“The Hunter’s Guild is this way, come on,” Valanor said, leading them back in the direction of the palace, but taking a different road.

“Hunter’s Guild?” Ethan asked.

“They’re a key pillar of our society. Hunters are Bonded warriors that fight monsters–and anything else that needs fighting. There are countless monsters out there. Some are little more than beasts, but many are dangerous, and need to be controlled.”

“So Hunters are called in when monsters become a problem?”

“Yes. If a pack moves too close to a village, or starts attacking people, Hunters are dispatched. Far more important are the rifts. when one opens, demons will continue to spill out until it’s closed,” Valanor said.

“Hunters close rifts, then?”

“The Church provides rift sealing rituals when they can, but they have an entire order that exists for that purpose, under Dedicant Savilar–the man behind High Priest Abigail in the throne room. Hunters mostly just clean up. Sometimes rifts aren’t discovered for weeks, and hundreds of demons can come into this world during that time. Most Hunts are about chasing them down, before they grow too powerful.”

“I see. Are you a Hunter?” Ethan asked.

“I’m registered, all the knights are, but I’m not assigned Hunts. I have to choose them myself, which is what we’re on our way to do. We’re after fulven, they’ll give you the element you need.”

Ethan grinned, feeling a touch of excitement. My final Familiar, he thought, looking down the street toward a large, two story building. There was regular traffic going in and out, and it had a sign with a picture of an arrow in flight. There were more of the unusual mounts tied up outside, which Ethan had learned were fittingly called oxsteeds.

Valanor nodded to a couple of Hunters on the way in, their profession clear from the well-worn leather armor, and matching bows, though one was a male human, and the other a female elf. Inside, Ethan was surprised to see the Guild hall was actually something of an inn, complete with bar and kitchen, though he figured it made sense. Hunters needed to go somewhere between hunts.

He followed the knight to a large notice board taking up an entire wall on the other side of the common room, covered in pictures of monsters, with various details underneath. “These are all Dawn Rank monster sightings. Help me look for fulven, they’re canines with yellow coats and wide, bristled tails.”

Ethan nodded, looking over the board. It was an interesting experience, being confronted with dozens of new types of monsters. Seen in such a large number, he noticed trends he hadn’t been aware of. They appeared to fall into categories that could pass for mutations or evolutions of animals from Earth.

Many had feline or canine body structures, though varying widely in size and additional oddities. There were a number of lizards and serpents as well, plus a wide assortment of insects. Interestingly, the insects were most similar to Earth, tending to just be larger. Makes sense, bugs already come in so many different species, with a lot of natural defenses and strength.

At last he found a picture of what had to be a fulven, and he turned to Valanor, who was holding one of his own. “I can’t read mine anyway, what do they say?” Ethan asked.

The knight examined the two. “The one I found is to the South West, about a day’s journey. There was a pack spotted there, but they haven’t caused any major problems yet.”

“And the other one?”

“South East. Nearly three day journey. This one has been up for a while. Most Hunters don’t like venturing that far, especially for such a low offered reward. It says there’s a den of them in the nearby mountains, and they’ve been harassing farmers.”

“If there're people who need help, we go with that one, right?”

Valanor looked up with a glare. “Have you forgotten the point of all this? Or that your life is being drained by the minute?”

“Not at all,” Ethan shot back. “But I didn’t stand up to your king to be a drone who takes the easy way. It’s only a few extra days, and that’s a worthwhile risk to help people. That’s the point of being a Hunter, isn’t it?”

Valanor let out a long breath, surprisingly, he looked almost…ashamed? “We can handle a few extra days,” he said, putting his own notice back. “But there will be delays, and we’ll have to keep them to a minimum. That might require compromises you don’t want. I suggest you make peace with that now.”

Ethan nodded, a small smile on his lips. He followed Valanor to an odd looking machine next to the notice board. It looked a bit like a standing desk, with a hinged lid covered in runes. The knight pulled the lid back, and placed the notice, as well as a crest from his inventory, inside. Next he closed the lid, and it flashed with light. Finally he took both objects back out, and removed a copy of the notice from a slot in the side.

“You just used a magic photocopier,” Ethan said, shaking his head.

“Whatever you say. Come on, we need to get to the Rune Shop before it closes,” he replied, already moving to the door.

They returned to the street and began hurrying to the market square. “Do I really need more runes?” he asked. “I’m already bordering on unemployable.”

“You have a great deal of utility, but you’re ill-prepared for battle, and what the Hunt requires. There’s a few standard runes you’ll require to have any real chance of survival.” Ethan nodded, but Valanor kept watching him for a moment. “Do you really think there’s some life for you out there, beyond this? You fought to walk a difficult path for a man who seems uncertain.”

Ethan’s expression turned serious. “I’m more than certain, I’m committed. A few days ago I was in a world of relative safety, and all of this was beyond imagining. I may joke for a sense of normalcy, but when I make a decision, it’s final. No matter what stands in my way.”

We never wanted to stand in your way, Dean’s voice whispered.

You all hated that I didn’t fall in line, Ethan thought back.

“In the throne room, you said that you came from a long line of warriors. You are not a warrior.” It sounded like a challenge because of Valanor’s typically gruff tone, but Ethan saw curiosity in his eyes.

“Not yet,” he replied with a grin. “I lost people, on my world, when I was still young. I convinced myself that they didn’t have to die, and that one belief ended up shaping my entire life. But after spending the last year doing what I thought I was meant for, I realized I was living a child’s version of what my life should be.”

“And now?” Valanor asked.

“Now…now it’s time to accept what’s in front of me, and what’s inside of me. Whatever that might be.”

Valanor didn’t respond, but he seemed to consider those words as they made their way through the city, the sun beginning to set. The Rune Shop stood out, being the only one of its kind, and with familiar stones on display in the red-trimmed windows. Ethan followed Valanor in, stepping around a few customers leaving together.

The inside was packed with displays, seeming even more full as they all required written descriptions to make any sense of them. An older man was behind a counter, a human with dark hair only slightly graying, he was fiddling at a workbench on something Ethan couldn’t see.

As they approached, a Familiar burst into being behind the man, stunning Ethan with its unexpected appearance. It was a hovering disc about twice the size of a dinner plate, and seemed to be made entirely of brass. More shocking was that it seemed to be some kind of clockwork construction, with visible gears and springs moving inside it.

“Wow,” Ethan said, not able to contain the reaction. “What the hell is that?”

The man straightened, looking confused, and Valanor scoffed at the rudeness. “Apologies, Kenji, Mr. Bishop is a foreigner and isn’t used to the wonders of Viridus.”

The man gave a merchant’s smile. “All are welcome in my store. And this is Calces, my Familiar. He’s a Techwork type, I take it you’ve never encountered one before?”

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“I haven’t, and apologies for my reaction. I’ve mostly just experienced big bugs and bigger lizards so far, this…Calces is something entirely different.”

“Well they don’t exist in the wild. Also, I understand the Techworkers of some lands like to keep an air of mystery about them, so it’s no surprise. It’s exactly what you think though, without Calces this shop wouldn’t be possible.”

Ethan held back his follow up questions at a gesture from Valanor. Likely he was about to ask something that everyone should know. The knight steered the conversation away. “Mr. Bishop is newly Bonded, a Pre-Dawn, and he needs the standard package while we track down his final familiar.”

Kenji squinted then, and a pair of unusual goggles materialized over his eyes. They were brass, and would have looked steampunk on Earth. “Ah, I see. You must be a noble to have so many high grade Runes already. You’re missing some typical Hunter runes though. Are you sure you want to get them here? I can’t offer refunds if your House wants to provide better later.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Ethan replied. “Valanor recommended your services and I trust his word. What do you suggest I get?”

Kenji began taking stones out of small drawers opposite his workbench. “Standard package means nightvision–you don’t want to be carrying around a torch when you’re fighting. Plus quick-change, for different armor and equipment. Your interface also needs an up to date Monster and Treasure database.”

“Those all sound extremely valuable,” Ethan agreed, though he couldn’t help picture his poor body covered head to toe in tattoos. “Is there anything else?”

“The most essential, actually. The rest are utility types, and you won’t need to worry about them again after imprinting. This however,” he held up a larger rock, shining slightly green, “is a Dawn rank regeneration rune. They’re exceptionally complex, and I can’t craft better until I reach higher ranks myself.”

“He’ll take it,” Valanor assured the man. He turned to Ethan, “If you manage to reach Dusk rank, you’ll buy a new one.” Ethan gave him a confused look in return, questions he couldn’t ask bubbling up.

“I’ll take the lot,” he said to Kenji, who smiled and began placing the items in a small box.

“He also needs a written word translation rune,” Valanor added. Kenji nodded, then added another small stone to the box.

They left the store a few minutes later, Ethan several Dusk coins poorer. As soon as they were relatively alone on the dark street, he turned to Valanor. “Regeneration rune? How is that not forbidden healing?” He asked in irritation.

“It improves a body’s natural recovery. Did you think forming a scab would be blasphemy?” Ethan rolled his eyes.

“I didn’t really have time to think about it. I was too shaken by the whole thing.”

“Well now you know. Forming scabs more quickly isn’t blasphemy either. Neither is binding a bloody wound or any other obvious thing. We’re not backwards fools, we just have no tolerance for those who walk about promising to heal that which the body can’t.”

Ethan didn’t respond, taking in that claim. So much of what Valanor had just dismissed was basic medicine, and could save so many lives. Glancing down at his still faded healing rune, he decided it was a war to wage another day.

***

Ethan looked at himself in the mirror of his room, examining the armor and new runes. “It’s a look,” he said to Garrus, considering the stained, brown leather armor that made his movements stiff. Valanor had gotten it from the armory, assuring him that it wasn’t worth getting anything custom until they knew how he’d fight.

At least the runes weren’t as bad as he worried. There was now a second tattoo on his opposite temple, which allowed for night vision. It had made sleeping very strange until he’d realized he could turn it off. It seemed to work fine with [Apollo’s Gaze]–his first temple tattoo–which was nice, and seeing in the dark was undeniably valuable.

The rest of the runes were mostly hidden, the passive ones being in out-of-reach places–intentionally he’d learned–while the active ones like [Quick Change] were conveniently placed on his forearms. He’d even confirmed he could activate them through clothing and armor.

The regeneration rune had been the surprise, taking up a large portion of his back, situated over his heart. It still seemed unusual, and he kept running through medical scenarios where it might be a hindrance, but he’d woken up feeling more refreshed than he had since leaving Earth.

With a quick tap his armor flashed away, ready to be re-equipped when needed. It was time to meet Valanor in the marshaling yard, and Ethan discovered that he was actually excited. The uncomfortable feeling deep inside having been revealed as his own soul decaying was an unfortunate presence, but he kept reminding himself it would be gone soon.

Ethan hurried through the halls, recognized as a palace guest and largely ignored. He finally made it outside, where the sky was still lightening with the rising sun. Valanor was there waiting next to a wagon with a man and woman, both dressed for travel. Four oxsteeds were being held by stableboys nearby.

As he approached, eyes drawn to the many beautiful gardens and hedges that decorated the courtyard, the shield knight tossed him a spear. “Oh, thank you?” he said, looking at the simple weapon.

“It’s the easiest weapon to use with minimal training,” Valanor said, before tossing Ethan a large, rectangular rune stone.

“What’s this?”

“Minimal training,” Valanor answered. “It will impart knowledge directly into your mind. It’ll be as if you just finished reading a book, but with perfect recall. This one is basic martial training.”

“No way, it’s a skill book? Or…skill rock? If I use this I’ll be an instant warrior?”

The two other knights laughed, and Valanor shook his head. “Dear Gods no. Training is muscle memory, experience, judgment, and technique. That stone gives you one of those things. I’d rather have avoided it altogether, but we have a time issue.”

“Right…still cool though,” Ethan said defensively, before absorbing the book–rock. Sure enough, knowledge appeared in his memories, as if he’d just finished reading a beginner’s guide to basic combat. He understood how he was supposed to stand, and move, but it felt similar to reading about dancing…the theory had clear limits.

Looking at the other knights–who didn’t seem to be going anywhere–he got curious. “I’m Ethan Bishop,” he said, extending a hand. They each shook in turn, but grasping at the wrist.

“Glenn,” the man said. He looked a bit like the prince, in the way he had somewhat elven features. That was where the similarities ended, as this man was shorter, with curly brown hair and dark eyes. He also had a burn scar on his neck.

“Maggie,” the woman said next. She was human, and would probably have had African ancestry on Earth. Her head was shaved, and she had numerous piercings. Strangely, she had burn scars as well, and gave Ethan an oddly assessing look as they shook hands.

“We owe you our lives,” Glenn said, catching Ethan off guard. “Valanor said you pulled us away from the battle. We’re grateful for the chance to pay back that debt.”

“We’ll keep you safe,” Maggie agreed, though her smile seemed more forced.

“Oh wow, yeah I didn’t recognize you without massive suits of armor. Glad you both got out of there safely. Nice to have more company on the road, though I doubt you’ll match Valanor for witty repartee.” Both smiled genuinely at that, until they glanced at the older knight.

“It’s time to go,” he said. “There’s still a lot you need to learn, and I want you to have a new ability by the day’s end.”

***

“Gems. You get them sometimes when you kill a monster,” Glenn said from his place on the wagon.

“Ah, yeah that makes sense. I picked up a couple,” Ethan replied, trying to remain steady on the steed. “And nobles use them the most?”

“Rich people use them the most,” Maggie replied, sitting next to Glenn and watching the green countryside pass them by. “It’s expensive enough to pass on a Bond, pretty much only the nobles can afford it. But you still need a new full set of abilities.”

“And not every noble is looking to Hunt…twenty monsters?”

“Twelve at least, but that’s only if you find the right ones. Gems are easier,”

“But limiting,” Valanor said with authority. “The ability is basically random, whereas your Familiar can ensure you get something that matches your Soul Rune.”

“I still don’t get that,” Ethan said, trying and failing to steer his mount around a large puddle. “If it’s better to get your Soul Rune first, why am I trying to unlock something today?”

“Two reasons,” the shield knight replied. “First, you need abilities to survive long enough to gain your last Familiar. Second, Flagras–Revan,” he said with obvious distaste, “is no ordinary Familiar. He likely already knows your soul better than you do.”

“Speaking of which,” Glenn said eagerly, “can we see him?”

Ethan’s eyes widened. “Can I do that? I figured summoning your Familiar was some advanced technique. Plus…I mean can I risk people seeing him?”

It was Valanor who answered. “Summoning your Familiar is basic, and integral–you won’t be able to progress without mastering it. For that reason, the early evolutions of Guardian monsters are considered state secrets–otherwise new Chosen would be immediately spotted and killed when they left their home nation.”

“Wouldn’t they be spotted anyway? I mean, it can’t be a secret that the prince is the one meant to be Chosen. Hell, I’m surprised any Chosen would leave before they were as powerful as possible. Any enemy nation would have to be laying in wait to take out a living super weapon, right?”

Maggie and Glenn shared a glance, then hastily looked away. Valanor was silent, and Ethan held back his questions, considering. “Is that why Calevaro always wears a helmet? Where I come from everyone’s face is everywhere, but I guess if you haven’t met the prince, he’s basically a stranger.”

At last Valanor resumed his explanation. “Correct,” he said flatly. “That’s why the early evolutions are kept a secret, so they can’t be used to easily identify a chosen. To most, you’ll just be another foreigner with a rare fire type.”

“Okay, so how do I do this?” Ethan asked.

Glenn spoke up again, seeming relieved by the change in subject. “It’s about cycling, have you learned about that yet?” Ethan shook his head. “It’s the key to being an effective Hunter. You can only use the abilities of the Familiar you’re currently channeling. For now, just focus on, um, Revan, and check out your Bond Rune.”

Ethan did so, picturing the monster in his mind. Almost immediately he felt a gentle warmth pass through his body, and when he looked down he saw that the cool yellow glow of his second Bond Rune was glowing more brightly.

“Perfect,” Glenn said, smiling wide. “Now you can use any abilities tied to that Bond. Even better, if you call to him he should appear. Soon you won’t need to say it out loud, but it’ll be easier this way at first.”

Ethan nodded, then focused on the warmth coursing through his body. He could feel his new ability, but pushed it out of his mind, having no interest in blowing up his saddle. Instead, he focused on his Familiar.

“Revan, come to me.”