Lying flat on the floor like a lifeless corpse, Kai stared blankly at the ceiling, questioning every life decision that had led him to this point.

Why did he have to leave his peaceful world behind? Why was Ariella so absurdly adorable? And why did he still have the urge to punch Brick’s face even more?

But most importantly...

"Why do I have to join the night patrol~" Kai groaned, his voice tinged with mock despair. He wasn’t really about to cry, it’d take a lot more than this to bring him to tears. Heck, even an impalement failed to, but that didn’t stop him from whining.

He would rather stay in comfort of sleep, instead of patrolling in the dark where a mysterious devourer roam free. Sadly, no matter how hard headed Kai is, refusing isn't an option. Alfred holds considerable authority over the village due to his sizable contribution and years of service, earning him a lot of respect from the peoples. That's why even the arrogant Brick can't dare disobey orders. He even suspected the Big Hunter to have greater say than the chief, himself. If Alfred wanted to, he could turn the entire village against Kaiser.

Then what? He will either be sleeping on abandoned houses or outside, into the forestry like they used to before. Which is no different from patrolling for two days. Moreover, he rather not drag the ladies with him.

Of course, running to the Tower for shelter is an option, too. However, the village would have disdain him by then. Making joining their migration trip difficult.

'Its just two nights. Nothing serious.'

Ariella reached over and patted his head, her touch warm and soothing. Kai’s eyes drifted to her face, her serene, playful smile lighting up like the sun itself.

'Why are you so uselessly cute?' he thought, unable to be annoyed at that blinding face of hers.

Her uselessly beautiful visage was more trouble than it was worth. However, thinking about it, that is not entirely true. But her angelic looks had landed him in a mess more than once. The biggest headache was on their very first day in this world, when a group of bandits set their sights on her. One moment he was stepping in to protect her, and the next, they were running from a giant snake that led them straight into the bandits' lair. That day, Kai could only blame their terrible luck. Still, it wasn't her doings that led them to troubles. After all, Ariella is just an immature goddess that knows little about the world but is smart enough to stay away from harm. Malice itself came to her, in which Kaiser, as her guardian should step in.

Now, though, why did he keep thinking trouble followed her everywhere she went?

'That's... my bad,' he realized with a sigh.

Alfred’s lecture last night had been eye-opening in more ways than one. Kai’s mindset was to view everyone as a potential threat, always assuming the worst of those around him. It wasn't the world constantly conspiring against him, it was his own perception of things that kept him on edge. Which is wrong, honestly. Being judgemental to others without even knowing who they are is offensive, in and of itself.

Still, was there really anything wrong with being wary of others?

'...No.'

He couldn’t fully grasp Alfred’s point yet, nor did he want to. He was a rational cynic at heart, the kind of person who always kept one eye open. Even if others thought it was wrong, that’s just who he was. But even Kai had to admit he needed to polish his social skills, especially in this dangerous realm where adaptability was the key to survival.

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After a while, Kai sprang to his feet, a sudden surge of energy sparking through him. "Alright, girls, who’s up for a little adventure outside?"

"That would be nice," Said Cia, breaking her deep pondering over their undiscovered ability issue.

He can't help but secretly praised her determination. His brain had been fried from trying to figure it out. Having tried everything they thought of and exploring various theories behind Players unique abilities to no avail. Yet Cia’s determination to unlock their powers was relentless. Despite their best efforts, the mystery remained unsolved.

They donned their cloaks and stepped outside for the first time in two days. Like vampires afraid of sunlight.

Ethan, who seemed to be on his way out, greeted them with a wide grin. "Good afternoon, Lady Ariella, Lady Cia—" He blinked, staring at the trio in surprise. "Wait, are you three finally leaving your cave? Mom, come see this, it's a miracle!"

Before Ethan could say another word, Kai clamped a hand over the boy's mouth. "Shut it, kid. I'm on a mission here."

"Mmph, mmph," Ethan mumbled through Kai's hand, nodding rapidly.

He couldn't help but notice the flicker of fear in Ethan's eyes, probably from remembering the violent brawl last night in which he claimed an outstanding victory over multiple opponents. The boy's reaction made him wonder if earning that kind of reputation he desired was worth it or not.

But quickly dismissed his thought upon seeing the kid give a blue fruit to Ariella and Cia with a shy smile. Before going on his way happily, not even noticing that Kaiser was waiting for his fruit!

He clicked his tongue. 'Brat.'

Perhaps he shouldn't have scared the kid, maybe then he will get a free blue fruit. Though, it's too late for that.

He shook his head and stepped outside. The village was bathed in sunlight, with villagers busy at their tasks. They had finished butchering the hunted beasts carcass, so the bloody tables were removed. Replaced by another big task, apparently,

the men were stacking wood in a large clearing for some reason. Kids played nearby, though the atmosphere felt less lively than before. Probably due to the lurking monster threat had put a damper on things, casting a shadow over the usual cheerful vibe.

Earlier, report of another Hunter mysteriously disappearing was spread. Everyone knows the outcome of the unknown creature's victims, by now. It wasn't pretty.

As Kai and his companions walked through the streets, they drew a few curious glances but nothing too intense. Still, the stares made him feel uneasy. The villagers' camaraderie and sense of community were a stark reminder of how much of an outsider he was. Which he literally is, considering they just arrived here a few ago. Aside from the innkeeper family and a few known figures around town, he doesn't know anyone else. Partially marking him as a stranger in the community.

But then he glanced at his sides, where Cia and Ariella walked with him.

'At least I’m not alone,' he thought, a small smile creeping onto his face.

Though, judging by the whispers of the villagers around them. Their group hold quite the reputation. Ariella and Cia known for their peerless beauty, and Kaiser's for his ruthlessness. Those that once state his undeserving of his companions never mentioned the matter anymore, unknowingly acknowledging his capability of guarding his vulnerable comrades from harm.

Apparently, his desired consequences were taking effect.

Before long, they found themselves standing in front of the armor shop once again.

Kai's return to the armor shop had a straightforward purpose: he needed a replacement for the broken arm guard that had taken a beating in last night's brawl. The same blacksmith from before, a short yet muscular elder with a booming voice, greeted them with a wide grin.

"If it isn't the Hunter of Hunters! Haha," the blacksmith chortled, eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "I saw the whole fight last night, kid. And I gotta say, you’ve got some serious moves. Special that trick you pulled on Brick at the end—letting him hit your forearm so his weapon got stuck, stunning him while you yanked him off balance, and then landing that vicious blow! Brilliant! The sound of his nose cracking still sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it. And you didn't even flinch when your arm was nearly torn up—talk about chilling. No wonder these two lovely ladies stick around a badass like you."

Kai's expression remained passive as he listened to the blacksmith's animated praises. He was already awkward when it came to socializing, let alone handling the compliments of an enthusiastic fan. All he wanted was to get his new gear and be done with it.

He held out the broken arm guard, saying, "A replacement for this, please."

The blacksmith laughed heartily. "Haha, I figured you’d bring that in! Still got the bloodstains on it, too. Tell you what, how about I make you a deal? I'll give you a brand-new arm guard for free if you let me keep this one as a memento. Not a bad trade, eh?"

Kai nodded, trying to keep his reaction neutral. "Yeah, sure." he replied. Who was he to say no to a free piece of gear? Especially when all he had to part with was a damaged, practically useless piece of armor. He smirked inwardly—free stuff was always good in his book.

As the blacksmith took his "payment" with a grin and headed to the back to fetch the new arm guard, Kai’s gaze wandered around the shop.

The display area now looked completely barren, stripped of its wares in preparation for the village's upcoming migration which is already near. A few remaining items were stacked haphazardly in a corner, a jumbled mix of odds and ends, randomly piled up. Ariella sat there, her eyes sparkling with childlike wonder as she examined a piece like she had stumbled upon a hidden treasure.

Curious, Kai walked over to see what had caught her attention.

Taking it off her hands like a bully, Kai frowned the moment he held the piece.

'What the...? You gotta be kidding me, It can't be.'