The sun has risen from the East. A young man can be seen strolling aimlessly on a cobblestone walkway. His surroundings are limited to trees, grass, and animals such as sheep and cows.

A man that is riding a horse suddenly appeared right before Alejandro. This man seems to be a hunter as his clothes are like the casual outfits that hunters wear. He wears a black hat that covers his face since his posture is looking down as if he was sleeping at the top of the horse.

Alejandro thought that the hunter would just pass, however he was mistaken. The hunter stopped in front of him.

“Hold up. I recognize you. You’re the undefeated champion in the Arena of Death, aren’t you?”

Alejandro looked down, avoiding eye contact with the hunter.

“No. You’ve got the wrong person. I’m sorry.”

Alejandro was about to pass around the hunter to continue walking. Suddenly, a sword blocks his path. He then looks at the hunter, which is the one that draws the sword and blocks Alejandro’s way.

“I knew you. Even though I am not a hunter from the Boreal Village, you are already popular across different villages. I know you’re from Holm Village and I know that you are the one that killed Sir Ludwig.”

“Say, do you know where Holm Village is located?”

The hunter then laughed. However, he still did not put his guard down, as he thought that this man was only kidding around. How could someone forget the path from where he was born?

“I respect you, champ. I think we’re around the same age yet you are so powerful than most of the experienced fighters. You see, I don’t have a home to return to as of the moment since I left our house due to my abusive parents. I have been roaming around for the last two years and that is when I saw you at the Arena of Death.”

Alejandro sighed as if he was bored by the story of the hunter.

“With all due respect, I do not care. If you don’t know where the Holm Village is, then let me pass.”

The hunter lowered his sword and put it back into his scabbard.

The young man continued to walk as if nothing happened. However, the sound of the horse’s foot was following him.

“My name is Denver Creed. I may dress as a hunter, but I am not together with the hunters that you know of. I travel and hunt alone. I do not have any guild nor companions since I despise teamwork. At the end of the day, one will betray the other thus it will be the downfall of them.”

Alejandro’s face was expressionless. It is as if all the words that the hunter had mentioned just passed through the young man’s ears. He does not care if the hunter follows him, he knows that the hunter has no match for him if ever the hunter would engage and ambush him.

“The entire concept of teaming up is just pure manipulation of each other. Each one of them has different goals or dreams that they want to achieve. It will only result in using one another as a stepping stone closer to their goal.”

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The young man and the hunter continued walking the cobblestone path as if they were companions.

Denver is still a mysterious person in Alejandro’s perspective. He always positioned his hand near Bavael in order to draw fast if ever the hunter would draw his sword again.

“I know what you are doing, champ. Don’t treat me as if I am only a child and an enemy. I know that you’re always ready to draw your legendary red dagger. However, you are mistaken. I do not wish to draw my sword against you again. I simply do not have an early death wish.”

Alejandro glanced at the hunter for a second, looking at his expression if he was lying or not.

This hunter seems to be telling the truth. Why is he following me in the first place? Does he want something from me? It does not change the fact that he does not know where the path towards Holm Village is.

“What do you want from me, hunter? Why are you following me?” Alejandro asked as they continued walking aimlessly.

The hunter looked at Alejandro’s eyes intensely. As if the hunter’s eyes were burning with passion. But what is it?

“I, Denver Creed, ask for your help to assassinate the head of the hunter society in the Wingfell Village.”

Alejandro was astonished as to what he just heard. He stopped walking and the two stared at each other.

The hunter pulled out a sketch of a person’s face.

“This is the head of the hunter society in the Wingfell Village. I’ll show you the way to the Wingfell Village.”

“And what made you think I would help you, hunter? I do not help nor associate with anyone. Why would a fellow hunter want to assassinate the leader of the hunter society in the other village anyway?”

The hunter looked down as his hat covered his eyes. He then slowly caresses the horse.

“Arthur Grimm, known for his fast speed as if you cannot see his movements. He hunts women in the middle of the night across different villages. The people don’t know he is a killer since all of the people that witnessed his gruesome murders are already dead. I am a lucky one.”

Alejandro was yet again stunned from what he heard. He realized that the hunter did have a reason as to why he would assassinate a fellow hunter.

“I knew it. All hunters are all the same. I do not normally do this, but what do I get for helping you assassinate this hunter?”

“If what you are saying earlier is true, then I will help you find your hometown.”

So if I help this hunter, that means he will also help me? I normally don’t trust people, especially hunters, however that stare that he gave to me earlier has fire. It was as if I was looking at a mirror. I also do not tolerate the activities that Arthur Grimm hunter is doing, he must be killed or be sentenced to death by his own guild. However, he is the highest of all in the Wingfell Village and if we report this information to other village heads or to a royalty, none of them would believe us. Without evidence or other witness, they would just see us as wild dogs that spread rumors that could damage the reputation of the hunter society.

However, am I strong enough to defeat a high commander such as Arthur Grimm? No, I must not falter! If I do not accept this challenge, I may not get stronger! This is an opportunity for me to test my limits.

“Alright, hunter. I accept. Lead the way to the Wingfell Village.” Alejandro replied to the hunter’s favor.

“Please, you can call me Denver. Alright, White! Let’s go!”

“Your horse that is colored black is named White?”

“Yes, he is the only companion I trust since I was young. What should I call you, champ?”

“Alejandro. And do not call me champ ever again.”

“Alright, Alejandro. Let us go to the Wingfell Village!”

The two then continued walking towards the cobblestone path. In order to get to the Holm Village, Alejandro must first go to the Wingfell Village to assassinate Arthur Grimm. Is this a new bond formed between a lone fighter and a lone hunter?