“The Claws. What the hell kind of business do they have working with these hobgoblins?” Logan asked, his face showing how annoyed he was with the thought of it.

“It’s not clear. But I plan to find out.” I replied.

One thing was for sure, they were lending a big hand to these ‘Hellbringer’ by lending them explosives. The rabbit hole only got deeper. What started as a search for the shadow orc, lead us to an organization of hobgoblins, which lead us to the Claws, who seem to be working with them.

What’s next?

“By supplying these hobs, their helping out terrorists. We both know that means.” Logan grunted, “More work.”

Hunting down things like monster organization such as the hellbringers were tasks meant to be handled by Monster Hunters. But if the Claws are involved, it may be in our jurisdiction to begin hunting down this criminal organization as well. There would a rise in missions given to the Monster Hunter division.

If that was the case, this whole kingdom would soon become a mess. Given that the Claws were the larges criminal organization here, they were a force to be reckoned with. Numerous members and many hideouts, if we started to hunt them down a small war would break lose within this kingdom.

Logan leaned back in his seat, “Last thing we need is another war. Especially one against this kingdom’s own people.”

“That would be...something.” said Jarred, “The only thing we can really do is relay this information back to command and wait. If we’re tasked with hunting them down, we’ll do just that.”

The job within this village was done. The hobgoblins nearby were delt with, and I learned valuable information in the process. It was time for me and Amaya to take our leave. Seeing how Logan and Jarred were packing up, they were ready to do the same.

“It’s about time we get going.” said Jarred, mounting his horse, “It was an honor working with you, sir.”

I gave him a nod in return. Working with them wasn’t bad experience. That’s if we’re not mention how he took that risky shot earlier.

“An honor, it has been.” Logan reached out and we shook hands, “Commander K himself, you really live up to the legend. If you’re back in this line of work, I'd say we’ll see each other again sometime soon.”

He, too mounted his horse.

“Take care.”

All goodbyes being said, the two Monster Hunters rode off in the distance. And it was time me and Amaya did the same.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

“Well, this was a long day. We fought hobgoblins, an axe hit my shoulder, my hand got stabbed and I sprained my ankle.” Amaya sighed, “Is this really what military life is like?”

“No. There’s usually more death involved.”

“...I mean, there WAS a lot of death...and... blood...I mean a lot. You saw all of the hobgoblins, right?”

“I meant on both sides.”

A mission like this, is as good as it could get for Monster Hunters. In my experience, we always took a few casualties during a mission. Today was on the tamer side of things.

“Get in.” I mounted the horse as Amaya climbed into the wagon.

We set in motion, back towards the capitol.

“You know, you never told me you used to be a Monster Hunter.” said Amaya.

“I didn’t see the need to.”

“Yeah...but we've been partners for a while now. You never really opened up a whole lot about your past. Other than recently when you told me about what happened to your village.”

It’s something I never felt the need to discuss. I can’t remember the last time I had a normal, genuine conversation about something that wasn’t related to monsters, or my quests.

“You’re point?”

“Well...I just wish you talked to me more. Y’know? I do consider you a friend, Katsu. Even if you’re...different”

A friend, huh.

The more I got to know Amaya, I realized she’s just a little girl at heart. And the more we talk, the more she makes me realize, I never truly had a real life. I never truly just enjoyed the pleasures of life, or found real interests.

Now that I think about it more, it’s always just been about killing monsters. Years in the military, years as a monster hunter, years as an adventurer, it’s all I’ve ever known. It’s all I've ever done.

“Maybe you’re right.” I replied.

“Just...try to open up more. Okay? You can think of me as a friend too. Not just your partner in adventures.’

“...I’ll do my best.”

A little after noon, we arrived back at the capitol, our wagon stopping in the city square. It was as lively as ever. Same amount of people as any day, if not more.

“We’re not going back to the mansion?” Amaya asked, “Don’t tell me there’s more to do...I’m exhausted.” arms hanging low, she nearly looked ready to collapse and sleep on the road.

“I have something to do. You can stay behind and rest if you need.”

This day drained me of my energy as well. But this whole situation was something I had to get to the bottom of. Tired or not, I couldn’t allow myself to rest until I’m done.

“I’m sorry...just too tired to deal with another fight.” An abnormally big yawn came from her mouth, her eyes watering, “Though...i might make a trip down to the guild for a bit. I did want to get re-evaluated.”

“It’s fine, Amaya. Do what you need to do. I’ll be back soon.”

Where I was headed, there was bound to be conflict. Something Amaya wouldn’t be able to handle in her condition. It was better to go alone.

So, I headed off. My next destination, the Shadow Guild. A place for all criminals alike.

End of Chapter stats

Amaya | Level:10 | EXP: 35,500 / 64,000

HP: 54 | DEF: 17 | ATK: 14 | Str: +5 | Dex: +4 | Con: +2 |Wis: +1 | Int: +2 | Cha: +1 |Luck: - 10