trophy without any regard for quality.


    "I don''t care what sort of plan you cook up. Just make sure that commoner swordsman gets to me." Kane ordered.


    "Master Kane, I don''t think it''s wise to allow the enemy to-"


    "You know, I could''ve just outright taken his possessions after our last bout. No one would''ve stopped me." Kane smirked, practically broadcasting his supposed superiority. "But I decided against it. The reason I agreed to this little game is because I came to the conclusion that not everyone is familiar with me. He wouldn''t have defied me otherwise so I plan to change that. And..."


    He turned to his second in command, his arrogant smirk growing wider in anticipation.


    "It''ll be fun putting that commoner in his place a second time for the entire world to see."


    Marcus narrowed his eyes but before he could respond, a booming voice crackled across the encampment.


    ["Contestants, your time is up! You know what that means..."]


    Kane got up from his seat and cracked his neck as he strutted outside. Marcus followed behind him, later joined by Maya and the rest of their sea of clan members.


    Yakeru and his team rose to their feet as they saw guards deploying spherical artifacts toward the decaying remnants of Terv. Moments later, four more identical artifacts floated into the air over the encampment before a holographic screen flickered between them, showing a birdseye view of the ruined city.


    Cheers resounded through the encampment as both parties began making their way to the city shrouded in a veil of mist. Through the crowd, Yakeru spotted his sister cheering him on.


    As they made their way down the cliff''s steep slope, he found Kane to his left who had a haughty smile on his face, contrasted by the subtle hostility in Yakeru''s eyes.


    ''So this is it.'' Yakeru breathed.


    ["Ladies and gentlemen,"] the voice exclaimed. ["Let the Clan Skirmish begin!"]

 Chapter 67: The Abandoned City

    Terv.


    Before it was abandoned, it was a thriving city, a bustling hub of trade, various cultures, and numerous opportunities. Its grand walls, once echoing with the laughter and chatter of the citizens they protected, now lay devastated and overgrown with vegetation.


    According to Yakeru''s research he''d done beforehand, the city fell victim to the first fungus blight infestation humanity had foolishly neglected. Rangers scrambled to respond to the chaos but by then, most of the city had already been ravaged by the A and S-tier monsters. The situation became so dire that it was the catalyst of one of the worst catastrophes in recorded history, The Phoenix Feather Bombing.


    A sense of gloom permeated the air as they walked through the rusted gates. Large avenues were eerily silent, charred remnants of market stalls littering the ground. The skeletal remains of ornate buildings loomed over them as they wandered down the fractured road, minding the vines slithering from the cracks. They pinched their noses as the faint stench of rotten eggs in the area was a telltale sign that hydrogen sulfide was leaking through the cracks from the sewers.


    Shadows of families fleeing from grotesque humanoids were imprinted on the walls, painting haunting images of those who were forsaken. Neighborhoods lay in ruin, weathered and crumbling homes exposing forgotten belongings.


    Unwanted memories flashed through Fuyumi''s head as she empathized, a hint of somber in her expression.


    "All these people...how horrible," Aoi murmured as she clutched her wand timidly, making sure to stick close to the group.


    Although wandering through an old battlefield sent shivers down their spines, it was Terv''s disturbing resemblance to the Capital that chilled their bones.


    "This is insane," Kazeki remarked, his anxious gaze tracing up the decimated buildings.


    "Let''s try to stay focused," Yakeru ordered, hoping the task at hand would distract them from the depressing atmosphere while suppressing his own anxiety.


    "Right." Kenji agreed, tilting his head up to find a building that towered overhead. "That building looks tall enough. You guys better get going."


    "Good luck." Yakeru wished before Itsuki and team 3 followed behind him.


    Kenji, Kateshi, and Aoi took cover inside a small deteriorating one-story building.


    Since the building''s interior was in shambles, Yakeru and the others had to take detour after detour until they reached the roof about an hour later. Once there, they had a clear view of the devastation below. Through the skeletal remnants lay a massive crater towards the center of the city, now a lifeless lake formed from accumulated rainwater that reflected the somber clouds.


    Beyond the city''s walls was a glistening landscape that had also been subjected to the cluster of bombings that eradicated the infestation¡ªthe Glasslands as it was now called. The sun''s rays mingled with the crystal formations producing an array of colors that touched the horizon, a complete contrast to the gloomy atmosphere of Terv.


    "Aoi would''ve loved this view," Kazeki said to no one in particular.


    "Yeah, but let''s stay on task," Yakeru reminded.


    Spreading out, they took different sections of the roof to search the city. It didn''t take long for them to find the palace-looking building that Kane most definitely decided to claim as his own.


    ''How ironic.'' Yakeru thought.


    The weathered structure was located about half a mile right of the lake. Its once-majestic architecture hinted at the previous owner''s financial and high social status.


    Yakeru went to the edge of the roof and pulled out his glowing talisman, waving his hand in front of it. On the ground level, Kenji, Kateshi, and Aoi watched as the faint light flickered from the top of the building, signaling the go-ahead to go through with the plan.


    "You''re up," Kenji said, patting Kateshi''s back to urge him on.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Kateshi responded with his all-too-familiar grin. "You can rely on me!" He readied his battle axe, its blade humming with power.


    *****


    Kane, Marcus, and Maya walked into a grand room with its once-polished wooden floorboards now dusted and fragmented. The elaborate chandelier that used to illuminate the space lay shattered and half-buried in the floor. Cobwebs filled the empty space in corners and crevices formed from debris. Pillars of light struck the decorative walls, defiled by scorch marks smeared over them.


    Maya, seemingly in her own little world, walked up to the decaying wall, placing a tender hand on its surface.


    "It''s rather interesting that such a place noted for its intricate beauty could become unrecognizable in such a short period of time." Her voice held a somber note mixed with intrigue.


    Kane looked around, pleased with their find. "This will do."


    "Here?" Marcus raised a brow at his leader''s questionable decision.


    "Why yes. It''s a fitting place for a king, don''t you think?" Kane smirked.


    "If I can be blunt, I believe this is the most obvious place they''d come looking for you."


    Kane made his way to a pile of rubble. "That''s what makes it perfect."


    Marcus'' brow twitched from built-up frustration. He proposed they seize control of a less conspicuous location for their base of operations. This royal palace put a huge target on them, making his job of protecting Kane more difficult than it needed to be. The opposing team was most likely on their way.


    He knew what Kane was capable of, and Maya was no slouch either, but he didn''t want to leave any room for his enemies to work with. What made things worse was that he ordered everyone to spread out in order to encompass a larger area. Although this gave the illusion of control, it was just that, an illusion. Since the enemy team was a much smaller force, it''d be easy for them to slip through the cracks in their defenses.


    Marcus let out a deep breath to release some of his pent-up frustration. At the very least, Kane wasn''t foolish enough to leave himself without his lieutenants.


    Kane dusted off the slab of stone resting on stacked debris and sat atop it, treating it like a throne.


    "Let them come."


    Although this plan, or lack of one, wasn''t the best for obvious reasons, Marcus'' trust in Kane''s ability held firm. He gave a slight, reluctant bow.


    "If you insist, Master Kane."


    Just then, a distant explosion echoed through the otherwise silent city. Marcus and Maya looked at each other then at their leader who sat indifferently with his cheek resting on his fist.


    "Seems like it''s already begun. Lockdown the palace but make sure you let that commoner through." Kane stressed.


    Marcus rested his hand on his longsword. He still didn''t fully agree with Kane''s thought process but he was left with no choice.


    "As you wish," Marcus replied, moving into a nearby section of the palace.


    Maya smiled to herself as she proceeded into another room through a hole in the wall. "This is a rather crude place for my work but I suppose I don''t have the luxury to be picky."


    Kane remained in the same spacious room, awaiting his opponent as more explosions resounded in the distance.


    *****


    ["And it seems like the battle is already underway!"] The announcer exclaimed throughout the encampment of excited spectators. ["Yakeru''s team has gone on the offensive. Given their numbers, is that really the wisest idea? I guess we''re about to find out!"]


    Akari watched the projection of the battle from the bleachers. She only recognized her brother''s friend, Kenji, fighting alongside a muscular brute and what appeared to be a healer. It was clear the brute was going to be their main damage dealer just from the amount of destruction he was causing. One infused swing from his battle-axe could level a small building.


    If she had to make a guess, she''d estimate his rank to be around A. It was difficult to gauge the healer''s rank mainly because she hadn''t done much healing¡ªrather she didn''t have to since Kateshi was bulldozing through his enemies.


    She could hear murmurs around her, mostly comments on the one-man army that was their main dealer.


    "He''s really something." A middle-aged woman said.


    "Indeed, but it doesn''t seem like he puts much thought into his attacks." A well-dressed man replied.


    "Yes. I suppose that''s why there''s a healer with them to compensate for his many mistakes."


    "I didn''t think the Fiends would have this much trouble."


    The opposing Fiends didn''t stand a chance. More of them trickled towards the chaos only to be quickly dispatched.


    Fiend conjurers fired volleys of radiance as the axe wielder countered with an even stronger blast of radiance. Close-range combatants closed the gap, their quick movements and impeccable coordination demonstrating both their experience and familiarity with their fellow clan members. However, surprisingly, Kenji had little trouble foiling their synchronization. She hadn''t seen his capabilities since the last time he trained with Yakeru all those months ago so it was a shock to see a low-ranking ranger make such an impactful contribution.


    She smiled to herself, pleased to see that the kid had improved since then. The projection flickered, showing another live feed of the rest of the team. Yakeru and her old friend had been sneaking their way through ruined buildings while Fuyumi and another kid she was unfamiliar with traveled through another set of structures, both teams moving parallel to one another. Once in a while, they''d take cover, using the shadows as concealment to avoid detection whenever a patrol unit rushed past them to investigate the commotion.


    She wasn''t entirely sure what their plan was but taking an educated guess, they were using the mayhem to launch their own stealth operation. As for where they were going, she was unsure. She just hoped whatever they were planning, the brute would have enough radiance and stamina to last him the duration.

 Chapter 68: Diversion

    Distant explosions shattered Terv''s deathly silence, the faint roaring of shockwaves reverberating through the deserted streets.


    "Come on, Yowa!" A Fiend running with a battle axe ordered.


    "Yeah, you''re lagging behind!" Another further ahead shouted as he unsheathed his longsword.


    A brown-haired teenager wearing a cloak that covered his thin frame stood in place, trembling slightly to the sounds of thunderous roars from several blocks away.


    "But...don''t you hear those explosions? We''re pretty far yet those sound pretty loud. Maybe it''s best if we stay put?" Yowa stammered.


    "You gotta be kidding me," his teammate let out a frustrated sigh. "We outnumber them and you''re scared?"


    "It''s just that...one of them looked like a giant. If anyone''s making all that ruckus, it''s him, right? It would be safer if we steered clear of him." Yowa suggested, doubling down on his argument.


    "You really are a coward. It baffles me to think someone like you was recruited into the clan."


    "Yeah, you really think it''s cool just to sit there while your team does all the heavy lifting? Grow a spine."


    Yowa hesitated as his clan members left him behind to assist in the battle. It was always like this even before he joined the Fiends.


    As a freelancer, he''d be kicked from one party to the next, always hearing the same words like a broken record.


    "??????''???? ?????? ????????. ??????''???? ?????? ?????? ????????."


    "???? ???????????? ?????? ???????? ???? ?????????????????? ?????????? ?????? ?????? ???? ?????? ????????????. ???????? ?????? ???? ???????????"


    "?????? ?????? ???????????? ?????? ???????? ???????? ?? ???????????? ???? ????????????? ?????? ?????? ???????????? ???????? ?????????????????"


    "????''?? ?? ?????????????? ?????????????? ???????? ?????? ???????????? ?????? ??????????????????????. ?????? ????????''???? ???????? ???????????????????????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ???????? ????."


    Deep down he knew he couldn''t compare to those who actually had courage. Self-doubt cast a shadow over his every action and decision. Time and time again he''d push himself to do something, anything, to contribute but his nerves would best him every time. It didn''t help that he was relatively weak either. So when he was offered to contract himself with the Fiends he was skeptical.


    Why would they want a coward in their ranks?


    Why would they want an inadequate ally?


    To this day he still couldn''t understand.


    After the royal leader himself made him a second offer, he knew it was legit. Perhaps fate took pity on the kid and gave him a chance to learn from the best. The clan members also didn''t understand why Kane had recruited such a weak link.


    By then, he''d already gotten used to scrutiny, almost growing numb to it. It wasn''t until he was approached by a mysterious hooded figure that ignited a spark of hope within him. The man, refusing to disclose his identity and affiliation, claimed he could grant him the strength he longed for. Yowa was more desperate now than ever so he eagerly accepted. Whether that was the best decision or a grave mistake he didn''t know.


    What he did know was everyone was watching him now. What he did now would either solidify his image or change it. He patted his satchel, watching his teammates'' figures recede. Now that he had an ace, there was no reason to be afraid. With a deep breath, he took a step forward. Then another until he started jogging towards the mayhem.


    *****


    "Kateshi, two o''clock!" Kenji barked as he spotted a light flash on his ally''s right.


    Kateshi responded by pivoting to his side, slashing through three beams of radiance. Knocking them all off course, they detonated behind him, the force of the impact hurling several warriors away that caught in the radius.


    "Above you!" Kenji warned again just as two more close-range fighters leaped towards him.


    Kateshi brought his axe above his head as two swords clashed with his blade, producing a sharp ring. Infusing his axe, he launched the two opponents away into a building, knocking them out cold.


    As Kateshi engaged another group of Fiends, an enemy conjurer in the distance took that opportunity to attack his exposed back, waving her wand to form a ring of amber. Acting quickly, Kenji ignited his staff, weighing down the woman''s arm and causing her conjuration to veer off course.


    Dust and debris obscured Kateshi''s vision, allowing a dagger wielder to close the distance and slice between the gap in his armor.


    "I actually got him!" The man exclaimed proudly. However, his celebration was shortlived as the flat of Kateshi''s axe slammed into the back of his head with a sharp bonk.


    While behind cover, Aoi sent green orbs Kateshi''s way, absorbing into his skin before the wound began to mend. Beside her, Kenji flicked his staff and encompassed a swordsman''s right leg in amber to make him buckle, a mace wielder''s left arm to throw off his form, and a spearman''s right arm to cause him to drive his blade into the ground.


    As Kenji suspected, it was easier and less strenuous on his scarred channels to weigh down individual parts of the body as opposed to the body as a whole. This also allowed him to target around five people simultaneously, exceeding his previous limit of three.


    Taking advantage of the opening, Kateshi followed up with a quick spin of his body to create a wave of radiance that ripped through the air, catapulting his attackers away.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    So far the plan was working flawlessly on their end. Kateshi''s brute strength with the backing of Kenji''s support and Aoi''s sustainability enabled a synergy Kenji couldn''t experience with his own team. Their respective skills flowed in near-perfect harmony with each other, canceling out their weaknesses.


    The more the Fiends that fell, the more Kenji realized that, although there were many, they weren''t all too strong even when Kateshi was clearly holding back to conserve radiance.


    In the chaos of battle where projectiles roared and the terrain shattered, it was difficult to communicate. The never-ending wave of Fiends also meant that if Kateshi defeated one enemy, two or three more would take their place. Even so, they weren''t meant to win this battle, which relieved them of the pressure that would''ve otherwise been too stressful.


    Kenji could tell the Fiends were growing increasingly frustrated because they couldn''t locate Kateshi''s conjurers, who were keeping him afloat. Although Kenji and Aoi concealed themselves using cover and the shadows, each time they''d cast would reveal their location for a second or two, forcing them to reposition. If the Fiends were to catch them, this battle would''ve ended an hour ago.


    A low-caliber beam of radiance soared past Aoi''s face and slammed into the wall behind her, startling her and indicating that their twenty-fourth hiding spot had been compromised. While Kenji and Aoi scurried, Kateshi was having a blast. Although Kateshi was now accumulating more injuries faster than Aoi could heal, his grin of excitement was unwavering, widening each time a strong opponent joined the fray.


    An axe wielder like himself slammed his blade into Kateshi''s, creating a shockwave that launched every other attacker away caught in the radius. Sparks flashed, briefly illuminating the man''s scowl and Kateshi''s toothy smile.


    Summoning all his strength, the man shoved Kateshi''s blade, causing him to skid backward. Kateshi retaliated by launching a crescent of radiance. However, after expending so much of his reserves, his attack was significantly slower and had less mass, allowing the man to easily slice through it.


    Dashing forward, the man fired his own projectile that was too fast to dodge. Instead, Kateshi brought up his axe to take the brunt, an explosion ringing out. Aoi healed the cuts and bruises left from the blast as the Fiend leaped from the smoke towards Kateshi.


    Thinking on his feet, Kenji whipped his staff toward him, weighing down the enemy''s weapon and causing him to undershoot his target. The axe buried itself deep inside the ground, giving Kateshi time to recover. Stepping on the shaft of the axe, Kateshi prevented the man from prying it out before grabbing the back of his head and driving his knee into it.


    Blood spewed from his nostrils as he stumbled back in pain. Taking advantage of his daze, the brute lifted him over his head before slamming him into the fragile pavement, the force creating a depression in the ground as the man''s eyes rolled back.


    "Ha ha!" Kateshi threw his arms up triumphantly.


    The field was littered with unconscious Fiends, some still writhing from their injuries.


    "The thrill of combat is such an invigorating experience! You all fought valiantly!" He exclaimed, making his way over to some rubble to sit.


    Sweat poured down his face and his heart pounded against his ribs. It seemed like the sounds of his panting amplified after a veil of silence enveloped the battlefield.


    Kenji and Aoi were hesitant to reveal themselves but after a few minutes of nothing, they decided it was safe enough to check on their ally.


    "Kateshi, are you okay?" Kenji asked, running out of a hole in the side of a building followed by Aoi.


    "I am. Sir Kenji, Miss Aoi, it is thanks to your support that we have come out victorious!" He flashed a warm smile.


    "Thank goodness. I''m terribly sorry I couldn''t tend to you more frequently during the battle." Aoi gave an apologetic bow. "Here, let me heal you properly."


    She knelt beside the injured giant and started waving green orbs into existence.


    As Kenji surveyed the area, he could''ve sworn he saw a shadow duck behind cover in his peripheral vision. Chalking it up to him seeing things, he tended to his hulking friend.


    Yowa gripped his chest behind the wall. He''d witnessed everything. That brutish fighting style, the girl''s healing capabilities, the boy''s defuffs. They managed to squeeze out a victory thanks to their flawless teamwork.


    He''d just watched his teammates dive into battle without a second thought before paying the price. Now only he remained. His heart raced and his hands trembled. There was no telling when the other Fiends would arrive¡ªif they even bothered. Regardless, the world was watching. He couldn''t allow himself to turn back no matter how much his body screamed for him to do so.


    "''Grow a spine''." He murmured to himself, thinking of what his teammate said to him.


    Steeling himself, his gaze hardened as he sneaked behind them. The brute was his target as he was more fatigued than the others. He was also their main dealer so taking him out seemed like his best option. Hiding behind another wall, he pulled out a wand from his cloak and conjured a whip made of radiance. Rearing his head, he checked to confirm they were still facing away from him.


    ''Now''s my chance!''


    He rushed out, winding up his wand. By the time Kenji and Aoi noticed it was already too late. Yowa had already closed the distance.


    "Ahh!" He let out a weak battlecry and swung at Kateshi''s back, the whip snapping weakly against the giant.


    Although the attack connected, the brute didn''t so much as flinch. Instead, he turned to his attacker with an irritated gaze that made Yowa immediately regret his decision. The crushing pressure of the hulking beast''s shadow consuming him nearly made him drop to his knees. But he couldn''t allow that to happen.


    Summoning every drop of courage, he stood his ground and swung again. This time the whip wrapped itself around the brute''s outstretched arm and before he could react, he was yanked into a clothesline. The sudden jerk of his scrawny body sent piercing jolts through his joints before his head rammed into a brawny mass of muscle.


    The young conjurer tumbled to a stop as the giant walked over to him in case he wished to continue fighting.


    "How dishonorable," Kateshi scrutinized, watching as the kid squirmed. "To attack when your opponent has his back turned. Cowardly behavior is unsportsmanlike. You bring shame to your clan."


    Kenji, and even Aoi, stared at Kateshi in disbelief. The entire time he''d known him, he''d only radiated a blinding aura of positivity and optimism. But now, he seemed deeply upset and disappointed.


    "Shut up," The kid moaned. "Don''t you think I know that?"


    Kateshi tilted his head, confused.


    "I know I''m a coward! I know I''m weak. But it''s not like you would understand. You just wiped out a small army so how could you?" Yowa began to ramble. "I thought by joining the Fiends I could get stronger. I was a fool."


    Hearing this, Kenji''s face turned empathetic. He wasn''t sure who this kid was but from his words, he could tell he was grappling with his own shortcomings...just as he had.


    "I get it," Kenji responded, the kid glancing back at him. "You feel alone and want to change how the world perceives you. But relying on strength that''s not your own without making an effort to work on yourself will just make things worse."


    "No, you don''t get it..." Yowa rejected, reaching into his satchel and pulling out a vial with a red substance inside. "...but that''s okay."


    Before Kateshi realized what he was doing, he downed the substance and threw away the empty vial. His body started seizing and the veins in his face bulged.


    Kenji stared at the vial trying to process what he was looking at but when his focus landed on the remnants of red inside, his eyes widened in horror. Whipping his head back to Kateshi, he roared, "Kateshi! Get back!"


    In a flash of amber, tendrils of radiance erupted from the boy, their tapered points tearing and slashing Kateshi''s armor as he leapt back. Kateshi kneeled to catch his breath, his widened eyes stuck on the boy. The kid before him stood to his feet, his limbs jittering uncontrollably. Tendrils of sickening yellow protruded from his skin, tattering his clothing, as they coiled and flexed, awaiting a victim to step into range. The boy raised his head, his bloodshot eyes settling on the three before him. His lips twisted into a haunting grin, stretching the bulging veins that ran along his neck into his face.


    "I''ll be deemed stronger if I end you."

 Chapter 69: Outsmart When Outmatched

    Rei sat in his ornate couch in the reserved section of the encampment watching the live feed with his personal artifacts. Unlike the feed the public had access to, he was able to change his feed freely.


    Most of his time was spent spectating his son and the Fiends'' positioning. After Kane had decided to lay low inside a rotting palace, he hadn''t done anything noteworthy. Flickering through the feeds, he found that his underlings were more active than he was, planning the most optimal patrol routes and taking control of small sections of the city.


    Changing the stream again, he could see the opposing team making their way through the city. There were two teams of two and their slow methodical movements suggested they didn''t want to be seen.


    ''Smart.'' Rei thought, stroking his chin.


    Being outnumbered meant they were forced to rely on guerilla warfare. Since the Fiends were spread out to cover more ground, it was easier for Yakeru''s team to slip past them. The only problem was once they reached Kane, wouldn''t they cause a commotion loud enough to alert patrols nearby?


    "What are your thoughts, Sentinel Sokuba?" Rei asked his temporary replacement while Kiyoshi was away.


    Sokuba stood beside the councilman ramrod tall with his hands tucked by his back, watching the feed.


    "Their plan seems to hinge on stealth. If they''re discovered, it''ll make their operation exponentially more difficult. Had the Fiends opted to seize control of a smaller area, they would''ve eliminated the gaps in their defenses."


    "I agree. I just wish my son, gifted as he may be, would take this more seriously." Rei said as he switched the feed again. "Oh, what do we have here?"


    The screen switched to an ensuing battle between an axe wielder, his two conjurers, and an endless wave of Fiends. He didn''t bother learning the names of those on Yakeru''s side so he wasn''t sure who the axe wielder was, only that he was strong.


    ["Wow! Looks like this guy is a lot tougher than we initially thought!"] The announcer crackled to life. ["They just keep coming and he keeps plowing through them. Gotta give him credit where credit is due but how long can he keep this up for? Guess we''ll find out!"]


    The conjurers, in between scrambling to find more cover, would assist the brute either by restoring his vitality or by inhibiting the Fiends'' movements. Rei watched, both intrigued and repulsed. Although the barbarian was without a doubt powerful, he lacked elegance.


    Every swing was fueled by raw, unrefined strength that made him seem more monster than human, and he discarded strategy to satisfy his untamed passion for battle. What made it worse was the smile plastered on his face that implied he was actually proud of his style of fighting. If it weren''t for his allies, he would''ve been defeated much sooner.


    Not much could be said for his conjurers as they continued supporting him until the battle had reached its climax. Even after wave after wave, he had to admit that the small group of rangers held their own, though barely. The brute looked fatigued and the young lady appeared to be reaching her limit as well after her ally accumulated more wounds than she could mend.


    It wasn''t until another figure appeared that seemed to be giving the brute quite the challenge. The one controlling this particular drone artifact seemed to have taken an interest as well because it zoomed in. Once Rei got a better look at their opponent, his eyes widened in both confusion and concern.


    Radiance seemed to be leaking out of the Fiend, manifesting into tendrils all over his body. Moments earlier, the boy seemed timid but now he had a look of malice in his eyes. It was then that he caught a glimpse of the empty vial.


    ["What an unexpected turn of events. Yowa has decided to risk disqualification!"]


    He could hear concerned murmurs from outside. Sokuba looked at Rei. "Councilman?"


    "Get down there and stop him," Rei said curtly.


    With a quick bow, the Sentinel left the tent leaving Rei staring at the projection. He initially thought that he was using an enhancement elixir but they couldn''t enable the user to cast without a conduit, nor would it cause seemingly involuntarily jerking. This was something else.


    *****


    Kenji shielded his eyes from the debris. Walls were shattered each time a tendril struck them as Kateshi, holding Aoi and Kenji in his arms, sprinted away.


    It wasn''t the kid who was blatantly trying to kill them that scared him. It was the fact that Kateshi was retreating. The man who he''d known to be a fearless freak of nature, who welcomed a challenge...was running away.


    "Looks like the tables have turned!" Yowa exclaimed, commanding his tendrils to seek them out.


    The fragile walls around them shattered and the ground beneath them fractured as the tendrils whipped violently to catch them. Fortunately, Kateshi was in better shape than the scrawny conjurer so outrunning him wasn''t too much of an issue. The only problem was that Kateshi had been fighting for hours prior so his stamina was nearing its limit.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Although Aoi could heal for longer stretches of time compared to their last dungeon raid, even she was showing signs of fatigue. Yowa whipped a tendril, smashing through the wall Kateshi had disappeared behind but when the smoke cleared he was gone.


    "Hiding? And you call me the coward?!" Yowa seethed, his head twitching involuntarily.


    Around the corner of what used to be a local shop, Kateshi set down his allies.


    "My deepest...apologies," he heaved to catch his breath. "I am not accustomed...to carrying passengers. Are either of you injured?"


    Kateshi worriedly inspected his teammates before they could answer, ignoring the pain from his bruises and throbbing legs.


    "We''re okay," Kenji assured, gesturing the two of them to get down as Aoi began healing their gentle giant.


    "What should we do?" Aoi whispered, her voice trembling. "Elixirs are prohibited but he..."


    "Do not fret. I will confront him." Kateshi said with determination.


    "No, you''re in no condition." Aoi tried to reason.


    Lost on what they should do, Kenji clenched his fist. The announcer mentioned a Sentinel would intervene if things escalated, but there was no telling when they''d arrive.


    His mind scrambled for an answer to their predicament, weighing every option they were presented with. Kateshi''s reserves were on the verge of being completely drained. He''d surely be overpowered even with Aoi''s support. The Fiend wasn''t very mobile, but he didn''t need to be since his tendrils had range, so inhibiting his movements would accomplish nothing. It was impossible to determine how far the Fiend could extend his tendrils so running wasn''t an option either.


    ''Come on. Think!''


    "I''m not that scary, am I?" Yowa cackled as his tendrils rammed through a brick wall, reducing it to rubble.


    "Kenji?" Aoi looked at him with pleading eyes.


    "If you cannot formulate a plan of attack, I will fend him off," Kateshi suggested.


    Aoi''s desperate look, Kateshi''s suicide plan, combined with the collapsing structures growing louder by the second only worsened the already crushing pressure on Kenji''s shoulders.


    While staring at the cracked ground, he noticed something that his brain had tuned out when they were being pursued. He sniffed the air a few times to confirm his mind wasn''t playing tricks. Nodding in satisfaction, he found the key to their dire situation and formed a rough plan around it.


    Turning to his teammates, he spoke confidently as he laid out his plan. It was simple enough for Kateshi to understand and sound enough to reignite Aoi''s determination.


    "Are you guys ready?" Kenji asked before his two teammates gave confirming nods. "Alright. Kateshi you''re up!"


    Without hesitation, the giant charged out with a battle cry and his axe in hand.


    "Finally decided to show yourself?" Yowa grinned with pleasure as his tendrils whipped in the brute''s direction.


    He dodged to his left, evading a tendril that slammed into the pavement. Jerking his head right, he narrowly avoided another that obliterated a wall in his place. Winding up his axe, he leaped over a tendril attempting to sweep him and infused his weapon. Yowa''s smile grew wider as he knew his opponent couldn''t dodge in midair.


    "You fool!" He swung another tendril at him only for Kateshi to drive his blade into it, redirecting it into the ground.


    Kateshi''s eyes went wide as his blade became wedged, realizing that the tendrils'' mass was too thick to cut through, even for him. The tendril spasmed, thrashing violently before flinging the brute away.


    Barely standing to his feet, he was struck in the side and launched through the side of a building. Yowa''s smile faltered when Kateshi burst through the building from a different side and charged him again, a green aura embracing him before disappearing.


    Like their previous strategy, Aoi sat behind cover and healed her ally whenever he''d been injured. However, Yowa knew it was only a matter of time before she exhausted herself.


    "I have you now!" Kateshi exclaimed.


    Yowa whipped his tendrils at the brute once more only for him to redirect them into the ground. Angered, Yowa unleashed a wave of tendrils towards the brute. Kateshi deflected many of his attacks but also suffered unnecessary hits that he could''ve otherwise dodged.


    Something wasn''t right. Yowa had seen Kateshi fight before. During his battle with the others, he''d mix and match but now it seemed like he was strictly deflecting every attack into the ground.


    The longer this dragged on, the more strenuous it became for Aoi. Blood began trickling from the corners of her mouth and her healing started to slow. Pushing beyond his limit, Kateshi''s movements had slowed. His strikes couldn''t pack as much of a punch as before and his body accumulated more injuries.


    Despite the one-sided battle, Yowa grew increasingly frustrated. Exhaustion bore down on Kateshi, his wounds ached, and his reserves were practically depleted. Yet he never relented. This battle only highlighted Kateshi''s unshakable courage and determination without having to hide behind an elixir.


    Even with a power boost, Yowa couldn''t compete.


    Yowa gnashed his teeth, infuriated as he slammed a tendril into Kateshi''s side, eliciting a pained shriek from him. He soared through the air before crashing through the wall Aoi had been hiding behind, knocking her unconscious.


    "Miss Aoi!" Kateshi shouted, cradling his teammate.


    He tried to carry her out of harm''s way but his sore, aching, and throbbing body protested and his legs gave out. Doing the only thing he could think of, he shielded her with his body as Yowa began his slow advance toward them. However, before he could get in striking distance, the ground beneath him began to glow as snakes of amber ran through the cracks.


    With the ground weakened from taking repeated blows, Kenji moved on to the final phase of his plan. Using his skill to increase the weight of a target, the ground trembled underneath Yowa as veins split the pavement.


    The cracks hissed around him as the sewer system spewed pent-up hydrogen sulfide into the air. Yowa erupted into a fit of coughs as he inhaled the toxic gas. His vision blurred and his tendrils, once wild and untamed, now swayed drunkenly. He tried waving away the gas but it had already filled his lungs, influencing his movements with each inhale. The world tilted and spun, his eyelids growing heavy as his consciousness began to slip.


    In a last-ditch effort, he outstretched his hand, launching his tendrils toward the vulnerable Kateshi.


    Before his attack could connect, strands of steel coiled around the tendrils and seized them in place. Kateshi looked behind him to find Sentinel Sokuba with shimmering wires extending from his fingertips. Sokuba snapped his hand shut, instantly aligning the delicate wires and dismembering the tendrils.


    With his other hand, he commanded more wires to yank Yowa out of the gas that had already started to dissipate. Kenji ran out to check on his allies when he noticed the Sentinel had subdued the unconscious Fiend.


    "Are you folks alright?" Sokuba asked.


    "We appreciate your assistance. Our comrade is not responding." Kateshi worried, gently shaking Aoi in his arms but her eyes remained closed.


    With Yowa detained, Sokub knelt down and placed his fingers on Aoi''s neck, confirming a pulse. "Let''s get her to the encampment."

 Chapter 70: A Way Inside

    "I sincerely apologize, Miss Aoi!" Kateshi bowed so deeply that his forehead nearly slammed into the floor.


    "Please get up. I told you, I''m okay." Aoi responded with an embarrassed smile as Kateshi''s over-the-top apology drew gazes from the nearby medics and Fiend patients.


    "I was tasked with keeping the focus on myself during the battle to keep you out of harm''s way but I became the reason you were injured," Kateshi said somberly as if what she said hadn''t registered. "I hope your injuries were not too severe. How are feeling now? Are you parched? Perhaps you have built up an appetite? I shall return with edibles at once!"


    "Kateshi, I told you you don''t have to go to such lengths for me!" Aoi reached out a desperate hand to stop him but it was too late as he''d already disappeared through the tarp.


    After he left, the medics returned their attention to the injured. Most of them suffered minor head injuries and had regained consciousness a little before she had. Like the Fiends around her, she only suffered a few cuts and a couple of bruises but the medics had strapped her to an artifact to monitor her vitals as a precaution.


    Although she didn''t mean to eavesdrop, it was hard not to when the Fiends were in earshot.


    "I almost had that guy!" One exclaimed, frustrated.


    "Calm down. You got one good hit in then got bonked immediately after." His friend snorted to his left.


    "If it wasn''t for that healer"¡ªa man with a scar running down his neck glanced at Aoi¡ª"that barbarian would''ve fallen a long time ago."


    "Sure but I think the real threat was that other kid. If he hadn''t messed with our coordination, we could''ve taken down their main dealer and the healer." A blonde woman chimed in.


    "No, the real problem was you guys!" A lanky man, too tall for the bed as his feet dangled off the edge, accused. "There were only three of them and like a lot of us. How is it possible that you guys couldn''t overwhelm them?"


    The others looked at him with raised eyebrows.


    "Weren''t you one of the first ones to get taken out?" A bald man recalled as the lanky Fiend''s face flushed with embarrassment.


    He immediately came up with flimsy excuses as to why he lost and fired more accusations but his teammates just ignored him at that point. She listened carefully for any news on their clan member who tried killing them earlier but to no avail as they began spitballing ideas on how they could''ve approached their fight with Kateshi differently. In fact, no one had even mentioned their rogue clan member.


    After a few more minutes of listening to their conversations, Kenji walked through the tarp. The stress deflated from his body after seeing she was awake.


    "Hey, how are you feeling?" He asked, approaching her bedside.


    "I''m doing much better, thank you." She smiled. "Have you heard any news of that conjurer by any chance?"


    "You mean the one with the elixir?" He assumed, getting a conformational nod from her. "Not much other than his disqualification. Sentinel Sokuba brought him to a private infirmary in a separate area of the encampment for questioning but I haven''t heard anything since then. That was an hour ago."


    "Oh, I see. Are more Fiends in possession of that elixir as well?"


    "Not to our knowledge."


    She remembered first hearing about the elixir. Even then, they didn''t have much information on it but if was more potent, she couldn''t imagine what kind of internal damage it would''ve caused. Curious about the others, she asked, "How are teams 2 and 3 progressing? Was our diversion successful?"


    "It seems like it, yes. They hit a couple of snags but it wasn''t anything too serious. They should be approaching the palace soon."


    "What a relief."


    Kateshi walked through the tarp with a mountain of delicacies on a plate. The mixture of aromas harmonized seamlessly with one another, filling the musty tent with a pleasant smell that drew attention to him.


    "I have returned Miss Aoi! Ah, Sir Kenji. Surely you must be famished as well." He slammed the plate down on a tray, the sudden stop swaying the food.


    "Uhm, Kateshi. I don''t think we can eat all of this." Kenji said, embarrassed.


    "Nonsense! You must satiate your hunger after such a vigorous battle. Let us feast!"


    *****


    Even with its color lost and gloomy atmosphere blending with its surroundings, the royal palace''s spiraling towers made it stand out, making it easy to identify when closing in. The tip of one of its towers had crumbled away while the other had toppled over onto a neighboring building. Vines burst through the walls as nature was still in the process of reclaiming its territory.


    Fuyumi checked her talisman and saw that it was glowing at the same intensity as it was an hour ago.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "We''re still on schedule." She said as Kazeki surveyed his surroundings cautiously.


    "Good to know. Let''s find a way inside before we''re caught."


    Even at that distance, they could spot multiple entryways¡ªholes in the walls they could use to get inside. As expected, however, there were a handful of Fiends still patrolling the area, confirming Kane had made this his base. Taking cover inside an old inn, they observed the patrols. After staking out the area for almost an hour, they realized a pattern in the Fiends'' patrol routes but their security was too tight for them to sneak past confidently.


    "Should we try the back?" Kazeki whispered.


    Fuyumi checked the talisman for the fourth time this stakeout. Its glow remained at the same intensity even after they decided the stop, confirming that Yakeru and Itsuki were likely doing reconnaissance as well. "That''ll take too long."


    "Then how about I be the bait?"


    "There''s too many of them and we don''t know how many of them are high-ranking. You won''t stand a chance."


    "I don''t have to beat them. I just have to stall."


    Fuyumi shook her head. "You''d run out of reserves before then. Kane''s lieutenants are still unaccounted for so I don''t know how long our fight will take too."


    "Then I guess you better end it fast. Besides, you still have Itsuki and Yakeru to back you up." Kazeki smirked, moving to another part of the building.


    Before she could protest, he''d already imbued his chain dart and flicked it through what was once a window. Surprised shouts and panicked screams erupted outside.


    "You better get a move on." Kazeki urged, forcing Fuyumi to dart outside as the Fiends scrambled for cover.


    Weaving her way through the chaos her partner stirred up, she crawled through the hole in the palace wall. Kazeki continuously struck from the shadows as the Fiends retaliated. However, since he could manipulate the trajectory of his dart, it made it difficult to avoid.


    "Keep moving!" A short Fiend yelped.


    "Move where? It keeps following us!"


    "Don''t worry. I got this!" A petite Fiend reassured as she raised her staff, firing a continuous beam that tore through the building''s first floor.


    Kazeki leaped out of the building as its already crumbling support pillars gave way. The small building collapsed into a heap of debris, producing a smoke cloud that obscured the Fiends'' vision.


    He dashed through the smoke to get a line of sight only to find numerous orbs of radiance levitating above their casters, waiting for him to reveal himself.


    "Fire!" The petite woman barked before everyone released a volley of spells at the lone ranger.


    Kazeki sprinted as he whirled his dart around his body, creating a dome of rapid swings. What he couldn''t outrun was either deflected or sliced in two by his dart. Eventually, a projectile slammed into the ground in front of him, hurling him back.


    As he recovered, gasping for air that had been forcibly knocked out of his lungs, he found himself backed into a corner. Fiend conjurers were atop rubble, readying their attacks should Kazeki make any sudden moves while warriors and brawlers cautiously closed the distance.


    ''Maybe this wasn''t a good idea after all...'' He regretted.


    "Where''s the rest of your team?" A man with a scraggly beard interrogated the cornered rat.


    "Ha...ha...like I''d tell you that...ha." Kazeki squeezed between pants.


    "Don''t push us, kid," he growled, pointing his sword at the boy.


    "It''s funny how you think...you have leverage."


    The man gritted his teeth but before he could act, an explosion resounded between their formation. Taking advantage of the sudden commotion, Kazeki whipped his hand, sweeping the Fiends to make his getaway.


    Looking up as he was crouched against a wall, he saw an outstretched hand.


    "On your feet, kid." A familiar voice said.


    Kazeki followed the hand to its owner to find Itsuki. Accepting his hand, he was lifted to his feet.


    "What are doing here?"


    "I told Yakeru to keep moving while I drew their attention. Since I don''t see Fuyumi with you, it looks like we had the same idea."


    He feared something like this would happen. Without communication artifacts, they couldn''t inform each other of any change of plans. Fortunately, Yakeru would have Fuyumi as backup.


    "Let''s keep ''em busy," Itsuki said as the Fiends started to recover from his surprise attack.


    Itsuki exploded into battle while Kazeki hung back as support. Itsuki plowed through the wave of Fiends, using arcs of radiance to disorient before closing the distance to strike with the flat of his blade. Conjurers attempting to target his blindspots were met with failure. Kazeki''s dart whistled through the air, intercepting their launched spells. The air around them boomed as the sky lit up in chaotic flashes of amber, seemingly bringing life to Terv''s depressing atmosphere in sporadic bursts.


    Although they shared their strengths before the Skirmish began, it was still an amazing sight to see how another A-rank fought. Kateshi and Itsuki both had similar physiques and heavy weapons but it was interesting to see the difference in fighting styles.


    Unlike the barbaric style Kateshi had adopted, Itsuki implemented more thought into his style. Although the nature of a claymore would inhibit his precision, he made up for it with calculated swings. At first glance, his build seemed like it wouldn''t allow for nimble movement but he had little trouble evading several attacks at once.


    His impressive demonstration of skill showed he became an A-rank mostly through experience whereas Kateshi had become one mostly through strength.


    After dealing with the wave of Fiends guarding the palace, Itsuki fell to one knee.


    "I think that''s all of them. Thanks for the support, Kazeki." He said as he wiped the sweat from his forehead, the exhaustion of the battle weighing him down.


    "Not a problem," Kazeki retracted his dart, wrapping it around his arm. "Not to downplay your prowess, but it seemed like these guys weren''t all that strong."


    "I was thinking the same thing," Itsuki stood to his feet, looking down at the unconscious unconscious Fiends. "If I had to guess, these guys were D and C-rank with a few B-ranks sprinkled in."


    "I see. Weird how Kane had a bunch of guys like these to guard him."


    "That''s because Master Kane isn''t keen on recruiting anyone that could threaten his spot on the throne." A voice sounded from behind them.


    Whirling around, the two saw another Fiend walking up to them. His confident strides echoed off the shattered walls and his narrowed gaze locked onto the rangers. His uniform was, of course, identical to his other clan members with the exception of his gold reaper insignia branded to his light chest plate.


    Itsuki readied his sword while Kazeki unraveled his chain dart, cautiously observing the man''s every move.


    "Even his second lieutenant was a D-rank when she was recruited." The man added.


    Itsuki raised an eyebrow but Kazeki nearly burst out laughing after hearing this.


    His experience fighting against the Fiends had been...strange to say the least. The choice of having mediocre Fiends defend the palace was odd and promoting a D-rank to a lieutenant was questionable. Unless she was now an S-rank, neither Yakeru nor Fuyumi would have any trouble dealing with her.


    Itsuki on the other hand only grew more unsettled but kept up his hardened front. The golden reaper told him he should remain cautious.


    "And you are?" Itsuki questioned.


    "Master Kane''s first lieutenant, Marcus," he answered, drawing his longsword and pointing it towards them. "And this is as far as you''ll go."

 Chapter 71: Two Against One

    Marcus infused his weapon before bursting into battle. Itsuki brought his claymore up just in time to clash blades with him. Since his weapon was a simple longsword, his movements were quicker. Unfortunately for him, Itsuki had experience dealing with faster opponents. However, throughout the Clan Skirmish, he''s learned that their numbers wouldn''t be a definitive advantage if the opponent was skilled enough.


    With their blades locked, Itsuki shoved him aside before Kazeki launched his own assault, a series of quick thrusts. Marcus deflected his onslaught with ease as Itsuki rushed his side. As Marcus backpedaled to his left, Itsuki engaged with a wide swing. Blocking his attack would leave his right side vulnerable to his teammate''s barrage so instead, he flipped into the air with an elegant flare, avoiding his attack entirely.


    Before he could land, Kazeki''s chain began wrapping itself around his ankle. Thinking quickly on his feet, Marcus wedged the base of his sword between his ankle and the chain, allowing him to safely slip his foot out against the flat of his blade.


    "He''s good," Kazeki noted as Marcus landed deftly on some rubble without so much as a stumble.


    "Yeah," Itsuki agreed, dropping into a stance as his face turned more serious. "We can''t take him lightly."


    Itsuki''s arms ignited in a gentle flame of amber, catching Kazeki off guard. Marcus stared wide-eyed at the claymore wielder as he wasn''t entirely sure what he was looking at. Before Kazeki could ask, Itsuki interrupted him.


    "Let''s go." He burst forward, leaving his stunned teammate behind. During their battle with the Fiend patrols, he''d conserved most of his radiance in the event he had to face a stronger opponent.


    Marcus swerved his body off center as the claymore drove itself deep into the earth, an ear-splitting boom resounding next to him. His eyes grew wider as he tried to make sense of this unorthodox ability. With each swing, Itsuki''s arms flashed with gold and Marcus had determined the man was clearly faster and stronger. He wasn''t infusing his sword and he didn''t have a conjurer to enhance his physicality.


    ''Is he...infusing his own body?'' he reluctantly concluded.


    Kazeki, snapping out of his daze, whipped his dart towards the Fiend. With the combination of lightning-fast strikes from Kazeki and a close-range onslaught from Itsuki, Marcus had little room to breathe. However, during this time, Marcus noticed a subtle detail that could potentially be crucial in winning this fight.


    If he wasn''t attacking, the amber flames flickering around his arms would extinguish, telling him his infusions were in short bursts. Dodging another enhanced swing that obliterated the wall next to him and parrying the seventh barrage of strikes from the boy, he began theorizing.


    During the microsecond pauses that presented themselves throughout their fierce battle, he came up with two possibilities as to why Itsuki chose to infuse in bursts. The first reason was he simply couldn''t as leaving his arms in a state of constant infusion would rip him apart. The second reason was to preserve his radiance.


    Either way, Marcus had already accumulated a few cuts from the claymore user. If he was going to keep these two away from the palace, it was time he got serious as well.


    Dodging another swing, Marcus infused his sword and retaliated. Sliding under another one of Itsuki''s swings, he launched a projectile towards Kazeki, forcing him to disengage and take cover.


    Spinning around, he swung for Itsuki''s leg but during this phase of their fight, the experienced ranger had no trouble avoiding his attacks. He''d already estimated the length of his blade¡ªaround 3 feet long give or take¡ªmaking it easier to stay out of range.


    "You''ll have to try harder than tha-" Itsuki stopped mid-sentence, feeling a sharp pain on his thigh.


    Looking down, there was a cut on his leg that shouldn''t have been there. Perhaps he couldn''t move out of the blade''s path in time, hence why he was nicked. He''d fought multiple opponents before this bout so it was possible exhaustion was weighing him down.


    Backpedaling to stay out of range, Itsuki swung his sword diagonally, attempting to force awkward movement from Marcus to throw off his footing but to no avail. Marcus veered his body off his centerline and countered with a slash to his arm, once again drawing blood.


    Itsuki''s eyes widened in shock. He''d made sure to give himself more than enough space to stay clear of Marcus'' blade.


    Before Marcus could continue his assault, Kazeki fired his dart towards his flank. Seeing the glint in a shard of glass wedged in the ground, he dodged to his left, allowing the dart to whiz past him. Frustrated by his situational awareness and agility, Kazeki whipped his hand back causing the dart to pursue its target aggressively.


    "What a nuisance you are, boy," Marcus remarked, effortlessly flipping and leaping over debris as the dart swerved around the field, homing in on him.


    Mid-backflip, he launched an arc of radiance that struck the ground just before Kazeki to obscure his vision. Losing visual, Kazeki began retracting his dart just as Marcus burst through the smokescreen. Before the kid could react, Marcus'' heel had already rammed into his sternum, sending Kazeki tumbling.


    Impatience welled up inside Itsuki. Infusing himself combined with how physically demanding this battle and the previous one had been began to take a toll on his body. However, if he were to act brashly and end this fight quickly he''d most likely be defeated since he wasn''t sure how he''d been injured before.


    He looked down at Marcus'' amber-colored longsword and confirmed that it was in fact around the same length he''d estimated before.


    ''Let''s try this again.'' Itsuki thought as he rushed him.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The two blades clashed, generating a blast of air pressure. Marcus'' deadpan expression showed a trace of amusement as he continued to parry and counter. Like before, Itsuki made a conscious effort to stay out of range but the results were the same.


    Marcus managed to cut his abdomen, his arms, and his legs making Itsuki seem like some amateur swinging a big sword. At some point in Marcus'' assault, Itsuki decided to test a theory. He observed Marcus'' whistling blade as it sliced through the air.


    At first, he suspected he was somehow launching small projectiles point-blank. However, that thought was scrapped when he clearly watched the blade nick his right bicep from 4 feet away.


    ''Wait.''


    Itsuki leaped further back but Marcus didn''t bother to close the distance. Instead, he swung his sword. That''s when Itsuki saw it. It was for a fraction of a second but it was there.


    Leaning back, Itsuki narrowly avoided Marcus'' blade this time. Putting slightly more distance between them, he wanted to confirm he saw what he saw. Marcus pivoted and aimed for Itsuki''s left leg only for his sword to clash with his claymore.


    "So that''s how you''re doing it." A smirk played on Itsuki''s lips as he leaped back and regrouped with Kazeki who was still soothing the sharp pain radiating in his chest.


    "I take it you figured something out?" Kazeki asked, eager to learn anything that could turn the tide of the battle.


    Even when Itsuki stood outside Marcus'' range he still managed to graze him. Standing further away proved just as ineffective as well.


    "Yeah," Itsuki confirmed. "He''s infusing his blade to hide its initial reach and using radiance to subtly extend its length."


    Hearing this, Marcus couldn''t help but crack a smile, admiring Itsuki''s observation skills.


    "Very impressive," Marcus responded simply as he dismissed his radiance, the amber tip of his blade evaporating to reveal its original length.


    Although they figured out what Marcus could do, that was the extent of what they knew. Obviously, the more reserves he expended, the longer he could extend his blade but knowing that meant nothing if they didn''t know how large his pool of radiance was.


    Fighting close range was dangerous given Marcus'' ability combined with his innate combat prowess and their own reserves were beginning to drop to concerning levels.


    "Kazeki. His main ability revolves around close combat so you''re the key to winning this fight. I''ll do what I can to keep him off your back." Itsuki whispered, adopting a defensive stance in front of his teammate.


    "So we''re switching roles? Alright then." Kazeki levitated his dart in preparation for an attack.


    Taking advantage of their distance, Kazeki launched his dart, it''s pathing random to throw off his opponent. It wasn''t as fast as it used to be as fatigue began setting in but he remained determined to bring this fight to a close quickly.


    Taking that as his cue, Itsuki burst forward just as Marcus dodged the dart, clashing blades with the claymore. Since this was their first time fighting alongside each other, Itsuki knew they lacked the coordination necessary for a flawless victory. But that wasn''t to say they couldn''t try.


    Like before, Marcus blocked and parried everything Itsuki threw at him while being mindful of the boy''s dart. Since Itsuki was aware of his little trick, he made sure to back off each time there was an opportunity for Marcus to go on the offensive only to be quickly intercepted by Kazeki''s dart.


    At the rate they were going, they were at a stalemate. Frustrated and impatient, Marcus leaped back and pointed the tip of his sword towards Itsuki. Pouring more radiance into his sword, the blade extended at blistering speeds, forming a small gale of wind around it. Itsuki jerked his body to the side, allowing the amber blade to pass him and crash into the wall.


    Before he could retaliate, Marcus shifted his body weight into the hilt, causing the blade to tear through the building. Kazeki dove for cover as the amber blade, more resembling a beam of radiance, ripped through the fragile wall above him, pummeling his back with exploding debris.


    Itsuki rushed him as Marcus dissipated his blade and aimed it at his fast-approaching assailant. With a single thrust, another amber blade came rocketing out from his sword. Itsuki dodged but with exhaustion weighing him down along with his claymore, the attack left a gash on his arm.


    "It''s only a matter of time before the two of you succumb to fatigue." Marcus taunted, disintegrating the extended blade to conjure a new one.


    Itsuki ignored him and pressed forward, knowing that they were to fail, Marcus would retreat to the palace to assist his fellow lieutenant. If that were to happen, Fuyumi wouldn''t stand a chance.


    Marcus fired a series of stabs so quick, his blade produced a cone of amber. Itsuki''s armor took the brunt of most of his randomized thrusts, and he was forced to back off. However, Marcus refused to give him any breathing room and fired a longer blade towards him. Predicting this, Itsuki sidestepped the attack as it grazed his chest plate and slammed his claymore into the amber blade, shattering it.


    Kazeki followed up with a barrage of quick thrusts but Marcus, allowing instincts to take control, dodged before his mind could give his body a command. The fight had dragged on for too long and he could feel his reserves depleting.


    Fighting two opponents, one of which being high-ranking, was taking its toll. He didn''t have time to think so his body was now reacting on its own. His body became hyper-aware of the terrain, making micro adjustments as he chained together a series of acrobatic maneuvers to avoid the boy''s barrage that rained from above.


    However, as fit as he was, no amount of athleticism could negate exhaustion. Eventually, his foot was caught on loose rubble, allowing the dart to puncture his leg.


    "Gah!" He yelled as he stumbled on his landing.


    Leaping over the dart that attempted to sweep him, he spun his body in midair while extending his blade to an impossible length. Gravity pulling him back down combined with the spin generated enough momentum for the amber blade to part the air, soaring down towards Kazeki. Itsuki dashed between his vulnerable comrade and Marcus'' sword just as the blade smashed into his claymore.


    Specks of the amber blade''s surface dislodged from the abrupt stop, flinging glistening particles around Itsuki and Kazeki. Even with his top half infused to augment his strength, the shock still jolted his bones and shattered the already cracked ground.


    "You''re quick for such a big guy," Marcus remarked as his claymore-wielding opponent wavered under the pressure.


    Itsuki didn''t reply but instead flicked his gaze down and smirked. Confused, Marcus looked down to see a faint light traveling through one of the many fissures toward him. Before he realized what it was, Kazeki''s dart erupted from the ground and wrapped itself firmly around both his wrists.


    "W-What?!" He stammered, looking up to see that Itsuki had already begun closing the distance. With most of his strength drained, Marcus tugged weakly at the chain to free his hands but to no avail.


    Itsuki raised his claymore, preparing to sever his hands from his wrists. Marcus'' eyes shot open in horror. The shock of such a drastic measure had paralyzed him so his body once again took control. Out of pure reaction to save himself, he released his sword''s handle, the amber blade evaporating, just as the claymore stopped short of where his wrists had been.


    By the time Marcus realized his bluff, it was too late. Disarmed and defenseless, he stood helplessly as Itsuki poured radiance into his forearm, cladding it in a gauntlet of blazing gold. With a gale of wind whipping around his arm as he let out a roar, he crashed his fist into Marcus'' stomach, blasting the wind out of him.


    He soared through the air before colliding through a wall and came to a stop, unmoving. Itsuki collapsed to the ground, gnashing his teeth as the backlash of self-infusion shot waves of unbearable throbbing pain through his bones and muscles. Kazeki wasn''t doing too well either as he expended nearly all of his reserves during the battle, lying in a heap of debris.


    "Good work, Kazeki..." Itsuki squeezed before toppling over.

 Chapter 72: D茅j脿 vu

    Kazeki''s eyes fluttered open, the sounds of carts rattling about mingling with mindless chatter becoming more clear as his ears adjusted. As the light artifact hovering overhead came into focus, he surveyed his surroundings. He appeared to be in an infirmary tent. Crisp, cool air brushed against his skin, and the soft glow of the moonlight through the tarp told him the sun had already disappeared.


    Fiend members squirmed in their respective beds as medics tended to their injuries. Some of the Fiends he''d recognized when fighting to give Fuyumi an opportunity to infiltrate the palace.


    "How''s that? Are you still feeling any pain?"


    "Uhm, yeah, I''m fine. Thanks."


    He heard a few familiar voices to his left. Turning his head, he saw one of the warrior-type Fiends that had cornered him before Itsuki, who was resting in his own bed beside him, came to his rescue. But what surprised him the most was the girl healing him. He knew she had a good heart but he never expected to see her helping the enemy with their injuries.


    "Aoi?" Kazeki asked as if to confirm he wasn''t hallucinating.


    She whipped her head in his direction, her face visibly relieved. After she finished healing the man''s leg, she hurried over to Kazeki''s bedside.


    "Kazeki! Are you feeling better? I hope you weren''t seriously injured." She asked, looking him over.


    "I''m okay. Just a bit lightheaded."


    "Your channels still need to replenish. Please try to rest."


    Itsuki looked over, relieved to see that he was conscious.


    "Look who''s awake," he smiled. "You did well out there."


    "Only because I piggybacked off an A-rank." Kazeki quipped back.


    The more Kazeki looked around, the more he noticed that some of the Fiends were actually sitting up. Some of their clan members trickled into the tent to visit each other. Overhearing their conversations, he confirmed that they themselves were bedridden until a certain healer helped them with their injuries.


    Now that she was closer, he could see the shortness of breath. Raising a handkerchief to her mouth, she broke into a fit of hoarse coughs, obviously trying to hide the red splotches bleeding through the fabric. Although he didn''t know how much radiance she expended while playing decoy, it was reckless for her to expend even more of her reserves like this, even if she only meant well.


    "Seems like I''m not the only one who needs to rest."


    "Please don''t concern yourself, Kazeki. I promise I''m okay." She assured through a weak smile.


    "She''s been healing everyone nonstop." Itsuki snitched making Aoi whip around.


    "I-I would appreciate it if you wouldn''t give him any reason to worry." She pleaded, embarrassed.


    "I can only imagine the stress you endured healing Kateshi. So take it easy, will ya?"


    He could tell Aoi wanted to refute his claim but couldn''t come up with a counter.


    She sighed in defeat. "I suppose I could rest a moment."


    "By the way, where are the others?" Kazeki asked.


    "As of now, Kenji is watching the remainder of the skirmish." She explained. "As for Kateshi, he''s..."


    "Miss Aoi!" The all-too-familiar boisterous voice practically shook the tent.


    Kazeki couldn''t see the big ape since Aoi blocked his view but he knew he''d peered his head inside the tarp just from the amount of gazes turning in that direction.


    "Is there an update on Sir Kazeki and Sir Itsuki''s conditions?"


    While the brute could see that Itsuki was doing well, Kazeki raised a thumbs up into view to signal he was still breathing.


    "That was quite the impressive showcase of power, Sir Itsuki! My only regret is I could not be the one to fight by your side and witness it firsthand."


    They swore they felt the air vibrate as he roared into the tent and Kazeki could practically hear the big guy''s signature grin. Fed up with how rowdy he was, the medics asked him to leave which he obliged, saving everyone''s eardrums.


    "The medics warned him not to enter the infirmary. They deemed him to be a bit too...distracting." Aoi explained.


    Kazeki shook his head, chuckling. "How very Kateshi."


    After a few minutes of chatting, another familiar face walked through the tarp, though they didn''t expect to see him again so soon. Looking around, he spotted Kazeki and Itsuki staring at him before approaching.


    "Marcus." Itsuki greeted, suspicious as to why he felt the need to pay them a visit.


    Marcus acknowledged Aoi with a nod before turning to his two former opponents. "I figured I''d find you both here after they escorted that giant away from this tent."


    "Is there something you wanted?" Kazeki asked, raising a suspicious brow.


    Unexpectedly, Marcus lowered himself into a bow. "I wanted to apologize for going overboard. I lost my head during our bout. As a result, the two of you were brought here."Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Kazeki and Itsuki looked at each other in mild surprise before turning back to him.


    "There''s no need to apologize," Itsuki assured, waving a dismissive hand. "We knew what we signed up for. That''s why there are medics on standby."


    Kazeki couldn''t help but crack a smile. "You came all the way here to say you''re sorry? Don''t sweat it. We''ll call it even after we win this skirmish." He smirked.


    "Master Kane has no intention of losing either. Especially not to your friend, Yakeru."


    "You''re forgetting that Yakeru will have backup," Kazeki replied.


    "And you''re forgetting about our second lieutenant." Marcus countered.


    "Pfft. Fuyumi took out an A-tier monster before when she was a B-rank. Earlier, you said Kane recruits those weaker than him which would make his second lieutenant weaker than Fuyumi. I have no doubt in my mind that it''ll be a breeze for her." Kazeki responded, laying his head on his hands confidently.


    Marcus let out a sigh while shaking his head. "You don''t get it, do you? It doesn''t matter if Fuyumi''s a B, A, or S-rank. Heck, she can even be a Sentinel. But if her opponent is that...witch, she''s already lost."


    *****


    Fuyumi ventured farther into the grand palace, wandering its decrepit halls. The same musty scent of decay polluted the air no matter where she was within its crumbling walls. The occasional moans of wind meandered through the empty corridors, causing dust particles to dance under the moonlight''s gentle glow filtering through holes in the ceiling. Walking past another opening in a wall that revealed what looked to be a garden now tangled with weeds and overgrown foliage.


    Coming from a modest background, she''d never seen the interior of a royal palace before, let alone stepped foot on its property. When she was a girl, she had a mild curiosity about what it would be like to fill a royal''s shoes. Roaming the halls adorned with intricate tapestries, maids taking on responsibilities that would otherwise fall on her, guards patrolling every inch of the property and filling the palace with a sense of security...but now the place was a husk of its former self.


    She shook her head to dislodge the old childish fantasy. With how large the palace was, it''d be almost impossible to cover so much ground. She checked her talisman periodically, trying to pinpoint Yakeru''s location.


    After navigating through the ruin, she''d finally reached a set of doors, a room she hadn''t explored yet. As she approached, she could make the faint sounds of shuffling on the other side. Looking at her talisman, its glow dimmer than before, she confirmed her teammate wasn''t on the other side which meant one thing...


    Unsure of who she''d face, she took a moment before grabbing the door handles and pushing. The rusty hinges made them somewhat difficult to open as they let out a harsh screech that resounded through the room and hall.


    Stepping inside, she inspected the room, which didn''t look much different than the other rooms she''d explored as they were all worn down and weathered. However, there was something about this particular room that just didn''t feel right.


    She drew a dagger upon entering, a sense of unease washing over her.


    The high ceiling loomed overhead, gathering dust and cobwebs along the edges. The walls, once painted with a calming shade of taupe, were now peeling to reveal discoloration and fragile framework within the walls. Faded marks where artwork had been hung stained the walls.


    At the center of the room were the remnants of a low coffee table, shattered with its metal frame bent out of shape. Grimy curtains lay strewn across the fractured floor. The once-inviting sofa sat crooked with cracks and tears in its leather material with a disfigured stress ball wedged between the cushions.


    Walking over to a toppled-over desk, charred and brittle, she found a dented spherical artifact and a clipboard with burnt sheets of paper. The writing was illegible at this point but based on everything she''d seen, she assumed this was some kind of old office space of sorts.


    Coming to a stop, she strained her ears but couldn''t make out any shuffling anymore, only the faint hum of the wind outside.


    ''Was my mind playing tricks on me?'' She wondered.


    Despite the lack of evidence that she was in danger, her instincts screamed for her to leave.


    ''Snap out of it. There''s nothing here.''


    Doing another quick sweep to confirm no one was in the room she turned to the doors, the foreboding air growing thicker. Relieved she wouldn''t have to stay in the room any longer, she was about to head towards the doors when she froze.


    There was no draft and even if there was, the rusty hinges would''ve produced an obvious screech when in use but she didn''t hear anything...so why were they closed?


    All she could do was stare. She rubbed her eyes but the doors remained closed. After a few minutes of staring to see anything out of the ordinary, she cautiously made her way over. Placing her hands on the handles, she pulled only this time, for some inexplicable reason, they were a bit easier to open and the screeching was noticeably quieter.


    Stepping through the same doors she came in through, every hair on her body stood on end.


    She was back in the same office.


    This time the room felt different. There wasn''t as much debris in the room as before. Carefully walking further inside, she noticed that the floor was still dusty but it wasn''t damaged. The walls that were once peeling away were now intact but still hadn''t reverted back to their original color.


    The sofa barely showed any signs of deterioration and the stress ball now retained its original shape. The desk and papers were no longer burnt or charred but still remained in the same place as before.


    It wasn''t just the physical changes in the room that frightened her, the howling of the wind had completely disappeared as well, filling the room with an eerie silence.


    Turning back, she found the doors closed once again. Pulling them open, her heart nearly leapt in her throat.


    It was the same room again.


    She looked behind her and confirmed she was still in the office, which she was. Taking a step forward, the room was in less disarray than the last time.


    "What''s happening?" She said with a slight tremble in her voice, the string of anomalies plunging her deeper into the pit of fear.


    Two spherical artifacts floated in the air on a predetermined path, casting a warm glow on the now pristine office space.


    The polished floor reflected the ceiling''s elaborate moldings and paintings that now hung from the spotless taupe-colored walls. The plush furniture lay spotless and the stress ball rested atop the fully intact coffee table.


    A framed certificate hung above the desk that now stood centered in front of the window, the unstained curtains gently swaying from the light breeze.


    Now that the state of decay had greatly diminished, the room more resembled a counseling room. Her heart thumped against her chest as she didn''t know what to make of this.


    Unsure of what to do, she quickly turned to the doors that had somehow closed behind her again with no sound indication. Pulling on the handles, the doors opened smoothly with little resistance. Walking through, the room itself remained the same but was now accompanied by ambient sounds in the distance.


    It was now daytime, an ethereal glow meandering through the clear glass of the window as silhouettes of birds darted across it. The birds'' singing sounded strikingly familiar. They were the same birds from her village with highly developed vocal tracks. Their song danced through the air, completing the calm theme of the counseling office.


    But that''s not what caught her attention. There was a figure standing in the center of the room. She rubbed her eyes in the hope they were merely deceiving her but when she opened them again, the figure was still standing in the middle of the room. Her built-up anxiety and fear had suddenly dissipated, replaced with utter disbelief. Her dagger slipped through her fingers as she took a trembling step forward.


    "You look like you''ve seen a ghost." The figure spoke in a soothing tone.


    Her lip quivered as she struggled to find her voice but when she did, she still couldn''t believe the word that left her mouth. "M...Mom?"

 Chapter 73: Reliving A Nightmare

    Fuyumi lost her former self that day. She pushed everyone away and kept her heart frigid, unwilling to let others in as she was too afraid to lose anyone else. Whereas other rangers may have fought to protect and explore the wonders of the world, she fought to eradicate. But at this very moment, it was like all the years of anger and resentment had disappeared.


    The world around Fuyumi faded as her mother emerged into view, her gait slow. She hadn''t aged, looking the same as the day she lost her. Long dark hair that flowed past her shoulders, her soft ocean-blue eyes, her gentle smile that warmed her icy heart.


    Fuyumi''s eyes glistened with unshed tears as a flood of emotions rushed through her¡ªjoy, relief, and an overwhelming sense of longing.


    "It''s...you..." Fuyumi whispered, her words trembling with years of pent-up emotions.


    "Yes, I know it''s me," Hana responded to her rather strange statement with a raised brow.


    Before Fuyumi could think, her body had already thrown itself into her mother''s arms, clinging to her as years of anguish and resentment melted away. She broke down, her sobs muffled in her mother''s chest as the burden of loss was lifted from her shoulders. Hana instinctively wrapped her arms around her daughter in a tender embrace, her blouse now drenched in the resurfacing emotions that Fuyumi had buried long ago.


    "Sweetie, what''s wrong?" Hana gently stroked her daughter''s hair, her comforting touch calming.


    Fuyumi had almost forgotten what it was like to be held by her mother. She missed her warmth, her smile, her embrace, but most of all...


    "I missed you...so much..." She sniffled, tightening her grip as if terrified she''d lose her again if she let go.


    "What do you mean? Are you feeling okay?" Hana asked but didn''t get an answer as Fuyumi sobbed silently. "Sweetie, I can''t help you if you don''t tell me what''s going on."


    She remained in her arms until she ran her eyes dry. Reduced to a state of constant hiccups, she finally lifted her head, her eyes puffy and red.


    "Are you ready to tell me what''s wrong?" Hana wiped away her stray tears and placed the back of her hand on her forehead to check for a fever.


    Fuyumi shook her head, overjoyed. "Nothing''s wrong. I''m just...so happy you''re here."


    "Honey, I''ve been here this whole time. It''s my day off, remember?"


    As Fuyumi calmed down, she took a moment to look at her surroundings. She was no longer in the counseling office but in some sort of living space.


    Something about the place seemed familiar. The sliding doors that led to the backyard, the Sakura trees outside, the layout of the house, the placement of the furniture.


    There was no mistaking it. She was back in her old home.


    After a few more minutes of comforting her daughter, Hana rubbed her back and gently urged her forward. "Come. Let''s get some fresh air. It''s rather hot out so how does a cold treat sound?" She smiled softly.


    "I''d like that." Fuyumi smiled back.


    She followed her mother through the house, which was the same as she remembered it. On their way to the front door, she saw her father tending to a much younger Kei blabbering in his booster seat. Her father had fewer wrinkles than she remembered as if he regained some of his youth.


    "There''s my little girl." He said as he fed his son.


    "I''m not so little anymore," Fuyumi responded with a pout.


    Hana regarded her husband with a playful cautionary look. "Careful. Our eleven-year-old is a more mature and dignified young lady now."


    Eleven-year-old? Confused, she looked down at her hands which seemed a lot smaller than before. She did a quick inspection of herself, and even the scars she''d accumulated from her previous battles had vanished and her hands were more delicate. Looking up, the room seemed larger than before...or maybe she was shorter.


    Disregarding the changes, she was just happy, ecstatic even, to have her mother back.


    Her father raised his hands, feigning defeat. "I guess that means I''ll have to start keeping the guys away then."


    "Gah!" Kei blurted.


    "I agree, buddy." Her father quipped, wiping his son''s mouth.


    Walking out the door, they bid each other farewell. The morning sun graced their skin as they strolled leisurely through the village. It was just like how she recalled, before the nightmare she had to endure.


    The fresh aroma of freshly baked bread from bakeries drifted in the air, mingling with the scent of blooming flowers. Sakura trees swayed gracefully in the morning breeze, their pedals dancing along the road.


    Neighbors greeted them as they passed with friendly smiles and waves, some of which Fuyumi recognized. Their laughter and chatter produced the soft and lighthearted community that she grew to love in her younger years.


    Vibrant blue flocks soared overhead, Fuyumi finding herself bobbing her head as they sang their all too familiar melody.


    Walking through the village square, there was a bubbling fountain with kids playing on a large playground that surrounded it. Fuyumi beamed as she recalled the fond memories of her childhood on that playground.


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    A playful smirk tugged at her mother''s lips. "I thought you weren''t so little anymore."


    Realizing she''d let her guard down, Fuyumi snapped her head away from the playground, trying to act cool and mature but embarrassment had already flushed her cheeks pink. "Y-Yes. But I''m allowed to look."


    After arriving at a small diner, Fuyumi looked over the menu and was both relieved and ecstatic to see her favorite meal. After ordering, her plate of toasted buns oozing with cheese and scrambled eggs infused with veggies and bits of meat cooked to perfection was set in front of her. The burst of flavor and seasonings had her melting in her seat in delight, leaving her mother smiling to herself.


    After eating, they left with ice cream and ran a few errands while they were out before returning home. Fuyumi couldn''t remember the last time she genuinely had a good time let alone smiled. Her father greeted them as they walked in, Kei outstretching his arms to Hana.


    "Awe, did you have enough of Daddy for one day?" Hana said, teasing her husband as she picked up Kei.


    She played with her son for a few minutes until they heard a knock at the door. Putting playtime on pause, she went to answer it while Fuyumi''s father took the opportunity to tell his daughter what he had planned for the upcoming trip for Hana.


    "We''ll be surprising your mother with a special dinner during our tour in the Capital so make sure you pack your best outfit for the occasion," he whispered. "I''ve already set up the reservations."


    Fuyumi''s face lit up and gave her father an assuring nod. This would be the first family trip so she struggled to contain her excitement. However, the longer his words marinated, the more her excitement began to fizzle out. The haunting realization of his words made her face turn pale.


    "Is there something wrong?" He asked.


    "...her birthday...when is it?" Her voice trembled, terrified of the answer.


    He raised an eyebrow. "Today. Don''t tell me you forgot."


    She remained silent as a wave of fear was projected in her eyes. A crushing weight pressed down on her chest, leaving her gasping for air.


    It was going to happen today. However, unlike before, she could stop it. She could change her mother''s fate.


    "What''s wrong? Are you feeling okay?" He worried, rubbing his daughter''s back.


    Fuyumi forced her stuff neck to turn, finding her mother in the doorway chatting with an older woman. She couldn''t tell what they were saying but from the disappointment etched onto her mother''s face, she knew it was bad news.


    Hana turned to her family. "Sorry, but it looks like work is short-staffed today."


    Fuyumi''s face darkened. It was happening again. Panic welled in her chest as she bolted out of her seat, desperate to alter the events about to unfold.


    "Mom, you can''t go!" She yelped.


    "It''s okay. We can reschedule the trip for another time," Hana responded, oblivious to her fate.


    Fuyumi sprinted after her mother but somehow the distance between them stayed the same. In fact, she began receding away from her. No matter how fast she ran, she couldn''t reach her.


    "You don''t understand! Wait!" Fuyumi outstretched her hand but it was of no use.


    The world around her grew darker, with her father and brother vanishing from sight. The brilliant light from the doorway shrunk along with her mother''s silhouette the more she ran. Fuyumi''s heart thundered in her chest, drowning out Hana''s echoing voice which was already growing fainter. The distant light shrunk to a speck before finally disappearing, shrouding her surroundings in an inky blackness.


    Tears welled in her eyes and her breath became heavy as she feared the worst. Traversing the void, there was no sound to accompany her footsteps. She wept but couldn''t hear her sobs. Even as she called out to her mother no words came out.


    Her perception of time became lost within the endless space of nothingness. After what felt like an eternity of aimless wandering, her ears perked to the first stimulation they''d received since being trapped there. She wasn''t sure what she was hearing but having no choice, she followed the source.


    In the distance, she spotted a faint crimson light glowing brighter with every step she took. The sounds grew louder but she still couldn''t decipher them as they were still a muddled mess. She began sprinting towards the fluctuating light, afraid that it would eventually flicker out of existence.


    Approaching the light, she could now distinguish what she was hearing. Running through the light, she found herself within the same house only this time it was engulfed in a raging inferno. The sounds of pained wailing of villagers clashed with the animalistic grunts and howls outside.


    Through the flames, she could see the silhouettes of hulking beasts trampling families, devouring anyone in their sights.


    "Run...!" A familiar voice cried out.


    "M...Mom?" She responded, grabbing a knife from her ablaze kitchen. "Mom, w-where are you?"


    She didn''t get a response but one thing was certain. She still had time. She could still run away with her mother. Mustering every ounce of courage she could, she stuck the knife out in front of her with trembling hands and carefully navigated her collapsing home.


    A guttural roar pierced her ears making her stop dead in her tracks. A bipedal creature peered around the corner, its red piercing eyes locking onto her. She froze, the beast''s sheer presence anchoring her in place as it made its slow approach. She tried to run but her body wouldn''t respond to her commands.


    Thin strands of crimson weaved out of the beast''s sickly grey coat, swirling into a tendril. Fuyumi''s legs were on the verge of giving out, her grip weakening around the knife as the creature''s overwhelming pressure weighed down on the child.


    Its chest heaved as a hideous toothy grin split its mangled face, savoring the girl''s terror. It raised its tendril before firing it towards her. The world slowed as she watched its sharp edge grow larger. The only thing she could do was squeeze her eyes shut and curse herself for failing.


    Expecting to be impaled, she flinched when she heard the tendril punch a hole through her...except she felt no pain. Besides the warm substance that smashed on her face, she felt fine. Prying one eye open, she looked down to find that she hadn''t been injured at all. Opening her other eye, she wiped her face and looked at her hand to find blood.


    "...r...un..." A faint voice whispered in front of her.


    Looking up, her eyes widened in horror to find her mother standing there with the tendril protruding through her sternum.


    "...ru...n...Fu...yum...i..." The light in her eyes faded.


    The tendril fizzled out of existence along with the beast as her body flopped to the ground. One by one the flames extinguished, slowly plunging the world around Fuyumi into darkness once more with her mother''s motionless body still visible.


    Her lips quivered and tears streamed down her face, blurring her vision as she finally collapsed to her knees. She broke down, letting loose a pained howl as she cradled her.


    Once again, she''d been forced to watch her mother leave her behind, helpless to stop it.


    "Oh you poor thing." A soft, almost consoling voice spoke.


    She''d heard this voice before, but she was in too much distress to meet the person''s gaze even as they sauntered through the darkness toward her. She already knew who it was anyway.


    "Such a tragedy to have your childhood ripped away from you that day. Life hasn''t been kind to us, I suppose."


    Her mother''s body gradually evaporated into a red mist and Fuyumi reverted back to her present-day body as she continued to weep silently.


    "That''s why I have taken it upon myself to treat the anguished. Imagine all of your pain, all of your anger, gone. You won''t have to grapple with your demons anymore," the woman knelt down and craned her neck unnaturally. Fuyumi pried her swollen eyes from the ground to meet Maya''s piercing scarlet eyes bleeding through her vague silhouette. "After I''m done erasing your dear mother from your memory and all the trauma associated with her, your sorrow and resentment will have nothing to latch onto. I will make you whole again."

 Chapter 74: Therapeutic Dissociation

    All the memories she formed with her mother¡ªtheir childish games of snatch-away, their trips to her favorite diner, all of it would be gone forever. The grief she''d felt earlier boiled into anger. Quickdrawing her bloodhound dagger, she slashed at Maya''s form only for it to evaporate into mist.


    "There''s that feisty attitude I''m familiar with." Maya taunted, her voice now omnidirectional.


    Fuyumi stood to her feet, Maya''s words marinating. She''d mentioned she could erase memories. If that was the case, she wasn''t just seeing illusions, Maya was prying into her very mind.


    "It would seem I was right about you. But your trauma runs deeper than any of my other patients. This will take some time so you might experience slight...discomfort," her voice carried a trace of malice.


    Suddenly, a different environment materialized around Fuyumi. Burning houses descended from the black sky, aligning themselves into a former neighborhood. Bricks slid under her feet, the lurching motion causing a jolt of nausea as the bricks arranged themselves and snapped into place to form a road.


    "Get out of my head," Fuyumi demanded futilely.


    "And why would I do that..." Maya''s form materialized down the road, making her casual approach.


    Fuyumi infused her dagger and fired a crescent projectile towards her. However, upon impact, it erupted into a red mist that obscured her vision. Behind her, through the mist Maya emerged, placing a bony hand on Fuyumi''s shoulder.


    "...when you''re in desperate need of my help?" Her distorted voice whispered chillingly into her ear, her twisted, blackened fingernails digging into her skin.


    Flipping her dagger, she thrust it into the witch''s stomach only for her blade to disintegrate into ash upon making contact. Stumbling back from surprise, she stared at her dagger as the warm wind carried its flakey remains away.


    Looking up at Maya, her scarlet eyes pierced through the slits in her unkempt hair that masked her face. The red oozed from Maya''s irises as Fuyumi stumbled back in horror. The red substance coated the witch''s body, transforming her into a grotesque monstrosity standing on its hind legs.


    Tendrils sprouted from its back as it let out a growl, its look and demeanor strikingly similar to that of a bloodhound. Rage flared within Fuyumi upon laying eyes on the beast as she drew her second dagger.


    It launched its tendrils towards her as she easily evaded its attempts to impale her. Her body reacted accordingly to its telegraphed onslaught as she dodged through its strikes while weaving in slashes to dismember its tendrils. Thanks to her experience fighting one before, it was surprisingly simple to close the distance and drive her blade into its chest.


    That''s when she realized this was a mere cheap imitation of the vicious beast she''d faced before. She tried prying her blade out but couldn''t. Instead, the red substance that made up the beast whipped around her wrists, binding them before extending out towards the rest of her body.


    The manifestation melted into a puddle of crimson below her, forming a pond of blood that bore resemblance to an eye from a birdseye view. Her restraints tightened in response to her desperate struggle to free herself, filling her with overwhelming fear as she was dragged under.


    She squirmed helplessly, her cries muffled as she sunk into the ground, plunging her into an endless scarlet void. Her heart dropped as she descended in a freefall through branching streams of pulsating light that formed an interconnected network of what looked to be neurons stretching into infinity.


    "The human psyche is such a fascinating study," Maya''s voice boomed within the scarlet void, her words dripping with manic infatuation. "It builds resilience through repeated exposure to hardships. Yet, fragile enough to shatter after just one bad day."


    Just when she thought she was falling into oblivion, Fuyumi smashed into a vast pane of glass with an ear-splitting crash, flinging glimmering shards every which way. Finally, she slammed onto a solid surface, knocking the wind out of her as she desperately gasped for air. As she struggled to her feet, the falling glass shards began to stab the ground around her, trapping her within a cage of reflections.


    The shards then flashed with clear images of Fuyumi''s past, her family, and friends.


    "I''m not only doing this for your benefit. But for the benefit of those around you." Maya continued as Fuyumi panned her gaze to see the various events that happened in her life.


    Looking around, she then spotted an image in a shard that stood out to her. Instead of portraying a memory, this glass shard showed a distorted reflection of herself. She cautiously made her way over to get a closer look, her warped image mirroring her every move.


    "Trauma, if left untreated, can seize control, but do you know what happens when we allow it to dictate our lives?" The witch''s voice echoed throughout the field of human-sized shards. "Our characters twist into something unrecognizable."


    A sickly pale hand burst from the glass shard, sending Fuyumi stumbling back in terror. The hand grabbed the edge of the shard, pulling itself out of its confinement with a pained guttural howl that quaked Fuyumi''s bones.


    Its gleaming obsidian eyes sat askew on its mangled face and thin strands of silver hair drooped from its bare scalp past where its ears should''ve been. Stepping out of the shard, its hunched posture cast a shadow over its tall skeletal figure, its haunting gaze locking Fuyumi in a fear-stricken state.


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    "Trauma breeds anger. Anger breeds resentment. And resentment breeds monsters." The disembodied witch continued her monologue.


    The creature lunged forward, outstretching its spindly fingers towards her. Her body instinctively jerked to the side, narrowly avoiding its grasp. Reaching for her weapon, she found her sheathes empty.


    With no choice, she was left dodging its attempts to grab her. The creature was surprisingly nimble, its fluid movements only possible through experience. Their scuffle led them through the field of memory fragments, the creature shattering each and everyone that stood in its path.


    Fuyumi found an opening as it overextended itself, leaping into the air to perform a roundhouse kick to its head. However, unexpectedly, its arm bent at an impossible angle, its hand intercepting her kick.


    She tried breaking free but it was futile as its grip only tightened. Pulling her closer, its fragmented bones crunching from its flexing rotted muscles, it yanked her by the head. Her trembling eyes were forced to stare as the creature''s mouth swung open far wider than humanly possible.


    Consuming her whole, she was thrust into a black void.


    "An unhinged mind can steer us down into the abyss." The witch materialized in the air, hovering as if she were a deity.


    "You sure like to run your mouth," Fuyumi hissed, masking her terror behind bravado.


    With the flick of Maya''s wrist, she conjured a new domain. A scarlet eye spiraled into existence above the two, painting the sky a deep red. Hundreds of tombstones erupted from the ground as thick fog spilled over the rocky terrain. Maya''s gleaming red eyes scanned the area until they landed on something behind Fuyumi.


    "There it is," she said with a satisfied smile.


    Confused, Fuyumi turned to find a familiar cube-shaped memorial. Hundreds of names were still etched into its surface but one name stood out, highlighted in a luminous glow: Hana.


    Fuyumi snapped her head back to the witch who was now waving her hands in preparation for a spell. Tendrils of red stretched from the eye above them, slithering around the memorial. As the tendrils began to tighten, strangling the structure, Fuyumi winced in response.


    She clutched her forehead as a blinding pain stabbed at her head. Groaning in agony, she glanced at the tendrils. Having no other options, she staggered towards the memorial. Without her daggers, she couldn''t do much but she still held onto the glimmer of hope that she could stop the witch''s sadistic scheme.


    "Oh no you don''t," Maya flicked her wrist causing the field of tombstones to tremble, shifting to a shade of blood red.


    Rotted hands exploded from the soil, pulling their deteriorating bodies up from the earth. Hundreds of decomposing creatures surfaced, their sunken eyes locking onto Fuyumi.


    "We can''t have you interrupt your treatment now can we?" The witch raised a relaxed finger towards Fuyumi.


    Obeying her command, the hideous creatures of various shapes and sizes began to charge, some sprinting, some galloping on all fours, and some dragging their top halves. The sea of corpses toppled over one another to reach the girl.


    She swerved right, avoiding a monster''s grasp, and backstepped to evade jagged claws driven into the ground where her foot used to be. Slamming her foot into its chest, its claws snapped off its hand, leaving its blackened fingers still dangling from them.


    Prying the claws from the ground, she spun on her heel to dismember another monster''s arm that tried grabbing her before being tackled by a creature missing its bottom half.


    Kicking it away, she scrambled to her feet as the pain in her head worsened. With her vision cloudy and movements more sluggish than usual, it was only a matter of time before these grotesque creatures captured her. Clutching her head, she jogged to the memorial as quickly as the pain would allow.


    ''Hana. 35 years old. Loves violet dancers. Snatch-Away was our favorite pastime,'' she recited to herself over and over again, desperate to reinforce her memories but to no avail. The most that it did was slow the inevitable. ''Hana. 35 years old. Loves...what did she love? How old was she?''


    Her movements began to slow, allowing the creatures to seize her by the arm. Before she could drive one of the claws into its head, another creature grabbed her other arm.


    "No!" She gritted, her knees buckling as she began succumbing to the growing pain in her head and the increased weight of more creatures grabbing onto her.


    The sensation of something borrowing into her skull and forcefully yanking at the center of her mind was excruciating. She was forced to watch as the memorial began to crack. One by one her most treasured memories began to flicker, threatening to evaporate into nothingness.


    "Maya, stop!" Fuyumi pleaded, completely at the mercy of the witch''s relentless torment.


    "Shhh, I promise it''ll all be over soon and that lingering hole in your heart will be no more." The witch soothed.


    The pain intensified beyond what she could bear all the while being restrained. She needed to do something, anything. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t break free.


    The witch had transformed Fuyumi''s mind into her personal domain. Something that she''d noticed by now was that the manifestations here went out of their way to subdue her rather than kill her.


    ''Why? I''m weak right now so it''d be easier for them to,'' she glanced down at the claw she was still holding onto.


    The domain was akin to a bad dream. Like any dream, one could jolt awake given the right circumstances.


    She didn''t know exactly what would happen if she decided to go through with what she had in mind or if it would work at all. But if she wanted to escape this nightmare, she needed to shock herself awake.


    Using the claw, she stabbed the hand of a one-armed creature pinning her right side. The moment her arm broke free of its hold, the creatures surrounding her reacted, barreling towards her. At the distance they were at and the frightening speed they were traveling, she only had a a couple of seconds to end this nightmare. But that was more than enough.


    Maya glanced down, checking to see if her patient was unharmed when her eyes widened in horror for the first time. As Fuyumi raised the claw to her neck, Maya yelped, "No, don''t do it!"


    Every mangled abomination in the vicinity lunged toward Fuyumi, desperate to stop her. Forcing down her hesitation with a piercing cry, she drove the point through.


    The world around her exploded into a myriad of colors, stretching and contorting into complex geometric shapes before they imploded. Fuyumi''s vision was momentarily plunged into darkness before the familiar setting of the deteriorating counseling office shot back into view as her eyes snapped open, gasping for breath.


    She whipped her head to the right to find a wide-eyed Maya stumbling back in disbelief. Collecting herself, she waved her hand, her ring emitting amber but before she could cast, Fuyumi had already delivered a reverse crescent kick to her jaw. Maya''s unconscious body spiraled into a nearby couch, spewing a cloud of dust in the air.


    Surveying her surroundings, she distinctly remembered exploring the room before but apparently, her physical body hadn''t even made it two feet past the doorway. Rushing out of the room and into the hallway, she confirmed she was no longer trapped in hypnosis.


    She breathed a sigh of relief when hearing the low howls of the wind return. The palace was still in its state of disarray, illuminated by the moonlight''s soft embrace.


    Returning to the unconscious Maya, she slipped her ring off her finger as she was quite frankly too afraid to leave her alone with it. If she ever regained consciousness, at least she wouldn''t be able to cast. She plopped down on the couch across from her and spoke to ensure her greatest fear hadn''t come true.


    "Hana. 35 years old. Loves violet dancers. Snatch-Away was our favorite pastime."

 Chapter 75: Round Two

    Kenji watched Fuyumi from the artifact provided by the capital guards. Even in the reserved section of the encampment, he could hear the lively chatter from the crowd booming from the opposite side.


    Since he couldn''t communicate with the others while acting as a decoy, all he could do was hope there were no setbacks. I had faith in his comrades'' abilities, but they were against the biggest clan in the guild. Although he was relieved to see that the majority of the clan were low to mid-ranking rangers, confirmed from their diversion, he anxiously awaited the high-ranking rangers to make their appearance.


    These were the setbacks he''d anticipated and were the main reason why he wanted most of their high ranks to do the hunting. Watching from the feed, Kane''s lieutenants proved to be more troublesome than he initially thought. Marcus had held his own against two rangers and even managed to push them on their back foot. His agility, coupled with his simple yet effective ability to extend his blade, made him a relentless force.


    However, who he was most wary of was Maya. After going from room to room, waving her hand in an odd pattern, she sat comfortably in what looked to be an old counseling office. Every time the screen flickered back to the feed of the drone assigned to watch her, she was still lying in the same room, fiddling with rocks to keep herself busy.


    When the feed switched to Fuyumi, he noted something rather interesting and terrifying. After infiltrating the palace, she followed the same path Maya had until reaching the counseling office. It was as if Maya had left a trail of subliminal breadcrumbs for her to follow until eventually leading her into an ambush.


    Kenji nearly sprung out of his seat, worry etched onto his face as he watched Maya''s lips curl into a sadistic smile. Although he didn''t know what she''d done, a knot churned in his chest as he helplessly watched a friend fall victim to her trap. A few of the Fiends discharged from the infirmary had been watching along.


    "The witch got to her first. How unlucky." A short Fiend said with pity in his voice.


    "Yeah, I can only imagine what kind of sick game she''s playing with her." His buzz-cut friend grimaced.


    Unfortunately, the feed didn''t stay on Fuyumi and Maya for long. Most likely because, on the surface, nothing was happening which only made Kenji more anxious about his teammate.


    From how things progressed, it seemed unlikely that Yakeru would have any additional support. A lingering doubt crept into Kenji''s mind as he began to question if his strategy was as foolproof as he initially thought. The longer the skirmish went on, the more of his teammates were incapacitated.


    Now Yakeru would have to confront the royal prodigy alone. He wanted to believe Yakeru could pull off a miracle but his faith had already begun to dwindle. Kane''s lieutenants had stonewalled his allies and he''d already seen what the arrogant talent was capable of when holding back.


    Kenji couldn''t help but think he''d set Yakeru up for failure. Perhaps his plan was fated to fail from the start. Once again, the dark cloud of self-blame started to cast its shadow over him, smothering any sliver of hope he had left.


    "I''m sorry, Yakeru. I should''ve expected this." He berated himself.


    *****


    Yakeru passed through an old garden overgrown with chaotic vegetation that gave it a jungle-like appearance. Over the years of neglect, it''d developed its own small ecosystem with little critters scurrying out of sight and flocks of birds dispersing as he cut through the curtains of vines in his path.


    Reaching a pair of doors, he pushed them open as the rusted hinges moaned in protest. Surveying the grand room, he carefully walked through some debris near the entrance. The place appeared to be a ballroom, once vibrant with life, now weathered and decayed.


    In the center of the room was a chandelier, its crystals shattered and dulled by layers of grime, but that''s not what caught his eye. It was the person behind the chandelier that grabbed his attention. Yakeru narrowed his eyes at the figure sitting on his throne of rubble.


    "Took you long enough. I was beginning to think you were having second thoughts," the ''king'' breathed an ingenuine sigh of relief.


    Yakeru sighed. "I''m not surprised. Even your Fiends were hard at work trying to stop us. Were you really that comfortable kicking back in this dump, Kane?" He questioned sarcastically.


    "If I had joined them, this little contest would''ve already ended. It''s rather cruel to rob the audience of a good show, wouldn''t you say?" Kane spoke as if taking the role of an entertainer.


    "So that''s what this is to you. Just a show."


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    "It might as well be. I figure the world will get a kick out of your laughable attempt."  A familiar smug smirk tugged at his lips as he rose from his throne.


    Yakeru''s eyes seethed from Kane''s palpable arrogance. Flashes of their first fight¡ªif he could even call it that¡ªflickered through his head. As much as he hated to admit it, Kane was undoubtedly more skilled in combat, at least at the time.


    Kane also must''ve known that Yakeru was more mentally vulnerable after surviving the Misranked Mission Incident. Yakeru couldn''t allow him to get under his skin a second time.


    "I''m already aware of your lack of competence from our first meeting. It baffles me how you didn''t croak with the rest of the Bison Clan." He blatantly taunted.


    Yakeru''s knuckles turned white as his blood boiled at the mention of those Kane mocked. Fortunately, he was familiar with his psychological tactics. If he wanted any chance of winning a battle against a prodigy, steeling his mind came first.


    With a deep breath, he somewhat tamed his anger, depriving Kane of a reaction. His smug expression faltered slightly, clearly displeased.


    "You''ve gotten boring. Let''s hope that won''t translate to a mediocre performance."


    "You sure like the sound of your own voice," Yakeru snapped back as he went into a stance, his hand hovering over his sword handle.


    As Kane snapped his fingers, radiance swirled from three points in the roof. Yakeru''s gaze shot up to see three human silhouettes, most likely conjurers, as the swirling radiance then encased the entire ballroom in a dome.


    "Just in case. You never know when we might have interruptions," Kane said as he placed his hands in his pockets, not bothering to draw his weapon. "Shall we, commoner?"


    Wasting no time, Yakeru ran forward. The distance between the two gave Kane ample to weave out of the way, however, he intentionally waited until the very last second to dodge, emphasizing his immaculate timing. Yakeru remained open for a split second but rather than capitalizing on it, Kane let it slip to dodge another one of his swipes.


    During his training with Itsuki and Dash, he learned to shave off unnecessary movements to optimize maneuverability and allow for tighter movements. The result produced faster reactions that allowed him to keep up with the elusive prodigy.


    Kane ducked under a swipe and thrust forward in an attempt to strike his throat with the web of his hand. Fortunately, Yakeru had seen this move before and reacted accordingly, sidestepping and countering with another swipe to his midsection. He couldn''t tell if he had become bored or if it was beginning to be too cumbersome to solely rely on dodging but Kane finally decided to draw his blade, deflecting the blow.


    His smug grin had somehow grown wider. "Is that really all you''ve amounted to over the past month? Learning to counter that one move?"


    Ignoring him, Yakeru continued his onslaught but couldn''t get a solid hit on him. Kane''s style was a combination of Akari''s elegance with the blade, precision, and a dash of Itsuki''s quick-witted thinking. Every movement he made was fluid and flowed seamlessly together. Even under the pressure of Yakeru''s attacks, there was no sign of fatigue and his form never faltered. He hadn''t revealed his radiance capabilities but Yakeru could already see why he was labeled a prodigy.


    The ballroom was quickly filled with sharp whistles and screeching metal as every slash directed at Kane''s legs was met with air and every swipe to his chest was parried with ease. Kane yawned mockingly as he continued to fend off his opponent''s attacks before he surprised Yakeru with a quick jab.


    The flexible blade nicked him on the shoulder before he could react, stumbling back. With one hand behind his back, Kane stepped forward while twirling his blade to confuse Yakeru.


    "You should''ve forfeited when you had the chance." Kane cursed as he unleashed his own series of quick slashes.


    His blade whipped through the air, producing flashes of silver arcs. Yakeru didn''t have the same luxury to respond even if he wanted to as all of his concentration was focused on defending against the barrage. Although his improved reactions and speed allowed him to keep up, he could tell Kane was holding back. If he truly wished it, he could end their clash but the complacent expression etched on his face told him he merely wanted to assert his superiority.


    Each of his strikes was swift and precise, just barely grazing Yakeru as his body became a canvas of cuts. Even leaping back to gain distance didn''t give him the luxury of a breather because Kane immediately dashed forward in hot pursuit.


    "Too slow," Kane said snidely.


    However, a faint smile played on Yakeru''s lips, satisfied with his findings. Gauging Kane''s reaction went exactly how he expected it to. Kane willingly prolonged their exchange, choosing to toy with him even now.


    ''Seems like nothing''s changed. Good.''


    Although it was a good indication that he''d improved enough to force Kane to draw his weapon, he knew that wouldn''t be enough to best the royal prodigy.


    He still had a trump card.


    As Kane''s whistling blade shot forward, Yakeru took a deep breath and his mind veered back to his training as his body screamed for him to protect his vitals. Ignoring his instincts, he did what he''d spent the entire last month doing.


    Radiance crawled up the length of his legs, his lower half flickering with gentle almost translucent amber flames. The deteriorating ballroom stretched to an impossible length before his form seemingly blurred out of existence.


    Kane''s blade whirled past where Yakeru used to be as a violent gale of wind whipped past him. In that instant, for the first time, the arrogant smirk on his face vanished, replaced with a look of utter disbelief. Looking down, there was a small gash in his chest that wasn''t there before.


    "H-How did you..." Kane stammered, feeling his chest as if to confirm what he saw was real.


    He looked behind him with widened eyes to see the commoner''s blade trickle with red. Yakeru glanced over his shoulder to meet his flabbergasted gaze.


    "Too slow.¡±

 Chapter 76: Talentless

    The cool nightly air brushed against Kazeki and Itsuki''s skin as they were discharged from the infirmary. Aoi stayed behind, to help the Fiends recover along with Kateshi to ensure she wasn''t pushing herself too hard.


    Light artifacts hovered over the encampment, illuminating the bustling crowd. Everyone had huddled around several campfires set up by the capital guards.


    The dancing flames scattered throughout the encampment accompanied by chatter and laughter produced a lighthearted atmosphere. Those who placed bets were exchanging coins while others simply continued watching the feed on the big screen.


    As Kazeki and Itsuki navigated to the area reserved for contestants, the guards'' gazes followed them, some waving while others simply nodded in respect. The same couldn''t be said for the Fiends they passed by who regarded them with bitter expressions.


    "Hey, your Itsuki and Kazeki right?" A green-haired male guard asked with an excited smile. "You guys won me a ton of gold!"


    Itsuki raised a confused brow while Kazeki chuckled nervously. Before either could respond, the guard''s coworker grabbed him by the ear.


    "Ouch!"


    "You''re embarrassing yourself and the rest of us," a brown-haired female guard scolded before shooting Itsuki and Kazeki an apologetic smile. "Sorry about him. You two were amazing out there."


    "Oh, thanks," Kazeki responded as she practically dragged her friend away by the ear, his cries growing more distant.


    After a few minutes, Kazeki and Itsuki spotted Kenji watching the feed and joined him. Kenji was so focused on the screen that he hadn''t noticed them approach until Kazeki sat next to him, startling him.


    "Oh, hey Kazeki," Kenji turned to give a nod to Itsuki. "Hey, Itsuki. How''re you two feeling?"


    "Our conditions weren''t too serious but we''re okay. Besides, we had Aoi looking after us." Itsuki replied, sitting next to Kazeki. "So what''s happened so far?"


    "Not much," Kenji rubbed his hands anxiously. "Maya managed to incapacitate Fuyumi for a while until she suddenly...jolted awake. And Yakeru just found Kane but I don''t think he''ll have any backup."


    "Why''s that? If Fuyumi is awake now and she took care of Maya she can just..." Kazeki asked but his question was answered as soon as he looked at the feed to see a dome encasing Yakeru and Kane. "Oh...oh no."


    Kazeki''s face hardened in anticipation. As soon as Yakeru launched his assault, he felt a cold sweat. Now that he thought about it, he''d never seen Yakeru fight before. He was curious to see what he could do but the lingering feeling of futility tugged at his mind. His opponent was Kane after all.


    Kane didn''t bother to draw his weapon, instead opting to make a fool out of Yakeru, as indicated by the haughty sneer on his face. It was only when his throat strike had missed that he, perhaps, decided to take Yakeru more seriously and unsheathe his rapier, where his true talent began to shine through.


    The guy was a natural. Every movement was deliberate and purposeful, flowing in perfect harmony with every parry and counter. His expert footwork allowed for elusive maneuvers as he danced effortlessly around Yakeru.


    Yakeru was barely able to keep up with him. The cheers from around Kazeki grew even louder as, one by one, the Fiend members began shooting up from their seats with excitement.


    "You got this Kane!"


    "He''s got it the bag!"


    "What was that commoner thinking?"


    "If this is the best he can do there''s no point. No way he''s winning a one-on-one with Kane by himself."


    ["Looks like Kane has him on the ropes. Perhaps this battle will be over very soon."]


    From the feed, Kane''s smirk widened as if he could hear his clan members praising him. The further he pushed Yakeru on his back foot, the more anxiety-inducing it was to watch for Kazeki and Kenji. However, even as Yakeru appeared to be fighting a losing battle, the corner of Itsuki''s lips lifted in a faint smirk.


    He watched as Yakeru dropped into a stance and took a deep breath. "Let''s see it, kid."


    Radiance began to coalesce in Yakeru''s lower half, the simple action quieting the once bustling crowd as if commanding silence. Every spectator, initially oblivious to the spectacle unfolding, felt a shift in the air. Suddenly, before Kane''s rapier could connect, Yakeru''s form had seemingly fazed out of existence and reappeared behind the arrogant royal.


    Gasps of surprise and murmurs of astonishment rippled throughout the encampment. The Fiends stood frozen, items in their hands slipping from their fingers and their jaws went slack in absolute bafflement. Both Kazeki and Kenji went speechless, their words fumbling out of their agape mouths.


    [Incredible! Such astounding speed. Even Kane didn''t know what just happened!"]


    "W-Wha...How did..."


    "Did...he just..."


    Itsuki looked on in amusement, unable to hide the pride building on his face watching his pupil shake Kane to his core. Placing a hand on Kazeki''s shoulder, he said, "You two are in for a treat."


    *****


    Kane looked at his wound then at Yakeru then back, struggling to process the unprecedented turn of events. The commoner had just blinked past him at speeds near-imperceivable to the eye, injuring him in the process. He stared at the crimson on his hand he wiped from his chest.


    ''No...that was just a fluke.'' Kane convinced himself to keep his inflated ego intact.


    Looking back at Yakeru, who had begun to infuse his legs again, he readied himself for another attack. Yakeru''s form flickered and before Kane could properly block, he was already sliced across the arm. By the time he looked behind him to where he thought Yakeru would be, he was already gone.


    A blurred humanoid silhouette flickered in and out of his peripheral vision followed by a brilliant trail of amber. Each time he went to block, a cut had already appeared on the area he was trying to protect.


    The gales of sharp winds whipped his crimson hair, his eyes struggling to keep up.


    ''This isn''t possible. He should be tearing himself apart!'' Kane thought, his body quickly becoming a canvas of cuts, his once pristine uniform stained with red.


    His ego rejected the notion of Yakeru having the potential to best him. He was royal, a prodigy, a genius. He was supposed to be out of his league but Yakeru was proving to be...a challenge.


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    "Where are you looking?" A voice spoke from his left but by the time he darted his gaze, there was no one there.


    Kane began to turn his head to check his blind spot when a fist collided with his cheek, sending him flying. Putting his feet under him, he growled in frustration as the commoner made a joke out of his title. He could practically hear the audience mocking him at the sheer absurdity of this match.


    He had no choice. He needed to use it. After all, his image was now on the line.


    "I''ll show you why they call me the royal prodigy." he snarled, his voice drowned out by the howling winds.


    Yakeru dashed around him before coming to a stop, the dust in the air from his blistering speeds concealing him in a smokescreen. Figuring Kane hadn''t had enough yet, he lowered his stance and infused his legs once more. Launching himself forward, he parted the smoke, fast approaching Kane with his sword held high.


    Yakeru''s eyes widened slightly when he saw Kane infuse his rapier, something he hadn''t bothered doing until now. Nonetheless, whatever he was planning, he was confident he could evade. However, instead of attacking him, Kane unexpectedly drove his blade into the ground. Amber split the eroded wooden floor as a brilliant light shot through the web of cracks. Before Yakeru could swing his blade, the air around Kane erupted into a vortex of radiance that hurled Yakeru back, his tumbling form creating a dust trail.


    Recovering, he looked back at Kane who pried his gaudy rapier from the ground. ''What was that?''


    Kane''s haughty sneer and confidence returned. "I commend the effort. You should consider it a great honor that I had to resort to my impenetrable vortex. Did you really believe your little trick would make all the difference?"


    Yakeru stared in disbelief. He knew Kane was hiding a trump card behind his talented swordsmanship, but for it to negate Blitz Step? He wasn''t sure how many other tricks Kane had in his arsenal and Blitz Step was already starting to take a toll on Yakeru''s body. He came to the realization that he was a one-trick pony while his opponent could''ve still been hiding most of his cards.


    ''How can I even compete?'' He pondered. He shook his head to compose himself before his mind had the chance to spiral down into a pit of doubt.


    He analyzed Kane, carefully dissecting his tactics. Yakeru knew he could outmatch him in close quarters through sheer speed but the issue was Kane''s defensive countermeasure. From what he could tell, the vortex had a radius of around 3 meters. It was the first time he''d used radiance during their battle so he assumed he had more reserves to spare.


    Formulating a new plan, he infused his legs once more, prompting Kane to prepare his vortex. Perhaps if he could feint Kane into unleashing another vortex, he could run his reserves dry. He prayed his body could withstand the backlash of Blitz Step until then as this was now a battle of endurance.


    Dropping down, he fired himself forward as Kane drove his blade into the ground again. As soon as the vortex roared to life, Yakeru veered off and skidded to a stop outside its radius. The vortex was still raging even after Yakeru had extinguished his radiance. He stared with a raised eyebrow as the vortex continued to protect its master from an assailant who wasn''t there.


    "Maybe this will be easier than I thou-"


    Without warning, the vortex shot outward and blasted him back into a wall, fracturing the fragile bricks. Although the moss cushioned the impact, he still felt a throbbing pain running down his spine.


    "Tsk tsk. I expected more," Kane taunted as Yakeru struggled to get up. "I''ll admit, I was mildly surprised when you self-infused but that''ll only take you so far. Especially against me." Kane gloated.


    Although it was necessary, Kane wasn''t particularly proud of using one of the techniques that he¡¯d developed himself. It was mainly used as a safety net to ensure remained untouchable but he supposed he couldn''t stay that way against speedy opponents.


    Kane observed Yakeru as he got up. Yakeru could try to hide his exhaustion behind a composed gaze all he wanted but the faint trembling in his legs spoke of how fatigued they were. Unlike Kane, who''d been mindful of how much radiance he''d expended, it was evident that Yakeru was approaching his limit.


    "I suppose it''s commonplace for someone of low status to lack the proper education in radiance conservation. Or perhaps you lack proper education, period."


    Tired of hearing his voice, Yakeru ignored his body''s protest and infused his legs again. However, this time he''d conjured up a new plan. Glancing over at debris slightly off to his right that was aligned like a ramp, he dashed forward again.


    Kane had already plunged his blade into the ground, caging himself in another vortex of amber. Yakeru veered off course, catapulting himself off the debris as the vortex expanded once again, barely grazing his leg.


    Just as he expected, the vortex had a gaping hole from above. Kane''s gaze followed Yakeru as his blade came crashing down on Kane''s.


    "Did you really think I was oblivious to the flaw of my own technique?" Kane said, driving his elbow into his midsection, using Yakeru''s downward momentum to add more force to it. "I''ve already implemented countermeasures should anyone or anything try to exploit it."


    Stomach acid blasted out from Yakeru''s mouth as he tumbled back. By the time he got to his feet, Kane was already in front of him. With his legs throbbing, he couldn''t dodge. Instead, he brought his sword up just in time to deflect Kane''s thrust into his shoulder. Blood spilled as a sharp pain radiated from his wound.


    Yakeru gnashed his teeth in frustration as he realized his reaction wasn''t as quick as it was before and his legs couldn''t take him far if he wished to gain distance.


    "Still have some fight left? Good. I''ve been dying to use another one of my personal techniques." Kane''s smug grin grew wider as infused his blade and went for a low slash.


    Yakeru instinctively brought his sword down to block but as he did, Kane feinted and sliced him across the arm instead. As Yakeru tracked his opponent''s blade, he felt another sharp pain slice into his leg. Confused, his gaze flicked to his leg, finding blood trickling from a wound that wasn''t there a moment ago.


    Kane feinted another attack to his chest but Yakeru saw through this, managing to block the real strike intended for his right arm. Before he could counter, however, his chest lurched back as a throbbing pain erupted from it.


    ''What''s happening?'' Yakeru wondered, getting struck in the thigh by yet another invisible force.


    Although his armor protected him from taking serious damage, Kane''s deadly precision guided his blade to make cuts between the gaps in the plates. Yakeru''s body quickly became a canvas of red as he struggled to understand how Kane was injuring him even without his blade having to touch him.


    He studied Kane''s movements, his flexible blade whipping to confuse the young swordsman but that wasn''t what Yakeru was observing. He carefully watched as his opponent''s blade produced miniature arcs of amber through the air. That''s when he saw it.


    Those arcs of amber produced from his feints lingered in the air a moment before launching. He was using projectiles disguised as feints, further accentuating their difference in skill.


    Although he figured out how he was doing it, his body could no longer keep up to defend against it. As he brought his sword up, Kane struck downward, slamming into his blade with such force he could hear the blade crack.


    Yakeru wobbled to his feet, his eyes still fixated on Kane as he picked up his sword. However, as he lifted the handle, he stopped as it now felt lighter than usual. Looking down, he was horrified to find that his blade was now in two.


    "What a poor performance," Kane looked on in amusement as Yakeru panted softly. "Do you understand now? Some people are just exceptional while the lesser are dealt pitiful hands at birth. That''s what separates me from you."


    "No," Yakeru denied. "What separates you from me is that you were born with a silver spoon in that big mouth of yours. You probably don''t know the first thing about working to get anything."


    Kane stifled a laugh. "Don''t lump me in with you. Effort doesn''t apply to a royal, much less a royal talent."


    Yakeru let out a soft chuckle through a grin. "I take pity on you then. You''re missing out."


    Kane''s smirk faltered as he lifted a confused eyebrow.


    Yakeru''s reserves were still somewhat plentiful but his body was reaching its limit. He so desperately wanted to squeeze out a victory but his options were limited while his opponent could finish him where he stood if he so chose to.


    His mind veered back to his training, digging through his memories for something that could be useful, anything. That''s when he arrived at something Itsuki said.


    Although he''d likely be completely drained afterwards, he''d at the very least be granted enhanced strength and durability in addition to his speed.


    Too stubborn to accept defeat at the hands of a brat, he swallowed his aching pain and spaced his feet while closing his eyes.


    "I think this contest is over. You''re clearly exhausted and even if you wanted to continue, your sword is in two."


    A grin stretched Yakeru''s lips. "Who said I needed a sword?"

 Chapter 77: Second Phase

    The talisman''s glow illuminated the dark corners of each room Fuyumi passed through. After Maya had lured her into a trap, holding her captive within her own mind for who knew how long, she feared she''d be too late to assist Yakeru.


    Brushing aside a curtain of vines, she spotted in the distance what looked to be a large barrier encasing one of the buildings that made up the other side of the palace. Making her way over, she found Yakeru already facing off against the Fiends leader. Her ally was getting pummeled by quick and precise strikes, bypassing his near-indestructible armor.


    She drew her dagger and struck the barrier with her infused blade but it didn''t budge. Firing projectiles didn''t do anything but create small ripples in the barrier as well.


    "Yakeru!" She shouted several times to grab his attention but to no avail.


    She hadn''t the slightest clue who was responsible for producing the barrier in this vast palace. Searching for them might prove fruitless. She watched helplessly as her comrade was slowly whittled down until his sword had shattered.


    She gasped sharply as Yakeru barely got to his feet. Kane stopped to look down on him and, although the barrier didn''t allow sound to pass through it, from his haughty sneer, it was clear he was belittling him. Her knuckles turned white against the barrier, watching Yakeru''s form quiver from exhaustion.


    Anger boiled up inside her from how this royal presented himself to the world, using her ally, someone she''d gone on numerous adventures with, as a stepping stool for his ego. Yet despite that, Yakeru was...smiling. He was fighting a losing battle and he was smiling?


    She immediately assumed the worst. If there was one thing she knew about Yakeru, it was that he had an unhealthy tendency to resort to reckless stunts when in a pinch.


    "What are you up to this time?" She murmured to herself, a trace of worry in her voice.


    Yakeru spaced his feet apart and dipped his head in concentration. Kane raised a confused brow, as even he wasn''t sure what to make of this.


    Radiance once again encompassed Yakeru''s legs as Kane let out an amused chuckle. "It''s pointless. You''re clearly barely able to stand after your little cheap trick. Why don''t you just gi-" He stopped mid-sentence when he noticed his radiance didn''t stop at his legs. It was beginning to crawl up his torso as well.


    Rocks and loose debris began levitating at Yakeru''s feet. Motes of amber fazed into existence, dancing around him as if bending to his will. His body trembled with overstimulating power, Kane shielding his eyes from the powerful winds exuding from his mere presence.


    Radiance latched onto his hair, turning it a golden hue that blazed atop his head. Amber tendrils coiled around his body, whipping chaotically without the use of a conduit. The brilliant light he emitted dispersed the ruined ballroom''s gloomy air.


    Fuyumi looked on in disbelief. The sight reminded her of his battle with the behemoth and once again she was forced to watch from the sidelines as he tore himself apart.


    The Fiend conjurers spectated in shock and astonishment, the barrier flickering as their focus wavered.


    Kane''s baffled eyes widened further than before. "Y-You fool! You''ll surely rip your body apart at this rate! Are you that desperate?"


    Yakeru groaned through gnashed teeth as his muscles contracted involuntarily and adrenaline flooded his bulging veins, his body desperately trying to keep Yakeru from ripping it apart. His arms moved in jitters hardly having any free range of motion which he knew would come as a hindrance.


    He could feel his reserves rapidly plummeting, leaving no leeway for a drawn-out battle. Looking up, his piercing eyes shone with a luminous intensity that made him appear more deity than human, locking Kane in place.


    "Yes."


    In a single step, his form flashed out of existence, devastating the ground where he once stood. In that instant, a gash sliced open across Kane''s frozen face as the wall behind him exploded. He stood there, too fear-stricken to react to the violent bursts of winds whipping his crimson hair back and forth.


    Finally, he forced his stiff neck to look back to see Yakeru painfully crawling out of the debris from the wall he crashed into. It was clear he couldn''t control his immense speed in that form. With his radiance coating his already indestructible armor, it was safe to assume he was impervious to physical harm.


    Fear had gripped his throat, restricting his movements as Yakeru''s topaz eyes pierced through the smoke, his predatory gaze locking onto him. Amidst his fear, he reminded himself who he was; Kane the Genius. A Royal Prodigy. Leader of the Fiends Clan. To let some mere commoner best him in combat would be an insult to his titles and the Yamato House.


    The strangling grip of fear loosened as he steeled himself, raising his rapier with a trembling hand and driving it into the ground. Once again, a vortex of radiance whirled around him.


    Yakeru struggled to stand, the wall crumbling behind him. Unlike Blitz Step, where he would self-infuse in quick bursts, he left the power running this time. Every fiber of his being screamed, pleaded for him to release his radiance to end the torment, but he knew if he did, the intense backlash wouldn''t allow him to return to this form.


    The longer he stayed in this form, the harder it was to move. Unlike his lower half, his top half hadn''t gotten accustomed to self-infusion. The waves of pain rippling through his body intensified every passing moment.


    Gazing upon the hurricane of amber that protected its master, he didn''t have a chance to strategize. But that was alright. He couldn''t bypass Kane''s defenses even with Blitz Step, but with his newfound strength, he could simply bulldoze through it.


    His joints seared and his muscles throbbed in protest as he shakily stood up. Taking another step, the world around him stretched as his form slung forward.


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    Kane had poured most of his reserves into his defense. It wouldn''t be long until Yakeru exhausted himself. Surely Kane could outlast Yakeru, who had been burning through most of his radiance throughout their match.


    Suddenly, an unknown force ripped a hole in his vortex, whipping past him and excavating a trench in the process. He crossed his arms in front to shield himself as debris began to pummel him. Looking up, his eyes widened further in shock as he was met with Yakeru barely recovering from plowing through his vortex.


    Yakeru''s body jittered like a machine that hadn''t been oiled as he turned to face Kane from the small crater he''d created. Kane, still stunned by his power, knew he stood no chance. If he were to get hit by one of Yakeru''s attacks, it wouldn''t end well for him. Fortunately for him, it seemed like Yakeru struggled to tame his new form.


    Steeling himself once again, he pried his blade from the ground and dashed as far away from his opponent as possible. As fast as Yakeru was, even if he couldn''t control it, Kane couldn''t allow him to land a lucky blow. And a target that was farther away was harder to hit.


    Kane''s sneer caught some of the sweat rolling down his face. ''He doesn''t have much energy to spare. It''s only a matter of time bef-''


    Yakeru''s brilliant face appeared a mere foot away from his. Kane''s breath got caught in his throat and acting on pure reaction, he infused his rapier and unleashed a flurry of rapid strikes, painting his field of view gold.


    Years of training combined with his natural affinity towards fencing, his unmatched precision with a blade, his unrivaled footwork, all of it was abandoned in a desperate attempt to keep Yakeru at bay.


    A shimmering hand burst through the wall of gold, snatching Kane by his terrified face and launching him across the ballroom. Since Kane''s blade was flexible, it couldn''t drive it into the ground to stabilize himself. Instead, his body produced small craters as he helplessly skipped along the already broken floor until smashing into a heap of debris.


    Although Yakeru had held back, Kane''s tumbling still sent waves of pain throughout his body. Getting to one knee, a warm liquid trickled from his mouth. Dabbing it with his finger, he was horrified to find it red.


    "Th-This isn''t possible..." Kane sputtered, both fear and anger twisting his face into a hideous scowl.


    He''d never been hurt before this battle. Even now, he clung to the notion that his injuries were merely a fluke to keep his ego from crumbling.


    The conjurers topside couldn''t believe their eyes. Kane spoke so lowly of Yakeru that they truly believed victory was in their grasp. However, he failed to mention the boy''s unshakable will.


    Infusing his own body wasn''t just a drastic measure, it was the physical manifestation of the boy''s palpable determination. Their one and only job was to isolate Yakeru from the rest of his team but watching as the match grew increasingly strenuous for their leader ate away at their confidence.


    They couldn''t sit around any longer.


    "If we let this go on, we might lose." A conjurer with a gold staff said.


    "Agreed. Yakeru''s strong but he''s just one guy." Another with blonde hair spilling from his hood replied.


    "Let''s do this." The last conjurer responded, lifting his wand.


    The three conjurers released the barrier and began firing in Yakeru''s direction.


    "K-Keep him away! Hit him with everything you''ve got!" Kane stammered to his men, abandoning his original plan.


    The volley of spells hammered Yakeru''s armor of gold, reducing its effectiveness by the second. He could feel his reserves dropping dangerously low with every missile that exploded against his body.


    Just as he thought his reserves would fully deplete, the barrage had suddenly ceased. Looking back, he saw Fuyumi firing projectiles at the conjurers'' nest causing them to tumble out of hiding.


    She shot Yakeru a look of reassurance mixed with disapproval before wordlessly darting off to take care of the conjurers before they could recover.


    "No...no," Kane seethed as Yakeru dropped to a stance, preparing for another attack. "You''re nothing but a lowly commoner!"


    Kane bolted to his feet, firing missiles of radiance towards Yakeru. Blasting forward, Yakeru couldn''t control his direction like he could with Blitz Step. However, his increased speed allowed him to fire himself past most of the projectiles.


    His body screamed in protest as his form flickered, threatening to deactivate at any moment. He gritted his teeth, drawing upon every ounce of focus and willpower just to keep his radiance from dispersing.


    Projectiles began to nick his arms and legs while others slammed into him directly. His radiant armor started to fade and patches of his radiance began to evaporate as a result of his faltering concentration and depleting reserves. Fortunately, his behemoth armor could absorb the brunt.


    As Yakeru rapidly approached, Kane disengaged and leaped off of the debris behind him, causing Yakeru to smash into it with a deafening crash. The small shockwave it produced propelled Kane further into the air than he initially intended.


    Below him, Yakeru squatted and propelled himself into the air in hot pursuit. The closer he approached, the more evident it was Yakeru was running out of time. His pained expression coupled with the expanding holes in his radiant armor made it clear he was losing control.


    Kane''s confidence started to return as well as his smug smirk, but his lingering fear made it appear more like a grimace. Yakeru loaded his fist, the numbing pain making him unaware of the radiance dissipating from it.


    Kane, realizing his opponent couldn''t hold onto this form much longer, thrust forward, aiming for one of his vulnerable areas. Just as Yakeru released his haymaker, he redirected his hand into the rapier''s path to protect himself.


    He howled as the blade skewered his palm, its pointed tip bursting out the other end. The excruciating pain of metal wedged between bone shook his focus, evaporating more of his radiance at a faster rate.


    "Even now, you still can''t beat me. You''re a fool to think a lowly peasant could climb above me!" Kane heaved with pleasure.


    Yakeru''s expression hardened as he siphoned his remaining reserves into his free hand, cladding his forearm in a gauntlet of shimmering gold. With adrenaline surging through him to dampen the pain, he jerked his impaled hand to clear the rapier from his path.


    Terror flashed across Kane''s sweaty face before an iron fist crashed into it. A pressurized disk of air exuded from the collision, sending him rocketing into the ground below with an earth-trembling explosion.


    A cacophony of shattering wood and rumbling stone quaked the air. Without the strength to even brace himself, Yakeru crashed into the ground, his behemoth armor absorbing some of the impact.


    The throbbing intensified after his radiance had completely fizzled out, leaving only droplets in his reserves. The blinding soreness that radiated throughout his entire body prevented him from writhing. His consciousness flickered, and the dust cloud shrouding the ballroom seemingly muddled his senses.


    Fuyumi sprinted to her teammate''s side, her usual cool expression laced with worry and frustration. Her mouth was moving but he wasn''t sure what she was saying¡ªalthough, he was certain she was spitting insults at him for being reckless.


    After a few minutes, the ringing in his ears had subsided just enough for him to make out the faint sound of footsteps approaching. His eyes glanced to his right as the pain in his neck restricted head movement. Fuyumi stepped over Yakeru and drew her daggers, taking on a defensive stance.


    His blurred gaze landed on a figure staggering out of a crater. When the dust cleared, he could see Kane, his gait wobbly and his eyes half open. He couldn''t make it a few feet before his body gave out and he collapsed, unmoving.

 Chapter 78: Intermission

    Somewhere along the journey back to the encampment, Yakeru had passed out. The last thing he remembered was capital guards bursting into the ruined ballroom and field medics springing into action, taking him and the unconscious Kane away.


    He then woke up in an infirmary tent, his senses still organizing the visual and audio information around him. Muddled voices merged with clattering utensils to form an incomprehensible mess of noise. Light from the sunrise funneled through the slit in the tarp, dividing the tent''s interior with a wall of soft orange. Traces of the pleasant aroma of seasoned meat wafted through the muggy air.


    "You''re awake. Thank goodness." His hearing began to clear as he recognized a familiar voice sounding from his left. Turning his head wasn''t as difficult as it was before as most of the soreness had already subsided.


    "Hey, Aoi." He looked around but only saw medics and Fiends, stealing glances at him while murmuring to one another.


    "Are you feeling any better?"


    "Yeah," he replied curtly as he lifted his body to test the state of his body, startling the healer.


    "What are you doing? Stop!" She gently pushed down on his chest to keep him from sitting up. "Please, you have to rest. You''re in no condition to get up and you drained much of your reserves during the battle."


    He winced halfway before laying back down. Looking back at her, he asked, "Where''s everyone? Are they okay?"


    "They''re quite alright. They went out to eat for the intermission."


    "I see. And what about you? I hope your diversion wasn''t too strenuous."


    Aoi stared at him a moment before a soft laugh slipped from her lips, a soothing sound to his ears.


    "What''s so funny?" He raised a confused eyebrow.


    "My apologies. It''s just that, even in your condition, you''re still concerned about everyone else. Kateshi shouldered most of the burden but otherwise, we managed." She decided to omit some information as to not cause him worry. "As for you, although your fight was quite the spectacle, your body..."


    Her eyes traced up his body, the bandages hugging his toned form, until she reached her hands...which lingered on his chest for far longer than she''d intended. Her cheeks flared as she snatched her hands away, whipping her head around to hide her embarrassment.


    "Uh! I, uhm. I mean, the human body isn''t designed to handle the immense stress that comes with self-infusion. That was very irresponsible of you."


    "Maybe," Yakeru responded simply, ignoring her strange behavior as he looked down at his own hands.


    The bandages around the hand Kane had stabbed were dyed red while the other was horrifically scarred from forming a radiant gauntlet. Although his bottom half had grown more resilient to self-infusion, the scarring on his hand hinted at what his bandaged top half might''ve looked like.


    Aoi was right. It was irresponsible of him to resort to self-destructive measures. However, his scars didn''t deter him from using self-infusion to such a degree, but rather they''d serve as a reminder to further acclimate his body to better handle the backlash. Once mastered, if the need arises, he''d already have this technique in his back pocket.


    "Oh Yakeru~." His sister''s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.


    Turning his head, his face dropped. Standing in the entryway, her silhouette exuded a frigid presence that chilled the air. The innocent smile plastered on her face struggled to conceal the hostile aura spilling from her.


    "What did I say about ending up in the infirmary?" Her slow gait practically left a trail of frost that made the patients and medics shiver.


    "Akari, wait," he raised placating hands. "I can-"


    "Explain? As if I didn''t already see the whole thing?"


    Aoi fidgeted awkwardly as Akari launched a verbal assault at her brother. She grew increasingly uncomfortable as the scene drew the gazes of patients and medics alike. After several minutes of berating him, Akari had finally vented most of her frustration.


    By then, Kenji, Fuyumi, Kazeki, and Itsuki came by to check on Yakeru. Kateshi was still banned from entering. Kenji and Kazeki hurried to Yakeru''s bedside upon realizing his eyes were open, the two worried and giddied from seeing his astonishing display.


    "Are you okay?" Kenji asked, looking over his friend''s bandaged body.


    "I''m fine." Yakeru dismissed.


    "That was insane." Kazeki quickly remarked. "The way you moved. And that strength."


    "How did you last that long in that state?" Kenji asked, the two of them leaning over Yakeru in anticipation.


    "Knock it off and give him some space," Itsuki pulled them back by their collars. "But I have to admit, I''m impressed by your resilience, Yakeru." Itsuki''s praise only served to direct Akari''s icy glare in his direction, her murderous intent intensifying, making him gulp. "...but that was very reckless. Don''t you remember what I said about infusing your entire body?" He amended to avoid her wrath.


    Fuyumi cut through them and ominously stood over Yakeru. He raised a nervous eyebrow. "What?"


    Loading her middle finger, she unleashed it into his forehead with a sharp snap.


    "Ouch! What is it with you guys and flicking me?"


    "What is it with you consistently coming up with horrible ideas?" She countered, earning an eager nod of agreeance from Akari who was standing cross-armed beside her. "Why would you think it''d ever be a good idea to infuse your own body? We have conduits for a reason." Fuyumi scolded.


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    Yakeru figured she hadn''t been there to see him use Blitz Step if she was this heated. Rubbing the numbed welt on his head, he responded, "I lost my sword so my options were limited. Even after, he still resorted to calling for backup. If you weren''t there, it would''ve turned out very differently. So thank you." His gaze swept across everyone who aided him in his time of need. "All of you."


    Their expressions softened, Fuyumi crossing her arms and looking away. "Whatever."


    After some time, the tarp opened again, pulled apart by two capital guards in black and blue uniforms lined with gold. Two more guards marched inside then spun to face each other, both snapping at attention.


    Finally, a fifth figure came into view, the atmosphere changing once again as he walked through the tarp. Every eye turned and everyone found themselves straightening subconsciously.


    Councilman Rei Yamato, father of Kane Yamato, walked inside, his stride graceful and refined while his gaudy robes flowed behind him. His authoritative air left the Fiends stiff and the medics bowing respectfully as he casually walked past them, his eyes on the boy before him.


    He didn''t so much as lift a finger, letting his presence part the rangers crowding Yakeru''s bed. Not bothering to acknowledge those around him, he kept his apathetic gaze on Yakeru. A palpable tension grew as he looked the boy up and down before he finally opened his mouth.


    "It would seem I''ve underestimated you," the councilman spoke, the silence amplifying his aging voice. "As promised, your ban will be lifted and the Fiends will hand over any outpost of your choosing."


    The Fiends in the tent clenched their bedsheets and grit their teeth upon hearing this but didn''t dare argue with the councilman.


    "I didn''t expect someone of your...status could pose much of a challenge. So know this," he leaned in slightly so Yakeru could hear him clearly. "If you are to ever step out of your lane again, we won''t grant you such leniency again."


    Yakeru''s unwavering gaze met his, unbothered by his words. "No? Good to know that even royals are wary of me."


    Rei returned his impudent response with a hardened look of his own, a snarl seeping through his gritted teeth.


    "Councilman," A voice spoke from the entrance.


    Everyone, aside from Rei who was still glaring at Yakeru, turned their heads. The guards stamped their spears and saluted as the Sentinel stationed at the encampment walked inside, his presence diffusing most of the tension.


    The Fiends shot up in the beds and gave hurried salutes, some closer than others as they were still recovering from their injuries. Even Yakeru''s sister, mentor, and friends found themselves straightening.


    Yakeru couldn''t help but recognize this Sentinel, the same one who''d restrained him after his scuffle at the guild.


    "I''ve just received word that Sentinel Kiyoshi and Sentinel Haruka have just returned from River Town. They''re requesting an urgent council meeting to report their findings."


    Rei didn''t respond right away as he eyed the boy before stepping back. "Prepare for my departure," Rei ordered, his eyes still on Yakeru a moment before peeling them away.


    The councilman retreated through the tarp along with his Sentinel and guards, the air returning to normal.


    After Yakeru had recovered, the time had come to announce the winners of the Clan Skirmish. The morning sun blanketed the encampment in warm orange.


    Yakeru, along with his teammates, was escorted out into the middle of the encampment, the roaring cheers of the crowd growing louder. Aside from Fuyumi whose cool expression never faltered, they wore a blend of emotions on their faces: excitement, nerves, and pride.


    The crowd exploded into thunderous applause as they strode down the parted sea of people with a line of guards standing at attention on either side. Knowing full well it''d be impossible, Yakeru couldn''t help but scan the hundreds of faces in hopes of spotting his sister but to no avail. Fiends were mixed into the crowd, most of them scowling and eyeing them bitterly.


    Yakeru and Fuyumi ignored their glares as they proceeded casually while Kateshi, Itsuki, and Kazeki stood tall and exuded confidence born from their hard-earned victory. The conjurers were more susceptible to the weight of the attention, causing Kenji to force an awkward smile while beside him, Aoi fidgeted nervously, her hands clasped tightly together.


    Moving into a clearing, a grand stage adorned with extravagant decorations came into view. Walking up the stage and standing shoulder to shoulder, Yakeru found a scowling Kane towards the front of the crowd along with his two lieutenants. All eyes turned toward the presenter as he stepped forward, hanging gleaming medals around their necks one by one.


    Kenji and Aoi stifled their laughter as they watched the presenter struggle to reach Kateshi''s neck, curing their nervousness. It was only when the giant left him a hand and bent down that the embarrassed presenter was finally able to give him his medal and hurriedly move on.


    Although Itsuki was proud to receive a medal for this monumental achievement, he was especially prideful when Yakeru received his, the moment highlighting his pupil''s hard work and effort he put into his training under Itsuki''s tutelage.


    The medal itself didn''t give Yakeru any kind of gratification, however. Seeing Kane, the arrogant, overconfident rich kid now looking up to the commoner seething with outrage was more satisfying than any medal.


    ''The irony,'' he thought, suppressing a content smirk so he wouldn''t come off as smug in front of hundreds.


    Fuyumi kept her cool front while a sense of achievement leaked from Kazeki, Kenji, and Aoi''s expressions. After rewarding the team, the presenter stood to the side and pulled out a small cube-shaped artifact from his pocket, allowing it to levitate to his mouth.


    ["Ladies and gentlemen, let''s give the winners of the Clan Skirmish another round of applause!"]


    The encampment burst with cheers and applause as the rangers stood proudly atop the stage.


    The morning continued with many people showering them with both praise and questions. Yakeru grew increasingly annoyed when asked the same thing again and again.


    "How''d you infuse your body like that?"


    "Didn''t it hurt?"


    "What rank are you?"


    "Are you in a clan?"


    He couldn''t possibly see Fuyumi putting up with this kind of attention on any kind of regular basis. He thought he''d rely on Kateshi''s loud personality to divert some of the attention to him but it barely made a difference. Guards had to intervene pulling and pushing away the crowd that had formed around them.


    Through the crowd, Fuyumi caught glimpses of a familiar face. When the guards weren''t paying attention, they made their casual approach.


    Maya stepped through the crowd, a foreboding air trailing behind her. Her predatory scarlet eyes emanated a pressure Fuyumi hadn''t felt the first time they''d met, seizing her by the throat.


    Maya stopped in front of her. "I believe you have something of mine."


    Fuyumi hesitated, the psychological torment still fresh in her mind. She reached into her pocket and tentatively handed her the ring she took.


    Maya inspected the ring, a bitter smile forming on her face. "I failed you."


    Fuyumi raised a brow in confusion but before she could get the words out for a response, Maya explained. "I should''ve been more wary. I should''ve known that a patient drowning in anguish would resort to such...drastic measures."


    She slipped the ring back on her finger. "As for what I said during your therapy session, don''t take my words lightly. If you leave things the way they are, you will come to regret it."


    She turned to leave but not without giving Fuyumi one last glance over her shoulder, her carnivorous gaze clashing with her gentle smile. "I do hope our paths cross again before that happens so that I may finish your treatment."


    With that, she disappeared into the crowd, the foreboding pressure releasing Fuyumi from its grasp.

 Chapter 79: Rewarded

    Perched on the edge of a jagged cliff overlooking a valley of vibrant hills and towering rocky spires stood an outpost. The singing of four-winged birds sailing across the clouds below harmonized with the rushing waters cascading over ledges throughout the land.


    Yakeru approached a dome of shimmering translucent energy that surrounded the outpost, its bobbing surface emitting a soft hum. Running his fingers across it, his hand sunk into it, its surface hardening to his touch to ensure he couldn''t pass. Pulling out the artifact, a medallion the Fiends had given up, he presented it to the barrier.


    Its surface rippled before a human-sized hole opened, granting him passage. Walking through, the hole closed behind him and he was standing before the outpost he''d been rewarded with after the Fiends had lost the Clan Skirmish.


    Wooden spikes jutted from the earth, surrounding the cluster of buildings and watchtowers interconnected by a network of branching paths. Flags with a grim reaper insignia stood tall atop the grand walls etched with runes that ran around the outpost, fluttering in the wind.


    Kenji, Fuyumi, and the others got out of the carriage that had dropped them off and made their way to the translucent barrier, Aoi taking the time to absorb the breathtaking view of the valley.


    "It''s beautiful," she beamed, watching the multi-shade of orange plant life clinging to the sides of the rocky spires sway in the wind.


    They pulled out their own medallions and mimicked what Yakeru had done, opening their own entrances in the barrier and joining him on the other side.


    The architecture was a blend of smooth stone and polished steel. The main building was clearly designed to resemble a miniature castle with banners standing proudly atop four watchtowers, fluttering in the humid wind.


    "It''s a bit over the top. Did they really need such fortification for inner rim monsters?" Kazeki asked no one in particular.


    "Kane doesn''t settle for anything less than grandeur," Yakeru responded as he walked past Kazeki, opening the large doors of the main building.


    The others followed him inside to find an unsurprisingly luxurious interior. Light artifacts on the pillars bloomed to life as they stepped foot inside, illuminating the spacious lobby in a soft glow. The marble floor reflected the grim reaper insignia on the high ceiling.


    Yakeru visibly cringed at how flashy the main building was and almost regretted choosing this outpost. Though, he figured every outpost was more or less similar. Fuyumi and Itsuki shared the same unreadable expression while the others looked around in awe.


    Two sets of stairs arched up to the second floor and at the center of the room was a large round table with a flat triangular artifact. Walking over, Yakeru inspected the artifact which had grooves on the front and back but he didn''t know how to activate it to see what it did.


    He fiddled with it a moment before Kenji took it from his hands to study it himself. Within seconds, he shifted a circular plate at the center until they heard it click into place before it projected a holographic image of the landscape they were on.


    "I''m assuming this is some kind of conference table," Kenji deduced, twisting the same plate again as the hologram dissolved before setting down the artifact.


    While the others explored the upper floor, Fuyumi walked through a set of double doors in between the stairs. The doors led her to an armory with various sets of armor. To her immediate right was leather armor that shimmered with a faint orange while to her left was a blend of plated armor and chainmail with a severed horn jutting from each side of the helm, a void of darkness beyond the visor''s vertical slits.


    Walking further inside, passing by more expensive armor sets, she approached the far end of the room. Hanging on the wall was a wide array of weaponry ranging from spears, swords, and daggers, her gaze naturally gravitating to the daggers on display.


    Some were made up of multiple smaller blades while others emitted an ominous transparent green. As she expected, their designs alone would''ve cost a small fortune.


    One dagger in particular caught her eye. Picking it up off the wall, it was lighter than her original dagger. She gave it a twirl, the serrated bone-white blade whistling lightly.


    ''Armor Killer?'' She read the label underneath the dagger.


    Curious of its practicality, she approached a set of bulky armor, its collar covering the bottom half of the spiked helm. Bringing up the dagger, she ran the blade across its jagged chest plate. Although she barely put much force behind it, screeching metal scratched at the air, leaving behind a shallow gash. She stared at the damaged armor, surprised by how easy it was to slice through it with little effort.


    "We just got here and you''re already ruining our equipment?" Yakeru spoke from the doorway.


    "I didn''t expect it to cut through so effortlessly." She replied, taking its scabbard.


    "Yeah, as if the name ''Armor Killer'' didn''t make that apparent," he replied sarcastically.


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    "Oh shut up." Fuyumi shot back as she discarded her original dagger and sheath, replacing them with the armor killer. "Did you find anything upstairs?"


    Yakeru walked up to the swords displayed on the wall, searching for a replacement after Kane had destroyed the last one. "Just staffs and wands. Nothing you''d be interested in. The others went to see the artifacts next door."


    He picked up a sword and unsheathed it to reveal the blade''s elegant design. Though it was lightweight, he deemed the design too luxurious for his liking. Returning it, he picked up another and removed the scabbard. The blade was more simplified but the heavier weight wasn''t what he was accustomed to.


    Eventually, his eyes landed on a black and silver scabbard. Sliding the blade out with a satisfying ??????????, he inspected its simple yet slick design. The flat of the blade was jet black that blended into a gleaming silver edge and a fox charm dangled from the hilt that reminded him of Dash.


    Although the sword was light, it still trembled in his hand. Fuyumi glanced over to see his hand quivering and let out a sigh. "See? You shouldn''t have strained your body during that fight."


    He leaned against the wall, setting aside the sword to clench his hand into a fist in an attempt to tame his nerves. "It''s not that."


    Fuyumi raised a confused brow, processing his words before she realized. Her face softened slightly as she joined him on the wall. "I see."


    "It''s already been more than three months. I thought I would''ve gotten a good handle on it by now but..."


    "I get it. Something like that isn''t very easy to forget." She responded, the unexpected warmth in her voice soothing his nerves.


    "Yeah."


    Silence hung in the air a moment before Fuyumi spoke again. "Don''t take this the wrong way, but why didn''t you quit after the incident?"


    He pondered the same question ever since the incident but now he felt he had an answer. Albeit a very simple answer.


    "I enjoy adventuring, especially with you and Kenji"¡ªthe corners of her lips twitched when hearing this, disrupting her cool demeanor for a split second¡ª"but if I let that day dictate my life, it would strip that away from me."


    She studied the marble floor thoughtfully, reflecting on his words. Since the beginning, Yakeru had always displayed unwavering resilience. Not only did it manifest through his physical battles, but his psychological battles as well.


    Although they''d experienced that horrible incident together, unfortunately, he suffered the brunt of it. Yet, instead of submitting to his trauma, he was determined to overcome it, something she''d come to be quite envious of. Whereas he worked towards conquering his trauma, she was still living in the shadow of hers, unwilling to let go of the past.


    She gave him a side glance, her ocean-blue eyes glimmering with a feeling she hadn''t felt for him before until now: admiration. She berated herself for thinking there might''ve been some truth to Maya''s words during the Skirmish.


    "But sometimes it feels like I''m just not strong enough to move past it," he continued, his eyes downcast.


    "You idiot. You''re stronger than you give yourself credit for." She replied, her words warm with sincerity.


    It was rare for her to shed her icy exterior, but when she did, a genuine tenderness would shine through, something his younger self didn''t think was possible for her.


    He let out an amused breath. "I didn''t realize the Ice Queen had a knack for counseling."


    She responded with a light punch to his arm, shooting him a glare but there wasn''t any real bite behind it.


    Rubbing his arm, he smiled appreciatively. "Thank you, Fuyumi."


    His gratitude made her awkwardly avert her gaze before donning her mask of apathy once again as she pushed off the wall. "Whatever. Don''t get used to it."


    *****


    When Rei returned to the Capital, he immediately went to the castle for the council meeting. Although he was eager to hear Sentinel Kiyoshi and Sentinel Haruka''s report, a part of him used this as an excuse to leave the encampment, still bitter about his son''s humiliating defeat. To see a commoner walk across that stage in his son''s place would''ve brought Rei more shame.


    He''d given Kane the best education the Capital had to offer, provided funding for his clan, and to top it off, he was the royal prodigy¡ªa recipe for complacency. It should''ve been an easy victory but Kane had allowed his arrogance to affect his judgment. Rei figured this meeting would distract him from his overwhelming disappointment.


    Arriving at the meeting room, the capital guards stamped their spears as the councilman walked through the doors. The usual Sentinel stood behind the crescent table guarding the rest of the council members who had already arrived.


    It was obvious they were conversing with one another just moments ago until his arrival. He ignored their critical stares, making his way to his usual seat.


    "Councilman Rei," A stiff-backed councilman greeted. Rei nodded in acknowledgment, his foul mood preventing a proper response. "I see your son''s defeat has put you in a sour mood."


    "It''s to be expected." A councilman adjusting his rounded glasses said to his side.


    "I, too, would be distraught if my daughter was bested under such...amusing circumstances." A balding councilman smirked.


    "I''d suggest you bite your tongues," Rei replied, venom leaking into his rough voice as he took his seat.


    When every council member was present, the men smoothed their suits and straightened their ties, wiping away any trace of imperfections. Their casual air evaporated as they all adopted poise demeanors and impassive expressions.


    Soon the double doors creaked open and in came the two Sentinels, bowing respectfully.


    "Sentinel Kiyoshi. Sentinel Haruka. I trust you both have something useful to report after your brief expedition." Rei urged, eager to hear their discoveries.


    "Yes. And the situation is worse than we initially thought." Kiyoshi responded gravely.


    Rei, along with the other council members, lifted a brow. "Care to elaborate?"


    The two Sentinels glanced at one another grimly then back at the council.


    "Allow us to start from the beginning..."

 Chapter 80: River Town

    TWO WEEKS EARLIER:


    After a week of traveling by carriage, Sentinel Kiyoshi and Sentinel Haruka had arrived at a vast lake in the mid-rim. Haruka looked out in awe at the shimmering expanse, welcoming the earthy scent of damp soil drifting through the air. The distant calls of birds mingled seamlessly with the bobbing water and rustling trees that sprouted in four separate trunks, their dangling leaves flapping into the wind.


    A pack of green-striped beasts drank from the clear water that sparkled under the afternoon sun. Lifting their horned heads, they cautiously observed the two climbing out of their carriage and walking across a dock managed by a few burly men.


    As they approached, they hardly got any reaction from the workers or guards.


    "It was a good call to change our appearance," Haruka said, inspecting her phantom leather armor for the twelfth time in admiration, checking for any imperfections in the illusion. "The artifact''s mirage effect is very convincing. Artificer Aki continuously outshines her competitors. But did we really have to set it to display equipment of such...low quality?"


    Kiyoshi reached into his pocket, slightly disturbing the artifact''s illusion to ensure his device was safely secured. "This is typically what C and B-ranks wear."


    A long-bearded man walked up to them with a warm smile. "Greetings, rangers! How can we be of service?"


    "We''d like for you to take us to River Town," Kiyoshi replied.


    "Of course," He responded, turning to the coxswain still available. "Another for River Town!"


    The coxswain, a broad-shouldered man, nodded and fiddled with an artifact latched onto the back of his small wooden boat. Guiding Kiyoshi and Haruka to his boat, the two boarded. The rectangular artifact shone with runes, the coxswain shifting them with a practiced hand until he found the right runes. Pressing a button on the side to confirm, their boat jumped forward to take them into the open water.


    Though she had never been to River Town, Haruka knew the faint structures that sat on the horizon just above the water had to be their destination. The cool breeze played with her golden bangs as she watched the fish in the water dart away from their boat.


    "So more rangers, eh?" The coxswain conversed to break the silence. "We''ve been getting a lot more business from you folks nowadays."


    Kiyoshi lifted a curious brow. "Is that so?"


    "Yeah. We''ve made quite a lot over the past few months. I guess business starts booming this time of year."


    "Interesting," Kiyoshi noted, pleased to know their intel was accurate.


    Thirty minutes flew by before the town gradually expanded. They glided past other vessels fanned out along the tranquil waters, fishermen hauling nets filled with dozens of fish aboard their boats.


    A towering lighthouse safely guided boats of all shapes and sizes to the harbor. As they neared the dock, the sound of the bustling town grew louder. The calls of seagulls swooping overhead, the laughter of children splashing in the lake''s shallow end, and the musical tunes playing beyond the harbor blended together in a pleasant symphony.


    As their boat docked with a gentle bump, Kiyoshi paid their fare before stepping out with Haruka. Stepping out onto the main road, Haruka''s jaw nearly dropped in disbelief. Human residents and majestic beasts roamed the streets, living in perfect harmony with one another.


    Families of small brown-furred creatures hitched rides on passing canoes, leaping off onto solid ground once they''d reached their destination, their long pointed ears bouncing.


    Tourists posed next to amphibious bear-like beasts chomping down on aquatic plants with their webbed hands as artists skillfully painted the scenes with practiced strokes.


    Children stood at the edge of branching streams and rivers as massive salamanders rocketed to the surface to snatch the fish they dangled, eliciting scores of giggles from the kids.


    "Your description of this town didn''t do it justice," Haruka said, a hue of colors fanning throughout the sparkling water particles fluttering around her.


    "I suppose not. But giving away too much would''ve dampened your first-time experience." Kiyoshi replied as he led the way.


    The longer they walked down the cobblestone path, lined with colorful shops and cafes, the more exotic creatures Haruka saw. The conversations, laughter, and bestial callings merged harmoniously to give the town an amusement park-like atmosphere.


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    Isolated in a separate district, a distant cluster of mills came into view, the creaking wood working diligently to harness the power of the rushing streams.


    Rounding a corner, the undercover Sentinels stopped as Haruka came face to face with a human-sized tortoise, the moss and dangling plant life from its wrinkled body giving it an ancient appearance. She stepped back nervously as the beast started to inspect her closer.


    "It''s okay. It just wants to get to know you." Kiyoshi gave a reassuring smile.


    She slowly lifted her arm as it moved to examine her side. After a few seconds, it took a step back and dipped its head under her hand, gently nudging it as if demanding head pats, which she happily obliged. It let out a content groan as she patted the top of its head with her right hand and scratched under its chin with her left, its aged skin rough and hard.


    A faint smile pulled at her lips before the tortoise left with a satisfied huff. Kiyoshi snickered as she shot him a side glare.


    "Care to share what you find so amusing?"


    "Forgive me. It''s not every day you see a Sentinel lose their nerves over a turtle." He teased his companion.


    Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment, her usual stoic expression giving way to a pout. "I''d prefer it if you hold your tongue."


    Kiyoshi chuckled softly. "My apologies."


    "Where are we going anyway? This town is big. How are we supposed to find what we''re looking for?"


    "How about we settle in first? I know someone."


    Crossing over a small brick bridge, they hailed a boat. They meandered down the winding network of streams, Haruka still silently absorbing the sights and attractions, until they''d reached an inn. Paying their coxswain, they got off in front of the inn. Haruka''s gaze swept the building''s architecture, its seashell rooftop and glistening scaly walls fitting into the town''s aquatic theme.


    The splashes of water and animalistic calls muffled once they''d walked inside. Guests filled the lobby, the walls echoing with lively chatter. The glass floor provided a clear view of the exotic fish and beasts gliding through the tranquil waters below.


    Walking over to the front desk, the receptionist greeted the "rangers" with a welcoming smile. "Welcome. How may I be of service today?"


    "Does Lucas Bryer still manage this inn?" Kiyoshi asked.


    "Yes, he''s in the back. Is there a problem?" The employee asked, confused.


    "I''d just like to speak with him, please. Preferably at the earliest convenience."


    "Oh, okay. Wait here while I go get him." The well-dressed man said before retreating through a door that led to the back.


    Kiyoshi turned back to find Haruka in a trance, spectating a giant salamander engaged in hot pursuit against a swarm of fish through the reinforced glass floor. The kids excitedly pointing at the scene debated whether or not the fish could escape the monster.


    It''d been years since he left his home town and nothing had changed. The atmosphere was still vibrant and captured the eyes of tourists. The moist air left the skin damp as creatures constantly put on a show for those who wished to watch or take part in.


    He found himself smiling as he''d almost forgotten what it was like here and felt a warmth in his chest after returning to his hometown.


    "Kiyoshi?" A familiar voice laced with years of age spoke from behind him.


    He turned to find a burly man with short ginger hair that seeped into his well-trimmed beard. His suit was tailor-made to fit him perfectly, making him appear more slim than he actually was.


    "It is you!" He exclaimed, practically dashing around the counter to give his old friend a firm embrace.


    "It''s good to see you again, Lucas. How''s business?" Kiyoshi asked, returning his gesture.


    "Business is booming. Especially nowadays with the influx of rangers," Lucas released him to get a better look at the ordinary armor his friend was wearing. "Your armor isn''t what I expected. I thought the Capital would''ve at least given you high-grade gear after you became a Sent-"


    A finger shot to Kiyoshi''s lips, urging him to stay quiet. "We''d prefer it if you didn''t reveal too much." He spoke in a hushed tone. "We''re here on official business so for now, we''re here as rangers."


    "Oh, sorry," Lucas scratched his cheek, embarrassed he could''ve potentially blown Kiyoshi''s cover. "And what do you mean ''we''?"


    "How rude of me," Kiyoshi gestured to Haruka who approached his side silently, politely awaiting an introduction. "This is my ''party member'', Haruka. Haruka, this is an old friend of mine, Lucas."


    Haruka gave a stiff bow. "It''s a pleasure to meet you."


    "The pleasure''s mine, ma''am," he dipped his head and turned back to Kiyoshi. "So, a place to stay, I''m assuming?"


    "Do you mind?"


    Lucas gave a hearty laugh, patting his belly. "Like I''d turn down a paying customer, let alone a friend," he turned to his staff behind the counter who were listening in. "Prepare a VIP suite for these fine rangers."


    Kiyoshi''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "That won''t be necessary. Two standard rooms will do."


    "Nonsense," Lucas waved away his words. "I''ll give it to yah for half the price of a standard room."


    Kiyoshi stared at him in disbelief before sighing in defeat. "You do too much for me."


    Lucas wrapped his chubby arm around Kiyoshi''s shoulder, grinning brightly. "Now then, how about we go for a drink and catch up, eh?"


    Kiyoshi let out a breathy laugh. "Certainly," he looked over at Haruka. "Make yourself comfortable in the suite. I''ll return soon."