The tense atmosphere in the room seemed to thicken, almost palpable. Low murmurs from the onlookers echoed around Kaiser, yet only one conversation truly reached his sharp ears, piercing through the noise like a blade.

"The Hunters aren't sober right now, that kid's done for. Should we step in?"

"Nah, let him be. If he can't protect himself, then those girls are better off without him. No point helping a wimpy coward."

The words stung, hitting Kai deeper than he'd like to admit. They were right, though. What right did he have to keep Ariella and Cia safe if he couldn't even defend himself? It was then that a realization hit him, like a slap to the face. He was missing something crucial in this entire scenario.

Respect.

He lacked it. There was no fear or regard for him from anyone in this village. To the hunters and villagers alike, he was just an average teenager—no remarkable skills, no significant strength, no allies beyond the two women by his side. They saw his soft, unscarred hands, his modern Earth-born physique that spoke of comfort rather than hardship. His pale skin is devoid of scars from the wild, nor build of a Hunter. Let alone, any renown to boost around.

It's only natural for them to judged him as weak, someone who got lucky rather than someone capable. Undeserving to be accompanied by two girls that rely on him.

'Why didn't I realized it earlier.'

The strong tramples the weak, a universal law in all progressing beings. If his not viewed in the low, perhaps even these drunkards would be forced to retrain themselves before him.

Determination burned in his heart as he decided against peace. There are times when reasoning, rationality and humbling onesself would extinguish conflicts. However, some times, those are rendered useless in certain circumstances. Requiring force and violence.

Furthermore, his been fantasizing about beating some shame in that arrogant bastard, Brick.

Hearing Kaiser’s mocking challenge, Brick’s temper flared. He barked back, his voice dripping with scorn. "Funeral? Big words, rookie. Better find a coffin for yourself because when I'm done beating the shi—"

Before Brick could finish his sentence, Kaiser moved. Without a second thought, he hurled the chair he was holding straight at the wall. It smashed into pieces with a loud crash, sending splinters flying and startling a drunken hunter who had been approaching the comfort room. The man stumbled backward, landing hard on his backside, shaken.

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Silence fell over the room. Every conversation, every laugh, and every murmur came to an abrupt halt. Brick’s smug grin wavered, his expression faltered for a second, a flash of uncertainty crossing his face. But his pride quickly flared up again, unwilling to show any weakness. He straightened up, puffing out his chest, and glared at Kaiser with renewed fury.

Brick clicked his tongue, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Did you just... almost harm my brother? That does it! You had the gal to challenge us now, huh? The protectors of this village? Ah, fool, I'll make sure ya regret this. Listen up brothers, this rookie’s outright disrespecting us! What do we do?"

No one answered. Still.

"That's right, we teach the arrogant newcomer a lesson... Rise!"

To Kai’s surprise, several other hunters stood up, wobbling to their feet despite their inebriated state. His plan for a one-on-one fight had suddenly turned into a team brawl against one.

‘This bastard, wasn’t this supposed to be a 1v1? And now you’re calling for backup, how shameless can you get?’

He can't help but be baffled by Brick's performance of turning everyone against him.

Twelve, was the number of opponents that intensified to face him. Their face flushed red from alcohol and some are still, even drinking.

'...So what?'

Nevertheless, despite the odds, a strange excitement coursed through Kai's veins. His heart pounded faster, the rhythm almost deafening in his ears. There was something about this situation—the danger, the challenge —that ignited a fire inside him. He hadn’t felt this alive in a long time.

The customers around the room, sensing the brewing chaos, quickly backed away, not wanting to get caught in the middle or have any involvement. They formed a loose circle, their eyes fixed on the impending brawl with a mix of fear and anticipation.

It's not everyday they see one against twelve Hunters, it makes them wonder what's the newcomer are made of.

As the hunters advanced, wobbling and unfocused, one of them threw his weapon aside with a clatter, followed by the others.

Signaling that this would be a brawl with fists, not blades. Even in their drunken state, they still had enough sense to avoid lethal violence and death.

Kai, seeing this, mirrored their action and tossed his sword to the ground. Removed his short cloak revealing a leather clad body within and some metal plating, visibly fashioned to suit flexibility. He rolled his neck and shoulders, loosening up, a slow grin spreading across his face.

While the Hunters cracked their fists, some preparing rituals of their own as they unsteadily approach, bumping on tables and chairs in the process.

"Better begged for forgiveness while you can, rookie. We might spare you if you do." Brick voiced from the back, carelessly chugging more booze before the fight.

Kaiser's nonchalantly smiled, slightly.

"You should be saying that to yourselves... B*tches."

Apparently, that last word of his hit the nerves, veins pop-upped on their foreheads, as the hunters relaxed expression twisted. Even the onlookers were shocked.

"Ow, his dead." They whispered to each other.

Brick paused and narrowed his eyes towards the lone young man.

"What. Did, you just say?"

Though, his threat was met without hesitation.

"You deaf? I said you're all F*cking B*tches, that's what!"

'That felt good.'

Kai was done letting composure reign over, in this moment, his allowed to free his frustration within.

Shocked silence settled over, broken shortly by a plate that fell from a nearby table, the clang of it hitting the floor like a gunshot signaling the start of the fight.

"YOU HEARD HIM BROTHERS, HE CHOOSE DEATH!"

In the next moment, the angered hunters lunged forward, and Kaiser met them head-on, his muscles coiled with tension, his eyes sharp and unflinching, a grin twisted on his trembling lips. For the first time in a while, Kai felt the burning sensation of battle once again.

The crowd exploded with cheers!