That day, it was hotter then usual. Because of that, citizens of Lu Vazr generally preferred to stay inside the shelter of their homes and buildings rather then being roasted outside, except if it was for work and other pressing matters.

That included a group of four who was entering a big building with a white wall, propped by carved pillars. Three of them, two men and a woman were awashed in sweat.

Maven who came with them walked rather slowly and lightly. Her green eyes looked around. Her pointy ears caught the bustles from the visitors crowding the building.

“Amagmar Hunters’ Guild is even busier than before, it seems," Maven commented.

Sophia lifted one shoulder. “Well, that’s how it is at the middle of the year. The frequency of monster attacks always increases by one and a half fold around this time than usual.”

“The busiest time for monster hunters," Reyl added. “And also the time when the strongest monsters and creatures come out of their hiding.”

“Big, scary creatures like those posters are showing?” Declan pointed at several posters being nailed on the wooden boards with carved frames. Those were located right to the left of the long desk where the receptionists in blue uniform, all women, were receiving the hunters.

“Even if there’s a saying ‘appearance doesn’t always mean strength’, the ones there are all high level targets," Reyl explained as he was approaching them. “Look, not many people gather there. It means only hunters in groups or bands who can match them that are interested. Without adequate strength, facing against them will be pretty much suicide."

Sophia then asked, “Then Reyl, do you think the four of us will be enough to challenge one of these monsters?”

Reyl replied with a smile, “Yes. From the stories Maven and Declan told us of their fight against the leaders of the Viperwolves, I think we’re prepared enough to hunt this guy.” He pointed at a big poster which looked very shabby.

Declan approached the poster, checking on the picture of a grotesquely-shaped, strange creature filling up to three-fourths of the poster. On the remaining fourth there was a writing in big letters, 'UDMELEKH'. He also found a big row of numbers worth…

“One thousand crowns?” Declan was surprised. “That equals one hundred thousand geines, the price of a pure diamond the size of a pea!"

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“Yep.” Reyl nodded firmly. “I have been eyeing at it for years now, a monster which has never been conquered by any hunter for so long since that poster was up. From what I’ve heard, the government once sent a force of twenty soldiers and two wizards to attack Udmelekh in its lair. Only the commander and one wizard returned alive."

Maven and Declan were stunned. Then Sophia added. “It is said that Udmelekh, which is more then a hundred years old, used to be a fat human lady who lived in the countryside of Edel. Her cruel and quarrelsome personality made her husband’s life miserable. Then, her husband conspired with a witch to get rid of her without having to kill her.”

Declan listened to the story with keen interest.

“On the way out of town, the husband poisoned his wife and left her on the streets. The poison worked, she turned into an ugly monster. But unexpectedly, she kept mutating into a giant monster. Possessing a new found godlike strength, Udmelekh took her revenge. She destroyed her home and killed her husband, his new wife and their infant child. The monster then escaped to the largest cavern in Mordsgard Range and made it her home. She is revered as queen by thousands of monsters in the vicinity, and her ‘kingdom of monsters’ is still growing up to this day.”

Maven thought, The Kingdom of Monsters… Sophia isn’t scaring me with some exaggerated story, is she? If that’s true, the Cave of Mordsgard is more dangerous then the catacombs under the monastery and the Viperwolves Gang.

“Now, what do you think, Mave? Will you undergo this challenge?" asked Reyl.

Maven looked closely at the large poster and said, “To be honest I would prefer us to take a few smaller missions before going with this one, to hone our teamwork. But since you’re very eager to defeat Udmelekh, Reyl, as a friend I shall help you.”

==oOo==

Three days later….

Maven, Declan, Sophia and Reyl now stood before the entrance of a very large cave at the feet of Mordsgard Range. It was located at southwest of Halethia, near the border with Kingdom of Edel.

The pitch black of the night and the rumbling voices coming from inside the cave made Maven shiver to her bones.

“Hey, are you all right, Mave? Declan asked. The former priest also wielded his trident with its magic gem glowing bright enough to replace a torch, as well as carrying supplies in his backpack. Maven only nodded.

“The Mordsgard Caverns.” Reyl unsheathed his sword. “Keep focus, follow me and stay in formation. Udmelekh’s nest is located in the center of the cave, and this map will be our guide.” He slapped the left side of his black coat.

Sophia also commented, “Let us pray to Vadis to invoke his protection in our fight against this abomination."

The four warriors bowed their heads down. Suddenly, Maven felt warm and calm.

Maven lifted her head again, this time with cheerful eyes and a smile filled with confidence. It was her foot which was the first to step into the dark. Her arrow was already on her bow in hand, ready to fly any second.

Reyl followed suit and overtook the lead with the map on his left hand and his sword on the right, acting as a leader, a pacemaker and a guide.

Sophia also passed Maven with her magic staff, equipped with a crystal orb at the tip. It was glowing like a lantern, illuminating the way so that Reyl could read the map.

Meanwhile Declan took the rearest position to anticipate a possible ambush.